Golden Triangle sees record-shattering COVID-19 cases

As Mississippi shattered its record of COVID-19 daily case counts with 2,746 new cases Wednesday, the four-county area saw a record-breaking spike of 658 new cases over the past week, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) website.

Local leaders reflect on 2020 as year of record-level advocacy against racism

The day the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to relocate the Confederate monument in front of the county courthouse, District Attorney Scott Colom’s parents could not believe it.

Sanders attends supes meeting despite possible exposure to COVID

One member of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors has tested positive for COVID-19. Another, who told The Dispatch he may have been exposed, attended a public meeting in person anyway.

What is LCIDA?

Created under a 1974 state law, Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA) was formed as a Lowndes County subsidiary that oversees economic development efforts.

LCIDA asks supes for $750K annually for three years

Following a unanimous vote, Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA) board members approved Monday morning a draft agreement to ask the county for an annual funding of $750,000 for three years.

Monday Profile: Local florist delivers flowers, joy out of house on the hill

Monti King bent down and extended her hand to put Todd at ease. The 4-year-old Chihuahua stood at the door and stared back at his owner, his paws scratching the door frame.

“He’s telling us, ‘It’s time to go home,'” King said of Todd, giggling.

CPD pleads with public to wear masks after reported violations of mandate

Columbus Police Department is asking the public to comply with the city’s mask mandate due to recent spikes in COVID-19 cases and a rising number of citizen complaints about violations, Chief Fred Shelton said at a Wednesday press conference at City Hall.

City seeks funds to address, prevent flood damage to buildings

Columbus City Council unanimously voted Monday night to begin the application process for two federal hazard mitigation grants to address flooding damages.

Supes remain divided, confused over LCIDA’s annual funding request

Lowndes County Board of Supervisors further delayed actions Monday on an agreement that would set up an annual funding stream toward the county’s Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA), which helps the county recruit business and maintain the Lowndes County Industrial Park near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport.

Pandemic brings uncertainty, hope for brick-and-mortar stores

By early November, Gloria Herriott had decorated 20 Christmas trees in her store. Wreaths hang from the archway and the blue walls inside Hollyhocks Gift Shop, a brick-and-mortar store in downtown Columbus that Herriott has owned for 23 years. Santa Claus dolls sit atop a shelf next to the window.

Mother of Jamel Banks urges justice on son’s death anniversary

At the mention of her son Wednesday morning, Willie Mae Spraggins broke into tears, her voice shaky.

Columbus librarians launch ‘Worth Reading Wednesday’ podcast

In the passenger seat of his grandma’s car, “Scoob” Lamar leaned back, closed his eyes and sighed.

Lamar had just seen a road sign that read “WELCOME TO ALABAMA THE BEAUTIFUL.” That sign, he thought, was beautiful.

Area residents, groups feed those in need during Thanksgiving week

For five years, Dustin Nichols cooked meals on Thanksgiving Day and fed whoever came looking for food from his North Columbus home.

This year, the Alabama native is hoping for a broader reach.

Columbus ends FY 2020 with a $2.8M surplus

Following several cost-saving measures implemented in the spring, Columbus ended Fiscal Year 2020 with a $2.8 million surplus, Public Information Officer Joe Dillon told The Dispatch last week.

Duggin named new Community Counseling CEO

Before learning his name at Community Counseling Services, some of Richard Duggin’s colleagues first knew him as “the popcorn man.”

COVID-19 cases in four-county area nearing 6,000

As COVID-19 cases keep soaring both statewide and nationwide, the numbers in the four-county area continue to climb.

Military Road roundabout project to reach completion by end of November

The roundabout construction at the intersection of Military Road and Highway 82 will be completed by the end of the month, project manager James Gill of Gregory Construction told The Dispatch on Wednesday.

LED streetlights projected to save Columbus $100K annually

Installed in May, the more than 4,000 LED lights illuminating Columbus streets have saved the city $102,000 in utilities since July, and are expected to save $400,000 in utilities annually, Rudy Watkins of Tennessee-based PATH Company told the city council Tuesday night.

County development agency requests annual tax funding

In a unanimous vote, Lowndes County supervisors tabled Monday a proposed agreement that would set aside part of the county’s property tax revenue to fund Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA) — the county’s economic development arm responsible for recruiting and managing businesses at the Industrial Park.

Columbus receives $554K in CARES Act funds

Columbus has received almost $554,000 in reimbursement for COVID-19 related expenses on public safety, city Public Information Officer Joe Dillon told The Dispatch on Friday.