Starkville Breaking News
BREAKING NEWS
Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball Team Prepares for NCAA Regional
News Summary The Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team is gearing up for a crucial NCAA Regional tournament, with junior player Bryce Chance highlighting its significance to the team. After a...
Tennessee Valley Authority Announces New Power Transmission Line
News Summary The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has announced plans for a new 19-mile power transmission line crossing Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha counties. Intended to enhance energy reliability, the line...
Brian O’Connor Emerges as Top Candidate for MSU Baseball Coach
News Summary Brian O’Connor, the head coach of the University of Virginia, is being considered as the leading candidate for the head coach position at Mississippi State University. This speculation...
Evan Siary Shines with Record 15 Strikeouts Against Ole Miss
News Summary Evan Siary, a standout pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, achieved a career-high of 15 strikeouts in a crucial victory over No. 24 Ole Miss. His remarkable performance...
Authorities Seek Help to Locate Missing Pontotoc Man
News Summary Authorities in Pontotoc County are calling for public assistance to find Terry Lee Bennett, a 41-year-old man who has been missing since May 11. His family reported him...
CPS Report Sparks Debate Over Child Fame and Safety
News Summary A TikTok user has taken responsibility for contacting Child Protective Services regarding La’riyah Jesireé’s mother, following the child’s rise to fame. La’riyah’s viral dance videos have raised questions...
Columbus Man Sentenced for Manslaughter in Racing Incident
News Summary Dustin Wayne Gwathney, a 25-year-old from Columbus, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for manslaughter following a fatal racing accident that claimed the life of 45-year-old...
Twisted Whisker Cat Cafe Announces Closure in Tupelo
News Summary The Twisted Whisker Cat Cafe in Tupelo, Mississippi, will close on October 31 due to financial difficulties after two successful years of operation. In its time, the cafe...
Two Fatalities in Starkville Shooting at Quality Inn
News Summary A tragic shooting at the Quality Inn in Starkville, Mississippi, resulted in the deaths of two men, Veshawn Williams and Robert Mayfield. The incident, triggered by a physical...
Mississippi State Players Recognized as Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalists
News Summary Two standout players from Mississippi State University, Ace Reese and Noah Sullivan, have been named semifinalists for the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, honoring the top collegiate baseball players....
POLITICS
Danish Man Detained by ICE Over Miscommunication in Louisiana
News Summary Kasper Juul Eriksen, a 32-year-old Danish man, has been held in ICE custody for over a month following a paperwork misunderstanding during his citizenship interview. Having legally resided...
Starkville Commemorates Johnny Cash’s Arrest with Marker
News Summary Starkville, Mississippi, celebrated the legacy of country music legend Johnny Cash by unveiling a commemorative plaque on the anniversary of his historic arrest for public drunkenness. The plaque,...
Funding Crisis Threatens Family Planning Clinics in Mississippi
News Summary Nearly 100 clinics in Mississippi face severe financial challenges after the federal government halted Title X funds, critical for family planning services. Clinics like Five Horizons Health Services...
MSU Student Claire Green Awarded Truman Scholarship
News Summary Claire Green, a junior from Mississippi State University, has been awarded the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Selected from a competitive pool of 743 applicants nationwide, she stands...
MSU Secures $750,000 Grant for Gulf Coast Research
News Summary Mississippi State University has received a nearly $750,000 grant from the Gulf Research Program to advance collaborative research addressing challenges in the Gulf Coast region. The funding will...
Oktibbeha County Woman Indicted for SNAP Fraud
News Summary Deidre Blair has been indicted for fraud related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, allegedly receiving over $43,000 unlawfully. Following a thorough investigation by the Mississippi Department of...
Funding Cuts Hit Starkville Nonprofits Hard
News Summary The recent $400 million cut to the AmeriCorps VISTA program has resulted in immediate layoffs affecting nonprofits in Starkville. Thousands of VISTA employees, including arts programming assistants, face...
Marco Brown’s Murder Trial Underway in Starkville
News Summary The murder trial of Marco Brown, accused of killing his wife Imia Brown, is currently unfolding in the Oktibbeha County Circuit Court. The jury has begun deliberations, with...
Starkville Addresses Voter Roll Confusion Post-Election
News Summary Following the recent municipal Democratic primary elections, Starkville faced significant voter roll confusion due to 1,480 address errors. Many polling locations were incorrect, frustrating residents as they tried...
Columbus Residents Promote Community Engagement to Combat Crime
News Summary In Columbus, Mississippi, a recent dialogue among community leaders emphasized the importance of engagement in understanding and preventing crime. A criminology professor highlighted that while only 20% have...
CRIME
Authorities Seek Help to Locate Missing Pontotoc Man
News Summary Authorities in Pontotoc County are calling for public assistance to find Terry Lee Bennett, a 41-year-old man who has been missing since May 11. His family reported him...
Columbus Man Sentenced for Manslaughter in Racing Incident
News Summary Dustin Wayne Gwathney, a 25-year-old from Columbus, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for manslaughter following a fatal racing accident that claimed the life of 45-year-old...
Two Fatalities in Starkville Shooting at Quality Inn
News Summary A tragic shooting at the Quality Inn in Starkville, Mississippi, resulted in the deaths of two men, Veshawn Williams and Robert Mayfield. The incident, triggered by a physical...
Handgun Discovered in Starkville Elementary School
News Summary A handgun was found in a student’s backpack at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School in Starkville, Mississippi. The weapon was discovered after another student alerted staff, prompting a...
Starkville School District Implements New Safety Measures
News Summary In response to two incidents involving firearms found on school campuses, the Starkville Oktibbeha School District is enhancing safety protocols. A loaded magazine clip was discovered at Partnership...
Handgun Found in Starkville Elementary School Student’s Backpack
News Summary A handgun was discovered in a student’s backpack at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School in Starkville, prompting the implementation of enhanced security measures. No injuries were reported, and...
ECONOMY
MSU Secures $750,000 Grant for Gulf Coast Research
News Summary Mississippi State University has received a nearly $750,000 grant from the Gulf Research Program to advance collaborative research addressing challenges in the Gulf Coast region. The funding will...
Starkville Sales Tax Revenue Surges Amid Declines in Columbus and West Point
News Summary Starkville experiences a nearly 10% rise in sales tax revenue, reaching $5.8 million year-to-date, while Columbus and West Point see declines. Factors contributing to Starkville’s growth include new...
New Neighborhood Development Announced in East Oktibbeha County
News Summary A new gated community is slated to develop in East Oktibbeha County, covering 98 acres, with 150 homes planned in the first phase. This project aims to meet...
Starkville’s Pecan Acres Relocation Faces Challenges
News Summary The Pecan Acres relocation proposal in Starkville has encountered several obstacles amid the pandemic, including community concerns and HUD regulations. Originally proposed in 2018, plans to redevelop the...
Columbus, MS Major Drug Bust Targets Local Businesses
News Summary Columbus, Mississippi, experienced a significant drug bust on January 16, 2025, involving a sting operation that targeted four local businesses suspected of illegal marijuana sales. The Lowndes County...
SPORT
Mississippi State Baseball Makes Comeback to NCAA Tournament
News Summary Mississippi State baseball is set to return to the NCAA Tournament for its 41st appearance, earning a No. 3 seed in the Tallahassee Regional. The Bulldogs, under interim...
Mississippi State Baseball Prepares for NCAA Tournament
News Summary Mississippi State baseball is excited to compete in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. The Bulldogs have secured the No. 3 seed in the Tallahassee Regional...
Mississippi State Baseball Gears Up for NCAA Tournament
News Summary Excitement is palpable in Starkville as Mississippi State baseball prepares for the NCAA Tournament. With rising expectations following a strong finish to their season, fans are eager to...
Mississippi State Baseball Eagerly Awaits NCAA Tournament Assignment
News Summary The Mississippi State baseball team is buzzing with anticipation as they await their NCAA tournament fate. With a strong record and critical seeding potential, fans are excited for...
Ace Reese Dominates SEC Baseball for Mississippi State
News Summary Ace Reese has stolen the spotlight in SEC baseball as he leads the Mississippi State Bulldogs with breathtaking stats heading into the SEC tournament. His remarkable performance this...
Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Missouri Tigers in Series Opener
News Summary The Mississippi State Bulldogs delivered an impressive 25-7 victory over the Missouri Tigers in the series opener. With a recent string of successes, the Bulldogs are focused on...
DISASTERS
Severe Hailstorm Causes Damage and Displacement in Starkville
News Summary A severe hailstorm struck Starkville, MS, causing significant property damage and displacing residents. The storm, which featured hail resembling snow, affected various areas with the Oktibbeha County Emergency...
Early Morning Fire in Starkville Leaves One Hospitalized
News Summary A severe fire at a Starkville residence early Saturday left one person hospitalized and caused extensive damage. Firefighters battled heavy smoke and flames, successfully preventing the fire from...
Severe Weather Devastates Mississippi, Six Lives Lost
News Summary Severe storms, including violent tornadoes and hail, wreaked havoc across Mississippi, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives and numerous injuries. Significant damage was reported, particularly in...
Tragic Multi-Car Crash in Clay County, Mississippi
News Summary A devastating multi-car accident on Highway 45 Alternate in Clay County, Mississippi, resulted in the death of 68-year-old Hugh Lee Dent. The incident occurred on Thursday morning around...
Severe Thunderstorms Impact NE Mississippi This Weekend
News Summary NE Mississippi is experiencing severe thunderstorms as a cold front moves through the region. The storms pose a risk for potential tornadoes, prompting severe thunderstorm watches across Louisiana,...
Fatal Accident on Highway 45 Alternate in Clay County
News Summary A tragic accident on Highway 45 Alternate in Clay County, Mississippi, has resulted in one fatality. The crash, occurring early Thursday afternoon near West Point, led to the...
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Young Driver in Lafayette County
News Summary A tragic accident in Oxford, Mississippi, claimed the life of 27-year-old Dakota Bowen on April 19. The fatal crash occurred on Highway 334 when his vehicle collided with...
Severe Weather Alert for Northeast Mississippi: Prepare Now
News Summary Northeast Mississippi is bracing for severe weather as a level 4 MODERATE risk has been issued for the evening. Residents should prepare for intense storms, including large hail...
Flooding Rescue Operations Underway in Lowndes County, MS
News Summary Lowndes County, Mississippi, faces rising floodwaters due to heavy storms, prompting urgent rescue operations. Firefighters saved families trapped by the floods while authorities emphasize evacuation for those in...
Timely Arrests in Oktibbeha County for Commercial Burglary
News Summary In a significant development, the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department arrested two suspects, Timothy Eric James and Laurie Gallik, in connection with a commercial burglary in Starkville. Community tips...
HEALTH
Oktibbeha County Residents Targeted by Phone Scams
News Summary Residents of Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, are falling victim to a surge of scams involving fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials. The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department has reported that scammers...
OCH Regional Medical Center Up for Sale in Starkville
News Summary OCH Regional Medical Center is on the market, with bids received from Baptist Memorial Health Care and North Mississippi Health Services. The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors is...
Major Data Breach at OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville
News Summary OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville has reported a significant data breach affecting around 67,000 patient files that occurred two years ago. The hospital took time to investigate...
A Heartwarming Homecoming for Former Caregiver at Dugan Home
News Summary Leerene Williams, a 94-year-old former nurse aide, has returned to Dugan Home in West Point, Mississippi, where she once worked. As the home’s first nursing assistant in 1967,...
Mississippi State University Recognizes Academic Excellence
News Summary Mississippi State University proudly announces that 4,569 students made the Fall 2024 President’s List, highlighting their academic prowess and dedication. To qualify, students needed a GPA of 3.80...
Mississippi Doctor Suspended for Inappropriate Patient Relationship
News Summary Dr. Clifton Story has been suspended for a year following accusations of an inappropriate relationship with a patient who was also a student. The State Board ruled his...
Starkville Housing Authority’s Relocation Challenges
News Summary The Starkville Housing Authority is experiencing setbacks in relocating Pecan Acres, a public housing development initiated in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic and several unforeseen hurdles, including a rise...
Oktibbeha County Updates: A Year of Change and Challenges
News Summary In 2024, Oktibbeha County has witnessed significant developments in public safety, healthcare changes, infrastructure upgrades, and community growth. Amid discussions on security cameras, the potential sale of OCH...
SHOWBIZ
Mississippi State’s Athletic Director Secures Contract Extension
News Summary Mississippi State’s athletic director, Zac Selmon, has secured a contract extension until 2029, significantly increasing his annual compensation. Selmon has made impactful decisions since taking over in 2023,...
Historic Flag Acquired by Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library
News Summary The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library in Starkville, Mississippi, has received a historic United States flag, believed to have connections to Grant himself. Donated by Renasant Bank, the...
TECH UPDATES
Amazon Opens New Last Mile Facility in Starkville
News Summary Amazon has officially opened a new Last Mile facility in Starkville, Mississippi, employing around 150 associates and 200 drivers. With plans to hire an additional 500 workers, the...
Camgian Corporation to Invest $2.5 Million in Starkville Expansion
News Summary Camgian Corporation is set to invest $2.5 million in an expansion that will enhance its AI and automation capabilities in Starkville. The project promises to create 15 new...
Camgian Corporation Invests $2.5 Million in Starkville
News Summary Camgian Corporation, a software developer in Starkville, Mississippi, is set to invest $2.5 million in expanding its operations, creating 15 new high-tech jobs for the local community. Founded...
Meridian Welcomes New Tech Investment
News Summary Meridian, Mississippi, is set to become a technology hub with the groundbreaking of a new $10 billion data center campus by Compass Datacenters. This project, featuring eight data...
OCH Regional Medical Center to Launch New EMR System
News Summary OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville, Mississippi, is set to launch a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system called CERNER on January 27. This significant update aims to...
Mississippi Named National Hub for Cyber Operations Training
News Summary Keesler Air Base in Biloxi, Mississippi has been designated as the national hub for cyber operations training by the U.S. Air Force. This decision, formalized through a joint...
Columbus Welcomes Expansion in Allegro Plaza
Columbus Welcomes Expansion in Allegro Plaza The renowned Allegro Plaza, located at 3600 Bluecutt Road in Columbus, has embarked on its expansion program with the introduction of an obstetrics and...
Miskelly Furniture Set for Soft Opening on July 15
Miskelly Furniture Announces Soft Opening Scheduled for July 15 In what looks to be a boost for furniture enthusiasts and local economy alike, Miskelly Furniture is gearing up to soft...
Fractal Networks Leads Data Privacy Revolution in Starkville
Starkville-based tech startup, Fractal Networks, is at the forefront of the data privacy sector with its innovative software and hardware solutions. The company, founded by Mo Balaa in February 2021,...
SCIENCE
Significant Mosasaur Fossil Discovery in Mississippi
News Summary Geologists in Mississippi have found a large fossil vertebra believed to belong to a mosasaur, an ancient marine predator. Discovered during a geological survey south of Starkville, the...
Major Mosasaur Vertebra Discovered in Starkville
News Summary A significant fossil discovery has been made in Starkville, Mississippi, where geologist James Starnes uncovered a large mosasaur vertebra. This fossil, dating back to the late Cretaceous period,...
MSU Secures $750,000 Grant for Gulf Coast Research
News Summary Mississippi State University has received a nearly $750,000 grant from the Gulf Research Program to advance collaborative research addressing challenges in the Gulf Coast region. The funding will...
Two Mississippi State University Professors Selected as IEEE Fellows
News Summary Two professors from Mississippi State University, Yong Fu and Masoud Karimi, have been honored as IEEE Fellows for the Class of 2025. This accolade reflects their significant contributions...
Starkville High School Students Shine at Science Fair
News Summary Students from Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District showcased their impressive projects at the 2025 MS Region V Science & Engineering Fair. Collectively, they won 30 awards, with Katie...
Mississippi State University Unveils Autonomous Off-Road Vehicle
News Summary Mississippi State University (MSU) made headlines with the introduction of the MRZR, an innovative autonomous off-road vehicle at the SEMA show. This vehicle is developed by the Center...
