A rose to St. James United Methodist Church in Columbus and commercial catfish farmer Leigh Holland of Indianola, who joined forces to provide, free of charge, five tons of live catfish to area residents during a flopping philanthropic frenzy Wednesday in the church parking lot. The event lasted about an hour, with residents bringing their own ice chests and walking away with “something different.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, churches and civic organizations have given away food, mostly fruits, vegetables and other staples. Those efforts have been well-received, but the catfish give-away added a little variety. In the South, catfish is somehow both a staple and a delicacy, so Wednesday’s event was special, a boost to the spirits at a time when it is most needed.

 

A rose to the Columbus City Council, which provided a second option as a site for the Confederate Memorial, which county supervisors intend to move from its current site at the Lowndes County Courthouse. Because the monument can only be relocated on county-owned property, the city agreed to quit claim a deed to a site at the city-owned Friendship Cemetery near the place where Civil War soldiers are interred. Given the size of the monument (32-feet tall, 16 feet at its base), accessing the site would be difficult. On Tuesday, the council provided another site in the cemetery, one that is easier to navigate. The council agreed the supervisors can have their pick of the two sites. Given all the challenges associated with relocating the monument, the city’s offer may help smooth the way for that transition.

 

A rose to Brandon Doherty, who takes over as director of the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department after he was selected by a unanimous vote by the Board of Aldermen Tuesday. Doherty has a background in providing parks and recreation opportunities for the U.S. Army. His background and experience may prove him to be the best choice at a time when the department is facing both challenges (COVID-19) and opportunity (development of the city’s $21-million Cornerstone Parks project). We wish him every success.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.