EMCC picks Communiversity director

East Mississippi Community College announced Tuesday it has hired Courtney Taylor as its first executive director for the $42 million Communiversity.

Preservation Society still awaiting funding

In its first official appearance before the Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, the Preservation Society of Columbus received confirmation it would participate in — but not operate — the 80th Columbus Pilgrimage next spring.

Slimantics: The most partisan state candidate isn’t Tate Reeves

At every level of government, the importance of political ideology increases in proportion to the scope of the office.

Even the most partisan citizen will agree that the work of a constable or tax collector or a chancery clerk is seldom, if ever, influenced by the office holder’s political ideology. As someone long ago observed, there is no such thing as a Republican Party pothole or a Democratic Party drainage ditch.

Preservation society, CVB to discuss future of Pilgrimage

When the Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors convene for a special-call meeting Monday at 3 p.m. at the CVB offices, members hope to clear up some confusion about both the immediate and long-term future of the Columbus Pilgrimage.

Slimantics: Quite frankly, we expected better

What I’m about to say does not necessarily represent the views of the management of The Dispatch. Depending on the reaction it receives, it may not even reflect my own views. In the event of angry phone calls, my reaction may have evolved along the lines of “Gee, what was I thinking?”

Caledonia searching for third parks director in two years

All the Caledonia Parks Commission wants for Christmas is a parks director.

Graham recognized as Exchange firefighter of year

Columbus Fire and Rescue Capt. Todd Graham was honored Thursday as Firefighter of the Year, an honor the Columbus Exchange Club presents each year during their luncheon at Lion Hills Center.

Slimantics: In Starkville, it’s the Montagues vs. Capulets

I have great empathy for Starkville’s city officials as they try to appease all those who are up in arms about how — or if — the city should regulate short-term property rentals in residential neighborhoods.

FORGE Foundation receives 100+ Women Impact Award

Tuesday evening, 100+ Women Who Care Columbus announced its second Impact Award, with 14 organizations vying for the $13,900 prize.

Cultural Heritage Foundation board shuts down talks with new preservation society

The Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation board of directors abruptly ended public discussions with members of the Preservation Society of Columbus on the future operational control of the Columbus Pilgrimage during a meeting at the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau office Monday.

Businesses affected by winter flooding still seeking help

When Carl Froshour’s property where Spurlock Road meets the Tombigbee River south of Columbus was inundated with 18 feet of floodwater in February, the waters receded within a week.

The after-effects did not.

SDI’s third galvanizing line on pace for mid-2020 completion

Lowndes County District 3 Supervisor John Holliman, outfitted in a bright orange safety coat, hardhat and safety goggles, paused for a moment, looked up at the skeleton of steel girders high above and said to no one in particular: “It’s really amazing what they’ve done out here.”

Free concerts to headline Caledonia Days

When Caledonia Days kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with the first of three free concerts, Nikki Brock will see the event from a new perspective.

Ethel Stewart wins Ward 1 runoff in Columbus

When Ethel Stewart moved back home to Columbus, a little more than a year ago, she could not have imagined what transpired Tuesday evening.

Slimantics: Reeves is running against himself ­– and losing

A comedian once explained why grandparents are so much nicer than parents:

“It’s because they’re old and they want to go to heaven.”

LED lighting puts finishing touch on Caledonia soccer complex

The prospects for Caledonia’s youth soccer program have never been brighter. Literally.

Renowned sportswriter talks about finding stories, impact in unlikely places

Of all the keynote speakers during the 31 years of the Eudora Welty Symposium, John Feinstein faced a unique challenge.

Over the years, the keynote speaker at the Eudora Welty Gala has represented a wide variety of genres.

Friday evening at the Trotter Center, Feinstein became the first sports writer to hold that distinction.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: ‘It’s not over when the treatment ends’

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in Columbus, her doctor can advise her to read all the printed materials on the side effects for all the treatments and medications that will become a part of her life.

Or, for simplicity’s sake, the doctor can just point to Alice Chain

County seeks new 4-H director as work continues at horse park

Mississippi State Extension Service Agent Reid Nevins expects to have a new 4-H director for Lowndes County by the end of the year.

Slimantics: State candidates are backed into a corner on taxes

One of the interesting things about watching candidates for statewide races is how they have to tiptoe around the issues that continue to face our state. From roads and bridges to education to the tenuous condition of our rural hospitals, every candidate who isn’t Tate Reeves thinks we have serious problems.