Articles by Zack Plair
Council overrides veto, upholds community service punishment for officers
The city council on Monday upheld its original decision to allow community service as discipline for two police officers who got into an altercation in November outside the Municipal Complex.
Mayor vetoes ‘community service’ discipline for 2 CPD officers
Mayor Keith Gaskin on Friday vetoed a city council decision to assign two police officers to community service for getting into an altercation in front of the Municipal Complex.
Mall owners positioning for ‘right’ tenants, prepare for work on rear
Despite new ownership, a new name and an updated facade, the former Leigh Mall hasn’t yet shaken its old problem of losing tenants.
Columbus mayor calls out supervisor’s alleged remarks about 5G tower
Mayor Keith Gaskin on Wednesday called out Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston for supposedly engaging in the type of city-county bickering that “hurts citizens” and “holds the community back.”
Despite alcohol concerns, event venue cleared near C&G
The city council on Tuesday cleared the way for a event venue to open on Northside. But the approval came over a neighbor’s objection and with some advice for the business owner from a council member.
Leach believes his past prepares him to lead Columbus into future
When Darren Leach returned to Columbus in June 2007, he said it was much the way Jewish leader Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem in the Old Testament.
Planning commission shoots down 5G tower proposal
If it were up to the city planning commission, AT&T wouldn’t build a 5G cellular tower on Lowndes County property north of the Roger Short Soccer Complex.
Community Profile: The Mississippi Songbird is still singing
In Dorothy McClung Lewis’ 74 years, she’s seen a lot.
City weighs 5G cellular tower near soccer complex
The city’s planning commission will consider approval Monday for AT&T to build a 155-foot cellular tower on property north of the Roger Short Soccer Complex.
Struggles with police staffing hit Columbus hardest
Police Chief Joseph Daughtry stood before the Columbus City Council Tuesday reporting on a familiar problem.
Fill-in registrar to make $25K for six months of work
The city will pay former registrar Brenda Williams $25,000 to oversee next year’s municipal elections.
LINK: $10M Candlewood Suites hotel hinges on incentives
A developer is looking to build a Candlewood Suites off Highway 12 in Starkville but is asking for $1 million in tax rebates from the city and county to make it happen.
Second murder suspect identified, police still trying to find him
COLUMBUS – Police have identified a second suspect in a Sept. 28 murder and are asking for the public’s help to capture him. Investigators have
Attempted murder suspect arrested in East Columbus shooting
COLUMBUS – Three more suspects are in custody in connection with a Friday shooting in East Columbus that left one victim injured. LeWayne Robertson, 20,
Councilman arrested for fourth time in less than a year
Columbus Councilman Pierre Beard was arrested again Tuesday, this time for failing to pay his justice court fines and having a misdemeanor amount of marijuana in his home.
Ask The Dispatch: What should Columbus do about the landfill?
The city’s landfill off Armstrong Road is running out of space, leading officials to start thinking about what to do next.
Resident injured in Northside house fire
COLUMBUS – A fire early Sunday morning at a Northside home sent one resident to the hospital for burns. Columbus Fire and rescue responded at
Two in custody, one suspect still sought in Friday shooting
Police have two suspects in custody in connection with a Friday shooting in East Columbus that left one victim injured.
Lowndes man dies in accidental fire
A Lowndes County man died Saturday morning in a fire at his home on James Hairston Road east of Crawford. Lloyd Hairston, 72, lived at
City pulls $285K from capital fund for fire truck
The city’s newly-minted capital reserve fund took its first hit Tuesday, as council members voted unanimously to pull $285,000 from it to help pay for a new fire truck.
Starkville duo, New Hope striker relish all-star opportunity
July 11, 2025
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