By Guest Columnist Anna Coates Copiah County District Attorney Daniela Shorter and Assistant District Attorney Pat Beasley discussed the “Castle Doctrine” at Sheriff Byron Swilley’s quarterly meeting with citizens last month at the Gallman Safe Room. The Sheriff’s meetings provide an opportunity for him to hear citizen concerns and share information. In September, he brought the ADAs. The “Castle Doctrine” holds that persons are legally defending their homes and property against trespassers even if they use deadly force, but ADAs Beasley and Shorter made clear that it is not law and there is no guarantee that a defendant claiming justifiable homicide is not guilty of murder. “You may post your property with ‘no trespassing’ signage, but that does not give you a right to use a weapon to kill trespassers on your property,” ADA Beasley said. ADA Shorter added: “The guidelines are extremely strict in determining whether homicide is justified.” Three questions, they said, apply to the presence and actions of persons claiming justifiable homicide under the “Castle Doctrine” in defending a home, vehicle or business: Do they have a right to be in the place where an incident has happened? Have they caused a violent confrontation as the aggressor or immediate provoker? Are they engaged in unlawful activity in their homes, vehicles or businesses? ADA Beasley summarized: “It is important to realize the consequences of ending someone’s life. Are you yourself in mortal danger, in fear of your life? Or are you mad about theft or damage to your property? Ending a life means you will be arrested and charged, and your case will go to the grand jury. You do not automatically get a pass because you and others feel that you had reasonable cause for your action. The members of the grand jury will consider the evidence and apply the law. Were you reasonably in fear of death, or not? The power to indict or dismiss is solely in the hands of the grand jury after considering the case as presented by the prosecution and the defense.” Attendees raised “what if” questions, but left with a clearer understanding of the “Castle Doctrine.” Sheriff Swilley thanked Shorter and Beasley for their presentation, and reminded the audience to refer to the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for breaking news and information. EDITOR’S NOTE: Anna Coates covers Copiah County for Wesson News.

“I hate this, I don’t want to have to go thru this!” Don’t blame you for feeling that. But sometimes, maybe you need ‘this’. Maybe, it’s going to prepare you for something that is coming your way, years from now. Or just maybe, it is to shape you into becoming a better person. Truth is, your Creator knows you, and knows exactly what’s needed in your life. But let’s face it, most of us human race members are self-oriented and really despise hurting. We detest not having things go exactly the way we want them to go. Totally dislike when certain people don’t act and react the way we want them to. Somehow, we seem to feel that we should be treated special, and all bad stuff should stay the heck away from us. And we are extremely glad to voice our opinion of how unfair it is when something bad does happen to us. But when hurtful things happen to someone else, somehow that doesn’t cause us near as much heartburn. When a barely tolerated co-worker suffers unfairly, some will react with, “That’s okay with me. After all, they deserve it, the way they always act around here.” And if a neighbor suffers thru a horrible event, “Well yeah, that is a tough one. But, ya know, what goes around comes around. They probably needed to come down a peg or two, always behaving like they own the world. Guess they’re gonna see life from us regular people’s level now.” And yes, if a beloved friend has a tragedy happen in their life, then friends and neighbors will rally around them to help and console…for a little while. “But, after all, life must go on, and everyone has to get back to normal sooner or later.” Want an example that people are naturally self-oriented? Easy. Just watch and listen to a baby. Concern for his exhausted Mom is not anywhere on the radar of that infant. He just insists on being fed when he feels that first pang of hunger. And if he wants a clean diaper, that baby will let whoever is in earshot know it – loudly. If he is lonely, or sleepy, or angry, then he will demand that someone in his universe fix it. We humans are probably the most automatically self-centered creatures ever made. Oh, we can overcome that inborn ‘Me first and always’ instinct, but that is definitely not our go-to attitude in life. Yep, we are born totally fixated on ME. We have to be taught that others deserve our love, care and respect, just as much as ourself. And that teaching is supposed to begin with parents training their kid to be unselfish and kind. And then training continues, with life applying its firm hand of discipline to our stubborn and self-centered backsides. And if parents neglect to do their job? Never fear, often life seems to take over and do double-duty to make up for them.

By Kara Kimbrough To borrow a phrase uttered by a friend this week on social media… “Don’t fight me about this!” The difference between her statement and mine lies in one key fact. She made the comment while posting photos of her already-decorated Christmas tree, thereby bypassing Thanksgiving. I’m here to make the argument that Thanksgiving and all its glory should be given its due. I feel it’s my job to share a few time-saving ways that might help you appreciate Thanksgiving before Christmas takes over our world. First, a segment on The Today Show on how to prep for Thanksgiving now caused me to rewind the DVR and take in some simple, but truly valuable tips shared by a cooking expert. Calling her list, “Thanksgiving Checklist 101,” she ran down a list of easy-to-accomplish tasks to make the big day a little easier: 1. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer, throwing out old leftovers and out-of-date condiments to make room for the good stuff to come. While you’re at it, give the shelves a thorough cleaning by scrubbing with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. OK, I added that last sentence, primarily because it’s something I really need to do. 2. Here’s a tip I thought was absolutely genius. Review your baking recipes and measure out dry ingredients, i.e., 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons baking powder, etc., Then store each pre-measured ingredient in a separate airtight clear containers Use a Sharpie to label each container with the ingredient/amount. Stack the containers in a clear box labeled “Thanksgiving baking,” set aside and you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to bake. 3. Make ahead more than you ever thought possible. Items like cranberry sauce, dressing and mashed potatoes can be made now, providing extra time for the turkey and last-minute baking nearer to Thanksgiving. Pour cranberry sauce in a clear, airtight container, label and place in the fridge. Dressing can be stirred together and frozen in a tightly-covered baking dish, then defrosted and fully baked just before the main meal. Mashed potatoes can be completely cooked before being frozen in a flattened Ziploc bag until the big day. I saved the best for last: pies. I recommend baking your own, especially if adequate preparation and baking time exist. However, sometimes additional guests arrive or there simply isn’t time for pie-baking. That’s where store-bought pies come into play. After doing a little research, I can attest that supermarket pies are more than acceptable for this important pie-specific holiday. Many bakeries and delis sell delicious fresh pies, but for this taste test, I concentrated on frozen varieties. Marie Callender’s Lattice Apple and Southern Pecan Pies are heavy favorites among everyone that sampled a variety of pies for my pie taste-testing session. I purchased both pies and for comparison purposes, Mrs. Edwards Pecan Pie. The unscientific taste test was unanimous. Marie Callender’s pies are quite simply, really, really good. First out of the oven was the lattice apple pie. With a crunchy, sugary crust and dense filling of thick chunks of apples and the right amount of spices, it was the best frozen pie I’d ever tasted. Placed in your own pie plate, it could pass as homemade. Likewise, Marie’s pecan pie lives up to its own billing as a pie “brimming with a sweet and luscious filling topped with plenty of crisp pecan halves and pieces in a flaky, made-from-scratch crust.” Mrs. Edwards’ version was acceptable, but lost votes due to a so-so crust, semi-soft whole pecans and a gelatinous caramel filling. Other frozen varieties food reviewers gave high marks are Whole Foods’ Vermont Mystic Apple Pie and a Marie Callender’s pumpkin pie, which I didn't include in my test. Next week I’ll share a few classic recipes as well as tips on, from personal experience, how to cook Thanksgiving dinner and live to tell the tale. If you’re still determined to bake your own pie, send me an email and I’ll share my grandmother’s unparalleled recipe for Dutch apple pie. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Department of Homeland Security is hosting a free webinar for those interested in serving. The webinar will be held on November 15 from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm. Please pass this along to anone who may benefit from this opportunity. Interested individuals can register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DHSisHiring-Nov15

By Bob Garver NOTE: This film is available in both “Subbed” (Japanese spoken with English subtitles) and “Dubbed” (English spoken with no subtitles) versions. This review is based on the Subbed version. This past weekend was a slow, awkward one at the domestic box office. With surefire hit “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” opening next weekend, not many new releases were eager to step up and do well for exactly one weekend before getting obliterated. “Black Adam” continued its reign in the #1 spot, while horror movies fell like rocks into Charlie Brown’s trick-or-treat bag now that Halloween is over. Things were so bad that niche anime “One Piece Film: Red” was able to come in at a relatively strong #2. Unlike that “Dragon Ball” movie from a few months ago, I had never even heard of this franchise before I learned its movie was getting a wide release. And unlike that “Jujutsu Kaisen” movie from earlier this year, I’m not particularly happy to have been introduced to it. The film takes place in a world overrun by pirates. The government and military have vowed to wipe out the pirates, but otherwise they do nothing to help victimized civilians. Pop star Uta has heard the pleas of the masses and has agreed to perform a free concert to give everyone a reprieve from pirates and misery. Good-hearted pirate Luffy and his crew attend the concert, and it turns out that Uta and Luffy grew up together, mentored by wise pirate “Red-Haired” Shanks. Uta is happy to see Luffy again after all these years, but she’s not happy that he’s still a pirate, good or otherwise. Moreover, she has a plan to make sure that everybody gets to enjoy the concert forever and never have to worry about pirates, corruption, work, school, or sadness ever again. Of course, anybody who wants to shield the world from life like that is going to be a villain. Uta’s plan is basically to trap the population in a sort of dream world while their unconscious bodies wither and die. It’s up to Luffy and his crew, and later Shanks, to stop her. The government might also intervene by blowing up the entire concert, but hopefully it won’t come to that. Maybe Uta can be convinced to snap out of her derangement herself, as we learn more about her motivations and tragic past. One thing’s for sure, whatever happens, we’ll get lots of that confusing anime-style fighting where impacts and damage are assigned seemingly at random. There were things I liked about “One Piece Film: Red.” Uta is a sympathetic character and her songs are beautiful. Villain songs are usually my favorites in Disney musicals, and here we get at least two, maybe more if you retroactively count early ones before Uta’s heel turn is official. And some of the comedy works, in that manic-anime-energy sort of way. But then there’s the biggest detriment to the film, which is that it’s just so darn confusing. The cast is top-heavy on characters, Uta’s plan is convoluted, and the action is near-impossible to follow. I couldn’t even tell if a certain character was alive or dead at the end. Nor do I have any idea why the film is called “One Piece Film: Red.” I assume the “Red” refers to Shanks and his hair, and it is undeniably a film, but otherwise I haven’t the foggiest. Yes, I’m coming into this movie without a lick of knowledge about “One Piece Film” lore, and established fans will probably get more out of this movie than I did, but I can’t say that I found this to be an effective entry point into this series. There’s an effort being made here, but for a non-fan like me, there’s a headache-y quality that the film never quite manages to shake. Grade: C “One Piece Film: Red” is rated PG-13 for violence, suggestive material and language. Its running time is 115 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

By Bob Arnold The Wesson holiday season begins today with the annual community luncheon at Co-Lin, setting the stage for the highlight of the season here – the town’s Christmas parade on Friday, December 2. In the weeks ahead, food, fellowship and holiday cheer inspired by music, lights and decorations combine to create a unique season in Wesson and throughout southwest Mississippi. At its Thames Center today, Co-Lin is hosting its annual community luncheon with a traditional Thanksgiving style luncheon featuring turkey, ham, country vegetables, salads and a variety of desserts prepared by Chris McSweyn, the town’s premier chef, who cooked so many holiday meals at Porches Restaurant over the years and has settled in as the college’s top chef. The festivities with the buffet meal and the fellowship characterized by organizations and families coming together at tables begin at 11 a.m. and run until 1:30 p.m. The $20 per person price includes meal, beverage, dessert, tax & gratuity. This is the nineteenth year for the event, and will bring some 300 persons, including Co-Lin employees, members of community social and civic organizations, employees of area businesses, families and individuals who will be on hand. The community event evolved from a 2002 marketing showcase of the college’s Thames Conference Center facilities and food service into a venue for food, fun and fellowship involving an increasingly wider community. The community comes together again, with people lining Highway 51 downtown to welcome Santa Claus as part of an old fashioned small town parade. The Christmas parade, which had to be scaled back in 2020 because of COVID 19 pandemic precautions, came back bigger and better last year and will continue as the big town event it has been throughout its history. It will roll at 4 p.m. on December 2, going south through town and then back north. Ken Carraway, who is the primary parade planner as Chief of the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD), is still recruiting participants, but you count on Wesson Police Department’s siren-blaring cars leading the procession followed by fire trucks from WVFD and other Copiah County fire departments and marchers from the American Legion. Co-Lin’s Blue Wave Show Band and the Wesson High School marching band will provide Christmas music. The exuberance of the Collette dancers and cheerleading squad from Co-Lin and Nena Smith Dance Studio marchers will create a celebratory mood. There will be floats and vehicles that feature members of the Wesson High School homecoming court and beauty and beau winners, area government officials, business leaders and community service volunteers. Santa, as usual, will be at the rear of the parade, assuring that the crowd stays to the very end. He will head to the fire house to meet kids from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. to hear their gift wishes and provide goodies from his bag. Cookies and punch will be served there. Lights and decorations on Highways 51 and side streets downtown – installed by WVFD personnel on utility poles the Sunday before the parade (November 27) -- will provide an appropriate Christmas ambiance. Anyone who would like to participate in the parade should contact the fire department through email (wessonfd@gmail.com) or phone (601-265-1694). There will be a registration form on the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.

Superintendent’s List All A’s First Grade: Alyvia Brooke Bacot, Delilah Brooke Beckerson, Mason Jeremiah Beckerson, Rylie Danielle Brown, Gatlin Mikell Burch, Emilia Mallory Case, Sami Elizabeth Curole, Karly Kay Dowd, Siya Ann Esponge, Kennedy Ann Garcia, Tateam Isley Grubbs, Hadley Grace Heard, Whitley Faith Heard, Paisley Ann Martin, Charleston Belle Nunnery, Austin Ray Owens, Kyaan Pannu, Shelby Elizabeth Ponder, Nyluh Rayne Smith, Magnolia Marie Spears, Ian Santiago Torres – Agustin, Dylan Rufino Torres Agustin, Aiden Matthew Verdin, Colton Lane Wall, Ansley Lela Williams, Jordan Rayne Williams, Braxton Cole Wilson. Second Grade: Abigail Taylor Brooks, Colton Nickoles Craft, Jaxon Roger Keith Dunn, Liam Brady Hamilton, Gourney Quade Hunley, Cooper Michael King, Bentley Hicks Luke, Lakenn Faith Luke, Timothy Peck Newman, Graycee Nevaeh Orgeron, Bristol Lee Rorie, London Paris Wallace, Taylor Price Warren, Clark Dean-Kraft Whitaker, Maleigh RaeAnn Williams. Third Grade: Paris Marie Beasley, Derren Jess Brister, Jr., Bently Easton Burns, Franco Joshua Gonzalez-Sanchez, Leighton Alaine Hall, Cole Russell Harris, Laken Dakota Hogan, Abigail Grace Holloway, Makinley Ann Johnson, Reagan Nicole Johnson, Huntley Ty Rushing, Ella Walker Shelton, Braxton Thomas Shoemake, James Brantley Smith. Fourth Grade: Joshua Cottrell Armistad, Taylor Rae’ Brown, Katie Grace Garcia, Laney Brooke Hamilton, Amy Joyce Hill-Ramirez, Karaily Faith Russell, Alexander Hayes Touchstone, Aubree Rose Williams. Fifth Grade: Jaiyana Minyon Barlow, Haley Lane Bates, Avalyna Carol Becerra, Mason Reed Brister, Lyla Joan Formby, Jackson Daniel James, Addison Ruth Lee, Bailey Marie Lee, Haydn Alan Rushing, Baylee Katheryn Smith. Sixth Grade: Emory Lee Britt, Andrew Tyler Brooks, Rowan Christina Clarke, Mikelyn Anne Douglas, Weston Emory Hughes, Jaxton R P Hunley, Grant Young Hynum, Evan Scott Lambright, Sarah Grace Logan, Robert Malcolm Lowery, III, Meredith Kate McKenzie, Anna Linley Newell, Anne Houston Peets, Thomas Brody Ponder, Brooks Alexander Shoemake, Caroline Rose Smith. Seventh Grade: Matthew Ayden Branch, Sean Ethan Cooper, Elijah Criten Dollar, Adyson Rose Dowd, Kathryn Elaine Hewitt, Michaella Noble, Addison Brylee Rorie, Allyson Blair Selman. Eighth Grade: Micqueal Antonisha Berry, Lucas Paul Bowlin, Riley Beth Bush, Jaycee Kelly Heard, Wesley Nathaniel Loy, Alice Van-Anh Luong, Mackenzie Claire Mire, Elizabeth Claire Moulder, Taylor Brooke Murray, Bently Kirsten Roberson, Jaide Leeanne Shoop, Anye Lashai Tanner, Madyson Brooke Westrope, Molly Nicole Westrope. Ninth Grade: Jaxon Valor Barlow, Trinity Rain Breland, Dakiyah Kristian Butler, Brendon Robert Duguid, Noah Nelson Marion Howell, Alana Caroline Hux, Tripp Radford Martin, Brynden Joanna Rogers, Kylie Morgan Rorie, Dakota Rose Rushing, Samuel Cade Scopel, Maddisen Faith Staats, Ty Rustyn Turner, Destiny Faye Yaskovic. Tenth Grade: Joycelyn Makayla Elizabeth Barner, Lilly Kate Channell, Taylor Nicole Davis, DeMarrion Ahmmad Dixon, Wyatt Zolon Garrett, Allison Paige Hamilton, Mary Gwyn Hynum, Gracyn Jewell Martin, Benjamin Conner McKenzie, Hunter Blaylock Meredith, Eric Roland Merrill, Kalana Marie Nhem, Maggie Grace Runnels, Aubree Lee Smith, William Cotton Westbrook, Emileigh Hayden Woodson. Eleventh Grade: Ethan Stanley Bonsall, Ja’niyah La’shae Byther, Alan Tin Luong, Kaylee Layne Prine, Hailey Nicole Walker, Julianna Rose Wilson, Karen Itzel Zarate Lopez. Twelfth Grade: Kalyn Nicole Benton, Harlan Landon Brewer, Akiria Monet Brown, Marley Grace Channell, Jaylynn Brooke Cloy, Grayson Cole Coates, Lena Grace Coleman, Sarajo Elizabeth Dear, Kayleigh Alexis Freeman, Ethan James Laird, William Rush Loy, Alexander Duc Luong, Madalynn Grace McManus, Hannah Leann Meredith, Slayd Haze Oswalt, Taylor Kay Papizan, Gabriel Brennon Selman, Jayonce’ Alzatia’ Stewart, Caleb Wallace Sutton. Principal’s Honor Roll First Grade: John Abel Brewer, Quincy Cortez Brown, Gavin Louis Dickerson, Mathew James Dunn, Lucas Robert Givens, Azalea Norma Carroll Harrison, Autumn Rae Ann Howard, Kyng Landon Lamon Howard, Emma Layne Howell, Olivia Jean Parsons, Savannah Lee Raiford, Colton Eli Rice, Lily Mae Sims, Myles Martin Smith, Nariah Layne Smith, Austin Paul Stogner, Mila Elizabeth Olivia Wallace, Summer Monquie Wallace, Chase Gerald Wallen, Braxton Isham Walls, William Scott Warren, Owen James-Kraft Whitaker. Second Grade: Kade D’wayne Banks, Emilie Elizabeth Caballero, Eli Hunter Carr, Zymiria Nayana Crawford, Montzerrat Betzabhet Gonzalez, Joanna Michelle Hill-South, Charles Ray Jordan, Lucas Corey June, James Henry Logan, Sarah Elliot Oberschmidt, Klaylon Tucker Layne Russell, Hayden Skye Ryan, Paisley Noell Skinner, Connor Jacob Tassin, Jayce Dean Taylor, Gannon Owen O’Bryant Tompkins, Ashton Shawn Watson, Kaden Wayne Westrope. Third Grade: Madalyn Rose Benton, Addisyn Elaine Coleman, Jayce Donnell Coleman, Madelynn Faye Coleman, Braylee Michelle Davis, Matilda Rivers Dugas, Asher Rhodes Formby, Emma Grace Howard, Georgia Rose Jackson, Griffin Reed Newell, Kori Catherine Peets, Jamiah J’ream Robinson, Whitman Joseph Lloyd Rogers, Brantly Wayne Strickland, Garrett Tyler Victory, Antonio Terrell Walker, Jr. Fourth Grade: Ambernae Unique Armstrong, Jonathan Tyler Beckerson, Whisper Grace Breland, Jude Anakin Carr, Luis Gustavo Flores-De La Cruz, Aiden Andrew Gemelli, Zacari Janae Giles, Charleigh Bree Howell, Mark Kypton Lofton, Sadie Bao Nhi Nguyen, Leah Grace Norman, Matthew Dewayne Shannon, Molli Ann Shannon, Mary Travis Smith, Keagan Timothy-Dale Stevens, Lily-Ann Faith Sykes, Kendall Claire Turner, Molly Grace Waltman, Grayson Kendall Westmorland, Evelyn Jayne Westrope, Jeremy Tyree Williams, Addilee Denise Windom, Sydney Alette Yaskovic. Fifth Grade: Ja’thai Danielle Burrows, Case Henry Cliburn, Janella Sophia Coleman, Annie Rose Lynne Cuevas, Lucian Gabriel Darce’, Loretta Ruth Daugherty, Jess Riles Cameron Douglas, Glory Ra’elasha Freeman, James Darnell Harvey, II, Brennan Delaney Holder, James Dalton Jackson, Lillian Grace Jackson, Adelyn Grace Jefcoat, Colson Drake Lee, Mae Reeves Logan, Makenzee Miller, Rylan Bo Morgan, Jon Carter Morris, Ellison Kate Powell, Lexie Catherine Ryan, Kaylee Elizabeth Sills, William Laikin Tarver, Karleigh Isabella Wallace, Rushten Keith Williams. Sixth Grade: Kaden Blake Allen, Braeleigh Addison Barnett, Carson Alexander Barrington, Walker Jake Breazeale, Brenton Austin Brewer, Celena Jade Brewer, Jazmyn Tacari Brown, Levi Montgomery Campbell, Aubrey Tatum Carraway, Kaden Robert Conner, Kaia Jade Denson, Angel Olivia Derouen, Jaicee Rayne Durr, Bennett Lane Ebarb, Christina Louise Elkins, Ryker Jace Gladden, Brandon Michael Gross, Addison Mackinzie Guillory, Makyia Natori Jackson, David Eli Jeffery, Ryleigh Elizabeth Jeffreys, Kennedi Grace Nicole Johnson, Tucker Elliott Martin, Jayden Alden Miller, Tyler Lane Morris, Preston Wayne Morse, Adalyn Claire Prestridge, Joseph Isaac Purviance, Madison Grace Rowley, Jason Wyatt Runnels, Skyla Tran Sandoval, Nathaniel Allyn Shoemaker, Isabella Nicole Shoop, Halle Elaine Short, Mackenzie Ann Smith, Megan Michelle Thedford, Hayden Ryan Tucker, Hartley Victoria Walker, Collin Blake Watts, Chastin Zion Wilson. Seventh Grade: Traden Jjuan Barlow, Anna Frances Caballero, Zaxton Layne Carona, Kenslie Jerldine Carter, Ashley Marie Chamblee, Kayla Rhea Clingan, Payton Calynn Cloy, Adalynn Rayne Coleman, Isaiah Jordan Cook, David Antonio Fultz, Jr., Ellisa Eden Hall, Laina Brooke Hart, Tristan Gaige Holloway, Brandon Michael Hutt, Aleyia Laurie Kees, Braydon Seth McNair, Slade Easton Oberschmidt, Tiffany Marie Rials, Phypher Lyn Roberts, Allie Dawn Ryan, Madelyn Elaine Sanders, Isabella Grace Sills, Kimberly Silvan Martinez, Brandon Alston Thomas, Laiken Mikell Thomas, Canderous Paul White. Eighth Grade: Flint Enoch Ahlberg, William Nolan Barlow, Stacie Nicole Berch, Tyler Lance Berch, Braiden Edmond Bowman, Presley Ann Bridges, Caylie Klaire Britt, Madelynn Rene’ Brooks, Brooke Rayne Cline, Layton Wayne Cloy, Kali Nicole Denson, Layton Allen Earls, Yessenia Silvan Gonzalez, Austin Matthew Hamilton, Zechariah Caleb Holloway, Daniel Scott Hurtado, Laci Lynn King, Levi Ervin Lockhart, Ethan Daniel Martin, Bryant Parker Robbins, Dawson Blaine Selman, Jacey Mikayla Shannon, Charley Ann Shelton, Kevin Terrell Smith, Laynee Brooke Thaxton, Blayten Wayne Windom, Ava Grayce Woodson, Matthew Ridge Yeager. Ninth Grade: Jamera Tyonna Jenise Black, Blair Mitchell Boyd, Charles Tate Brister, Brandon Parker Brooks, Abigail Marina Cameron, Conner Miles Davis, Lacy Morgan Erwin, Lexi Lang Ferguson, Maria McKenzie Hall, John-Brayden James, Jakyiah Telia Johns, Macy Rebecca Loy, Katherine Blair Mathis, Ruston Dayne Newman, Katherine Rae Norwood, Lexi Grace Prestridge, Sullivan Mckenzie Roberts, Gustavo Ruiz-Garcia, Baylor Lane Smith, Sydney Aleigh Thomas, Aiden Keith Wallace, Sydnee Layne Westrope, Caeden Blake Williams, Jack Henry Wilson, Mary Margaret Woods. Tenth Grade: Mason Aubrey Ashley, Abbey Caroline Berch, Sa’niya Donya Brice, Michael Chase Britt, Cailley Elise Duplantis, Laney Kate Earls, Myles Rue Elkins, Mallory Renea Ezell, Zariah Cortniana Jackson, Austin Elijah Johnson, Ella Marie Logan, Trevor Michael McRee, Manuel Heith Miller, Peyton Michael Mire, Brianna Grace Myers, Amber Ellen Nicole Schillings, Lucas Baldwin Shelton, Yadhira Alexandra Silvan Martinez, Tiara Emily Tronstad, Jakobi Chayne Ward, Taylor Marlayne Watson, Avery Anna Watts. Eleventh Grade: Rachel Charleigh Anderson, Aidan Ameer Brice, Hannah Chesley Cameron, Shelia Samantha Casanova, Brandon Davis Ebarb, Cloe Nicole Elkins, Matthew Gaven Mitchell, Abby Nicole Mooney, Mara Grace Norwood, Mallory Elise Sanders, Melody Lynn Waltman. Twelfth Grade: Orrin Tyler Ainsworth, Coleman Wade Bonds, Noah Zane Brister, Dawson Caid Butler, Abbie Grace Edwards, Olivia Lynn Grantham, Justin Dale Hailey, Kiara Daes’shana Haynes, Kirsten Marie Hurtado, Jo’vontae Tareze May, Lucas Andrew McRee, Jordan William Morse, Cole Matthew Short, Madeline Grace Smith, Allyson Faith Sullivan, Emma Kate Thaxton. Honor Roll - All “B’s” First Grade: John Ross Jackson. Fourth Grade: Konner Earl Minton, Jaxon Kade Newman. Sixth Grade: Braxton Wyatt McManus. 12th Grade: Sadie Michelle Sandifer.

MISSISSIPPI Declaration 17621 (Disaster: MS-00148) Incident: JACKSON WATER CRISIS occurring: August 30, 2022 & continuing in Hinds County, Mississippi; and the contiguous Mississippi counties of: Claiborne, Copiah, Madison, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, and Yazoo Application Filing Deadline: June 14, 2023 Disaster Loan Assistance Available: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. Credit Requirements: Credit History – Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA. Repayment – Applicants must show the ability to repay the loan. Collateral – Collateral is required for all EIDL loans over $25,000. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but SBA will require the borrower to pledge collateral that is available. Interest Rates: The interest rate is determined by formulas set by law and is fixed for the life of the loan. The maximum interest rate for this program is 3.040 percent. Loan Terms: The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. SBA will determine an appropriate installment payment based on the financial condition of each borrower, which in turn will determine the loan term. Loan Amount Limit: The law limits EIDLs to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit. Loan Eligibility Restrictions: Noncompliance – Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans may not be eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain required flood insurance and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA loans. Note: Loan applicants should check with agencies / organizations administering any grant or other assistance program under this declaration to determine how an approval of SBA disaster loan might affect their eligibility. Refinancing: Economic injury disaster loans cannot be used to refinance long term debts. Insurance Requirements: To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance. SBA requires that flood insurance coverage be the lesser of 1) the total of the disaster loan, 2) the insurable value of the property, or 3) the maximum insurance available. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Mississippi's General and Special Election Day is less than a week away. The November 8 ballot features congressional, state judicial, and school board races, in addition to a handful of special elections. To familiarize yourself with the upcoming election, all congressional and state district races can be viewed on the Secretary of State's website. For a sample ballot specific to you, contact your local Circuit Clerk. Polls for the November 8 Elections will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. Several counties have changed polling places since the 2020 elections, so we strongly recommend voters verify their polling place with their local Circuit Clerk before Election Day. Problems at the polls observed by State observers or otherwise reported to our Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office or the appropriate District Attorney’s Office. As a reminder, the Secretary of State’s Office has no enforcement authority over election-related issues. Primary and General Election Day Reminders In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline: The last day to absentee vote in-person is Saturday, November 5. Circuit Clerk Offices will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline: All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 8 and received by county Circuit Clerk Offices within five business days of November 8 in order to count. Voter ID Affidavit Ballot Deadline: Voters who cast an affidavit ballot by reason of voter ID must present an acceptable form of photo ID to their Circuit Clerk's Office by November 15. Polling Place Location: Please contact your county Circuit Clerk’s Office or local Election Commissioners to verify your polling place. Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. Click here to view a list of acceptable photo IDs. Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.

Oh, go ahead and go for it. Depend on someone else to make you feel worthy, important and likable. Hang on to their every word and gesture as indications of whether, or not, you deserve to take another breath of air on this planet. Ignore the fact that they have their own issues in life that color their thoughts and reactions at any given time. Discount that they may simply be having a bad day and can’t give you what you are wanting. Disregard the words of the Bible that plainly tell you, ‘God made you. He loves you. He likes what He made, and He wants to help you become an even better you.’ Finito. Finished. Class over. You can bomb any relationship successfully. If you have a poor self-image, then secretly, you probably don't like you too much. If all you see is an ugly slimy toad in the mirror, then it’s difficult to believe that someone else doesn't. And anything someone says to you is likely filtered through that invisible screen of self-dislike. So what you often hear is distorted into rejection or condescension. Husband: “Do you think my dad liked his gift I gave him?” Wife: “He seemed to like it just fine, dear.” But through his filter the husband hears, “It was okay, I guess. Not “Oh, yeah!” or “He really loved it!” Anyone wanna guess what comes next in that difficult conversation? Or the same self-image issue can create neediness. Ever heard the endlessly tiring, "Do you think I did good? Do ya love it? I was good at that, don'cha think? Huh? Huh?" People tend to get just a tad frustrated with always having to feed a bottomless hungry hole, even though they truly do love that needy person. Wife: “Did you enjoy the dinner I made for us tonight, honey?” Husband: “Of course I did. You always make good meals.” Her filtered version? “Oh, sure, it was fine, like you always make. Not anything outstanding, though.” And the needy cook, who is wearing her heart on her sleeve, feels dismissed. She may angrily accuse him of taking her for granted. Because feeling criticized or neglected can lead to striking out verbally at the one you believe is rejecting you - or outright sulking. And if the cook is passive /aggressive, ‘burned-whatever’ may be served for the next meal. Whichever occurs, you can bet there will be miscommunication and arguments. Good advice? Take a different class. Named LOVE YOURSELF 101. Learn to accept you with all your weaknesses and failures, but refuse to stay where you are. Do what you need to do to become a believer in you. Find a good counselor to help you with your issues. Start reading and trusting your Bible, where you’ll read that God finds you wonderful. That He only wants to train and teach you to become an even better version of you.

Falling back to Standard Time early Sunday morning remains a good reminder to check your smoke alarms and change batteries. "There were 84 fire deaths in 2021," Chaney said. "In 41 of those fires, there were no working smoke alarms in the home. That's 48 percent. I believe many of those lives could have been saved if only alarms had been in place. If you need an alarm and can't afford one, please call your local fire department." Remember to: Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn't respond properly when tested. Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home. Should a fire break out in the home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Once everyone is outside the burning home, call 911 and don't go back inside the home under any circumstances.

Open enrollment through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace runs November 1, 2022 through January 15, 2023. Five health insurance companies will offer plans in Mississippi. They are Ambetter from Magnolia Health, Molina Healthcare, Vantage Health Plan of Mississippi, and UnitedHealthcare. Cigna also joined the Marketplace in 2022. "Carefully review the options available to you and in your area," Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said. "Make sure that the plan you are considering provides the coverage that you need. While low monthly costs are attractive, you also need to consider copays and deductibles that you may have to pay later. Check with the provider to see which facilities are in-network." Mississippians can see plan options, monthly premiums and more by visiting www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/ You may contact the Mississippi Insurance Department with other insurance-related questions by calling 601-359-3569 or emailing consumer@mid.ms.gov