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By: Jessica Breazeale   Have you noticed how many trees are dying?   Maybe it’s just in my neck of the woods, but it seems to be an alarming number of trees that are dead - or on the brink of it. We need more sturdy, reliable trees that can withstand nature’s weather and insects. What tree are you ? Are you firm, steady, resolute? Is your tree being eaten alive by beetles and on the brink of falling over dead? Is your tree flopping around because you hadn’t grown very big before storms kept hitting one after another? Is your tree so big and grown that it provides shade and protection for the other trees? With the current alarming rates of dying trees, is there something we can do to help trees “make it”? How to make your tree grow? 1.    Be careful with lawncare.  – Even small knicks and bumps can have a lasting impact. Be careful with who and what is around you. a.   Be careful not to mow over a baby crepe myrtle. Yes, this happened to us. I was mad at my husband for weeks. But I got over it. Symbolically, if we mow over baby Christians, they never got a fair shot at what “real living” looks like. Be careful and not in a hurry with lawncare. 2.    Give it space to grow.  Some trees get choked out. There’s simply not enough room for light to penetrate through the darkness. a.   Jesus needed space to go off alone to be with His father to hear from Him, to see Him, to talk with Him. b.   We aren’t exempt. We all need quiet, alone time, space to see God for who He really is…TO YOU PERSONALLY. Distance from the world is good. 3.    Water it enough . You will start to wither if you aren’t staying in His presence or in communication with Him. We wither when we aren’t staying in His word, helping His people, who are our eternal siblings. If the leaves become pale and fragile, the tree isn’t getting enough water. It’s not growing or producing delicious fruit. The base of the tree needs to stay wet. 4.    Watch the roots. Surround yourself with good soil. Don’t overfertilize. a.   Now, I can’t tell you what that means for you. For some, they get addicted to church, and it becomes what they love more than God. b.   I can’t say what over-fertilizing is for you. I know what it is for me. Keep the roots wet and surround yourself with good soil. Get to the roots. Dig…dig…dig. As deep as you can dig, find out what keeps you from bending towards the light, facing the storm, and allowing your tree to grow. This picture speaks volumes to me. At first glance, it looks like this tree has a good roots system and would be fine. But all it would take is years of erosion and the perfect storm to change everything for this tree. It appears strong on the outside but is at the mercy of environmental factors. Is your tree  is being fully fed, fully nourished, fully satisfied in Christ ALONE? Identify the root cause of tree sickness and weed it out. Weed out the thinking that got you in trouble, that friend that got you in trouble, that addiction that got you in trouble, that marriage or that divorce, or that secret habit, whatever it is…all of it…find it , start bending towards the light to watch your tree start to THRIVE. I’m always in awe when I look at live oaks. They outlive humans and showcase strength, longevity, and beauty. I want to be a live oak when I grow up one day – ha!

By Bob Arnold   Angela Hester When locals visit Town Hall, they often bump into City Clerk Angela Hester embarking on another trip or returning from one.   Hester, who joined Wesson government in 2017 as Court Clerk and Deputy City Clerk and took over as City Clerk not long afterwards, didn’t know at the time that she was signing up for all the meetings and associated travel that are part of the job.  No one told her to buy a set of durable luggage, but packing and unpacking bags and waiting at airports is a constant for Hester to keep pace with the demands of a working environment that changes every day with new laws and governmental change.   “I need to keep up,” Hester affirms.  “It’s about making sure we do government right in Wesson.  These aren’t pleasure trips.  I am learning and working most of the time at the meetings I attend and participate in.”   Hester attends conferences and trainings and plays leadership roles in the Mississippi Municipal Clerks and Tax Collectors Association (MMCTCA), the Mississippi Municipal Court Clerks Association (MMCCA) and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC).   MMCTCA, including municipal clerks who serve as tax collectors in their municipalities or towns, provides a forum for discussion of problems common to municipal clerks and tax collectors and solving them through exchange of ideas and experiences, promotes the general welfare of Mississippi municipalities and upgrades the benefits, welfare and standards of its individual members.  Hester attends its spring, fall and winter conferences and serves as treasurer of the organization.  In spring 2026, the organization will conduct IIMC training to certify state city clerks.   Hester has served as vice president of MMCCA and will become its president in 2026.  The organization serves the crucial administrative officers, who are the  record keepers, financial officers, and facilitators for municipal courts, responsible for managing dockets, processing cases, collecting fines/fees, administering oaths, preparing for court, and maintaining official city records, essentially linking the court, city government, and the public. It provides online problem-solving discussions of issues common to its more than 300 members and hosts an annual summer conference, which Hester attends.   IIMC is the leading professional organization for city/town clerks, secretaries, and recorders worldwide , founded in 1947 to enhance their professionalism through education, networking, and Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC).  It provides resources, training, and conferences to support clerks in managing records, conducting elections, and supporting local government to assure high standards of public service.    IIMC awarded Hester its CMC designation and she will attend its May 17-21, 2026, annual conference in Reno, Nevada, to continue work on her MMC. “The CMC is more than a pin, a certificate and three letters at the end of a name,” IIMC Certification Manager Kellie Siggson told Hester. “It is a declaration that you are proficient in your important position and that you have demonstrated mastery of administrative skills critical to good government.” For the CMC, Hester attended extensive education programs in which she earned 60 points toward the designation and demonstrated pertinent experience in work as Wesson Town Clerk to earn another 50 points.  She earned the designation over six years and is now in the four-year MMC program in which she will earn another 60 advanced education points and 40 professional contribution points. IIMC, which established the CMC program in 1970, says it prepares designees “to meet the challenges of the complex role of Municipal Clerk by providing quality education in partnership with institutions of higher learning, as well as State, Provincial and National associations.” The program is designed to enhance the job performance of the Clerk in small and large municipalities alike.  In Mississippi, municipal clerks like Hester are central administrative officials, serving as the hub between citizens and government by managing official records ( minutes ,  ordinances ), running  elections , handling public records requests, issuing  licenses /permits, and providing key support for the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, essentially acting as the city's historian, record-keeper, and primary public contact .    For Hester, the smaller state organizations are important, too.  That’s why when others were beginning to engage in the activities of the busy holiday season, you found her at the Sheraton in Flowood for 2025 MMCTCA winter conference December 10-12.  The three MMCTCA conferences are coordinated by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the Center for Government and Community Development and Mississippi Institute of Municipal Courts, and the Winter conference covered “Customer Service and Public Relations in Local Government,” “Financial Basics:  Bank Reconciliations,” “From the Auditor’s Perspective:  Strengthening Accountability in Your City,” “Privilege License and Transient Vendor,” “Office Organization from Large to Small Municipalities” (a panel discussion), “Mississippi Municipal Service Company,” updates from the Mississippi Municipal League and PERS Tier 5 training.   The winter conference came as Hester was catching her breath from the October 8-10, 2025, fall conference that featured sessions on leadership development, “DOR Sales Tax & Modernization Funds,” asset management and modernization funds, wage garnishment and child support issues and “Best Practices in Human Resources.   As if the information and training sessions aren’t reason enough for Hester’s involvement in the organizations for municipal clerks, she values the networking at the meetings she attends.  “I meet people from all over the world as well as across the state,” she says.  “When we need help with something, I can go to municipal clerk elsewhere and usually find someone who can help.  Research we need.  The benefit of experience.  Advice on work.  Even a machine breaking down.”   So the next time you encounter Hester running off to the airport or readjust to work in her office after a trip, you might want to thank her for the role she plays in making Wesson government work.

By Misty Strieff Prine “There comes a day when you realize turning the page is the best feeling in the world – because you realize there’s so much more to the book than the page you were stuck on.” – Unknown             Often, we get hung up on the past, too much drama, bad days, bad decisions and even the opinions of others around us, that might not be our own but consume us as if they were. We get stuck on a page that starts to repeat like a broken record. We repeat what we don’t stop long enough to repair, and we forget that we can’t erase the past by dwelling on it. It’s written in ink. We can’t do anything about it. We need to turn the page. We must come to the realization that with each new day or each new page, the Lord grants us the ability to start brand new. Turning that page in our lives has the potential to change our lives completely. When we do get the strength and willpower to forget about our past and give the new day the good Lord blesses us with a go, we realize how beautifully full of peace and joy a fresh new day is. A new chapter is given to us every day. We just have to turn that page and never look back. We need to instead look forward at the opportunities afforded to us to make new memories, better decisions and even learn to surround ourselves with people who will lift us up, not tear us down, and remind us of how blessed we truly are. If you are reading this right now, God has blessed you with the privilege of seeing a new year. We serve a God of second chances and new beginnings. There’s so much more to our lives than spinning our wheels in the negative chapters of our past. Now go. Let God give you a fresh start. Make the remainder of your book a best seller...for Him! Let your life be a testament to others as to how good God has been to you and how far He’s brought you through the chapters of your life. **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College has officially begun renovations on Josie G. Ellis Hall, marking a major investment in campus housing and the overall student experience. The approximately $6 million project will provide a complete overhaul of Ellis Hall, located behind the Ewing Administration Building, adding space for 64 students to Co-Lin's campus housing options. The project is designed to modernize the 10,000-square-foot, two-story building constructed in 1939 while expanding residential capacity to better serve current and future students. Each room will have two beds and a private bathroom. An apartment for the residence life advisor will be located on each floor. Renovations will also include converting the building from exterior-entry access to interior-entry access, enhancing security and safety for students. College officials say the Ellis Hall renovation reflects Co-Lin's continued commitment to improving campus facilities and creating a welcoming, modern environment for students. "Campus housing plays a vital role in student success and engagement," said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. "The renovation of Ellis Hall allows us to expand our housing capacity while providing updated, high-quality living spaces that meet the needs of today's students." Major Design Studio Architects in Columbus is serving as the architect for the project, with Paul Jackson & Son of Brookhaven selected as the contractor.

The Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration (NLCC) will return February 26–28, 2026, bringing three days of events, speakers, performances, exhibits, and conversations centered around this year's theme, "Stories of American Freedom." The 2026 celebration brings together nationally recognized authors, historians, scholars, artists, and performers to explore the diverse narratives that have shaped the American experience. The majority of the NLCC is hosted at the Natchez Convention Center. Thursday, February 26, 2026 The festival opens with a lively and immersive musical event entitled "Raise a Glass to Freedom: Bar Songs from Then to Now" that brings the energy of the American Revolution to life. Taverns were more than watering holes during this era—they were hubs of debate, dissent, and dreams of liberty. This rowdy, spirited program revives the raucous bar songs that echoed through colonial taverns, reimagined for today. Guests will experience the soundtrack of revolution with a modern twist and step into the soundscape that helped inspire the founding of a nation. Plan to attend this exciting event hosted in partnership with the Natchez Festival of Music at Bowie's Rabbit Hole (100 Main Street) from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at https://www.colin.edu/community/natchez-literary-cinema-celebration/ . Friday, February 27, 2026 | Natchez Convention Center (unless otherwise noted) From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Vance Fellows and William Winters Scholars Luncheon will be held at The Carriage House in the Queen's Room, located at 401 High Street. This special luncheon celebrates distinguished scholars and fellows for their academic achievements. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., art exhibits highlighting "Stories of American Freedom" will be on display throughout the festival in the Natchez Room. These works, presented by local artists, explore themes of identity, liberty, and the evolving American narrative. At 1:00 p.m., the Opening Ceremony takes place in the Tupelo Room, featuring remarks from Dr. Dewayne Middleton, President of Copiah-Lincoln Community College; Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson; and Dr. Pernell Goodwin, Vice President of Co-Lin's Natchez Campus. The ceremony includes special presentations by the Natchez High Choir, and a video made by local students. The afternoon continues in the Tupelo Room with a series of author sessions. At 2:00 p.m., Dr. Cynthia Kierner discusses The Tory's Wife , followed at 3:00 p.m. by James W. Miller presenting King of the Gunrunners . At 4:00 p.m., Dennard Dayle shares insights from his book How to Dodge a Cannonball , offering an hour of engaging conversation and literary exploration. A book signing will follow from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the lobby, giving attendees the opportunity to meet the day's featured authors. Two evening events round out the day. From 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Scholar's Mixer will be held in the St. Louis Room, offering an informal gathering space for the William Winters Scholars to connect. At the same time, the Nashville Room will host a screening of Natchez , a powerful documentary that examines how the city's residents navigate and interpret its complex history. The film, which won Best Documentary Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival, provides an intimate and thought-provoking portrait of the community. Saturday, February 28, 2026 | Natchez Convention Center (unless otherwise noted) The day begins with the art exhibits on "Stories of American Freedom" in the Natchez Room, open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., offering visitors a chance to explore powerful visual storytelling on the theme of liberty in America. Author sessions start in the Tupelo Room at 9 a.m., with Dr. Miki Pfeffer presenting Southern Ladies and Suffragists . At 10 a.m., Brian Altobello shares insights from Whiskey, Women, and War , and the morning concludes with Dr. William C. Meadows at 11 a.m., who discusses The First Code Talkers . After the morning sessions, attendees are invited to a book signing in the lobby from 12 to 12:30 p.m. A special ticketed luncheon event, Food Power Politics: The Food Story of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement , takes place from 12 to 2 p.m. at Rolling River Reloaded (406 Main Street). Dr. Bobby J. Smith II, author of the book, leads an engaging conversation on how food shaped Black freedom struggles in Mississippi, from dinner tables to protest lines. Guests will also experience a tasting of dishes inspired by the stories discussed, creating a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary exploration. The cost is $25 per person, tickets can be purchased at https://www.colin.edu/community/natchez-literary-cinema-celebration/ . The afternoon author sessions continue back at the Convention Center in the Tupelo Room, beginning at 2 p.m. with Dr. J. Janice Coleman presenting Three Years in the Life of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer, an American Catalyst for Change . Dr. Coleman is a professor of English at Alcorn State University, and she is also a quilter and a storyteller. She will use her Fannie Lou Hamer "Is This America?" Quilt to tell the story of a poor, uneducated sharecropper on a plantation in Ruleville to a powerful voting rights advocate on a national stage. At 3 p.m., Dr. Erin Grayson Sapp explores themes of racial justice and football as a vehicle for social change in Moving the Chains , and the day's author program concludes at 4 p.m. with Louisiana Poet Laureate Alison Pelegrin discussing Our Lady of Bewilderment . A second book signing follows in the lobby from 5 to 5:30 p.m., allowing attendees to meet the authors and collect signed copies. The day culminates with a ticketed banquet, Voices of Freedom: An Evening with Gloria J. Browne-Marshall , in the Tupelo Room at 6:30 p.m. This evening of reflection, resilience, and resistance celebrates civic action and the ongoing fight for justice in America. Keynote speaker Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, a legal scholar, playwright, and author, draws from her acclaimed book A Protest History of the United States to explore stories of ordinary people who demanded extraordinary change, from the American Revolution to the present day. Browne-Marshall highlights how protest has shaped—and continues to shape—the soul of the nation. Tickets are $45, and can be purchased at https://www.colin.edu/community/natchez-literary-cinema-celebration/ .

By Bob Garver “The Housemaid” has unofficially sold itself based on how crazy it gets in its second half. This is slightly less annoying than when movies sell themselves based on their twist endings – at least here, the twist gets a chance to breathe, and maybe there will be other twists after the initial shock – but it still creates the problem of forcing the audience to wait for something crazy to happen. As “The Housemaid” went along in a direction that made sense, the movie felt long to me because I knew that the other shoe (or in this case, plate shhh ) hadn’t dropped yet, and the movie would have to spend time going in a different direction once it did. Of course, the twist then gave me a new set of issues with the film, but that’s for later. What I can tell you is that the movie opens with Millie (Sydney Sweeney) applying for a job as – what else? – a housemaid for socialite Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried). The job seems too good to be true, as Nina comes off as very nice, and apparently so are her finance whiz husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) and daughter Cece (Indiana Elle). More importantly, the live-in position provides much-needed steady employment and a fixed address for Millie, which she desperately needs as a condition of her parole (the parole itself is not a twist, but the circumstances behind it “might” be). To Millie’s delight, Nina apparently doesn’t do her due diligence with a background check, and she’s hired for the job. It doesn't take long for things to go south for Millie. Nina is much more demanding and belligerent than she seemed in the interview, and she threatens to fire Millie and ruin her life over tiny, if not completely made-up infractions. Cece is a cold, standoffish, unhappy child, lecturing Millie on which parts of life are a “privilege,” a trait she shares with Andrew’s even-more-miserable mother (Elizabeth Perkins). The family’s handyman Enzo (Michele Morrone) is a creep in an ominous kind of way. And Andrew can be a creep in an “unhappily married man with eyes for the young housemaid” kind of way, though at least he’s nice to Millie. After a first half filled with soap opera drama and wealth porn (and some softcore regular porn), the movie delivers on the crazy as promised. At least one of the six characters I’ve listed turns out to be an absolute psycho, and the movie basically turns from mystery into horror. It’s really to a ridiculous degree, as in, “How can this person pass for a normal member of society when they’re this deranged?” But it makes for a memorable villainous turn, that’s for sure. “The Housemaid” is based on a book by Freida McFadden, and the movie is filled with moments that I can tell worked better on paper, if they ever worked at all. Characters’ motivations are murky, even with - and sometimes especially with – hindsight. Maybe the book explained them better. The flashback-heavy timeline can make the movie seem tedious just when momentum is building. The tonal whiplash makes the movie hard to take seriously. And it does try to take itself seriously toward the end when at least one of the top-billed actresses tries to inspire legitimate feelings of female empowerment, which I saw as pandering and unearned. The movie is good at cat-and-mouse tension at points, with mind games played well even before it officially becomes a thriller, but it’s not enough to save it. I have no idea if the novel version of “The Housemaid” qualifies as “trash,” but the movie version definitely plays like an adaptation of a trashy novel. Grade: C- “The Housemaid” is rated R for strong/bloody violent content, sexual assault, sexual content, nudity, and language. Its running time is 131 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

By: Kara Kimbrough My carry-on suitcase was filled with delicacies from Barber Orchards and Bakery in Waynesville, NC. Back home, I created the perfect brunch that included, clockwise from bottom left: apple cider doughnuts, apple tarts, Barber’s strawberry preserves (and my homemade biscuits), apples I picked myself from a Waynesville apple orchard and hot apple cider.  (Photo courtesy of Kara Kimbrough)      I can’t enter 2026 without sharing the best food and travel finds that made 2025 one to remember. Besides discovering some true gems on supermarket shelves that I’ll use in ’26, The past year also filled with delicious restaurant meals and amazing travel adventures. Here are a few of my favorites from ’25; 1 .    Pleasures await in Pensacola – I’m ashamed to say that I had allowed several years to elapse between my last visit to this island paradise and my visit in early summer. Pensacola is amazingly easy to get to, thanks to an enviable location just off Interstates 10 and 110. Within minutes of exiting the interstate, visitors find themselves in downtown Pensacola and the beach. And here’s a fun fact; visitors staying directly on Pensacola Beach are actually on Santa Rosa Island. So, yes, those who like to brag that they enjoyed an “island getaway” get their wish when visiting Pensacola, a nearly 40-mile stretch of breathtaking beaches that includes Perdido Key Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.      And here’s the primary element that sets Pensacola apart from most beach destinations – there are so many interesting things to do and places to explore besides lounging on the beach, shopping and eating fried shrimp, the highlights of most of my past beach trips. Just a few highlights included visiting the museum at the Naval Air Station, home of the world-famous Blue Angels; soaking in the private, peaceful beauty of the national seashore and experiencing world-class museums and historic sights in downtown Pensacola. Add amazing cuisine at a few of literally hundreds of area restaurants and it was a trip I’m longing to repeat. 2.    Rao’s Soups – I’ve long been a fan of Rao’s Pasta Sauces, particularly Bolognese flavor, which I can usually only find at Ridgeland’s Fresh Market. Learning the New York City-based restaurant’s sauces have expanded to include delicious soups in flavors like Italian Wedding, Pasta Fagioli, Vegetable Minestrone and more was a favorite find of ’25.  3.    Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill – Bay St. Louis on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is filled with wonderful restaurants. As a frequent visitor, I thought I’d experienced most, if not all, of them. When a friend shared a photo of Cuz’s towering smashburger, I had to visit this place that had slipped under my radar. Conveniently located on Beach Blvd. just steps from the beach, Cuz’s is a spacious, yet cozy place frequented by locals as well as tourists. On my first visit, I ordered the candied bacon smashburger, along with a side of seafood swamp fries. The massive burger was “smashed,” yet still juicy, with just the right amount of crispiness along the edges. Topped with slices of smoky, candied bacon and all the trimmings and accompanied by a platter of crispy fries topped with Creole sauce, chopped shrimp and spicy crawfish, it was a burger meal to remember.  4.    Hormel Black Label Oven Ready Thick Cut Bacon with Oven Safe Tray – I love bacon as much as the next person, but absolutely detest having to fish the somewhat-slimy raw pieces out of the plastic package and place them on a baking tray or frying pan. This genius innovation removes the “ick factor” by placing pre-cut slices of flavorful bacon in an oven-safe tray. Peel back the cover, place in the oven and just like that, perfectly-prepared bacon is yours to enjoy without having to actually touch it – until it’s lightly-browned, crispy and ready to eat, of course!  5.    Prime Roots – If you’ve sworn off meat products for dietary or health reasons, there’s new hope for your favorite sandwiches. Prime Roots products are made from a clean, whole-food protein blend and yeast, designed to mimic meat textures and umami flavors. Key ingredients combine to create plant-based deli slices, bacon, and salami that are gluten-free, soy-free and nitrate-free. For once, I enjoyed a triple-decker club sandwich, guilt-free! Check them out at: webstaurantstore.com/vendor/prime-roots .  6.    Tamarind Heads Barbecue Sauce – I never thought I’d trade in my favorite sauce for another, but that’s what happened after sampling this tangy sauce. Instead of the traditional tomato and vinegar base combined with a list of other unpronounceable ingredients, Tamarind Heads narrows it down to just six; sesame, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, spices and a unique tamarind base. All combine to create a sauce that takes grilled meat to a new level. To order or find a list of retail locations, check out the website: tamarindheads.com . 7.    Wyda Food-Grade Tear-Resistant Wrap with Built-In Cutter – Who among us hasn’t grappled with a pesky roll of aluminum foil that refused to tear, roll or cooperate when needed? Those problems are a thing of the past with this sturdy foil that comes with a built-in cutter, insuring foil tears when and where we need it. I loved the foil so much that I used the brand’s sturdy roasting pans for holiday cooking. The products can be purchased from Walmart.com or WydaPack.com .  8.    Haywood County, North Carolina –Getting to visit and explore this mountain paradise in western North Carolina was truly the highlight of my year. Surrounded by other-worldly, multi-colored layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains on one side and the ethereal Smoky Mountains on the other, the scenery from overlooks spread throughout the quaint cities of Maggie Valley, Waynesville and other small mountain towns was simply breathtaking. Unlike some popular mountain destinations, Haywood County has been thoughtful about its growth; as a result, the area is not filled with tourist traps, chain restaurants and traffic backed up for miles. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that disrupts the area's innate charm and character harkening back to a simpler time.      To the contrary, the entire area is blessed with natural, unspoiled beauty as far as the eye can see. After flying into Asheville, it's a short drive to Haywood County, where there's so much to see and explore courtesy of overlooks providing up close views of those mesmerizing blue-hued mountainous layers; scenic hiking trails highlighted by mammoth water falls; protected areas where wildlife roam and quaint, safe and walkable downtown areas filled with charming shops and restaurants. There are also historic homes to explore and community crafts fairs and cultural events that can be enjoyed throughout the year, even during winter months.       Breathtaking mountain resorts like Cataloochee Ranch and The Swag offer luxurious accommodations for overnight guests, but are open to the public for select dining, hiking and other outdoor activities. My favorite meal of the trip was at Cataloochee Ranch's breathtakingly-beautiful Switchback restaurant. I would literally return to North Carolina solely to enjoy the chef's outstanding cuisine while dining in front of the massive fireplace at Switchback.      Hiking was fun, but my favorite outdoor activity was visiting "pick-your-own" orchards and filling up baskets with dozens of varieties of golden, red and pink apples. If you’d prefer someone else do the picking, Barber Orchards and Bakery stocks a multitude of apples and creates the most unbelievable apple pies, tarts and turnovers. And I can't omit the piece de resistance, apple cider doughnuts. Yes, I DID bring home a dozen (OK, maybe two) of these melt-in-your-mouth treats to savor for several days with coffee and hot apple cider.    I’m still dreaming about the sight of those heavenly blue mountain layers that simply can’t be replicated in any photo I’ve ever seen or shot myself. A return trip in ’26 to enjoy more of this mountain paradise is definitely on my to-do list.      So yes, 2025 was a great year for travel, dining out and cooking. I highly recommend trying one or all of these pursuits in 2026. If you’d like to hear more about the items on my “best of” list or need additional travel trips, simply drop me an email and I’ll be happy to share my experiences. In the meantime…here’s to a wonderful New Year! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com . 5.     Prime Roots  – If you’ve sworn off meat products for dietary or health reasons, there’s new hope for your favorite sandwiches. Prime Roots products are made from a clean, whole-food protein blend and yeast, designed to mimic meat textures and umami flavors. Key ingredients combine to create plant-based deli slices, bacon, and salami that are gluten-free, soy-free and nitrate-free. For once, I enjoyed a triple-decker club sandwich, guilt-free! Check them out at:  webstaurantstore.com/vendor/prime-roots . 6.     Tamarind Heads Barbecue Sauce  – I never thought I’d trade in my favorite sauce for another, but that’s what happened after sampling this tangy sauce. Instead of the traditional tomato and vinegar base combined with a list of other unpronounceable ingredients, Tamarind Heads narrows it down to just six; sesame, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, spices and a unique tamarind base. All combine to create a sauce that takes grilled meat to a new level. To order or find a list of retail locations, check out the website:  tamarindheads.com . 7.     Wyda Food-Grade Tear-Resistant Wrap with Built-In Cutter  – Who among us hasn’t grappled with a pesky roll of aluminum foil that refused to tear, roll or cooperate when needed? Those problems are a thing of the past with this sturdy foil that comes with a built-in cutter, insuring foil tears when and where we need it. I loved the foil so much that I used the brand’s sturdy roasting pans for holiday cooking. The products can be purchased from Walmart.com or WydaPack.com . 8.     Haywood County, North Carolina  –Getting to visit and explore this mountain paradise in western North Carolina was truly the highlight of my year. Surrounded by the other-worldly, multi-colored layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains on one side and the ethereal Smoky Mountains on the other, the scenery from overlooks spread throughout the quaint cities of Maggie Valley, Waynesville and other small mountain towns was simply breathtaking. Haywood County, unlike some popular mountain destinations, is not overflowing with tourist traps and chain restaurants. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that disrupts the area's innate charm and character harkening back to a simpler time.   To the contrary, the entire county is blessed with natural, unspoiled beauty as far as the eye can see. After flying into Asheville, it's a short drive to Haywood County, where there's so much to see and explore courtesy of overlooks providing up close views of those mesmerizing blue-hued mountainous layers; scenic hiking trails highlighted by mammoth water falls; private areas in which to view wildlife and quaint and safe, walkable downtown areas filled with charming locally-owned shops and restaurants. The area is also blessed with historic homes, community crafts fairs and cultural events. Breathtaking mountain resorts like Cataloochee Ranch and The Swag are open to the public and offer dining, hiking and other outdoor activities. My favorite meal of the trip was at Cataloochee Ranch's breathtaking-beautiful Switchback restaurant. I would literally return to North Carolina solely to enjoy another amazing meal at Switchback...it was just that memorable. Hiking was fun, but my favorite outdoor activity was dropping by locally-grown, "pick-your-own" orchards and filling up buckets with dozens of varieties of golden, red and pink apples. If you’d prefer someone else do the picking, Barber Orchards and Bakery stocks a multitude of apples and creates the most unbelievable apple pies, tarts and turnovers. And I can't omit the piece de resistance, apple cider doughnuts. Yes, I DID bring home a dozen (OK, maybe two) of these round slices of sweet and spicy goodness to savor for several days with my morning coffee and hot apple cider. I’m still dreaming about the sight of those heavenly blue mountain layers that simply can’t be replicated in any photo I’ve ever seen or shot myself. A return trip in ’26 to enjoy more of this mountain paradise is definitely on my to-do list. So yes, 2025 was a great year for travel, dining out and cooking…I highly recommend trying one or all of these pursuits in 2026. If you’d like to hear more about the items on my “best of” list or need additional travel trips, simply drop me an email and I’ll be happy to share my experiences. In the meantime…here’s to a wonderful New Year! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Maybe it truly has been horrible all this time, maybe God did pick you out of all humanity to suffer badly your entire life. Maybe, just maybe, you were selected to show the world how a life of pure misery looks. No way out, impossible to change your destiny. You are designated to be the poster child for ‘ Life Without Hope or Happiness .’ But maybe, there is hope for you. Perhaps what you really need is a change of attitude, or a change of career, maybe move away for a whole relocation to start over in life. Because there is the real possibility that you have gotten stuck in a rut. Mentally and emotionally. And you can’t see any exit, because when you do try to make it better, all you can see is the sides of that deep hole where you live. No sun shines a light on any stairs to leave that deep blackness. But before you decide that this writer just might be right, and you pack your bags and hit the road for greener pastures, I suggest you back off and take a good, clear, candid look at your current life. But please realize one thing. For this honest look, you are most likely going to need another set of clear eyes, paired with a mouth that isn’t afraid to tell you the truth. A counselor, or your doctor, or a pastor or close friend - someone who loves you enough to give you unvarnished honesty about your lifestyle, your personal choices, your aversion to hard work, or possibly your fear of commitment. Spend some time telling your heartbreaking story to this clear-eyed-honest-to-a-fault mouthy friend. Don’t hide anything, let them see your life as you see it. Then do yourself a favor. Give them total permission to talk openly and honestly to you. And listen. Maybe they can help you realize that it wasn't all bad...a lot of ups and downs. And that right now, you are in a down cycle. But according to your life pattern, things will improve, given some time. Or, they may tell you that you do need a real change. Maybe you are in a career you have detested for a long time. Maybe you live in the hot, humid South and it is sucking the life out of your cold-weather-loving soul and body. Or maybe they help you realize that staying in that sinful relationship is hurting you and you need to walk away. Or they just might tell you that your attitude stinks. They might tell you that you are deliberately thinking negatively. About everything. And it’s time to change. Let them be mouthy and give them permission to talk honestly and openly to you. It has advantages – for both of you. The important lesson is to not give up. Either take hope that things usually improve, or realize you need to change some things. And then do one of two things. Thank God that eventually things will be different. Or do some changing.

By: Jessica Breazeale Most people prefer to evacuate a storm if given the opportunity. Who wouldn’t want to skip out on the disaster and the aftermath? It’s too hard…too stressful. I get it.   During Hurricane Katrina, I was a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and a Dixie Darling dancer. When the hurricane hit, our football team, band, and student body were scattered and bewildered. Our first game back after the storm, the band didn’t perform on the field, but those who could attend dressed out and showed support in the stands. It was a hard time. Gas was difficult to find. Living without electricity for several weeks was a new skill set. In that specific time, if I could have avoided Hurricane Katrina, I would have done that. We can’t seem to be that lucky with life’s metaphorical storms, though, can we? We don’t get the luxury to avoid all the bad stuff. Can we simply evacuate when the “storms” come raging? Well, that’s the wrong question, isn’t it?   Yes, we as a people avoid the hard stuff every single day. We escape by mentally checking out, medicate to cover the anxieties, choose the easier, cheaper options to weather the storms. We as a people don’t really want to go through the hard stuff. Did we forget that is  what makes us better? Did we forget that trial by fire made us stronger ? Did we forget that the lessons learned from said storms gave us clarity and wisdom for the next storm?   Why would we want to miss out on all the opportunities that come from the storms? When we acknowledge the storm and choose to be in the presence of God during those rough waters, it ain’t so scary anymore ( using a thick country accent ). We step into the unknown with opportunity. We step into chaos and confusion with power and purpose. It’s a new perspective where we see the storm as a lesson, and if I may be so bold to say, we could all really stand to learn these lessons. There have always been storms and will always be storms – literal and metaphorical . Maybe there was an obvious drought, and we desperately needed the downpour that storm provided. Maybe if everything was perfect all the time, we’d have no real reason to fully rely on God. Maybe if we didn’t learn how to weather the storm, we wouldn’t have the skillset for the next thing headed our way. Maybe if we didn’t develop the gifts from this, we couldn’t bless the people coming our way after this. We don’t know all the “maybes”. God does .    What if the storm needed to happen because of an obvious drought in your life - or one coming later. Maybe you are in prep-mode for a season that will rely on your obedience to weather THIS STORM like a trusting CHILD OF GOD. Maybe you were not just thirsty buy dehydrated on the brink of collapse. The storm’s floodwaters actually saved you. It’s about perspective, right?   Think of your future self. your future children, future grandkids – or so far down the family tree - that this  season matters . o   It matters if  you weather the storm. o   It matters if you get the water  you needed. o   It matters if you learn  the rebuilding lessons you needed. o   It matters if you learn how to storm prep better .   Basically, bad weather is inevitable, but the storms definitely matter. Instead of immediately trying to evacuate, be prepared for it, confident through it, and ready to roll up your sleeves afterward in the aftermath. What a beautiful opportunity to help the next person! Now, looking back at Hurricane Katrina, I needed to learn some of the lessons from that experience. While it was inconvenient and hard, hindsight is 20/20, and I grew a little from that.   Bad weather matters because sometimes it’s needed and good .

By Guest Columnist Charles Ray Fortson, Jr. Pizza lovers are flavor lovers.  Cheeses.  Meats.  Vegetable.  Spices.  At Uncle Ray’s, we think we’ve found a way to bring that kind of flavor to the breakfast table without resorting to the leftover pizza from last night.  We call it an “Egg Pizza.”  It’s rich, robust breakfast that will impress the people for whom your cook and you will enjoy as well.  An innovative variation of pizza and a new twist for breakfasts.   Ingredients 1 tblsp of olive oil 1 tblsp of diced, deseeded and finely chopped jalapenos ¼ cup of your choice of onions finely chopped ½  cup of your favorite patty sausage 1 tblsp of oregano ½ cup of shredded cheese 2 eggs 1 tblsp on milk Salt & pepper to taste ¼ slice of butter Mix the eggs, milk and salt & pepper together thoroughly.   Directions 1.       Use medium frying pan. 2.       Pour in the olive oil and place the frying pan on low to medium heat. 3.       Place the patty sausage, jalapenos and onions in the frying pan and cook until sausage is done.  The place in bowl lined with a paper towel to absorb the grease. 4.       After wiping out frying pan, melt the butter in it on low to medium heat. 5.       Then place the sausage-onion-jalapeno mix in frying pan and pour egg mix over all ingredients, making sure the mixture is even. 6.       Place cheese on top after one minute. 7.       Put lid on frying pan and cook on low heat for four minutes. 8.       Slice into four pieces.  Remove from pan and serve to one or two. 9.       For extra flavor, you can put chunky salsa on top.   Enjoy a new breakfast treat!   EDITOR’S NOTE:  Charles Ray Fortson, Jr., is owner/chef at Uncle Ray’s, an eatery, convenience store, bait shop and camper and boat rentals business across from Lake Lincoln State Park.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College has announced the appointment of Tuwanna Williams as the college's new Executive Director of Workforce Education effective January 5, 2026. Williams brings more than 20 years of experience in workforce development, economic advancement, and community engagement to the role. She most recently served as Director of Workforce Development for the City of Natchez, where she established and led the city's first Workforce Development Department and secured more than $2 million in external funding to support training initiatives. "Tuwanna Williams offers extensive experience and a strong track record in workforce development," said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. "Her leadership, strong industry partnerships, and firsthand knowledge of workforce needs across our region make her the right person to lead Co-Lin's Workforce Education division as we continue expanding opportunities for students, employers, and our communities." In her role with the City of Natchez, Williams designed and launched the first Building Trades Program in the Miss-Lou area in more than 25 years, creating training pathways in construction, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and heavy equipment operations. She also convened employer advisory councils, working with more than 170 employers across 22 industries to align workforce training with regional labor market needs. Williams has a strong connection to Co-Lin, having previously served at the college from 2015- 2021 as a College Navigator and WIOA Workforce Recruiter. During that time, she promoted Co-Lin's career-technical and workforce programs across the college's seven-county district, coordinated WIOA-funded training, and worked closely with employers to ensure programs met industry demand. "Mrs. Williams brings the experience, perspective, and leadership necessary to guide Co-Lin's Workforce Education division," said Dr. Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Wesson Campus. "Having previously served at Co-Lin, she brings a clear understanding of our college and the critical role Workforce Education plays in supporting local communities and employers across Southwest Mississippi. She also understands how strategic partners such as AccelerateMS, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District work alongside the college to align training with workforce demand. That experience will further strengthen our workforce pipeline, drive economic growth, and expand access to meaningful employment opportunities." Her career also includes leadership roles with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Center on Family Homelessness, Magee General Hospital, and the Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance, where she focused on workforce readiness, grant development, and community-based training initiatives. Williams holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Delta State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Management from American Intercontinental University. She also earned an associate's degree from Hinds Community College and holds professional certifications in workforce-related training and coalition building. Additionally, she was named 2025 Woman of the Year by the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce. As Executive Director of Workforce Education, Williams will oversee the College's workforce training programs and initiatives, strengthen partnerships with business and industry, expand opportunities that support regional economic growth and workforce readiness, and oversee the WIN Job Centers across the college district.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Back in 2019, brothers Benny and Josh Safdie delivered one of the best films of the year, and possibly the decade, with “Uncut Gems.” The film was, as I wrote in a review earlier this year, “a 135-minute anxiety attack.” And I mean that in the best possible way – I have enormous amounts of respect for movies and filmmakers that know just how to push my buttons. Now in 2025, the Safdie brothers have graduated to solo projects. Benny didn’t fare too well with “The Smashing Machine” (whose review I quoted earlier), though Dwayne Johnson did earn a surprise Golden Globe nomination for playing MMA fighter Mark Kerr, so maybe there’s some life in that film after all. But Josh has found both commercial and critical success with his new film “Marty Supreme,” and he did it by sticking with what works. The film follows Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), a con artist in1952 New York who happens to be really good at ping pong. He’s able to come in second at the British Open, and a spot at the World Championships in Japan should be his… if he can raise the $1,500 he needs to pay a fine. Throughout the course of the film, he’ll try to raise the money by hustling games at a nearby bowling alley with help from his friend Wally (Tyler Okonma), robbing his uncle’s shoe store, ransoming a dog (that he doesn’t have) to its gangster owner (Abel Ferrara), getting a sponsorship from a friend’s father, getting a sponsorship from a businessman (Kevin O’Leary) who wants him to throw an exhibition match, pawning a necklace owned by the businessman’s actress wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) with whom he’s having an affair, and assorted other schemes. On top of it all, he learns that he may be the father to the baby of his married girlfriend Rachel (Odessa A’zion), and that may require some flim-flamming as well. The whole thing is basically “Uncut Gems” again, to the point where I’m convinced that Marty must be related to Adam Sandler’s character from that movie. Rachel’s baby would be too old to be Sandler’s age, but maybe Marty had another baby about a decade down the line. The point is that the two movies feature outstanding leads that are put through the wringer as they try futilely to clean up the messes they’ve created for themselves. Good thing I think this is a winning formula, and enough time has passed since “Uncut Gems” that I’m ready for another, similar round. I would have preferred that maybe a few more loose ends be tied up in the finale, but otherwise this is a top-tier awards contender. Speaking of awards, the movie and Chalamet’s performance are doing so well in preliminaries that several Oscar nominations seem like a lock. “Uncut Gems” was overlooked back in 2019, probably due to reluctance to nominate any Adam Sandler project (it was Oscar-worthy though, despite 95% of Sandler’s filmography). That won’t be a problem this year with darling Chalamet in the lead. Heck, voters probably should have given Chalamet an Oscar last year for playing Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” not because he was necessarily “better” than Adrian Brody in “The Brutalist,” but because a Chalamet win would have saved the ceremony from Brody’s hostile, overlong, self-indulgent speech. Another Oscars possibility is that Chalamet and Dwayne Johnson could both be nominated for Best Actor, pitting the Safdie Brothers against each other. Okay, a nomination for Johnson is iffy, and three spots would have to go to other actors, but what a story that would make if it happened. I’m getting all excited thinking about The Rock doing his “just bring it” gesture to Chalamet across a wrestling ring as the Safdies watch on from the corners. But even if we don’t get that family feud, “Marty Supreme” has big things ahead of it in awards season, and rightfully so. Grade: B “Marty Supreme” is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, some violent content/bloody images and nudity. Its running time is 150 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .