Good morning Columbus. What you need to know — MLK; no school today; how to handle BCSC’s first e-learning day; flooding; roads closed

By
Scarlett Syse
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Greetings Columbus —

Fifty years ago last night, Martin Luther King Jr. uttered these prophetic words:

mlkWe’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter to with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life – longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And so I’m happy tonight; I’m not worried about anything; I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

The next day, 50 years ago today, this preacher, dreamer, fighter and peacemaker was gunned down at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.

His dream that one day his children would live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character did not perish with him, though.

King, through his fierce quest for racial and economic justice, got us closer than anyone to those words in the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

Indeed, he changed the world. Still, my friends, we have much work to do.

Read how Columbus residents were influenced by King, especially Jarvis Cooper, who was in the Mason Temple on April 3, 1968, when King gave his last speech. Story here.

Here’s what else you need to know —

We’re wet and flooded, and the kids are at home.
We’ve got our boots on and are covering water news. Here’s the latest:

SCHOOL: Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. canceled classes today because of water-covered roads. But officials want students to get out their electronic devices and get to work. Today’s an e-learning day, and students and teachers will interact virtually to learn new material, complete assessments and interact online.

Lesson objectives were to be on itslearning by 9 a.m. and teachers and student support teachers will be available to contact between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to the school. Need help? Call 812-418-0253 or send an email to [email protected]. Parents and students, here’s the link to all the information you need to participate in electronic learning.

Story here: School statement, other weather information.

Brenny Jarrard is excited about “our first official e-learning day,” and tweeted the following —

Two more —

RIVERS. Driftwood, Clifty Creek and Flatrock rivers are swollen. Click here for details on river stages and flood warnings.

ROADS. You’ll need a boat to get around Bartholomew County today. Here’s a list of road closings.

A week after Parkland shoot, East threat rattled students.
This story gives you a window into the fears and concerns of Columbus East students. A school official said: “It did disrupt the school day. We were fielding phone calls and students started to leave. Parents were showing up to take kids out. Students were questioning their safety.” Story here.

What government employees are paid.
A consultant is suggesting that the city establish minimum, midpoint and maximum pay ranges for all positions. Overall, changes are expected to help retain and attract employees particularly in public safety. Thursday’s Republic.

Wet Instapic from cnhsdoor26 —

instapic wet

Have a great day and stay dry. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

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