A rose to the Mississippi State Student Association and the city of Starkville for another outstanding “Bulldog Bash.” Billed as “Mississippi’s largest free outdoor concert,” Friday’s event again drew thousands of spectators for a full day of events, beginning with the Maroon Market, featuring food, retail vendors and local music and concluding with a concert headlined by The All-American Rejects. The Bulldog Bash has proven to be a perfect way to kick off a football weekend at MSU. It also represents a great example of what can be achieved when the university and the city work together. Great job, all-around.
A rose to the high school seniors at Columbus High School and New Hope High School who took advantage of an opportunity to register to vote. As part of National Voter Registration Day, Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann visited both schools on Tuesday to encourage those students who will be age 18 by the date of the Nov. 6 election to register to vote. Although there were no numbers available, the students were eager to pick up voter registration applications during the event. Given the low-turnouts at recent elections, we believe it is especially important for our young people to vote when they turn 18 and get into the habit of voting in all elections. We thank Rep. Kabir Karrierm and Lowndes County School District Superintendent for arranging Hosemann’s visit to the schools.
A rose to the 12 jurors and three alternates from Oktibbeha County who will serve on the jury in the Jessica Chambers murder trial. Quinton Tellis is charged with the burning death of the 19-year-old Panola County woman in December of 2014. A first trial ended in a mistrial. Even in the best of circumstances, jury duty can be an inconvenience, but for these jurors it’s is far more than an inconvenience. Upon their selection Monday, the jurors had 1½ hours to pack their bags before being bused to Batesville, where they will be sequestered for the duration of the trial. Our justice system relies on citizens who serve as jurors. We salute these Oktibbeha county citizens for their service under difficult circumstances.
A rose to Columbus Main Street and Columbus Arts Council for another successful Art Walk Downtown, which was held Thursday evening. Recognized as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Art Walk, now in its sixth year, is a showcase for the diversity and quality of original art available in this community. The event began with local artists paired with downtown business owners; artwork was displayed inside stores. In the years since, it has grown to also feature artists and local musicians lining the sidewalks, as well as in Leadership Plaza at the corner of Fifth Street South and College Street. Residents and visitors alike had the opportunity to purchase art, meet and talk with the artists, take advantage of in-store discounts and promotions and enjoy music in the streets.
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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