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 (FEMA). During installation visits, firefighters will also share home fire escape-planning tips and distribute 30,000 educational brochures covering smoke alarms, cooking safety, and general fire prevention. The effort comes as Mississippi continues to face an alarming number of fire fatalities, with 67 fire deaths reported so far in 2026. The state has consistently ranked among the top 10 nationally for fire deaths per capita, underscoring the urgent need for stronger fire prevention efforts and education. "Every home should have this basic protection," said State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. "This grant gives us a tremendous opportunity to reach thousands of Mississippians by providing smoke alarms installed by local firefighters. It also allows us to educate families about fire safety. I encourage everyone to check their smoke alarms, create a home escape plan, and make sure every family member knows how to get out and where to meet outside." The first alarms were handed out to fire departments in the Jackson Metro area on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Fire departments that received alarms include Jackson, Brandon, Terry, Vicksburg, Pearl, Ridgeland, Madison, and the Reservoir. Smoke alarms will be delivered to other parts of the state over the next two weeks. Smoke alarm safety tips: Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they do not respond properly. Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years. Install alarms on walls or ceilings in every sleeping area, hallway, and on every level of the home. Carbon monoxide alarms are also encouraged throughout the home and should be placed low to the ground. Make sure everyone recognizes the alarm sound and knows how to respond. Once outside during a fire, call 911 and never re-enter the home. Residents can contact their local fire department or county fire coordinator to request installation through the Free Smoke Alarm Installation Program.

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 attendees said made the evening even more enjoyable. All who attended agreed that it was an inspiring and educational meeting. Those in attendance were Sherri Carty, Sonya Cowen, Robin Furr, new member, Jennie Greer, Debbie Hoaglin, June Owens, Jennifer Peets, Jean Ricks, Debbie Smith, Lisa Smith, Pollyanna Smith, Stanley Stewart and Dixie Thornton. 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 GCM.

THE BIGGER PICTURE By Jessica Breazeale | Wesson News This past Sunday at Decell Memorial United Methodist Church in Wesson, the pastor was reading the Beatitudes, and she said something that has stuck with me ever since: Are you the conduit or the blockade? Friends, that question fits a whole lot of situations. When it comes to peace in your family, are you the conduit or the blockade? When it comes to kindness in our community, are you the conduit or the blockade? And what about that relationship that has gotten tainted… when it comes to reconciliation, are you the conduit or the blockade? Hold that question up next to the Beatitudes. Jesus is honest with us there. He tells us we will face persecution, and it won’t come only from people who don’t believe. Sometimes it comes from folks sitting right across from us. We can be misunderstood and criticized by believers and non-believers alike. So what does it mean to be a conduit? A conduit is a pathway. It’s the pipe that carries water to a thirsty field, the wire that carries power to a dark room. A conduit doesn’t generate the good thing; it simply lets it pass through. That’s what Jesus describes in the Beatitudes: the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers are people through whom God’s goodness flows to everyone around them. A blockade is the opposite. It’s whatever stands in the way. And here’s the uncomfortable part: we rarely set out to be one. We become blockades in small ways. - A grudge we’re holding onto. - A word we didn’t say. - A cold shoulder. Pride that won’t let us pick up the phone first. Gossip that stops a person from feeling welcome. None of it feels like much in the moment, but it adds up over time. Notice, too, that Jesus doesn’t say blessed are the peacelovers. He says blessed are the peacemakers. Peace takes action. A conduit is open, and that takes humility, because it means setting down our need to be right so something better can get through. A few questions to carry with you this week: Is there someone I need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from? Where have I been quiet when a kind word was needed? Who might feel the door is closed to them because of how I’ve acted? And when criticism comes, even from those in our circles, remember that the Beatitudes promise blessing in the middle of it, not after it’s gone. Being misunderstood doesn’t make you a blockade. Responding with bitterness might. Responding with grace keeps the channel open. What’s the bigger picture? So, friends, I’ll leave you with the pastor’s question one more time. In your home, your church, your community, and that one relationship that’s been on your heart: Figure out if you are the conduit or the blockade.

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 costume competitions. The Co-Lin team earned People's Choice in Student Exhibits for its "Blockbuster vs. Biology" display. Team members included Claire Davis of Hazlehurst, Courtney McKey of Centreville and Ryan Wilson of Brookhaven. Shelby Davis of Monticello, along with Tammy Fairburn and JoyAlyson Fauver (not pictured), both of Brookhaven, earned second place in Student Exhibits for their "Chernobyl" display. Co-Lin students also took home People's Choice in the Spooky X-ray Image Contest, with Sadie Cupit of Bogue Chitto and Emalee Foret of Drummonds, TN receiving the honor. Neely Kate White of Magee won the conference's art competition, with her artwork being featured in the conference program. White additionally placed second in the Manuscript Competition. Prep Bowl Team In addition to the individual and team competition awards, Co-Lin received Best Group Costume for its America 250-themed entry. The college's Prep Bowl team also represented Co-Lin at the conference, with members Olivia Jordan of Braxton, Claire Davis of Hazlehurst, Ridge Clanton of Meadville, Jordan Clanton of Meadville, and Avery Hearn of Monticello. Program director Kelly Fenwick was elected to serve as a Mississippi delegate to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

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 sunset. "With daylight saving time right around the corner, darker evenings can unfortunately result in more pedestrian-related crashes," said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. "That's why it's so important for drivers to slow down and stay alert. This weekend, practice extra caution as a dramatic increase in costumed pedestrians is expected in residential areas." While pedestrian fatalities have decreased slightly from the previous year's study, pedestrian injuries are on the rise. In 2024, an estimated 71,635 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 74 minutes and injured every seven minutes in a traffic crash. Slowing down can lessen the risk and severity of pedestrian-involved crashes. Studies show that higher speeds significantly decrease pedestrian survival rates. Below are some tips for drivers: Watch for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may be in unexpected places or hard to see, especially when visibility is lower at dusk, dawn, night and in poor weather. Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted. Be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Follow the speed limit and slow down around pedestrians. Stay focused and slow down where children may be present, including school zones and neighborhoods. Below are tips for pedestrians: Never attempt to cross an interstate. Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available. If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic. Stay alert; don't be distracted by electronic devices, including smart phones, audio players or other devices that take your eyes and ears off the road. Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Be predictable. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely and continue to watch for traffic as you cross. Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. For more information on pedestrian safety visit GoMDOT.com or follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, X and Instagram.

THE BIGGER PICTURE By Jessica Breazeale | Wesson News I get that there are plenty of times we don’t feel very saint-like. Maybe even never. But every one of us is called to be a saint. So what do we do with that? Seems like too tall an order. When you hear the word “saint,” who do you picture? Maybe somebody in a stained-glass window. But some of the most extraordinary people I know are common, ordinary people. They aren’t famous. Nobody is putting their name on a building. They just show up, year after year, and in God’s eyes they are of extraordinary worth. Those everyday folks are also your saints. Sunday was All Saints Day, when we honor the whole company of those who have lived and died in faith, both the famous and the unknown, and to be encouraged by their example. Hebrews 12:1 calls them a “cloud of witnesses,” and the day reminds us that it belongs to a communion that stretches across time, with believers today running the same race those before them finished. They’re also candle bearers, symbolizing the light of the world. Who did I remember? I lit my candle for Wesson’s beloved Brandy Sanders, Jason Counts and Summer Prestridge – locals whom I loved dearly, who went ahead of me, but lit up the world in their own special way. What they offered to the world didn’t come out of a textbook. Jessica & Brandy, 1995 Brandy died at 16 from bone marrow cancer. She was faithful and encouraged others until her last breath. Jason & Jessica, 1999 Jason died at 24 from a brain tumor. He loved fiercely, and his life preached until his last breath. Ady, Summer, Lexi Prestridge, 2019 Summer died at 40 from ALS. She was a praying mama, next-door neighbor I held dearly. Sure, their passing was tough, but their legacy lives on. For me and so many others. And you know what I wonder? Who would they have lit their candles for? We keep “passing the torch” whether we realize it or not. Somebody lived it in front of them. Somebody taught them Scripture. Somebody showed them how to live & love. So here’s my question, and I’m asking myself right along with you. When families gather to remember and thank the people who witnessed to them, taught them and guided them, will your name be spoken? Will someone light a candle in remembrance of you one day on All Saints Day? No title or big moment decides that. It’s decided in the small, ordinary choices we make this week. Somebody is watching how you love. Let’s give them something worth lighting a candle for. Decell Memorial United Methodist Church is located in Wesson. Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m., and Sunday worship begins at 10:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

by Kara Kimbrough A dream of visiting New York City in the fall, combined with a brief fall break, a free hotel stay and an $11 flight triggered a last-minute decision to fly to the Big Apple. Despite spending less than 48 waking hours in the city that never sleeps, I covered a lot of ground, including visiting tried-and-true restaurants and favorite sites, completing a three-mile hike through Central Park and discovering new places I’ll revisit next time. After experiencing bone-chillingly cold winter visits and an unseasonably-hot September trip, I was anxious to experience cooler weather and the vibrant fall foliage for which the Northeastern U.S. is famous. Besides enjoying cooler temps and vibrant red, gold and orange foliage during my quick trip, I packed in a lot during what amounted to one full day and a few hours on arrival/departure days. The moral of the story? A short trip to NYC is doable if you plan wisely, schedule activities in specific areas instead of running all over the city and aren’t afraid to take the subway. But first, fall foliage… My first glimpse of vibrant fall foliage surrounding the American flag in Central Park. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) The window in which multi-colored leaves appear on trees before quickly falling to the ground in the south is extremely short. As a result, I was anxious to make my way to Central Park, an 843-acre oasis in the heart of the city filled with over 18,000 trees and 100,000 plants surrounding scenic lakes, large rock formations, shaded pathways and numerous hills. A quick subway ride brought me to the park on my first (and only complete) day. Spotting a grove of trees decorated in fall’s vivid, festive colors immediately lifted my spirits and provided the impetus for a three-mile walk through the park. First, I had to find two buildings that had piqued my interest during a 2021 walk through the park. Both The Dairy and the Chess and Checkers House were closed for renovations at that time. I was intrigued by their names and accompanying “stories.” My first stop was the Dairy, a picturesque building opened in 1871 to provide fresh, safe milk following the horrendous Swill Milk Crisis of the mid-1800s that killed over 8,000 infants and children in a single year due to the consumption of tainted milk. The restored building now housing a visitor’s center and gift shop contains elements of the past, including gingerbread house and Swiss chalet touches. All that is missing are the cows that roamed outside in the field in the olden days to provide fresh milk to children. The Dairy in Central Park was opened in 1871 to offer safe milk to NYC’s children. Thousands of infants and child died from drinking tainted milk during the Swill Milk Crisis. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) Nearby, the Chess and Checkers House perched atop a large rock was opened in 1952 to provide visitors a place to rest and play games. Today, the octagonal brick building is surrounded by 24 outdoor gaming tables for anyone who wants to drop by for a game of chess and checkers…hence the name. After visiting these two buildings, I set out for the next must-see spot on my list: The Mall and Literary Walk. Despite previously exploring the southern part of the park with friends and seeing numerous landmarks, including Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, the Lake and the Pond (just two of the 150 acres of water located in the park), our walks never took us to the famous area often highlighted in movies and TV shows. The Mall and Literary Walk is often selected as a filming location due to its beauty courtesy of a canopy of historic American Elm trees. (Photo courtesy of Central Park Conservancy) The Mall and Literary Walk is a quarter-mile, tree-lined promenade framed by a quadruple row of majestic American elm trees, creating a natural, cathedral-like arch overhead. According to Central Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization that manages and cares for the park, (among many other duties), the Mall has the largest and last remaining collection of American elm trees in the world. The Conservancy’s Tree Care Team maintains the historic elms throughout the year. Travel tip: When planning a visit to Central Park, download a map and decide beforehand which areas you’d like to see. If walking, it’s almost impossible to see the entire park in one day. Check out the Central Park Conservancy’s website for maps, visitors’ centers, foliage guides and much more: centralparknyc. Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center have it all Rockefeller Plaza and the Comcast Building are the focal points of Rockefeller Center. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) Friends and readers who have never visited New York City or haven’t been in several years often ask: “How safe is the city?” My normal reply is, “Stay in heavily-populated areas, especially Fifth Avenue.” There are so many things to see and do along this historic street, including Central Park, Trump Tower, designer shops, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York Public Library, Bryant Park, nearby Grand Central Station and the crown jewel, Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center, the home of NBC and the Today Show, is so massive that it has its own zip code. The center is composed of 22 acres, 19 buildings, Radio City Music Hall and the centerpiece, Rockefeller Plaza and the Comcast Building. This building alone stands 849 feet tall, with 70 floors. Overlooking the sprawling complex is my favorite observation deck, aptly named “Top of the Rock.” From there, scenic views of Central Park, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building are visible from the open-air deck. Besides visiting Top of the Rock, I love roaming through the beautiful Comcast Building highlighted with antique marble and glass structures and equipped with a lower-level concourse filled with shops and restaurants. During my recent visit, I discovered a sandwich shop that led to one of the most enjoyable lunches I’ve had in NYC. When I stopped by Alidoro to grab a quick lunch, I didn’t know I was entering a celebrated Italian sandwich shop opened 40 years ago. The restaurant now serves four different neighborhoods, including Rockefeller Center. Known for its artisanal Italian sandwiches, including over 40 different menu combinations named after Italian literary figures, artists, and authors, Alidoro has withstood the test of time and continues to grow in a competitive sandwich market. Sandwich options were plentiful, but I finally decided on the Giovanni filled with roasted ham, provolone cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, thinly-sliced red onion, Alidoro’s signature hot spread and a delicious basil pesto cream served in focaccia bread. I walked outside to enjoy my lunch in the plaza’s Channel Gardens near the ice-skating rink. Bolstered by a cool breeze and the sun shining overhead, I enjoyed one of the best sandwiches of my life. This unplanned al fresco lunch that wasn’t on my detailed itinerary proves even the simplest things in New York City are often the most memorable. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever tasted came from Alidoro, a 40-year-old Italian sandwich shop with four locations, including the one I discovered inside Rockefeller Plaza. ( Photo courtesy of Alidoro) 100 years of Winnie the Pooh Stopping by the New York Public Library, a massive structure whose marble exterior stretches nearly 400 feet along 5th Avenue, is always on my NYC itinerary. This trip, I had an additional reason for visiting one of my favorite sites. The original 1920s stuffed animals that belonged to Christopher Robin Milne—Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, and Tigger—are on permanent display at the library. My visit just happened to coincide with the 100th birthday of the beloved childhood characters, precipitating a special, limited-run display of original illustrations, global translations of the book published in 1926 and additional information about the display provided by an engaging guide. Seeing the original Winnie the Pooh and “friends” at the New York Public Library on their 100th birthday was a special treat. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) Historic culinary spots are the best I’ve long been fascinated by New York restaurants that have been around for decades. In my opinion, if a restaurant has weathered a fickle tourism industry and economic factors that cause hundreds of restaurants to close each year, it’s worth a visit. Some of my favorite spots – ones I frequent almost every time I visit NYC - include: Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery – Opened nearly 80 years ago in Brooklyn, this landmark restaurant known primarily for its world-famous cheesecake is one of my favorite places to grab a quick meal at one of its two NYC location. In my opinion, Junior’s is the best place to enjoy a quintessential New York meal – a mile-high pastrami and corned beef sandwich - followed by a slice of decadent cheesecake. Junior’s portions are generous and prices are reasonable. A mile-high pastrami sandwich at Junior’s is the perfect start to every NYC visit. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) L’Industrie Pizza –Despite New York City’s reputation as a pizza haven, I haven’t sampled many of the city’s offerings. After viewing lots of internet hype, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. Grabbing a relatively plain slice of tomato sauce and fresh burrata, I sampled the generous slice that was slightly charred on the bottom, the mark of an above-average pizza slice. I can report that the pizza was crispy, fresh and delicious. Is it the “best pizza in NYC?” I’m not sure, but far be it from me to argue with thousands of content creators. Conwall Coffee House – In NYC, coffee shops are right up there with pizza and bagel places. There are literally hundreds – maybe more – spread throughout every area of the city. I normally wouldn’t take a 20-minute subway ride for a cup of coffee, but Conwall Coffee House sounded intriguing. Located in the historic Wall Street area since 1931, it’s an impressive Art Deco space that previously served as a major commercial bank. The most unique aspect is that coffee is now ordered at the original bank teller windows. silver and gold Art Deco decor and the original vintage vault door. And yes, the coffee is just as impressive as the décor. Travel tip: Before planning to visit any restaurant, check out their website to get an idea of menu items and prices. Also check consumer review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp. A few more adventures were packed into my quick trip to NYC, but these are the highlights that made my Fall ’26 trip one of the best. If you’d like more NYC tips and recommendations, drop me an email and I’ll be glad to send them to you. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

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 compassion and the organizations helping strengthen their communities. The competition offers a total grant pool of $100,000. Public voting will determine first and second place, and judges will award three additional $10,000 Impact Prizes. The funding is intended to help grassroots organizations meet urgent local needs. Supporters can vote at: https://goodexists.greatergood.org?sre=zjgopNC4NYkLNuK Or by visiting BARL.net and clicking the banner on the main page. To participate, find BARL’s video featuring Bob, click the heart to vote and complete the email verification. No TikTok account is required. Supporters can return to cast one vote each day until voting closes November 5 at 10:59 p.m. Central time. Supporters can also vote by visiting barl.net and clicking the voting link on the main page. BARL is encouraging volunteers, adopters, donors and community members to share the voting link with friends and family and help build daily participation throughout the voting period. Winners will be announced November 7, 2026. About Brookhaven Animal Rescue League Brookhaven Animal Rescue League is an animal rescue organization based in Brookhaven, Mississippi. To learn more about BARL and how to help animals in its care, visit BARL.net.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College has named Christopher "Chris" Hinton as Executive Director of Workforce Education. Hinton brings nearly 20 years of experience in economic development, workforce initiatives, business and industry engagement, and organizational leadership to the position. In his new role, Hinton will lead Co-Lin's workforce education efforts across the college's seven-county district, including oversight of the Brookhaven and Natchez WIN Job Centers. His office will be located on the Wesson Campus. He will work closely with business and industry, economic development organizations, and workforce partners to guide training initiatives and workforce services throughout the district. "Co-Lin has an important role in helping ensure that southwest Mississippi has the skilled workforce needed to support existing industries and attract new investment," said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. "Hinton's background in economic development will help us further align workforce training with the needs of business and industry and expand pathways to high-demand careers that provide greater economic opportunity for the people and communities we serve." Hinton's career includes experience with Entergy Mississippi, the Mississippi Municipal League, Natchez, Inc., the Mississippi Economic Development Council, and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. During nearly a decade with Entergy Mississippi, Hinton led community, economic, and workforce initiatives throughout 45 counties. "Chris brings a unique perspective to this position because of his extensive background in economic development," said Dr. Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Wesson Campus. "I believe that experience will allow us to look at workforce development through a different lens—one that more closely connects economic development, business and industry, and education. I am excited about the perspective he brings and the opportunities ahead to strengthen partnerships, respond to the needs of employers, and expand workforce training throughout our seven-county district." Hinton holds a master's degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi and a bachelor's degree in economics with an emphasis in business administration from Tougaloo College. He is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. Hinton has served in leadership roles with several statewide organizations, including the Mississippi Main Street Association, Mississippi District Export Council, and Jobs for Mississippi Graduates. His professional honors include recognition as a Mississippi Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Business Leader and the 2024 Marsha N. Hamilton Spirit in Economic Development Award from the Mississippi Development Authority. He is an alum of Leadership Mississippi, Leadership Natchez, Delta Leadership Institute and the Harvard Kennedy School Authentic Leaders program. "It is truly an honor to join the Co-Lin family and step into the higher education space," Hinton said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity and the confidence placed in me to help lead and shape workforce training across southwest Mississippi. For me, this work is bigger than training programs. It's about creating pathways to opportunity, strengthening the connection between education and industry, and making sure our communities are prepared for what's next. I look forward to building on Co-Lin's commitment to workforce education while strengthening local, state, and federal partnerships that expand opportunities for our students, employers, and the communities we serve." For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, contact Chris Hinton at 601.643.8715 or chris.hinton@colin.edu. For people weighing up a change of direction alongside workforce training, there are practical career tips and resources covering how to present existing experience to a new industry.

(Photo from Hitachi Energy website) Hitachi Energy will invest $528 million to expand its transformer manufacturing operations in Copiah County, marking the company’s largest U.S. investment to date and bringing 654 new jobs to the region. The expansion will take place at the company’s existing transformer manufacturing operation in the Copiah County Industrial Park in Gallman. Hitachi Energy currently employs 475 people at the facility, which manufactures small power transformers. “This is truly a massive win for Mississippi and the United States,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “Hitachi Energy could've made its largest investment in America anywhere in the country – but the company chose Mississippi.” The project will substantially increase the facility’s production capacity and expand the variety of small power transformers manufactured domestically. The additional capacity is expected to help meet growing demand for electrical infrastructure across North America while strengthening the domestic supply chain for critical energy equipment. The expansion includes the purchase of a 45-acre site at the Copiah County Industrial Park, construction of a new manufacturing facility, installation of new manufacturing equipment and infrastructure improvements. “Reliable energy infrastructure has become one of the most important factors in economic growth, and that starts with the ability to manufacture the equipment that keeps the grid running,” Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork said. “At $528 million, Hitachi Energy's expansion is a massive addition to the investment taking place in Mississippi and puts Copiah County at the center of an industry that is increasingly critical to economic development.” The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. MDA also is assisting with site development and infrastructure improvements. Copiah County is providing assistance for the project. Arthur “Pokey” Evans, Executive Director Copiah County Economic Development District “Copiah County Economic Development District is grateful for the decision of Hitachi Energy to invest $528 million into expanding the domestic transformer production located in Copiah County,” said Copiah County Economic Development District Executive Director Arthur L. Evans Jr. “We thank the Mississippi Development Authority for support of this project, which will strengthen Hitachi Energy's operation, create new jobs and assist with continued economic growth of our community.” Hitachi Energy manufactures transformers and other electrical equipment used to support the nation’s power grid, including infrastructure serving homes, businesses and communities. The company said the expansion reflects its long-term commitment to U.S. manufacturing as demand for electricity and grid infrastructure continues to increase. “Demand for electricity is growing rapidly, and the grid must grow with it,” said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy. “This investment in Mississippi, our largest ever in the U.S., reflects our long-term commitment to American manufacturing and building the grid infrastructure that will help power America's growth for decades to come.” Construction is expected to begin later this year, with transformer production at the expanded operation scheduled to begin in 2029. The project is expected to further establish Copiah County as a manufacturing center for equipment supporting the nation’s energy infrastructure while adding hundreds of jobs to the local economy. With hundreds of new roles opening locally, applicants are often screened by software before a person ever reads the application, so it is worth running a CV through an ATS resume checker before sending it.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Spin-off movies for Batman villains have been a mixed bag over the years. “Joker” won an Oscar, but it was followed up with the terrible “Joker: Folie à Deux.” “Suicide Squad” took Harley Quinn from niche fan-favorite to mainstream icon, but “Catwoman” somehow managed to bungle one of the most marketable castings in movie history. Now comes “Clayface,” based a character known to those who follow Batman lore, but not exactly an A-lister. Though connected to a huge franchise, the film has kept both its budget (an estimated $44 million) and its creative ambitions low. Clearly there was only limited interest from the film’s backers, which might explain the apparent limited interest from the filmmakers. The film follows actor Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries), who at the beginning of the film is on top of the world. He’s pulled himself up from a rough upbringing in Gotham City to movie stardom and an Oscar nomination. Then he makes the mistake of falling for the wrong woman, Mia (Joana Ribeiro). Despite warnings from his best friend Corey (Joshua James) that she’s the girlfriend of gangster Markos Szabo (David Dencik), Matt goes ahead with the seduction. Szabo finds out and won’t let the disrespect slide, mangling Matt’s face. In the aftermath of the attack, Matt loses everything. Szabo is too powerful to be held legally responsible, expensive plastic surgery barely puts a dent in his disfigurement, and the loss of his looks kills his acting career. He’s at rock bottom when he learns of radical cell rejuvenation technology being developed by Dr. Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie). He begs to become a human test subject, and although the treatment is supposed to be used for less superficial purposes, Corr reluctantly agrees, and after several weeks of high-risk treatments, Matt has his face back. Of course, this wouldn’t be a villain origin story if it were that simple. Matt goes overboard with the treatments, which have unprecedented effects on his body. Sometimes the new cells do things he doesn’t want them to do, like create unwanted coverings for his eyes (an impromptu surgery in an airport bathroom is especially harrowing). Sometimes they do things they were never designed to do, like allow him to take on the appearance of other people. At first, he’s scared of these freakish developments, but then he realizes that he can use these… by now, the word “powers” applies - to get revenge on those who wronged him. Those familiar with the Villain Origin formula can see where this is going. He’s going to spend most of the movie taking out bad guys while slowly becoming a bad guy himself. Left to be the actual hero is Dr. Corr, who is engaged to rare non-corrupt Gotham detective John Borrelli (Max Minghella). Can the couple survive the wrath of the monster Caitlyn has created? A few creative decisions stand out. Impressive body horror is on display, as the cells don’t always know what a healthy human body is supposed to look like (and Matt decides to do unnatural things with his body anyway). Several transformations are done silently and instantaneously, which on one hand is undeniably “clean,” but on the other seems like a shortcut considering the limited budget. Whatever “Clayface” does right with its visual style is undone by its cookie-cutter story, especially with how quickly Matt jumps from understandable revenge to outright villainy because the movie requires it. And yet, even though I’m not recommending this movie, I would like to see more movies like it. Batman’s rogues gallery is one of the most colorful in all of media, and I’d love to see even low-stakes attention given to more such characters. The right set of hungry young filmmakers could do wonders for an as-yet underutilized baddie. I can sense a really good Batman villain spinoff on the horizon, it’s just not this one. Grade: C “Clayface” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, language, some nudity, and brief drug use. Its running time is 108 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

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 their healthcare needs and financial profile. Changes made during open enrollment will take effect January 1, 2027. SHIP is a free state program, provided by MDHS, that provides local, in-depth and unbiased insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families or caregivers to help them better understand their coverage options. For many older adults in Mississippi, navigating healthcare can be overwhelming. SHIP counselors are here to assist individuals understand changes in prescription drug costs, provider networks and plan benefits, as well as how these changes can affect access to care and household expenses. "Like most health insurance plans, Medicare is not a one-size-fit-all. What may have worked last year, may not be suitable this year," said KenYada Blake-Washington, MDHS Division Director of Aging and Adult Services. "Our SHIP counselors are here to help clients, at no cost, navigate those changes and ensure that older Mississippians have access to the information and resources they need to make an informed decision about their healthcare." SHIP counselors can help Medicare-eligible individuals: Understand Medicare benefits and eligibility Organize doctor and hospital bills File Medicare appeals Review Medicare Supplemental Insurance Evaluate Medicare+ Choice or Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) options Explore long-term care options MDHS encourages all Medicare-eligible individuals to review their coverage annually, even if they are satisfied with their plan. Plan offerings and health care needs can change from year to year. Those who do not wish to make any updates to their current coverage do not need to take action, however, reviewing plan details prior to the December 7 deadline can help prevent unexpected costs or coverages in the upcoming year. Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2026. Medicare-eligible individuals in need of assistance are encouraged to contact a SHIP counselor before the deadline to allow time to review their options. For more information about Medicare Open Enrollment or to connect with a SHIP counselor, call 1-844-822-4622 or visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging/finding-services-for-older-adults/.