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By Jessica Breazeale What motivates you? If it’s money, let me give you a hint. You’ll never have enough. If it’s fame, let me give you another hint. You’ll never be famous enough. If it’s your family, let me ask you this. Do they get the best of you or the worst of you? If you died tomorrow, would your life have meant something to someone who needed it to? Are you building something that outlasts you, or just filling time? Are you living by your convictions, or just your comfort? Who are you when no one is watching? Are you investing in people, or just collecting them? When’s the last time someone felt truly seen because of you? You say it matters. Does your calendar agree? What are you putting off that you already know you should do? When is enough actually enough? Are you chasing a life you want, or running from one you’re afraid of? Do you find yourself crippled by anxiety or stress from worrying? Let me ask you this. Has there ever been a single moment in your life where any amount of worrying has actually helped you? Are you living your life, or performing it for people who aren’t even paying attention? Who are you trying to impress, and do they even really matter to you to work that hard to impress? How long have you been meaning to change? What’s actually stopping you? Are you waiting for the right moment? Spoiler: it’s not coming. Are you so focused on what you don’t have that you can’t see what you do? When did you last stop and acknowledge how far you’ve already come? Do you really want peace? What are you doing to achieve that? Are you trying to control everything and exhausted by it? What would happen if you actually let go? Are the words you speak over yourself and others building something or tearing it down? When’s the last time you encouraged someone for no reason at all? What’s the bigger picture? No matter how small or insignificant you may think you are, you’re bigger to God than you realize. But don’t become so big that you’re the center of your own universe. If God’s not first in your life - over everything you think, say, and do…pray that He helps you see a bigger picture. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself the hard questions. Downloadable version

Special to Wesson News Wesson’s Boys State delegates included (l to r, back): Gavin Upton, Layton Cloy, Bryant Parker “BP” Robbins, Layton Earls and Braylen Brown. Prior to their departure, the young men were recognized at a ceremony held at Post 79 in Wesson, where they were congratulated by Post Commander Bobby C. Thornton (front). Five students from Wesson Attendance Center Participated in the 2026 Mississippi American Legion Boys State program, representing American Legion Drane-Prine Post 79. The delegates selected were Gavin Upton, Layton Cloy, Bryant Parker “BP” Robbins, Layton Earls and Braylen Brown. Prior to their departure, the young men were recognized at a ceremony held at Post 79 in Wesson, where they were congratulated by Post Commander Bobby C. Thornton. Boys State is one of the most respected programs of The American Legion, bringing together young men from across Mississippi to learn firsthand how state and local government works. Delegates participate in the formation of a mock government, running for office, passing legislation and experiencing civic responsibility in action. Commander Thornton expressed his pride in the selected delegates. “These young men represent the best of our community, and we are proud to sponsor them through Post 79,” Thornton said. For more information about Mississippi American Legion Boys State, visit www.MSBoysState.com or follow the program on Facebook at Mississippi American Legion Boys State.

Photo courtesy MDHS Facebook The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announces a new mobile app and enhanced security features for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) launching June 11, 2026. The ConnectEBT app introduces a card lock feature designed to help protect benefits from theft and unauthorized use. As part of the update, all Mississippi EBT cards will automatically be set to block online and out-of-state SNAP transactions beginning June 11. This default security setting is designed to reduce the risk of fraud while still allowing SNAP clients to make purchases at authorized Mississippi retailers.The ConnectEBT app is available for free on Android or Apple devices, allowing clients to manage their benefits directly from their phones. Clients can register a new account or log in using their ConnectEBT client website username and password. Clients will have access to three security settings: Lock My Card Everywhere Provides the highest level of protection by blocking all EBT transactions until the client chooses to unlock the card. Block-High Risk Transactions (Default Setting) Blocks all online and out-of-state SNAP transactions while still allowing purchases at authorized Mississippi retailers. Unlock My Card Everywhere Allows transactions wherever EBT cards are accepted, including online and out-of-state purchases. These features are also available through the existing ConnectEBT website. Mississippi is among a limited number of states offering the ConnectEBT app and the advanced card-locking functionality. Reflecting Mississippi's continued efforts to strengthen benefit security and reduce fraud. In addition to the card security features, ConnectEBT app users can also: Change their EBT PIN Lock and unlock their EBT cards between purchases Monitor their account activity Clients who need to make online purchases or use their SNAP benefits while traveling can adjust their security settings through: ConnectEBT App: Available for free on Apple and Google Play ConnectEBT Website: Users can change their PIN online via the Connect EBT website EBT Cardholder Assistance: 1-866-512-5087 (available 24/7) MDHS encourages clients to regularly monitor their accounts, lock their card manually or use the auto-lock feature following every purchase and change their EBT PIN at least monthly. For more information on the new security features and ConnectEBT, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/help/snap/upcoming-snap-updates/.

Special to Wesson News Wesson Attendance Center is gearing up for the upcoming school year with registration opportunities for both new and returning students. New students must register in person on July 17, by appointment only. Parents and guardians should contact Mrs. McCormick at 601-643-2221 between June 1–12 to schedule an appointment. Documents required for registration include a birth certificate, original State Immunization Form 121, and three proofs of residency. Proof of residency should include one document from each of the following groups: Group 1 - mortgage/property deed, rental agreement, or homestead exemption tax form, and Group 2 - utility bill dated within the last two months — no cell phone bills, and Group 3 - driver’s license, voter’s registration card, or automobile registration. Returning students can complete registration online now through the ActiveParent portal at ms1500.activeparent.net. For step-by-step instructions, visit register.copiah.ms. All three proofs of residency must be uploaded before submitting — incomplete submissions will be returned unprocessed. Incoming seventh graders must also submit an updated State Immunization Form 121. For assistance with user names, passwords, or general questions, text or email register.wac@copiah.ms with the student’s name and date of birth. For families who need hands-on help, staff will be available on July 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist with returning student registration.

by Misty Strieff Prine “There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.” – Unknown Let me ask you a question today. Do you have a clear conscience, or do you have a cluttered one? Do you have regrets or are you at peace? If you have a heavy conscience or are burdened with regrets today, you must clean that up. Life is too short to lay your head on a pillow of hurt and regret. Think about it for a second. Are you going to get a more peaceful sleep on a brick or on a feather pillow? If you lay your head down at night and all you can think about is how you said something that hurt someone today or how you are holding on to unforgiveness towards someone that has hurt you...that weighs heavily on your conscience and brings your peace level way down. Now if tomorrow, you go to that person and apologize for a word spoken out of frustration or a bad day...guess what? That pillow is going to be super soft tomorrow night. If you forgive someone that hurts you, even when they are not sorry or don't even think they did anything wrong.... super soft pillow once again! Some may think you have to go to that person and verbally forgive them. Nope, that's not necessarily the case. Forgiveness is something that you must deal with personally within your heart. You must find peace in that hurt. Is it easy to do? Nope. Is it worth it? You better believe it is. Forgiveness is one of the most healing aspects in the life of a Christian. So today, if this message applies to you in any way, please pray about it and make things right. Life's too short to let ill will towards someone steal your joy...that same joy that God intended for you to have. So, get that stuff fixed my friends so that you can sleep on a pillow of forgiveness and peace tonight. In doing so, you will get the best sleep of your life today and every day forward.

Furr gave each visitor a Co-Lin t-shirt. Pictured L to R: Angela Furr of New Hebron, Executive Director of Co-Lin Foundation/Alumni Relations; Jordyn Buckley, Keylon Barnes, Brandon Maye, Bryson McDuffey, Carmen Henderson, Railyn McDuffey A group of students from New Hebron Attendance Center recently visited Copiah-Lincoln Community College's Wesson Campus to sharpen their presentation skills ahead of the HOSA International Leadership Conference later this month. The students will represent their school at the international competition, scheduled for June 17-20 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The future health professionals earned their place at the conference after successfully submitting health-related video projects in their respective competition categories. As part of their preparation, the students traveled to Co-Lin to practice presenting their projects before an audience. They worked with the college's public speaking instructors and rehearsed their presentations in the auditorium of the nursing program building on campus. The upcoming competition will require students to present their topics in person before a panel of judges, making public speaking and presentation skills an important part of their preparation. HOSA, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, is an international student organization dedicated to preparing future healthcare professionals through leadership development, educational opportunities and competitive events. The International Leadership Conference brings together thousands of students from across the United States and around the world to compete in healthcare-related events, attend educational sessions and network with industry professionals. The New Hebron students will join some of the nation's top young healthcare leaders as they showcase their knowledge and skills on the international stage. For additional information about the students' participation in HOSA, contact Ashley Henderson, school nurse at New Hebron Attendance Center, at ashley.henderson@lawcosd.org. Additional information about HOSA and the International Leadership Conference is available at HOSA.org.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Last week, I reviewed “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which was based on a series that I hadn’t seen, but I was well-aware of its larger world and its place in popular culture. This week is “Backrooms,” which is also based on a series that I haven’t seen, and was in no way known to me until a few weeks ago. Even once I did hear about it, it struck me as an obscure, niche product for horror nerds. Yet both films are estimated to have made over $81 million at the domestic box office in their first three days. How does this movie based on a simple series of web shorts find itself performing just as well as an entry into one of the biggest franchises in history? Like everything about “Backrooms,” I don’t know, it makes no sense, but I like it. The film, which I understand to feature characters never before seen in the series (I also understand that one does not need to have seen the series to understand the movie… to the degree that one can understand the movie), follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), an unhappy, unsuccessful furniture salesman in early 90’s Santa Clara. He sees psychiatrist Dr. Kline (Renate Reinsve) following an ugly divorce, but she doesn’t seem to be much help, partly because he isn’t receptive to her treatment, and partly because she’s can’t help but be distracted by her own emotional baggage. Late one night, Clark notices light coming through a crack in the wall in the office of his store. He goes to investigate, and finds himself inexplicably transported through the wall. On the other side is a room not unlike what one would expect to find in the back of a furniture store: dull and dingy with annoying fluorescent lights and a big stack of furniture that doesn’t seem fit for the showroom. Even though it’s his store, Clark has never seen this room before, and he certainly didn’t know about the magic portal. Further investigation reveals that there are more, similar rooms beyond the first, to the point where he can’t tell where they end. Also, “something” is skulking around back there. Clark is able to escape the Backrooms through the same portal, and tells Dr. Kline, who doesn’t believe his far-fetched claims about walking right through a wall and a series of rooms with furniture that isn’t quite right. He goes back in with his employee Kat (Lukita Maxwell) and her cameraman boyfriend Bobby (Finn Bennett) to document the labyrinth, but things don’t go so well this time. Eventually Dr. Kline tries the Backrooms herself to find that Clark has gone mad, among other horrors. You never know what will be around the next corner in “Backrooms,” except that it will make you feel uneasy. Not “terrified,” necessarily, there’s not much traditionally scary about piles of laundry or an indoor stop sign. But why is there so much laundry nowhere near a laundry machine and why is there a stop sign planted indoors? It’s unsettling in a way that you can’t quite put your finger on, like the hexagonal carpet pattern from “The Shining.” Of course, there are also things in the film that are meant to be scary in the traditional sense, but I found them underwhelming. The film is at its best when it’s subtle and mysterious, like a dream where things are recognizable, and yet not. I mentioned “The Shining” as a clear influence on “Backrooms,” I also got hints of “Being John Malkovich,” “Cube,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and anything directed by David Lynch. All weird movies, combined, twisted and given elaboration by writer/director Kane Parsons – a name that this movie will instantly shoot to the top of the horror genre. Some critics are saying that it’s the performances that make “Backrooms” stand out, and while the Oscar nominees do put in excellent work, I say the real star is the Backrooms themselves, in all their uncanny-valley glory, as they do not-quite-convincing impressions of actual backrooms. Grade: B- “Backrooms” is rated R for language and some violent content/bloody images. Its running time is 110 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Four-year-old Jimmy stood motionless beneath the large bucket balanced above him. A bucket that held a lot of cold water already, with water being added constantly from the never-ending stream feeding it. Shivering in anticipation, Jimmy watched as the water level steadily inched upward. Then it happened. The slightly off-balance bucket suddenly reached its tipping point and completely doused the boy, causing him to run away screaming in delight. Then returned to wait for the exact same thing to happen again. Water parks are great fun for kids. And being hit with a wall of cold water on a hot day? Perfect. Jimmy knew what was coming and loved the shock to his little body. Time and time again, he would return to that spot under the tipping bucket. But Shawna was no little four-year-old. Shawna was an adult, an adult young woman who carried her responsibilities in life with seeming ease. Even as a child, her parents had watched her juggle schoolwork along with her own chores at home, and still had plenty of time for fun and friends. When her teen years came, she had no problems adding a part-time job to that mix. She was intelligent, driven, balanced, and knew she was capable of accomplishing whatever was needed. Huge amounts of homework added to her school load her senior year? No problem. She could handle more water in her bucket. Her work supervisor suddenly needing her to cover extra hours every week? She confidently worked it into her busy schedule. Her bucket definitely felt heavier, but “Hey, I’m strong and smart, and I like a challenge, I can handle this!” Then one day her parents sat down with her, and reluctantly told her the truth of their marriage. Dad was leaving, and Mom was going to need a lot more support and help with Shawna’s two younger siblings. The water rose a little more in the bucket, but Shawna took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and did whatever was needed. Every day. Every night. Life rocked on, with Shawna accepting every challenge head-on. A ready smile on her face, and a “Let’s do this!” attitude in everything that came her way. Marriage, high-pressure job, and tiny time-demanding kids of her own. But the bucket’s water level was nearing the top. Shawna was no dummy, she knew that lately she was feeling way too tired and stretched emotionally. But she also knew that she was needed. More than needed, she was irrevocably essential, on so many fronts. There was simply no way to slow down and change things. The bucket was teetering. One running-behind-again-morning, she was giving the baby her bottle and frying bacon, while refereeing another argument between her two preschoolers. Suddenly her husband bolted into the kitchen holding out his work shirt that was missing a top button, the shirt he had to wear today. The bucket tipped completely. A complete ‘unexplainable’ breakdown came next. With a doctor-ordered extended rest next on the list. Learn before it happens to you. Heed the warnings your body and your emotions are sending you.

By Guest Columnist Eddie Smith The addition of colorful hanging baskets can make a front porch or patio feel welcoming. There’s something about a colorful hanging basket that makes a front porch feel welcoming. Whether it’s part of a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or an evening visit from friends, those baskets overflowing with blooms add life and charm to your outdoor space. A few well-chosen plant combinations can turn ordinary baskets into real showstoppers. One of my go-to plants for hanging baskets is Supertunia petunias. These vigorous plants have a naturally mounding and trailing growth habit, which means they work beautifully as both fillers and spillers in containers. Instead of needing constant grooming, they simply grow and spill over the sides of the basket, creating that full, lush look everyone loves. Another thing gardeners appreciate about Supertunias is that they are low maintenance. That means no deadheading is required, so you can spend more time enjoying your porch and less time fussing with the plants. They perform best when fertilized regularly, and because they grow in containers, it’s easier to keep their soil moisture just right. Another excellent companion for hanging baskets is Superbells calibrachoa. Much like Supertunias, these plants have a mounding, trailing habit that allows them to cascade beautifully from containers. They also share the same low maintenance nature with no deadheading needed. A steady diet of water and fertilizer keeps them blooming. One important thing to remember about both Supertunias and Superbells is that they don’t like constantly wet soil. Growing them in containers works in their favor because it allows you to better control moisture levels. One of my favorite hanging basket combinations features Superbells Grape Punch, Superbells Yellow and Supertunia Persimmon. Grown together, these three colors create a warm, sunset-like display. As the plants begin trailing over the sides of the basket, the mix becomes even more dramatic. Another beautiful combination includes Supertunia Vista Fuchsia, Snow Princess and Laguna Compact Blue with Eye. Supertunia Vista Fuchsia delivers bold pink blooms, and Laguna Compact Blue with Eye adds stunning blue flowers accented by crisp white centers. Snow Princess spills over the basket with cascading white blooms that soften the whole arrangement. Together, the basket feels bright and cheerful. No matter which plants you choose, the secret to keeping hanging baskets looking full is consistent care. Regular watering and a steady fertilizer routine keeps the plants actively growing and blooming. Your hanging baskets can overflow with color all summer long, turning your front porch into a welcoming garden space that everyone will notice. EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He is also host of the popular Southern Gardening television program.

Special to Wesson News The late Bob Huckaby of Bogue Chitto has been inducted into the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame. Huckaby graduated with an associate’s degree from Co-Lin in 1954, where he played basketball. He continued his education at Mississippi College, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. A member of the Bogue Chitto High School Class of 1952, he was named an All-American after leading his team to a state championship. He had a successful two-season stint at Co-Lin under Coach Ray Busby, where he was the leading scorer and rebounder. He was inducted into Co-Lin’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1984. At Mississippi College, he earned Little All-American honors and continued his streak as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. He was inducted into MC’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1983, and he is a member of the 500-point club. After graduating from college, he was drafted into the United States Army and spent two years at Fort Chaffe in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In the Army, he continued to excel in basketball, softball, and track, including a fourth-place finish in the Army High Jump. He coached at State Line, Mississippi, for seven years before returning to Co-Lin to be the head basketball coach from 1966 to 1968. He left coaching to become a vocational counselor until his retirement in 1995. He died on October 13, 2021. “I saw him play at Mississippi College against Southern Miss, and he was scoring every time he got the ball,” said Alton Ricks, former Co-Lin basketball coach and Huckaby’s colleague. “He was a left-hander; he was considered the best with his left-handed hook shot.” Huckaby and his wife, Katherine, had three children: Cheryl Shelby (Gus), Julia Everett (Jack), and Robert Huckaby (Leanne).

By Jessica Breazeale I have no idea why I was dreaming about this, but here we are.This morning I woke up with one thing on my mind: be a salmon. Now, if you know me at all, you know how strange that is. I am not a fisherwoman. You cannot pay me to take a fish off a hook. My fish are pets — I feed them, nurture them, watch them grow, and the only scenario where I’m eating one of my “pets” is a full-blown apocalypse. So for a salmon dream to shake me awake with a message? That got my attention. I think God was trying to tell me something. We all know salmon swim upstream. But have you ever stopped to think about why? It’s not stubbornness. It’s survival — for the next generation. Salmon fight against the current to reach safe, oxygen-rich waters where their eggs can hatch and their young can live. If they just went with the flow, the species would cease to exist. There’s a word for this in biology: rheotaxis — the tendency of an organism to orient itself and move against a current. And I believe this is exactly what real Christ followers are called to do. Romans 12:2 says it plainly — “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” The world has a current. It flows toward self-interest, materialism, and comfort at all costs. The default is to drift. Easy, culturally comfortable Christianity isn’t discipleship. It’s just floating downstream with a cross bumper sticker on your back. Real rheotaxis starts with orientation — figuring out which way the water is flowing before you move. For me, that’s prayer and scripture. Discernment comes before direction. Really feel the current to know which way is different (or upstream). Then comes the effort. Swimming upstream costs something — energy, comfort, sometimes relationships. Carrying a cross was never meant to be a metaphor for mild inconvenience. But here’s what’s remarkable: for the salmon, that upstream fight eventually becomes instinct. For believers, that instinct gets cultivated through the Holy Spirit renewing our minds day after day until swimming against the current becomes who you are to the core, not just what you occasionally try to do. And then there’s the part that really gets me. The salmon exhausts itself fighting upstream, reaches its destination…and dies there. Costly. Purposeful. Complete. Here’s what I believe: real living isn’t found here on Earth. We’re on this planet for just a moment, just a breath. What I’m swimming upstream for is what’s coming — the Kingdom, eternity, and the people I’m hoping come with me. If we drift, they drift. If we fight upstream, we leave behind a path, a witness, a faith worth passing on. So the question I woke up with, and I’ll leave it with you: Which way are you swimming? The current will always take you somewhere. But if you want the life that’s real living, then be a salmon. Downloadable version

Special to Wesson News Chris Kings tells Wesson Garden Club members to place native plants in their yards to support birds and insects. An avid birdwatcher from Brookhaven highlighted the Wesson Garden Club (WGC) meeting last month. Chris King, who promotes bird conservation and protecting habitats, presented an informative program – “We Are All About Birds” – that encouraged his audience to place native plants in their yards to support birds and insects. Attendees at the WGC meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the American Legion Post 79 included Terri Bath, Marilyn Britt, Sherri Carty, Sonya Cowen, Robin Furr, Rebecca Harrison, Cherry Head, Rhonda Ishee, Camille Johnston, Vickie Martin, Jennifer Meilstrup, June Owens, Pam Owens, Jennifer Peets, Joy Phillips, Jean Ricks, Lisa Smith, Pollyanna Smith, Sheila Stewart, Stanley Stewart and Dixie Thornton. WGC President Sherri Carty called the meeting to order and welcomed members with an inspirational quote. The group recited the Garden Club Collect and the Pledge to the flag. Following the program, Pam Owens offered the “Gardening Tip of the Month” on recycling. After completing the club’s business and a closing prayer by Robin Furr, the meeting adjourned. Refreshments were enjoyed courtesy of hostesses Jennifer Meilstrup, Cherry Head, Dixie Thornton and Sheila and Stanley Stewart. The WGC is a member of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., and the Natchez Trace District of GCM.