DISPATCH EDITORIALS

Reneau University

Posted 8/10/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

The saga to find a new name for Mississippi University for Women enters a new phase today. With this morning's announcement by MUW President Claudia Limbert that the campus choice is Reneau University, the rough and tumble business of selling it to the IHL Board, Legislature and alumni begins.

Out-of-town guests

Posted 7/23/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

A visit yesterday from a delegation from Guntersville, Ala., only served to remind us of the many assets of this place many of us call home. The group, comprised of public officials and involved citizens, spent a day in Columbus on a fact-finding exchange.

One step forward, two steps back

Posted 7/8/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

If you’re planning to watch the broadcast of the Lowndes County Supervisors’ Tuesday meeting, let us warn you; it’s not a pretty sight. In a production that more resembles a badly acted high school drama than a meeting of elected officials, Harry Sanders plays the role of a school-yard bully; a wronged Leroy Brooks becomes the class loudmouth; Frank Ferguson and John Holliman are spineless turncoats and Jeff Smith is the well-meaning but unsuccessful peacemaker.

Unfinished business: City school superintendent Del Phillips should stick around

Posted 6/25/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

Back when he was selling a package of school improvements that included a new middle school, magnet schools and most recently an extended school year, Superintendent Del Phillips often invoked a Stephen Covey chestnut: “The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing.”

Charging ahead

Posted 6/17/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

It is disappointing, though not surprising that the Lowndes Supervisors are charging ahead with the Burns Bottom site for a soccer complex. At their Monday meeting, the supervisors announced plans to begin acquiring options to purchase land for that purpose. Joe Higgins of the Link has been activated for the task.

A new newspaper for Starkville

Posted 6/8/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

On March 12, 1922, the occasion of the merger of Columbus’ two papers into The Commercial Dispatch, publisher Birney Imes Sr. offered an editorial, much of it relevant today.

A new day: Columbus voters cast out two more incumbents bringing a total of four new council members

Posted 6/3/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

Voters on Tuesday handed pink slips to two incumbents giving the Columbus City Council four new faces. In Ward 5 political activist and restaurant owner Kabir Karriem trounced Republican incumbent Jay Jordan with over 62 percent of the vote. Political newcomer Joseph Mickens ousted Susan Mackay in Ward 2 with a 52-percent margin.

Voters in all three Golden Triangle communities will elect mayors on Tuesday; we urge you to be part of the process

Posted 6/1/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

If you live in the city of Columbus, Starkville or West Point, you have a right and a responsibility to fulfill tomorrow; that is to vote.

A new mayor for Starkville

Posted 5/22/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

With city-funded curbside recycling pickup, a “green” city building ordinance, bike and walking paths (and plans for more) and a smoking ordinance, Starkville leads the Golden Triangle in innovative movements.

Case closed (we hope): CPD’s handling of Vicksburg episode less than professional

Posted 5/21/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

With the punishment of four Columbus police officers Tuesday for their juvenile behavior May 5 at Vicksburg National Military Park, and an apology from the Columbus Police Department, we are hoping all parties can move on.

The budget, please: Legislature needs to pass long-overdue budget

Posted 5/12/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

A state of limbo. That’s the best description of the effect of the Mississippi’s Legislature’s failure to agree on a state budget has on education, health care and other essential services. The House and Senate need to get over their differences and pass the budget. They need to do it when they resume their protracted annual session May 26.

Keystone cops: Four of Columbus’ ‘finest’ attend seminar in Vicksburg, return an embarrassment to city

Posted 5/8/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

So a few guys are riding through the military park in a police cruiser, one in the driver’s seat, one in the passenger’s seat. Another two are seated in the popped trunk.

Market Street: Festival offers opportunity to experience pleasures of downtown, mix with your neighbors

Posted 5/1/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

If you take a look around downtown, you’ll notice the well-preserved historic buildings, beautiful landscaping, complete with flowers placed with care.

A victim of political correctness

Posted 4/11/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

Well, so much for Reneau and Waverley as names for Mississippi University for Women. In the case of Reneau, it’s a shame. We’re not sure how Waverley, the name of a Sir Walter Scott novel and, subsequently, the Clay County antebellum mansion, made the cut other than it begins with a “W,” a pet name some want to preserve.

Just do it: Cigarette tax increase would offer much needed revenue; would offset car tag increase

Posted 4/8/2009 in Dispatch Editorials

The state Legislature shouldn’t be faulted for delaying adoption of the state budget as it awaits more information about how to spend the federal economic stimulus money Mississippi is getting. But, to say the least, it’s alarming the House and Senate have been unable to agree on how much to raise the cigarette tax.

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