The Mississippi Poison Control Center is experiencing a concerning increase in calls regarding children who have found and eaten marijuana-laced candies and chocolates at home, making them sick enough for a trip to the emergency room. And with the establishment of marijuana dispensaries expected around the state this year, the calls “are only going to continue rising,” said Jenna Davis, managing director of the Poison Control Center housed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The American Academy of Pediatrics this month reported data that shows a 1,375 percent increase in children’s consumption of “edibles,” or food products infused with marijuana, between 2017-2021. Although UMMC’s numbers are not as high in comparison, they have significantly jumped over the past few years, Davis said. In 2019, the center received just two calls concerning ingestion of edibles. But in 2022, the number of total calls shot to 36, Davis said. Fourteen of those were in children ages 0-12, three for teens ages 13-19, 11 for ages 20-39 and six for 40 and older. “In the past 10 days, we’ve already had four calls for kids ages 0-6,” Davis said. “And statewide, these cases are underreported.” “There has been a consistent increase in pediatric edible cannabis exposures over the past five years, with the potential for significant toxicity,” the Academy said in its publication Pediatrics. In its study of cases between 2017-21, most ingestion of edibles by children occurred in a residence, the Academy said. Seventy percent caused central nervous system depression, and more than 22 percent required a hospital stay, including intensive care, the report said. Adult products laced with THC such as candy, gummies and chocolates appeal to children, Davis said. “We’ve seen ‘dope rope’ gummies, with lots of calls on those. They look like a Nerds (candy) rope.” Equally alarming is the growing number of children who get their hands on products easily available online and in convenience stores containing Delta 8 THC, a naturally occurring chemical compound found in small traces of hemp and marijuana plants. “It’s not regulated. It has very similar effects to the other components of marijuana that produce euphoria,” Davis said. “We receive tons of calls on this, and it’s increasing, for all ages.” In its 2022 Drug Threat Assessment, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics notes that “products like edibles, oils, wax, and hashish are still being seen and seized across the state. These products are especially desirable among teens and younger adults.” The state’s new and evolving marijuana laws, the report says, “make marijuana a new kind of threat.” A number of physical reactions to THC-laced edibles can make children very sick, Davis said. “It’s hard to overdose on marijuana, but some of these gummies contain very large doses and some kids are eating a whole lot of them,” Davis said. In addition to central nervous system depression, it can cause rapid heartbeat, vomiting, confusion, difficulty walking and drowsiness, and in extreme situations, respiratory distress and seizures, she said. When center employees receive calls about ingestion of edibles by children, she said, “we recommend they go to a hospital for observation, depending on their situation and whether they’re experiencing the more serious symptoms. In rare cases, if they’ve had a huge dose or if they have underlying medical conditions, they are at serious risk for other complications and should call 911.” What’s also important to remember, Davis said, is a child can eat edibles and not immediately show any distress or effects. “Unlike when you smoke marijuana, when you eat a product that contains THC, it’s a couple of hours before it takes effect. It may be a few hours before the parent notices that their child has ingested edibles.” Most adults who call the center about a child who has eaten edibles “are worried because they left it out, and they didn’t intend for their child to get into it,” Davis said. “Some callers are reluctant to give us information for fear of getting in trouble. “Their information is confidential. We are here to help them and guide them. Most of them are very forthcoming, and we can get all the information we need to make a proper recommendation.” Her suggestions to adults who have edibles, whether it’s in their car, home, purse or wherever: “Treat them like a medication. Store them in a secure place, out of sight and out of reach of children. “Most products have some type warning label, but sometimes it’s very small. Even an older child might not pay attention to it.” Going forward, the center is focusing on prevention, Davis said. “We know it’s going to be around,” she said. “The bigger thing is the kids getting into it.” The Mississippi Poison Control Center focuses on prevention, education and treatment. It’s a free, confidential, statewide service available 24/7 to assist with questions and exposures regarding potential poisons, chemicals, medication and more. A trained professional can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

The holiday fun and games were over, and we were ready to fly home. But a middle of the night message informed us our flight was cancelled and we had to rebook. And we suddenly became birds without wings. I now have a pretty good idea how a Christmas turkey feels, in those left-over days after Christmas. The juicy meat is already picked off, and all that is left is a carcass of dried-up bones. Except I felt more useless than turkey bones, which a cook will simmer into broth. Oh, yeah, I did simmer…being stranded when I just want to be back in my house tends to bring out the fed up and frustrated side of me. But after four more days we finally boarded a plane and made it home. Then came the process of applying for repayment for our expenses. More dried carcass picking…more simmering. More fun and games - and yes, I am being sarcastic. But the airline-which-will-remain-nameless has taken full responsibility, apologized, and promised full restitution for our incurred expenses. Total mea culpa. Next comes the time of choosing, for every one of us ground-bound turkeys the next time we need to fly. Do we trust that airline, or do we use another? Do we believe they have done exactly as they said, that they have upgraded their entire computer network? Or do we base our choice on what has already happened to us, and run to another airline as fast as our drumsticks will carry us? As I thought about it, the counselor side of me just couldn’t help but compare this situation to personal relationships. Allow me to explain my thought process. We entered into a contract with that airline. “We pay you, and you promise to deliver us to our destination on a certain date and time.” But they broke their side of the bargain. And now they have taken full responsibility, and want to regain our business. Eerily similar to a hurting personal relationship. “I promised love and friendship to you, and you promised to do the same. But you broke your promise. You then realized your mistake, took full responsibility and want to regain the relationship with me.” And now you have a choice to make. What do you do? Forgive and try again with that person, or limp away with your wounds and attempt another relationship? Tough stuff. Either option you choose will probably leave you feeling a little vulnerable…and simmering. I’ve already made my choice of which wings I will use on my next flight. But that’s just me, I have no idea what you should do. You have to decide for you, and then stick with that commitment. Unless you pick wings that leave you in the lurch the next time – then you have a pretty good reason to rethink your options. And you are free to interpret that last sentence for your flying - and your relationships.

By Kara Kimbrough If only I had a nickel for every question asking, “Do you have any easy, quick-to-fix recipes?” To answer all requests at once, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite “easy, quick-to-fix” recipes. For my friend who claims her husband will begin drawing up divorce papers if she cooks spaghetti one more time, I’ve included a pasta dish that will keep attorneys at bay. · There may be some who don’t love Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing Mix, but I haven’t met them. To make three-ingredient pork chops, combine a 1-ounce package of the mix with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle both sides of 1-inch pork chops with the seasoning, arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. With a green salad topped with, what else, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and your favorite side dish, dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. · Chicken strips with dipping sauce are a favorite of all ages – let’s just say, Raising Cane’s gains a fair portion of my takeout/drive-through business. Nothing's better on splurge day that Cane's crispy chicken, crunchy fries and seasoned bread. And tangy Cane's sauce puts all others to shame. However, when it’s time for a healthier meal, there is a way to accomplish it. In a bowl, crush together a ½ cup of seasoned bread crumbs with a cup of Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, beat one egg. Dip boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into strips in the egg, then the bread crumbs. Cook chicken in olive oil in a nonstick skillet until golden brown; around 6-7 minutes. Let cool and cut into strips. · It's not Cane's sauce, but an easy, healthier-than-store-bought dipping sauce can be made by mixing together 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise, three tablespoons Dijon mustard, tablespoon of honey and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Chill before serving. · Cheese grits are so delicious and are the perfect side dish for any meal, not just breakfast. Many think they're complicated to make, but they're really not. To make the easiest cheese grits, combine 1-1/4 cups milk and a cup water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, add a ½ cup of hominy grits and simmer for 12 minutes. Stir in two tablespoons butter, cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and ½ teaspoon of paprika. · Olive Garden’s pasta fagioli soup is often imitated courtesy of “copycat” recipes in cookbooks and on the internet. Here’s a shorter version of the popular soup. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown a half-pound of Italian sausage. Once it’s thoroughly cooked, remove from pan and set aside. To the same pan, add a chopped onion and a clove of chopped garlic and brown until wilted. Add 2 cups of water, can of drained and washed Great Northern beans, can of drained chopped tomatoes, can of chicken stock, ¾ cup of elbow macaroni and a little ground black pepper. Bring to a bowl and cook uncovered until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Add in cooked sausage and a cup of trimmed fresh spinach (optional). Cook a few minutes until spinach has wilted down. Pour into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Last, as promised, here’s a pasta dish that’ll ensure not continued matrimonial bliss for my friend and add a delicious option to the never-ending, “What in the world am I going to fix for dinner?” quandary. Less-Than-30-Minutes Fettuccini Chicken Alfredo Extra virgin olive oil 3 large chicken breasts 1 pound of favorite pasta 2 tablespoons minced garlic (adjust according to taste) 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup Parmesan cheese (more to taste) Seasoning: salt, ground black pepper, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder - mix desired quantities to combine Pour olive oil into skillet and warm over medium-high heat. Season chicken with seasoning combo on both sides, then place in the pan, cooking 5-7 minutes on each side until done, then remove from skillet and set aside. While chicken is cooking, boil pasta until al dente, drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. In skillet over medium high heat, melt butter, then add garlic and ¾ cup of heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add remaining heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; cook until combined. Add cooked pasta to the mixture and stir to combine. (If mixture is too heavy, add a little of reserved pasta water. Slice chicken and add to the top before serving. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkrpco@yahoo.com.

By Guest Columnist Stephanie Duguid Every New Year, 87 percent of adults create new goals and resolutions only to experience the same frustrating results: false starts and failure, according to Jon Gordon, a renown speaker and author. We’re all part of the trend! In fact, 50 percent of resolution-makers will fail by the end of January! Millions of people try to improve their lives starting in January to attempt new diets, new self-help methods or to follow the next fad to improve. Only half stick to initial goals for 30 days, and most resolutions are forgotten by summer.” But what if you could accomplish it all a different way? This year, I encourage you to try something different! What if we could focus every day on a purpose? What if we could remember why we do what we do? “We don’t get burned out because of what we do,” says Gordon. “We get burned out because we forget why we do it.” The why is always more important than the what according to Gordon! In One Word That Will Change Your Life, Jon Gordon, delivers a powerful new approach to simplifying and transforming your life. He offers a different way to begin your new year! This year, focus on one word. One word to be your driving force this year. No goals. No wish lists. Just one word! Anyone anytime can discover their word for the year. By focusing on one word, you can create clarity, power, passion, and life change. “One word can impact all six dimensions of your life -- mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial,” Gordon says. You can find one word that is meant for you! When you find it, live it and share it, your life will become more rewarding nd exciting than ever. How do you determine your one word? Here’s how to get started: Prepare your heart and look into it. Unplug from any noise and the ask yourself three questions. What do I need? What is in my way? What needs to go? Discover your word and look up. In your silence, embrace the thoughts that allow your word to come. Some may pray, meditate, or just keep silent. You will be amazed that your word will come to you! Live your word and look out. Write down your word so that you can see it every day. Share your word so that others know your focus! Spread the word. Share your excitement with others and tell them about your journey and your transformation for the year! As a guide, let me share my word with you: Intentional. I choose to be intentional in all that I do. Intentional in my work, intentional in my time with my family, and intentional in my actions. Whatever your word is, find it, live it, and share it! I also add: see it! Write it down so that you can refer to it every day! Here is to an amazing new year and new focus! Now go discover your One Word! For those of you who are my friends on Facebook, your one word with me! You can find me @stephanie.rectorduguid. I look forward to hearing about your One Word that will change your life life! EDITOR'S NOTE: Stephanie Duguid is Dean of Academic Instruction at Co-Lin. She is also an athletic trainer and nutrition specialist and has been teaching courses related to those two areas as well as practicing what she preaches for more than twenty years.

The Wesson Garden Club Youth Gardener’s, the Butterbeans heard Mississippi Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Wanda Woodard discuss MDOT’s anti-litter program last month at its regular meeting at American Legion Post 79. The Butterbeans are now saying: “I’m not your mama pick it up!” The Wesson Garden Club is a member of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., Natchez Trace District-Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc.

By Bob Garver “A Man Called Otto” has not been a well-marketed film. The strategy of the film’s advertising seems to be, “You know how Tom Hanks usually plays likeable/heroic characters to go along with his reputation for being a nice guy in real life? Come to this movie to get the opposite of that! See his versatility as he complains in a phony-sounding growly voice for 90% of the movie, followed by a heartwarming turnaround so sweet that most of the audience will be making the universal sign for gagging. It’ll be unpleasant until it isn’t!” First of all, it’s not like Tom Hanks has never gone grouchy before. I can watch everything from “A League of Their Own” to the recent “News of the World” to frankly most of “Toy Story” to see Hanks be grumpy without the movie needing to use it as a selling point. Second, if the film needs to draw that much attention to its unpleasantness, I don’t want to see it. I didn’t want to see “A Man Called Otto,” and would not have gone to see it had it not earned enough money to warrant a review. Fortunately the film worked better in one large dose than it did in several smaller ones. Yes, Hanks’ Otto Anderson spends most of the first act complaining. He complains that rope at the hardware store is sold by the yard and not by the foot. He complains that his neighbors don’t obey simple parking and driving rules in his housing complex. He complains about a stray cat that won’t leave him alone. He complains about his job forcing him to retire. He complains about a real estate company trying to force everyone out of their homes. He complains that America is dying. He’s planning to beat it to the punch, hence the need for the five feet of rope… Otto’s plans keep getting interrupted, usually by neighbors who need him for something. He’s handy with tools and usually willing to do a favor if it means there will be order in the world. The film never delves deeply into his mental health, though he is definitely suffering from depression following the passing of his wife and probably has either OCD or something close to it. It does dwell on his physical health – namely a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I’ve heard the term before, and I had to grit my teeth every time it came up because I knew that its definition would eventually be treated as a punchline. I was right and it was just as painful as I imagined. The ads do get the bare bones of the story and tone right, but what they don’t show is that the movie is very good at showing “why” Otto acts this way. Sometimes his complaints are completely justified, like when he gets into a fight with an antagonistic clown (Otto keeps his temper in check longer than I would have). Sometimes they’re understandable because of things that have happened in Otto’s past. For these scenes, the film brings in Hanks’ son Truman to play a younger version of Otto. These flashbacks may interrupt the flow of the present-day story, but the movie wouldn’t work without them. “A Man Called Otto” ultimately works because the character is more fleshed-out than the advertising makes it seem. It shouldn’t be surprising, given that the role attracted an actor the caliber of Hanks, but things weren’t looking promising at first. As for the character’s grating voice and mannerisms, they’re initially jarring, but you’ll barely notice them after a while. Broad characters like Otto thrive better in two-hour movies where audiences can warm up to them than in spaced-out trailers and commercials where they can be jarring every time. Just like Otto himself, the performance and the movie require some patience, but they shouldn’t be written off. Grade: B- “A Man Called Otto” is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving suicide attempts, and language. Its running time is 126 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

By Bob Arnold Celebrating its 39th birthday this year, Lake Lincoln State Park is expecting to draw up to 16,000 visitors to the Wesson area during 2023. Over nearly four decades, visitors has continued to grow as the park’s peak season has, increasingly, started earlier and stretched further into the fall. While once used mostly by folk from southwest Mississippi, Louisianans now make up the majority of those who stay for a week a more at the park’s 71 camp sites, three cottages and one cabin. Day visitors, including individuals and members of scouting, church and civic and service organizations, enjoy the park facilities as well. Campers from Australia, Canada, France and Germany, among other nations outside the U.S., add an international flare to the crowds. “During our busy season, upwards of 300 persons stay in the park every week,” says park Clerk Rebecca Thigpin, who manages day-to-day operations. “On weekends, we operate at full capacity. We’re at about two thirds of capacity on weekdays. During the off-season, we come down to about one-quarter of capacity. If the weather is good, we have fishermen in the park every day.” The park is open 24/7 throughout the year with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days. "Fishing is always nice," Thigpin says. "A 47-pound catfish and 12-pound bass are not uncommon catches. Watch out for the alligators, however!" The cold weather around the Christmas holidays curbed the customary spike in park use at the end of its slowest time of year during the four weeks after Thanksgiving, but traffic is building with the dawn of the new year. Mardi Gras in early March will mark the beginning of the park’s busy season when its camp sites and other lodging will be fully booked for 30 to 40 weeks. That’s when the first Louisiana visitors come to get away from the noisy celebrations around New Orleans and other cities and towns in their state. This year, for the first time, a low key Mardi Gras parade around the park’s looping roadways will provide a touch of the festivities they left behind, as well as herald the park’s new season. Lincoln Country opened the 1000-acre facility in 1984 as a watershed lake area to control flooding of streams in its northeastern sector, and the State of Mississippi took it over in 1996. It is now the third most used park in the state system, and it ranks in the top 25 among 4,000 parks and campgrounds nationally for water recreation, picnic areas, beaches, fishing, bird-watching, camping, and being “kid-friendly,” according to a Reserve America survey a few years ago. The park’s major feature is its 550-acre lake stocked with brim, large-mouth and striped bass, white perch, and catfish for fishermen who come year-round, and which offers a 1 ½-acre swimming beach and sections for boating and water and jet skiing. The park also has nature trails for hiking, volleyball sand courts, playgrounds with swings and other equipment for kids and a 200-foot walk bridge where fishermen cast their lines. There is even an 18-hole disk golf course where players hurl frisbees towards baskets, rather that hit small balls towards holes. Nestled in the shade of towering hardwood trees are the picnic areas with grills, tables, shelters and two group pavilions; two rebuilt fishing piers, a water skiing pier, a boat dock, laundry facilities, bath houses and the Magnolia Arbor chapel for worship services and weddings, as well as the camping and lodging options. The park sits in a valley and “we tell visitors it is a great place to unplug because cell phone and internet service is problematic,” says Thigpin. But connecting with civilization, if you really want to do it, is one of the park’s off-premises amenities not provided by the state. At Uncle Ray’s, just across from the park’s entrance on Sunset Road, you can find a good cellular phone signal and set up a computer to get email, while picking up needed camping supplies, including food and snacks; buying bait for their fishing adventures, taking out meals or sitting down for lunches and dinners. Besides the convenience store, bait shop and eatery, golfers can play 18 holes of real golf on the Wolf Hollow course at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, a five-mile drive; and hunters can go to Wildlife Management Areas within 30 minutes of the park. Special events, increasingly, are attracting park visitors. For many years, the time around the July 4 holiday has been an occasion for a celebration. At this time, locals tend to join the out-of-towners at the park as both campers and day visitors. This year, the Mardi Gras parade is new. Also new was a camp Halloween trick-or-treat for children. Next year, Thigpin plans an Easter egg hunt, and she is looking to introduce an antique car show and flea market in the future. Current park rates are: Day use : $2 per person per day (under five years old no charge). $6 for special events. Fishing: $5 per person per day (16–64 years old)/$7 with skiing boat, $3 per person per day for disabled and seniors/$6 with skiing boat. Disk golf: $3 per person per day. Cabin: Two-night minimum. $86.50 per day. Cottages: Two-bedroom at $101.65 per day and three-bedroom at $111.35 per day on weekends with a 40 percent weekday discount. Camping Sites: 26 standard with water and electricity for campers at $26.75 per day, 22 fully equipped with water, electricity and sewage facilities for campers at $29.96 per day and 21 premium fully equipped for campers on the lake front at $34.24 per day. 14 primitive sites for tents near the beach and a bath house with no amenities at $18.19 per day. Small pavilions suitable for 60 persons: $48.15 per day plus entrance fee. Large pavilions for 100-150 persons: $58.85 per day plus entrance fee. The park also sells hunting and fishing licenses. Joshua Hinton based at Percy Quin State Park at McComb, Mississippi, is the regional manager of Lake Lincoln State Park. Its local staff includes Thigpin, Randy Chance, maintenance supervisor; and Cynthia Durr, housekeeper. For information, contact Lake Lincoln (2573 Sunset Road North East, Wesson, MS 39191) at 601-643-9044.

I read this again the other day. “I will NEVER quit fighting to win against the enemy in my life. After all my bullets are gone from shooting my gun, then I’ll throw that blasted thing at ‘em. When that doesn’t work, then I’ll use my body to punch, kick and bite my way to freedom. And if I still haven’t won when all my teeth are knocked out in the fight, then I’ll try to gum him to death. BUT I WILL NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT!” You are breathing and that means you have a negative challenge in your life - guaranteed. Finances, illness, addiction, lies about you, heartbreak, physical pain, family controversy…something is hurting you. And after struggling long and hard, it can seem that you will never find an answer. So, you can eventually be tempted to give up. But folks, even as hard as it is, don’t you dare give up your fight. Here’s why. If you quit trying, you have absolutely zero chance of winning. The very second you stop struggling, you wear a stamp on your heart that says “Totally Defeated.” And total defeat leads to hopelessness. Hopelessness can lead to internalized anger, and hopelessness combined with that anger can push you into depression. A black hole that consumes your thoughts, feelings and actions. Kind of compares to existing in a dark windowless dungeon. Life turns a dull gray, with no spark of interest in your days. But if you decide to get stubborn and stay fighting, then you still stand a chance. A chance that disappears completely when you simply surrender. Even slim as that tiny chance may seem, it is the one thing that will keep your hope alive inside of you. And if you take an even better step - deciding to bare your pain to someone you can trust to be on your side - then you increase the chances of keeping your hope. A struggle shared can mean the burden feels just a little lighter – unless you chose your battle companion badly. Find someone who will listen carefully to you. Someone you can trust to not gossip about you. To be loyal. To care deeply about your pain. To be creative in trying to find solutions for you, when you are too exhausted by the fight to even try anymore. To even whisper a prayer every day on your behalf. To NEVER GIVE UP. Get that kind of person in your corner. Then you have a fighter beside you, a believer who won’t throw in the towel, a thinker who will keep pushing you to look for new answers, and a shoulder to cry on when a solution hasn’t surfaced yet. Rare is the person who is truly more effective as a lone Ninja Warrior. We humans are not built for waging war all alone – or for giving up.

American literature wouldn’t be without Mississippi, which has produced some of the world’s most iconic authors -- William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams, to name a few. To pay homage to these icons and other writers who have contributed to America’s literary greatness, Mississippi highlights landmarks throughout the state on a Writer’s Trail – an educational tour with stops at birthplaces, homes and gravesites where historical markers in the shape of an open book flag places and events in their lives. Regarded as a literary giant, William Faulkner’s work helped him become one of the most famous authors to ever put words on paper. For his contributions to American literature, Faulkner was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949 and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1955. To commemorate the wildly successful career of William Faulkner and great novels like The Sound and the Fury, his Oxford, MS, estate Rowan Oak, is a public tour site. Faulkner spent most of his time creating his literary masterpieces there. Minutes from downtown Oxford, the house sits on 29 acres. Guests are welcome to tour the grounds, as well as the home. Inside, the walls on which Faulkner wrote help bring his works to life. The famed Eudora Welty was known to be one of the best short story writers of the twentieth century, winning a Pulitzer Prize for her timeless classic The Optimist’s Daughter. Her home in Jackson’s historic Belhaven neighborhood is also a public tour site today. There she wrote most of her work, including essays on gardening. Welty lived in the home for nearly 80 years. In addition to touring the home, guests can visit her personal garden, which has been beautifully maintained. Arguably one of the most iconic American playwrights to have lived is Tennessee Williams, who created numerous classics, including A Street Car Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He won a Pulitzer Prize for both. To this day, his work continues to be featured on stages and screens, as well as studied in schools across the country. Born in Columbus, Mississippi, Williams was raised in a modest Victorian-style home. The home was in danger of being torn down in the early 1990s, as it was the rectory of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The church intended to demolish the home as part of its expansion plan, but it was deemed a historic landmark and is now a tour site. Open to the public, the playwright’s childhood home now serves as the welcome center for the City of Columbus. That’s just the beginning. Throughout the state, assorted writers have contributed to America’s literary greatness. Others are: Margaret Walker Alexander (Margaret Walker Center, Jackson State University – Jackson, MS) Shelby Foote (E. E. Bass Cultural Arts Center – Greenville, MS) Walker Percy (E. E. Bass Cultural Arts Center – Greenville, MS) Elizabeth Spencer (Merrill Museum – Carrollton, MS) Ida B. Wells (Rust College – Holly Springs, MS) Richard Wright (George W. Armstrong Library – Natchez, MS) Anne Moody (Louis Gaulden and Riquita Jackson Family Memorial Park – Centreville, MS) Dorothy Shawhan (Wright Gallery of Kethley Hall, Delta State University – Cleveland, MS) Richard Ford (Carnegie Public Library – Clarksdale, MS) Willie Morris (Yazoo Triangle Cultural Center – Yazoo City, MS) EDITOR’S NOTE: Information provided by Visit Mississippi – the Tourism Division of the Mississippi Development Authority (501 N. West Street, Jackson, MS 39202), which offers assistance and advice to travelers looking to make Mississippi their vacation destination. Contact 601-359-3449 or tinquiry@mississipi.org.

Co-Lin’s Workforce Education Department facilitated Commercial Truck Driving (CDL) training this fall on the Wesson Campus. Over five weeks, students completed theory and road-time requirements in preparation for a road test which is included in the cost of the class. Dwight Brown was the instructor. “We are thrilled to add these Workforce Education Commercial Truck Driving classes to our catalog of classes,” Jackie Martin, Co-Lin Wesson Campus Vice President said. “This move responds to industry requests, and we are looking forward to providing well prepared employees.” Students can enroll now for an upcoming CDL session starting January 9, 2023. The registration deadline is December 14. Training sessions is available at both the Simpson County Center in Mendenhall, MS, and on the Wesson Campus. Additional information is available at www.colin.edu/workforcecdl, or may by calling 601-643-8707. Enrollees must have obtained a CDL permit prior to the class start.

Bryon Conville of Magee has been named Co-Lin’s District Director of Learning Resources. Conville has served as the Librarian for Co-Lin’s Simpson County Center since the campus opened in 2005. In his new role, he will oversee library and learning resources for all three of Co-Lin’s campuses, maintaining digital resource access for state consortia and institutional resources, serving as the administrator of the Integrated Library System, maintaining the college archives, acquiring and cataloging library resources, supervising Wesson Campus library staff and representing the college at local, state, and national library activities. Conville earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Auburn University, a master’s degree in library service from the University of Alabama, and a master’s degree in English from William Carey University. “We are excited for Byron Conville in his new role as District Director of Learning Resources,” said Co-Lin Dean of Academic Instruction Dr. Stephanie Duguid. “He brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience developing a library from the ground up and from his many years in large multi-scale interactive libraries in other states. He loves encouraging student interaction and plans to bring enhancing college and community activities to fruition.” Conville received Co-Lin’s Howell C. Garner High Performance Award in 2006, Co-Lin’s Simpson County Center Outstanding Faculty/Staff Member in 2015, Humanities Instructor of the Year in 2017, and the Trillium Yearbook Dedication in 2020. He is also a graduate of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy.

By Kara Kimbrough Forgetting one of my “favorites” from the Top Restaurant Meals and Supermarket Products of 2022" list – the Burger-Burger at the Biloxi restaurant by the same name - triggered a train of thought that ultimately led to a list of some of the best sandwiches in Mississippi. In case it appears I’m being forgetful again – after all, isn’t something called “Burger-Burger” actually a, well, burger? The answer is…"not really" and here’s why. This delicious creation, a favorite of Coast residents, tourists and food critics from around the U.S., has been served in some form or another at various Coast locations since 1947, when the sandwich came over from New Orleans with Abbie and Mildred Brunies. First, it was a staple at a neighborhood diner on Benachi Avenue in downtown Biloxi. After an ownership change, the diner moved to Ocean Springs in the 90’s before relocating 20 years ago to its current spot in a humble wooden building on Howard Ave. After reading and writing about Burger-Burger for a few years but never actually sampling it, I finally found the time to stop in for a leisurely meal last summer. Sitting outside on porch underneath a ceiling fan, I quickly unwrapped the long sandwich wrapped in butcher paper. After examining it from all angles, in my opinion the Burger-Burger isn’t actually a po’boy or burger. Encased in a bun that appears to be a cross between a long, narrow hoagie roll, soft baguette and French bread are grilled burger patties, sautéed onions, mustard and a unique burger/chili sauce unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. To say it’s utterly delicious is an understatement. I’ve returned to Burger-Burger to see if my initial experience was a fluke and I assure you, it wasn’t. Each time, the flavorful burger/po’boy/sandwich was exactly as I’d remembered. Even a to-go order that spent a few hours in a cooler on ice and was reheated when I returned home retained every bit of the goodness of one fresh from the oven. Without further ado, here are a few other exemplary sandwiches that are worth a try. They’re ones I’ve personally experienced or have recently learned about from friends: Saltine’s Comeback Chicken Sandwich – If you haven’t visited this unique restaurant in the old Duling School building in Jackson, it’s time for a visit. One of the best things on the menu is this outstanding sandwich. It consists of a buttermilk and pickle-brined fried chicken breast topped with comeback slaw and pickles. Quite simply one of the best sandwiches you’ll find in the Capital City or anywhere for that matter. Sal and Phil’s Muffaletta – Muffalettas are one of my favorite sandwiches, so I’m picky about the taste and preparation anywhere I find one. One of the best can be found at Ridgeland’s Sal & Phil’s, known for above-average seafood and Cajun dishes of all varieties. Oby’s Roast Beef – This college town stalwart has consistently served good food to starving students and many others for decades. A staple on the menu (one I sampled years ago but still retains its deliciousness) is the roast beef. Thinly-sliced roast beef is topped with cheese and homemade gravy. It's a sandwich whose goodness keeps on giving. Ubon’s Pulled Pork – Yazoo City’s award-winning barbecue restaurant usually attracts diners looking for ribs and wings, but don’t overlook the sandwiches, especially the pulled pork topped with their signature sauce. The Tomato Place’s Fried Green Tomato BLT – Friends’ recommendation of this interesting eatery in Vicksburg caused me to put The Tomato Place on my list of places to visit in 2023. A favorite of the couple was the Fried Green Tomato BLT served on the restaurant’s homemade sourdough bread. Thinking about all these wonderful sandwiches caused me to head to the supermarket to find the ingredients for one to make at home. Here’s a recipe for one that’ll check all the boxes when searching for a healthy, delicious and quick meal. The Best Salmon Sandwich You'll Ever Make 2-3 wild-caught salmon pieces (I used the frozen variety), cooked according to package directions and flaked into small pieces) ½ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1 stalk celery, chopped 2 tablespoons pickle relish 1 teaspoon Dijon relish 2 teaspoons lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Lettuce Purple onion slices Place all ingredients in a bowl and combine. Butter and lightly toast bread long enough to make it slightly crispy. Spoon salmon mixture onto bread along with lettuce leaf and purple onion slices (optional). Note: Makes 2 sandwiches; simply increase ingredients for additional sandwiches. Tuna can be substituted for salmon with similar results. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.