State bills would allow MSMS to start accepting sophomores
If Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science has its way in the legislature this session, enrollment could expand to include high school sophomores as early as July 2026.
More than Lincoln: Lessons in history and humanity at MSU
Whether it’s a group of elementary school students on a field trip or a crowd of retired visitors coming through on a tour, visitors of the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana tend to leave having learned something new about the nation’s 16th president.
Education: W, EMCC students come together for leadership retreat
A cohort of first-generation students from Mississippi University for Women and East Mississippi Community College, members of the Lowndes First-generation Youth Realizing Success Together Leaders, came together at Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center for the 2026 leadership retreat, Jan. 8-9.
Ask The Dispatch: What’s the status of Columbus Place?
Since Georgia-based Hull Property Group purchased the former Leigh Mall in 2019 and rebranded it as Columbus Place, residents have wondered what the future holds for the long-struggling property.
Two men charged with rape, holding woman against her will
Two men are accused of raping and holding a woman against her will Wednesday, Columbus Police Department Public Information Officer Bryan Moore told The Dispatch.
City legislative asks may focus on forensics lab, watershed
For the past three years, the city has sought both federal and state funds for a regional crime center that would house improved crime monitoring technology and a more capable forensics lab.
Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen, inspiring the next generation
During WWII, Lt. Col. Alva Temple flew countless combat missions in Red-Tailed P-40s and P-51 Mustangs across the skies of Europe, dropping bombs and strafing German soldiers with the Tuskegee Airmen, the U.S. military’s first Black pilots.
Former New Hope teacher charged with grooming
A former New Hope Middle School teacher arrested Thursday is accused of providing alcohol and tobacco products to students and engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Two killed in Highway 12 head-on collision
Two Columbus residents were killed Thursday morning in a two-car collision on Highway 12, according to Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant.
Revolving door of apprentice linemen generates concern for CLW
After seeing three apprentice linemen resign from Columbus Light and Water over the last two years, the utility is looking for ways to stop the revolving door.
Applications open for CPD Citizens Academy
Applications are now available to participate in Columbus Police Department’s 2026 Citizens Police Academy.
July 4 celebration to replace CAFB air show this year
Instead of jets flying through the skies this year for the Thunder Over Columbus airshow, Columbus Air Force Base is planning a Fourth of July event in tandem with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Two teens walk into the hospital, both shot, uncooperative with police
Two men were taken to the hospital following a Tuesday evening shooting.
McLean honored for expanding access to sexual assault care
District 39 Rep. Dana McLean, R-Columbus, was recognized Wednesday by The Center for Violence Prevention as one of the organization’s Angels of the Year.
Ask The Dispatch: Why are the Fifth Street North improvements taking so long?
Since mid-October, drivers traveling along Fifth Street North between Hwy. 82 and the Magnolia Bowl have encountered extensive construction, including a reduced-speed zone, traffic cones and crews working along the corridor.
4-County FASTnet project wraps at $120M, serves 13,000 locally
4-County Electric Power Association’s FASTnet broadband service has grown to provide about 22,000 homes with high speed internet since installations started nearly six years ago.
The Verdict: Lowndes County criminal dispositions for Nov. 10-Dec. 1
Judge Lee Howard ■ Alvin Daran Austin, simple possession of methamphetamine, 10 years MDOC, five to serve, five years suspended with probation; ■ Kelly Tarver
Education: Renovations under way at EMCC Golden Triangle to better serve health care programs
Renovations to convert the former Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence building on East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle campus to accommodate expansion of the Division of Nursing and Health Sciences programs are under way.
