A rose of remembrance for Tom Goode and James “T” Thomas, a pair of Golden Triangle football icons, both of whom died this past week at the age of 76. Both Goode (West Point) and Thomas (Columbus) enjoyed long and successful playing careers, followed by distinguish coaching years.
Their playing careers almost paralleled – Goode played in the NFL from 1962-70 while Thomas played in the CFL from 1963-71. For all of their achievement in football, however, both men are better noted for their warmth and humanity. They will be greatly missed.
A rose to the local and state law enforcement agencies who put in a long, long day’s work Wednesday to ensure the safety of the almost-20,000 country music fans who gathered at Holtcamp Farms near Artesia for Luke Bryan’s “Farm Tour” concert. Because access to the site was limited to a single two-lane road, parking opened at 2 p.m. for the 7 p.m. concert. The last cars did not leave the venue until 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
Fewer than 20 arrests were made, mostly for under-age drinking and public drunkenness, and there no DUIs. Given the size of the crowd, that’s a small number. We credit the personnel form the sheriff’s departments of Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties, the Mississippi High Patrol and the state’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for helping ensure the safety of the concert-goers.
A rose to Main Street Columbus, which this week announced its plans for this year’s Christmas Parade. The parade will be held again on a Saturday evening. The Dec. 12 parade’s theme will be “A Fairy Tale Christmas,” with Edwina Williams, aka Mother Goose aka, Mrs. Santa Claus as the parade grand marshal. Who else could it be, given the theme? The parade is always one of the best opportunities for the community to come together in the spirit of the season. We can hardly wait.
A rose to Starkville Parks and Recreation Sports Coordinator William Pochop who was announced as this year’s recipient of the The Mississippi Recreation and Park Association’s Professional of the Year Award. The award is the organization’s highest professional honor and recognizes the contributions of outstanding recreation professionals in the state. This is a bit of good news for a parks department that has endured its share of scrutiny for its management practices. Since Pochop’s arrival in 2013, the Starkville parks have seen a steady increase in events and bookings, which is critical to the success and viability of the department.
A rose to the volunteers and attendees who braved Friday afternoon rains for this year’s Pumpkinpalooza. The annual harvest festival is seen as one of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership’s signature showcases and brings in tourists from across Mississippi and the Southeast to Starkville. Tying together family friendly events and shopping opportunities, visitors can experience a fun-filled Friday night before a Mississippi State University football game. We remain supportive of the event and hope the weather cooperates for next year’s event.
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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