Articles by Zack Plair
Fossil park name expected after naming policy
It will at least be two more weeks before the city’s planned fossil park gets a name.
City may look for other options as garbage pickup rates rise again
A pending rate increase for residential garbage collection has Columbus discussing looking for another service provider, while Lowndes County seems willing to take it on the chin.
What will the fossil park be named?
The city council on Tuesday will face a question it has delayed for several months: Which comes first, naming the fledgling fossil park or setting a policy for naming any city facility?
Community Profile: Air Force mechanic, environmentalist spends years with Scouts
Mike Jago qualifies as an expert in most things electrical or mechanical. Educationally, he’s one course short of being a rocket scientist.
Hostile workplace complaint filed against mayor in Feb
A complaint made in February against Mayor Keith Gaskin for creating a “hostile work environment” publicly surfaced on Wednesday.
Can city hire HR director’s daughter?
The city is waiting to hear from the Mississippi Ethics Commission before deciding whether to hire the human resources director’s daughter as an accounts payable clerk in the finance office.
Starkville could be among most park-convenient cities
The service areas of city parks already cover much more of the population than officials expected. Adding three more parks over the next 10 years could place its coverage percentage in the company of some of the most recreation-friendly cities in the country.
West Point man wanted for sexual battery caught in Indiana
A West Point man faces a slew of charges related to sexual abuse of minors, according to a shertiff’s office press release issued Thursday.
Humane Society to take on county animal control duties
County supervisors are hammering out a deal to have the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society handle the bulk of its animal control enforcement outside Columbus city limits.
Rise of refuge lawns on Southside gets code enforcement’s attention
When Kendall Dunkelberg lived in Austin, Texas, as a graduate student, he quickly noticed how seriously many of his neighbors took their blue bonnets.
Smith easily wins runoff for Ward 2 council seat
Roderick Smith will be the next city councilman for Ward 2.
Ward 2 candidates make last-minute push before runoff
Both candidates for the Ward 2 city council seat are making their last-minute pushes for voter support ahead of Tuesday’s runoff.
Off-duty officer charged for hitting woman with personal vehicle at ATM
A city police officer faces an aggravated assault charge for striking a woman with his personal vehicle during a “road-rage incident” at an ATM.
AT&T sues Columbus over cell tower dispute
AT&T is asking the federal court to clear the way for the company to build a 5G cellular tower at Moore Creek near the soccer complex.
Ward 5 stretch of Military prioritized for paving this year
The city council finally decided Tuesday how it will divide funding for another $1.1 million in paving projects, but the decision did not come without controversy.
Luxi poised to become mascot for fossil park
A chance encounter on Facebook might have landed the city a mascot and fundraising opportunity for its planned fossil park.
Heritage head sues podcaster for slander, libel
The head of school at Heritage Academy is suing a local podcaster for slander and libel.
Jones beats Brooks in Democratic mayoral primary
At a candidate forum last month, Stephen Jones compared the prospects of beating Leroy Brooks in the Democratic mayoral primary to David slaying the giant Goliath in the Old Testament.
Ballot box carried off in car repossession causes Columbus precinct to open a half-hour late
A municipal election voting precinct opened 30 minutes late Tuesday morning because an election worker’s vehicle containing ballots was repossessed overnight.
Public works employee suspended for hitting pedestrian
The city council voted in executive session Monday to suspend Assistant Public Works Director Bennie Coleman three days without pay for hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk earlier this month while driving a city vehicle.
Starkville duo, New Hope striker relish all-star opportunity
July 11, 2025
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