A rose to the remarkable potter, Shawanda Corbett, who has managed to not only excel as a student at MUW, but as a teacher during the summer children’s art program. Born with just one arm and no legs, Shawanda is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit. Corbett’s determination and success is an inspiration.
A thorn to the Columbus City Council for its choice of Bernard Buckhalter to the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board. In re-appointing Buckhalter to the position, they have assured themselves of securing the least-qualified candidate available. If a person who works as a manager at a chain restaurant in Starkville is considered an appropriate choice for such an important role, it’s clear that there are some “unwritten” qualifications that come into play. It certainly smacks of small-town patronage. The citizens of Columbus deserve better than.
A rose to EMCC President Rick Young, under whose leadership the Mayhew campus is growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, one of those “leaps” may lead EMCC all the way to the site of the Columbus Country Club. EMCC is again considering purchasing the bankrupt facility to serve as a showcase venue for programs new and old. An EMCC purchase of the property would also ensure that Columbus residents would have access to the amenities the club has to offer.
A rose to Lowndes County Fire Administrator Sammy Fondren, who issued a burn ban for the County on July 3. Burn bans are never popular, so when officials such as Fondren issue a ban, they are sacrificing personal popularity to insure the public’s well-being.
A rose to Katie Moulds. Normally, a decision to change career tracks from medicine to law doesn’t evoke bouquets. But Moulds’ decision seems to have been a wise choice and one that will pay dividends for citizens, too. In her role as Assistant District Attorney for the 16th District Circuit Court, the 26-year-old former Mississippi State University microbiology student brings smarts and energy to the office. Given the case-loads these days, there is no underestimating the value of those qualities.
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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