A rose to Oktibbeha County Hospital Regional Medical Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary on Thursday. At a time when a majority of hospitals in the state find themselves in precarious financial position, The Golden Triangle is blessed to have three reliable hospitals – OCH, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus and North Mississippi Medical Center West Point. The importance of these medical facilities cannot be overestimated. They are community institutions that serve the medical needs of our citizens. They are also a big part of the local economy, providing jobs and tax revenue. Although seldom mentioned, they are an important part of economic development. It’s unlikely an industry would locate here without hospital services available to their employees, after all. So congratulations, OCH. Keep up the good work!
A rose to Terberg Taylor Americas Group, which held a ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday for a Lowndes County facility that will build specialty tractors used to move semi-truck trailers at ports and other transit facilities. Company officials have estimated the $20 million project will be completed in mid-2024. It is expected to employ 90 workers at an average salary of $51,500. Officials expect to produce 750 tractors in the first year of operation and 3,000 annually within three years, which suggests that more jobs will be created as the company finds its footing. We congratulate local and state leaders who worked with the company to secure this new industry.
A rose to First Presbyterian Church in West Point upon the completion of a year-long project to renovate the chapel at the Clay County Jail in West Point. The make-over of the once-dingy and deteriorating chapel is tangible evidence of a view commonly held among prisoners when well-intentioned outside groups hold programs in jail: “We don’t care how much you know until we know how much you care.” For inmates, jails are often a place of despair, regret and hopelessness, so having a space such as a chapel provides a quiet place where inmates can reflect, renew their spirits and find hope, regardless of their faith traditions or even lack of them. The space should reflect that aura of hope and redemption. We applaud members of First Presbyterian for their efforts in the cause. It may mean more to inmates than they will ever know.
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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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 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
