A rose to the 2026 Mountain Dew Bassmaster Elite Series, which wraps up its four-day competition on Sunday at the Columbus Marina. The event is the fourth in a series of nine tournaments that feature 100 of the top professional bass anglers in the world. This is the second time Columbus has been a host, after first doing so in 2004. Landing the tournament was a big achievement for Columbus-Lowndes CVB. The interest in pro fishing tournaments is booming, with live TV coverage on FS1 and FOX scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. It’s great exposure for the city and for Columbus Lake and the Tenn-Tom Waterway where anglers compete for the $100,000 championship. The tournament wraps up on Sunday with the final weigh-in at 3 p.m. Daily weigh-ins will also be held at 3 p.m. and there are plenty of entertainment options, food and music during the afternoon. We encourage everyone to be a part of the fun and create the kind of atmosphere that will entice Bassmaster to return for future events.
A rose to the City of Starkville and Main Street Starkville for their efforts in securing a major housing development project in the heart of downtown. Trifecta Development Group of Brandon has purchased approximately 2.5 acres on the corner of Lafayette and Highway 182 in downtown Starkville. Trifecta partners Tye Densford and Alex Alexander confirmed plans to construct two buildings, one with 12 condominium units, the other with 24. Combined, the first floor of both buildings will include approximately 16,000 square feet of commercial space to include businesses like a restaurant, coffee shop, boutique and more. This is Phase 1 of the development’s project, with plans to expand. Large downtown housing developments are rare, which is why this project, much like the Burns Bottom/Parkview project in Columbus, is so exciting. They fill a need and fuel future growth. The projects in both cities are sure signs of robust, growing communities.
A rose to the Mississippi University for Women’s Culinary Department, which is launching a series of luncheons in April. The three-luncheon “Savor the W” is designed to highlight fresh flavors, great company and the rising talent of future chefs. Through the series, senior students will showcase their mastery and leadership as they transition from the classroom to professional practice. Under guidance of faculty and consulting chef John Fitzgerald, Chef de Cuisine at Restaurant Tyler, students have conceptualized and will execute every element of the series – from themed menu development to final plate presentation. The luncheons are scheduled for April 1, April 15 and April 22. Each event features a crafted three-course meal served at the Culinary Arts Institute,Each event features a crafted three-course meal served at the Culinary Arts Institute. Seating is limited to 50 guests per date. To register, guests should contact the Culinary Arts Institute at (662) 241-7472.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.

