Long-time syndicated columnist Sid Salter may be a Bulldog — he graduated from Mississippi State and is the communications leader for the university — but he’s one of us first a foremost: a caring Mississippian with a valued voice.

And now, Salter needs our prayers and support while he deals with a lymphoma diagnosis and treatment.

Salter has written a regular newspaper column since the 1980s and those columns have appeared in The Oxford EAGLE since then. So, our readers have come to know and trust, even if they don’t always agree.

He writes regularly about subjects that nobody else wants to, particularly the deeper takes on state politics that otherwise would not be done.

That’s why the EAGLE has continued running his columns two times each week even though Salter now works in public relations. We value his voice on all things Mississippi.

For now, Salter is taking an indefinite leave of absence while undergoing chemotherapy. His wife has reported that Salter is in good spirits, and we have no doubt that he will be back writing again sooner than later.

In the meantime, we will pray for Salter during his treatment and provide other voices to write about our beloved state. Nobody can replace Sid Salter. They will just keep the spot warm for his return.