A rose to Al Puckett and the Columbus Brick Co. for donating the clay and space for two area artists to craft a brick sculpture for the city of Tupelo.
Former Mississippi State University student Tanner Coleman and his wife, Alexis Gregg Coleman have been commissioned to create the sculpture for a small park area being developed in downtown Tupelo.
Columbus Brick Co. provided clay and made their facility and industrial kiln available to the artists. Columbus Brick always is very supportive of clay artists, offering them space and helping their visions come to life.
A rose to the Columbus-Lowndes Political Action Committee for hosting candidate forums in advance of the Aug. 2 primaries. CLOPAC, a non-partisan group, hosted this past week two question-and-answer sessions for Lowndes County candidates in local elections. The forums featured candidates who face opponents in the primaries and was moderated by Mississippi State University Journalist-in-Residence Sid Salter.
The questions were well thought out and offered a much-needed look at the candidates” platforms and visions for the posts for which they are vying. Forums like these help voters to make more informed choices.
A rose to Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen, who led the Bulldogs to within one game of the College World Series and a No. 15 national ranking. Cohen received a contract extension through the 2015 season. His new four-year contract includes an increase in base salary from $250,000 to $262,500. He will continue to receive a salary supplement from the Bulldog Foundation.
A rose to Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Nate Hughes, a Macon native who excelled on the football field at Starkville High School, as well as in the classroom.
Later this month, he is scheduled to start his first shifts at Noxubee County Hospital as a registered nurse. Hughes might just be the only NFL player who is spending time away from professional football during the lockout in that capacity.
A rose to the city of Starkville and its Healthy Hometown Committee. The city recently received the Healthy Hometown Award, a tribute to its focus on making the community a healthier place to live. The city has put an emphasis on walking and biking trails to contribute to a healthy culture.
The city will receive a $50,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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