Columbus man arrested for February shooting after months on the run
A Columbus man is behind bars for his alleged role in a February shooting, Columbus Police Department Public Information Officer Bryan Moore told The Dispatch.
Renowned ‘clean’ comedian to perform at Columbus church
Award-winning comedian Kerri Pomarolli will take the stage this weekend for the First Methodist Church of Columbus’ inaugural Columbus First Women’s Event.
New Hope Middle School coloring book to aid student mental health
Earlier this school year, New Hope Middle School art teacher Nikki Carlson gave her seven art classes a special project.
Oktibbeha supes approve $61.4M budget, funding raises and new positions
Oktibbeha County supervisors on Thursday approved a $61.4 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that funds 3% raises for county employees, despite a nearly $10 million drop in projected revenue.
SOCSD, MSU agree to partner in planning new Starkville High
The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District board on Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding with Mississippi State University, agreeing to partner in planning for the new Starkville High School.
Master plan, lot prices unveiled for Burns Bottom’s Parkview
The first phase of the Parkview development in the former Burns Bottom neighborhood, which will include 28 lots for single-family homes, is projected to begin construction in 2026.
Student, armed man with ski masks charged after EMCC threat
A threat that sparked a lockdown Tuesday evening at East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle in Mayhew has since resulted in two arrests.
Council includes $340K worth of raises in newly approved budget
The city council on Wednesday approved a $29.3 million budget for the next fiscal year, including roughly $340,000 in raises for various positions.
Mary Means Business: Rural King to hold soft opening Sept. 18
Rural King officials confirmed the farm supply store at 2308 Hwy. 45 will host its soft opening Sept. 18.
Public works equipment purchases coming from city reserve funds
Public works will get needed new equipment next fiscal year, but the city will have to dip into its cash reserves to buy it.
District 41, CMSD elections suspended with both seats uncontested
With both races uncontested, two elections previously scheduled for November will no longer be held.
‘Pure ecstasy’ for MSU comes with $500K price tag
“It’s been so long since there was energy like that in Davis Wade Stadium.”
Longtime WCBI personality to join CMSD staff
A well-known area journalist is leaving WCBI after more than two decades to join the staff at Columbus Municipal School District.
Northern Mississippi residents demand new electrical provider after years of city’s negligence
After five hours in a courtroom where attendees struggled to find standing room, the Mississippi Public Service Commission voted to petition a judge to put the Holly Springs Utility Department into a receivership.
Chamber to host annual Educators Are Essential conference at MUW
The Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Education Committee is hosting its annual Educators are Essential event again this year in the form of a free education conference for local educators across the county.
Education Brief: Area residents among ICC scholarship recipients
Several area students are the recipients of scholarships at Itawamba Community College for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Education: EMCC’s enrollment increases eight consecutive terms
While overall fall enrollment numbers compared to the same time last year showed an increase of 5.3% in Mississippi among public two-year colleges, East Mississippi Community College’s fall enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year rose by 6.9%.
Community Profile: A ‘Jake’ of all trades, how one business closing has led to the revival of another
Some of Jake Toman’s earliest memories growing up involved traveling around the country with his dad.
Secretary of state plays national role in voting policies
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson is helping craft national election policy for the White House, a position in which he hopes to sway President Trump against banning mail-in voting nationally.
