Articles by Emma McRae
Columbus man killed in head-on collision
A Columbus man was killed in a head-on collision on Highway 69 early Sunday morning.
Fossil park planned for Propst Park will showcase 80 million years of history
More than 80 million years ago, the area around Luxapalila Creek in East Columbus was covered by an ancient estuary, teeming with prehistoric life.
MSU researchers get $1.2M to train students, teachers in AI
A Mississippi State University research team is looking to improve high school students’ competency in artificial intelligence through a project funded by a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
Christmas Open House returns to Starkville Sunday
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is hosting its annual Christmas Open House starting at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Demonstrators claim LCSO is targeting Hispanics
A small group of demonstrators gathered Thursday outside of the Lowndes County Courthouse, alleging the sheriff’s office is racially profiling Hispanic community members.
St. Paul’s church opens doors for prayer, healing following divisive election season
After an election season fraught with assassination attempts, last-minute candidate swaps and divisive policy disagreements, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is once again opening its doors to offer the community a place for reflection, prayer and healing.
6-acre solar farm to power 75% of Airbus’ electrical needs
The county board of supervisors unanimously agreed to grant Airbus Helicopters a 10-year ad valorem tax abatement for the company’s $3.5 million expansion, which includes adding a 6-acre solar farm.
MSU’s Rhodes Scholarship finalists focus on education access, criminal justice reform
Mississippi State University seniors Sydney Denton and Devin Hutchins will soon vie for the chance to join one of the world’s most distinguished academic communities as Rhodes Scholarship finalists.
Ex-SFD training officer acquitted of embezzlement
A jury in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court on Thursday acquitted a former training officer for Starkville Fire Department accused of felony embezzlement.
MUW expands pathways for technical students to earn advanced degrees
A partnership between Mississippi University for Women and East Central Community College is giving students a chance to secure advanced business degrees in less time and at a lower cost.
Area culinary students test their kitchen skills in ‘Chopped’ cooking competition
“We only have three minutes left, and I don’t have a knife,” David Akwaowo shouts, hands in the air, as steam rolls off of the freshly baked chicken roulade on the silver counter in front of him.
Two Columbus men face assault charges after separate domestic disputes
Two Columbus men are in custody following separate domestic incidents Saturday involving weapons, according to a press release Columbus Police Department issued Tuesday.
$4.9M rail expansion looks to make port more attractive
The Lowndes County Port has received $2.9 million in federal infrastructure funds for a $4.9 million rail expansion into the southern side of its property.
Community Profile: In her third bout with breast cancer, McChriston determined to advocate for herself, others
Thechare’ McChriston had gone to seven different doctors in 2020, searching for answers. Each dismissed her concerns, despite her insistence that something was wrong.
$1M economic impact expected from fishing tourney
Next spring, Columbus is set to reel in a major economic boost as it hosts its first national fishing tournament in 20 years, drawing hundreds of professional anglers to the area.
School registration deadline for 2025 state spelling bee nears
Spelling bee season has arrived, and students across the state are preparing for the 2025 C Spire Foundation Mississippi Spelling Bee as volunteers look to fundraise for the event.
Cemetery holds 40 years of family pets gone but not fur-gotten
When Sharon Ferguson tells someone there’s a cemetery on her property, they don’t usually expect to hear about a possum that served as the mascot for the Possum Town Grand Prix – twice.
Interactive activities, hands-on experiences introduce students to construction jobs at career expo
Decked out in a high-visibility vest and custom safety glasses, Elizabeth Faulkner walked through a tunnel formed by towering bulldozers, excavators and other heavy equipment.






















