A rose to the Columbus City Council as it evaluates its arrangement with its lobbyist, Worth Thomas Consulting. The agreement with the consultants came under scrutiny earlier this month, with four council members questioning what the city gets in return for the $72,000 it pays the consultants each year. A motion to cancel the contract was tabled to allow Worth Thomas an opportunity to make its case, which it did during a Wednesday work session. In addition to a written report outlining what it has done on the city’s behalf, Worth Thomas representative Saleem Baird spoke on issues raised by the council, answering questions and providing more information. While the status of the agreement has yet to be determined, we applaud the council for taking the time to hear from Worth Thomas to develop a better understanding of the situation. Whatever decision the board makes, it will be made after a thorough evaluation. That’s the way good government should operate.
A rose to organizers, volunteers, vendors and attendees during this week’s Caledonia Days celebration. This year marks the 21st year for the event, which began Friday and continues Saturday. The celebration, held at Ola J. Pickett Park has grown steadily over the years, adding new events, expanding on others. Attendance now pushes 10,000 while this year more than 150 vendors are on hand offering a variety of food and crafts. Saturday’s event included a morning car show and pet parade while the music lineup featured Joe Austin and The Tallahatchies, Pine Hill Counties with Noah Carter, Victory Tabernacle and Brayden Sansing. The music continues until the closing of the celebration at 5 p.m. Events such as this are an opportunity to strengthen the connections among residents and newcomers. It’s part of what makes Caledonia such a close-knit community.
A rose to organizers and volunteers who are set to kick off this year’s Halloween celebrations with a variety of events. The fun begins Thursday in Starkville as the Starkville Main Street Association holds its Pumpkinpalooza event. On Oct. 24, Starkville Public Library will hold a halloween party for local teens that will feature snacks, game stations and a costume contest. Columbus Parks and Recreation will hold its fall festival on Oct. 25 at Propst Park. The recreation department will also be hosting an After School Halloween Bash on Oct. 31 at the Sim Scott Community Center. First Baptist Church in Columbus is hosting a trunk-or-treat at the church that will also feature hotdogs and jumpers on Oct. 26. Columbus Municipal School District will be hosting a trunk-or-treat event at the Columbus High School stadium parking lot on the same day. Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will have two events on Oct. 30, a Haunted Halloween event featuring games, crafts and candy followed by a Night at the Library event focusing on fun for adults. These events provide a fun, safe way to celebrate Halloween.
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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