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.
Education Brief: Hayes among MSU Presidential Partnership Scholarship recipients
Katherine Hayes, a chemical engineering major from Columbus, is among 13 Mississippi State University transfer students receiving Presidential Partnership Scholarships this fall, the university’s most prestigious awards for those transferring from the state’s community colleges.
Education: Young leaders graduate from 4-County’s Co-op U
Emma Williams of New Hope High School was selected as one of four winners in 4-County Electric Power Association’s Cooperative University contest.
Community Profile: Painting her way through college
When Clyde Hollis offered to pay Lucy Willcutt to do some decorative window painting at his rental storage business three years ago, she figured it would be sort of a one-time deal.
Mayor: State rep colluded with councilman to ax lobbyist
Mayor Stephen Jones on Monday said ending Worth Thomas Consultants’ time as the city’s lobbying firm was a joint effort between District 41 State Rep. Kabir Karriem and Ward 6 Councilman Jason Spears.
Gunfire erupts at Clay bonfire; 5 injured in crossfire
Five people, including at least four bystanders, were injured Sunday morning in a shooting during a bonfire on Cousins Road.
Petition urges supes to invest $30.5M of hospital funds
More than 150 residents have signed a petition urging the board of supervisors to place $30.5 million in net proceeds from the sale of OCH Regional Medical Center into a long-term reserve and trust fund, rather than spending it.
Five suffer gunshot wounds in Saturday shooting
CLAY COUNTY – At least five people were injured in a shooting Saturday night in Clay County, Chief Deputy Steven “Woody” Woodruff told The Dispatch.
Habitat for Humanity hands Starkville family the keys to a new chapter
Danyell Latham wiped away tears Saturday as volunteers with Habitat for Humanity handed her and her sons, Robert and Kasen Kelly, the keys to a new home they helped build.
Runway extension to break ground next month at Starkville airport
Construction on a 1,000-foot runway extension at George M. Bryan Airport will begin next month, marking progress on a project more than a decade in the making.
Aggravated assault conviction upheld in fatal ATV crash
Mississippi Supreme Court justices upheld the aggravated assault conviction of a Starkville man sentenced for his role in a 2022 four-wheeler crash that killed a 9-year-old girl and injured two other children.
Deputies searching for two suspects in Sunday double homicide
June 29, 2025
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