A rose to the Mississippi State women’s basketball team, which defeated Tennessee for the first time in school history, snapping a 36-game losing streak against one of the nation’s most dominant women’s basketball programs. The Lady Bulldogs did it in impressive fashion, too, rallying from a 12-point deficit in the final quarter to force overtime, then pulling out a 65-63 victory over the 19th-ranked Lady Vols. The win came four days after MSU set a home attendance record of 10,626 in a loss to second-ranked South Carolina. The Bulldogs, currently ranked 13th in the country, are one of the biggest success stories in women’s basketball this year. We suspect more milestones will come as MSU enters the second half of its season.
A rose to the four residents who have chosen to run for the Ward 5 city council seat in the Feb. 16 special election to replace Kabir Karriem, who has moved on to the Legislature. We commend the four candidates – Cadarrall Eddings, Gary Jefferson, Stephen Jones and Marthalie Porter – for their commitment to serving in such an important – and often thankless – position. When multiple candidates compete for these positions, residents are given more choices and the ultimate outcome produces a candidate who distinguished himself/herself in a competitive field. Residents of Ward 5 should carefully consider each candidate and fulfill their duty by going to the polls on Feb. 16.
A thorn to those who recklessly level the charge of racism, as we witnessed last week in Columbus. So explosive, damaging and divisive this charge, it should be used only — if at all — in the most extreme circumstances. Too often this accusation is used to express frustration or gain an advantage over another. While there is no question race relations continue to be a real challenge in our city, state and nation, such groundless name-calling only exacerbates the situation. Community harmony comes not through accusations, but through understanding and honest, person-to-person dialogue.
A rose to the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, which used its 15th anniversary event to honor those individuals, businesses and organizations who have worked together to move the city forward. The health of any community is often measured by its unity. Thriving communities work together across all demographic lines while struggling communities are marked by factionalism. From its inception, the GSDP has maintained its focus on bringing the business community together in an effort to help Starkville achieve its full potential, not only in terms of economic development, but in quality of life, which is often a byproduct on thoughtful development. We salute the GSDP and those honored during Thursday’s celebration.
Send your suggestions for Roses and thorns to Slim Smith at [email protected].
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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