A rose of condolences to the Mississippi State University family, which lost two of its own Friday night. MSU freshman football player Keith Joseph, Jr. and his father, Keith Joseph Sr. — also a star performer at MSU — were killed in a one-car accident Friday, leaving the MSU community in stunned, saddened disbelief. There is little consolation in words, we realize, but in such times we are drawn closer through grief and find that, somehow, sharing our sorrow brings us strength and comfort as we move forward, as we inevitably must. We extend our sympathies to all who are touched by this tragic event and hold the Joseph family in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
A rose to the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lowndes Community Foundation and the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors for their collaboration in bringing the county’s World War I monument to a new home on the grounds of the county courthouse. The monument was officially dedicated Saturday, the weekend before Nov. 11, the day set aside as Veterans Day. The $7,500 project moves the monument to a more-prominent position after the existing plaque at Magnolia Bowl that honored the 22 “Doughboys” from Lowndes County who gave their lives in WWI. The plaque had vanished from public view after the old stadium was closed. No living WWI vets remain and few of their children are still with us, which makes this effort in making sure those sacrifices are not forgotten even more important.
A rose to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, one of five Mississippi hospitals to be awarded an “A” rating by Leapfrog Group, a patient safety watchdog group. Baptist is no stranger to the honor, having won a “A” from the group since it began in 2012. The Leapfrog Group grades more than 2,500 hospitals across the United States for safety. The safety score reflects how well the hospital protects patients from preventable medical errors, injuries and infections within the hospital.
A rose to the students, faculty, staff and parents in the Lowndes County and Starkville school districts for their performances in state assessments in English and algebra. Students from both districts scored above the state average.
We also take a moment to encourage those in the Columbus Municipal School District, whose students tested below the state average.
It’s not where you start that tells the story, but where you go from there that matters. We encourage all those students to view the results, not as a failure, but as a challenge.
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 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.