Probationary CFR firefighter arrested on DUI charge
A probationary Columbus Fire and Rescue firefighter was arrested early Saturday morning for allegedly driving under the influence. Jacorey Douglas, of Starkville, is charged with
Young entrepreneurs: Turning passions into paychecks
While she’s only a senior in high school, Remya Gibbs carries herself like a well-seasoned fashion designer, always striving for perfection.
Starkville considers ban on Kratom sales, use
Citizens could see Kratom, a product commonly sold in convenience stores as a pain relief or energy supplement, criminalized in Starkville as the city considers an ordinance that would ban the use and sale of the product in city limits.
Area school districts see graduation gains, dropout declines
Most districts around the Golden Triangle saw improvements in their four-year graduation rates and dropout rates during the 2024-2025 school year compared to five years prior.
IHL funding package poses major capital dollars for MSU, MUW
Mississippi State University and Mississippi University for Women could see significant funding increases for capital projects and programs under a Senate-approved higher education package now awaiting House action.
Mississippi’s Winter Storm Fern losses exceed $107 million, state insurance department says
Claims filed from damages caused by Winter Storm Fern have tallied over $107 million in losses, the Mississippi Insurance Department said Thursday. “I expect that
Lowndes County building permits, Feb. 25, 2026
■ Landon Ellis; 1144 Phillips Hill Road; construct single family residence; owner ■ Carlisle Harding; 672 Seed Tick Road; construct single family residence; owner ■
Business Brief: Phyfer named finalist for Young Optometrist of the Year
Dr. Robert Phyfer, an optometrist with Brooks Eye Center, has been named a finalist for the Mississippi Optometric Association’s 2025 Helen St. Clair Young Optometrist of the Year award.
Business Brief: Randall earns Circle of Success distinction
Carrie-Beth Randall with Wellspire Financial Group of Ameriprise Financial Services has earned the company’s Circle of Success distinction, highlighting her success as one of the company’s top financial advisers.
City of Columbus building permits, Feb. 9-12, 2026
■ Mae Oneal; 3218 Fifth St. N.; reroof single family home; Excellent Roofing
Ask The Dispatch: What’s the best way to explore the Golden Triangle’s cemeteries?
With Columbus’ Spring Pilgrimage just around the corner, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students are preparing for their annual production of Tales from the Crypt, set to begin April 8.
Mary Means Business: Big H Deli reopens after temporary closure
The Big H in Point City is officially back.
Train derailment closes Artesia Road crossing for hours
Three train cars went off the rails Wednesday morning, redirecting traffic for more than six hours.
CVB hooks another major fishing tournament, landing sixth event for 2026
Columbus has grown into a hot spot for fishing tournaments, and it’s no longer a secret.
High-end seafood and steaks coming to former Woody’s on the Water
The former Woody’s on the Water property is poised for a comeback.
MSMS: Facilities could hit crisis point in 5 years
ive years.
That’s the window Ginger Tedder, executive director for Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, gave before years of deferred maintenance due to underfunding leads to a “major issue” in the school’s residence halls.
Songwriters to compete for main stage spot at Cotton District Arts Festival
Musicians from across the state will go head-to-head this weekend in a singer-songwriter showcase at Starkville Community Theatre to determine who will take the main stage at the 40th annual Cotton District Arts Festival in April.
Attempted robbery ends in shooting
Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery turned shooting Sunday that left one man injured.
Youth rally planned as gun violence rattles Clay County
Clay County Jail Administrator Frank “Tank” Randle was hosting his weekly meeting with inmates, going over duties and expectations for the week when something stopped him in his tracks.
Baptist-Oktibbeha regains Level 3 trauma status
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Oktibbeha County has regained its Level 3 trauma center and primary pediatric center designation, allowing patients to receive emergency care closer to home.



















