Articles by Emma McRae
Daughtry among finalists for Jackson police chief
Columbus could soon be in the market for a new police chief.
Library-led effort brings Friendship Bench program to Lowndes County
A global mental health initiative that started with wooden benches in Zimbabwe is set to take root in Lowndes County next spring, bringing free, face-to-face support for those who may otherwise go without help.
Miller announces upcoming retirement from The W
After more than seven years of leading Mississippi University for Women – during which she oversaw an ill-fated name change, helped stave off an effort to relocate Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science and avoided a potential consolidation – President Nora Miller on Monday announced plans to retire in June.
The Last Run: Outsourcing stops the press for The Dispatch
Every day for about 20 years as the final pages came down and the bells rang, Jeff Lipsey watched the first copies of The Dispatch roll off the press, always listening, looking and waiting for signs of concern as thousands of newspapers flowed through.
7,000 mammograms from OCH may need review
Hundreds of patients who received mammograms performed at the Center for Breast Health and Imaging over the past two years are now being told to have their exams re-evaluated.
Man killed Sunday in head-on collision
An Alabama man died Sunday in a head on-collision just after 6 p.m., Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant wrote in a text to The Dispatch.
Ask The Dispatch: What happens to drugs seized by law enforcement?
In the last year, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office’s STING Unit seized more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine, eight pounds of cocaine and nearly three pounds of fentanyl while investigating federal-level cases.
Suspect charged with murder after remains of missing man identified
Human remains discovered earlier this month on Stuart Road have been identified, and a Starkville man was subsequently charged with murder.
Two arrested after brief police chase ended in crash
Two people were arrested on felony charges after leading police on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash.
Westlake Chemical closure in Aberdeen set to affect 99 workers
Dozens of workers are set to be affected by the impending closure of Westlake Corporation’s polyvinyl chloride plant at the company’s site in Aberdeen, including those commuting from the Golden Triangle.
MUW ranks first in state for median earnings post-graduation
A new earnings indicator created by the U.S. Department of Education this month ranks Mississippi University for Women as the top university in the state for undergraduate earnings after graduation.
Good deeds earn a good read at New Hope Upper Elementary
A crowd of elementary students gathered around Principal Andy Edwards on Tuesday, eagerly awaiting to rip into the 6-foot Christmas present sitting near the front office at New Hope Upper Elementary School.
Warm coats, fresh cuts, no cost
Coats were stacked, and clippers were buzzing Saturday at Missionary Union Baptist Church as families made their way to the Cuts and Coats event.
Man injured in Saturday drive-by shooting
Police are investigating a Saturday drive-by shooting that sent one man to the hospital.
Hwy 82 East reopens ahead of schedule
The eastbound lane of Highway 82 reopened ahead of schedule Saturday afternoon. Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Dispatch to outsource printing after final 2025 press run
After more than 100 years of printing in-house, The Dispatch will begin outsourcing its printing operations in 2026.
CMSD offers superintendent job; Chapman yet to accept
Columbus Municipal School District trustees on Wednesday offered Craig Chapman the district superintendent position, though Chapman has not yet accepted the job.
$8.5M outpatient pavilion to expand Noxubee hospital
Access to speciality care in Noxubee County is set to expand significantly as Noxubee Medical Complex moves forward with an $8.5 million outpatient pavilion set to open in 2027.
Innocence Project helps West Point woman get new trial
The Mississippi Court of Appeals has granted a new trial to a West Point woman convicted of first-degree murder in a decision handed down Tuesday.
