A rose to the five local schools who improved their grades in the Mississippi Department of Education’s annual assessment, released Friday. We congratulate the administrators, teachers, staff, students and parents of New Hope High School, New Hope Middle School and Caledonia Middle School (who improved from C to B) and West Lowndes Middle School and Stokes-Beard Elementary School (from D to C). Great job!
A rose to crews from Starkville Electric Department, 4-County Electric, Columbus Light & Water, Cable One and others for their quick and tireless response to Monday’s storms, which left more than 17,000 customers temporarily without power. Crews responded almost immediately, working through the night. By Tuesday afternoon, only a few customers remained without service. Under difficult conditions, the utility workers helped bring life back to normal quickly. We appreciate their effort.
A rose to the organizers and volunteers who helped make a couple of area events extra special. The annual Caledonia Days celebration continues to grow, with new attractions each year while the annual Roast-n-Boast competition at the Columbus Fairgrounds drew 45 top barbecue teams from across the South, raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Both events featured food, fun and entertainment and provided a great way to welcome the wonderful Fall season.
A rose to Gregory Lewis, who was chosen as director for the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority on Wednesday. Lewis, currently the CLRA’s programs director, has worked with the department for 23 years. He will assume his duties on Jan. 1. He replaces Roger Short, who announced that he would retired as CLRA director in August after 12 years in the position. Lewis provides continuity to what has proven to be the best collaborative effort between the county and the city.
A rose to the Columbus married couple who were overheard talking to two men at a nearby table at Old Hickory Steakhouse Friday evening. The two men had been through Columbus previously and were just passing through Friday night. After a brief back and forth between the tables and before launching into a serious conversation about college sports allegiances, the husband said to the two men, “We’re glad you’re here.” It was as sincere a welcome as this observer has heard. Despite our nickname Columbus can be daunting to newcomers. Thank you to this couple who made a point to welcome these visitors.
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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