Articles by Zack Plair
Brooks outraises Jones 3-to-1 in mayoral primary campaign
Leroy Brooks has outraised his opponent by a near 3-to-1 margin ahead of Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary.
For Gary Goodwin, double duty means double pay – this time
Next month, Gary Goodwin will start pulling double duty as municipal court judge for the second time in 10 years.
City seeks contributions from county, CVB for amphitheater
The city wants Lowndes County and the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau to pitch in toward finishing the Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater at the Island.
Brooks calls Jones ‘midget’ at forum; Jones calls Brooks ‘old’
In barb-laden exchanges Tuesday night between the two Democratic mayoral candidates, Leroy Brooks compared his opponent Stephen Jones to a “midget” and a “child.” Jones attacked Brooks for being “old.”
Parking lot for Market Street Festival being paved, despite resistance
It took 15 minutes of spirited discussion and a crash course on the winding processes of city accounting, but the city council on Wednesday approved more money for street improvements and paving the parking lot where Market Street Festival food vendors will set up in May.
Public stakeholders meeting planned for amphitheater
A committee of city council members and stakeholders could meet as soon as next week to discuss the future of the Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater on The Island.
Amphitheater bids provide little clarity on way forward
A way forward on the Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater at the Island is no clearer after the latest rounds of bids came back.
$20M grant application includes salaries for CAG
The city is still in the running for a $20 million grant that would build an $8 million multipurpose facility on part of the old Kerr-McGee Superfund site and improve more than 400 homes in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Home Base: Democracy dies
Two of my teachers growing up had an outsized impact on my life. They helped build the foundation for my becoming a journalist.
Columbus to lobbyist: Show your work
If the city’s lobbyist firm wants a new contract for a fourth year, it will first have to prove its value.
Mickens begs for city attorney’s advice to deal with alleged phone threats
A city councilman claims he’s receiving threats on his personal cell phone, and he wants them to stop.
City says no to AT&T tower at Moore Creek
AT&T is headed back to the drawing board after city officials again rejected the company’s plans to build a 5G cell tower at Moore Creek.
Ask The Dispatch: What do local governments want from the legislature this year?
With this year’s state legislative session well underway, local government agencies have either formed or are finalizing their wish lists for state funding.
Grant writer in hot water after mayor defies council, OKs app
A grant application submitted Wednesday without the city council’s permission has the city grant writer in hot water. In a nearly one-hour executive session of
Council rejects $250K grant app; ‘poor politics’ involved
A city council majority blamed poor timing for rejecting an opportunity Tuesday to apply for a $250,000 green energy planning grant that would not have required any matching funds.
100-plus get free books at annual JA Reading Railroad event
An appropriately animated Shaina Kemp-Jefferson dazzled her young audience as she read aloud book after book Saturday inside the Travis Outlaw Center’s gym at the Starkville Sportsplex.
Columbus councilman claims sheriff escorted mayoral candidate from Trotter; sheriff says it didn’t happen
COLUMBUS – A city councilman claims that a county official physically assaulted him Tuesday during a public event at Trotter Convention Center and had to
Council demands name change for Boys and Girls Club fundraiser
If the Boys and Girls Club of the Golden Triangle wants to serve alcohol at its upcoming fundraiser, that’s fine with the Columbus City Council.
Gaskin qualifies on deadline day for Ward 1 seat
Keith Gaskin did not want to run for a second term as mayor. Apparently, that does not mean he wants out of city politics.
City locks horns with Waggoner over stalled drainage project
Difficulty obtaining easements has stalled a $6.2 million watershed project that would improve drainage in major flooding areas across the city.
Starkville duo, New Hope striker relish all-star opportunity
July 11, 2025
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