Articles by Zack Plair
Amphitheater planners aim for fall event
The Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater has sat idle on the west bank of the Tombigbee River near downtown Columbus for nearly five years.
McLean calls for city to opt out of marijuana program
Dana McLean held up a printed copy of the state’s 450-page medical marijuana law on Thursday for the Columbus City Council to see.
Gaskin vetoes insurance camera program
Citing legal and ethical concerns, Mayor Keith Gaskin on Friday vetoed the city council’s decision to install cameras that would help police identify and ticket drivers with no vehicle insurance.
Mayor vetoes council decision on insurance cameras
Mayor Keith Gaskin announced Friday he is vetoing the city council’s decision to install cameras that would help police identify and ticket drivers with no
Stem cell treatment for MS could soon enter mainstream
Martha Imes was playing zombie paintball with her family in 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee, when she realized something was off.
Columbus hires new CFO
At a special-call meeting Wednesday morning, Columbus City Council voted unanimously to hire James Brigham as the city’s new chief financial officer. Brigham was interviewed
Monday Profile: Young entrepreneur earns money on wheels
In the garage of his home south of Starkville, Reed Sparks is busy using a belt sander to smooth his latest creation.
City considers restrictions on short-term rentals
Birmingham, Alabama, resident Pat Thompson bought a house in September on Azalea Drive in Columbus, hoping her elderly parents would downsize and move there.
When her parents opted to stay where they are, Thompson turned to Airbnb to salvage her investment by offering it to travelers for short-term rental.
Mayor: No financial statements until after CFO hire
City council members have not received a financial statement with city fund balances in several months, according to officials, and they may not see another one until after a new chief financial officer is in place.
Survivors’ Circle helps families mourning loss from violent crime
Anita Brown looked at the emergency text on her phone. She couldn’t believe what she was reading.
County, Younger push effort to sell Black Prairie WMA
If Jeff Harris ever needs a pickup line, he might go with, “Let me tell you about the birds and the bees.”
The honeybee specialist for the Mississippi State University Extension Service is also a hobbyist birdwatcher and president of the Oktibbeha County Audubon Society. One of his favorite pursuits is spotting painted buntings at the Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area off Fire Tower Road near Crawford.
Home Base: What do we really know about Black history? In my case, not much
A person I’ve known for a long time was talking with me recently about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, particularly among Black people.
3-year-old New Hope High getting $1.6M roof due to leaks
On Friday morning, a day after heavy rainfall swept through the area, a familiar scene greeted staff at New Hope High School.
Man who accidentally shot into restaurant charged with felony
A man who fled the scene after accidentally discharging a firearm Wednesday evening into a Columbus restaurant is in Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
Home Base: Dear Starkville, ‘unique’ isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be
About 10 years ago, I was working at a newspaper in a northeast Arkansas town. Given the nature of what I’m about to describe, I’ll refrain from identifying the place other than to say Joe Max Higgins knows exactly where it is.
Domestic violence charge dropped against councilman
A misdemeanor domestic violence charge against a Columbus councilman was dismissed on Tuesday in Lowndes County Justice Court after the alleged victim did not show up to testify.
Domestic violence charge dismissed against councilman
A misdemeanor domestic violence charge against a Columbus councilman was dismissed on Tuesday in Lowndes County Justice Court after the alleged victim did not show
City hires new chief operations officer
Columbus City Council voted 4-0 on Friday to hire Jammie Garrett as the city’s new chief operations officer. The vote was taken after a two-hour
Spears, Brown vying for CMSD board seat
Two candidates, including a sitting board member, have applied so far for an upcoming opening on the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees.
Rift remains with mayor, police chief over city marshal
Details of the disagreement between Mayor Keith Gaskin and Police Chief Fred Shelton over creating a city marshal position continue to surface, including vastly different accounts of conversations the two men had on the subject and Shelton’s doubts over who Gaskin wants to tap for the job.
Group distributes 528 backpacks, school supplies at Lock and Dam
July 13, 2025
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