A rose to the city of Columbus for opening a shelter for citizens in need at the police department this week. Originally meant to be an overnight space for people who had no other shelter from the cold, city officials made it a 24-hour shelter through Friday in light of persistent cold, and often sub-freezing temperatures. Five citizens utilized the shelter, according to city officials
A rose to all the organizations in the Golden Triangle planning Thanksgiving meals and turkey drives for the needy this year. In Columbus, several organizations – including the Community Benefit Committee, Columbus Parks and Recreation and Salvation Army plan to deliver more than 1,800 meals this Thanksgiving. Columbus resident Annie Barry organizes the drive, now in its 25th year. There’s also the mayor’s Thanksgiving lunch for senior citizens planned in Columbus this week, and the Jive Turkey Jam Nov. 29 in Starkville, where donated food will go to local food pantries.
A rose of best wishes to Lowndes County Sheriff Mike Arledge after his 16 years of elected service – including eight years as sheriff and another eight as justice court judge. Arledge announced on Friday he will retire as of Dec. 1, a month earlier than his last term is set to expire, because of out-of-town family obligations. Chief Deputy Greg Wright will be interim sheriff until sheriff-elect Eddie Hawkins takes the reins in January. Arledge opted not to run for re-election this year.
A rose to Columbus Municipal School District and Columbus Light and Water for signing a memorandum of understanding to help provide students free home internet access. Students often don’t have internet access at home, leaving them without an immediate way to do research or web-based homework assignments after school. CMSD leadership is making clear with this initiative that it is serious about providing students the tools they need for higher achievement on and off campus.
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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