A rose to the Mississippi Supreme Court for its decision to grant a new trial to Eddie Lee Howard, and to The Innocence Project attorneys who effectively argued Howard’s case. Howard, a Lowndes County native, has been on death row for 26 years after being convicted of murder, a conviction his attorneys say was based partly on dubious bite mark testimony from Dr, Michael West, one of former District Attorney Forrest Allgood’s “go to” medical experts. Similar testimony from West in two other area murder cases, both prosecuted by Allgood — Kennedy Brewer and Levon Brooks — resulted in convictions that were later overturned by DNA evidence, calling into question West’s tactics and the reliability of his testimony. We don’t offer an opinion on Howard’s guilt or innocence but what we do know – based on the Supreme Court’s decision – is that Howard has yet to receive a fair trial. At the very least, this ruling will ensure that fundamental right.
A rose to those who complied with COVID-19 mandates during Friday’s Caledonia-New Hope scrimmage at Caledonia High School. While mask-wearing and social distancing guidelines weren’t universally followed, there were enough fans there who did comply to be an example to others. As we prepare for the opening night of the regular season later this week, it’s worth reminding fans that the fate of the upcoming season relies very much on following these orders. An outbreak could end the season as soon as it begins, so if you like high school football, do your part to keep it going. Our young athletes make many sacrifices to play. Adults can certainly make the small sacrifices required to promote safety that will keep them playing.
A rose to Ali Pinion, and all the beekeepers out there fighting for the survival of this vital part of our food supply and ecosystem. The Starkville beekeeper not only tends to her own 25 hives, but like so many other beekeepers, is quick to respond when an unwanted hive is reported, relocating the bees to a safe habitat. Several species of bees are now on the endangered species list, including the American bumblebee. Globally, it is estimated that bees pollinate a third of the food crops we consume. The bumblebee population in the U.S. has declined by 90 percent over the past 30 years due to a mix of factors — disease, pesticide, climate change and habitat loss. Beekeepers everywhere are doing their part to sustain these important species. We thank them for their important work.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.