Garden Club President Sherri Carty is leading the wreath-laying ceremony. Also pictured are Coleman (left) and Thornton (right) Families, veterans and community leaders gathered Monday in Wesson for two Memorial Day ceremonies honoring military members who died while serving the United States. The first ceremony was held at Wesson’s four-way stop during a wreath-laying ceremony at the town’s Blue Star Memorial marker. The event was hosted by the Wesson Garden Club, which decorated the area with flowers and American flags in remembrance of fallen service members. Blue Star Memorial Marker Wreath Laying Ceremony Immediately following the service, a second remembrance ceremony was held at Wesson Military Memorial Park, also known as Wesson Park. The service was hosted by the Wesson American Legion Drain Prine Post 79, the Wesson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 79, and the Sons of the American Legion, with support from Mayor Alton Shaw and city aldermen Mike King and Stanley Martin. “To honor the legacy of the fallen, all shall commit to freedom, all by the greatest nation on earth…and where the American flag is displayed proudly and frequently, and where military veterans are society’s true celebrities,” said Commander Bobby Thornton of the American Legion Drain Prine Post 79. “We must never forget.” Coleman sounding Taps The ceremony included the beloved patriotic “Taps” sounded by Brooke Coleman of Wesson High School, along with prayers and the reading of names of local veterans who served the country. Legionnaires and residents gathered to honor those who gave their lives in military service. Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a way to honor soldiers who died in battle, and the holiday is observed each year on the last Monday in May. “Let’s remember that without a United States military, the world would be a far more oppressive and darker place,” said Commander Thornton. “The true way to honor the fallen is to live in a way worthy of their sacrifice. That means strengthening our communities, helping our federal veterans, supporting military families, and teaching the next generation…the ones enjoying this beautiful park right now.” Commander Thornton, garden club president Sherri Carty, Auxiliary President Kim Whittington, Auxiliary 2nd VP Dixie Thornton. Organizers said both ceremonies were meant to bring the community together while remembering the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces. As the ceremonies ended, many attendees reflected on the importance of honoring veterans and keeping their memories alive for future generations. “We should ask ourselves, would we want to live in a nation that didn’t honor its heroes. Your attendance here answers the question. God bless America, God bless our veterans, and God bless our gold and blue star families,” finished Commander Thornton. Legionnaires and town officials pose for a photo post ceremony. Pictured L to R: Butch White, Ron Bath, Chaplain Bro. James Harris, Commander Thornton, Alderman Stanley Martin, Alderman Mike King, Mayor Alton Shaw, James Bailey, AC Currie, and D. Coleman

Special to Wesson News Dr. Bobby G. Helms, Director of Choral Activities and Theater, is taking his college choir to Carnegie Hall in New York City. Along with the Jackson-based Mississippi Boys Choir, also directed by Helms, the Presbyterian Christian School choir from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the Tyler, Texas, First Baptist Church choir and a New York City choir, the Co-Lin choir will perform the world premiere of To Truly Love on May 25 at the famed Gotham venue. “It all started back in 2024, when I took a phone call from MidAmerica Productions (MAP) asking me if I would be interested in directing a choral ensemble at Carnegie Hall,” Helms recalls. MAP is a renowned music production company that specializes in organizing and producing concerts in New York City and worldwide. Since its founding in 1984, MAP has grown into a leading independent producer of choral concerts, presenting international conductors, soloists, and ensembles at New York’s premier venues and around the world. MAP invited Helms to bring along choral groups that he directed or with which he had an association to perform a work it could provide or a new one he could find. “I knew Sherry Blevins from when I was student and Raphael Fusco from Vienna, Austria, as a team that could create a luminous work for choir, soloists and orchestra,” Helms says. “They agreed to develop a work for the Carnegie Hall stage.” Blevins wrote the lyrics and Fusco did the orchestration for To Truly Love, a powerful 25-minute work that explores the intricate relationship between parents and their children, tracing the human journey from innocence and self-discovery through despair and redemption, culminating in a radiant affirmation of love’s enduring power. Its five movements – The Wonder of Your Life, Your Masterpiece, When Darkness Came, Stary Here with Me and To Truly Love – offer singers of all ages a shared musical and emotional experience. The work’s sweeping orchestral colors, heartfelt melodies and expressive language illuminate themes of hope, belonging and acceptance. Two weeks before departing for New York City, the choir will be rehearsing the new work. Since August, the choir has been laser-focused on fundraising for the travel to the scheduled performance and spending five days and four nights in New York City at the Midtown Hilton Hotel with visits to Central Park and Times Square, dining at famous restaurants, a dinner cruise and attending Death Becomes Her on Broadway. Each choir member on the trip is paying $3000 and supporting donations have been made by the Mississippi Boys Choir, Co-Lin and members of the general public. The choir’s fundraisers have included popcorn sales and a dinner theater production of a Mardi Gras-themed murder mystery with a silent auction before the event. The choir is planning a second dinner theater production of a Mafia-themed murder mystery coupled with a silent auction is planned. Co-Lin students scripted the murder mysteries.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB With “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Michael” still ruling the domestic box office, I thought I’d give this week’s review spot to a couple of also-rans from the past two weeks. “Mortal Kombat II” The 2021 “Mortal Kombat” movie was a disaster that left fans disappointed for many reasons, not least of which was that it didn’t feature any fights from the much-hyped tournament for universal supremacy. At least in “Mortal Kombat II,” we finally get the tournament. Only the first round is done somewhat properly before the thing breaks down into cheating, sneak-attack shenanigans, but it can’t be said that we are denied the tournament entirely. A new character, outstanding-fighter-turned-action-movie-star-turned-washout-at-both Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), is the audience surrogate into the five-on-five fighting series on a distant planet that will determine the fate of our world. Cage fights alongside Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), Cole Young, (Leweis Tan), and Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) under the mentorship of Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) against the forces of the evil Shao Khan (Martyn Ford), such as his queen Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen), stepdaughter Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), her bodyguard Jade (Tati Gabrielle), and resurrected minions Kung Lao (Max Huang) and Kano (Josh Lawson). The first movie made another mistake killing off humoristic highlight Kano, fortunately this movie brings him back so he can steal the movie all over again. “Mortal Kombat II” is good at the things that fans want most from a “Mortal Kombat” movie: it’s creative with its fighting sequences and the jokes usually hit. But it’s bad at the things that audiences want from movies of any genre: it’s hard to care about many of these characters and the story is an overcomplicated mess that can’t even stick to its own ridiculous rules. Like “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” I admire the way this sequel steps up its game from an original that I didn’t enjoy, but unlike that film, I can’t say I’m now “won over” by this franchise. Grade: C “Mortal Kombat II” is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore, and language. Its running time is 116 minutes. Poster credit IMDB “Obsession” In 1992’s “Aladdin,” one of The Genie’s few rules with wishes was that he couldn’t make people fall in love. “Obsession” is a movie about what happens when a wish for love is granted. It’s a horror movie, and a nasty one. The Genie was right to have that rule. Awkward dork Bear (Michael Johnston) wishes for the romantic love of his longtime friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) on a novelty willow stick. The wish comes true, Nikki is immediately smitten with him, and Bear reaps the rewards of her vehement affection. The woman Bear loves may not have any agency in the matter, and that’s problematic if he thinks about it, so he decides not to think about it. But of course, things go south for Bear once Nikki starts inserting herself into every corner of his life and finding creepier and creepier ways to express her devotion. Her love becomes… wait for it… obsession. This movie gamely features some of the sickest scenes from a stalker thriller ever put to film, even if they borrow heavily from other stalker thrillers like “Fatal Attraction.” And Navarrette puts in a horror performance for the ages, both when her character is and isn’t under the magic spell. But the movie falters when the story has to give us something other than Nikki spinning further and further out of control. The ending (not Navarette’s contribution to the ending, which is excellent, but the ideas that go into the ending) is a lazy letdown and ends what had previously been an engaging horror film on such a down note that I can’t bring myself to recommend it as a whole. “Obsession” doesn’t lose my recommendation because of anything it “does,” but because of how much potential it leaves on the table. Grade: C “Obsession” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity. Its running time is 108 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Residents from across the Jackson area are expected to gather on Saturday, May 30, 2026, for the annual BAPS Charities Walk-Run, part of a nationwide volunteer-driven event taking place simultaneously in more than 100 cities across North America. The Jackson event, scheduled at 2390 Greenway Drive in Jackson, Mississippi, is expected to bring together approximately 300 participants of all ages in support of local charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society and the Jackson Firefighter Association Local 87. The walk is part of a larger BAPS Charities initiative that organizers say will involve more than 50,000 participants nationwide, making it one of the country’s largest community-based charity walk events. This year’s event will also tie into the America250 commemoration celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Organizers say the Jackson program will begin with a ceremonial opening featuring the National Anthem, American flags, and appearances from local public officials and community leaders. Notable attendees expected to participate include Sollie Norwood, Brian Grizzell, Jackson Fire Chief RaSean Thomas, Jackson Fire Deputy Chief C. Sanders, Sitaram Temple President JP Budhraja, and Gujarati Samaj President Manish Patel. According to organizers, the event is designed not only as a fundraiser but also as a celebration of volunteerism, civic engagement, and community unity. “The walk brings together people from many different backgrounds with a shared purpose of helping others,” organizers said. “It’s about strengthening communities while supporting organizations that provide critical services to families and individuals in need.” Funds and awareness generated through the Jackson walk will benefit the American Cancer Society, which supports cancer research, patient advocacy, and treatment assistance programs, as well as the Jackson Firefighter Association Local 87, an organization that advocates for firefighters, first responders, and their families. BAPS Charities has conducted community service and outreach programs for more than two decades. Organizers say the nonprofit has hosted over 1,200 walks throughout North America during that time, alongside additional charitable efforts including food drives, blood donation campaigns, toy drives, disaster relief efforts, and health awareness initiatives. The Jackson walk will also provide several opportunities for community engagement and media coverage, including interviews with local organizers, participating public officials, and representatives from beneficiary organizations. Participants interested in joining the event can register online through BAPS Charities Walk-Run 2026 Jackson Registration. Additional information about the organization and its programs is available at BAPS Charities.

Special to Wesson News Butterbeans get trees to plant and nurture. The Butterbeans, the youth gardeners of the Wesson Garden Club, celebrated Earth Day Wesson Public Library last months in conjunction with National Library Week. Librarian Marilyn Britt lectured the group, discussing the historical context and significance of Earth Day. This annual event, observed globally on April 22, supports environmental protection efforts, she said. Having first taken place in 1970, Earth Day has developed into a worldwide movement, with earthday.org coordinating events in over 193 countries and involving 1 billion people. As part of the local celebration, each Butterbean members was given seedling tree from Neighborhood Forest to take home, plant and nurture. The Butterbean concluded their Earth Day Celebration, enjoying snow cones from Park Place Concessions at the Wesson Park. Wesson Garden Club is a member of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., and the Natchez Trace District of GCM.

md The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) today announced a $5 million investment of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) direct funds to child care assistance for low-income working families in Federal Fiscal Year 2026. The new funding will be administered through MDHS's Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) and distributed through the established Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) voucher system. These TANF direct funds are in addition to existing child care support MDHS provides through various subgrantees offering afterschool programs and workforce supports for working families. "Child care is not a luxury — it is the infrastructure that makes work possible for Mississippi families," said Robert G. "Bob" Anderson, MDHS Executive Director. "This $5 million investment is a targeted, responsible use of TANF funds to reach working parents who need help, and it reflects our commitment to deploying public resources where they make a real difference." This investment is separate from – and in addition to – MDHS's existing annual conversion of approximately $25.7 million from TANF to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), which reflects the maximum allowed under federal law. By investing these direct funds, MDHS is able to extend child care assistance to additional eligible families beyond those currently supported through the CCDF conversion, while preserving the agency's capacity to respond to other emerging program priorities. Families seeking child care assistance do not need to submit a new or separate application. Eligibility will be determined through the standard CCPP process, including income eligibility standards and work or education requirements. Approved vouchers funded through the TANF direct stream will provide the same level of assistance as those funded through CCDF. DECCD will assign each approved certificate to a single funding stream, prioritizing CCDF dollars first, followed by any applicable state funds, and then TANF direct funds. Child care providers will continue to receive payment through the established CCPP reimbursement process with no changes to their current billing or reporting requirements." Mississippi working families have always been the heart of what we do at MDHS," said Dr. Chad Allgood, Director of the Division of Early Childhood Care and Development. "This additional investment means we can say yes to more families trying to build a better future." MDHS encourages eligible families to apply through the Child Care Payment Program at mdhs.ms.gov or by contacting their local county DHS office. Additional program information is available through the MDHS DECCD hotline at 1-800-948-4060. For media inquiries or requests, contact MDHS Communications at mdhs.communications@mdhs.ms.gov.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If you are in one, it’s a scary thing. With a lot of anger, defeatism, anxiety, and damaged pride as shipmates. But, maybe you still feel that you would rather patch the holes that are rapidly taking on water, rather than just bailing out. Maybe you feel the kids deserve a home with both a mom and a dad in it. Maybe, just maybe, you believe that what you two had, at one point in time, is still worth fighting for. If so, then let’s talk about how to fight for what you want. First and foremost, determine within yourself to kill your spouse with kindness in those times when you would much rather use dynamite. That means look for tiny things to do for your spouse. Everyone of you have heard the old line, “You catch more flies with honey than, blah, blah, blah. But as irritating as that cliche is, it’s still true. For flies and for spouses. Secondly, long before you get into that first of your multi-daily arguments, decide that at least for today, you will refuse to take offense when your spouse does some of those certain things that you despise. Make the decision to simply walk away into another room, rather than indulge in your habitual "All hands and words on deck, cause I'm gonna win this round." Mr. or Mrs. Spouse, you have to firmly act on the decision that you will be the bigger man, or curvier woman, as the case may be. Resolve to give your marriage another chance to be a happy one, rather than the renowned neighborhood brawling spot. This is going to mean swallowing your pride each time you instinctively want to fire back, insult for insult, and barb for barb. It's also going to mean deliberately finding a way to give compliments. I don't care what you compliment, just find it. Whether it's how good the lawn looks after your spouse finally mowed it for the first time this summer, or how you think your spouse looks like an eighth of an ounce of flab got lost since a week ago. Just find a simple believable compliment to give. Then keep at it. Simple, believable compliments, combined with admiration. And then have the devious pleasure of watching the stunned incredulous look flash into your spouse's eyes. Lastly, work at finding something to laugh about together. Laughter is healing, and it can bring people closer together. Now, a word of warning; don't give up when your attempt at civility isn't quickly reciprocated. Stay determined to improve your home atmosphere. After all, it didn't deteriorate to frozen Alaskan tundra overnight, and it will likely take time to thaw the air. Sure, the thought of having to play nice-nice is daunting, especially in the face of your spouse’s not-so-nice actions. But think long and hard about it. Seeing your marriage saved, or seeing a divorce barreling at you? It's got to be worth a shot.

By: Jessica Breazeale Haven’t gotten an apology? Consider this. They’re not sorry. People are often unreasonable & selfish, forgive them anyway. Some animals bite. People who are hurting do, too. People who don’t like God’s will often attempt to become jigsaw puzzle masters. Stand up tall. Don’t let anyone make you shrink back. Look them in the eyes. That’s the least you can do. Pray for them often. That’s the most you can do. Attempt several times to have a healthy, meaningful conversation. Then give up on taking the initiative to discover the response. Truth releases the trap. Why waste time with small talk? Skip it. Go straight to the hard conversations to save time and heartache. The real reward is in the HARD. Don’t be scared to pick up the phone & have a real talk. Don’t like God’s will? You can try to bend it to your liking, but you’ll feel bad about it. You know their intentions were impure & selfish. That is on them. You don’t really need an apology for yourself. Hope for an apology…for them. Do the hard thing. You’ll learn far more incredible things from it. If it’s very important, why hit the easy button and text when you could call? Challenging the church is not unhealthy. It’s needed & necessary. It’s the bride. Does she look like something you’d marry? Walked into a room and suddenly felt the atmosphere negatively shift? You are the topic being plotted against. Life got ya down? Find a new healthy hobby. Got a heartache? Learn to bake. Experiencing despair? Cut your hair. Saddened they could act like that. Remember the dumb things you did. Don’t be disappointed. You’re anointed. God calls you to speak. God calls you to remain quiet. God calls you to stop. God calls you to keep going. Don’t escape your emotions. You were meant to have them all - that’s called living. Wouldn’t you rather be alive? Lost many “friends”. Gained many friends. Lost a sense of normalcy. Gained a new normal. Lost the love of music. Gained the love of nature. Sometimes you want to blend in & fade away in the background. Sometimes you want to shine His light unapologetically. Sometimes God calls you up from the minors to the majors. Sometimes you get kicked off the team, suspended, fired, or retire. Changing your hair color won’t help the words God put on your heart. That is just nonsense. It’s really hard being obedient, do it anyway. You have to live with it. There’s nothing you can do about scrutiny and judgments. Learn what not to be like. You will be disrespected daily. Expect it, so you aren’t thrown for a loop. Don’t expect bread to satisfy you if you’ve been craving a steak all day. Don’t choose the steak if you are fully satisfied with the bread. If you gain absolutely nothing and lose everything, would you do it? If there is no pay and no respect, would you do it? That’s called volunteerism. Try it sometime. If there was no notoriety or prestige, would you still be interested? Your sincere heart will get taken advantage of over and over again. Harden it, shut it, or let them? Tough choices… The word “church” is not in the original scriptures. The word “bible” is not in the original scriptures either. Consider this: A willing vessel available to transport precious, desperately needed cargo for free with no hidden agenda gets stopped by authorities, and everything was confiscated. Should the ship keep going to deliver the goods or give up and call it a sign? Stay tuned for Part 2 next week for more PONDER THIS…

Special to Wesson News Competitors in the Wesson Kids Got Talent show danced, sang, played instruments and displayed works of art. Fifteen local children and youth between the ages of four and 18 years old demonstrated that they don’t take a backseat to their peers elsewhere when it comes to dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, the visual arts and more in the first Wesson Kids Got Talent competition sponsored by the Wesson Chamber of Commerce on the evening of May 1 in preparing the town for events of Founder’s Day that followed on May 2. Heavy rains moved the talent show scheduled to take place at the Community Foutain Garden beside the Milltown Salon and Spa to the American Legion Post 79 lodge where a capacity audience came to see and admire what local kids can do. Dancers Katie and Kiki Garcia Judges awarded Katie and Kiki Garcia first place honors for their dance duo. Sami Curole sang Proud to be an American. Colby Greer played drums. Sami Curole and Colby Greer tied second in the competition. The petite Curole wowed the judges and audience singing Proud to be an American and Greer showed he could out-perform even veteran adult drummers at his tender age. Hannah Carroll won first place for her Mount Rushmore drawing in the visual arts category. In the visual arts charcoal category, Hannah Carroll won first place for her Mount Rushmore drawing. Molly Waltman won a second place for her oil painting. Other kids in the competition were Mathew Waltman (pencil drawing), Killian Jackson (pencil drawing), Finn Jackson (pencil drawing), Oliver Jackson (pencil drawing), Clara Carroll (oil painting), Molly Waltman (oil painting), Tyrece Terrel (dance) and Josie Kennedy (piano). Teri Bath, the Wesson Chamber President, says “Wesson is an amazing community with many hidden talents, and I wanted an opportunity to recognize this talent in a very public venue.” Thus “Wesson Kids Got Talent” was born, stirring much excitement in the area. Alderman Stanley Martin, owner of Super Sounds DJ & Karaoke and one of the judges, adds, “it’s not just a show,” explaining that big talent often comes from small towns. “This is a chance for our community to come together, support our youth and celebrate the bright future growing right here at home.” From the many Mississippians that have recently been selected for hit TV shows such as “American Idol” and “The Voice,” “it’s exciting to think about the talent we have here in Wesson, and who could be discovered next, says Jessica Breazeale, Chamber member and a local business owner. Jamal Roberts from Meridian was an American Idol winner last year. The talent show winners received cash prizes from the $5 per person application fees to participate and other support for the event.

By: Kara Kimbrough The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir located in parts of Madison and Rankin Counties, is filled with numerous opportunities for boating, jet and water-skiing, swimming, fishing and picnicking. One of the most popular picnic areas is Lakeshore Park on the Rankin County side. (Photo courtesy of Pearl River Valley Water Supply District) Filling up the car with gas in advance of a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend ahead was not a problem in previous years. But this year…well, that’s a different story. Without dwelling on the pain we’re all feeling at the pump, I decided to share a few tips to celebrate the official start of summer without venturing too far from home. After all, we’re blessed to live in a state filled with scenic State Parks, hundreds of recreational lakes and a mammoth reservoir, city parks and 29 miles of sandy beaches and gulf waters at our southernmost border. Grilling burgers or hot dogs at home on the patio isn’t that exciting, but dining al fresco surrounded by natural beauty and waterfront views? Now that quickly elevates a picnic lunch from backyard boring to memorable Memorial Day in no time. Why not pack a cooler full of your family's favorite picnic foods and beverages and take a short - notice I said "short" - road trip to one of our state's outdoor areas? It's a lot cheaper than trekking across state lines to a pricey beach resort or other crowded vacation spot. A few of my ideas when considering exploring some of Mississippi's scenic outdoor spots (and yes, they're equipped with picnic areas, among other amenities) to check out this Memorial Day weekend include: 1. Visit a State Park- Mississippi is blessed with 25 State Parks encompassing 24,000 acres of public land filled with campgrounds (RV and tent campsites), picnic areas, lakes for fishing, boating and swimming, and playgrounds. A small sample of some that have been nationally-recognized for their amenities are: J.P. Coleman State Park: Located on 47,000-acre Pickwick Lake in the northeastern corner of the state in Iuka, this destination is known for its magnificent 50-foot waterfall, Cooper Falls, freshwater fishing, swimming in the lake or heated swimming pool, water recreation and plenty of places to camp, grill, spread out a picnic and soak in the area’s outstanding natural beauty. Buccaneer State Park: Located in the opposite end of the state on the Gulf Coast in Waveland, the park has a fascinating history tied to pirate Jean Lafitte and President Andrew Jackson, both of whom loved the area for its picturesque beauty and cool coastal breezes. In addition to over 250 campsites, nature trails and golf course, one of the most popular features is a popular water park, Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark that will reopen just in time for the holiday weekend. Guests can purchase a day pass to enjoy the waterpark. Lake Lincoln State Park: A favorable beach rating usually occurs on the Gulf Coast. However, one of our state parks is listed in the “Top 25 Best Park Beaches in the U.S." by Reserve America. Lake Lincoln State Park in Wesson features a sandy beach fronting its namesake 550-acre lake perfect for jet skiing, swimming, water skiing, boating or fishing. Or, simply relax on the sand and enjoy the cool breezes floating over the water. There are campsites for overnight stays, a picnic area, nature trail, playground, disk golf course and nature trail. LeFleur's Bluff State Park: Located right in the middle of the Jackson metro area just off Lakeland Drive and Interstate 55, LeFleur’s Bluff is perfect for a quick escape for the weekend or a day of picnicking and relaxing. LeFleur’s Bluff offers hiking on scenic nature trails, fishing on Mayes Lake or playing a few rounds of golf on the 9-hole course. Opportunities for picnicking, camping and bird-watching also abound in this lush oasis in the midst of busy highways and buildings. Named to several “best of” U.S. state park lists for its above-average amenities, LeFleur’s provides a tranquil green spot to decompress away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 2. Barnett Reservoir – If visiting a larger body of water is more to your liking, drive a few miles from the Jackson city limits to the 33,000-acre Reservoir, or “Rez” as it’s commonly called. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and scenic water views in all directions along 105 miles of shoreline. One of the best spots to stop and enjoy a leisurely meal is scenic Lakeshore Park located on the Rez's southeastern shore in Rankin County. The area is open to the public year-round for picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming in a secure sand-filled body of water with an adjacent beach. Admission is free Monday through Friday. A $5 parking fee is assessed on Saturday and Sunday at Lakeshore and other parks. 3. The Mighty Mississippi – Second only to the waterfront views along the Gulf Coast are those along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River. Both Natchez and Vicksburg offer scenic picnic areas near their riverfronts. Bluff Park in Natchez is the perfect place to unpack a picnic lunch and enjoy the breeze and sight of the river rolling by. Over in Vicksburg, River Front Park offers similar views and opportunities for a memorable meal. These are just a “few” of my recommendations for a fun, relatively inexpensive way to kick off summer and enjoy Memorial Day ’26. If you’d like more recommendations on ways to celebrate the holiday without busting your budget, drop me an email and I’ll send them to you. In the meantime…Happy Memorial Day! * To find a State Park near you and to learn about admission fees and amenities, check out the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Park’s website: mdwfp.com. And, if you'd like menu ideas or recipes, I'll be happy to send those, too! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Special to Wesson News Jessica Breazeale accepts award on behalf of G.O.A.T Camps at the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi’s 2026 Summit. G.O.A.T Camps was recognized as a 2026 REACH Award winner during the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi’s 2026 Summit, Sowing Seeds of Success: Cultivating a Bright Future for Mississippi’s Children last month at Pearl, Mississippi. The two-day Summit brought together leaders, professionals, advocates, educators, community partners, and stakeholders from across the state for learning, connection, and conversation centered on the well-being of Mississippi’s children and families. Sessions focused on key issues affecting children across the state, including health, education, economic well-being, and family and community life. A major highlight of the Summit was the release of the 2026 Mississippi KIDS COUNT Risk & Reach Report. The report pairs data on child well-being with real examples of people, programs and organizations working to support children and families across Mississippi. As part of the Risk & Reach Report, REACH Award winners were selected through community nominations to highlight meaningful, community-rooted work taking place in counties throughout the state. The recognition honors organizations, programs, and initiatives that are helping meet the needs of children and families in practical and impactful ways. G.O.A.T Camps was selected as a 2026 REACH Award winner for its work in Copiah and Lincoln Counties. The organization supports children and families by offering a free outdoor camp experience twice a year in Copiah and Lincoln counties, which combines sports, arts, guest speakers, and mentorship, with teens and young adults helping to serve as leaders and role models. “This camp being recognized for its impact is an honor we don’t take lightly,” said Jessica Breazeale of Wesson, one of the camp’s founders. “It’s a meaningful recognition that means we are doing something right. We didn’t start it because it would be fun or easy. We felt compelled because we saw a need and tried to meet that need.” Through the Summit, the Risk & Reach Report, and the recognition of REACH Award winners, the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi highlighted both the challenges facing children and the people and programs helping create stronger futures across the state. To learn more about the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi and the 2026 Mississippi KIDS COUNT Risk & Reach Report, visit childrensfoundationms.org.

Law camps that will introduce high school students to the legal profession are scheduled for June and July in Brandon, Gulfport, Indianola, Natchez, Starkville, Tupelo and Vicksburg. The Mississippi Court of Appeals also will conduct a one-day appellate law camp in Jackson. Planned programs are expected to include discussions with judges, attorneys and court staff; opportunities to watch court proceedings; and practice activities including mock trials, negotiations and oral arguments. Program dates and locations are: • June 1-5, Natchez, Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy, Adams County Courthouse, registration deadline May 15; • June 1-5, Vicksburg, All Rise Law Camp, Warren County Courthouse, registration deadline May 22; • June 8-12 Indianola, 9th Chancery Summer Law Camp, Sunflower County Courthouse, registration closed; • June 15-18, Gulfport, Gargiulo Law Camp, Harrison County Courthouse, registration closed; • June 22-25, Starkville, Golden Triangle Law Academy, Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Complex, registration deadline June 15; • June 22-25, Tupelo, Themis Law Camp, Lee County Justice Center, application deadline June 15; • July 14-15, Brandon, Rankin-Madison Future Lawyers, Rankin County Circuit Courthouse, registration deadline July 6; • July 22, Jackson, Court of Appeals Law Day Camp, Carroll Gartin Justice Building, registration deadline June 26. Registration information for programs in Natchez, Gulfport, Starkville, Tupelo and Brandon is at this link: https://www.msatjc.org/event. Registration for the All Rise Law Camp in Vicksburg is at this link: www.judgeterrett.com/camp2026. Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice Leslie King of Greenville will be among the many judges, attorneys and court staff who will speak to students from Humphreys, Sunflower and Washington counties during the 9th Chancery Court's Law Day Camp June 8 through 11 at the Sunflower County Courthouse in Indianola. Students will hear from judges at all levels of the court system, attorneys, court administrators and a court reporter. The program will conclude on June 12 with a trip to the State Capitol, the Mississippi Supreme Court and Mississippi College School of Law. Presiding Justice King said that he hopes to dispel some misconceptions about the law and encourage students to join the legal profession in the future. He said, "There is a need for trained legal professionals in Mississippi. There are many areas of our state where there are just a few lawyers, many of whom are of advanced age and are perhaps retired or semi-retired. As a part of the law camp, it is important that we help the participants to understand that the law is not just a job, but a profession which carries with it both privileges and responsibilities." Presiding Justice King said, "I have encountered too many people, both children and adults, who have a significant misconception of the law and its operation. Many of them labor under the belief that the law is a weapon to be used against them, while it protects the favored few. Those of us who are a part of the legal profession have an obligation to inform, by our words and demonstrate by our actions, that the law applies equally and fairly to every person no matter his station in life." Television programs and movies give some misconceptions. "It is amazing the number of people who believe that Judge Judy or Judge Mathis are accurate representations of how the law operates," he said. Attorney Pieter Teeuwissen of Jackson also will speak to the 9th Chancery Law Day Camp students. He said, "Due to the complexity of modern life, almost every one of us or a family member will need legal counsel in our lifetime. The legal profession is the backbone of American self-governance, impacts economic activity and interstate commerce and is essential in transferring family assets between generations. We need young people who are interested in service to consider law as a career so we can maintain our collective values of common good and order. Young people, especially those that enjoy solving problems or taking or embracing challenge, should be encouraged to pursue the law as a career that provides personal satisfaction while serving a greater good." Chancellor Vincent Davis of Fayette, who spearheaded the first Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy in Natchez in 2025, is eager to expand and reach more students this summer. Alcorn State University Chief Compliance Officer Alfred Galtney, who spoke to students last year about careers in law, joined the planning team and secured a grant that will fund the Miss-Lou program and four others, Judge Davis said. Alcorn partnered with law camp planners across the state. "The primary goal is to introduce students to the legal profession, hopefully to light a fire, to cause some of them to go into the legal profession," Judge Davis said. Judge Davis recalled that he was in college when he met a lawyer for the first time. Students at last year's program "met nearly every judge in this county." Lawyers from a variety of practice areas spoke, and stayed to watch much of the program. The Miss-Lou program also teaches students about the workings of government in their local courthouses. Judge David said, "A lot of people don't quite understand what happens in the courthouse. They buy tags and pay taxes." In last year's law camp in Natchez, students met the Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector and other officials. They saw the Election Commission at work. Students in the Natchez program will get a first-hand look at both trial court and appellate court proceedings. The Mississippi Court of Appeals' Court on the Road program scheduled a visit to Natchez during the Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy. A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in a case on appeal on June 3. The appeal will be heard at 10:30 a.m. on the Natchez campus of Alcorn State University at 15 Campus Drive. The case scheduled to be heard is the appeal of Shawnzell Lee McGee v. State of Mississippi, Appeal number 2025-KA-00161-COA. A Prentiss County Circuit Court jury convicted McGee of first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm for the Jan. 22, 2019, shooting death of Gary Price in Baldwyn. The All Rise Law Camp will be held June 1-5 at the Warren County Courthouse in Vicksburg. This will be Circuit Judge Toni Terrett's seventh year to conduct the program. "It is a fully immersive camp that includes educational components about how law intersects with the three branches of government with a special emphasis on the court system. Students will hear from motivational speakers and will travel to Jackson to visit the Civil Rights Museum and the Capitol. The week concludes with a mock trial presentation by the students," Judge Terrett said. As many as 19 students are expected to attend the Gargiulo Law Camp in Gulfport June 15-18. Harrison County Court Judge Alison Bryant Baker, who is leading the program, said. "I hope our students will not only gain a better understanding of the Mississippi court system, but will expand their desire to start a career in law. Our goal is to expose students to how varied the practice of law can be, so that they are encouraged to pursue a law degree." The program is named in honor of the late Judge John Gargiulo, who served as a Circuit Court Judge for Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties, then as U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi. The Golden Triangle Law Academy is set for June 22-25 in Starkville. Circuit Judge Michelle Easterling said, "The Golden Triangle Law Academy will provide participants with a unique opportunity to see and experience firsthand how expansive and exciting a career in the law can be. Students will not only hear from attorneys from different facets of the legal field, but will also have the opportunity to observe court proceedings, interact with judges and practitioners, and hone their own skills with exercises in negotiations, oral argument and resume building." Rankin-Madison Future Lawyers, scheduled July 14-15 in Brandon, will take participants into the courtrooms with Circuit Judges Steve Ratcliff and Dewey Arthur and Chancellors Haydn Roberts and Troy Odom. Students will watch court hearings and participate in a mock trial. The Themis Law Camp, the model for most of the other summer law camps, is scheduled for June 22-25 in Tupelo. Access to Justice Commission Co-chair Chancellor Jacqueline Mask started the Themis Law Camp in Tupelo in 2022. Judge Mask said, "It's my hope that our combined efforts to bolster this program will have a lasting, positive impact on these students, and on the future of our region. Those of us who have been blessed to be an attorney or judge can use this as a way to give back to the communities that have helped us have these careers." Encouraging young people to consider careers in law is important to providing access to the courts for all people, particularly those who have limited financial means, said Nicole H. McDowell of Tupelo, executive director of the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission. In recent years the number of people who struggle to afford legal assistance has grown as the number of attorneys has declined. McDowell said, "The decreasing number of attorneys in the state is a serious access to justice issue we are very concerned about. Targeting our Mississippi youth and introducing them to the law as a possible profession might assist in the shortage of attorneys in the state. We need our brightest to stay in Mississippi and, hopefully, practice law or become affiliated with the legal profession in some other way."