Area News
Mississippi cold cases: cold but not closed
Despite days, months and years of silence, the evidence hasn’t gone anywhere — and neither have the questions. Across Mississippi, cold cases remain stubborn puzzles, each piece holding the possibility of long-overdue justice. From remote rural counties to bustling city streets, the state is home to hundreds of unsolved homicides and missing persons cases —…
Read MoreVA seeking volunteer drivers to help veterans access care
Special to The Dispatch __________ The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center is seeking volunteer drivers to help ensure Veterans across Mississippi and Northeast Louisiana can access the healthcare they’ve earned. As transportation challenges increase in rural areas, the need for dependable volunteers has never been greater. Each week, Veterans from communities across the state…
Read More… Yes Ma’am Officer …New Perry County Deputy isn’t just making arrests — she’s making history.
By MALLORY STRICKLAND Dispatch Staff __________ For the first time in its history, the Perry County Sheriff’s Department has welcomed a full-time female deputy. Tonya Carter’s position marks a milestone for the agency and reflects a growing commitment to inclusion and progress in law enforcement across Mississippi. Carter, a Greene County native, began her full-time…
Read MoreJudge orders beleaguered Pine Belt attorney to be jailed for contempt in Perry County case
Contempt order filed after Cory Farraez fails to appear for hearing or account for cash from $450,000 wrongful death settlement From Staff Reports __________ A Chancery Court Judge has ordered the arrest of a Hattiesburg attorney over his handling of a case involving a Perry County family. Tenth District Chancery Court Chancellor Shelia H. Smallwood…
Read MoreMike Reed tabbed by Gov. as new Circuit Court Judge for Forrest and Perry counties
__________ Hattiesburg attorney with strong ties to Perry County has been appointed by Governor Tate Reeves to serve as the new Circuit Court Judge for Forrest and Perry counties. Thomas Michael Reed was announced last week as Reeve’s selection for 12th Circuit Court District judgeship, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Judge…
Read MoreGame on…The Break Room hoping to hit bullseye as area’s new hangout
By MALLORY STRICKLAND Dispatch Staff __________ In a part of the county where options have often been scarce for families and teens, Scott Hulsey is bringing something new: a clean, smoke-free game hall and eatery designed for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for games or just a toasted sandwich and a soda. Hulsey, who has…
Read MoreSeven arrested in connection to copper theft spree
From Staff Reports __________ Copper theft has been a growing issue in the area over the past few years as electrical wire started showing up missing from work sites, pulled from homes and businesses under construction, and even pulled straight from power polls. The thieves responsible are often hard to identify and charge for the…
Read MoreWillowTree Coffeehouse expands with heart, boutique and espresso power
By MALLORY STRICKLAND Dispatch Staff __________ In the heart of Richton, mother-daughter duo Dedra Newell and Jalyn Myer are pouring more than just coffee—they’re pouring their dreams into a bold new chapter for WillowTree Coffeehouse. With a fresh expansion that includes a bigger area for their boutique, a drive-through and plenty of room to grow,…
Read MoreBeaumont voters call for big changes, while incumbents retain power in New Augusta
From Staff Reports __________ Voters in Beaumont in New Augusta went to the polls on Tuesday to elect their town leaders for the next four years. In New Augusta, incumbents performed well on Tuesday as all four current members of the New Augusta Board of Alderman ran for re-election and were able to hold on…
Read MoreKee Dykes seeks voter support for alderman
Special to The Dispatch __________ My name is James Kee Dykes, and I would like to ask for your vote in the upcoming alderman election for the Town of Richton. I am proud to call Richton my home. Richton is where I was born, raised, and where my wife Brittney and I have chosen to…
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