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.
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.
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.
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.
Aldermen reject bid to reopen vacant MLK Drive gas station
Sarah Saidi, a co-owner of 76 Gas and Grill on Highway 12, invested her life savings when she and her family moved from New York to Starkville last year, hoping to open a second convenience store and gas station along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive West.
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.
Gov. Reeves says Mississippi will participate in federal school-choice tax credits
Mississippi will soon be able to get a break on their taxes for contributing to private-school scholarships, thanks to a federal program.
Man pleads not guilty to setting fire to Mississippi synagogue
The man accused of setting fire to a Mississippi synagogue pleaded not guilty to a federal arson charge on Tuesday.
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.
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.
Two teens walk into the hospital, both shot, uncooperative with police
Two men were taken to the hospital following a Tuesday evening shooting.
Mary Means Business: Colorado-based Birdcall chicken restaurant coming to Starkville
Do you hear that? It’s almost like a bird is calling. And Starkville answered the phone.
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.
Supervisors prepare to launch first phase of countywide comprehensive plan
Supervisors will soon begin considering new land-use ordinances and development guidelines as they move into the first phase of implementing the county’s comprehensive plan.
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
Nearly 4 inches of rain dump on area Sunday morning
June 8, 2025
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