By: Bob Arnold The Co-Lin Foundation inducted 11 new members into its Hall of Fame. Members of the 2025 class pictured were (front, from left) Dr. Toby and Kathy Graves, Wesson Lions Club representative Larry Williams, Bank of Brookhaven representative Shannon Aker, Dr. Richard and Lesa Baker, Melton King, Angela Furr, LaNissa Wilson; (back) Wesson Lions Club representative Bobby Thornton, David Magee, CCMC Cares Foundation representative David Sinclair, Dr. Dewayne and Tan Middleton, Barry and Susan Tyson, and Cliff Furr. The Co-Lin Foundation inducted 11 new members into its Hall of Fame: Dr. Richard and Lesa Baker were recognized for their contributions to the Back the Pack Capital Campaign and the general fund. Richard Baker is a graduate of Enterprise High School and holds an associate’s degree from Co-Lin, a bachelor’s degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College, and a PhD from USM. He is a CPA with over 35 years of experience in managing financial operations and has been involved in multiple entities as an owner and co-owner. He began teaching at Co-Lin in 2010 and has served as the college’s Vice President of Business Affairs since 2019. Lesa Baker is a graduate of Boyle County High School in Danville, Kentucky, and she received an associate’s degree from Jones College, a bachelor’s degree from USM, and a Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College. She is an attorney and a CPA and has served in multiple roles, ranging from an auditor for the Mississippi Department of Revenue to the Lincoln County Public Defender and the Lincoln County Youth Court Referee. Bank of Brookhaven was recognized for its contributions to the Bank of Brookhaven Scholarship and the Big Wolf Fund. Bank of Brookhaven opened in 2000, beginning with more than $7.5 million in assets. Since then, it has grown to more than $240 million in assets. The bank has been involved in most of the development in downtown Brookhaven in recent years, financing projects ranging from restaurants to hotels to office buildings. In 2025, Bank of Brookhaven was ranked seventh in the state for overall performance. The Bank works hard to be a good corporate citizen and looks forward to a long relationship with Co-Lin.  CCMC Cares Foundation was recognized for its contributions to the CCMC Cares Scholarship. Founded in 2022, the CCMC Cares Foundation was established with a singular purpose: to strengthen Copiah County by supporting the underserved population. Built on a spirit of service, generosity and shared responsibility, the Foundation has become a driving force for positive impact — uplifting individuals and families during times of need while championing causes that create lasting change. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement and a deep commitment to compassion in action, CCMC Cares has helped hundreds of Copiah County residents, demonstrating that when a community comes together with purpose, the results are transformative. Cliff and Angela Furr were recognized for their contributions to the Back the Pack Athletic Campaign and the general fund. Angela Furr has been employed at Co-Lin for more than 20 years, where she has held positions in recruiting and alumni relations prior to her current role as executive director of Foundation and Alumni Relations, which she assumed in 2018. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in the humanities division for 19 years. Cliff Furr is a graduate of Co-Lin and received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi, and master’s and specialist degrees in education from William Carey University. He has been an educator for 20 years, with teaching and coaching positions at Brookhaven High School, Co-Lin, Terry High School, where he was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2021, and Alexander Junior High, where he currently teaches 8th grade. Dr. Toby and Kathy Graves were recognized for their contributions to the Simpson County VP Enrichment Fund. Toby Graves received a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College in 1999, a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2003, and an Ed.D. from Delta State University in 2026. He is a charter member of the faculty and staff of the Simpson County Center, where he is a history instructor. Kathy Graves was recognized as faculty member of the year and advisor of the year. She is a licensed professional counselor and a national board-certified counselor. She has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and family studies from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a psychology and sociology instructor at the Simpson County Center. Melton King was recognized for his contributions to the Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration, Back the Pack Capital Campaign and various scholarships. He is a 1956 graduate of Natchez High School and a 1970 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a retired senior sales representative at Humana and is a semi-retired insurance agent at Melton King & Associates, LLC. King has been a member of the Co-Lin Board of Trustees since 1988 and served as board chairman from 2021-2025. He was instrumental in establishing the Co-Lin Natchez campus. David M. Magee was recognized for his contributions to the Nurse Connie Scholarship and the Simpson County VP Enrichment Fund. A Magee native, he has been a contract grower for Tyson for 31 years. He served the region as a forest ranger for the Mississippi Forestry Commission for three decades before his retirement from the state. Magee shared 33 years with his late wife, Connie Magee, and together they raised four daughters, Nicole, Hannah, Alisha, and Emily — all graduates of Co-Lin. Dr. Dewayne and Tan Middleton were recognized for their contributions to the Back the Pack Capital Campaign and the President’s Campus Improvement Fund. Dewayne Middleton is a graduate of Franklin County High School, and he received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree from Alcorn State University and a doctorate from Mississippi State University. He started at Co-Lin as Upward Bound program coordinator and assistant basketball coach. He held several positions at the college before being named Co-Lin President in 2023. Tan Middleton is a graduate of Magee High School, and she received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a master’s degree from William Carey University. She has been a teacher and librarian at Magee Elementary School for 24 years. Barry and Susan Tyson were recognized for their contributions to the Back the Pack Capital Campaign and the general fund. Barry Tyson received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin in 1984 and a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College in 1988. Susan Tyson received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin in 1994 and a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University. He owns Franklin Ready Mix Concrete, and she is a registered nurse and IT director at Franklin Memorial Hospital. He has been a member of the Co-Lin Board of Trustees for 23 years, serving as secretary for five years before being named chairman in 2025. Wesson Lions Club was recognized for its contributions to the James M. Lewis, Kenneth Furr and Jimmy Furr Memorial scholarships and the Big Wolf Fund. Established in 1940, the Wesson Lions Club is dedicated to the conservation of sight. They do sight screenings at Wesson Attendance Center and provide glasses to those in need. They also fund Wesson students who are selected for the Mississippi Lions All State Band. The Lions Club meets monthly at Fire House BBQ. They fundraise by selling sweet potatoes in October, and they hold a roadblock at the end of March to collect donations. LaNissa Anita Wilson was recognized for her contributions to the Shawn Marquis Smith scholarship. A native of Brookhaven, she is the daughter of Florence Wilson and the late Randy T. Wilson Sr. She has two children, Alica McPhaul and the late Shawn Marquis Smith, and one grandchild, Gigi Marie Coleman.  She is a 1994 graduate of Brookhaven High School and a 2003 honor graduate of Co-Lin. She served as freshman class secretary, freshman maid, class president and representative for the Blue Wave Marching Band. She was also a Colette, a Trailblazer and an active member of both Phi Beta Lambda and Phi Theta Kappa. She was crowned Homecoming Queen in 2002 and was recognized in Who’s Who Among American Junior College Students. She also served as vice president of the President’s Council. Wilson continued her academic journey at The University of Southern Mississippi, where she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Mu Nu Chapter) and served as a Residence Life staff member. Her professional career reflects more than two decades of dedicated federal service in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer Third Class Intelligence Technician during the Gulf War Era. In 2004, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Services in Hattiesburg and now a Title II Claims Specialist at the Social Security Administration Office in Houston, Texas. The Co-Lin Foundation Hall of Fame includes individuals and businesses who have donated more than $10,000 to the efforts of the Foundation. The Visionary level acknowledges donors who have exceeded $25,000 in gifts; the Ambassador level acknowledges donors who have exceeded $50,000 in gifts; and the Benefactor level acknowledges donors who have exceeded $100,000 in gifts. Contributions can be made to the Co-Lin Foundation, P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, by calling (601) 643-8313, or online at www.colin.edu/alumni-foundation.

Co-Lin culinary arts sophomore Ashlyn Sprayberry of Harrisville, a graduate of Mendenhall High School, has earned a paid internship at Disney World in Orlando, FL as part of the Disney College Program. Pictured with Sprayberry is Culinary Arts program director Abby Rials. Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomore Ashlyn Sprayberry of Harrisville has been accepted into the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Sprayberry, a Culinary Arts Technology student on the college's Wesson Campus, will graduate during commencement exercises next week before beginning her paid internship in June. Following the internship, Sprayberry hopes to continue working with Disney in a full-time role. "I am so excited to start this new journey at Disney in June," said Sprayberry. "I hope to stay at Disney for a few years and work full-time in one of the many Disney restaurants." Sprayberry said her experience at Co-Lin helped prepare her for the opportunity while also allowing her to build lasting friendships and become involved on campus. "My time in the Culinary Arts program has been great, and I have had so much fun meeting new friends," she said. "I also loved playing my clarinet in the Blue Wave Show Band." Culinary Arts program director Abby Rials said Sprayberry is her fourth student over the past few years to be accepted into the Disney College Program. "Ashlyn is an excellent student, and I have truly enjoyed having her in the program over the past two years," said Rials. "I can't wait to see where this opportunity takes her."

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com You have natural abilities and inclinations. You love doing certain things. That's normal and good. But what you love in life was never intended to be all that is important in your world. Family, friends, co-workers, church family, strangers, and even supervisors, they are all supposed to be important to you. Granted, holding importance in varying degrees, but definitely holding a place in that tight little circle that some of you seem to believe should be all-consuming…The Orb of Me. Don’t agree with me that others really should be important to you? Okay, look at it this way… if you happen to be having a little trouble seeing outside The Orb of Me. If you neglect being there for others when they need you, you may find them hard-of-hearing when your turn comes and you need their help. Oh yes, I know, that still smacks of catering to the Orb of Me, but at least it has you paying attention to the needs of others, if only for the wrong reason. But I would much rather that we all realize this ill-fated reality. Basically, we have become a selfish and self-consuming people, who have a lot of trouble looking through our Me And Mine Only stained glasses, and seeing others who are suffering and need help. We all seem to be living in our own Orb of Me. If it doesn’t directly affect us, then the issue can be relegated to the back burner. To likely stay there until it burns up. And our world is reaping the results. Very unfortunate results. You can click on the local and national news at any minute of the day and witness this. But how do we stop the mayhem? I really have no idea. I am not a world leader with a miracle plan to whip out of my back pocket. And I personally do not believe in a man or woman leader coming anywhere on the near horizon who does have that pocket. But I do know this. Like the old saying says, “No, you can’t save every fish in the sea. But you can make a world of difference to that one little fish you find washed up on the beach. Pick him up and toss him back into the water.” Miracle in your back pocket for that little guy. Think of someone you know who is struggling, and then spend some mental time living life in their shoes. In other words, try to envision what life for them is probably like. Then step back into your world and reach out, as only you can. Your involvement and help could be enough encouragement to give them hope. Hope that just might energize and spark determination in them. Because success always has to have hope, energy, and a determined spirit at its very core. Folks, step out of your "Me Only" orb. It is very true that you are your Creator's prized possession, but you are not the only one.

Special to Wesson News Curbing vandalism at Wesson Municipal Park requires the assistance of park users who see it happening and reporting it to police right away, Aldermen agreed at their April meeting. The vandalism is occurring in park bathrooms and at the Veterans Memorial, and probably unsupervised youth are culprits, Mayor Alton Shaw said. “Too often the vandalism isn’t reported until several days after it occurs,” noted Alderman Mike King. “Daily reports from citizen volunteers who walk through the park at the same time would help police pinpoint the time it is happening.” The most helpful thing people can do, however, is “to say something when they see something,” Mayor Shaw said. At the April meeting, Police Chief Chad O’Quinn reported to aldermen that Aaron Love and Clint Earl had been hired on a part-time basis to replace Officer Tillman, who had resigned his full-time position but was completing his final days with the Wesson Police Department. The Aldermen approved the recommendation, along with annual Police Chief Conference dues and training costs for the Chief and a deputy. Also speaking at the meeting was Albert Turnage, a Lawrence County attorney who talked about his candidacy for a new Circuit Judge position in a district that encompasses Copiah County. In other actions, the Aldermen voted to: Authorize a 2024 audit as the Town continues to catch up with reports unfiled by a previous Auditor. Declare two fire trucks and 500 replaced water meter surplus property so they can be sold. Approve $3629 to replace three doors at the Old School Community Center. Approve opening a closed section of Briar Street to access property. The Town of Wesson wants to do something to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, but it doesn’t know what yet. “We’re looking for ideas,” Mayor Alton Shaw announced. “We want to do something celebratory that will respect the occasion and not distract from it.”

By Courtney Warren I am so glad we are finally to warmer weather! It’s time to lounge outside in the sun and enjoy the beauty around us. For me, that means spending time in the backyard and at the pool with a good book. Here are two books I am excited about. Kutchinsky’s Egg by Serena Kutchinsky. According to the publisher, when Kutchinsky was a child, her life was turned upside down by her father’s obsession with crafting the world’s largest jeweled egg. Long after her family’s jewelry firm had been ruined and her family decimated by the scope of her father’s fixation, the author returns to the demons that drove him–and the mystery of the missing Argyle Library Egg. Carley Fortune is an author I have enjoyed reading for years. Her new book Our Perfect Summer, is set to be a great spring read. According to the publisher, Frankie and George have been best friends since childhood, but their relationship is strained as Frankie’s wedding approaches and she’s unsure if he’ll even show up. After her fiancé abruptly leaves her with only a note, Frankie is left heartbroken and confused. George convinces her to go on her honeymoon to Tofino with him as a way to heal. What begins as a chance to fix their friendship quickly becomes a journey filled with buried secrets and unexpected feelings.

By Bob Arnold A healthy part of a dream Educational Performing Arts and Athletic Center that was a vision of former Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims for the Wesson campus of the college she managed seems to be on track under a Federal grant. Co-Lin has been awarded $16,294,746 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant program for construction of a new, large-scale safe room facility that will accommodate more than 2,000 occupants and include a gymnasium where the college’s basketball and volleyball teams will play. When Dr. Dewayne Middleton succeeded Dr. Hulon Sims as president of Co-Lin, he suggested FEMA’s safe room program might be a route to realizing part of the vision Dr. Hulon uplifted in her ambitious proposal for a $30 Million complex including a 1,500-seat performing arts theatre and a 2,000-seat athletic arena with shared ticketing, concessions, and restrooms along with a shared lobby designed to host basketball games, other athletic events and arts shows. FEMA safe rooms are hardened, reinforced structures (concrete, steel, or CMU) designed to provide near-absolute protection for emergency shelter against EF5 tornadoes and hurricane-force winds, while serving multiple daily or long-term uses in homes as walk-in closets, pantries or bathrooms or safe storage/panic rooms to secure firearms, documents or valuables or refuge during security threats or break-ins; and in public, school or community settings as gyms, classrooms or community centers. They can also offer secure locations for communications equipment and critical systems of public agencies and be specifically designed with ADA-compliant doors for individuals with disabilities. A safe room at Gallman, Mississippi, in Copiah County serves as a multi-purpose community center for meetings, functions and special events. “We’ve been through enough severe storms in Mississippi to understand the value of safe rooms. I’m pleased with these FEMA hazard mitigation grants to create more safe spaces in our state,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that has jurisdiction over FEMA. “The safety of our students, employees, and community is always a top priority for Co-Lin,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “This project will provide a secure shelter during severe weather while also creating a first-class facility for our student-athletes and campus community. “We are especially grateful to U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for her continued leadership and strong support of Co-Lin, the community college system, and the people of Mississippi. Her commitment to strengthening our institutions and investing in projects like this makes a meaningful difference for our students and communities. We also extend our sincere appreciation to FEMA and our federal delegation for supporting a project that will serve our college and the surrounding community for generations. In addition, we greatly appreciate the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for its assistance and support in helping make this important project a reality.” The $16.3 million Co-Lin grant will cover construction of a 35,000-square-foot standalone, multipurpose safe room on the college’s Wesson campus. It is phase II of a total $18 million grant that included $1.6 million for planning awarded in 2024 and a $175,000 administrative grant awarded with the current funds.

Benson Schexnaydre Olivia Vaughn Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomores Benson Schexnaydre of McCall Creek and Olivia Vaughn of Union Church have each won a $4,000 scholarship awarded by the national mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta. Only three community college students in the nation were selected for the prestigious scholarship to be used at the university of their choosing. "Benson is a dedicated and hardworking pre-engineering/pre-med major. A passionate chess player, he brings the same strategic mindset and discipline to his academic pursuits and campus life," said Eddie Britt, Co-Lin Mu Alpha Theta chapter advisor and mathematics/computer science division chair. "Benson demonstrates a strong commitment to service through his involvement with Operation Christmas Child, campus trash pickups, and his overall dedication to the Co-Lin community. His academic excellence, leadership, and genuine care for others make him a standout representative of Mu Alpha Theta's values." During his time at Co-Lin, Schexnaydre has served as Treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, Public Affairs Officer for Co-Lin C.A.R.E.S, was selected as Campus Favorite and to Who's Who at Co-Lin, and was recently inducted into the college's Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Science Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Future Business Leaders of America, Honors College, Baptist Student Union, Trailblazers, Chess Club, and Wolf Pack Strong. In addition, Schexnaydre is a six-time Mississippi Chess Champion and U.S. Chess Master. After Co-Lin, he plans to attend Mississippi State University to earn a degree in biomedical engineering and attend medical school with plans to become a physician. "As former President of Mu Alpha Theta, Olivia demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, academic excellence, and a passion for promoting mathematics and STEM among her peers," said Britt. "Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence have distinguished her as an outstanding student and a role model within the Mu Alpha Theta community." Vaughn's commitment to serving as a student leader is evident in her role as President of Mu Alpha Theta, President of the Trailblazers, Vice President of the Student Government Association, and Treasurer of Co-Lin C.A.R.E.S. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Science Club, Wolf Pack Strong, Council of Presidents, Phi Theta Kappa, Honors College, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Blue Wave Show Band. She was selected as a Campus Favorite, to Who's Who at Co-Lin, and was recently inducted into the college's Hall of Fame. A mechanical engineering major, Vaughn plans to continue her education at Mississippi State University to earn her engineering degree with a minor in geosciences with a meteorology concentration.

By: Jessica Breazeale Walker's Painting: Not a monster, a man kneeling to pray. One year at Goat Camp, I learned a lesson in a way I will never forget. For those of you who don’t know, our family hosts a free kids camp twice a year—every October and April—with sports, activities, dinner, and guest speakers. It’s a fun way to share the gospel with kids and teens of all ages. This was one of our first GOAT Camps, and we had an activity where kids could paint on a canvas. The instructions were simple: When you think of heaven, what do you see? It was meant to let the kids show their creativity while also opening the door to talk about where they place their hope for the future. Now, any leader, mom, or parent can relate when I say I was extremely multitasking that day. In the middle of camp, I was running around making sure kids were in the right places, volunteers were where they needed to be, transitions were happening on time, kids were fed, drinks were filled, microphones were working, and spilled pizza was picked up. I was talking to a parent who called me over, checking on sign-ins—it was hectic. There was a lot going on. Because of that, I didn’t make it over to the activity section to watch my son Walker paint his masterpiece. Later that night, when we got home, we were unpacking the car—absolutely exhausted—eating leftover cold pizza. Walker showed me his painting. At first, I was dumbfounded. I said, “Walker, what is that? Why couldn’t you just pay attention to the instructions? What in the world makes you think there are monsters in heaven? It’s not like you don’t know—we talk about it all the time. There aren’t going to be monsters or any scary things in heaven. I just feel like you missed the mark and were playing instead of doing what your leader asked you to do.” I had already jumped to my conclusion. Then came the lesson I had to learn the hard way. He said, “Mom, what are you talking about? I DID follow the instructions. She said to paint what you see in heaven. This man is kneeling down, praying.” Oh my goodness—I felt about two inches tall. How could I not see what he saw? I had just been humbled by an eight-year-old who reminded me what it means to have the mind of a child. Because if I don’t, I’m going to miss some of the best things. Scripture comes to mind: be like little children (Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:15) … for they will inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14). If I’m constantly thinking adult thoughts, trying to make everything overly complicated, I’m going to miss out on some of the best blessings God wants to give me. What about you? Do you learn lessons the hard way? Do you think we could all stand to put on the mind of a child sometimes, so we can be more pleasant, more calm, more thoughtful, and more intentional? What’s the bigger picture? Don’t jump to conclusions. Give your kids the benefit of the doubt sometimes. Be like a little child. They have more fun anyway.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB The big problem with “Michael,” the new Michael Jackson biopic, is that it has the approval of the Jackson family. As such, we are going to get a very flattering portrait of possibly the single most controversial personality in the history of the music industry. The scandals that plagued his later years are an unignorable part of his legacy, no matter how much this movie tries to ignore them. Simply put: a movie with this much love for Michael Jackson, made by people who unconditionally love and want to protect Michael Jackson, is not going to be an interesting portrait of Michael Jackson. The film follows Michael from his youth until 1988 – basically the first 30 years of his life. Growing up in Gary, Indiana, young Michael (Juliano Valdi) was essentially robbed of his childhood by his father Joe (Colman Domingo), who demanded that his musician children pursue fame at the expense of their happiness, and some would argue, sanity. The real Jackson family – so protective of Michael’s image - apparently has no problem with Joe being portrayed as a monster. Valdi does an excellent job singing, dancing, emoting, and overall playing a young Michael. Maybe if the whole movie was built around Michael when he was this young, it wouldn’t need to bother giving us a shortchanged version of his adult years. Of course, Michael does grow up to be played by Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson and Michael’s real-life nephew. Well, you can’t say the resemblance isn’t there, even if Michael stopped resembling himself after a certain point. Seriously though, Jaafar is fine. He’s obviously putting every effort into what he surely knows is the role of a lifetime. Is he as talented a musician as his uncle? No, but then Michael wouldn’t be the one-of-a-kind performer he was if he could be easily emulated – even by members of his own family. The movie knows it can’t get a musical performance to match Michael’s stage presence, so it keeps the musical sequences… not exactly “to a minimum,” but they’re never as thorough as fans probably want them to be. I’ll put it this way: I never thought that Michael could take the pop world by storm based on the songs and dances we get in this movie. Nor do I see audiences demanding “cult” screenings of this movie that emphasize the music in the years to come. Come to think of it, the dull musical sequences are as big a problem with “Michael” as the toothless storytelling. I’m just less mad about them because I can see that people – namely Jaafar – are really trying. They just fall short because of their choppiness. But the musical numbers are the selling point of this movie, since I think audiences know in advance that the biography stuff is hardly hard-hitting. Maybe this movie should have taken the “jukebox musical” route of just being a glorified concert of epic performances to celebrate Michael’s style. Jaafar probably couldn’t have carried the whole thing himself, but taking on a few numbers could have lent authenticity to compliment a necessary cast of career professionals. But no, “Michael” had to take the dialogue-heavy biopic route and it falls flat on its face. Not only does the movie cut out Michael’s crazy, scandalous later years, but it doesn’t handle the years we do see particularly well. Surely Michael had more going on than just being a man-child who liked toys and animals and whose worst deed was failing to stand up to his tyrannical father. I’d have a hard time believing that anybody is this wholesome, let alone the obviously-disturbed Michael Jackson. This movie would have you believe that Michael lived like an angel to match having the voice of one. It’s bad, but ironically not the cool Michael Jackson brand of “Bad.” Grade: C- “Michael” is rated PG-13 for some thematic material, language, and smoking. Its running time is 127 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its signature Empty the Shelters® event with a nationwide reduced-fee adoption effort from May 1–17, 2026. The Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL) is proud to participate in this nationwide event, joining more than 335 shelters across 39 states to help pets find loving homes. During the event, BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor reduced adoption fees of $70 or less for cats and dogs, making it more affordable to welcome a new pet into the family. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. BARL will participate May 1–17, offering $35 adoption fees for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. (Few animals will be excluded.) This will include spay/neuter, vaccinations and a microchip. Visit barl.net/adopt to see some of the animals. BARL’s Adoption Center is open Thursday - Saturday, 12:00-5:00 pm, and Sunday 12:00-3:00 pm. Petsense will have some BARL cats available for adoption. “Ten years ago, Empty the Shelters® began with a simple goal—to bring awareness to the incredible cats and dogs in shelters,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring. This impact has all been possible thanks to the commitment of shelters, adopters, donors and supporters across the country. As we celebrate 10 years, we encourage everyone to consider adoption and help more pets find the homes they deserve. It’s never too late to make a difference.” Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event and has helped nearly 400,000 pets find homes across the U.S. and Canada since its inception in 2016. Sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation, the program works with hundreds of animal welfare organizations to reduce adoption fees and make pet adoption accessible to more families. All pets available through participating shelters are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Each shelter determines its own adoption process—prospective adopters are encouraged to contact shelters directly for details.

Special to Wesson News Co-Lin’s men’s and women’s basketball seasons ended in the Region 23 tournaments last month. Pearl River knocked off the men in the first round in a decisive 80-56 victory, while the Lady Wolves made it to the quarterfinals before falling to Itawamba 71-44. The men finished their season with 14-14 record, 7-7 in conference play and the women were 15-12, 6-8 in the conference. Road games were the undoing of the men during the season. At home, they posted a 10-4 record, but could only win three of 12 games when they were the visitors. The women meanwhile had a 6-5 home record and were 7-7 on the road. During their season, the split wins and losses with Gadsden State, Shelton State, Bevill State, Delgado and East Central. They also beat William Carey JV, Baton Rouge, Florida Coastal Prep, Mississippi Delta, East Mississippi, Holmes, Coahoma, Meridian and Southwest, while losing to Southern University-Shreveport, Itawamba, Northeast, Jones, Northwest, Hinds and Gulf Coast. Pearl River upended them twice. While beating LSU Eunice twice, the lady wolves also lost to them once and split wins and losses with Holmes and East Central. They beat Phillips Community College and South Arkansas twice, posted single victories against Southern University-Shreveport, Mississippi Delta, East Mississippi, Northeast, Coahoma, Southwest and Hinds, lost to Baton Rouge and Itawamba twice and to Pearl River, Meridian, Jones, Northwest and Gulf Coast. In their quarterfinal tournament loss, Itawamba dominated the lady wolves, outscoring them in the first quarter (20-8), second quarter (19-14), third quarter (17-13) and fourth quarter (15-9). In her final game in a Lady Wolves uniform, Kamaiyah Pruitt (Pass Christian) led the way with a double-double performance of 24 points and 10 rebounds with the points leading all scorers while the rebounds were tied for the game lead. In their first round tournament loss, the men led early 14-9 against Pearl River, but 8-2, 10-8, , 13-7, 12-5 and 17-9 scoring runs by the Wildcats sealed Co-Lin’s fate. LeBron Deal led the Wolves offensively with 17 points along with two rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Dylan Creggett had 11 points with one assist and three steals. Moustapha Salekh (Ngekoh, Senegal) narrowly missed a double-double with eight points and nine rebounds while Tyrell Bowles (Springdale, MD) also flirted with a double-double with seven points and seven rebounds. Morris Hammond (Ridgeland) had six points, Tristian Lucas (Pearl) had five points, and Caleb Crozier (Yazoo City) had two points to round out the scoring for the Wolves.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If we are talking about your teeth, yep, that’s true. Just totally ignore them, and you have a pretty quick way to rid yourself of a tiresome repetitive responsibility. “She don’t care about us, and always wishin’ that we weren’t so needy all the time? Oh, yeah, we’re outta here! We may leave one by one, but we’re all leavin,’ sooner or later.” But emotional trauma? No way. There are way too many families that seem to believe that if they ignore the painful “it,” the trauma will go away. But usually the opposite happens. Granted, conversation about “it” may stop, but “it” is still there. It simply goes underground, like ugly unwanted plants that over a period of time begin putting out tiny roots. Roots that sooner or later, will grow and likely produce offspring that can make the original “it” seem like a walk in springtime. When an unfortunate incident happens, too often the ones who are most affected refuse to ever consider talking about it. Because talking means reliving that painful memory, and that is the last thing they want to do. Hoping it will just disappear from their lives, they try to just turn their back and walk away. Mentally and emotionally. But emotional trauma and pain that are left to go underground have a way of reappearing later in life. Often reappearing in the form of rebellion, misunderstood anger, isolation from loved ones, crime, or questionable sexual behavior. Like I said, a walk in the springtime a few years before. Unaddressed trauma changes lives, period. And never for the better. And I am not speaking of just the person who experienced the original pain. Here’s why. Every life touches other lives. And if a life has been lived saturated in emotional pain, then that person can’t help but have their relationships affected by their trauma. And this is especially true for the parent-child relationship. Emotional input into the life of a child creates a permanent impression on that child’s life. And if that input is stained by second-hand trauma that has never been resolved, then the effect is very real and very unfortunate. And if that child’s trauma stays unresolved, then it can easily be passed down to the next generation. In an ongoing generational chain of pain. Until someone has the guts to decide that “It” stops with me, and seeks the help that the family has been needing for so long. Then the chain of pain can be broken. Have the courage to speak up and stop the hurt. Like my husband says, “It’s bad enough to fall headfirst into a mudhole, but it’s a whole lot worse to just lay there.”