Ferraez released after pleading guilty to embezzlement charges
Cory Ferraez, a former Hattiesburg attorney with ties to Lowndes County, pleaded guilty Thursday to two misdemeanor embezzlement counts, resolving two criminal cases that have been pending since 2021.
Sales tax collections dip in Starkville, Columbus
Both Starkville and Columbus saw declines in sales tax collections this month, with a 0.26% drop in Starkville and a 8.94% decrease in Columbus compared to December collections.
Golden Triangle braces for winter storm
Residents and officials across the Golden Triangle are ramping up preparations ahead of a winter storm forecast expected to arrive at the end of the work week.
Funding switch-a-roo sparks chaos for mental health services
Mississippi mental health providers were among thousands scrambling Tuesday night after sudden sweeping federal funding cuts threatened to immediately shut down mental health and addiction programs nationwide, a decision reversed the following day with no explanation.
Golden Triangle residents honor MLK with marches, service projects
Communities across the Golden Triangle will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., beginning Saturday and lasting until Wednesday with marches, worship services and service projects focused on unity, justice and community engagement.
School Choice: Voucher bill sparks accountability, autonomy fears
A school choice bill heading to the House floor would allow families to use public education dollars to send their children to private school, a proposal both private and public school leaders in the Golden Triangle largely oppose.
Ask The Dispatch: What kind of economic impact do recreational sports tournaments have in the Golden Triangle?
In 2025, recreational sports tournaments hosted at area public facilities generated more than $6.8 million in economic activity.
Education brief: Belhaven University President’s List
Several local students are among those named to Belhaven University’s President’s List and Dean’s List for fall 2025.
Law enforcement reveals details of a shooting spree spanning three houses that left six dead
Daricka Moore, a 24-year-old male, was booked on first-degree murder charges, Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said at a Saturday press conference. Moore was booked at 3:25 a.m. Saturday, after allegedly killing six people at three different homes.
Suspect identified in Clay County shooting that resulted in multiple dead
“Unfortunately tonight we have dealt with a tragedy in our community, ” said Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott in a Facebook post early Saturday morning. “I ask that you life our victims and their families in your prayers.”
Legislative session: School choice bills stir talk of Columbus-Lowndes consolidation
The Mississippi House and Senate both released plans this week to make it easier for public school students to transfer to districts they don’t reside within.
Golden Triangle gyms fill up as New Year’s resolutions take shape
Alexandria Walker, a mother of three, struggled to find time to go to the gym.
Lowndes, Oktibbeha county court judges seek re-election
Two candidates have submitted qualifying paperwork for the elected county court judge seats in Oktibbeha and Lowndes counties, one week into the qualifying period.
Ask The Dispatch: What America250 events are planned locally?
Columbus, Starkville and West Point are preparing to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States with a variety of celebrations, programs and grants for local schools, churches and civic groups.
2026 Predictions: Local leaders pull out their crystal balls for the coming year
In 2025, the Golden Triangle proved truth really is stranger than fiction, from a ballot box lost during a car repossession and a rapper arrested
Shorter campaign, economic struggles cripple Red Kettle collection
The Columbus Salvation Army chapter fell short of its $100,000 goal this year after nearly a month of ringing bells for the organization’s Red Kettle campaign.
Churches ring in new year through Watch Night services
For Christopher Lairy, Watch Night services are as familiar as the turning of the year itself.
In Memoriam 2025
In 2025, we said goodbye to those whose lives were distinguished by service to their communities. We note the passing of government officials, a longtime
Decades later, still missing: A look at the longest-running missing person cases in the Golden Triangle
Troy Matthews describes his older sister, Shalunda Matthews, as a “feisty,” “adventurous” people person – one of the people that made him tough.
Reese and Valincius earn USA Baseball invites
June 15, 2025
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