A rose to all of the candidates who have either secured office or lost in that effort after Tuesday’s primary elections. Win or lose, your participation is appreciated. For those whose races are now over, we strongly encourage you to pick up your campaign signs as soon as possible. Campaign signs are designed to make an impression on voters. When candidates do not pick up their signs in a timely manner, that also makes an impression – one you aren’t likely to want. It’s not complicated: What you put out, you pick up. That’s a part of the election process that should be honored by all candidates.

A rose to Starkville High School track athlete Sterling Scott for his greatest performance ever.  The multi-time state champion jumper represented the United States at the U20 Pan American Track and Field Championships in Puerto Rico last weekend, winning gold in the triple jump with a mark of 15.67 meters or 51 feet, five inches. That mark is a personal best for him, six inches farther than his previous best of 50 feet, 11 inches, set in April. His gold medal-winning jump was nearly 0.39 meters – one foot, 3.25 inches – more than silver medalist Diego Bustamante Bastias of Chile. Scott now heads to the University of Missouri as he begins his college career, no doubt with his sights set not only on NCAA titles, but the Olympics. Great job, Sterling!

A rose (quite literally) to floral-designer-turned-painter Ralph Null and the West Point Clay County Arts Council which will host an exhibition of Null’s work Sunday at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts (235 Commerce Street in West Point). Null has been an active member of his adopted hometown of Columbus for more than 50 years and was a fixture at Mississippi State’s horticulture department, where he taught for 25 years. Nationally recognized for his work in floral design, Null turned to painting (acrylics) as a way to stay active during the COVD-19 pandemic. His work is all the remarkable given the short amount of time he spent painting.  Although he had taken some classes earlier in life, Null didn’t begin to pain in earnest until well into his 70s. No doubt, he is an inspiration to those who may be looking for something that gives fulfillment in their later years. Null’s painting is proof that it’s never too late to create.

A rose to 4-County Electric Power Association, which will provide its FastNet broadband service free of charge to visitors at the county’s new sports complex. 4-County CEO Brian Clark said the decision was part of the power cooperative’s mission to improve quality of life.

“I take a lot of pride that we’re not coming here to ask for anything,” Clark said. “We’re here with gifts for the (county). We’re going to provide access and infrastructure in exchange for advertising at the park.” Interim parks director Tom Velek said the playground will be named the 4-County Playground, and signage will be put up noting that the Wi-Fi is provided by 4-County.

The new sports complex will be built in phases and access to broadband internet service will be an amenity more and more visitors will use as the complex is built out. We thank 4-County for its contribution.

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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