A rose to Columbus police and firefighters for providing area kids (and kids at heart) fun and safe Halloween activities over the weekend. Friday and Saturday nights Trotter Convention Center hosted festivities that included food/drink, face-painting, music and a “haunted house” tour. This turned out to be particularly important Saturday, when rain disrupted trick-or-treating plans for many children. The majority of funds from the Haunted House will be split between the Firefighter’s Scholarship and Disability Fund and two police officers suffering from health problems — Sgt. Michael Griffin, who recently suffered a heart attack, and Officer Benny Bush, who is recovering from a stroke. The CPD also hosted a Haunted Hollow 8K Glow Run on Friday. Money from the 8K went to support Griffin, Bush and their families.
A rose to the Lowndes Community Foundation, its partners and, most importantly, the people who donated during last week’s inaugural Day of Giving. The LCF raised $11,030, the most of any group in the state. The Day of Giving was established by a proclamation by Gov. Phil Bryant earlier this year and statewide more than $350,000 was raised. The money stays in the community it which was raised. We also extend a rose to those who participated in the Make a Difference Day, which was held in conjunction with the Day of Giving. Volunteers worked on 16 area homes with eight local non-profit groups providing assistance with a focus on helping senior citizens.
A rose to a group of veteran, who fought in one of the most decisive battles of World War II, whose service now spans seven decades and has moved from the battle field to the classroom. The Mississippi Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (fought Dec. 16-Jan. 25, 1945) raised money to provide six college scholarships. “This will help six worthy young people and continue the memories of those who served,” said James Hunt of Columbus, the chairman of the scholarship committee. The group raised enough funds for six $1,000 scholarships this year and another $3,000 for future scholarships.
A rose to two organizers and participants in two Starkville fund-raisers to help the fight against breast cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease on Saturday. The Starkville Fire Department sponsored the Pink Heals 5K held in the Industrial Park area. The money raised went to help provide money for ultrasounds and mammograms, important diagnostic tools used to detect and treat breast cancer in its earlier, most treatable stages. Meanwhile, The Golden Triangle Walk to End Alzheimer’s was also held Saturday near the Cotton District. As of Friday, 502 people had registered to participate.
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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