A rose to Cheri Smith and Bill Robinson, two Golden Triangle business owners about to enter the next phase of their lives. Smith owns New Life Christian Supplies in Columbus, while Robinson owns Robinson Western Auto in Starkville. Both businesses have plans to close in coming months. Combined, they operated 85-plus years. We value all businesses in our towns, but there is something special about a locally-owned shop. For one, they are owned by our neighbors. We should support them when we have the chance. We thank Smith and Robinson for doing business in the Golden Triangle, and we wish them well in future endeavors.
A rose to a crew of workers from Columbus Light & Water. A reader offered this account: “(Tuesday) afternoon the CL&W team with Roger Duncan and his crew were working on repairing a leak at the pumping station at the corner of College and First Street South, by the Riverwalk. They worked, in the cold, in a 20-foot deep hole, with sewer water in it, to repair a broken pipe. They stopped the leak about 11 p.m., and they are completing the repairs and clean up (Wednesday). Just thought you would like to know about the behind-the-scenes work they do to keep the water running and the lights on in our city.”
A rose to an unnamed Columbus Police Department officer. According to another reader: “I witnessed a Columbus officer last evening on the corner by Beard’s Antiques talking to a homeless man. He was very kind to him talking to him in a clear, understandable voice-asking if he would like shelter on the very cold evening. He asked if he could help put his bedroll and belongings in the trunk and helped him into the back seat. He was very patient with this gentleman and let him know every step of the way what his actions would be in helping into a warm place for the night.”
At a time when there has been much criticism directed toward police in other parts of our country, it is worth noting that there are many dedicated, caring people in our police departments.
A rose to all the behind-the-scene city workers who helped make Thursday’s inaugural Columbus Christmas Tree Bonfire a success. That group includes workers from the public works department, who collected the trees and transported them to the bonfire site; Columbus Fire and Rescue workers who set up and supervised the bonfire; and Columbus Police Department officers who provided security for the event. The bonfire could have not happened without the efforts of these workers.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.