Articles by Slim Smith
Slimantics: Final score: Fred 1, Faulkner 0
Mississippi State won the College World Series on Wednesday night, and I don’t know what to do about it.
‘An icon of Columbus’: Longtime Dispatch Lifestyles editor Jan Swoope passes away at age 67
If Oscars were awarded in everyday life, Jan Swoope’s string of Best Supporting Actress honors would have long ago earned her a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Roughly 120 turn out for Karriem’s ‘Night of Empowerment’
Before State Rep. Kabir Karriem dispersed the audience Monday evening at the Columbus Municipal Complex to allow attendees to meet with various service providers, he asked for a show of hands to gauge what services were in greatest demand.
Monday Profile: Duran finds perfect fit in Veterans Services job
Erica Duran is a month into her job as the Lowndes County Veterans Services officer, but her preparation for the job began long ago and far away.
Our View: Cultural Race Theory, the latest red meat in the culture wars
It never ceases to amaze me how upset people can be over something they know next to nothing about.
Rep. Karriem to host ‘one-stop shop’ day of ‘empowerment’ Monday
COVID-19 gave Rep. Kabir Karriem a couple of extra months to think about what he would tell his constituents in Columbus about the 2021 legislative session.
American Pickers to feature Columbus dentist
To say Columbus dentist John Fields is a big fan of the History Channel show “American Pickers” doesn’t adequately capture his enthusiasm for the program.
West Point’s first Black mayor focuses on uniting city
On June 8, Rod Bobo became the first Black mayor in the city of West’s Point’s 163-year history.
MDAH presents plans for expansion of South Columbus historic district
An amendment to expand the South Columbus Historic District could be adopted by the end of August, officials from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History said during a meeting with residents Thursday evening at City Hall.
Slimantics: Discovering the South
When my brother, Fred, passed away on March 30, it was left to me — the only family member within easy driving distance of his home in Tupelo — to sort and disperse the personal effects left unclaimed by his three children.
Off the training wheels
When a grant expires, it may be a sign that it has failed to achieve its goal or is no longer relevant. But in the best cases, grants expire because they have achieved their goal.
Juneteenth celebrations planned for Columbus, Starkville
In the year since the last Juneteenth, much has happened that will give this year’s events special relevance.
MUW kicks off public face of $25M fundraising campaign
Imagine having a three-touchdown lead before the opening kickoff and you can understand the excitement that permeated the boardroom at Mississippi University for Women’s Welty Hall on Tuesday afternoon.
Supervisors take final step in monument removal process
Lowndes County supervisors approved a change order and accepted a bid for the final phase of the Confederate monument relocation during Monday’s board meeting, pushing the total costs to $133,451.
Starks appointed interim county prosecutor
Williams Starks will step into the role as Lowndes County prosecutor today and hold the position until Nov. 2, perhaps even longer.
Southside resident leaves legacy of tending to unmet needs
Annie Barry died on June 6, two days short of her 71st birthday. Yet on Nov. 25, when volunteers assemble to distribute hundreds of Thanksgiving meals to people throughout Lowndes County, Barry will be there — and not only in spirit.
New Caledonia mayor will put ‘unofficial’ experience to use
Betty Darnell has lost track of how many times she accompanied her husband Bill to Mississippi Municipal League conferences, meetings and workshops.
Bobo elected first Black mayor of West Point
On April 6, Rod Bobo stayed at the Clay County Civic Center until well after midnight, waiting for the results of the West Point Democratic Primary, a race he eventually won by 101 votes over Cole Bryan.
Supes vote 3-2 to advertise for bids on $15M sportsplex
Lowndes County supervisors narrowly voted to proceed with a plan for a sportsplex, but not without a fair amount of sticker shock.
Group distributes 528 backpacks, school supplies at Lock and Dam
July 13, 2025
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