MSMS alumna joins elite ranks with Marshall Scholarship win
The British government has awarded University of Mississippi senior Sophia Toner a prestigious Marshall Scholarship.
Sales tax revenue tracks ahead of projections
Columbus and Starkville’s sales tax collections fell slightly compared to February 2025, though both cities saw an increase in month-to-month collections, with an 8.52% increase in Columbus and a 4.99% increase in Starkville compared to January.
City council turns annual food drive into friendly showdown
While Ward 4 Councilwoman Lavonne Harris is hanging on to third place with 67 cans of soup donated to the March of the Mayors food drive this year, she is primed to make a last-minute push to take the lead in the city council’s competition.
Ask The Dispatch: What bills have local legislators authored this legislative session?
More than a month into the legislative session, local lawmakers have advanced bills aimed at addressing issues ranging from demolishing blighted historic buildings on public universities to expanding research into Parkinson’s Disease in Mississippi.
Tax break bill could save farmers thousands
A bill headed to the House floor is aiming to throw local farmers an economic lifeline after a difficult farming season.
‘This work doesn’t get done alone’
Tim Adkins was cold and tired, but he still had a lot of work to do.
Education Briefs for 2-10-26
Jacket job fair set for Thursday Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District will host its annual Jacket Job Fair from 5 p.m. until 7 Thursday at Partnership
New LINK CEO touts 30 years experience, billion-dollar wins
Iain Vasey’s familiarity with the Golden Triangle Development LINK dates back to 2011, when he went head-to-head with the organization while working to land a Hawker Beechcraft site selection deal as executive director of economic development for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber in Louisiana.
LINK names Iain Vasey as new CEO
The Board of Directors of the Golden Triangle Development LINK announced Tuesday that Iain D. Vasey will serve as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer.
Colom Senate campaign passes $1M mark
Democrat Scott Colom’s campaign for U.S. Senate crossed the $1 million mark in fundraising by the end of 2025, according to his latest filing with the Federal Election Commission.
Roberson unwilling to give up on School Choice
In a meeting Tuesday that lasted less than two minutes, the Senate Education Committee unanimously voted to kill the House’s primary vehicle for getting its school choice legislation across the finish line.
Hwy 82 East set to close Sunday
Travelers heading to Columbus on Highway 82 East will be detoured Sunday through West Point as repairs continue on the Old West Point Road Bridge.
Education Briefs for 2-3-26
Reese named to dean’s honor roll HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University announced Akia Reese, of West Point, was named to the fall 2025
Turner, Haug vie for Oktibbeha County court judge seat
Two candidates are vying for the Oktibbeha County Court judge seat, while Lowndes County incumbent Allison Kizer is running unopposed.
Dispatch partners with Matt Laubhan’s weather service for forecasts
The Dispatch has partnered with Mississippi Live Weather to provide readers forecasts in each day’s print edition.
Property tax deadline extended for Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay residents
With parts of the state still recovering from Winter Storm Fern, Mississippi is extending the deadline to pay ad valorem taxes on real and personal property for some residents, including those in Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties.
Absentee ballots available for March 10 state primary
In-person and mail-in absentee ballots for the March 10 state primary election are now available at each county’s respective circuit clerk’s office.
Education Briefs for 1-27-26
Local students named to Samford Dean’s List BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Three local students were among more than 2,575 named to the Samford University Dean’s List
