A rose to Lowndes County’s Excel by 5 Committee. In its first quarterly meeting since forming earlier this year, the committee laid out steps to become involved with other local organizations and events to raise awareness for educational needs and available resources for child birth to 5 years. It also intends to promote health screenings and provide other child safety information. All of this is an effort to make Lowndes an Excel by 5 certified county, which will open the door for more grants and other funding avenues to support early childhood education.
A rose to area chancery judges for continuing the free pro se legal clinic for low-income and indigent citizens. The clinic held Thursday in Lowndes County guided participants through questions they had about issues such as no-fault divorces, adult name changes and other minor court processes. Understanding these procedures helps citizens navigate them in the court system without having to hire an attorney, which can save them thousands of dollars.
A rose of remembrance to Judge James A. Mills of Starkville who passed away on Tuesday. The well-known figure served for years as a justice court judge until he left the bench in 2015. Before his time with justice court, he worked as an Oktibbeha County deputy sheriff and served as a Starkville alderman.
A rose to Mississippi University for Women graduate Austyn Holden and Mississippi State graduate Hannah Laird, who have opted to attend medical school with the intent of one day working in clinics in rural Mississippi. Both received Rural Physicians Scholarships, which will fund up to $120,000 of their studies at the University of Mississippi Medical School. After graduation, they must complete a residency in one of five primary care specialties, then practice in an in-state community of 15,000 residents or fewer for at least four years. With Mississippi ranking at or near the bottom nationwide in so many health statistics, having young people like Holden and Laird be willing to stay in their home state to combat those issues with some of our vulnerable populations (those living in rural communities with limited health care options) is vital.
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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