Rent increases are common, and it’s crucial for tenants in Mississippi to know their rights and the legal framework surrounding increases.  Renting a home can be a flexible and convenient housing option, but rising rental costs can pose a challenge for tenants. Mississippi law aims to balance the interests of both landlords and tenants, offering guidelines for rent increases that ensure fairness while allowing landlords to maintain their properties and cover their expenses. Understanding the can protect tenants from unexpected expenses and help avoid potential disputes. 1.  There are two types of leases in Mississippi -- fixed-term and month-to-month leases.  A fixed term lease has a predetermined start and end date (usually a year).  During this term, the rent amount cannot be changed unless expressly permitted within the lease document.  A month-to-month lease offers flexibility, as it renews automatically each month. Landlords have the right to increase the rent with proper notice (detailed below). 2. Mississippi law stipulates that landlords must provide tenants with a written notice of any rent increase. The specific timeframe for this notice depends on the type of lease in place.  Under a fixed-term lease, landlords, typically, cannot increase the rent during the active period of a fixed-term lease unless a clause in the lease agreement explicitly allows for it.  Under a month-to-month Lease, landlords have the right to increase rent for month-to-month tenants, but they must follow the required notice period. 3.  It is illegal for a landlord to raise rent as retaliation against a tenant for exercising their rights (e.g., reporting safety violations) or based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or national origin. 4.  Mississippi does not have rent control laws. This means there are no legal limits on the amount by which a landlord can increase rent.  However, the increase should be considered reasonable within the context of the current rental market. 5.  Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing the rent for month-to-month tenants. For week-to-week tenancies, a 7-day notice is required.  Notice should be delivered either in person or by mail. Certified mail with a return receipt for proof of delivery is recommended. 6.  While landlords hold significant power in setting rent, tenants do have the right to attempt to negotiate a lower increase. Present the landlord with data on comparable rents in the area or reasons why the increase could be a hardship.  If you believe a rent increase is grossly excessive or unjustified, there are avenues to potentially challenge it. Consult with a tenant advocacy group or an attorney for guidance.  If you face a substantial and potentially unlawful rent increase, consider contacting a legal aid organization or a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant law for advice and potential representation. Keep yourself updated on any legislative changes in Mississippi that could impact rent increase laws. Check official state government websites for updates or subscribe to legal newsletters.  Economic climate, inflation and changes in the housing market can influence rental rates. Be aware of the factors that may impact how landlords might determine rent increases. Understanding rent increase laws in Mississippi is essential for tenants to safeguard their interests and prevent unforeseen financial hardship. Remember these key points: Mississippi landlords have broad discretion regarding rent increases. Proper notice is mandatory for a landlord to implement a rent increase. Fixed-term leases generally offer better protection against mid-lease rent increases. Tenants have options to negotiate and potentially challenge unreasonable increases. Staying informed about your rights and engaging in open communication with your landlord is crucial for navigating the rental landscape in Mississippi.

By Kara Kimbrough The history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has always intrigued me. When I briefly (emphasis on brief) entertained the thought of earning a Ph.D., the origin on the area's founding and its first inhabitants is the only topic I considered for a dissertation topic. Academic goals aside, I still love reading about the arrival of American Indians, including the Pascagoula tribe, followed in 1699 by French explorer Pierre d'Iberville. In subsequent decades, immigrants from Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Scotland, Croatia, Vietnam and other places followed, making it the melting pot of cultures and cuisines we enjoy today. For a quick history lesson, a visit to the Biloxi Welcome Center provides a fascinating recap of the area's early days through interactive displays and colorful photographs, personal recordings and written narratives. Plus, it's the ultimate place to stop to utilize clean restrooms and relax for a minute in rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the Biloxi Lighthouse and beach. Additionally, a scenic spot in Hancock County combines a beach view, large moss-draped oaks, marshlands and fun family activities in an historic site dating back centuries. I’m referring to Waveland's Buccaneer State Park. Back in the late 1700’s, French buccaneer Jean Lafitte and his followers were busy smuggling and pirating treasures. Traveling along Mississippi's coastline, they were so taken with the area's beauty that they decided to dock their ships and stay awhile. In fact, Lafitte set up his headquarters in the old Pirate House a short distance from today's state park. Fast forward to the 1800's and Andrew Jackson labeled the area “Jackson's Ridge” after building a military base there during the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson loved the area so much that he returned after the way and built a house on land that is now Buccaneer State Park. It's interesting to think of the park's fascinating history, but don't expect to see many landmarks of olden days. Hurricane Katrina obliterated most of the park's historic structures courtesy of its nearly 30-foot tidal surge. However, a major renovation project completed in 2013 fully restored the park to its beauty and functionality. With names like Pirate's and Treasure Coves, Jean Lafitte and Royal Cay, today the park includes 206 premium campsites, 70 field campsites and primitive camping spots, many overlooking the bay. If camping is not in your plans or you’re only on the Coast for the day, the park is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic, savor cool bay breezes and enjoy being outside in a natural setting. A minimal fee is charged per visitor; children under 3 get in free. Hike Pirate's Alley Nature Trail, enjoy Jackson's Ridge disc golf, try your luck at fishing and enjoy a meal under one of the pavilions. Reopening Memorial Day weekend will be Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark; a separate admission fee is charged for this attraction. Located near Buccaneer is the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, which I featured after a visit last summer. I failed to sample what I soon learned is one of the main reasons locals visit the resort’s Jubilee Buffet – hot funnel cakes topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream. I tried Cajun, Creole, Southern, Asian, Mexican, Italian and other cuisines, along with fresh boiled shrimp and crab legs. But somehow, I overlooked the funnel cake station and instead, chose key lime pie for dessert. Big mistake. Huge. After I told this story - OK, more than once - a friend provided a simple recipe for the fair food treat. Luckily, I had all the ingredients on hand and was able to make my own funnel cake in no time. It was good, but I still plan to visit the Slipper soon to try the buffet’s “famous funnel cakes” for myself. If You Go: What: Buccaneer State Park Where: 1150 S. Beach Blvd, Waveland Contact: 228-467-3822 for more details on hours of operation and fees for activities Easy Funnel Cake (makes two funnel cakes) ¼ cup milk 1 egg 1 tablespoon water ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon granulated sugar ¾ teaspoon baking powder 1 pinch salt ½ cup all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons powdered sugar In a large liquid measuring cup or batter bowl with a spout, whisk together milk, egg, water and vanilla. Add sugar, baking powder and salt and whisk until combined. Add the flour, and whisk until completely smooth. Set aside. In a medium, deep-sided skillet, heat an inch of oil to 375 degrees over medium-high heat. When you put the end of a wooden spoon in the pot and bubbles form around the spoon, it's ready. Reduce heat to medium. Drizzle batter from a measuring cup with a spout in a thin circle, overlapping as desired to create a solid cake. Cook for 2 minutes or until light golden brown, then flip and cook another 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan and place on paper towel-lined dish. Dust with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and serve. Repeat with the remaining batter. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Guest Cooking Columnist Charles Fortson, Jr With shrimp season fast approaching, it’s a good time to start thinking about how to use those sea creatures for meals and snacks.  At Uncle Ray’s, we’ve created tasty shrimp dip that makes crackers, chips and raw veggies snacks your will never forget. Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese 1 tbsp mayonnaise 4 tbsp ketchup ¼ cup  minced green onions ¼ cup minced bell peppers ¼ lb finely chopped cooked shrimp Your favorite Cajun seasoning according to taste (we recommend Mama Cajun Seasoning) Directions: 1.       Mix cream cheese & mayonnaise 2.       Add ketchup, onion & bell pepper 3.       Stir in shrimp 4.       Sprinkle on Cajun seasoning as desired 5.       Chill for one hour before serving Uncle Ray says this scrumptious dip goes especially well with buttery flavor of Town House crackers. EDITOR’S NOTE:  Charles Fortson, Jr., is proprietor-chef at Uncle Ray’s across from Lake Lincoln State Park.  He makes lunches and dinners to take out or for table service, while also operating a convenience store and bait shop at his Sunset Road location.  Follow his cooking tips on Uncle Ray’s Facebook page or call 601-643-0174 to check on his daily specials.

A new report by nationally renowned Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) ramks Mississippi among the top states prepared for health emergencies. The 21st annual Ready or Not: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism  measures states’ preparedness to respond to a spectrum of health emergencies and to provide ongoing public health services. This year’s report placed Mississippi and 20 other states in the high-performance tier, 13 states in the middle-performance tier, and 16 states in the low-performance tier. “This recognition is a testament to the experience, hard work and commitment we have as a state to prepare for and respond to emergencies,” said Dr. Daniel Edney, Mississippi’s State Health Officer. “We strive to get better every day to protect the health and well-being of all Mississippians, without exception. We, along with communities, health care providers, state agencies and our federal partners must keep our foot on the gas and continue to invest in both people and resources for the challenges we will face down the road.” Mississippi’s ranking stemmed from: Being a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact which enables registered and practical nurses to practice in any member state with a single multistate license, eliminating the need for emergency declarations. The Mississippi Public Health Laboratory’s plan for a six- to eight-week surge in testing capacity. Water Security: A high percentage of the population that used a community water system met all applicable health-based standards. National leadership in availability for workers to take Paid Time Off.  PTO is a meaningful gauge of public health emergency preparedness for workers to stay home without financial loss, which is a key to curbing disease spread. Stable public health funding. National Accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board. National Accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. Read the full report at: https://www.tfah.org/report-details/ready-or-not-2024

Co-Lin is starting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program at its Simpson County location with its first classes on March 25. At an application day event on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, representatives of the program were on hand to meet with prospective students and to: Discuss the program curriculum and career opportunities in the transportation industry. Provide guidance and assistance with application procedures. Answer any questions concerning the program and upcoming dates. The Co-Lin CDL program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill the 40-hour road-time requirement for obtaining a CDL license. The program fee is inclusive of instruction and one road test for licensure. Applicants must possess a valid CDL permit prior to the program start date. To learn more about the program, including registration information and prerequisites, visit https://www.colin.edu/truckdrivingschool or call Co-Lin Workforce Education at 601-643-8707.

The Co-Lin Foundation feted its donors and paid special tribute to its Patron, Visionary, Ambassador and Benefactor supporters who contribute in excess of $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000 for college scholarships, physical plant improvements and other projects at its Hall of Fame banquet last month. More than 100 persons enjoyed a fish dinner at the affair, and Foundation recognized eight new donor Hall of Famers -- seven at Patron and one at Visionary giving levels -- and two existing donors who have reached new giving levels -- one as a Visionary and one as a Benefactor. The Foundation is the official fundraising arm of Co-Lin that serves as a clearinghouse for private sector monies given to the college.  A 22-member board of community volunteers guides the non-profit incorporated in 1981 to establish an infrastructure of reliability and credibility on which donors can be assured that their gifts are invested soundly, managed wisely and used for the purposes specifically designated. At the banquet, Foundation Director Angela Furr recognized current Hall of Famers Mary Jane James and Barbara Richardson whose donations have reached the Visionary and Benefactor giving levels. Inducted into the Hall of Fame for the first time were: Patron Dr. Stephanie and Brent Duguid, who established the Marjorie Aiken Rector Memorial Scholarship in memory of Stephanie’s mother, a Texas teacher for more than 40 years, chaplain in hospitals and Habitat for Humanity volunteer and supporter who lost her life in 2001 automobile accident.  Dr. Duguid is a speaker and professional development specialist who focuses on elevating the impact of women in educational leadership and her husband is a partner in Grace Foam Solutions, a Wesson company. Patron Chris and Morgan Dunn, who have supported Co-Lin’s Back the Pack capital campaign for athletics.  Chris Dunn, who is a Co-Lin Sports Hall of Fame member recognized for his baseball achievements at the college, is Senior Lending Officer for Peoples Bank in Magee, Mississippi. A Co-Lin graduate, he earned a BS in finance and economics and MBA at William Carey University and completed studies at the Mississippi School of Banking at the University of Mississippi, the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending at Vanderbilt University, the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and National Commercial Lending School at Southern Methodist University.  In 2012, Mississippi Business Journal named him to its Top 40 Under 40.  He has been a member of the Magee Chamber of Commerce, Future Leaders of Simpson County, the Co-Lin Board of Trustees, Simpson County Economic Development Foundation and Simpson County Academy School Board. Morgan Dunn owns Vestra, LLC, a Magee healthcare company, and, with her husband, owns Zip’s Restaurant, which has been in their family for more than 60 years. Patron Gene and Marie Farmer, Co-Lin graduates who established a scholarship in their name.  He received an degree in engineering at Mississippi State University, worked in three different research groups for Caterpillar, and conducted the first air conditioner test for the company’s machines.  A pre-school teacher for ten years, she also attended Mississippi College for Women and earned a degree in home economics at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.  In retirement, they have raised cattle and grown pine trees, and he is a member and past president of the Boggan Ridge Water Association. Patron Pam Jones Reid and Susie Jones Patrick, who established the Tommie and Mary Ellen Jones Memorial Scholarship in memory of their parents.  Reid taught humanities at Co-Lin and was division chair, and Patrick was navigator for the college.  Reid and her husband, Terry, live in Wesson, and Patrick and her husband, Stan, live in Hattiesburg. Patron Leisa Stuart McElreath, who established the Ellis A. Stuart, Sr., and Myrtis W. Stuart Scholarship. She graduated from both Co-Lin High School and the college, Phillips Junior College and the University of Mississippi, is completing graduate work at Delta State University, has worked professionally in cosmetology as a salon owner and educator with licenses in Mississippi and Tennessee and is active in community affairs. She currently serves as chair of the Mississippi Crime Stoppers Advisory Council and Armed Services Committee of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, and is also a member of the Lafayette County Crime Stoppers Board, Co-Lin Alumni Association, Lafayette and Rankin County Republican Women.  She is strong advocate of increasing opportunities for achievement and advancement of young women.  McElreath and her husband, Dr. David H. McElreath, a professor at the University of Mississippi, live in Oxford, Mississippi. Patron Mary Primos, who supports the Foundation’s annual fund.  A graduate of Co-Lin, she earned a BS in education at Mississippi College, pursued a career in radio, marketing and advertising; and, in retirement, teaches Reformer Pilates and enjoys gardening, cooking, horseback riding, traveling and elk hunting.  She was the 2013 Co-Lin Alumna of the Year.  She and her husband, Will, live in Madison, Mississippi. Visionary Rex Lumber, which established the Robert and Kathryn McRae/Rex Lumber Annual Scholarship.  The McRae family started Rex Lumber as a cypress sawmill at Graceville, Florida, in 1926, and sold it to Southwest Forest Industries in 1980 after it had become an oak flooring manufacturer and expansion in the 1970s with a Southern Yellow Pine sawmill,  Stone Container and U.S. Forest Industries were subsequent owners, but the McRae Family repurchased the Graceville mill in 2001 in bankruptcy action, modernized and renamed it Rex Lumber after 20 years and started successful operations again as a high volume Southern Yellow Pine sawmill in March 2003.  In 2009, Rex Lumber purchased the Southern Yellow Pine sawmill that it has upgraded and continues to operate in Brookhaven. Patron Richard Womack Construction, LLC, which established the Donald Womack Legacy Scholarship, Richard Womack’s father, who was a member of the Simpson County Board of Supervisors from 1996-2003 and played an integral role in establishing Co-Lin’s Simpson County Center.  Richard Womack founded his construction company in 2006, and its projects include the 2019 addition to the Co-Lin Simpson County Center.  A committed Christian, he assisted in planting Overflow Church and Embrace Church in Magee and Forest, Mississippi, and started One:Ten Vision, which planted 26 churches in Peru, Kenya and Uganda, and established an orphanage in Kenya that provide a home for up to 34 children.

Co-Lin’s men and women tennis teams closed out March with winning records. Following 6-3 victory over Hinds, the men stood at 11-6 overall and 5-4 in conference matches.  The women ended the month with a 6-3 loss to Meridian, but stood at 10-5 overall, with a 4-3 conference record. In ending the month match against Hinds, the Co-Lin tennis me won two of three doubles matches and 4 of 6 singles matches.  The Co-Lin doubles winners were Franciso Miguel and Landon Banes and Simon Cooper and Robert Adcock.  In singles action, Co-Lin victors were Valentino Millimaci, Arne Sohmer, Landon Banes and Simon Cooper. In women’s doubles action against Meridian, Co-Lin's Yari Bello/Cami Mordiz and Adyson Parks/Ann-Clark Van were winners in doubles matches, but only Makaela Rummells won in singles competition. At the end of March, the tennis men also had match victories over East Central (6-3, 7-2), Bevill (6-3), Milsaps (6-3), Bellhaven (6-3), Northwest (9-0), Holmes (9-0), Northeast (7-2), Hinds (5-4) and Southwest (9-0), with losses to Meridian (6-3), Weatherford (6-3), Jones (9-0), Itawamba (7-2), Gulf Coast (8-1) and Coastal Alabama (7-2). Co-Lin’s tennis women had match victories over Hinds (6-3, 5-4), East Central (9-0, 8-1), Bevill (8-1), Itawamba (6-3), Bellhaven (9-0), Northwest (6-3), Northeast (9-0), Soutwest (9-0) and Coastal Alabama (5-4).  In addition to the month-ending match loss to Meridian, the team also had lost to Weatherford (6-3), Millsaps (8-1) and Gulf Coast (7-2).

Having the right information following a disaster makes filing a claim easier and faster. Find your policy information, store it in a safe, waterproof place, and make a digital copy. If you didn't have a home inventory before the storms, make one now to give to your insurance company. Damage caused by tornadoes is covered under standard homeowners and business insurance policies, as well as the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Flood insurance requires a separate policy and is not covered by your homeowner policy. "Let your insurance company know the extent of the damage," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. "After tornadoes and other disasters, insurance companies will reach out to those with the worst losses first. If you are not staying on the property, make sure your insurance representative knows where and how to contact you." Follow these steps when filing a claim: Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers. File your claim as soon as possible. Your policy may require that you make the notification within a certain time period. Be aware, if a widespread disaster has occurred, the company may set up special procedures. Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms and data you will need to file a claim. Keep a record of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors or relief agencies. If your home is damaged to the extent that you can't live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses. Take photographs/video of the damage. Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjustor arrives. This will speed up your claim process. Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Don't have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage. Maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect. Ask the adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer. Be patient and assist claims adjusters assigned to your case. Small losses may be settled quickly; extensive claims will take longer. Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.

Yes, you failed. It ended badly for you. Bankruptcy, nervous breakdown, divorce, the loss of any relationship with your kids, or maybe a physical adventure that went sideways and ended in you getting to know the fine folks of your local hospital. Endless possibilities come to mind when it comes to the ways we can lose at life. And the loss doesn’t just stop with the actual thing that happened. Like waves from a rock thrown into a pond, the repercussions just keep spreading. The hurt engulfs every part of your life, and it seems the meltdown will never end. After all, each part of our lives is intertwined with all the others. But you already know that, if you’ve ever experienced failure. Financial ruin has intricate veins that stream pain to our emotional well-being, our physical health, and even our belief in ourself. Divorce or extended physical problems? That same network of veins runs full-blast with toxic energy that can damage us in every way possible. So, how do we successfully start over? Well, you’re not reading a column written by a medical expert or a life counselor, so don’t expect professional advice where you can hang your hat and totally relax. But there are a few things that are purely logical, and need to be addressed. First step, admit you failed. Not always an easy thing to do. Pride and self-defense colors good judgement, making it almost impossible to acknowledge the obvious. The favorite words when we fail are usually, “But if” and “It wasn’t really my fault because…” or “If only that other person would have….”   But the thoughts behind those words are painful and obsessive. And ultimately useless. Like hyped-up hamsters on an electric treadmill, they run through your brain and get you nowhere. But admitting your failure to yourself? That’s stepping in the right direction. Secondly, before throwing yourself headlong into proving to you and everyone else that you can succeed, just stop. Take a good look backwards at your life. There are usually some broad indicators of impending disaster when we take the time be dead-level honest. I won’t take up space listing them – an honest and hurting person can spot them in their own life. My last suggestion? After realizing where you went wrong, work at making those changes needed. To loosely quote an old maxim, “Doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results is just dumb.” Relationships do not heal without work. Gutted finances can’t recover without some changes. A physically or emotionally battered and broken body needs healing time, and probably a completely different approach to life in the future. Remember, you may have failed, but you’re not dead yet. You still have time to help yourself learn to succeed. Have the courage to admit your failure, look backward for potholes where you fell, and work at filling them in. Instead of giving in to the temptation to blame someone else.

By Bob Arnold Porches, a landmark Wesson restaurant for more than a quarter of a century, is gone now, but the man who started it as a project as part of his culinary studies at Co-Lin, has come full cycle, returning to the college where he is preserving its recipes through the varied food service options it provides for its students, faculty and staff and the wider community, introducing new people to them and continuing to please folk who still remember their unique dining experiences at the old Victorian house on Highway 51 that housed eatery. Chris McSweyn, who now works for Co-Lin and is executive chef for the college’s Aladdin Campus Dining service, talked to the Wesson Lions Club last month about Porches, how it came to be and its ongoing legacy. Growing up in Pearl, Mississippi, McSweyn said he had two passions -- cooking and sports. "I grew up in a cooking family, and I loved preparing dishes for meals at home," McSweyn recalls.  "When I left the kitchen, I went to the golf course or to the soccer field.  Between school, playing golf and soccer at Pearl High School and cooking at home, I also squeezed in a job at the Pearl Donut Factory, where I made the donuts and other pastries." After graduating from high school and heading for Wesson to play for the Co-Lin golf team, he enrolled in the college’s culinary classes taught by Kay Woodrick at the time. When his parents -- Al and Cele McSweyn -- visited their son in Wesson, they decided to join him there, purchasing a house that had a large kitchen and enough space to feed a lot of people if that was your inclination.  "Mom and Dad were looking to get out of the Jackson area," McSweyn recalls.  "Dad had retired after a career at Bell South and working in accounting and as a computer software specialist.  Mom had worked for years at Carter's Jewelry in Jackson." When McSweyn needed to intern at a restaurant to satisfy requirements of the Co-Lin culinary program, he and his parents created Porches in the house they had acquired.  "I got a job, but not enough working hours at the Inez Hotel restaurant in Brookhaven,” he recalls.  “So dad suggested I start my own restaurant in the house to meet the course requirements, and Co-Lin agreed." McSweyn and his mom and dad brought their love of cooking and Chris's Co-Lin studies to what they anticipated would be a four-month project, but they had no real restaurant experience outside of Chris's work at the Pearl Donut Factory.  McSweyn and his parents learned the business operating a small eatery that served small plates and daily specials featuring southern cooking with an imaginative flare. Just before they were about to wrap up Chris’ school project, a Jackson Clarion-Ledger food columnist, who had heard about the small Wesson restaurant, visited it, liked what he tasted there, and wrote a column about the experience. "Business boomed," McSweyn recounts.  "We were generating 40 to 50 customers for our daily lunches, and traffic tripled.   My parents and I said to each other:  "Let's make it go.'" Over 25 1/2 years, Porches became known nationally, consistently ranked by travel and tourist guides among Mississippi's top ten restaurants, and drawing customers from throughout the South, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and as far away as Florida. COVID-19 forced Porches to start serving its meals on a takeout only basis, and McSweyn decided to shut it down so his parents could finally enjoy the retirement they had anticipated in the old Wesson house they bought in the 1990s. McSweyn took his Porches' menu to Le Soul in Hazlehurst in 2020 and 2021 and then accepted the job with Co-Lin's food service.  At Co-Lin, he continues to cook the dishes he perfected at Porches and served at Le Soul.  He even calls the catering service he operates at the college “Porches.”

City of Vicksburg welcomes everyone to come enjoy live music, arts and food at the third annual Vicksburg Arts and Music Festival, April 19-20, 2024. The Festival continues to partner with the Alcorn State University Jazz Festival on Saturday to add a second stage of entertainment. The festival is FREE to attend. We invite people to bring their lawn chairs and picnic blankets to relax on while enjoying the music and food. There will be a variety of vendors inside and outside along with multiple vendors selling food items like fried alligator, BBQ, fish and more! Entertainment will kick off inside with high school and college students performing wonderful jazz at 9am and then the second stage outside kicks off at 12pm. Omega Psi Phi will host a student talent search beginning at 12. Students’ 9th-12th grade are eligible to participate and will be winning cash prizes. Local and regional musicians are invited to a Jam session with Mr. Bud Carson in memory of Mark Doyle beginning at 2pm. Childrens activities include a video gaming trailer and special scaly guests from the MS Natural Science Museum from 2pm-6pm. Featured Musicians: Compozitionz, The Chill, Projekt, Pop Fiction, MS Marshall Deluxe and the legendary Bobby Rush will all perform throughout the festival Friday and Saturday. Event made FREE and possible by the generous support from the City of Vicksburg, Mutual Credit Union, Waterview Casino, Bally’s Casino, grants from Visit Mississippi, Visit Vicksburg and MS Delta National Heritage. Call the VCC office 601-630-2929 or email VCCDirector@vicksburg.org for event information.

By Kara Kimbrough One of the most amazing things about Mississippi is that there’s always a hidden gem just around the corner. A place I didn’t know existed until recently is the amazing Mississippi Armed Forces Museum on the grounds of Camp Shelby just outside of Hattiesburg. If you’re a history buff with special interest in the military, the museum should definitely be on your list of place to visit. Camp Shelby is notable in its own right; the base serves as one of the nation’s largest training sites for National Guardsmen and Reservists from throughout the country. But it’s the museum that attracts tourists to the grounds to view the impressive array of artifacts and memorabilia. The Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby serves as a valuable military history museum, created to honor the servicemen and women of all branches from Mississippi and others who trained there during times of war. The large, modern museum is filled with professional, intriguing exhibits illustrating the personal stories of American heroes who served our country. The museum’s galleries highlight Mississippi’s role in the Armed Forces ranging from the 19th century, World Wars I and II, Korean and Vietnam Wars and global war on terrorism. A collection of over 17,000 artifacts, 5,000 volumes of military history and 40,000 linear feet of archival materials insures this is one museum experience that can never be described as boring. An impressive Hall of Honors pays tribute to Mississippi veterans and the state’s 28 Medal of Honor recipients. A few years ago, the museum’s courtyard was enclosed to showcase additional honors received by Mississippians as well as rotating exhibits. Outdoor exhibits on the grounds of the Museum include memorials and a vehicle park with aircraft, tanks and field artillery. After viewing the museum, it’s never a bad idea to go in search of a good meal in Hattiesburg. One of my newfound favorites is Keg and Barrel. First, don’t let the name fool you. It’s not solely a place known for its spirits. Although alcohol is served, it’s actually the food that put Keg and Barrel on the map, gradually becoming a favorite of residents of all ages due to its consistently above-average food and service. That’s saying a lot considering the fact that Hattiesburg is a college town and medical hub filled with a wide array of restaurants representing many different cuisines. So, yes, despite its name, Keg and Barrel is perhaps best known for its food – and no, I’m not referring to what is typically known “bar food” of nachos and wings. A plethora of creative appetizers, oysters served in a variety of ways, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas and entrees await at two Hattiesburg locations. There’s the original Hardy St. East restaurant and my favorite, the convenient-to-drop-in “west” location across from Turtle Creek Mall. K & B offers a variety of delicious appetizers, including debris fries, an overflowing plate of fries topped with roast beef, gravy, sauteed onions and horseradish sauce. The fries and other appetizers are all good choices, but my personal favorite is Greek dip duo. Greek dip duo was temporarily removed from the menu during the pandemic, but due to popular demand from upset customers, it’s back. Homemade hummus and feta dip (the best I’ve ever tasted!) is served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables and homemade chips. I could almost – and sometimes do- make a meal from this delicious assortment of tangy dip, crisp vegetables and soft pita bread slices. It’s hard to choose just one burger from among of list of creative offerings, but when I’m in the mood for one, I usually order the Keg Stand. It consists of a thick burger topped with cheese, bacon, fried onions and steak sauce on a jalapeno cheddar bun. As I said, there are numerous homemade pizzas, sandwiches, po’boys and other dishes on the menu, but when it’s time for a hearty meal, Keg and Barrel’s entrees won’t disappoint. Hattiesburg hot chicken, shrimp and grits, red beans and rice, chicken and waffles and grilled redfish are just a few of the choices. They’re all delicious, but if pressed for a favorite, chicken are waffles is usually my meal of choice. Before heading out of the city, stop by The University of Southern Mississippi and take a selfie or family photo in one of the most beautiful spots in south Mississippi. Right now, the University’s All-American Rose Garden, located at the front entrance of the campus fronting Hardy Street, is at its peak. Over 800 rose bushes in vivid colors of red, pink, coral and other vivid hues are on full display and are free for the viewing (although not clipping, which can trigger a fine.) The rose garden is open to the general public free of charge, seven days a week. After checking in with security at the front entrance and parking, visitors are free around to walk around, admire the blooms and shoot photos. If You Go Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Where: 850 Camp Shelby Training Site Building, Camp Shelby, MS Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday Admission: Free Contact: 601-558-2757 If You Go: What: Keg and Barrel Where: Two Hattiesburg locations: 1315 Hardy St. and 6 Marketplace Dr. (West) For hours of operation and other information, check out their website: http://www.kegandbarrel.com. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.