Articles by Emma McRae
Community Profile: After 14 years, familiar face at Tennessee Williams House retiring
When visitors come to the Tennessee Williams House Museum and Welcome Center, they’re typically welcomed with a sweet voice, a warm smile and a question intended to start a conversation. For 14 years, that greeting has come from Carolyn Lowry.
LINK touts growth, progress after turbulent year
Despite “what a year” it’s been for the Golden Triangle Development LINK, Chief Operating Officer Meryl Fisackerly said the region’s industrial development arm has continued pushing forward with major projects.
A quieter Christmas offered for sensory-sensitive kids
Lights, music and crowded rooms are often staples of the holiday season, but for children with sensory sensitivities, those same traditions can turn from festive to overwhelming.
Families honor loved ones lost to gun violence
Reita Humphries knows what it’s like to spend the holidays grieving.
High schooler convicted of robbery… in mock trial
The stakes were high Tuesday for defendant Carmelo Anthony, who faced up to 45 years after pleading guilty to armed robbery.
Supervisors table short-term rental ordinance tied to hotel tax
Supervisors tabled consideration of a new ordinance that would make short-term rentals in the county subject to the 2% hotel tax.
‘That was my baby’: Mother questions details surrounding daughter’s death
Annie Dobbs knew something was wrong when she didn’t hear from her daughter Nashieka “Shieka” Dobbs for a few days.
Bonfire shooting investigation expands to include assault, theft
Less than a week after five people were injured in a shooting at a bonfire on Cousins Road, Sheriff Eddie Scott said investigators are still sorting through a growing list of other offenses connected to the event, including an assault, a stolen all-terrain vehicle and possible permit violations.
Abandoned home partially destroyed in Friday fire
No injuries were reported in a Friday morning fire that left an abandoned house partially destroyed.
Boyfriend charged with woman’s murder
A Columbus man has been charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend, Neshieka Dobbs, according to a Columbus Police Department press release.
Body found Thursday believed to be that of missing woman
Police are questioning two persons of interest after a body, presumed to be that of a missing woman, was recovered Thursday.
Council, supes push for stronger collaboration, regular dialogue
Columbus council members and Lowndes County supervisors met Tuesday for a joint session focused on improving communication between the two boards and identifying ways the city and county can work more closely together.
Ask The Dispatch: Your questions answered about the new short-term rental ordinance in Columbus
From mandatory permits to safety postings and a 2% tax, a new ordinance passed in October brings new rules to operating a short-term rental within city limits.
Public’s help requested in search for missing man
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a man who has not been seen in more than a week.
Five suffer gunshot wounds in Saturday shooting
CLAY COUNTY – At least five people were injured in a shooting Saturday night in Clay County, Chief Deputy Steven “Woody” Woodruff told The Dispatch.
Habitat for Humanity hands Starkville family the keys to a new chapter
Danyell Latham wiped away tears Saturday as volunteers with Habitat for Humanity handed her and her sons, Robert and Kasen Kelly, the keys to a new home they helped build.
Aggravated assault conviction upheld in fatal ATV crash
Mississippi Supreme Court justices upheld the aggravated assault conviction of a Starkville man sentenced for his role in a 2022 four-wheeler crash that killed a 9-year-old girl and injured two other children.
Economic Development: Response times to industrial park emergencies cut in half with new fire and rescue station
When two contractors were critically injured last week in a fire at Steel Dynamics’ Biocarbon Solutions plant, firefighters and paramedics from the new industrial fire and rescue station at the Lowndes County Industrial Park made it to the scene in less than nine minutes.
