Everyone knows how to procrastinate – including me. I decided about two months ago to write this column. Finally, today I had to force myself to sit down and begin. Why? Why do we humans put off doing what we know we need to do? From what I have observed, the animal kingdom doesn’t do that. Just us. There is no squirrel sighing, “Yeah, the winter’s coming and I know that there won’t be any nuts on the ground that I can scrounge, but I just don’t feel like hunting, carrying and storing those things this week. I’ll get to it…later.” No colony of ants is rebelling against the direct order of their queen ant to retrieve another home’s entire stash of food – crumb by crumb. “We just feel like doing something else today, Miz Queen. That last kitchen was plumb full of sugary stuff, so we wanna celebrate instead of working. A bunch of us have decided to just have our own picnic.” So, I ask again, why do we top-of-the-heap-creations procrastinate? One excuse bouncing around in our heads; “I’m just not psyched up to do that yet.” Another one; “I am afraid to try, I have no doubt I’ll just mess it up.” Or how about this; “It’s way too big, I’m completely overwhelmed by even thinking about that.” Or something along these lines; “That ain’t gonna be any fun, and I would rather go pick ticks off my dog than have to settle down and get that done.” Here’s a familiar one: “I just don’t have time, I’m way too busy for that.” Or: “It’s not due for another thirty minutes yet!” Any of those sound familiar to you? Or you may have your own favorite excuses that you use to put off hated tasks that are scary, or overwhelming in size. People will use anyone or anything to keep from beginning. Like a panic-stricken woman grabbing for a water-logged pillow when she is trying to find something to keep her afloat in the ocean, it doesn’t have to make sense. Procrastinators will look around and seize any excuse they can find to avoid a task that they dread. But why did I put off writing this column? Good question. Difficult subject? Exposure of one of my own weaknesses? Writing on the subject would make me confront myself, and my tendency to run from difficulty? Ouch. I finally made myself sit down at my desk by the fireplace with a cup of something hot, opened up my computer, and started writing. Blindly trusting that my thoughts on the ugly subject will materialize into some sort of order and make sense to you. Sometimes folks, that’s what we have to do –just bite the bullet and begin doing the very thing we need to do. Doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect down to the last word. In the words of a cowboy preacher friend of mine, “Just get ‘er done!”

By Bob Arnold Every year, some 23 million persons visit Mississippi, where they spend some $6.3 billion to help drive the state’s economy, and pump almost $400 million into the state’s General Fund to help pay for government services. Tanya Strickland from Michigan is among them. A single mom, Strickland started coming to Mississippi when her son Brandon Jason, now 21 and an Amazon employee, was old enough to leave behind when she wanted to take a break from the cold weather in the Great Lakes State. This year for the third time, she joined the some 16,000 visitors annually who visit Lake Lincoln State Park, its nearby environs in Lincoln County and the Wesson area. Born in Allendale near Grand Rapids, Strickland went to Palmer Elementary School and graduated from Creston High School in 2002, where she played soccer and was a cheerleader. While attending high school, she also studied cosmetology at a trade school, before going on to earn a degree at Chic University of Cosmetology (CUC) at Standale, Michigan. After graduating from CUC in 2005, she started a working career that has encompassed cosmetology, assisting a dentist and bartending. In 2005, Strickland also joined her mother to operate Kate & Curls, a Grand Rapids salon and spa that offered tanning, manicure, pedicure and massage services. She later started Unique Elegance Salon and Spa with six workers who also helped her provide services at area expos. While still at work in 2009, she entered Grand Rapids Community College to study business, received an Applied Arts & Science degree in 2015, and joined the staff of Cherry Health as a dental assistant until 2022 and took on extra work as a bartender beginning in 2020. Today, she continues to operate a salon in the third generation home in which she grew up in Grand Rapids and serves drinks at the well-known Point Bar there when she isn’t travelling in the South to escape the cold Michigan winters. The Lake Lincoln area became one of Strickland’s vacation stops after she met Charles Fortson, Jr., who operates Uncle Rays eatery, bait shop, convenience store and RV rentals across from Lake Lincoln State Park, and visits friends in Michigan every year. “Shortly after the COVID pandemic struck in 2020, I took my first trip with a friend to Lake Lincoln,” she recalls. “We stayed in the park, and came back the next year on a stop that included Louisiana, Texas and Florida. This year, Uncle Ray hosted me, and showed me Natchez and part of Louisiana.” On the eve of her return, to Michigan “to get back to my hair styling work,” Strickland talked about travelling to Arizona in the near future to see if she liked it, eventually leaving Michigan altogether and possibly taking on seasonal work in Mississippi at Uncle Rays. What are your hobbies? Obviously, I like to travel. But that’s not all. Dancing. Boating. Canoeing. Swimming. Beaches. Bowling. Are you a reader? Not a big one. If I am forced to read, I will. But I am a Tik Toker. I have become pretty good at making and posting videos on the internet. While visiting Uncle Rays this year, I made some cooking videos to publicize Charles’ meals. Do you have favorite movies or plays? I enjoy action and sci-fi movies particularly. I like to watch actors Channing Tatum and Jim Carrey and actress Angelina Jolie. I stream movies on the internet at home, but go to the theater every once and a while. Do you enjoy music? I like country, hip hop, R&B and the music of Vintage Culture to which I can dance. I used to sing karaoke. What would you do with lottery winnings if you were so lucky? I would do work on my house, buy an RV and travel a lot. My various family members as well would be at the top of help list – my two sisters, mom, three nieces, two nephews, two great nieces and son. How would you change the world? I don’t really know how, but I would try to address all the hate in the word by helping those in need, being kind to my neighbors and trying to promote happiness.

By Guest Cooking Columnist Charles Fortson, Jr Tetrazzini has an Italian ring, but a rich creamy sauce with shrimp or crawfish from the Gulf makes it a Southern treat. The creamy sauce prepared like you would make Southern gravy is the secret. Ingredients: 1 lb. of thin spaghetti (or rice if your prefer) 1 large onion (chopped) 1 green onion bunch (chopped) 2 tablespoons of minced garlic 2 tablespoons of parsley 2 pounds of small shrimp or crawfish 3 caps of crab oil 1 can Rotel tomatoes & pepper (drained) 1 quart Half & Half whipping cream White flour Salt and pepper Butter Olive oil Velveeta Cheese Shredded mild cheddar cheese Directions: 1. Pre-cook onions and garlic until tender in mix of one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of olive oil heated on medium to low fire. 2. Pre-boil shrimp or crawfish to flavor it. Boil one quart of water and three caps of crab oil with one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of salt in a two-quart sauce pan. Add the shrimp or crawfish and bring to a boil again. Drain and cool. 3. Prepare spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Boil two quarts of water with one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of salt in a large pot. Add broken broken spaghetti, bring to a second boil, reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain water and add Rotel tomatoes and pepper, pre-cooked onions and garlic, and parsley. 4. Prepare creamy sauce. Stir white flour into the whipping cream over low heat to make a thick gravy. Add Velvetta Cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese until the gravy has the thickness your desire. 5. Combine the prepared spaghetti, creamy sauce and shrimp or crawfish. Keep warm and serve with garlic bread. Serves eight. EDITOR’S NOTE: Charles Fortson, Jr., is proprietor-chef at Uncle Ray’s across from Lake Lincoln State Park. He makes lunches and dinners to take out or for table service, while also operating a convenience store and bait shop at his Sunset Road location. Follow his cooking tips on Uncle Ray’s Facebook page or call 601-643-0174 to check on his daily specials.

A broad cross section of Mississippi faith leaders in cooperation with a coalition of religious and not-for-profit organizations is urging the state legislature to increase Medicaid benefits for postpartum mothers from 60 days to six months and expand affordable health care for 300,000 uninsured adult citizens. Some 300 state clergypersons have signed on to a letter being circulated by Working Together Mississippi (WTM) appealing to legislators to address the healthcare needs of postpartum mothers, their infants and the wider population of mostly working Mississippians who do not earn enough to purchase insurance for themselves. WTM is a coalition of more. than 270 congregations, parishes, synagogues, mosques and nonprofits that reflect the religious, racial. and geographic diversity of Mississippi. “Within the scriptures of all faiths, there are myriad passages with a single message, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’” the letter states. “How better to show love for our neighbors than to show concern for their health and well-being? As more and more of us are confronted with the realities of the impact of this COVID-19 pandemic, there are serious concerns regarding the state of healthcare in Mississippi.” The letter flags the large number of Mississippians without health insurance that is growing due to unemployment, closure of five rural hospitals and the financial risk facing many others and the disproportionate effect of the COVID pandemic on the working poor and minorities. As starting point for legislators, the letter cites The Mississippi Cares Plan proposed by the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA), which its signers believe lay out the basics of any plan that they adopt. It would provide Medicaid benefits to adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, who would receive the same benefits and pay the same co-pays as other Medicaid recipients. With certain exceptions, non-employed participants would have to enroll in job training or education programs. No state funding would be required. The Federal Government would pay 90 percent of the program, with the state ten percent share covered by a monthly premium of $20 per participant and contributions by Mississippi hospitals. WTM is working with the State Insurance Commissioner and his staff as they work with managed care providers in the state, the MHA and Federal officials to seek increased ways to secure health care access and financial stability for our health care system, the letter notes.

The IRS will open the Jackson Taxpayer Assistance Center on Saturday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 100 W. Capital St., Jackson, Mississippi 39269. The special opening is part of its efforts to improve service this tax season. During the special Saturday opening, taxpayers can receive face-to-face help from IRS employees without an appointment. Normally, these centers are open during the week and people should have appointments to receive services. But during these Saturday hours, walk-ins will be accepted for all services routinely offered at an office, except for making cash payments. Tax return preparation is not a service provided at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). Services provided The IRS’s Contact Your Local Office site lists all services provided at specific TACs. If someone has questions about a tax bill, an IRS audit or they need help resolving a tax problem, they’ll receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in those services. If these employees aren’t available, the individual will receive a referral for additional help on these services. IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to help with some issues. Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment. For more information on the special Saturday openings, visit IRS.gov/saturdayhours. For a snapshot of the most requested customer service topics, see Publication 5136, IRS Services Guide. Come prepared Individuals should bring the following documents with them: Current government-issued photo identification, Social Security cards or ITINs for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable), Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents, For identity verification services, two forms of identification and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question. During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information: A current mailing address, Proof of bank account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit. Tax return preparation options While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs, information will be shared about available local free tax preparation options. Help is also available using the following services: Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887. To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 1-888-227-7669. Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2022 can use tax software through IRS Free File at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish. MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit. Help available 24/7 at IRS.gov The IRS encourages people to explore IRS.gov before traveling to an office. It’s the fastest and easiest way for people to get the help they need. They can learn about the many self-service tools and resources available to resolve common tax concerns online. Some include IRS identity protection services, requesting Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN), refunds, transcripts and payment options. Go to www.irs.gov for more information. Available resources include: Where’s My Refund?, check refund status and estimated delivery date. Direct Pay, make tax payments or estimated tax payments for free from a checking or savings account. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, individuals or businesses can make all types of federal tax payments. Online Payment Agreement, set up installment payments to pay taxes owed. Where’s My Amended Return, track the status of an amended return. Interactive Tax Assistant and FAQs, get answers to many tax law questions. All IRS Forms and Publications, find and download current tax forms, instructions and publications. Those without access to the internet can call 800-829-3676 to order tax forms by mail.

By Kara Kimbrough After highlighting some (notice, I said "some," as there are hundreds more) of the best places to visit in Mississippi cities and towns north of the Capital City, it's only fair that I mention a few spots further south. Spring, which seems to have arrived a few weeks early, is the absolute best time to get out and explore all that Mississippi has to offer before summer's oppressive heat makes sheltering indoors under the a/c the only viable option. There’s no way I can list them all, but here are a few on my top picks to enjoy spring break with the family or for anytime the urge to take a road trip emerges. 1. Mississippi's Capital City is blessed with an outstanding lineup of museums rivaling the number and quality found in any metropolitan area. A few that come to mind are, in no particular order: Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Children's Museum, Agriculture and Forestry Museum, Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and Museum of Natural Science. Learn more about these and other museums around the city at: visitjackson.com. While each of these museums is amazing and worthy of a visit, the Old Capitol Museum holds a special place in my heart. Visiting this historic building during elementary schools field trips remains a favorite memory. This breathtakingly-beautiful structure, a National Historic Landmark and one of American's premier examples of Greek Revival architecture, has reigned supreme on State Street in downtown Jackson since 1839. Mississippi's most historically-significant building served as the first state house until 1903 and was the site of historic legislation, including crafting of the state's constitution and secession from the Union in 1859. Wander through the cavernous, newly-renovated building and enjoy viewing interesting artifacts from Mississippi's past, interactive multimedia exhibits and information on historic preservation. Admission is free; learn more about the building and hours of operation at: mdah.ms.gov. 2. Hattiesburg is a typical "college town," filled with dining and shopping opportunities, museums, nightlife and recreation. However, there are plenty of activities geared to families, including those with children. One of the best places to visit is Kamper Park featuring its crown jewel, the Hattiesburg Zoo. It's not the largest zoo but does contain a more than respectable collection of animals from around the globe. In addition to the main exhibits, there's an Australian Wallaby Walkabout offering the chance to mingle with animals from Down Under, daily giraffe feeding opportunities, petting zoo and more. Other features include an electric train, high ropes adventure course, mining for gems and stones and plenty of pavilions and picnic spots. For more information, visit: hattiesburgzoo.com. A more detailed list of all the area has to offer can be found at: visithburg.org. 3. A trip to our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast is always a good idea. Harrison, Hancock and Jackson Counties are packed with thousands of opportunities for family fun, ranging from water sports and excursions, museums, dining, shopping and much more. If I had to recommend just one Gulf Coast attraction, the spectacular Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is near the top of the list. And since many of the aquarium's exhibits are located outside, spring is the perfect time to visit before heat and humidity descend. Overlooking the gulf, the spectacular Mississippi Aquarium contains nearly 6 acres filled with an amazing collection of sea life, wildlife, birds and more. Over 200 species can be viewed in 12 habitats designed to allow visitors to safely view animals and sea creatures from a few feet away. A spectacular 30-foot, 360-degree tunnel allows up-close views of marine life - sharks, sea turtles and numerous species of exotic fish - from above and below. Outside, crocodiles and alligators are dozing in the sun and playful river otters and dolphins splash and play in open pools. Believe me when I say the adults (myself included) are every bit as entertained as the youngest visitor. Last, no trip to the Gulf Coast is complete without a delicious meal, preferably one with a water view. Weekly, I receive emails from readers asking for restaurant recommendations. To receive my top picks for a memorable Gulf Coast dining experience to fit any budget, taste or age group, drop me an email and I'll gladly send it to you. Happy spring, ya'll! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

With the federal government ending the continuous Medicaid coverage requirement on March 31, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) is notifying Medicaid members that eligibility renewals will begin on April 1. DOM urges all Medicaid members to make sure their contact information is correct by visiting www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered. During the COVID-19 public emergency, states and territories have continued to cover every person who has been eligible for Medicaid on or after March 18, 2020, even if their income or circumstances have changed and otherwise would no longer be eligible. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) passed in December, Congress has now required states to begin the process of redetermining the eligibility of all Medicaid members. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has instructed all states to begin normal redetermination operations by April 1, 2023, at the latest. To prepare for the return to annual renewals, DOM is sending notices to recipients alerting them to the change in federal requirements and to look for renewal forms in the mail in the months ahead. Members can update their information online at www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered, or by calling DOM at 1-800-421-2408 or 601-359-6050. DOM has been actively increasing its eligibility workforce through various recruitment and retention efforts, including hiring temporary staff to help with the caseload and streamlining training requirements. In January, DOM also launched a Stay Covered campaign, which includes a Coverage Champions program for community partners, advocates and providers to support Medicaid members and prepare for the end of the continuous coverage requirement. The Stay Covered webpage (www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered) includes a media toolkit, a link for members to update their contact information, and more important information about the unwinding process. Following federal guidance, renewals for all current Medicaid members must be initiated within 12 months following April 1, and all renewals must be completed within 14 months. When DOM begins redeterminations, electronic verification sources will first be used to try to renew a member’s benefits. If more information is needed to complete a renewal, the member will be mailed a renewal form, and they will have 30 days to fill it out and return it. DOM is also reaching out to members via email and text messages. Find more information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) online at www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered.

The University of Mississippi announced the following local students were named to the Fall 2022 Honor Roll lists, including Chancellor's Honor Roll: Zoe Johnson, of Wesson, MS Kyla Smith, of Wesson, MS Makayla Russell, of Wesson, MS The Chancellor's Honor Roll is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. "The remarkable students achieving Chancellor's Honor Roll are among the best and brightest at the University of Mississippi," said Chancellor Glenn Boyce. "I commend them for their hard work and dedication resulting in their outstanding academic achievements and this well-deserved recognition." In order to be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester. The University of Mississippi announced the following local students were named to the Fall 2022 Honor Roll lists, including Dean's Honor Roll: Aliza Abrams, of Wesson, MS Hanna Kelly, of Wesson, MS Nelson Newman, of Wesson, MS Mary Sullivan, of Wesson, MS The Dean's Honor Roll is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74. In order to be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester. The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is the state's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. Its 16 academic divisions include a major medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy, and an Honors College acclaimed for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action. Recognized among the nation's most beautiful, Ole Miss' main campus is in Oxford, which is routinely acknowledged as one of the country's best college towns.

By Bob Garver As popular as it is to complain about Hollywood’s lazy reliance on reboots, re-imaginings, spinoffs, and legacy sequels to older properties, all evidence suggests that “Rocky” continuation “Creed” has worked out for the best. I’m not just talking about the first “Creed” from 2015, but the entire “Creed” sub-franchise, including the first sequel from 2018, and of course, new movie “Creed III.” These movies have done well creatively (all above 80% with both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes) and commercially, with the first two making over $100 million at the domestic box office, and the third almost certain to follow suit after a $58 million opening weekend. Keeping in mind that I’m calling the whole trilogy is a success, I don’t think it’s out of line to say that “Creed III” is the weakest entry. Michael B. Jordan is back as boxer Adonis “Donnie” Creed, son of the legendary Apollo Creed. He’s certainly done an excellent job of carrying on his late father’s legacy, even surpassing it in many ways. He’s retired at the top of his game and is an attentive father to Amara (Mila Davis-Kent), his daughter with his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson). Apollo wasn’t much of a father, with Donnie not even knowing about him until after his death. He lived in a group home until he was a teenager, when he was taken in by Mary Anne (Phylicia Rashad), Apollo’s wife. He mostly left his old life behind, save for maintaining a friendship with aspiring boxer Damian Anderson. An altercation a few years later saw a gun-toting Damian arrested, while Donnie fled and was allowed to continue on his path to greatness. Now “Dame” (Jonathan Majors) is out of prison and looking to make a name for himself as a boxer. The odds are against him, given his age and record, but at least he has a connection with the former champion – a connection he’s not afraid to exploit. Donnie tries to be helpful, but reasonable, getting his old friend sparring work with current champion Felix Chavez (Jose Benavidez Jr.), despite the protests of his business partner Duke (Wood Harris). But Dame isn’t satisfied with sparring. He wants a shot at the title. He even sabotages a highly-promoted upcoming fight to create an opening for a Rocky-like underdog challenge. And after he takes the belt from Felix, there’s the matter of the personal score to settle with Donnie. Let’s just say the two aren’t eager to talk it out. Cue training montages and pageantry of the big fight. The good news is that Dame is a particularly well-written and acted character. It isn’t far-fetched that Donnie has been keeping this skeleton in his closet through two films, as he’s clearly been struggling to leave various traumas behind. And I was much happier with the talented Majors as the villain in this movie than I was with him as the bland Kang in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” a few weeks ago. The scenes where he plays head games with Jordan are the film’s highlights, along with emotionally-charged scenes involving Jordan, Thompson, and Rashad. The bad news is that there aren’t a whole lot of other things that work about “Creed III.” Thompson gets an arc where she encourages nonviolence, but nothing ever comes of it. It seems like the whole world of title contenders is limited to Donnie’s circle of friends in L.A. A death scene feels wedged in because there’s an unofficial rule that these movies have to kill off one important character per entry. A gimmick used for the final fight scene is laughably heavy-handed, and I don’t mean in the good way that’s advantageous in boxing. Plus there’s no Rocky to be found, as Sylvester Stallone has had a falling-out with this franchise. Director Ryan Coogler is out as well, though Jordan himself does an admirable job of carrying the franchise to a satisfying conclusion. But I think “Creed” needs to end here before it loses the upper hand. Grade: B- “Creed III” is rated PG-13 for intense sports action, violence and some language. Its running time is 116 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Legislation passed in the Mississippi Senate and headed to the House would allow more state pet owners to buy insurance to cover the medical expenses for their dogs, cats, reptiles and birds. The bill introduced by Walter Michel, a Ridgeland Republican, would create “a comprehensive legal framework within which pet insurance may be sold” in Mississippi, amending current Mississippi law so health and life insurance agents could sell insurance for pets, not just brokers licensed to sell property and casualty insurance. Insurance companies are advocating for pet insurance bills across the country so they can offer consistent health coverage for animals. About four million pets are now insured in the U.S., and the pet insurance industry has annual premiums of about $2.8 billion. Dogs and cats would be the primary beneficiaries of the new law, but some pet insurance plans also offer coverage to reptiles and birds. The policies mostly cover broken bones and cancer, do not include life insurance for pets, and must disclose if they do not cover preexisting health conditions or other chronic disorders. Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney would have the authority to regulate the industry.

By Guest Columnist Keri Jones As you walk around the landscape and look forward to the joy of starting a flower or vegetable garden, don’t overlook what you are stepping on. Healthy, productive plants require healthy soil. While soil may not be as eye-catching as narcissus or redbud flowers, it does require your attention. How do you know if your soil is ready for the plants you envision in your yard? One of the simplest ways to find out is to get a soil test. The Mississippi State University Extension Service offers soil testing services through the Soil Testing Lab. Find complete cost information and instructions on how to submit a sample for testing at http://extension.msstate.edu/agriculture/soils/soil-testing. Once your soil has been tested, you will receive a report with details about your soil. The most important information from a soil test report is soil pH, which measures the acidity of the sample. If soil pH is not optimal for your plants, the needed nutrients will not be as accessible to plant roots. If your soil pH is too low for the plants you would like to grow, the soil test report will provide a recommendation to add lime. Pelletized lime is readily available from your county co-op or big-box store. The soil test report tells you the amount of lime your garden needs. You can spread lime over the top of the soil and water it in, but it is more effective if the liming material is worked into the soil. The chemical process of raising pH by adding lime to the soil takes time, so get your test done now. If your soil test calls for lime, adding it in early February gives your garden enough time for the liming material to raise your soil pH to optimal levels by March or April. The soil test report you get back also provides a fertilizer recommendation. The most effective fertilizer programs follow the “four Rs” -- right rate, right time, right placement and right source. The right rate means you apply an amount of fertilizer appropriate for the plant’s needs. The idea that “if a little is good, more is better” does not apply to fertilizer. There is a right time to apply fertilizer, and that is during the growing season and at appropriate intervals. The soil test report will tell you when to apply fertilizer and how often to reapply. The right placement of fertilizer means you make sure it is within reach of the plant roots. If you broadcast fertilizer across your yard and some lands on sidewalks or the driveway, be sure to sweep it back into the landscape. The right source of fertilizer depends on your situation. Decide whether you prefer using organic fertilizer, such as composted animal manure, or synthetic, which includes those labeled, for example, 13-13-13. Following soil test recommendations will maximize your ability to provide needed nutrients to your plants while minimizing potentially negative environmental impacts. Take the opportunity here at the beginning of the year to measure soil pH and adjust it if needed, and then you will be ready to grow your best plants. Don’t guess; soil test! EDITOR’S NOTE: Keri Jones manages the Mississippi State University Soil Testing Lab.

A new book that coincides with the Copiah County bicentennial celebration during 2023 presents a comprehensive view of the county’s history, zeroing in on specific aspects of it and profiling notable people who played important roles in the county. A Shared History: Copiah County 1823-2023 tells the Copiah County story in 199 pages with 16 chapters written by Paul Cartwright from Hattiesburg and Tricia Nelson and Rev. Gene Horton from Crystal Springs, along with other special contributors. There are chapters focus on the county’s transportation and waterways, flora and fauna, architecture, artists, participation in the Civil War and use of slaves, and specific communities, among other topics. Wesson native Sharron Hailey Baird chronicles the history of her hometown in one chapter. Copies of the book are available for $25 plus $5 for shipping from Paul Cartwright, 3 Waverly Circle, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.