West Point man arrested in death of Columbus man

A West Point man has been charged with murder in the Sunday morning shooting death of a Columbus man.

Liddell’s consulting work may violate CMSD contract

Columbus Municipal Schools Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell may have violated a school district policy that prohibits the superintendent from engaging in any outside business ventures.

DNA ruling: Effective tool or infringement on rights?

In a landmark decision announced last week, the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement officials in Maryland could legally obtain DNA from people suspected of serious or violent crime.

Robbery suspect changes mind, will go to trial

The saga of six Columbus teens charged with robbing a woman at gunpoint will continue to the next Circuit Court term in August.

Tevin Oglen, 18, who was expected to plead guilty last Friday in Lowndes County Circuit Court, has decided to go to trial. His trial date was set for August 7.

MUW honored to host Arts & Letters event

Artists from around the state will descend on the Mississippi University for Women campus Saturday to attend the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Awards. The prestigious awards will be presented to eight artists from throughout the state at the Hogarth Center on the MUW campus.

Board holds heated closed-door meeting on Liddell

Members of the Columbus Municipal School Board met in an often-heated three-hour executive session Tuesday night during a special meeting to discuss personnel matters involving Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell.

Local couple arrested for baby smuggling

A New Hope woman and her husband were arrested Monday on suspicion of smuggling a baby across the Mexican border.

DNA clears suspect in cold case murder

DNA test results have confirmed that suspected serial killer Felix Vail is not the killer of two women in Starkville’s unsolved 1990 Labor Day murders.

Lawrence returns as Caledonia mayor

The town of Caledonia has a new mayor. In fact, it has an old one, too.

The unofficial tally indicates Bill Lawrence defeated Susan Bell, 239 to 92.

Quack attack! Habitat’s Duck race set for Saturday

The second annual Tombigbee Duck Race will take place this Saturday at the Columbus Riverwalk. Thousands are expected to turn out for the event in hopes of having a “million-dollar duck” cross the finish line first.

Caledonia moves close to water rate increase

The town of Caledonia is one step closer to securing a rate increase for the town’s water service.

During Tuesday night’s board meeting, Caledonia Water Superintendent Benny Coleman informed the board of alderman that the county had two remaining steps before the increase goes into effect.

Monday profile: Roberts: It’s what we do

Major Eric Roberts has dedicated his life to helping those in a time of need. Friday, the Salvation Army director will go to Oklahoma to help assist victims of last month’s deadly tornado.

Resources limited for growing number of homeless students

More than 150 children in the Columbus Municipal School District do not know the comfort of sleeping in the same bed every night or the other comforts of home so many take for granted. In the 2012-2013 school year, 154 children were classified as homeless in the district.

Federal programs critical in Columbus schools

Up to 95 percent of children in the Columbus Municipal School District qualify for free or reduced lunch. Each school year, the district applies for nearly $3 millions in federal funds to make sure those children receive the same advantages as the district’s other children.

Liddell used CMSD resources for private party

Documents obtained by The Dispatch reveal Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell used school resources — including funds and staff — for personal use in throwing a party during the Christmas holidays.

CMSD will handle maintenance, nutrition in-house

The Columbus Municipal School District will soon be hiring additional employees to handle nutrition and grounds maintenance.

During a special meeting of the school board Tuesday night, board members voted 3-1 to reject two bids pertaining to nutrition and grounds maintenance, voting instead to provide the services in-house.

Gay rights advocates applaud Boy Scouts decision

Last week the Boy Scouts of America reached a landmark decision when it changed its policies to allow openly gay boys into the organization. The new policy, which goes into effect in January, has been met with both applause and controversy.

Rhode Island company wins bus contract

Rhode Island-based Ecco Ride was awarded the transportation contract for the Columbus Municipal School District Tuesday night.

In a special meeting, the board voted 3-1 to award the four-year bus contract to Ecco Ride. Ecco Ride’s bid was more than $1 million less than the bid made by Columbus-based Waters Truck and Tractor.

Sumrall to serve five years for child exploitation

A Columbus man will serve five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of exploitation of a child.

As heat rises, so does demand for watermelons

As the temperature cranks up with the arrival of summer, people search for a cool refreshing treat to be the centerpiece of their back yard barbecues and family get-togethers. For many, they look no further than the watermelon.