Friday deadline nears for city election qualifying

As the 5 p.m. Friday deadline approaches to qualify to run for municipal offices, competitive races are shaping up in both Starkville and Columbus.

Sports commission recommended for joint parks marketing

A report from a yearlong grant-funded study released Tuesday suggested the city and Lowndes County establish a shared “sports commission” to promote their parks facilities and events.

Former councilman Marty Turner qualifies for Ward 4 seat

A former city councilman is once again trying to get his old seat back.

Exclusive: D.A. Colom’s judicial nomination a casualty of ‘DC politics’

Scott Colom keeps a folder in his office desk full of letters supporting his ill-fated nomination for federal judge.

CPD aims to educate citizens about department, start neighborhood watch groups

Citizens who understand how the police department works are more likely to cooperate effectively with officers and not as apt to become frustrated with the process, Police Chief Joseph Daughtry believes.

Mayor promises to back media personality for board post, then forgets his real name

A case of mistaken identity kept a local media personality from being appointed Tuesday to the Columbus Housing Authority Board.

Johnson drops out of Ward 4 council race

A candidate who qualified to run for Ward 4 city councilman has dropped out.

Community Profile: Veteran, cat catcher, tireless volunteer

Randy Robles has never had a problem raising his hand to serve.

Mayoral hopeful: Working together, complementing county key to growing city

Darren Leach believes Columbus has “all the ingredients” to be a great city.

Temporary shelter still open; needs supplies, volunteers

The temporary homeless shelter at Genesis Church will remain open for at least the next 10 to 14 days, Golden Triangle Homeless Coalition Director Susan Garton told The Dispatch on Friday.

Strauss third candidate to officially enter Columbus mayor’s race

Bill Strauss thinks the city is headed in the wrong direction.

Ward 5 Columbus council race grows to three candidates

Three Democrats are now vying for the Ward 5 city council seat, with two more entering the fray this week.

Temporary homeless shelter opening at Genesis Church

With temperatures expected to be below freezing for the next week, several local agencies have partnered to provide a homeless shelter at Genesis Church.

Does Lowndes need a comprehensive plan? Supervisor opinions differ

In Jeff Smith’s 17 years on the board of supervisors, the county has never had a comprehensive plan to his knowledge.

Eight qualify for Columbus office on first day

Eight candidates qualified Thursday for this year’s municipal elections, with contested races now confirmed for mayor and the Ward 2 council seat.

Lowndes Year in Review: 2024 brings turmoil at MUW, prospects for industry, retail

A wild year for Mississippi University for Women saw it stave off legislative efforts to merge it with Mississippi State – or at least relocate the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Sciences there. Meanwhile, an annexation effort in Columbus stalls, Mayor Keith Gaskin decides not to seek reelection, and the Frank P. Phillips YMCA celebrates 100 years in Lowndes County.

Ask The Dispatch: What can I burn and when can I burn it?

Sometimes the easiest way to get rid of unwanted rubbish is to pile it up and burn it.

Northside fire claims life of resident’s dog

A Northside fire Saturday destroyed a home and claimed the life of the resident’s dog.

Second Southside shooting this week causes property damage

Shots rang out Saturday night on Southside for the second time in six days.

Photos: Ernest Brown Good Change Award