Bonfire shooting investigation expands to include assault, theft
Less than a week after five people were injured in a shooting at a bonfire on Cousins Road, Sheriff Eddie Scott said investigators are still sorting through a growing list of other offenses connected to the event, including an assault, a stolen all-terrain vehicle and possible permit violations.
A diagnosis shared: Mom guides daughter through Type 1 diabetes
When Ashley Hall was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic about 25 years ago, she was terrified.
Abandoned home partially destroyed in Friday fire
No injuries were reported in a Friday morning fire that left an abandoned house partially destroyed.
Christmas tree lots: Some branch out, others trim back
Chad McComic hauls Fraser firs from a truckload of more than 200 Christmas trees Friday morning, lining them along the front yard of CM Farms in West Point.
Boyfriend charged with woman’s murder
A Columbus man has been charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend, Neshieka Dobbs, according to a Columbus Police Department press release.
New wheels, open trails ahead for Columbus fourth-grader
Wade Townsend, a fourth-grader at Heritage Academy Elementary School, loved hiking with his siblings and hunting with his grandfather when he was younger.
Body found Thursday believed to be that of missing woman
Police are questioning two persons of interest after a body, presumed to be that of a missing woman, was recovered Thursday.
Federal funds resume for Oktibbeha dam project
With federal grant funding once again available and engineers nearing their final recommendations, work on the long-awaited Oktibbeha County Dam project could begin by mid-2026.
CVB commits $1 million toward finishing amphitheater
Add another $1 million toward completing the Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater on the Island.
Four arrested in East Columbus shooting
Four men were arrested in connection to a Tuesday night shooting on North McCrary Road.
BBQ Drippins steps up with free community meal
A few weeks ago, co-owners Robert Latham and Terrance Sykes of BBQ Drippins food trailer were discussing how to support those in need in West Point after issues with the issuance of SNAP benefits continued during October.
Council, supes push for stronger collaboration, regular dialogue
Columbus council members and Lowndes County supervisors met Tuesday for a joint session focused on improving communication between the two boards and identifying ways the city and county can work more closely together.
Mary Means Business: Anthony’s owner to operate West Point microbrewery
A 10-barrel microbrewery in North Little Rock, Arkansas, is spreading its wings and migrating southeast.
Starkville, Columbus sales tax revenue outpacing FY 25
Both Columbus and Starkville are outpacing last year’s sales tax revenues in the second month of Fiscal Year 2026, with 1.66% growth in Columbus and 9.45% growth in Starkville compared to November 2024.
Council moves on from lobbyist after airing more grievances
Ward 6 Councilman Jason Spears came to Tuesday’s city council meeting wanting to set the record straight about accusations the city’s former lobbyist made against him in the firm’s resignation letter.
Ask The Dispatch: Your questions answered about the new short-term rental ordinance in Columbus
From mandatory permits to safety postings and a 2% tax, a new ordinance passed in October brings new rules to operating a short-term rental within city limits.
Tax break approved for $45M hotel, student housing
A $45 million redevelopment project planned for an old stormwater detention area off Highway 12 is one step closer to fruition following Tuesday’s board of aldermen meeting.
Public’s help requested in search for missing man
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a man who has not been seen in more than a week.
Education: Francois follows her calling in first year leading Stokes-Beard
Martisa Francois can vividly remember riding the school bus as a child and playing teacher.






















