A rose to Steel Dynamics, which began its aluminum production at Aluminum Dynamics in July, further establishing SDI as a major economic driver in the Golden Triangle. SDI announced its plans for a $2.5 billion capital project in 2022, at the time the largest capital investment in Mississippi history. Groundbreaking on the aluminum plant, located just west of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, was held in March 2023. The new plant has created 850 jobs with an average salary of $93,000, company officials said. The major expansion of operations is something few could have imagined when the Indiana-based company purchased Severstal in 2014 for $1.62 billon. Over the past 11 years, SDI’s success has also helped establish other local companies as suppliers and contracted support operations. As SDI celebrates the opening of ADI, we congratulate the company for all the many ways it has improved our community.
A rose to the city of Columbus, which held a grand opening for its six-court pickleball complex at Propst Park on Friday. The pickleball courts are part of a $4.4 million renovation project that will update parks throughout the city. The courts were declared open for public play after a grand-opening ceremony that ended with a pickleball match between Columbus Mayor Stephen Jones and City Attorney Jeff Turnage. The courts are the city’s entry into what has become an enormously popular sport because of its accessibility to people of all ages, something that helps the city in its efforts to bring new patrons to park. Last year, almost 20 million Americans participated in pickleball, an increase of 45% over the previous year, making it the fastest-growing sport in the country for the fourth
A rose to New Hope High School history teacher and head baseball coach Lee Boyd, who has been selected as Mississippi’s American Legion Educator of the Year. Boyd, nominated for the honor by T.S. Patterson of American Legion Post 69, has taught in Mississippi public schools for more than 18 years, earning various honors and awards during his career, including winning three state championships. New Hope High Principal Matt Smith said Boyd’s approach to teaching is much the same as his coaching philosophy. “His classroom is a space where respect for the country, for one another, and for the responsibilities of citizenship are woven into every lesson,” Smith said. “Whether teaching in the classroom or leading one on the field, Mr. Boyd instills in his students the values of integrity, perseverance, and teamwork.” We congratulate Coach Boyd on the well-deserved honor.
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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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 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
