The (Columbus, Miss.) Commercial Dispatch is seeking an energetic, self-motivated reporter to cover a wide range of local and university news at our Starkville bureau. Starkville, home to Mississippi State University, is a lively and growing town and is conveniently located two hours from Jackson, Memphis and Birmingham.

The ideal candidate has a passion for local news gathering and is comfortable immersing him/herself in this community. Though you will have daily contact with editorial staff in our Columbus office (25 minutes away), you will be largely responsible for managing and curating your own stories. Time management, high productivity, good news judgment and unflagging persistence are essential attributes. We are looking for someone with at least two years’ experience at a daily newspaper. Photography skills are a plus. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in every aspect of news gathering.

The Commercial Dispatch is a 14,000-circulation, family-owned, afternoon daily in Columbus, Miss. We offer competitive pay and benefits. E-mail cover letter, resume and writing samples to Peter Imes, The Commercial Dispatch, P.O. Box 511, Columbus, MS 39703-0511. Or e-mail pimes@cdispatch.com.