A rose to Renee Sanders, who was selected last week to serve as interim executive director for the United Way of Lowndes County as the organization continues to search for a permanent replacement for Danny Avery, who resigned in June. In choosing Sanders, director of Volunteer Columbus, to take over, the organization can rely on someone familiar with operations during a critical time of year. Sanders, who may be considered for the permanent role if she chooses to be a candidate, will provide stability as the United Way continues its major fund-raising campaign. United Way of Lowndes County supports 18 nonprofits in the Golden Triangle. We applaud Sanders for taking on this added responsibility during this important time.
A rose to all those who have chosen to adopt pets from our local humane society locations. October is Adopt-a-Dog Month and humane societies in Columbus and Starkville had a combined 100 adoption-ready dogs and puppies eager to find a “fur-ever” home. While both facilities sometimes have pure-bred dogs available, most are mixed breeds, which in many respects makes their adoption a better fit. Data shows mixed-breed dogs are generally healthier and live longer than pure-breeds, which are often susceptible to breed-specific conditions and illnesses not typically found in “mutts.” The pound puppy is his own unique animal, too, which means those who adopt them are truly getting a one-of-a-kind pet. Adoption fees are low and the process is simple. We urge anyone seeking a pet to make sure the local Humane Society is the first place to look.
A rose to Mississippi University for Women for Friday’s Welty Gala at the Trotter Center. Keynote speaker Brad Meltzer, a New York Times bestselling offer, delivered an address that long-time Gala attendees say is among the best in the event’s 30-year history. Meltzer used his talk to encourage the audience to build a legacy that benefits others. Ordinary people, Meltzer said, can indeed change the world, often by helping just one person. Meltzer’s speech is certain to inspire his audience to achieve that important work.
A rose to local utility departments and first-responders, who answered the call in the wake of Hurricane Michael, which cut a devastating path through the Florida Panhandle two weeks ago. Crews from 4-County Electric Power Association and Starkville Electric Power, along with a crew from the Starkville Fire Department responded to the call for help in the aftermath of the storm. Their efforts, along with those of volunteer crews from across the country, are critical in the days that immediately followed the storm, helping with the clean-up and recovery effort that will, no doubt, continue for months. We salute our volunteers for the hard work they perform under the most difficult of circumstances.
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 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.