Starkville Breaking News
BREAKING NEWS
LeBron Johnson Signs with Holmes Community College
News Summary LeBron Johnson, a senior basketball player from Starkville High School, signed his letter of intent to play at Holmes Community College. The signing ceremony was filled with pride...
Community Spirit Shines in Starkville with Innovative Carpentry Project
News Summary In Starkville, students are transforming an old camper into a mobile hunting shelter for those with disabilities. This project, led by junior Michael Sullivan, aims to enhance access...
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...
OCHS Animal Support Center Opens in Starkville, Mississippi
News Summary The OCHS Animal Support Center has officially opened in Starkville, MS, marking the first facility of its kind in the state. This new center, a collaboration between the...
Starkville Students Create Mobile Hunting House for Hope Outdoors
News Summary A group of students from Starkville High School are building a mobile hunting house to benefit the non-profit organization Hope Outdoors, which helps individuals with special needs access...
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...
Jackson, Mississippi, Celebrates New Forensic Science Partnership
News Summary Jackson, Mississippi, recently witnessed a significant partnership between Mississippi State University (MSU) and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) aimed at enhancing forensic science collaboration. Formalized through...
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...
Columbus Man Faces Charges After Alleged Attempt on Girlfriend
News Summary A Columbus man, Noah Baker, is facing serious charges for allegedly attempting to run over his girlfriend during a domestic dispute. Law enforcement has taken Baker into custody,...
POLITICS
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...
Bill Strauss Announces Candidacy for Columbus Mayor
News Summary Columbus residents witnessed a significant political development as Bill Strauss declared his candidacy for the mayoral election in 2025. During an engaging event at Leadership Plaza themed ‘Better...
Former Mayor Maurice Howard Arrested in Starkville
News Summary Maurice Howard, the former mayor of Aberdeen, has been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime linked to his gas station in Starkville, raising concerns among residents. The...
Columbus and Starkville See Improvement in Voter Turnout
News Summary Voter turnout for the 2025 municipal primaries in Columbus and Starkville showed significant improvement compared to 2021. Columbus saw a turnout of 24.8%, while Starkville reached 24%, both...
Starkville’s Mayoral Primary Results Leave Residents on Edge
News Summary Following a tightly contested Democratic mayoral primary in Starkville, incumbent Mayor Lynn Spruill is currently leading with 50.98% of the votes. Former fire chief Charles Yarbrough trails closely...
Columbus, Mississippi: Changes Loom for MUW
News Summary The Mississippi University for Women (MUW) in Columbus faces potential changes, including a proposed merger with Mississippi State University (MSU). Amidst legislative scrutiny, discussions about rebranding and altering...
Concerns in Starkville: A Barber’s Frustration with Local Police Conduct
News Summary Larry ‘Luv’ Johnson, owner of Touch of Luv Barber and Beauty Salon in Starkville, expresses frustration over local police conduct after a dismissive encounter with officers. The ongoing...
Lynn Spruill Wins Starkville Mayoral Primary
News Summary In a close Democratic primary, incumbent mayor Lynn Spruill secured her position for the upcoming general election by winning 50.93% of the votes cast. With 1,422 votes, she...
Voting Confusion in Starkville Due to Ward Boundary Changes
News Summary Starkville residents experienced significant confusion during the April 1 elections due to recent changes in ward boundaries following the 2020 census. Many voters were reassigned to new polling...
CRIME
Columbus Man Faces Charges After Alleged Attempt on Girlfriend
News Summary A Columbus man, Noah Baker, is facing serious charges for allegedly attempting to run over his girlfriend during a domestic dispute. Law enforcement has taken Baker into custody,...
Starkville Faces Troubling Night as Shooting Erupts
News Summary On April 12, 2025, Starkville, Mississippi, was shaken by a shooting incident at Sandhill Arms Apartments. Just after 8 p.m., gunfire erupted, prompting a swift police response. The...
Tragic Shooting Shakes Starkville at Quality Inn
News Summary A tragic shooting at the Quality Inn in Starkville, Mississippi, left two young men dead after an altercation. The incident unfolded on February 20, prompting a swift response...
West Point Police Seek Assistance in Locating Assault Suspect
News Summary The West Point Police Department is appealing to the community for help in locating Brian Turnipseed, a suspect wanted for assault with a weapon. Residents are urged to...
Community Urged to Assist in Solving Homicide and Robbery Cases in Columbus
News Summary Columbus residents are called to support local authorities in solving unresolved homicide cases, including the tragic death of Preston Bell, and a robbery incident at a convenience store....
Two Starkville Men Arrested for Sexual Battery
News Summary In recent developments, two Starkville men—Patrick Hogan and Javion Jefferson—have been arrested on counts of sexual battery in unrelated incidents. Both cases involved victims known to the suspects,...
ECONOMY
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
Starkville Residents Embrace Technology at AI Workshop
News Summary Recently, the Oktibbeha County Extension Center in Starkville hosted an AI workshop aimed at educators and seniors. Participants engaged in hands-on learning about machine learning and AI tools,...
Starkville Academy Appoints New Head Baseball Coach
News Summary Starkville Academy has named Lee Berryhill as their new head baseball coach, a move that has brought excitement and optimism to the program. With over 30 years of...
Columbus, Mississippi Hosts St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Tournament
News Summary Columbus, Mississippi is abuzz as it hosts the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens tournament from April 16-18, 2025. This prestigious event features over 150 anglers competing for a $300,000...
Starkville Celebrates Olympic Athletes with Torch Ceremony
News Summary Starkville recently hosted a heartwarming ceremony honoring its Olympic athletes, including the presentation of the Olympic Torch by local stars from Mississippi State University. With city officials and...
Starkville Celebrates the 6th Annual Stark Vegas Futbol Jamboree
News Summary The 6th Annual Stark Vegas Futbol Jamboree brought the Starkville community together for a day filled with soccer excitement. Hosted by Mississippi State University, the event featured 3...
Dogs Dazzle at AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup in Starkville
News Summary The AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup took place in Starkville, Mississippi, where over 40 dogs showcased their diving talents at Mississippi State University. Highlights included Boom Boom’s stunning...
DISASTERS
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...
Severe Storms Cause Havoc in Northeast Mississippi
News Summary Northeast Mississippi is currently facing severe storms, including tornado watches until 11 PM. Meteorologists warn of damaging winds, large hail, and potential tornadoes. Residents are advised to remain...
Local Heroes Hit the Road to Help Storm Recovery in South Mississippi
News Summary In the wake of devastating tornadoes in Mississippi, local utility crews, including the ECPA team from Lowndes County, have mobilized to restore power in Columbia. The storms, which...
Early Morning Blaze in Tupelo: Fire Under Investigation
News Summary On March 15, Tupelo Fire Department responded to a fire at a three-story apartment complex on Lockridge Street. Thankfully, the building was unoccupied at the time, minimizing injury...
Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Three Medical Crew Members
News Summary In a heartbreaking incident in northern Madison County, Mississippi, a helicopter crash has claimed the lives of three medical crew members associated with life-saving operations. The AirCare 3...
Tragic Early Morning Fire Claims Life of Starkville Man
News Summary A devastating fire at the West Main Arms apartment complex in Starkville early Friday morning claimed the life of a 72-year-old man, Rodney Jenkins. Emergency responders arrived swiftly,...
Severe Winds Damage Clay County Jail
News Summary On March 4, severe winds and heavy rain caused significant damage at the Clay County Jail in West Point, Mississippi, ripping off the roof of the south wing....
HEALTH
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
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
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...
