Every community has its own special flavor and activities that set it apart from the rest of the world.
Those of you who have grown up here may not realize how unique Clarksdale is and some of the things that make it so different from other places on Earth.
They are things like that dark good earth that makes up Delta soil, the grand old buildings downtown, the intersection of Highway 61 and 49, barbecue, Lebanese food, fried catfish, the Mississippi River, the trees over Second Avenue and Blues music to name a few.
Most of these things were here before most of us got here and will be here after most of us are gone.
Each and every one of them brings something special to this community.
As a newspaperman I have always looked around and tried to find those things that people do best. They make great news stories.
Look at the list
You hold in your hand our 2024 Best Of Clarksdale edition. We hope you will take a look at the business, restaurant and professional service winners in this product.
No, the poll is not scientific, but we think it does give a pretty good view of who is doing it right, who treats their customers well and who is giving their best.
I hope you take the time to look at every name on our list.
They are people you go to church with, your children go to school with their children and you do business with them on a daily basis.
I celebrate five years in Clarkdale this month and have gotten to know a number of these establishments and the people who run them.
You know these people better than I do. I'm proud you picked them as your choice of the best in their field.
As a nationwide mediocre mentality creeps deeper and deeper into this community, I am glad there are still local people who give nothing less than their best to their job, their community and to us every day.
The Very Best
Being in the newspaper business I often write things that make people think I am less than the best.
Some of it is business and industry news. A lot of it is the political wrangling’s of our schools, city hall and county government. Sometimes it is as simple as a name miss-spelled or some grandchild's photo left out of the paper. It takes a long time to get back on those folk’s good side.
Sometimes you never do.
So I’ll just continue to do my best. I’ll tell the truth on these pages, cut you the best deal to get your business and when your underwear stinks, I will tell your community. Hopefully you will clean up your act.
It’s what good newspapers do. And if you look at today’s paper you will see a lot of good news.
So read the best stories, look at the best ads and see who is on the Best List
Clarksdale, you really do deserve the best!
Floyd Ingram is the Editor of the best hometown newspaper, in the best community in this state. Call him at 662-627-2201 if you want to make them better!
