A rose to the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors which expressed some interest is providing some of its Recovery Act funds to expand and improve the mental health services provided by Community Counseling Services (CCS). CCS has seen demand for mental health services skyrocket at a time when providing those services has proven difficult because of COVID-19. Although it’s just in the conversation stage as supervisors await clear guidance on how its $11.5 million allocation can be spent, the importance of CCS’s services cannot be overstated.
A rose to all those who participated in Monday’s town hall at the Trotter Center, presented by the Crime Prevention Task Force. Dozens of citizens turned out to listen, ask questions and offer their suggestions as our community deals with the recent uptick in violent crime in our community. In circumstances such as this, the focus is often on the role of law enforcement and other city officials. But in truth, the citizens are an important part of the equation. An informed, energized community can be a great complement to the work of law enforcement. Answers for what we are seeing are not always clear to see, nor are the solutions always simple. But when all elements of community work together toward a common goal, we are headed on the right course.
A rose to Paige Watson, who was chosen this week as the Starkville Main Street Association’s new director. Watson currently serves as the special events and projects coordinator for the Starkville Partnership. Under her new role, she will continue to assist in the development, planning and coordination for all Partnership and Main Street events and programs. We believe Watson’s familiarity with the work Main Street does, along with the synergy created by a closer relationship with the Partnership will combine to make both organizations more effective in their missions.
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 47 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.