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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Our view: Mayor will need coalitions to move policies forward
During Tuesday’s city council meeting, Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin planned for the city council and the public to hear presentations from a pair of forensic auditing firms, take two weeks to digest the information and then ask the city council to approve proceeding with the audit at their next meeting on Oct. 19.
Our View: In Mississippi, half of us are ALICE
It’s probably not a common term, but just about everybody in our community and state knows ALICE.
Our view: Number of EMCC board applicants is encouraging
Too often, when local governments seek to fill board appointments it becomes a matter of beating the bushes to find a competent person to fill those positions. While some boards have a limited scope and naturally attract only a few applicants, there are many boards whose importance should warrant a deep and talented pool of applicants.
Our view: Reinventing young professionals group a productive move
Tonight at Courtyard by Marriott, the Columbus Young Professionals will hold a meeting to discuss its rebrand.
Our view: Medical marijuana as a distraction
One of the best things about the attention medical marijuana is commanding these days is diverting attention from another issue that emerged when the Mississippi Supreme Court struck down the Constitutional Amendment passed by a 3-1 margin in November.
Our View: Enjoy fall while it lasts
Fall has arrived in The Golden Triangle.
Our View: City is right to hold off on ARPA fund decisions
During its Tuesday meeting, the Columbus City Council earmarked $1.3 million of its $5.6 in American Recovery Plan Act allocation to provide one-time $5,000 stipends to city employees.
Our View: Starkville errs in putting too many ARPA eggs in one basket
Since President Biden signed the American Recovery Rescue Plan (ARPA) into law in March, a program that pumps millions of dollars directly to cities and counties throughout the country, local governments have been pondering how to use those funds most effectively.
Our view: Further city-county collaborations could benefit citizens
Two local governments approved annual budgets Wednesday, and the contrast could not be more stark.
