Sports Specialty owner, salesperson indicted in multi-million plot
A federal grand jury has indicted three men who are accused of a 13-year bid rigging scheme that allegedly affected at least 44 public schools in Mississippi and 270 purchases totaling more than $1 million in taxpayer funds.
Man acquitted in 2022 Jess Lyons Road fatal-shooting
A man charged with the 2022 fatal shooting of Julius L. Wilson, 55, was found not guilty Feb. 12 in Lowndes County Circuit Court.
Flipturn to headline Old Main Music Festival
Indie rock band Flipturn, which has performed at major music festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and South by Southwest, is set to take the stage in April at Mississippi State University’s annual Old Main Music Festival.
Business Brief: Sanford promoted at Neel-Schaffer
Neel-Scaffer recently announced the promotion of William Sanford to vice president and engineer manager for the firm’s Starkville office.
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.
Full grade-span rollout at CMSD aims for better state ratings
As Columbus Municipal School District prepares to fully implement grade span learning in its elementary schools next year, Superintendent Craig Chapman said the district is focused on ensuring the transition improves accountability scores while providing adequate academic support for students.
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.
Mary Means Business: Columbus gets new halal, gyro and deli options
Columbus folks are getting another cafe and deli within the next month.
Red carpet to roll out for Black excellence Friday
When the red carpet is rolled out at Trotter Convention Center on Friday, the spotlight won’t be on actors or actresses.
County hands over remaining sheriffs ranch property to LCIDA
Years after plans to use the former Mississippi Sheriffs Boys and Girls Ranch property for children’s services fell through, Lowndes County supervisors have formally turned over the remaining acreage to Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority.
Oktibbeha officials say jail is nearing end-of-life
While operations at the county jail are reportedly running smoothly, conversations about building a new facility are beginning to take shape as officials weigh limited space and aging of the nearly 34-year-old building.
In memoriam: Voice of Lee High football, ‘Swap Shop’ dies at 90
If there was ever any doubt what Doug Moulds wanted to be when he grew up, it would have been before he learned to read.
Split vote clears way for Starkville RV park development
Aldermen approved a special zoning exception Tuesday allowing a proposed RV park to be located near the intersection of Old West Point and East Garrard roads, despite concerns from nearby residents about traffic and safety.
City council OKs new hurdles for newspapers bidding on legal ads
Despite objections from two members, the city council on Tuesday approved new requirements for newspapers bidding to publish the city’s legal ads.
Rapid Recap: No. 4 Mississippi State 13, Troy 7
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State baseball kept on rolling with a win over Troy on Tuesday. There was no opening weekend hangover as the Bulldog bats
Education: EMMC barbering, cosmetology services available to public
Students in the barbering/stylist and cosmetology programs on East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle campus are more than halfway through their training and are putting their skills to work by offering free haircuts to EMCC faculty, students and staff.
Education: MSU’s Science Night returns Friday
Mississippi State’s Museums and Galleries Committee is inviting explorers of all ages Saturday to its annual Science Night at the Museums.
Education Brief: MASMC scholarships available to high school seniors
Applications for the Mississippi Association of Supervisors Minority Caucus Scholarship are now available to eligible graduating high school seniors in Mississippi.
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.
Nearly 4 inches of rain dump on area Sunday morning
June 8, 2025
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