A rose to all of you who have offered your feedback to our new website, which launched last week. As is often the case with new things, we recognize that adjusting to the new website and its features may require some time and patience. Responses so far have included both compliments and criticism, the former appreciated and the latter taken into consideration. We are still making adjustments based on the feedback you have provided. Even as we work out the kinks, we are excited about what the new website provides. It is optimized for mobile use. Since 60 percent of our traffic is mobile, the experience should be much better now. The site will allow us a lot more flexibility in how our articles are presented to our readers. We will be able to have more large photos, embedded video, links in the story, etc. We will also have better ad options to offer our clients. Our goal is to make our website as useful and reader-friends as possible, so we welcome your feedback on anything that helps us achieve those goals.
Two solemn roses of remembrance for Frances Jutman and Scott Carley, two Columbus citizens who passed away last week. The two were vastly different, yet similar in the passion with which they approached their life. Jutman was an active participant in many community organizations. She was enthusiastic about and deeply committed to the welfare of Columbus for many, many years. Carley may be most commonly remembered as the former owner of Thai by Thai restaurant, but his large circle of friends remember him for his love of music, his enthusiasm and his devotion to his friends. As a drummer for roughly four decades, Scott performed the important roles of the instrument – setting the beat and keeping the band in time. Extending that role to his broader life, his many friends must now seem out of sorts, their timing off a bit as they cope with Scott’s untimely death. He took his music and friend seriously, but not himself. His fun-loving nature, his ability to laugh at himself and his keen perception of the needs of others are a few of qualities his friends recall and will now miss most of all. We extend our deepest sympathy to Scott’s family and friends.
A rose to Starkville Ward 5 Alderman candidate Brady Hindman for his response to the revelation of his 2014 arrest on felony drug charges. Hindman, 28, avoided prosecution through a pre-trial intervention program, which he completed in 2017. His conviction was vacated and he is eligible to hold office. When contacted about those offenses, Hindman candidly admitted his guilt, took responsibility and did not try to minimize the seriousness of his charges. This should not be perceived as an endorsement in Hindman’s race against Anna Chaney in the April 6 Republican primary. That choice is left to the voters of Ward 5 alone. But we do appreciate Hindman’s candor. We also believe it to be a testament to the value of intervention programs. We believe our communities benefit when non-violent offenders are allowed an avenue to redeem themselves and become productive members of society.
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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