Articles by Zack Plair
Tax collector race to be decided in Tuesday runoff
Four area Republican primaries will be decided by runoffs on Tuesday, with three of those setting up general election tilts in November.
Constable candidate pads coffers ahead of runoff
With a supervisor and constable primary set to be decided by a Tuesday runoff, the latter race has raked in the most money over the past few weeks.
Home Base: Public scrutiny is not a natural enemy to good policing
One of my daughters played softball through Starkville Parks a few years ago. That particular season, the same umpire called almost all the 12U league games.
Highway 182 project on ropes without more money, time
If the city wants to follow through on its ambitious plan to redesign a mile of Highway 182, it will either need to find $19 million more or throw itself at the mercy of federal and state agencies.
Argument at Zaxby’s ends with gunshot
A literal parting shot after an argument Friday night at Zaxby’s has a Starkville man facing misdemeanor charges.
Candidate focus: Scott Colom believes record, conviction rate speak for his success
Incumbent District Attorney Scott Colom has heard all the arguments about how he has been “soft on crime” the last eight years.
Candidate focus: Jase Dalrymple wants to be ‘bridge between Scott and Forrest’
For much of Mississippi’s past, Republican Jase Dalrymple acknowledges, old-guard district attorneys lived by the mantra, “Go out and win.”
Dept heads, high-skill positions to see most benefit of city raises
A sweeping raise proposal that covers more than 270 city employee positions would cost more than $1 million, according to a draft report of a recent salary study from the Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University.
Williams reelected as District 15 state senator
First-term District 15 State Senator Bart Williams won reelection Tuesday by a 13.4% margin over Republican primary challenger Alan Sibley.
Little claims District 4 supervisor seat
A new District 4 supervisor was elected in Tuesday’s primary election, while a handful of other races are shaping up for the general election.
3 company announcements coming this month
This year has been “one of reflection” for the Golden Triangle Development LINK, CEO Joe Max Higgins said.
Williams outraising Sibley 2-to-1 in Senate race
In the runup to Tuesday’s Republican primary for District 15 senator, incumbent Bart Williams holds a commanding financial lead, outraising his opponent Alan Sibley nearly 2-to-1 during the course of the campaign.
Zack Plair: Time for me to fly
Each year since 2018, our family has taken a trip. It’s never anything super fancy, but it’s a week in the summer when we go somewhere we’ve never been and make memories.
Old Gilmer lot back on market, or is it?
A “For Sale” sign posted this week on an acre lot at the corner of Main and Fourth Street North represents the prospect of a prime piece of downtown property changing hands.
Councilman books cheaper hotel for Tenn-Tom conference
Ward 4 Councilman Pierre Beard downgraded his accommodations Thursday for an upcoming conference in Point Clear, Alabama.
Man charged with aggravated DUI in fatal June wreck
A Starkville man has been charged with aggravated DUI for a June 30 collision that resulted in the death of a passenger.
Snags in FY 2021 audit may push completion past Aug. 30
After telling The Dispatch last week that Watkins, Ward and Stafford believed finishing the Fiscal Year 2021 audit within 30 days was “realistic,” Mayor Keith Gaskin said Wednesday the timeline is no longer as certain.
Late conference registration costs city extra $1,000
A councilman accrued the city more than $1,000 in late charges to register for a conference next week in Point Clear, Alabama.
Public hearing on possible tax hike set for Starkville
Aldermen voted 4-3 Tuesday to call a public hearing for a 1.87-mill increase in ad valorem taxes for Fiscal Year 2024.
Consultant: City should wait on bids, completed audit before selling bonds
The city is poised to approve borrowing $3 million in revenue bonds on Tuesday for renovations at Propst Park.
Holiday Handcrafts Bazaar accepting vendor applications
July 12, 2025
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