Robert St. John: Taproots

Marco had never seen a pine plantation.

Baking my way out of cabin fever

Has anyone else been hit with a bit of cabin fever lately?

Simple, satisfying meals for the new year

While you’re easing your family back into routines in the new year, simple, wholesome meals can help you stretch your grocery dollars further and find your rhythm in the kitchen again.

Ole Miss cruises past Auburn, wins third in a row

No. 13 Ole Miss scored 20 consecutive points in the first half Monday night against Auburn as the Rebels defeated the Tigers 71-45 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

Hwy 82 East set to close Sunday

Travelers heading to Columbus on Highway 82 East will be detoured Sunday through West Point as repairs continue on the Old West Point Road Bridge.

Arizona remains No. 1 in AP Top 25, Michigan jumps UConn for No. 2

Arizona remained the unanimous No. 1 in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll Monday while Michigan jumped over UConn and into second place following wins over previously unbeaten Nebraska and rival Michigan State.

Education: Starkville high sophomore to perform with 2026 MS Lions Band

Starkville High School sophomore Joseph Thompson, will participate in the 2026 Mississippi Lions Band as well as the state’s All State Jazz Band.

Education: The W to host health care career fair

Employers and graduate school representatives from across the region will gather at Mississippi University for Women Feb. 12 for the Health Care Career Fair, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Pohl Gymnasium.

Education: MSU’s College of Education receives Science of Reading designation

Mississippi State University’s College of Education on Friday celebrated its designation as a Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading Educator Preparation Program by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Mississippi lawmakers push bills to ban cellphone use in schools

Cellphones could soon become a rarer sight in classrooms, thanks to the Mississippi Legislature.

Education Briefs for 2-3-26

Reese named to dean’s honor roll HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University announced Akia Reese, of West Point, was named to the fall 2025

Letter: Appreciates letter about Robert Smith

I want to thank Larry Watson for his letter on Robert Smith in the January 30 edition of The Dispatch. Robert E. Smith Sr. was

Grow with O: Baby, it is cold outside!

Many hours have been spent looking out the windows, checking to see if we are getting any frozen precipitation.

Community Calendar for 1-31-26

Saturday and Sunday ■ Farndale Avenue Murder Mystery: Golden Triangle Theatre presents “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery.” Performances are

Confidence and courage help Bulldogs earn road win over No. 15 Vols

Piece by piece, this year’s Mississippi State women’s basketball squad has built itself up through one of the most challenging schedules in Division I basketball.

In the Garden with Felder: Hold on to your jasmine

Hold on to your jasmine, because despite the frozen havoc in the northern half of the state, not all is lost in this year’s cold-ravaged Mississippi gardens.

Photo: Fiesta, Forever!

Local Voices: Group text

6:21 p.m.: Dr Zhivago here After 3 days no heat no water trees down ; having 2 dogs and two cats sleep in the same bed I can now have a hot bath and speak civilized ; and wear clothes fresh out of dryer

Genuine MS program offers free one-year memberships through Farm Credit partnership

Mississippi farmers, artisans and small business owners can join the state’s Genuine MS program at no cost for a year through a new partnership with First South Farm Credit.

Everyday Clay: Marked for good

Things become a little strange in Mississippi once winter storms arrive.