Good deeds earn a good read at New Hope Upper Elementary

A crowd of elementary students gathered around Principal Andy Edwards on Tuesday, eagerly awaiting to rip into the 6-foot Christmas present sitting near the front office at New Hope Upper Elementary School.

Photos: Luxi arrives in Columbus

Warm coats, fresh cuts, no cost

Coats were stacked, and clippers were buzzing Saturday at Missionary Union Baptist Church as families made their way to the Cuts and Coats event.

Man injured in Saturday drive-by shooting

Police are investigating a Saturday drive-by shooting that sent one man to the hospital.

Hwy 82 East reopens ahead of schedule

The eastbound lane of Highway 82 reopened ahead of schedule Saturday afternoon.  Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday

Dispatch to outsource printing after final 2025 press run

After more than 100 years of printing in-house, The Dispatch will begin outsourcing its printing operations in 2026.

CMSD offers superintendent job; Chapman yet to accept

Columbus Municipal School District trustees on Wednesday offered Craig Chapman the district superintendent position, though Chapman has not yet accepted the job.

$8.5M outpatient pavilion to expand Noxubee hospital

Access to speciality care in Noxubee County is set to expand significantly as Noxubee Medical Complex moves forward with an $8.5 million outpatient pavilion set to open in 2027.

Innocence Project helps West Point woman get new trial

The Mississippi Court of Appeals has granted a new trial to a West Point woman convicted of first-degree murder in a decision handed down Tuesday.

Community Profile: After 14 years, familiar face at Tennessee Williams House retiring

When visitors come to the Tennessee Williams House Museum and Welcome Center, they’re typically welcomed with a sweet voice, a warm smile and a question intended to start a conversation. For 14 years, that greeting has come from Carolyn Lowry.

LINK touts growth, progress after turbulent year

Despite “what a year” it’s been for the Golden Triangle Development LINK, Chief Operating Officer Meryl Fisackerly said the region’s industrial development arm has continued pushing forward with major projects.

A quieter Christmas offered for sensory-sensitive kids

Lights, music and crowded rooms are often staples of the holiday season, but for children with sensory sensitivities, those same traditions can turn from festive to overwhelming.

Families honor loved ones lost to gun violence

Reita Humphries knows what it’s like to spend the holidays grieving.

High schooler convicted of robbery… in mock trial

The stakes were high Tuesday for defendant Carmelo Anthony, who faced up to 45 years after pleading guilty to armed robbery.

Supervisors table short-term rental ordinance tied to hotel tax

Supervisors tabled consideration of a new ordinance that would make short-term rentals in the county subject to the 2% hotel tax.

Photo: Citywide food drive

‘That was my baby’: Mother questions details surrounding daughter’s death

Annie Dobbs knew something was wrong when she didn’t hear from her daughter Nashieka “Shieka” Dobbs for a few days.

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.

Abandoned home partially destroyed in Friday fire

No injuries were reported in a Friday morning fire that left an abandoned house partially destroyed.

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.