A rose to organizations in Starkville and Columbus which provided assistance to citizens for whom this week’s winter storm put them at risk. In Columbus, The Golden Triangle Homeless Coalition provided a warming center, open in the late afternoons and evenings, while providing hotel rooms for those who arrived at the center, but had no warm place to spend the night. In Starkville, a combined effort by Oktibbeha County Emergency Management, The Red Cross, Starkville Strong and First Baptist Church provided overnight shelter, meals, blankets as well as warm clothes provided by donors. First Baptist offered space for the shelter while the Red Cross took care of the cots and blankets. Starkville Strong provided volunteer support as well as snacks. This is a great example of  community organizations combining resources to take care of our vulnerable citizens. We thank all who participated. Those efforts may well have saved lives.

A rose to all the folks in the Golden Triangle who exercised good judgments during this week’s winter storm, especially where driving was concerned. Local law enforcement reported fewer than 40 traffic accidents during the storm, far less than is typical during these conditions. No doubt, a lot of folks stayed off the roads when it wasn’t necessary. Those who did drive exercised caution and put an emphasis on slowing down. Social media played a role in alerting citizens to streets and roadways that were particularly dangerous, helping drivers avoid those areas. By driving less and driving more carefully, first responders such as police, fire and ambulances didn’t have as many calls, helping insure their safety as well. So good job, everyone!

A rose to those who shared their “winter storm fun” photos this week. About three dozen readers responded to our social media calls to share their photos, which we published online and in multiple print editions. Storm coverage naturally focuses on the problems that arise from storms, but these photos tell “the good side” of these events. Thanks for helping us with that part of the winter storm’s story.

A rose to applicants for a position on the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees. The city council will make the appointment in February. Frederick Sparks said he intends to seek another five-year term, but had yet to apply as of Thursday.  Meanwhile, two new faces have emerged as potential trustees, both with strong ties to the district. Neither Beverly Odom nor James Richardson are education outsiders. We are pleased that we have two – and possibly three – qualified candidates for this important, if sometimes thankless, public service. There is still time for other interested candidates to apply.

A rose to Mississippi State’s nuclear physics program, which has landed a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to study the emerging field of quantum computing. The research is part of a 2020 goal set by MSU’s Quantum Task Force to explore interdisciplinary programs for training MSU students in the evolving technology of quantum computing and quantum information science. Quantum computing, a multidisciplinary field combining computer science, physics and mathematics, uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than classical computers and can create better models for how atoms and nuclei interact with one another, leading to a more precise understanding of molecular structure. We are pleased that Mississippi State will play such a role in this emerging field.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.