A rose to the city of Starkville and Lowndes County, both of whom saw the completion of two sports facilities that represent a combined $33 million investment. Starkville officials held a grand opening ceremony of the $22-million Cornerstone Park on Friday. The 124-acre complex features 12 baseball/softball fields, two T-ball fields, batting cages, walking trails and green spaces designed to accommodate community gatherings. Lowndes County’s $12-million Sportsplex, located off Highway 82 west of Columbus, features eight baseball/softball fields, as well as concession stands, bathrooms, picnic tables, an entry gate and a playground. Both facilities hope to attract tournament play for travel teams as well as league sports. Area hotels, restaurants and shops will also benefit from these events.
A rose to Main Street Columbus for changing the date of the Downtown Christmas Parade to accommodate an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales. Informed that a team of Clydesdales would be in north Mississippi and available for a Dec. 10 appearance in Columbus, Main Street director Barbara Bigelow quickly assembled the parade committee to rearrange the plans for the parade, which had been scheduled for Dec. 3. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. A change of date may seem a small feat, but coordinating plans with the groups that participate in the parade requires a lot of work. This will mark the third time the Clydesdales – which consist of a team of eight horses pulling a vintage beer wagon and a Dalmatian perched next to the driver – will appear in the parade. Based on the reaction from parade-goers, the Clydesdales are always the highlight of the parade. We thank Main Street for making the changes required to bring these magnificent animals back to Columbus.
A rose to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle for its efforts to assist some of our most vulnerable citizens. Friday, Baptist staff provided free flu vaccinations at Loaves and Fishes in Columbus during the organization’s regular lunch service. Many of the people who are served meals at Loaves and Fishes have limited transportation and may not be aware of where and how to get free flu vaccinations. Life is difficult enough for these people as it is, and contracting the flu can be devastating. Providing this service to the 300 to 350 people who are served lunches at Loaves and Fishes is a way for the hospital to cater to the health needs of an underserved community.
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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