Articles by Grant McLaughlin
November unemployment rates fall in Lowndes, Oktibbeha
November unemployment rates fell by 0.2% in Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties, while Noxubee rose by 0.3% and Clay County saw no change from October.
$40M Burkhalter bankruptcy ends with pennies on the dollar for some
A four-year-long Chapter 11 bankruptcy case with Burkhalter Rigging Inc. will soon end as secured creditors receive up to $23 million in payouts.
Goings on with Grant: Two spas opening in Starkville in spring 2024
As 2023 comes to a close, I think we could all use a few more places to relax and rejuvenate from the chaos of the holidays.
Foreign-owned land throughout state increased 23% since 2020
Since 2020, private land owned by foreign investors in Mississippi has increased by 23%.
Goings on with Grant: T-Mobile to open third Golden Triangle store in January
The more the merrier, I always like to say, and when it comes to businesses increasing their presence in the Golden Triangle, it’s hard to say no to added options.
Mayor wants to review CRA financial records, minutes
Merely a day after the Columbus Redevelopment Authority’s decision to hire a federal lobbyist, Mayor Keith Gaskin directed city officials to collect the authority’s meeting minutes and financial records dating back to 2014.
Gas-powered turbine energy plant could come to Caledonia
Tennessee Valley Authority is seeking public comments on a two-year project to build a 500-megawatt gas-powered turbine energy plant near Caledonia.
Columbus, West Point sales tax collections bounce back from November
December sales tax diversions in Columbus and West Point rose from a one-month slump in November, while Starkville’s revenues continued to rise year over year.
After AG shoulder-shrug, CRA hires federal lobbyist
The Columbus Redevelopment Authority board voted Thursday to hire Cornerstone Government Affairs, a Washington D.C.-based lobbying firm, to pursue additional funding for its Burns Bottom redevelopment project.
Goings on with Grant: Southern Flour Bakery up for sale
When business owners leave the area to pursue other ventures, you hate to see them go, but you always wish them luck.
300+ homeowners with mortgages erroneously receive tax bills
More than 300 Lowndes County mortgage holders have received tax bills since Friday. The only problem? They aren’t the ones on the hook for paying the bill.
Ask the Dispatch: All your questions about Luxapalila Creek Park closure answered
Ever since Columbus stopped managing the Luxapalila Creek Park in 2020, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the land, has kept the park and boat ramp closed.
Profile: Aliens, drag queens focus of area filmmaker’s new project
When Michael Williams was a high school student in the early 2000s, he made a hobby of shooting short comical skits and dramas with his friends.
Alcohol sale hours could be limited at new ‘resorts’
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors is looking to change how late resort status businesses can operate after two requests for it were tabled Monday at the board’s regular meeting.
Dream Center to start distributing to food pantries next year
The Dream Center Golden Triangle is starting a new program, DC Feeds, in 2024 to distribute goods to area food pantries and churches.
Goings on with Grant: Yo’ Bar moving again in 2024
As I think back on all of the times I’ve moved from one home to another, it has always felt like a fresh start filled with new opportunities.
Businesses receive advice on legal services, cyber security at BAIL series
When Amanda Adkins, owner of Shelter Insurance in Starkville, opened her branch last year, she sought solid legal advice on how to operate certain parts of her business.
Survey could outline future of county lake
The Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission will present a new environmental assessment plan on Tuesday, which could outline upgrades to the Oktibbeha County Lake Dam or spell its decommission.
CPD removed person from a home; hours later, it burned under suspicious circumstances.
Columbus Fire and Rescue is looking to work with the Columbus Police Department to find a person of interest following a suspicious house fire near Main Street early Saturday morning.
Borer leaving chamber for job at MUW
After 21 months on the job, Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cathryn Borer is moving on.
Slimantics: Robotaxis beware: NYC eats hesitation for breakfast
June 24, 2025
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