Roses to the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, and to Neel-Schaffer engineer Kevin Stafford, for their work vetting sites for the sportsplex project.
Stafford”s presentation to city and county leaders at a Wednesday meeting on the sites was beyond thorough. There wasn”t a question Stafford couldn”t answer. We give kudos to his professionalism, and to the board for hiring him to the project. This was a clear case of tax dollars well spent.
Stafford presented a host of physical and financial data on the sites, which include areas in Burns Bottom; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land along the Riverwalk bordering the river; and land west of town off Highway 82. A majority of city and county leaders informally voiced support for the Burns Bottom location at the Wednesday meeting.
The CLRA”s sportsplex committee should be commended for moving the process to this point, giving supervisors and city council members enough information to make an informed decision. While it”s impossible for the final decision to please everyone, we hope that our leaders make a reasoned choice using the skillfully prepared materials presented to them.
Roses to the host of volunteers and staff who make Camp Rising Sun a reality each year.
The camp, in its 20th year at Columbus” Camp Henry Pratt, brings a traditional summer camp experience to children battling cancer. Much effort is involved providing care and medical needs for camp participants.
According to camp officials, more than 700 children have taken part in the camp. That”s more than 700 lives that have been changed for the better, thanks to camp organizers and staff.
Roses to The Purple Elephant, Mississippi Coffeehouse, and other Main Street businesses that beautify their facades with flowers and greenery. A vibrant downtown is a cornerstone of our economic development, and little touches, no matter how small, go a long way to attract shoppers downtown.
Thanks to all who go out of the way to make their businesses inviting for visitors. The efforts benefit the entire downtown area.
Roses to the Columbus Main Street Association and Lowndes County Development Link for organizing the Sounds of Summer Musical Series, which kicked off Thursday at the Riverwalk stage.
Thursday”s event was well attended, with people of all ages taking in the music, food and refreshments.
The series runs from 7-9 p.m. each Thursday through July 30, at the Riverwalk stage, on the river bank at the end of College Street. Call 662-328-6305 for more information on the series.
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 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.