A rose to business owners and their patrons, especially in Columbus. This week it was announced the city received more than $1.1 million in revenue from the sales tax collected in February. That’s a phenomenal 48 percent jump compared with February collections a year ago and continues a strong trend of revenue growth since July of last year (a 12-percent improvement compared to the same period a year ago). Starkville and West Point also saw boosts in sale tax revenue. We often urge residents to “shop local.” These numbers suggest people are doing just that. Shopping locally not only helps our business owners and employees, it helps every resident. The revenue collected goes to providing the city services that benefit us all.
A rose to Fredrick Sparks, who was appointed to the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees during Tuesday’s city council meeting. Sparks, a U.S. Postal Service employee, was selected from a field of seven candidates. He replaces Stephen Jones, who resigned from the board after winning a seat on the city council. As it is with all board members, Sparks assumes a position of great importance in helping shape policies and make decisions that affect the education of the city’s 4,500 public schoolchildren. We wish him all the best in performing such a vital role. We also thank the other candidates for their willingness to serve. Who knows? They may yet have that opportunity: Sparks is the seventh new board appointment in five years.
A thorn to Columbus Ward 4 city councilman Marty Turner, who was asked to leave Tuesday’s city council meeting because of disruptive behavior during executive session. The incident is merely the latest in a long series of missteps by the first-term councilman. To be fair, Turner often raises legitimate issues that might not get the attention they deserve. However, his conduct continues to undermine his credibility and, therefore, his effectiveness in representing Ward 4 residents.
A rose to Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi for working together. Although bitter rivals in sports, the two universities are often allies in academics and research, to the benefit of all Mississippians. This week, representatives of MSU and the University of Mississippi Medical Center signed an agreement to expand ongoing research collaborations combating health care disparity in the state.
Both have programs are aimed at preparing new doctors for rural service and improving the health of young children and minorities in the state. The memorandum of understanding promises new projects with the assistance of the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities at UMMC, which focuses on children’s and minority issues, HIV/AIDS and cancer. We applaud the collaborative effort. So Hail State! Hotty Toddy!
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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 38 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.