Search Results

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If you are anything like me and a lot of other people in this country, you are sick. Sick and tired of so much around you. Things like, not being able to walk safely to your car in a public parking lot, traffic tie-ups that can keep you trapped on the interstate for hours, and constant scams being foisted on you to separate you from your money. Cons from ‘companies’ (and I use that term very loosely) that are worried about your car maintenance, or offering you tax relief help, or the ever popular “Congratulations, you qualify for a new credit card!” Another thing that makes my tongue curl is the way our Creator and our God is vilified and mocked in our modern society. I would be terrified to treat Him the way people do today. As if their Creator doesn’t exist, or at the least, is just a feeble and powerless Being who has no say in what goes on in today’s world. Therefore, everyone is free to behave in any way they choose. And their ‘any way I choose’ usually doesn’t involve adjectives like  honest, clean, wholesome  or  selfless . Here’s facts, folks. Our Creator has always existed. He still exists. He will always exist. And He is more powerful than we can ever comprehend.  Try imagining a tiny sugar ant carrying fifty million smaller sugar ants on its back. When it comes to the power and complete authority of God, you and I are much like one of those fifty million ants. Only a LOT smaller. Oh yes, definitely, I would be terrified to defy Him the way people are today. Depressing and scary stuff. If I sit and dwell on what I am seeing, I feel myself beginning to spiral downward. There doesn’t seem to be much hope for tomorrow. But if I pull my thoughts up short and talk some sense to myself, I realize;  “Hey, idiot! There is an All-Powerful, All-Knowing God who is watching this universe! And just because things look horrible from your perspective does not mean that He has lost control. It means He is also patient. And just. And there  will  come a time when everyone receives payment for their actions. Painful or thrilling. Fun or terrifying. But it will happen.” Hang in there, folks. Do your best to live well. Remind yourself that you are not in charge, and your infuriated opinions and feelings are not necessarily at the top of God’s “TOP THINGS TO HANDLE AND FIX TODAY.” You and I are free to fume and worry, that’s true. But it doesn’t change a thing. He has this world firmly in His grasp, and He definitely knows what He is doing. Always has and always will. Our God and Creator is totally patient, totally just, and totally in charge. If you don’t believe me, just wait and see.

Bail bonds occupy a narrow but essential space within the criminal justice system. They exist at the intersection of constitutional rights, court procedure, risk management, and public safety. While often misunderstood or oversimplified, bail bonding serves a specific purpose: allowing individuals accused of crimes to remain free while awaiting trial, without undermining the court’s ability to ensure their appearance. From a professional standpoint, bail bonds are not about enabling crime or circumventing justice. They are about managing risk within a legal framework that presumes innocence until guilt is proven. Understanding how bail bonds function requires separating legal reality from popular perception. The Legal Foundation of Bail Bail is rooted in constitutional principles. The concept exists to prevent pretrial punishment while still protecting the integrity of the judicial process. Courts use bail as a mechanism to balance two competing interests: an individual’s right to liberty and the state’s interest in ensuring court compliance and public safety. Judges set bail based on statutory guidelines, the nature of the alleged offense, prior criminal history, flight risk, and community ties. Bail is not intended to be punitive. It is a financial condition designed to encourage compliance. When bail is set at an amount the defendant cannot afford, the bail bond system provides a regulated alternative. This is where the professional bail bondsman enters the process. How Bail Bonds Actually Work A bail bond is a surety agreement. The bondsman guarantees to the court that the defendant will appear as required. In exchange, the defendant or their representative pays a nonrefundable premium, typically a percentage of the total bail amount as regulated by state law. Once the bond is posted, the defendant is released under conditions set by the court. The bond remains active until the case is resolved or the defendant is exonerated through compliance. If the defendant fails to appear, the court issues a forfeiture. The bondsman is then financially responsible for the full bail amount unless the defendant is located and surrendered within a specified period. This risk is not theoretical. It is a core operational concern for every licensed bail professional. Risk Assessment and Decision Making Contrary to public assumptions, bail bondsmen do not indiscriminately post bonds. Each bond represents financial exposure, legal responsibility, and operational risk. Before accepting a bond, professionals evaluate multiple factors. These include the seriousness of the charge, prior failures to appear, employment history, length of residence in the community, family support, and overall stability. Indemnitors are assessed for reliability and financial capacity. This risk assessment process mirrors underwriting in insurance, though the asset being managed is human behavior rather than property. Poor judgment results in forfeitures, legal action, and business failure. Experienced bondsmen rely on structured evaluation, not impulse or sympathy. The Role of Indemnitors and Collateral In many cases, a third party acts as an indemnitor. This person agrees to be financially responsible if the defendant fails to comply. Indemnitors are not passive participants. They sign binding agreements and may provide collateral such as property, vehicles, or other assets. Collateral protects the bondsman against loss, but it also serves as an incentive for compliance. Family members or close associates often play a critical role in ensuring the defendant appears in court and follows release conditions. Professionals explain these obligations clearly. Misunderstandings at this stage lead to disputes, legal conflict, and damaged relationships. Compliance, Monitoring, and Accountability Once a bond is posted, the work does not end. Bail bondsmen actively monitor cases. Court dates are tracked, reminders are issued, and communication is maintained with defendants and indemnitors. This oversight reduces failure-to-appear rates. Courts rely on this function, whether explicitly acknowledged or not. In jurisdictions without commercial bail, failure rates often increase, shifting enforcement burdens to already strained public resources. Accountability is a defining feature of the bail bond system. Defendants who violate conditions face consequences. Bondsmen who fail to manage risk face financial loss and regulatory action. Fugitive Recovery and Its Misrepresentation Fugitive recovery is one of the most misunderstood aspects of bail bonding. Popular media portrays it as unregulated vigilantism. In reality, it is a tightly controlled process governed by state law. Licensed recovery agents operate under legal authority derived from the surety agreement and court procedures. Their role is to locate and surrender defendants who have failed to appear, thereby mitigating forfeiture. Professional recovery work emphasizes compliance, documentation, and coordination with law enforcement when required. Reckless behavior exposes bondsmen to criminal liability, civil lawsuits, and loss of license. The goal is not punishment. It is fulfillment of a legal obligation to the court. Regulatory Oversight and Professional Standards Bail bonding is heavily regulated. Licensing requirements, premium rates, collateral handling, recordkeeping, and ethical conduct are governed by state insurance and judicial authorities. Violations result in fines, license suspension, or permanent revocation. Bondsmen operate under constant scrutiny from courts, regulators, and insurers. Professional bail agencies invest in compliance systems, continuing education, and internal controls. The stereotype of informal or lawless operations does not reflect modern industry standards. Public Safety and Community Impact A common criticism of bail bonds is that they endanger public safety. This argument overlooks the fact that judges determine who is eligible for bail and under what conditions. Bail bondsmen do not override court decisions. In practice, bail bonding supports public safety by ensuring court compliance and maintaining supervision over defendants. Failure-to-appear rates are consistently lower when bonds are posted through commercial sureties rather than unsecured release programs. The alternative to bail is often pretrial detention, which carries its own societal costs. Overcrowded jails strain public budgets, disrupt families, and increase the likelihood of future criminal behavior among low-risk defendants. Bail bonds serve as a pressure valve within the system, balancing enforcement with fairness. Ethical Responsibilities Within the Profession Professional bail bondsmen operate under strict ethical expectations. They must avoid coercion, misrepresentation, and exploitation. Transparency in fees, collateral terms, and obligations is not optional. Ethical practice also includes refusing bonds when risk is unacceptable or when posting bond would undermine public safety. Saying no is part of responsible operation. The long-term viability of a bail agency depends on reputation. Courts, attorneys, and communities remember who operates with integrity. Economic Realities of the Bail Industry Bail bonding is not a guaranteed-profit business. Premiums must cover forfeiture risk, administrative costs, regulatory compliance, and recovery expenses. Margins vary widely depending on case mix and management quality. Insurance backing is required to operate, and surety companies monitor performance closely. Excessive forfeitures result in termination of underwriting agreements, effectively ending the business. Professional bondsmen approach their work as risk managers, not fee collectors. The Practical Reality of Bail Bonds Bail bonds are neither a loophole nor a luxury. They are a functional tool within a complex system. When operated responsibly, they protect individual rights, support court efficiency, and reduce taxpayer burden. The public rarely sees this complexity because success looks like nothing happening. Defendants appear in court, cases proceed, and communities function without disruption. That quiet effectiveness is the measure of professional bail bonding. It is a system built not on spectacle, but on accountability, structure, and informed judgment.

Special to Wesson News   The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) led the celebration last month of the vital contributions of healthcare providers, professionals and community workers on National Rural Health Day (NRHD).   National Rural Health Day is recognized on the third Thursday of November each year to honor the selfless, community-minded, and determined individuals and organizations that serve the health needs of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America.    “In Mississippi, 65 out of 82 counties are considered rural,” said Dr. Jennifer Gholson, Director of the MSDH Center for Rural Health and Population Studies. “Rural providers are the backbone of healthcare in Mississippi. On Rural Health Day, we are honoring everyone, from the physicians to the hospital’s cleaning crew, who work tirelessly to improve the health of rural residents of Mississippi.”   MSDH created the Mississippi Center for Rural Health and Population Studies in 2024 to focus on the issues affecting rural areas of the state. The Center helps rural communities build productive health care delivery systems, support rural health clinics and place primary care providers in rural Mississippi.   In conjunction with NRHD, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) each year recognizes outstanding contributions to rural care through its Community Star Recognition program. This year’s local Community Star was the Mississippi Access Group Network-Health Center Controlled Network (MAGnet-HCCN), a state-chartered corporation that consists of five community health centers serving 24 counties. MAGnet-HCCN, which embodies the Power of Rural by driving innovation, equity and sustainability in care delivery, was featured prominently on the NRHD website,  PowerOfRural.org , alongside other Community Stars from across the nation. The organization was also honored by the Office of Rural Health during their Rural Health Day Celebration on November 17.   For more information, visit  msdh.ms.gov/ruralhealth .  Stay up to date on news and updates on the MSDH Healthy Mobile App, at  www.msdh.ms.gov , and on social media  facebook.com/healthyms ,  twitter.com/msdh  and Instagram.com/healthy.ms

By Jessica Breazeale Looooong before Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus, God had already  planted the tree to meet that  need. You remember the story, don’t you? The song “Zaccheus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he” taught us about the short, dreaded tax collector who climbed the tree to see Jesus coming down the road.   It’s not like Zacchaeus randomly decided to climb up the tree, and then the story is over. The story began way  before Zacchaeus. God planted that  tree, in that spot, and made sure it had grown that  height for the moment Zacchaeus needed to climb it to be able to see Jesus for the event to be recorded in history for us all to read about. The event was NOT merely happenstance.   Same for us. What we go through daily isn’t just random occurrences. I don’t believe that. I believe it’s all a training ground if we so choose to be trained.   We can’t see past our circumstances sometimes. We’re living in the moment in real time.   We may say:   “I’m broke.” “I’m tired.” “I’m lonely.” “I’m jobless.” “I’m hopeless.” “I’m stuck. “   But there’s something past  your circumstances. God saw all  of this LONG before you  did. He already  has a plan. He’s already created the way out  of it and over  it.   God did not verbally tell Zacchaeus to climb up the tree to see Jesus. Zacchaeus made the quick decision to get closer to Jesus…to see him.   Nearly two years ago, on vacation, I was doing what people do on vacation… trying to rest! I was floating down a lazy river, just resting and being lazy, and truly out of nowhere, God gave me a fresh word for my soul. And He gave me one when I desperately needed it…and didn’t know it.   I got back to the hotel room and wrote it all down so I wouldn’t forget. My husband and son were sleeping, so I stayed up late to type it out. I’m not a good sleeper anyway, but I do think that when it’s quiet, I can connect better with the Father.   The next morning, I explained it to my husband to make sure he understood it and that I even understood it. He LOVED IT and said it was awesome. I hope you do, too. If not, maybe it’s not for you. I don’t know who this is for. Probably mostly for me…but here goes. Phototropism = a weird word for people without  a green thumb. Definitely me. I can’t keep a plant alive to save my own life. So, I had no reason to know  this word. I never made straight A’s in science, either.   Phototropism is a response that causes house plants to lean towards the window. Have you seen that?  Yes, phototropism is the process that makes trees bend towards the light. Trees do not sense which way is up; rather, their growth follows the direction from which light comes. This phenomenon, phototropism, of bending towards the light, is when light comes in from an angle. Plants will curve towards it to get better access so they can grow.   See picture below for example.   Plants absorb the light, which gives them energy, so bending towards it will help them to keep getting it. Is this a direct parallel to our life? I vote yes!   The son of God said, “I am the light of the world…unable to be hidden.”   Like a tree or plant, if we want to grow, we need to make the effort and bend towards The Light. We can “make like Zacchaeus” and bend towards the light  – JESUS and HIS WILL.  HIS LIGHT GIVES US POWER and PURPOSE.   If we don’t feel fully charged, fully nourished, fully fed…it could be some weeds  as the culprit choking out the opportunity  to bend towards the light. ONLY YOU can identify  the weeds. In most cases, it’s many  things.   Take some needed time to self-reflect to determine the weeds, how many weeds, where the weeds came from, and the root cause of the weeds. We gotta dig waaaaaay down deep and get to the roots to see what’s choking out your ability to bend towards His will and His light. Only you can do this.   Self-reflection takes a lot of time and never really ends .   But the reward is in the hard !   If we want to grow, find our purpose, be happy, healthy, and whole, let us constantly bend towards the light !

By Susan Collins-Smith, Mississippi State University Extension Service Current and prospective commercial vegetable growers can learn about specialized production methods during Mississippi State University’s 2026 Vegetable Short Course February 24 and 25.     The course will be held at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center (NMREC) in Verona from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first day and until noon the second day. It is open to greenhouse, high-tunnel and field vegetable producers throughout the Southeast.            Attendees will learn about vegetable management practices for growing tomato, lettuce, ginger and other crops via greenhouse, high-tunnel and field production. Participants will attend educational sessions and participate in hands-on activities.            Topics include microgreens, nutrient management, pesticide safety, hydroponic systems, and insect and disease issues. Speakers will also present information on current tomato, pea and lettuce research.            Vendors will offer various goods and services.            Preregistration ($50 per person) started December  1 through the Extension registration portal at https:// msuext.ms/vegcourse26  and closes Feb.16. On-site registration is $70 for both days or $35 for one day per person. The fee covers conference materials, lunch and refreshments.            The NMREC is located at 5421 Mississippi Highway 145 South.            The event is organized by personnel with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.            MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation or additional information, contact Timothy Ayankojo at 662-566-2201 or  ita10@msstate.edu . EDITOR’S NOTE:  By Susan Collins-Smith, who writes for the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Special to Wesson News The Dr. William R. and Camille B. Smith STEM Scholarship was recently established with the Co-Lin College Foundation. On hand for the presentation were (from left) Camille Smith, Dr. William Smith, and Co-Lin Foundation Executive Director Angela Furr. Dr. William R. and Camille B. Smith have endowed a STEM Scholarship in their with the Co-Lin College Foundation to benefit a student who is majoring in pre-med or a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) related field, with priority given to a student with financial need. Smith, a Wesson native, attended both Co-Lin High School and the college, where he was named to the student Hall of Fame in 1974. He attended Millsaps College and graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1979. He had a brief stint in private practice in Texas, but returned to Mississippi to join the internal medicine staff at the Jackson Veterans Administration Medical Center in 1983, where he was awarded the title of Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He was promoted to assistant professor of medicine at UMMC, and went on to practice Nephrology at Central Nephrology Clinic, serving St. Dominic Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 2016. Smith is married to Camille Brock Nelson and they have four children -- Mark, Desiree, Diana, and Mary-Emma.  He also has three stepchildren, Benjamin, AnnaLyn and Leslie, and 11 grandchildren. Contributions to the Dr. William R. and Camille B. Smith STEM Scholarship, or any other scholarship, can be mailed to the Co-Lin Foundation at P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, or made online at https://www.colin.edu/alumni-foundation/give-now/ .

By Bob Garver    Poster credit IMDB All the way back in 2009, director James Cameron introduced the world to the planet Pandora and the Na’vi race in “Avatar.” The film soon set the record for all-time highest grossing movie at both the domestic and international box offices (it still holds the record for the latter). Sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water” came out in 2022 and made its way onto the top 10 on both lists. Can three years’ worth of inflation help third installment “Fire and Ash” help the franchise reach new heights? I’d be happy if it did. The film once again follows the Sully family: human-turned-Na’vi Jake (Sam Worthington), native wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), impulsive son Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), daughter Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), adopted daughter Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), and adopted human son Spider (Jack Champion). Kiri is the biological daughter of ally Grace Augustine (also Weaver) and Spider is the biological son of villainous human-turned-Na’vi Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), still tasked with removing the threat the Sullys pose to the human colonization of Pandora. The new film sees the family try to send Spider off to live with a tribe of “air traders,” as the planet’s air is not safe for him at the surface level, though it might be at the traders’ altitude. But the traders are attacked, and Spider captured, by the fire-themed Mangkwan tribe, led by the fearsome Varang (Oona Chaplin). The Sullys go to rescue Spider from the Mangkwan, only to be ambushed by the unit led by Quaritch, who prioritizes saving his son. Spider is saved by the Sullys, while Varang and Quaritch come to respect each other in the ensuing battle. Following the battle, it is discovered that there is a way for Spider to breathe the planet’s air after all, if he interacts with certain wildlife. This is great for Spider, but bad for the Na’vi. The breathability of Pandora’s air is one of the few advantages they have in the war with the invading humans. If the secret were to fall into the wrong hands, it could doom them all. Jake and Neytiri, who isn’t crazy about humans like Spider in the first place, debate bringing a permanent end to the secret and its host. Meanwhile, Quaritch and Varang form an alliance, the first official one between the colonizing humans and the Na’vi. We get another big showdown between Na’vi and the humans at the movie’s end, but this time the villains have some Na’vi on their side that can both ride the planet’s wild creatures and use human weapons like guns, courtesy of Quaritch. The story is a mess, especially as the Sullys splinter off for their own subplots like Lo’ak wanting to save a race of whale-like sea creatures or Kiri having an identity crisis after learning the truth about her parentage (and yes, it is distracting that 70-something Weaver is playing a teenager, a discrepancy that even Cameron’s special effects can’t hide). The final battle is particularly hard to follow, with characters seemingly killed at every turn only to dust themselves off and throw themselves back into the action minutes later. The only interesting decision the movie makes from a writing perspective is the alliance between Quaritch and Varang, scene-stealing characters whose personalities are sidelined once the action picks up. But it matters little that “Avatar: Fire and Ash” doesn’t have an award-worthy script to justify its obscene price tag. James Cameron is still King of the World when it comes to visual spectacle. Every time I thought I was done being impressed by the look of Pandora, the movie found a way to blow my mind again. That is what this movie offers and that is what these movies have always offered. I can understand if audiences aren’t ready to spend another three heavy-handed hours in this world a mere three years after the last movie, but I was ready and I had a blast. Grade: B “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, bloody images, some strong language, thematic elements and suggestive material. Its running time is 197 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News   Through the end of December, the Copiah County Medical Center (CCMC) Cares Foundation is raising funds for its Copiah County Endowment towards creating lasting change in the community.   CCMC Cares Foundation is seeking funds to make three impacts by providing:   Medication expenses for people who can’t afford them. Food for families facing food insecurity. Assistance to families who have experienced devasting events, such as a house fire.   The goal of fundraising campaign is $5,000.  It runs until December 31.  For information, contact Kristi Carney at CCMC Cares Foundation.   “Your contributions help the underserved in Copiah County,” says Carney.  “Every dollar raised is a step toward a better community,”   CCMC Care Foundation also raises funds through an annual Gala and the Boil for a Cause Shrimp Dinner.  “They’re a chance for our community to rally together,” says Carney.  “Participate, contribute and be a vital part of our mission.  Help us continue providing vital resources and program that make a direct impact on the lives of Copiah County residents.

Dr. James Watson, State Veterinarian, issues a certificate of veterinary inspection to Santa Claus, permitting his reindeer to enter and exit the state of Mississippi on Christmas Eve, December 24. The Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH) has approved a certificate of veterinary inspection for Santa Claus of the North Pole, authorizing his famous reindeer to enter Mississippi on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, for a holiday delivery run. "I am happy to announce that Santa's reindeer have officially been cleared for their annual Christmas Eve visit by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health," said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. "It's always a pleasure to welcome Santa and his reindeer to the Magnolia State and I encourage all children to be tucked in early so Santa can deliver his gifts without delay." Dr. James Watson, State Veterinarian with MBAH, examined all nine members of Santa's reindeer team and confirmed they are healthy, happy and fit for their long night of work. With all the necessary requirements met, Dr. Watson issued the special certification allowing the sleigh and its crew to make their stops across Mississippi. Copy of Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. "Safeguarding the health of Mississippi's livestock and poultry is our top priority," said Dr. Watson. "With that responsibility in mind, we are happy to confirm that Santa Claus and his reindeer have satisfied all necessary health requirements to enter the state and spread Christmas cheer to the boys and girls on the nice list." The MBAH encourages families to leave refreshments out for Santa, as well as a snack for his hardworking reindeer on Christmas Eve night. The Board of Animal Health was created by the Mississippi Legislature and given plenary power to deal with all contagious and infectious diseases of animals as in the opinion of the board may be prevented, controlled, or eradicated, and with full power to make, promulgate, and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to control, eradicate and prevent those diseases. Commissioner Andy Gipson serves as a board member for the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, which works closely with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and is housed inside the MDAC headquarters building in Jackson. Visit  www.mbah.ms.gov  to learn more.

By Guest Columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid   The holiday season brings excitement, traditions, and moments of joy, but it can also bring stress, busy schedules, financial pressure, and expectations that feel overwhelming.  During December, many families in Wesson are balancing celebrations with concerns about health, wellness and emotional well-being.   The good news is that with intention and simple habits, you can enjoy the holidays in a safe, healthy and meaningful way. Here are practical tips to help you stay well, mind, body, and spirit, while still embracing the magic of the season.   Acknowledge your feelings.  December can bring a mix of emotions, joy, nostalgia, grief, stress or loneliness. Allow yourself to   feel what you feel. Reflect, breathe and don’t pressure yourself to create the “perfect” holiday. Manage expectations and set boundaries.  Reduce stress by letting go of perfection. Focus on presence, not pressure. It’s okay to decline   events, set limits on your time or create quieter moments at home. Healthy boundaries protect your   peace. Enjoy food mindfully.   Holiday meals are part of the joy.  Instead of restricting yourself, enjoy your favorite dishes with balance in mind.  Stay hydrated, eat regular meals and keep portions moderate. Add movement to your day.  A short walk after dinner, playing outside with the kids, stretching in the evening or joining a local activity can help reduce stress and boost energy, even in the chilly weather. Protect your sleep.   Aim for 7–9 hours of rest. Sleep keeps your immune system strong and your mood steady during a busy season. Boost your immune system.  December is also peak illness season. Support your health with: Good handwashing Clean high-touch surfaces  Staying home when sick Eating nutrient-rich foods Getting fresh air when possible Small steps make a big difference   Keep gatherings comfortable.   Whether celebrating at home or traveling, focus on safe, manageable gatherings. Bring sanitizer, pack healthy snacks and adjust plans if someone is ill. Reduce financial stress.   Overspending adds pressure. Create a budget, consider gift exchanges or make homemade gifts. Presence matters more than presents. Connect with supportive people.  Make time for relationships that bring joy and comfort. If you’re struggling, reach out. Connection strengthens mental health. Give back to the community.  Volunteering, donating or helping a neighbor brings a sense of purpose, one of the healthiest feelings of the season. Practice gratitude.  Write down a few things you’re grateful for each day. Gratitude lowers stress and creates a sense of calm during busy weeks.   Create a season that feels meaningful to you.  Ask yourself: What matters most about this holiday? What traditions bring joy? What can you simplify? The best holidays are centered on connection, rest, and purpose not perfection.   A final thought:  Wesson shines during December with its community spirit and shared traditions. By caring for your health, emotionally, physically and socially, you can enter the new year feeling renewed and grounded.   Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and healthy holiday season.   EDITOR'S NOTE:  Dr. Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).  She is also a Mississippi Health Ambassador.

By: Kelley Williams, Chair Bigger Pie Forum Cliff Notes began as short plot summaries of classic novels and stories. Now they are cribs about complex topics and spin. Corps Speak is the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) clever spin that evades responsibility for higher and longer Mississippi River floods (a complex topic). This story began when Congress put the Corps in charge of flood control (1928 Flood Control Act) to prevent another 1927 flood disaster. The Corps developed the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project (MRTP) master plan in response. It included levees, spillways, cutoffs, reservoirs, and other river projects. It was designed to carry the Corps’ maximum theoretical flood (Project Flood) safely to the Gulf. The original design was based on the Mississippi’s flow capacity in the 1930s. It was updated in 1950 based on flow capacity then. That flow capacity no longer exists. The 2011 flood showed that the Mississippi’s flow capacity has decreased since 1950. And that the MRTP levees won’t contain the river. The Corps’ 2019 flow line study confirms this. It predicts hundreds of miles of levees will overtop in a flood smaller than the Project Flood. How did this happen? A Congressional authorization in 1954 gave the Corps another mandate: prevent the Mississippi River from changing course down the Atchafalaya River. The Corps built the Old River Control Complex (ORCC) about 40 miles above Baton Rouge to do this. ORCC controls the river’s flow and diverts 23% to the straighter, swifter, shorter Atchafalaya to discharge to the Gulf below Morgan City, LA. It keeps the remaining 77% in the longer, slower, meandering main channel to discharge below New Orleans. The Corps knew that diverting part of the flow would concentrate sediments in the Mississippi’s main channel and that this could reduce its flow capacity. So engineers and scientists carefully designed and sited ORCC to minimize this. They were successful. The first ORCC structure began operating in 1963. Other structures were added later. There were no increases in river stages indicating a decrease in flow capacity until after 1990. (When channel capacity decreases, stages rise. The river must get higher to carry the same flow.) In 1982, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized a privately owned power plant (Sidney A. Murray Hydroelectric Plant) to be sited just upstream of ORCC. The plant had nothing to do with flood control. But the Corps agreed to integrate it into ORCC operations anyway. It began operating in 1990. The Corps diverts flow containing only small, light sediments through the plant turbines to the Atchafalaya in place of a mixed flow with larger, heavier sediments it had diverted through ORCC. This concentrates large, heavy sediments downstream of ORCC, clogs the channel, creates a bottleneck, and reduces flow capacity. The company says it’s not responsible for the sediments and refuses to dredge them. The Corps hasn’t dredged them either — even though it’s clearly responsible for flood control. The clog of sediments grew, the bottleneck got smaller, the Mississippi’s carrying capacity decreased — and floods got higher. The 2011 flood provided dramatic proof. It was not only the highest flood ever, it was higher than the Corps expected based on historic flows. This caused a near disaster. The Corps nearly waited too long to open the Morganza Spillway gates because the stage was higher than expected for the flow in the water control manual that triggered the opening. Fortunately, the Colonel in charge trusted his eyes, not the manual, opened the gates, and saved Baton Rouge. The manual was wrong because it too was based on flow capacity that no longer existed. To quantify lost flow capacity, look at stages at Tarbert Landing (just above ORCC). Corps rating curves show the stage was 7.2’ higher in 2015 vs pre-1990 readings. (Stage increases upstream are not as high due to the river’s slope. But longer floods upstream are about the same.) In 2016-17, upstream landowners near ORCC testified to the Mississippi River Commission (MRC) about higher, longer, more damaging floods inside the levees. MRC Generals blamed more rain. They didn’t tell landowners about the bottleneck. Mississippi’s Secretary of State also testified about the state’s flooded school lands. The Generals didn’t tell him either. In late 2017, LSU’s Dr. Xu reported a large sediment deposit below ORCC and major reductions in channel width and depth based on 2013 Corps measurements. He said the resulting bottleneck could cause the river to change course in a big flood. Flood duration (days above flood stage) increased after the record 2011 flood. Floods at Natchez were 3 times longer in the 5 years after 2015 vs the 5 prior years. The 2019 flood was above flood stage 154 days at Vicksburg, blocking the Yazoo’s discharge — and causing the longest backwater flood ever. Major floods occurred more often too after 1990. From 1927 to 1990, there was one major flood (57’ and higher) at Natchez in 63 years. From 1950 to 1990, there were none in 40 years. From 1990 to 2020, there were 5: one every 6 years. There was one every 2.5 years from 2010 to 2020. It’s clear that the river has lost flow capacity. And that this causes more frequent, higher, and longer floods. And that the Corps has failed at its job of flood control. And that it is unable to act on its own. So what to do now? Shut down and remove the power plant. Operate ORCC to divert flow and sediments as designed. Dredge Mudberg to restore the Mississippi’s carrying capacity. Build a diversion structure to take the top off of big floods. Urge Congress to order and fund these acts. Pray for time to make the changes before there’s a big flood.

Special to Wesson News Kina Leggett has been named Associate Vice President of Business Affairs at Co-Lin. Leggett, who has served as Comptroller for the past six years, brings more than two decades of experience and dedication to her new role.   Over her 22-year career at Co-Lin, she has served in a variety of positions, including Bookstore Assistant, Credit Union Manager, Data Entry Clerk, Business Office Clerk, Accounts Receivables Manager, Business Manager/Senior Accountant, and Comptroller. Her extensive background and hands-on understanding of the college’s financial operations have made her an invaluable member of the Business Affairs team. “Kina has demonstrated integrity and leadership throughout her many years at Co-Lin,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Her deep understanding of our financial operations and her commitment to serving students and employees make her an outstanding fit for this role. We are proud of her accomplishments and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make as Associate Vice President of Business Affairs.” A proud Co-Lin alumna, Leggett holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. She is also a graduate of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy (MCCLA) and the Community College Business Officers (CCBO) Leadership Academy. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for CCBO. “I am beyond excited for Kina on her promotion to Associate Vice President,” said Dr. Richard Baker, Vice President of Business Affairs. “She is the model of dedication and pursues excellence in everything she does. She is an incredible asset to the college, and Co-Lin is a better institution because of her.” Leggett is married to Avery Leggett Sr., and they have four children: Shabriana, Avery Jr., Tyler, and Taylor. She is also the mother-in-law of Sha’Kera and the proud grandmother of Greyson Avery. She attends Home Seeker’s Bible Church.