A rose to Starkville Strong which is implementing a new feeding program that collects unused food served at various luncheons to feed the hungry. Almost 9,000 Oktibbeha County residents are considered food insecure, lacking consistent access to enough food necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Starkville Strong has launched a program it calls Second Servings, which plans to partner with local restaurants, civic organizations, Greek life groups at MSU and other groups that hold banquets to collect unused food at their events and distribute it to those in need of meals. Businesswoman Shannon Voges-Haupt has volunteered the use of her office kitchen as a storage/distribution center. We encourage all who have banquets, luncheons or other meals to contact Starkville Strong on its Facebook page and participate in this wonderful program.
A rose to the Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce for a collaboration that may someday lead to consolidation. Although consolidating the two organizations was discussed publicly upon the announced retirement of CVB executive director Nancy Carpenter and the vacancy in the Chamber’s presidency, the association of the two groups stops short of that. This week, the Chamber announced it will leave its association with the Golden Triangle Development LINK to become its own free-standing organization. As a part of that move, the Chamber will share office space in the CVB’s office behind the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center. The Chamber has signed a lease with the CVB for $1,250 per month, which includes utilities and phone. We believe this agreement will benefit both organizations and create synergy as the groups pursue plans beneficial to both groups.
A rose to Rep. Rob Roberson who is expected to file a bill in the legislature next week that could open the door for Starkville Utilities to provide water service in areas in the city limits that rural water districts aren’t adequately serving. The local and private legislation would only apply to Starkville, and it would put on notice three rural water associations currently certified to provide water to some city residents. Utilities have certificated monopolies in their service areas, with the Mississippi Public Service Commission overseeing rural power and water associations. When a city annexes territory, those rural utilities still hold their certificate unless they surrender it. Roberson said his bill, if made law, would allow the PSC to “find” if a water association inside Starkville could adequately cover its territory. If it cannot, then Starkville Utilities can take over the territory in question as long as it is inside the city limits. This bill particularly stands to remove related barriers to development in eastern parts of Starkville.
A rose to all the Bulldogs and Rebels who were on Major League Baseball rosters when the 2024 season opened Thursday. An astonishing 10 former Mississippi State players are in the Big League this year, including 2023 All-Star Brent Rooker (designated hitter, Athletics), Chris Stratton (pitcher, Rangers), Nate Lowe (first baseman, Rangers), J.P. France (pitcher, Astros), Adam Frazier (second baseman, Royals), Hunter Renfroe (outfielder, Royals), Dakota Jordan (pitcher, Rockies), Graham Ashcraft (pitcher, Reds), Jordan Westburg (infielder, Orioles) and Brandon Woodruff (pitcher, Brewers). In addition, pitcher Ethan Small of the Giants opened the season on the injured list, but is expected to soon be back in action. Outfielder Jake Mangum, the SEC’s all-time hits leader, was among the last cuts made by the Rays and will start the season in Triple A, hoping for a call-up. Ole Miss, meanwhile, has five former Rebs on MLB rosters, led by 10-year veteran Lance Lynn (pitcher, Cardinals) along with Nick Fortes (catcher, Marlins), Jacob Waguespack (pitcher, Rays), Grae Kessinger (outfielder, Astros) and James McArthur (pitcher, Royals). We wish them all a great season as they represent MSU and Ole Miss at the highest level of the game.
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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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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
