A rose to all the dads out there on Father’s Day weekend. We promise not to get all mushy about it (dads generally hate that), but the importance of fathers should not be underestimated. As society moves away from rigid roles assigned to mothers and fathers, we find that today’s dads wear many hats — some traditional, some not. Today’s fathers are not simply stoic providers, but nurturers, too. As dads continue to play a greater role in the child-rearing, their importance is only magnified. Although there is a special emotional tenderness associated with mothers (as it should be), we salute all the dads who tap into their sensitive selves, for the benefit of their children. Dads don’t generally wear their emotions on their sleeves, so any tribute to dad on “his day” is most effective with simple displays of appreciation. Thanks, Dad!
A rose to our Golden Triangle Main Street Associations for being recognized this week as Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) Award winners for 2023. Main Street Columbus, Starkville Main Street and West Point Main Street were among the award winners, as was Aberdeen Main Street. In addition, Starkville Main Street was among those designated for a new award, the Main Street Circle of Excellence, which recognizes associations for efforts in running efficient local programs and excelling with all state requirements of a designated Main Street program. According to the MMSA data, Mississippi Main Street organizations throughout the state generated 495 new businesses, 56 business expansions, 841 new jobs, 183 building rehabilitations, and 1,817 downtown residential units in 2022. In 2022, every dollar invested in MMSA resulted in $189 of private investment in Mississippi’s Main Street communities, the highest return on investment of any economic activity in the state. Since 1993, MMSA has generated more than $6 billion in private and public investment. We congratulate our Main Street associations for all they do to promote and support our communities.
A rose to Columbus Ward 5 City Councilman Stephen Jones and Columbus Police Department Chief Joseph Daughtry for doing homework on a possible “red cup ordinance “ that is expected to be discussed at Tuesday night’s city council meeting. The possible ordinance would allow people to carry alcoholic beverages in portions of downtown. The pair was spotted at Munson Brothers Beer Garden in Burns Bottom Thursday night, asking questions about the ordinance and its potential impact. Regardless of the eventual result of any vote, it’s refreshing to see our city leaders doing homework and becoming informed on an issue in such a hands-on way.
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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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.
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