A rose to all who celebrate Easter, the most religiously-oriented “holiday” of the year. Because Easter always falls on a Sunday, it has never been officially recognized as a national holiday, which provides all federal employees with a day off work. Even so, Easter is particularly meaningful for Christians, as it marks the day of Christ’s resurrection. There are, of course, Easter traditions that aren’t directly connected to the Resurrection, such as Easter Egg hunts and family gatherings. Easter is also recognized as the unofficial beginning of spring. So Happy Easter to all, no matter how you celebrate.
A rose to the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), which returned to Columbus this week for the first time since 2004. Many of the best professional bass anglers arrived in town last weekend in advance of the 2025 Bass Master Open, a three-day event which concluded Friday. The event drew more than 162 competitors representing 36 states and three foreign countries who fished the Tombigbee River in search of prize bass. In addition to showcasing the wonderful recreational opportunities that Tombigbee and the Tenn-Tom Waterway have to offer, it was also a boost to the local economy, especially hotels and restaurants. It also gave local people an opportunity to see some of the world’s finest anglers in competition. We thank B.A.S.S. for the opportunity to host this major tournament and hope it won’t be another 21 years before that return.
A thorn to Columbus Ward 5 councilman Stephen Jones for his poor treatment of a fellow council member during Tuesday’s council meeting. Ward 6 councilperson Jacqueline DiCicco inquired about the controversial chicane being built on Military Road and asked what she should tell constituents when they call her about it. Jones blithely responded she should tell them to read about the subject in The Dispatch. DiCicco was taken aback and asked, “Can you not explain it to me now?” Jones cut her off. “Next,” he said. While the paper appreciates the vote of confidence in our explanation of the issue, Jones’ handling of DiCicco’s question was simply rude and dismissive. On top of that, he failed to publicly address a question on the minds of many citizens. That’s not the kind of behavior we should expect from our elected leaders.
A rose to Dewayne Davis who was promoted to fire chief for the Starkville Fire Department during Tuesday’s board of aldermen meeting. Davis has been serving as interim fire chief after the retirement of Charles Yarborough in February. He assumed the position with the full support of the SFD, 20 of whom turned out for Tuesday’s board meeting and his promotion. Davis has been serving with the Starkville Fire Department since 1996, working his way through the ranks. His experience as firefighter and his familiarity with the SFD make him an excellent choice as fire chief. We congratulate Davis on his promotion and wish him success in leading the men and women who serve their communities as firefighters.
A rose to the Columbus Ward 2 residents who will cast their ballots in Tuesday’s Democratic Party run-off election. Roderick Smith and Laisha “Ms. She-She” O’Neal are competing for the council position representing the ward. Incumbent Joseph Mickens lost in the April 1 primary so the ward will have a new voice on the city council. Run-off elections are notorious for poor turnouts, especially when there is only one race on the ballot. Even so, the stakes are high as a new leader is chosen to represent the people of Ward 2. A large turnout is important if the election is going to represent the true will of the voters. The polls will be open at East Columbus Gym from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We urge every voter in Ward 2 to cast their vote in this election.
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 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
