Articles by Dispatch Editorial Board

Roses and thorns: 11-21-21
A rose to the Caledonia Cavaliers, who defeated Louisville, 27-7, Friday night and are now just two wins from what would have been considered an

Important questions need answering on city pay raises
During its Tuesday meeting, the Columbus City Council approved unbudgeted pay raises for the city’s hourly employees by a 3-2 vote.

Our View: With some Lowndes supes, restraint in short supply
There is an old saying that goes, “In this world, there is nothing certain but death and taxes.”

Roses and thorns 11-14-21
A rose to all those who turned out Saturday to celebrate the unofficial grand opening of the Lowndes County Agri-Center, more commonly known as the

Our view: Don’t let today pass without expressing gratitude
Today is Veterans Day, one of the three days each year we honor our military. Each Nov. 11, we celebrate the service of all those who have completed their service in the military. Each May, we celebrate Armed Services Day to honor those currently serving and Memorial Day, honoring those who lost their lives in military service.

Our View: The promise of a more inclusive Pilgrimage
On Monday, the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau board agreed to provide $75,000 to Columbus Preservation Society for the 2022 Columbus Pilgrimage, ending a simmering dispute between the CVB and its non-profit subsidiary, the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation, which has operated the annual event and the Preservation Society, a group of homeowners whose properties have been among the main features of the Pilgrimage.

Our View: Now is the time to check heating systems
The death of an elderly Steens man is a tragedy for his family, friends and neighbors – indeed for our community. Hosea Hughes, 77, was found in the rubble of his mobile home, which was destroyed by fire sometime before dawn Sunday. Although the investigation continues, Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said it’s likely the fire was caused by a malfunctioning heating unit.

Roses and thorns: 11/7/21
A rose to the Columbus City Council which has commissioned a new master plan for Propst Park. Prior to the vote, the city had been

Our View: Crime prevention report addresses familiar challenges
This week the ad-hoc Crime Prevention Committee submitted its recommendations to the Columbus city council, almost a year after the group was formed as a response to increased crime in the city.

Our View: Sale of First Baptist building is encouraging for city
When First Baptist Church decided to relocate to a site on Bluecutt Road more than 15 years ago, we wondered what would become of the downtown property it vacated.

Roses and thorns: 10-31-21
A black rose on this Halloween day to all those who celebrate America’s quirkiest holiday. Halloween arrived in the United States in the mid-1800s, brought

Our View: Declining numbers not a reason to slack on vaccinations
The worst of COVID-19 may be behind us. After an enormous spike in cases and deaths in August as a result of the delta variant, cases and deaths are declining throughout the country.

Roses and thorns: 10/25/21
A rose to Starkville and the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors for joining an incentive program that may help bring new businesses to the county.

Our View: There are other possible uses for Propst Park
During its meeting Tuesday, the Columbus City Council discussed efforts to renovate Propst Park, something city leaders have been talking about for the last two decades.

Our View: CMSD certification program could lead to better teacher retention, student performance
You see it often on decorative signs, usually in kitchens: “Happy Wife, Happy Life.”

Roses and thorns: 10-17-21
A rose to Columbus Ward 3 councilman Rusty Greene whose idea to hold work sessions prior to council meetings may go a long way in

Our View: Work sessions may be answer to city’s communications crisis
It has been a brutal week in city government in Columbus.

Our View: Taylor set the standard for workforce education
Under normal circumstances, the departure of a community college administrator who served only two years would be little-noted.

Roses and thorns 10/10/21
A rose to the Starkville Police Department for its efforts to coordinate its surveillance camera with those of private citizens and businesses. Such camera systems

Our view: A treasure of nostalgia
In the summer of 1972, the management of Sears decided to bury a time capsule at the location of its new store as part of its grand opening celebration. Citizens were invited to add momentos to the time capsule before it was deposited into the ground in the parking lot outside the Sears store at Leigh Mall to be unearthed on Columbus’ bicentennial in 2021.