Articles by Zack Plair
‘Consistent’ policy sought for special funding requests
The city council approved Tuesday donating $5,000 of public funds to help Columbus Municipal School District host a parade Oct. 17 celebrating its first-ever B accountability rating from the Mississippi Department of Education.
‘Outdoor superstore’ Rural King eyeing old Kmart
The “outdoor superstore” Rural King is a step closer to locating in the old Kmart building on Highway 45.
Ask The Dispatch: What’s going on with the Oktibbeha County Lake lawsuit?
As the board of supervisors works through determining the future of the county lake, it is also trying to resolve an ongoing lawsuit with the lake’s operators.
Bikers converge on fairgrounds for VFW’s annual indoor bike show
Of the 20 or so motorcycles displayed inside the Columbus Fairgrounds building Saturday, Bruce Hoffman’s Harley Davidson Night Train almost certainly boasted the most mileage.
Two charged with murder in burned body case
A drug deal gone wrong led to the murder of a Colorado man over Labor Day weekend, Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said during a press conference Friday.
Sales tax revenue almost flat in Columbus, soaring in West Point
Sales tax diversions in Columbus and Starkville grew only slightly between the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, with growth in Columbus failing to keep up with the rate of inflation.
Mayor calls again for forensic audit, using amphitheater
Mayor Keith Gaskin promised Columbus Rotarians no topic would be off-limits if they had any questions during his remarks to the club Tuesday at Lion Hills Center.
MSU, Partnership endorse selling OCH
The county is moving forward with requesting proposals for the sale of OCH Regional Medical Center to a larger, private health care system.
Plan for old Kmart makes room for two retailers
A suitor for redeveloping the old Kmart store on Highway 45 North may be offering a 2-for-1 deal.
Gaskin won’t seek reelection for mayor; endorses local pastor
Mayor Keith Gaskin announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection next year and instead will throw his support behind a local pastor.
National retailer interested in old Kmart
A national retailer is interested in moving into the old Kmart building on Highway 45 North, Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins told the city council Tuesday.
Lowndes OKs $1.7 million tax increase for raises, roads, parks
Supervisors on Friday approved a Fiscal Year 2025 budget that includes $1.7 million in additional revenue from ad valorem taxes.
No raises for mayor, council next year
The city council approved a Fiscal Year 2025 budget Thursday that includes no raises for elected officials.
Ask The Dispatch: Can you cut down trees on your property in Columbus? Usually.
The Georgia-based Hull Group, amid its ongoing reimagining of the old Leigh Mall, removed 27 live oak trees last week along Old Aberdeen Road in front of the shopping center, now dubbed Columbus Place.
Community Profile: Soccer dreams still alive for late addition to W roster
Since Miguel Zamora was a boy, he wanted his own player in a FIFA video game.
Teen charged with murder after striking 3 victims with vehicle, killing 1
A teen is behind bars for purposefully striking three victims with a vehicle Saturday night, killing one.
Home Base: Mississippi’s ‘DEI Scare’ champion has lost his sense of decency
As a U.S. senator, Joseph McCarthy made a name for himself during the “Red Scare” by claiming communists abounded in the State Department, Hollywood, labor unions and universities.
Four inmates charged in jail fire
Four inmates face new felony charges for their alleged role in an Aug. 30 fire at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
City still debating whether to fund chamber next year
When the city council approves its final budget Monday afternoon for next fiscal year, it is unlikely to include many of the requested increases in outside appropriations.
Redistricting map adopted with no public hearing
City council members voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new ward map, rejecting Mayor Keith Gaskin’s urging to first hold a public hearing on the changes.
Starkville duo, New Hope striker relish all-star opportunity
July 11, 2025
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