A rose to the United States of America and its citizens as we celebrate what is considered our nation’s 249th birthday this week. The Declaration of Independence, dated July 4, 1776, announced the British colony’s intent to separate itself from the rule of Great Britain. The war that made that bold announcement a reality was unique because it established a new country founded on democratic principles, rather than simply replacing one ruler with another. It was also the first time a colony successfully broke away from a European power to form its own independent nation. Additionally, the American Revolution involved the first written constitutions of independent government in history, establishing a system based on the consent of the governed. Over the years, Independence Day has developed traditions of its own. No matter how you celebrate, we encourage you to think about the sacrifices made over the generations to sustain the Independence we celebrate Friday and throughout the holiday weekend..
A rose to those elected officials in our communities whose service officially ends this week as new city governments convene for the first time on July 1. Among those leaders are Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin, council members Joseph Mickens, Pierre Beard and Jacqueline DiCicco. In Starkville, aldermen Jeffrey Rupp and Hamp Beatty finish their terms in office. Every four years, a new city government is formed. In some cases such as in Columbus this year, there are a lot of new faces. In others, such as Starkville, the turnover is small. In both cases, however, the arrival of new voices changes the nature of the body. We are hopeful about what that will mean to our community, but we also take a moment to thank all who served the community through service in city government, which is often a thankless job. All of these folks have made positive contributions during their tenure. Their contributions should not be forgotten.
A rose to West Point police chief Avery Cook, who retires Monday marking the end of a 25-year career serving the city and Clay County in law enforcement. The West Point native also served 21 years in the Army before beginning his law enforcement career with the West Point Police Department in 2000, Cook first served as a shift supervisor and later as assistant chief under former chiefs Tim Brinkley and Bobby Lane before moving to the Clay County Sheriffs Office in 2013. At CCSO, Cook served as investigator and later as commander of the patrol division before returning to the WPPD as chief in 2017. Over the years, Cook developed a reputation for remaining calm in stressful situations, something he attributed to the discipline gained from his military service as well as his many years practicing martial arts, ultimately earning third-degree black belt. Cook’s intimate knowledge of the city and its residents has been a great asset in his work. We wish him an enjoyable retirement. It’s well-earned.
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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
