A rose to the “Takes a Village” group and founder Rickey Harris Jr., whose recent back-to-school drive supplied backpacks and school items to 528 children as the school year nears. This marks the fifth and largest drive yet for Harris, a Columbus native and 17-year Air Force veteran, who began the effort in 2021 to honor his late nephew, Antaves “Tav” Harris Petty, a standout New Hope football player killed in a 2017 traffic accident. Harris, who initially funded the drive himself, registered Takes a Village as a nonprofit in 2024 and has since drawn support from volunteers and local businesses such as Sharp Mind Entertainment. What started as a one-man effort has grown into a community-backed tradition and a testament to the impact of one person’s dedication.
A rose to the Starkville Board of Aldermen for unanimously approving a necessary, but unpopular increase in sewer rates for the second year in a row. The increased rate is not inconsequential – a $2 per month increase in the base rate and a $3 increase for each additional 1,000 gallons over the base. For the average homeowner, the sewer bill will go from $18 to $26. But the rate increase will raise an additional approximately $2 million next fiscal year to help cover debt payments for the first phase of wastewater treatment facility improvements and future projects. The need to repair and replace old infrastructure while addressing the increased demands for services that come with the city’s growth boom cannot simply be ignored, even if it means higher rates. No doubt, the aldermen will hear complaints from some of their constituents, but the need outweighs those considerations. We commend the board for taking this action.
A rose to Mississippi University for Women for continuing to foster reading through its annual Community Read Program, recently launched in partnership with Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, the City of Columbus and Friendly City Books. This year’s selection, The Barn by Delta native Wright Thompson, examines the site where 15-year-old Emmett Till was tortured and killed — a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. By choosing a book that confronts difficult truths, The W and its partners push back against efforts to sanitize history and encourage the community to engage with our past. We urge everyone to join this important reading project.
A rose to the Lowndes Community Foundation for the success of its first Casino Night fundraiser, which was held last Friday night and brought in approximately $30,000 to bolster the organization’s grant endowment. The event, held to support local nonprofits and charitable initiatives, proved to be both a financial and community-building success. Guests filled the venue with laughter and camaraderie as they tried their luck at various games, turning an evening of fun into meaningful impact. By channeling these funds into grants for local organizations, the foundation is directly investing in the betterment of the community it serves.
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 35 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 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
