Lowndes OKs $1.7 million tax increase for raises, roads, parks
Supervisors on Friday approved a Fiscal Year 2025 budget that includes $1.7 million in additional revenue from ad valorem taxes.
Inmate charged for attacking corrections officer
An attack on a corrections officer in August drove Lowndes County Adult Detention Center to change its protocols for escorting inmates through the jail.
No raises for mayor, council next year
The city council approved a Fiscal Year 2025 budget Thursday that includes no raises for elected officials.
Posting crime scene photos puts witness in handcuffs
A man who discovered a burned body claimed he was detained and threatened with charges after taking and posting photos of the crime scene on social media. Officials are claiming the man’s post could hinder future prosecution in the homicide case.
Vice mayor denies adding raises to FY 2025 budget
With the clock ticking on passing the city’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget, almost $89,000 in raises and benefit increases for the city council — and where they came from — are still up for debate.
Reduced raises for council, mayor could save city $79K
The city’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 includes almost $89,000 in salary and benefit increases for the mayor and city council.
First phase of CMSD facility upgrades to start summer 2025
Plans for spending the $36 million bond voters approved in May are underway at the Columbus Municipal School District.
Ask The Dispatch: Can you cut down trees on your property in Columbus? Usually.
The Georgia-based Hull Group, amid its ongoing reimagining of the old Leigh Mall, removed 27 live oak trees last week along Old Aberdeen Road in front of the shopping center, now dubbed Columbus Place.
Incumbents running unopposed for Lowndes school board seats
Two incumbents will run unopposed for seats on the Lowndes County School Board in the upcoming election.
Education: New Hope High PBIS team stresses importance of being in school every day
Jenna Lile and Megan Ruffin want students to know they’re missed when they are absent from New Hope High School.
Tennessee Williams Tribute celebrates Columbus-born playwright this week
The writing of Tennessee Williams is about to come to life in the city again this week, as volunteers bring the work of the Columbus-born playwright back into the spotlight.
Community Profile: Soccer dreams still alive for late addition to W roster
Since Miguel Zamora was a boy, he wanted his own player in a FIFA video game.
Repairs wrapping up on pedestrian bridge
After 4 1/2 years of being closed, the pedestrian bridge across the Tombigbee River is finally on the verge of reopening.
Four inmates charged in jail fire
Four inmates face new felony charges for their alleged role in an Aug. 30 fire at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
Gun found in preschooler’s backpack at Caledonia Elem
A 4-year-old student at Caledonia Elementary School brought a gun on campus Friday, and the man who owns the gun has been arrested.
City still debating whether to fund chamber next year
When the city council approves its final budget Monday afternoon for next fiscal year, it is unlikely to include many of the requested increases in outside appropriations.
Redistricting map adopted with no public hearing
City council members voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new ward map, rejecting Mayor Keith Gaskin’s urging to first hold a public hearing on the changes.
Mayor returns to work after 2-week health absence
Mayor Keith Gaskin sat at his desk Tuesday afternoon shuffling through documents that would come up for discussion at that evening’s city council meeting.
Victim found burned in car, murder suspected
Sheriff’s deputies found a burned body in a car Monday morning at Luxapalila Creek Park. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said his department is investigating it as a homicide.
The W’s legal studies program earns reapproval from the American Bar Association
The Department of Legal Studies at Mississippi University for Women was recently reapproved by the Delegates of the American Bar Association. The continuous approval since 1987 distinguishes the program as one of only two ABA approved paralegal programs in the state of Mississippi.