By Kara Kimbrough "Life's too short..." It seemed like I heard these words everywhere I went last week. The fact that I heard it as the 22nd anniversary approaches of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City, the Pentagon and an aborted plane headed toward the U.S. Capitol didn't escape my notice. First, a supermarket cashier began telling me about her recipe for what she proudly calls "$100 Baked Beans." She's fine with purchasing ingredients that cost over $100 for one bowl, albeit a very large one. In fact, her feeling is, "life's too short" to worry about money when you have an award-winning recipe. Filled with five meats, a bunch of spices and much more, she promised to email me the recipe. If I receive it, I'll pass it along. A few days later, I overheard a conversation in a restaurant between a couple at a nearby table. A friendly debate on whether or not to order dessert was taking place. I listened with interest that quickly turned to sadness as the wife recounted the story she'd recently heard. A lady who visited Paris declined to sample the French pastries and desserts for which the city is known because she was "watching her weight." Sadly, she passed away the following week without taking even one bite of world-famous delicacies. As the lady ended the story, her husband quickly interjected: "Order what you want...life's too short to worry about calories." It made me wonder how many of the 2,996 people killed on Sept. 11, 2001, went to bed on Sept. 10 after turning down a piece of pie at dinner that night...or choosing a salad instead of a grilled steak or New York-style pasta. For the innocent victims that included hundreds of young men and women in their 20's and 30s, seniors on the verge of retirement, babies and young children, firefighters, policemen and many other rescue workers, life was indeed much too short. Americans should never forget what happened that day 22 years ago. It wasn't just an attack on New York City, the Pentagon or the Capitol, the target which led to the plane crash in Pennsylvania - it was an attack on America. And four Mississippi natives, including two from the town of Durant, were among the victims. It was an attack on all of us, regardless of where we live. I was in New York City at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum site on the 20th anniversary in 2021. I had hoped to return this year as a member of the press corps covering the memorial ceremony, but a scheduling conflict arose. If you haven't visited the 9/11 site, I highly recommend it. Built in the footprints of the Twin Towers, it's a life-changing experience - something every American needs to see. On a lighter note, I'm sad not just to miss the anniversary, but the city itself. There are many breathtaking sites and attractions I haven't yet experienced and restaurants I want to visit. The next best thing to being there? I uncovered several must-try New York recipes in Mississippi's own Quail Ridge Press' "Best of the Best From New York" cookbook. Here are two that stood out as quintessentially New York. The pasta dish, reminiscent of one I enjoyed two years ago, is on my list for 9/11/23. And remember, life's too short...never forget 9/11 or the need to embrace life while we are blessed with it. Reuben Lasagna 1 27-ounce can sauerkraut, rinse and drained (can substitute chopped cabbage and onions, sauteed in oil until wilted, or dill relish) 1 pound sliced deli corned beef, coarsely chopped 1 can cream of mushroom soup 8-ounce bottle Thousand Island dressing 1-1/2 cup milk 1 medium onion, chopped 1 teaspoon dry mustard 9 oven-ready (no boil) lasagna noodles 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs 1 tablespoon butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 degress. Coat 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine sauerkraut (or substitute) and corned beef. Mix well. In another medium bowl, combine soup, dressing, milk, onions and mustard. Spread 1/3 of soup mixture in baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top. Top with 1/2 of the corned beef mixture, then another 1/3 of remaining soup mixture. Layer with 3 remaining noodles, then remaining corned beef mixture. Add the last 3 noodles and cover with remaining 1/3 of soup mixture. Sprinkle Swiss cheese, then bread crumbs on top. Drizzle butter on top. Cover with foil. Bake 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover and bake for additional 5-10 minutes or until bubbly. Let set for 5-10 minutes. Cut and serve. Pasta with Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce 12 ounces heavy cream Stick of butter, melted 8-ounce can seasoned tomato sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon pepper, or to taste 1 tablespoon tomato pesto, more to taste 1 teaspoon basil 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic 1-1/2-2-1/2 cups grated Romano cheese 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes 10 ounce package of linguini or favorite pasta Pour all liquids into a heavy saucepan and get them very hot, being careful to stir and not let them stick. Add salt, pepper, pesto, basil and garlic. Lower heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in grated cheese until it thickens; add chopped tomatoes and stir to combine, continuing to cook on low. Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package directions. When pasta is cooked, run under hot water to wash off starch; drain well. Place pasta in bowl and toss with sauce. Adjust seasonings to taste and add chopped chicken, shrimp or other favorite meat, if desired. Serves 4. Recipes from Best of the Best From New York by Quail Ridge Press. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) today released a survey to collect input from the public about the qualities and priorities the SBE desires in the next state superintendent of education. The survey will be open through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Any member of the public may complete the survey. Survey respondents will be asked to identify themselves as a teacher, district/school administrator, parent/guardian, student, statewide leader/legislator, business/community leader, postsecondary institution representative or other citizen. The SBE will use the survey results to help evaluate candidates for the permanent state superintendent of education position. The SBE is working with the firm McPherson & Jacobson, LLC to lead the search process. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. The SBE voted May 18, 2023, to allow an individual who is named interim state superintendent to be eligible to apply for the permanent position. The SBE expects to select its final candidate before the end of 2023. Senate confirmation during the 2024 legislative session is required to complete the appointment process. State Superintendent of Education Search Survey Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.

WHO: The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). WHAT: Temporary overnight lane closures. WHEN: The work will take place overnight from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. It will begin the evening of Wednesday, September 6, 2023, and last through May 2024. WHERE: I-20 from McRaven Rd. in Hinds County to Pearson Rd. in Rankin County, and I-55 from McDowell Rd. to the Pearl River north of I-20. View a map of the project limits HERE. WHY: The purpose of the work is to remove the existing damaged surface in preparation for a more extensive project that will take place at a later date. This project includes milling off the top layer of asphalt to provide a smoother riding surface. New transitions will be milled and paved along bridges and ramps throughout the project. HOW: Primary work that will take place is the removal of open-graded friction course (OGFC). In addition to the OGFC removal, crews will: Perform punchouts and base repairs throughout the project limits. Repair the Gallatin St. ramp to I-20 westbound. Remove the existing surface lifts. Remove and repave ramp and bridge transitions throughout the project. Remove and repave I-20 from SR 468/Pearson Rd. to the Childre Rd. overpass where the concrete section begins. Drivers are advised to slow down, be on high alert for roadside crews and posted signage, and anticipate a moderate traffic impact during the overnight lane closures. The public can stay updated on this work throughout the extended project by downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visiting MDOTtraffic.com, and following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

Co-Lin and Southwest Mississippi Community College hosted a focus group, including regional municipal leaders, educators and internet service providers, to help establish regional priorities for expansion of broadband internet, which the state is seeking to facilitate. With a priority placed on high-speed internet infrastructure, a statewide emphasis on broadband infrastructure and increasing accessibility has been initiated through the Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) under the Department of Finance and Administration as the state’s one point of contact for all broadband issues. It currently is spearheading a five-year expansion plan for the state with a $1.2 billion allocation of broadband funds in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). “We are ready to provide training, but want to know what is needed,” Southwest Community College Workforce Center Director Dr. Wendy Smith told the focus group. “We are here to train as many people as we can if that is what you need, but our goal is to better understand the needs in our region.” Talking points centered on the importance of broadband infrastructure throughout the state, how to help the region gain funding priority, and the expected training needs for the workforce related to the five-year network buildout in the state. Workforce training was also at the forefront of discussion. Regional service providers and related infrastructure employers expressed a need to train individuals within the industry with new skills for fiber to allow them to keep their workforce even after the five-year BEAM initiative is complete. Schools presented a variety of ways to provide a trained workforce, such as on-the-job-training funds workforce custom training events, and short term training programs. While training plans are not complete, all representatives expressed commitment to the expansion of broadband and advancement of the needed skills for the initiative. Co-Lin Workforce Center Director Luke Laird encouraged participants in the focus group to help provide BEAM with much needed information. “We need to paint a true picture of internet connection in Southwest Mississippi, and the public can help,” said Laird. “The BEAM office is about to manage a $1 billion grant and needs to decide on what requests will get the state more bang for the buck. Providing data that demonstrates the lack of coverage will elevate the region to the top of the list.” Mississippi computer users can test their internet speed at BEAM’s website, which collects speed test data of those who currently have some form of internet access. They should visit the site while connected to their home network --www.broadbandms.com -- and go to“Test Your Internet” to run speed tests. The data is used to make a broadband Mississippi service map. A Connectivity Survey, which will take approximately five minutes or less to complete, is also accessible at www.broadbandms.com/connectivitysurvey. It asks a series of questions about current internet service or lack thereof. Those with no internet service at home may text or call 601-439-2535. Broadband access enables people more affordable and efficient access to basic services such as health care, education, and government services. Economically, high speed internet is a priority criterion for relocating businesses. Fully wired communities are best positioned to interest and then retain new business and encourage expansion of existing industry. Employers benefit and so does the workforce as broadband allows for more accessible career and skill development opportunities. Online and hybrid learning allows for skills improvement at any time and on any schedule. Distance learning is not only for the enrolled student, but also for the employed or underemployed who need improved or new skills.

Snakes, often spotted in the hot summer weather, are important members of the natural world, making a significant contribution to the control of pests such as mice, rats, and insects that can cause property damage or spread diseases. Kingsnakes—so named because they feed on other snakes, including venomous ones—are particularly beneficial to people. Venomous snakes produce venom for killing prey, defense, and to aid in digestion. Usually, they inject venom into a prey or enemy target with hollow or grooved fangs. Because of their hazard, venomous snakes are not welcome members of human habitat. Their best place is in the wild. Despite their notorious reputation, snakes are peaceful creatures that do not seek out encounters with much larger humans. They remain motionless or flee to avoid detection. If threatened, a snake often issues a warning by hissing, flattening its head, opening its mouth, or vibrating its tail. A snake generally bites after an “enemy” ignores these warnings or if it is startled into reacting quickly (for example, if you step on it). The risk of a venomous snake bite is very low. Snakes will mostly bite as unfortunate consequence of attempts to harass or kill them, even snakes that may not have been a threat (for example, snakes encountered in nature rather than in home settings). Follow these steps to reduce the risk of snake bite: Clean up debris and remove hiding spots for snakes and their prey from around buildings and yards. See Mississippi State Extension Publication 2277, Reducing Snake Problems Around Homes, for more information. Wear heavy shoes and pants in wooded areas and along waterways or water bodies. Look before stepping where snakes are likely to be hiding -- along or under logs, rocks, culverts, or other natural or manmade structures. Give any snake you encounter plenty of room to leave the area on its own. Most venomous snakes in the United States belong to the pit viper group. A pit vipers are characterized by (1) pits or small depressions on the side of their faces (used in prey detection) (2) vertical “cat-like” pupils (3) triangular heads, slim necks and a heavy, flattened body; and (4) a single row of scales on the underside of the tail. Some of these characteristics can be difficult to detect from a safe distance, but the triangular head and slender neck are more recognizable. In Mississippi, the pit viper group includes the copperhead, pigmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber or canebrake rattlesnake, and cottonmouth or water moccasin. The sixth type of venomous snake in the state, the eastern coral snake, is not a pit viper. They are characterized by rounded rather than triangular heads, indistinct necks, round pupils, smooth scales, and hose-shaped bodies.

By Mika Hartman October is quickly approaching, and for moms like me, that means it’s almost “Buddy Walk’ season. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) kicks off every year with a walk in New York City; this is the original location of NDSS’s Buddy Walk and it began in 1995. The Buddy Walk program was established to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Since 1995, it has been the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. The reason behind NDSS celebrating early, in September, is to be the “green flag”, if you will, for all the fun that October has in store for our families. Not only is October the time you will be able to participate in walks around your areas, it is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Over 300 walks take place across our country. Go to ndss.org to learn more about the Buddy Walk and NDSS’s Times Square Video Presentation. Be sure to rock your Yellow and Blue all of October, too. Buddy Walk’s are designed for EVERYONE! This walk isn’t a competition, or a race, it is a way to put the spotlight on the ones we love who were born with an extra chromosome. You can walk at your own pace and, honestly, just showing up means the world to our families. It is a day of celebration and laugher, it is a day that brings joy and hope, and it is a day filled with love. South Mississippi (Gulf Coast): GULF COAST DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY’s BUDDY WALK is October 21st. The GCDSS’s walk will be held at the Gulfport Sportsplex starting at 11am. This is the 23rd annual Buddy Walk for the Gulf Coast nonprofit. Please go to gcdss.org and click on “Buddy Walk” for more information. Join any team, everyone is welcome. Central Mississippi (Jackson and surrounding area): CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY’s BUDDY WALK will be October 14th. Their event will take place at Trustmark Park in Pearl. You can learn more by visiting cmdss.org. Their “Big Top” theme will be super fun, I know they would love for you to join in the fun. North Mississippi (Oxford and surrounding area): 21 UNITED OF MISSISSIPPI will be hosting their Buddy Walk on October 22 in Oxford. This will be the 9th walk held in North Mississippi. You can find more information about this walk on ds-stride.org or by going to 21 United’s Facebook page. The walk will take place from 2pm-4pm at the Pavilion @ Armory in Oxford. As you can see, there are many ways for you to join in and support your community. Our loved ones with Down syndrome are deserving of a special day like this; one where they feel the love they give all year round. Another way to join in on the fun: Watch the Times Square Video on September 9th, starting at 8:30 Central. You can join the NDSS Facebook Live and see the presentation in real time. A few EXTRA sweet faces from Mississippi will be on the Big Screen. You’ll be thankful you tuned in. However, if you can be there in person, I promise it will be a forever favorite memory. It is indescribable with the purest joy. MEET EASTON! Easton Fuller. Age 1. Easton and his family lives in Lawrence County, Mississippi. Mom says, “We are so excited to continue to spread awareness and show everyone how truly amazing our kids are and a diagnosis does not define him.” So happy for you all… EXTRA Happy! MEET ANDI! Andi Sisk. Age 4. Andi and her family are from Madison, MS. Mom says, “We are SO excited for her to be part of this amazing opportunity to show the true beauty of Down syndrome. We know she is beautiful inside and out and want everyone to experience the immense joy she exudes. I will be going up to NYC to see her face in Times Square in person! We cannot wait!” We will be cheering EXTRA loud for you, Andi! From participating, to making a donation of any size, becoming a sponsor or just simply showing up for our children, you are making a difference. We make the day easy for you and all you have to do is come celebrate with us, by us, I mean the ones that are being celebrated… the real superheroes. Find out ways to be in the know of what’s going on in your Down syndrome community. Join Facebook pages, sign up for newsletters, help with “Call to Action” alerts to move needed law changes, and be a friend. One last ask: Please check out Camp Kamassa; It is the wonderful camp for children with all different disabilities being built right here in Mississippi. The organization is called “Mississippi’s Toughest Kids” and Camp Kamassa truly is a one of a kind camp for children like Hudson. They have literally thought of everything and deserve the recognition for the years it has taken to build this safe and beautiful campground. The details, with children like my son, in every consideration, through this entire project is breathtaking. It is still under construction, but you can tour it now. Opening 2024 with mountains of wonderful memories ahead. We are beside ourselves with glee for a camp like this. You can be a part of many extra steps for Down syndrome. Take extra steps for Buddy Walk; participation in your area or joining any team and walking anywhere. Taking an extra step by watching the Times Square Presentation on Sep. 9th. Also, Camp Kamassa is 326 acres, that will certainly get you some extra steps in. I daily take extra steps to make sure I encourage, advocate and cheer for so many I love with Down syndrome; having you walk alongside us is progress, no excuses, just family and friends encouraging more steps… EXTRA steps, extra big ones! EXTRA EXTRA My family just hosted Buddy Cruise Night at the Biloxi Shuckers. What a beautiful night under the MGM Park lights. Our first pitch was thrown out by GCDSS’s Self-advocate Patrick McIlwain and our National Anthem was sang by Pass Christian’s Luke Putnam. Luke is our friend with autism. From the EXTRA special jerseys (I helped design to represent our special kiddos) that were worn by the Shuckers, to Buddy the ship and Gadget our clown, we had the best time. A big thanks to The Biloxi Shuckers, Buddy Cruise and everyone who came out in the stifling hot weather to be a part of this EXTRA special game. My heart is EXTRA full.

The young lady had fallen in love. Radiant with happiness, she absolutely glowed like a softly lit Christmas tree. The young man she loved so deeply had recently admitted he felt the same. She floated through her days on air, waiting for the moment when he would pop the question that she eagerly waited to hear. That day came, along with a sparkling little diamond set in a slender gold band. Soon, they had their wedding and moved into their small apartment together. The beginning of their marriage had its usual learning bumps and curves - socks left on the floor, differing opinions of room temperature at night, who would be responsible for paying the bills, and all the other myriad of things that have to be learned, argued and negotiated in a new partnership of living together. But she was happy. Then it happened. ‘The Test’ came back positive, they had a third party who would be joining them in their tiny apartment. Realizing they would soon need more space than their miniature apartment afforded, they found a rental home and moved in, lock, stock, and barrel. At this point though, the well-intentioned husband had some ideas which he proceeded to run past his spouse. “Sweetheart, now that we have a house with a yard and a garage, we have to care of more than just the inside of an apartment. We have to mow the grass and stuff. We need to ‘divide and conquer.’ So, let’s divide the work 50/50. You work part-time and take care of everything inside our home, and I’ll work fulltime and be responsible for the outside.” 50/50 sounded equitable to the young wife, and she readily agreed. So, he mowed the grass and watched for anything the exterior of their house might need, while she tended to all the things inside. Then the baby arrived. And she quickly found that their little bundle of joy brought an immense workload with it. Caring for their baby, housecleaning, clothes washing, cooking, and also trying to keep up with her part-time job to help pay the rent on their home kept her constantly busy and too exhausted for affection. But, as she was reminded by her oblivious and now resentful husband, she had readily agreed to the aforementioned 50/50 arrangement. He just didn’t understand why she was angry and depressed all the time. Predictably, their once-happy marriage was headed for divorce. Fifty/fifty in a marriage simply doesn’t work. A marriage relationship can only successfully function for the long haul when both of you are determined to out-give your spouse, emotionally and physically. There will be times in life when one spouse will have to give more, other times that spouse will need to be given more. But that is the way a good marriage works. 50 plus 50 can end up equaling 0, when both spouses are not committed to giving more than the other when it’s needed.

Hudson property Copiah Bank In August, Wesson Garden Club (WGC) recognized the landscaping efforts of Tony and Pam Hudson at 3036 Jackson Liberty Road and Copiah Bank in rural residential and organizational categories of its Yard of the Month awards program. The awards recognize maintenance principles and elements of landscape design, seek to encourage ongoing beautification and cleanliness of the Wesson area and cultivate a citizenry which values and protects natural resources and assumes responsibility for enhancing the environment. The Garden Club's Yard of the Month awards honor landscapes during the spring, summer and fall.

By Bob Garver Like its main character, “Gran Turismo” fights hard to overcome the stigma of its association with a video game. Video game movies have taken some big steps lately, both creatively and commercially, with efforts like the “Sonic the Hedgehog” series and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” though the genre still lacks that one ceiling-shattering creative standout. Unlike its main character, “Gran Turismo” ultimately can’t quite pull it off. It’s close, it really is, but this movie comes just short of being the first video game movie to earn my recommendation. Archie Madekwe stars as Jann Mardenborough, a gamer struggling to find his place in the world. He’s not interested in pursuing an education or a career, much to the consternation of his father (Djimon Hounsou). The only time he feels like he’s accomplishing anything is when he’s playing the “Gran Turismo” racing game, but there’s no future in that… or is there? Nissan executive Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) has a plan to take the best players from around the world and put them behind the wheel of real race cars. Jann qualifies, and thus his underdog journey begins. Jann trains under the harsh tutelage of former racer Jack Salter (David Harbour), a mentor that lost his own nerve for racing after a fatal accident. Not only does Jack not believe in Jann, he doesn’t believe in the whole concept of simulated racing translating to actual racing. Many other characters hold the same belief, saying that real racing isn’t the same as gaming and that it’s too dangerous for this type of experiment. I’d say it becomes monotonous, but the hazards of racecar driving can’t be overstated. We follow Jann as he goes through a crash-course (for lack of a better term) in racing at a makeshift academy where he needs to finish in the top five of his class, to a qualifying circuit where he has seven races to finish in at least fourth place to earn a contract, to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race (yes, the one from “Ford vs Ferrari”) where he has to finish at least third or sim racing will be shut down forever. Along the way he gradually earns the respect of his peers, naysayers, and most difficult of all, his family. It’s mostly typical underdog sports-movie stuff, without the necessary feature of much in the way of traditional athletics. I know racecar drivers are real athletes, and I’m not saying otherwise, but nothing changes the fact that the actors can always be filmed vibrating and breathing heavily from the driver’s seat while the car, driven by a someone else (in this case, it’s often the real Jann Martenborough), is what’s seen in the most tense sequences. On the other hand, Harbour turns in an excellent performance and sports movies are as popular as they are for a reason – because it’s easy to get caught up in them – including this one. I was on the fence about “Gran Turismo.” I was tempted to say that this movie just barely breaks the streak of there never being a “good” video game movie, or that it doesn’t really count as a video game movie because the movie is more “about” the game than it is an adaptation. But then I learned of a deal-breaker: this movie completely misrepresents a horrific real-life event that takes place at the end of the second act. In the movie it takes place at a time when a setback needs to happen so Jann has an obstacle to overcome going into Le Mans. In real life, it took place two years later. This certainly isn’t the first time in movie history that real-life details have been fudged for dramatic purposes, but this one is so blatant and was called out so immediately that it really makes me question how much respect the filmmakers really had for their subject. And when I start questioning that, it makes me question how much respect they have for their audience. Grade: C “Gran Turismo” is rated PG-13 for intense action and some strong language. Its running time is 134 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) urges Mississippians to take necessary precautions and follow burn ban guidelines to prevent further wildfires. Despite a few isolated showers and storms, the state is still experiencing a drought, making it more susceptible to wildfires. With Labor Day approaching, it is crucial to be cautious and refrain from any unnecessary burning. Governor Tate Reeves has signed a partial state-level burn ban proclamation to combat the increasing number of wildfires in Mississippi. The ban covers 40 MS counties, including the MFC regions 3 and 4. In addition, three other counties, including Humphreys, Oktibbeha, and Sunflower, are under burn bans. To check local burn bans in your counties, visit www.mfc.ms.gov. Since August 1st, the MFC has responded to over 431 wildfires that burned over 8,700 acres statewide. The fires are burning intensely, with residual smoke and interior stump smoldering for a longer time frame than expected. The most susceptible areas to wildfire are currently on the coast and some areas in Central MS. The MFC's Incident Management Team (IMT) is set up in Wiggins to coordinate operations. MFC team members are working with local, state, and federal partners to pool resources for the most susceptible areas to wildfire. The IMT is a proactive approach to managing resources efficiently and to be close to the most vulnerable regions to wildfire. The MFC and its partners are doing everything they can to help protect both land and structures, but they are also urging the public to help. By working together, residents can make their property and their neighborhood much safer from wildfire. "We urge everyone to be cautious during the holiday weekend and continue to follow the burn ban guidelines to prevent any further wildfires," said Russell Bozeman, State Forester. "By coordinating efforts and resources, MFC and the IMT aim to enhance the overall response capabilities and effectively manage wildfires." The National Fire Protection Association provided some safety tips, including: • REMOVE leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and under the deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home. • SCREEN areas below decks and porches with 1/8” wire mesh to help prevent material from accumulating underneath. • COVER exterior attic and soffit vents with 1/8” wire mesh to help prevent sparks from entering your home. • ENCLOSE eaves to help prevent ember entry. • INSPECT shingles or roof tiles. REPLACE missing shingles or tiles. COVER ends of tiles with bird stops or cement to help prevent ember penetration during a wildfire. Tips for Landscaping Around Your Home: • REMOVE dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first 5 feet of the home. • KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to help reduce fire intensity. • PRUNE tree limbs so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet above the ground to help reduce the chance of fire getting into the crowns of the trees. • MOVE construction material, trash, and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from the home and other outbuildings. • DISPOSE of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings that you have cut to reduce fuel for fire Remember, something as simple as a debris burn that gets out of control or even a spark from a car or a trailer can cause a wildfire. Let's work together to prevent any further damage. For more tips, visit www.firewise.org. For more information, follow the Mississippi Forestry Commission on social media or visit www.mfc.ms.gov.

Secretary of State Michael Watson says Attorney General Lynn Fitch ghosted him when he asked for help enforcing public tidelands leasing laws, and that her inaction is costing taxpayers and threatening a precious public resource as he hires a private firm to do the work. Mississippi currently has 152 tidelands leases, and collects between $10 million and $12 million a year from them. Watson said the issues for which he is asking for help are not complex, but “basic contract and trespass law.” Like his secretary of state predecessors since legalized casino gambling in the early 1990s sparked a development boom on the Coast, he has faced some blowback from trying to enforce state tidelands laws and leasing. Developers, business interests and some local government leaders claim it hampers development, while environmental groups decry the state for being too willing to lease tidelands and allowing development in environmentally fragile tidelands that could hampers public access to water. Mississippi law says it’s the public policy of the state to preserve coastal wetlands and ecosystems.

By Kara Kimbrough The internet is full of tips and tricks to create an enjoyable Labor Day weekend barbecue. Most that I read made sense, but this took the cake for nonsensical advice, especially here in the Deep South where we practically invented outdoor grilling. “Never grill indoors – always leave the grill outside your house.” Really? Like we don’t already know that an open flame from a grill (if you could even drag it inside) is a recipe for disaster inside an enclosed space? Yes, it’s unreasonably hot, but die-hard grillers know to start early before the heat gets too intense…or better yet, wait until the sun goes down. Nonsensical advice aside, it’s time to think seriously about the long holiday weekend coming up and plan menus accordingly. In my opinion, nothing’s better than a juicy burger fresh from the grill topped with crisp lettuce, freshly-sliced tomatoes and doused with a homemade burger sauce. Add a couple of slices of bacon and it's even better. But I realize Labor Day meals need new more additions, so below are a few to get you started. Here's to a relaxing, enjoyable Labor Day and to the beginning of the end of a long, hot summer! Spaghetti Salad 1 pound spaghetti, broken in half 1 16-ounce bottle Italian dressing (I like Newman’s Own) 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons seasoned salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 medium red onion, diced 1 medium cucumber, diced 2 medium tomatoes, diced Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, raised with cold water and drain well. Transfer to large bowl. In medium bowl, whisk together salad dressing, cheese and seasonings until well blended. Stir in cucumber and onion. Pour over spaghetti and toss lightly to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. Garnish with chopped tomatoes. Pita Bites 1 (10 ounce) package pita bread, cut in half 3 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon crushed garlic 1 teaspoon dried Italian-style seasoning 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Jar of prepared salsa, hummus or your favorite dip Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Open pita bread halves and roughly cut into approximately 2 inch pieces. Arrange on a medium baking sheet. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and mix in garlic and dried Italian-style seasoning. Pour the mixture over pita bread pieces. Sprinkle bread with Parmesan cheese, adjusting the amount as desired. Bake in the preheated oven 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Top each half with a spoonful of salsa, hummus or favorite dip. Mexican Street Corn on the Cob (For grill or air fryer) 6 ears corn, shucked, rinsed (fresh is best, but if you can’t find it, prepare frozen ears according to package directions Vegetable oil if using air fryer 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1/3 cup Mexican Style Blend cheese 3 teaspoons chili powder Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving For grill: Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; heat 5 minutes (or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat). Grill corn, turning often, until slightly charred all over, about 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream. Transfer corn to a platter. Brush with mayonnaise mixture. Top with cheese, chili powder and cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges. For air fryer: Cut corn to fit in air-fryer basket (you may need to cut cobs in half). Brush corn all over with oil. In batches, arrange corn in basket and cook at 400 degrees, turning halfway through, until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. While corn is frying, in a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream. Transfer corn to a platter. Brush with mayonnaise mixture. Top with cheese, chili powder and cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges. Shoney’s-Style Fresh Strawberry Pies For glaze: 4 cups water 3 cups sugar 1 3-ounce package strawberry-flavored Jell-O 1-1/2 cups cornstarch 2 tablespoons red food color Pies: 4 pints strawberries 2 baked 9-inch pie shells To make glaze, in medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of the water, sugar and gelatin. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. In small bowl, gradually mix remaining 1 cup water into cornstarch until smooth. Add to saucepan, stirring constantly, with wire whisk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes or until mixture is thick and fairly clear. Stir in red food color. Remove from heat and let stand at room temperature until cool. Do not over-refrigerate. For pies, spread ¼ cup of the glaze onto bottom of each pie shell. In large bowl, combine strawberries and 2 cups of glaze. Mix gently to coat evenly. Spoon half the mixture into each pie shell, arranging berries to create a pretty design. Spoon the remaining glaze over each pie, smoothing and sealing glaze to edge of crust with spoon. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.