A rose to Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box for doing extensive research into the candidates and having strong questions to ask the three police chief finalists. Box asked Brame about the “Whistleblower” lawsuit, McQueen about his role in the Freshour Crimestoppers scandal and OSS report done on the Columbus Police Department around a decade ago and Spinks about being asked to resign as Sequim police chief and being referred to as “bombastic.” Box also quoted the positive comments from the subcommittee reports. Some of the other questions asked by other councilmen were insipid, but Box’s questions were well-researched and on point.
A rose to the Caledonia Middle School Beta Club, who volunteered at Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen this week. Studies indicate that people who volunteer as children and teenagers grow up to be more actively involved in their communities. Compassion is learned at an early age, and these young people give us great hope for the future of our city.
A rose to New Hope resident Katie Burchfield, who was inspired to hold a yard sale to benefit the Davis family, who lost their home to a fire this week. Burchfield befriended Davis through Facebook and started a Facebook page, “Help Tiffany Davis & Kids,” to gather donations for them.
A rose to local volunteers and Mississippi State University veterinarians who worked with the U.S. Humane Society to rescue more than 100 dogs from deplorable conditions at a home in Macon. The concern the volunteers had — and their love for the animals — was evident during the rescue.
A thorn to pet owners who fail to spay and neuter their animals. Public assistance is available for those who cannot afford spaying and neutering, and discounted (or even free) services are sometimes offered. Thousands of pets die every year in animal shelters because there are simply more animals than humans to care for them. This is not an animal issue. This is a human issue. They depend on us to care for them, shelter them, feed them and love them. Part of that includes stemming the tide of pet overpopulation.
A rose to the Lowndes Humane Society, which recently began work on its new facility on Airline Road, thanks to local contractor Leon Ellis who is donating a large part of the dirt work required. The land was donated by the Ralph Williamson family and individual contributions have fueled the effort. LHS staff say the organization needs more than $400,000 to complete the construction.
A rose to Cherry Dunn and the Columbus Girlchoir who performed this past week for the Columbus Rotary Club and for the community Friday evening. The choir has 52 singers representing 15 schools in the Columbus area plus large number of home-schooled girls. Now in its eighth season, the choir keeps getting better as girls continue year to year, says director and founder Dunn. Any tax-deductible contribution can be mailed to Columbus Girlchoir, Box 8186, Columbus, MS 39702
A rose to all Lowndes County residents who were called to jury duty and served during the just completed session of circuit court. Jury duty can be a thankless, time-consuming task, and often ends in making a tough decision, but it is an essential part of our justice system. This session was highlighted by a 12-person jury finding Daniel Paul Copple guilty in the Elbow Room shootings that took place earlier this year. Deciding on guilty verdicts for two counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault might have been a tough decision to make.
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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