A rose to all the candidates in Tuesday’s municipal primary elections. Five of 11 contested primary elections  in Columbus, Starkville and West Point have been decided. Those winning candidates — Jacqueline DiCicco (Ward 6 Columbus city Council), Roy A. Perkins (Ward 6 Starkville alderman), Leta Turner (West Point Ward 1 selectman), Ken  Poole (West Point Ward 3 selectman) and Jasper Pittman (West Point Ward 5 selectman) — have no opponents in the June 8 general election and take office in July. Many of the other contested seats are too close to call during an election where turnout was alarmingly low. We urge citizens who did not vote Tuesday to turn out for the next election — either the possible runoffs to decide the primary and certainly in the June 8 general election. Every vote counts, as we saw in this week’s primary.

A rose to 100+ Women Who Care Columbus, which awarded Safe Haven its $18,100 spring award during its virtual Giving Circle Event. The organization is made up of women, each of whom donate $100 twice a year for the two organizations selected by a vote of the membership.  The spring and fall awards go to verified nonprofits that serve the Lowndes County community. As its name suggests, Safe Haven provides emergency shelter and crisis intervention for victims, and their children, of domestic and sexual violence. The nonprofit is now in its 38th year in operation. We applaud the Columbus 100+ Women Who Care for the good work they continue to support through their awards and to Safe Haven, an excellent example of service in our community.

A rose to Main Street Columbus and Visit Columbus for last week hosting Noon Toons and Catfish in the Alley, respectively. At Noon Tunes, downtown visitors enjoyed music from local musicians while relaxing in the Trotter Center Courtyard from 11:30 a.m. until 1;30 p.m. Catfish in the Alley featured various events on Thursday to Saturday, including a fried catfish plate kickoff party, live music, food trucks and various artisans. Throughout the pandemic, these organizations have shown great restraint in choosing to cancel many of their events to protect public health. Now that restrictions are being lifted and the COVID-19 vaccination program is well underway, we look forward to the normal routines of life continuing to return. That’s good news, indeed.

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