A rose of appreciation to Kenny Wiegel for his distinguished years of service to the city of Columbus. Wiegel is set to retire at the end of this month as the city’s building official, a position he has held since November 1996. While officially responsible for overseeing city zoning and inspection duties, the true hallmark of his service lies in his mastery of his responsibilities and the respect he consistently extended to his colleagues and the public alike. Wiegel was honored at Tuesday’s council meeting with a proclamation and a key to the city. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the city’s future, he thoughtfully selected and personally trained his successor, ensuring the Building Department’s continued excellence. Nathan Katona will assume Wiegel’s role effective June 30. We extend warm wishes to Wiegel for a joyful and fulfilling retirement.
We don’t typically rose or thorn items that we’ve already written an editorial about, but in this case, we need to give an extra rose of encouragement to an effort to hire a PR firm to fight for Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science’s continued existence on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. While needs do exist for the school, MSMS has simply thrived in Columbus at a minimal expense to taxpayers. Its successes should be built upon, not reinvented. A clean, effective PR campaign can tout Columbus’ strengths and shine a light on the current relocation plan, which includes using state money to subsidize a new Starkville High School. In the same way Columbus has previously fought for Columbus Air Force Base, we need a continued, sustained effort to fight for MSMS and MUW. This is a good step in that direction.
A rose of recognition to Barbara Bigelow, who was recently named the 2025 Charles Beasley Outstanding Main Street Director of the Year by the Mississippi Main Street Association. Bigelow, who has led Main Street Columbus for more than 12 years — and served as a dedicated volunteer and board member even before that — says she was “totally surprised” by the honor. But anyone familiar with her tireless work to support and grow downtown Columbus won’t be. The award, named in honor of founding MMSA member Charlie Beasley, celebrates Bigelow’s deep commitment to her community and her lasting impact on its heart. Along with a plaque, Bigelow also received a $1,500 scholarship to attend next year’s National Main Street Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bigelow’s work helps ensure downtown Columbus remains vibrant. Thank you Barbara!
Portions written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
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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