Between the Headlines: Columbus

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A new memorandum of understanding between Mississippi State University and the Starkville-Oktibbeha County School District reveals a plan for a new Starkville High School that doesn't include MSMS. Plans may include an MSMS competitor, though. We discuss what that means and whether MSMS’s Columbus campus is finally secure—or if threats could resurface in the next legislative session.

In the second half, we’re joined by Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins, who discusses major cases his department has tackled, including the recent arrest of a man who was allegedly found to have hundreds of images of child porn on his phones. The man admitted to being part of a global network of individuals who exchange such photos. After serving a seven year sentence in federal prison, he will be deported. 

The sheriff also discusses the challenges of combating drug networks, the strain of understaffed law enforcement, and how his office balances enforcement with intervention. 

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The city council makes a controversial decision to redirect $750,000 from internet sales tax funds toward fixing the leaky roof of the Municipal Complex. What started as a dedicated road improvement fund has now expanded to include "building assets," raising questions about mission creep and fiscal discipline. While council members like Jason Spears fought to preserve the original purpose of these funds, the urgent need to protect millions in equipment from water damage ultimately won the day.

In an unsettling sign of our times, police officers are now riding school buses to address behavioral problems among students and confrontational parents. This new security measure comes without clear guidelines or specialized training protocols, creating potential risks in the close quarters of a moving bus filled with children. The debate centers not on whether discipline is needed, but on how to implement it safely and effectively in this unique environment.

Meanwhile, Tax Assessor Greg Andrews delivered promising financial news during his guest appearance. Lowndes County has added $138 million in assessed value to tax rolls this year with a projected $415 million more coming next year. This explosive growth could generate more than $10 million in additional revenue in coming years, potentially offsetting recent tax increases. Andrews also ballparks the financial impact the Burns Bottom development project will have on the city.

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What happens when parody and politics collide? Just ask Scott Colom, whose "prank call" video aimed at Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith sparked calls from the Mississippi Republican Party chair for an FBI investigation. This extreme reaction transformed what would have been a forgettable campaign moment into valuable statewide exposure for a candidate previously struggling with name recognition.

Meanwhile, in Caledonia, town officials implemented a special 10 p.m. homecoming week curfew after last year's celebrations turned dangerous, with teens reportedly shooting paintball guns at vehicles and causing serious accidents. This wasn't about stopping typical teenage mischief like rolling houses - it was about preventing potentially dangerous outcomes from reckless behavior.

Most concerning is Columbus Mayor Stephen Jones instructing department heads to direct all media inquiries through the Public Information Officer - despite explicitly promising the City Council this would not happen. This marks the second documented instance where the mayor has publicly made statements that later proved untrue. As our hosts note, "You cannot build a positive image of the city on falsehoods." When officials say one thing publicly but implement something completely different, it erodes the foundation of trust necessary for effective governance.

Have we reached a point where political maneuvering and image control take priority over honesty and transparency? Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and following Between the Headlines for more insights into the stories shaping our community.

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District Attorney Scott Colom has thrown his hat into the ring for the United States Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith in what promises to be a compelling race focused on Mississippi's future. 

In his first public interview since his announcement, Colom presented himself as a prosecutor ready to make the case both against Hyde-Smith and for his own vision.

Colom didn't mince words about what he sees as Hyde-Smith's failure to prioritize Mississippi's needs. He pointed to her votes against infrastructure funding that benefited the state while supporting tax cuts for wealthy Americans from other states. Most critically, he highlighted healthcare cuts that could affect 140,000 Mississippians and put eight hospitals at risk of closing – a decision he characterized as putting DC politics above Mississippi's interests.

The District Attorney positioned himself as a "common sense Democrat" who breaks from party orthodoxy on issues like border security while maintaining progressive positions on healthcare and economic policy. When asked about social issues, Colom described himself as a Christian with traditional values who opposes gender-affirming surgeries for minors and biological males competing in girls' sports.

Colom faces significant challenges in a state that has trended strongly Republican in federal elections, but he expressed confidence that his message would resonate with voters who prioritize Mississippi's interests over partisan loyalty.

Then Zack and David talk to Mark Smith, founder of Salute to Lowndes County's Finest, an annual event in its 22nd year that recognizes the work of first responders. The group has also established a fund to assist first responders in need.

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Please note this episode contains explicit language.

A seismic shift has rocked the Golden Triangle as economic development powerhouse Joe Max Higgins was suddenly and unanimously fired by the Link's executive committee after 22 years at the helm. We dive deep into the fallout with special guests Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill and Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston, who offer candid insights into both Higgins' remarkable achievements and the controversial behavior that ultimately led to his downfall.

The conversation doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths. Hosts Zack Plair and David Chism explore Higgins' documented history of crude language and controversial statements, while questioning what undisclosed actions could have been severe enough to warrant termination mid-contract. Higgins was known for his unapologetic language, and the guys recap some quotes from Higgins' past to help determine the severity of language that got him fired. 

What emerges is a fascinating examination of leadership styles, economic development strategy, and the complex calculus of weighing results against behavior. Higgins' legacy includes the creation of 10,000 jobs, five TVA Megasites, and more than $10 billion in capital investments that transformed the region from an "industrial wasteland" to what Hairston calls "the envy of the Southeast" for regional cooperation.

The discussion raises profound questions about what comes next for the LINK, expectations of the Executive Committee, how quickly new leadership can be established, and whether ongoing economic development projects might stall during the transition.

Whether you're concerned about the region's economic future, fascinated by the dynamics of local politics, or simply intrigued by this dramatic local story, this episode offers thoughtful analysis from some of those closest to the situation.

Check out Between the Headlines, episode 5 to hear our previous interview with Joe Max Higgins.

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Columbus's long-fallowed Burns Bottom neighborhood is poised for a remarkable transformation as local developers Nic Parish and Saunders Ramsey of Friendly City Development share their vision for Parkview Columbus. After a decade-long effort by the Columbus Redevelopment Authority to acquire and prepare the site, this partnership marks a turning point for the area.

The developers unveil inspiring plans for approximately 50 single-family homes built in traditional architectural styles that honor Columbus' historic character. Drawing inspiration from successful projects like Starkville's Adelaide development, Parkview will feature front porches, walkable streets, rear-loading garages, and thoughtful integration with existing amenities like the nearby soccer complex. With $5.2 million in public funding secured for infrastructure improvements, the project combines public investment with private expertise to create a neighborhood that emphasizes community connection over mere profit.

What sets this development apart is the deep personal investment of its creators. Parrish lives just blocks from the site and speaks passionately about finding his own sense of community after moving downtown. Both developers emphasize that while financial viability is necessary, their primary motivation is improving Columbus by creating housing options that will attract more residents to downtown. The timeline calls for groundbreaking by year's end, with homes potentially ready by 2028, bringing new energy to the entire downtown ecosystem.

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Transparency isn't just a buzzword—it's the cornerstone of public trust. When Columbus city officials issue misleading statements and then refuse to acknowledge their mistakes, who holds them accountable? This question echoes throughout our latest episode as we examine the proposal for a Public Information Officer at City Hall and the disturbing absence of the CPD Citizens Overview Committee. Will a new city PIO position enhance transparency or simply become another layer of bureaucracy shielding officials from scrutiny? 

Our in-depth interview with State Senator Chuck Younger offers insights into Mississippi's most pressing challenges. As chair of the Highway and Transportation Committee, Younger pulls no punches about the state's infrastructure woes. His candid discussion of agricultural struggles hits close to home—this year marks his first not farming row crops since age 21 due to economic pressures facing the agricultural community.

Education takes center stage as we explore the controversial proposal to relocate the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science from MUW to Starkville. Senator Younger strongly opposes this move, questioning both its necessity and its substantial cost. The conversation extends to school consolidation, education funding, and the delicate balance between tradition and progress in Mississippi's educational institutions.

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Columbus finds itself embroiled in a perfect storm of controversy this week as multiple scandals rock the city's law enforcement and justice systems. The deepening College Street Collision saga has taken a bizarre turn, with Mayor Jones making claims that the hospital and sheriff have disputed. 

Meanwhile, Columbus City Prosecutor Nicole Clinkscales has been sentenced to jail for contempt of court after Judge Gary Goodwin described her behavior as disruptive and disrespectful. According to court documents, Clinkscales refused to apologize when directed and turned her back on the judge to address the gallery. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that despite a previous reprimand from the state's Commission on Judicial Performance in 2016, Clinkscales has applied to return to the bench as a city judge.

Adding to the community's concerns is the handling of a disturbing video showing a 16-year-old white teenager threatening a 13-year-old Black child with a handgun, using racial slurs and physically assaulting him. The case, currently being processed as a misdemeanor through youth court, has sparked debate about potential disparities in the justice system and prompted community members to organize a demonstration. 

These incidents collectively highlight critical issues of accountability, transparency, and equal treatment under the law. 

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We've got a mixed bag this week with a breaking investigative story and two interviews!

A shocking cover-up attempt rips through Columbus as we uncover disturbing details of police deception following a high-speed crash. Investigation files reveal a police officer was traveling at a staggering 77 mph down College Street when he struck a civilian's car, causing injuries serious enough to require helicopter transport for a brain bleed.

The evidence is damning. Body camera footage shows the officer flying airborne over railroad tracks with no seatbelt, one hand on the wheel, before losing control and T-boning a citizen's vehicle—which contained the man's wife and children. Yet what followed was even more troubling: two officers provided false statements, claiming the citizen pulled out in front of the officer. A sheriff office investigation disputes that claim. While the citizen was drug tested (results clean), the department mysteriously canceled the officer's toxicology screening, claiming they'd "handle it internally."

Beyond this explosive story, we explore the upcoming Possum Town Book Festival featuring more than 30 authors, including Wright Thompson, and chat with Vanessa Poteet who moderates popular Facebook group Columbus MS (what's going on), which has 20,000 members. Discover how this digital gathering place has become a force for good, raising thousands for local charities while keeping residents informed.

We want to hear your thoughts. Follow us, share this episode, and join the conversation as we continue to shine light on stories that matter in our community.

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The battle for the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) takes center stage again as MUW President Nora Miller breaks her silence on the controversial relocation proposal. With remarkable candor, Miller dismantles the flawed process that led to the recommendation to move MSMS to Mississippi State University—revealing how public input was overwhelmingly against relocation by a stunning 185 to 3 margin.

"It was predetermined what the decision was going to be," Miller states, explaining how the evaluation criteria were suspiciously developed only after proposals were submitted. She pulls back the curtain on the severe funding disparities, noting that while MUW maintains MSMS facilities for just 69 cents per square foot (when industry standards call for $4-6), the State Board of Education has consistently failed to advocate for proper funding.

Miller's leadership approach has evolved throughout this controversy. Initially giving state officials "space" to fulfill their responsibilities, she's now stepping forward as MSMS's champion when others wouldn't. "The State Board of Education has not been putting forth a request for funds for their buildings," she reveals, highlighting a critical advocacy gap she now feels compelled to fill.

Beyond MSMS, Miller addresses the W's strategies for growth through community college transfer pathways and specialized programs like nursing and speech-language pathology. She tackles the lingering name change controversy with refreshing honesty and acknowledges the political vulnerabilities facing regional universities in Mississippi. "Typically, before they would go after an HBCU, they're going to come for us," she notes, referencing recurring consolidation threats.

As this high-stakes education battle continues, Miller's mobilizing the university's passionate alumni base while working with a PR firm to amplify their message statewide. The fundamental question remains unanswered: will legislators invest $85 million in a new facility in Starkville, or will they properly fund the existing MSMS campus in Columbus? This pivotal conversation reveals how education, politics, and community identity intersect in ways that will shape Mississippi's future.