A rose to the Columbus City Council for its long overdue retreat, which was preceded by a two-day tour of the city’s six wards. The tours allowed all council members to see with their own eyes the issues in the wards. It is one thing to “hear” about issues during city council meetings and quite another to have seen those issues. The tours, along with the day-long session to identify goals, priorities and brainstorm ideas to achieve those goals, suggest the council is looking ahead to the city’s future rather than simply reacting to issues as they emerge. While the proof is in the doing, we are encouraged that the council is taking a serious look at what lies ahead and forming plans to address both the short-term and long-term obstacles and opportunities.
A rose to Mississippi University for Women for its collaboration with Main Street Columbus to play an active part in Wassail Fest. Originally, The W’s celebration of Wassail Feet was to have been held immediately following the downtown event. While bad weather postponed the downtown event, The W continued with its celebration, which featured carolers, activities and a visit from Santa. We are encouraged by this latest effort for The W to partner with other groups in the city. It not only adds to the celebration, but serves to remind everyone that The W is a real and vital part of our community.
A rose to the Pickens County football team, which captured the Alabama Class 1A football championship Thursday with a 38-18 victory over Maplesville, its first state championship in school history. The Tornadoes held the Red Devils’ prolific offense in check — Maplesville had average more than 52 points per game going into the title game. Pickens County proved once again that defense wins championships. Well done, Tornadoes!
A rose to the baking students at Mississippi University for Women’s Culinary Arts Institute who have recently added some new skills to their resumes –like architecture, engineering and construction — in fashioning a truly unique gingerbread house. Twelve bakers under the instruction of Chef Shannon Lindell have been busy since September planning a gingerbread replica of a portion of The W’s front campus. The finished display was the showpiece of the Wassail at The W event Friday at the Hogarth Student Center’s W Room, a sweet feat indeed.
A rose to all the participants, organizers and supports of the Golden Triangle’s Christmas Parades. Starkville, West Point, Artesia and Caledonia parades are now “in the books,” with the Columbus parade set for Dec. 14. Christmas parades are a cherished Christmas tradition, but what can often be overlooked is the amount of time and energy organizers put in to ensure the success. A tip of the hat, too, to all the law enforcement whose roles in staging the parades are easy to overlook, yet nevertheless vital.
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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