A rose to all of those who we will be relying on to make sure Tuesday’s primary elections are conducted lawfully and efficiently. Circuit clerks and their staff are essential to county and state elections, but it would be impossible to conduct an election without poll workers. Lowndes County Circuit Clerk Theresa Barksdale said about 200 poll workers will participate in Tuesday’s election. Oktibbeha County will employ about 100 poll workers on Tuesday. Over the years, our elections have operated smoothly, which inspires the confidence of voters and makes the voting process easier. That doesn’t happen without the tireless work of our circuit clerks and their staffs along with the poll workers who participate in training prior to these elections to make sure they are up to date on procedures and whatever changes are made to the election system from one election to another. When you go to the polls Tuesday, be sure to thank the poll workers who assist you in the voting process.
A rose to organizers and volunteers of the Artesia Days Festival, celebrated for the 25th time this weekend. The festival kicked off with Friday night concerts and continues Saturday with a health fair sponsored by the West Lowndes 4-H Club and another slate of concerts on Saturday evening. Festivals such as this play an important role in maintaining a sense of community among residents. Artesia Days has also evolved into an event not just for current residents, but for those who have left, making it a homecoming. Organizers estimated a total attendance of 5,000, which dwarfs the current population of 304, according to the 20202 U.S. Census. These festivals not only create opportunities for friends, family and neighbors to enjoy themselves, but strengthen those bonds created by a shared experience of growing up in a small community.
A rose to the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, which will again celebrate teachers and school staff through the Educators are Essential program. This year, the series of pep rallies is becoming a conference for educators from across the county. It is scheduled for Sept. 9 on the Mississippi University for Women campus. It will include door prizes, breakfast and lunch, a teacher resource fair and three free books provided by Friendly City Books for all attendees. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive a $500 classroom makeover, Fenstermacher said. Although not every educator in attendance will win a prize, all should benefit from sharing ideas and receiving resources for their classroom. Perhaps just as important, the conference is a way to express appreciation for the job our educators perform while the school year is still at the beginning. We thank the Chamber for its commitment to our educators.
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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