A rose to the working men and women of America during this Labor Day weekend. Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894, predating official federal holiday recognition of Memorial Day, Mother’s Day and Fathers Day. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans and is celebrated with parties, street parades and athletic events. We salute the workers of our nation and hope the holiday provides a well-deserved break. Enjoy!
A rose to the Mississippi State football team, which opened its 120th season with a 38-28 win over the University of Louisiana on Saturday in New Orleans. College football bears little resemblance to the game the school, then known at Mississippi A&M, began playing in 1895. Today, the MSU football program has not only gained national prominence — it is seeking its 10th consecutive bowl game this season — but has become a huge economic driver, annually pumping millions of dollars into Starkville and the greater Golden Triangle community. The season will have its ups and downs, as all seasons do, but it will continue to be a great source of entertainment and economic benefits for our community. Hail State!
A rose to the Clay County Board of Supervisors and the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District, which worked together to create a new courthouse complex that will greatly relieve overcrowding and make its courts more efficient. Local officials held a ribbon-cutting this week for a $4 million complex that will house the county’s circuit and justice courts. The GTPDD is financing the project. Until now, virtually all county business was conducted in the current courthouse. When circuit and justice courts were in session, the crowding was so bad that it severely hampered the work performed there, which also includes chancery court, youth court and the tax assessor’s office. The new complex on West Main Street will greatly reduce that crowing and make doing business with the county far easier and more efficient. It’s a great benefit to both county officials and citizens of Clay County.
A rose to Eddie Hawkins and his Republic primary run-off opponent Greg Wright. Hawkins, a lieutenant with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, edged Wright, chief deputy for the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, by 353 votes on Tuesday. What is notable about this race was that both candidates ran positive campaigns focusing on the issues. The petty, mean-spirited and negative campaigning that has sadly become a staple of elections was noticeably absent in this race. Both men were respectful of their opponent. They attacked the issues rather than each other even though the election was hard-fought and fairly contested. It was a breath of fresh air. Now, as Hawkins heads into the Nov. 5 general election against independent Anthony Nelson, we hope that spirit continues. Voters benefit when candidates focus on policies rather than personalities.
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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