A rose to the Columbus Municipal School District, which last week unanimously approved $1.5 million worth of bids for the upgrade of various athletic facilities. In March, the trustees agreed to pursue bids on athletics projects including the construction of a new weight room, raising the football field and track to avoid flooding and building a new soccer field, baseball hitting facility and a locker room, press box and concession stand for softball.
Some may scoff at these expenditures, but there is ample evidence that providing students with extracurricular activities such as sports, music and the arts are critical components in a well-rounded education. Students who participate in these programs perform better in the classroom, studies show, and are far less likely to be discipline problems. Supporting these activities by providing proper facilities is consistent with the educational mission.
A rose to the West Point Selectmen and the Clay County Board of Supervisors for agreeing this week to consolidate E911 operations. The move is expected to cut costs while improving communication between city and county law enforcement. Cities and counties are often cast in adversarial roles, as each entity jealously guards its own “turf,” often at the expense of the citizens. We applaud West Point and Clay County for rising above that sort of petty bickering and serving the best interests of both city and county residents alike.
A rose of remembrance for former Columbus Police officer Kelvin Lee, who died Monday at age 51 after a long and heroic fight with cancer. Lee, who joined the CPD in 1997, was known through the community he served for his integrity and warmth. Even after he left the police department in 2012 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, Lee continued to inspire people as he fought his difficult battle. When the CPD held a fundraiser to help with Lee’s medical expenses, more than 700 people turned out, something that speaks of how highly regarded he was in our community. His long fight has ended, but his fighting spirit will long be remembered.
A rose to our Legislature for passing a bill to name the Highway 82 bridge over the Tombigbee River just west of the Columbus city limits the Terry W. Brown Memorial Bridge. Formal dedication ceremonies were held Friday, with new signage bearing the name of the late state senator. Elected in 2004, Brown, a Republican from Columbus, served as president pro tempore of the Senate from January 2012 until his death in September 2014. He served in the Mississippi House from 1988 to 2000. The bridge is a fitting tribute to a man who served his home county with great distinction.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.