Copiah-Lincoln Community College is pleased to announce the hiring of Emily Sullivan Flessner of Brookhaven as Assistant Director of Foundation/Alumni Relations. Flessner previously served as the Wesson Campus Career Coach. Prior to joining Co-Lin, she held several leadership roles at Jones College, most recently serving as Assistant Dean of Students. In this position, she oversaw campus events and student activities, served as Director of Transfer Services and Director of Ca

by Beth Reiss Working smoke alarms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives in a home fire. To help protect Mississippi families, the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) and the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) are distributing more than 30,000 smoke alarms for installation in homes statewide at no cost to residents. The 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms were purchased with $500,000 in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FE

Special to Wesson News Dr. Qianwen “Megan” Zhang The Wesson Garden Club gathered on September 8 for a program presented by Qianwen “Megan” Zhang, PhD. Dr. Zhang introduced members to the beauty and practicality of home hydroponic systems, noting their visible appeal and ease of use. She suggested starting with simple plants, such as lettuce, basil, mint and kale, among many others. Meeting hostesses Jennifer Peets, Debbie Smith and Dixie Thornton provided a meal that atten

Special to Wesson News MSRT Conference Group Copiah-Lincoln Community College Medical Radiologic Technology students brought home several awards and honors from the 84th Annual Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) Conference held recently in Tupelo. Students showcased their knowledge, creativity and talents through a variety of competitions during the annual conference, earning recognition in student exhibits, artwork, manuscript writing, imaging and group c

As the days grow shorter and visibility decreases, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to remind drivers of the importance of slowing down and watching out for pedestrians. Any person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting or lying down is considered a pedestrian. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2024. Of these, 76% happened after

Special to Wesson News Public invited to vote daily through November 5 for a chance to help the rescue win up to $50,000 Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL) has been selected as one of 25 national finalists in Greater Good Charities’ Good Exists Challenge. The public can help BARL compete for a grant of up to $50,000 by voting once a day through November 5. BARL’s entry features a video highlighting the rescue’s work. The challenge was created to spotlight everyday acts of

The Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), announces the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) will provide assistance for eligible Mississippians during the Medicare Open Enrollment period that runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. During this enrollment period, Medicare recipients have an opportunity to review and adjust their health and prescription elections, compare available plans and make changes that better suit

By Guest Columnist Kim Whittington The Halloween decorations are officially up, and I couldn't be happier. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love cute, silly costumes, goofy grinning pumpkins, and, of course, the candy. Let's never forget the candy! Anyone who knows me will tell you my house is decked out in Disney, and they're right. I adore Disney, and this year every one of my beloved characters is dressed up in a Halloween costume. Where I live, we don't get

So far in 2026, there have been 65 fire deaths in Mississippi. There were no working smoke alarms in at least 40 of those cases. Compare that to the 75 residential fire deaths in 2025, when there were no working smoke alarms in 41 of the cases. That means that smoke alarms weren't working or weren't installed in 54 percent of the homes where fire deaths happened. "Daylight saving time on Sunday morning is a good reminder to test smoke alarms and talk to your family about what

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce Education Division will offer a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program on its Wesson Campus beginning Jan. 11, 2027. The program provides students with an opportunity to prepare for a career in the medical field through focused training and instruction. The program will run Jan. 11 through May 17, 2027, with classes meeting Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition for the program is $1,000. To be eli

Wesson News October 29 will bring the annual Trunk-R-Treat sponsored by the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office. This year’s event will be held at the Copiah County Fairgrounds. Organizers say the evening will offer fun, candy and community, with games, music and family-friendly fun all on the agenda. Attendees are asked to wear their costumes and bring their smiles. Sign up opportunities are available for individuals and businesses who would like to participate as a Trunk-R

Special to Wesson News Representing the Wesson Garden Club at the district meeting were (l to r) Jennifer Peets, Lisa Smith, Sherri Carty and Dixie Thornton. The Wesson Garden Club recently celebrated a “MAHVALOUS” day at the Natchez Trace District Meeting, hosted by the Spring Lake Garden Club in Pearl, where the club received second place for Garden Club of the Year in the Natchez Trace District of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. The recognition highlights the club’s

By Louise Vaughn The Wesson Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a brief regular meeting Tuesday, October 6, addressing police staffing, municipal improvements, property concerns and routine town business. The meeting lasted approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. Alderman Mike King was absent. The Board approved minutes from its September 1 regular meeting and September 15 special called meeting. During the police department portion of the meeting, the Board approved the

Wesson News Co-Lin is planning its annual community Trunk or Treat. Set for Tuesday, October 27, the event will be open to the public from 5 until 6:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Disney,” and the college is inviting local clubs, organizations and departments to participate. The organizers say their goal for the event, now in its third year, is to create a fun, safe evening for the community while giving them an opportunity to interact with the people and programs that mak

Special to Wesson News Halo Wellness is offering extended hours and recovery services for high school athletes, band members, cheerleaders, referees and coaches during football season, including Wesson Cobras players, many of whom have made the clinic part of their weekly routine. Halo Wellness offers provider-directed IV hydration, vitamin injections, red light therapy and other wellness services to clients ages fifteen and older, according to the clinic. It serves athle

Special to Wesson News Bobby Thornton Bobby C. Thornton was selected by the Board of Supervisors to serve as Copiah County’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO). The VSO position serves as a vital resource for all veterans of all ages as well as helps those who are leaving active service reintegrate successfully into civilian life. Thornton is a Veteran who retired from the Army and MS Army National Guard. He served over thirty-three years of military service and is a retire

By Louise Vaughn Angela Hester, Certified Municipal Clerk for the Town of Lakiedra Kangar, Crystal Springs Municipal Court Clerk, is Wesson, is serving as president of the Mississippi serving as vice president of the Mississippi Municipal Municipal Court Clerks Association. Court Clerks Association. Two Copiah County municipal court clerk

By Louise Vaughn What began fifty-five years ago as an effort to raise money for the Wesson Fire Department has grown into one of the community's longstanding fall traditions, drawing an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people each year. The Wesson Fire Department's 55th Annual Flea Market will return October 17, bringing dozens of vendors, local organizations, food and families to the streets of Wesson. The market will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Highway 51, Factory Street and S

Special to Wesson News Wesson resident Mandy Douglas (left) and WNBA star Sophie Cunningham (right) A spur-of-the-moment trip to Chicago turned into an unforgettable adventure for Wesson resident Mandy Douglas, who not only met WNBA star Sophie Cunningham but ended up appearing in a national Hibbett commercial advertising Adidas. Douglas decided to fly to the Chicago area during WNBA All-Star weekend after learning Cunningham would appear at a store in nearby Romeoville, Ill

Several wildfires burned at least 58 acres in Copiah County over the weekend, with strong wind gusts contributing to unpredictable fire behavior, according to the Mississippi Forestry Commission. Meacham Harlow, an outreach officer with the commission’s Region 3, said five wildfires were reported Saturday, Oct. 10. A sixth fire was reported Sunday, Oct. 11, after a blaze from the previous day reignited. The causes of Saturday’s fires included downed power lines, strong wind g