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Columbus City Attorney Jeff Turnage joins us to discuss the overwhelming public support for keeping MSMS at MUW, revealing 185 public comments sent to Mississippi Department of Education, favoring the school's current location versus only three supporting relocation to MSU. MSU's response through spokesperson Sid Salter has stoked the controversy, leading to a discussion about the roles people are playing in this issue.

• The public feedback on MSMS's future was made public through an open records request filed by Turnage. Those records can be reviewed at the bottom of the Dispatch article here.
• Three main concerns emerged: cost differences, potential loss of MSMS identity, and campus safety
• MSU's Sid Salter dismissed public comments as "an organized effort to generate appearance of support"
• W President Nora Miller has taken a stronger stance on keeping MSMS at her institution. Zack and David agree she should continue to mobilize MUW alumni.
• Turnage says the legislature, not the State Board of Education, will make the final decision, and they are subject to public pressure.

Also:
• Columbus City Council discusses a new data-driven approach to road maintenance
• The price for residential trash pickup in Columbus is increasing. Will residents have to pay more?

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Mayor Stephen Jones' inauguration sets a new tone for Columbus leadership, offering hope paired with practical challenges. In a ceremony and first council meeting marked by unity and unanimous votes, Jones emphasized his commitment to serving all citizens while acknowledging his faith as a guiding principle. The true test of his administration will come when inevitable disagreements arise.

As our guest and local Realtor and community advocate Colin Krieger notes, "Columbus has all the ingredients for success" - but turning potential into progress requires navigating difficult conversations with grace. From the city's approach to visible homelessness downtown to addressing workforce development gaps despite available manufacturing jobs, Columbus faces multifaceted challenges.

Education emerges as another flashpoint, with MSMS potential relocation and school consolidation rumors creating uncertainty. Meanwhile, economic realities reveal surprising statistics: only about 32% of factory workers in the area's industrial developments actually live in the Golden Triangle region, highlighting disconnects between economic opportunity and local workforce readiness.

Join the conversation and attend local government meetings – because as Krieger reminds us, these leaders are uniquely accessible if we simply show up.

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Stepping into Sim Scott Park for the Juneteenth Festival offered a powerful glimpse into how Columbus celebrates freedom. As a first-time attendee, David discovered a vibrant community event that brought together people from across Lowndes County to honor the significance of emancipation through food, music, and conversation.

Through candid conversations with attendees ranging from County Supervisor Leroy Brooks to local vendors and Police Chief Daughtry, one message emerged consistently: Juneteenth represents freedom for everyone, not just one segment of our community.

The second half of this episode features a conversation with Commercial Dispatch sports writer Colin Damms about Mississippi State athletics. We explore the dramatic changes in the baseball program with new $3 million coach Brian O'Connor, expectations for the football team, and recent classification changes that will put Columbus, Caledonia, New Hope and West Point in the same division across all sports.

Join us for this community-focused episode that celebrates freedom, explores local perspectives, and looks ahead to exciting developments in both our community and our sports teams. Have feedback or news tips? Email us at tips@cdispatch.com or reach out on social media.