As we tiptoe into 2022, I am hopeful and, yet, I am angry. It's 2022 and we are still so far behind in protecting the biggest treasure we have: All Human Life. Mississippi is proudly leading this country down a new path, one that is long overdue; but we still have so many laws that don't show Mississippians the real value of life. It's time to prove how we not only love the baby the moment he/she is conceived, but, also, how we value each individual throughout their entire life. One area that people use against pro-lifers is that we only care about the baby in the womb. While this isn't true, we still have far too many laws that hold people back from living their lives and many laws that discriminate against people. As a pro-life conservative woman, I see a need to make big changes to reflect what our state stands for. Did you know that a person, no matter their age, can be discriminated against for needing a life-SAVING organ transplant? I have heard denials of persons (all ages) born with Down syndrome being denied. Yes, simply for an extra chromosome, a doctor can deny them. Its discrimination here in the US in 2022. Barbaric. Outdated. Two tragic stories I would like to share about this is Daniel's and Zion's. And I have a celebration story of Charlotte Woodward, as well: Let's start with Daniel Kirwan from Texas. Sadly, Daniel passed away in 2015 after being denied a life-saving kidney transplant. Simply the diagnosis of Down syndrome kept his team from adding his name to the transplant list. His sister, Kathleen, and the entire family questioned why they didn't even look to see if he would qualify for this needed surgery and learned that his life wasn't deemed a life worth saving; a man that brought his family joy and laughter and love every second. After he suffered and then passed away, they knew they needed to bring change. Kathleen worked diligently to pass Daniel's Law (Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention) in Texas. You could (before this law passed) file a complaint and wait to see if your claim would be revisited; we all know in a life-saving emergency surgery, time isn't something that a person dying has much of. Also, the pain one suffers while waiting. How sad is it that a person would be left in limbo and told they aren't eligible all while suffering, but, "hey, please file this paperwork!"? The stress and horror the family feels, too. This isn't pro-life at all! Thankfully, his sister is seeing that her brother's fate isn't repeated, while she daily mourns the loss of her baby brother and the love they shared. Daniel Kirwan Day is celebrated in August. Baby Zion's story is fresh and the wounds are still weeping. Zion Sarmiento was less than 4 months old when he passed away in Florida. Like Texas, Florida passed (in June 2020) the Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Law. He shouldn't have been denied the heart transplant that he needed, but he was. Multiple heart surgeries were tried, but ultimately, a transplant was his only hope. I understand that the family was told, "Zion has Down syndrome, we CAN'T WASTE a heart like that" by his doctor. The family desperate to save him even tried another state (Georgia) and were denied there, too. Multiple hospitals turned them away. This precious baby and his family were told no, over and over, even with the law in place. Baby Zion's photos are forever in my heart. His smile was pure joy and his family deserved better. Shame on anyone who would take a vow to save lives and then choose who they save. Heartbreaking for us all. Now, to a story that proves why this law is needed in our state of Mississippi AND across our nation: Charlotte's story. Charlotte was told YES! Her team loves and values Charlotte, they saw/see her worth. Charlotte Woodward is one of the most remarkable humans I have met. She is the first to tell you that she wouldn't be alive if she hadn't received her heart transplant. Her surgery was performed in her 20's. Charlotte is now in her 30's and speaking up daily for all her friends to be given the same chance she was. Charlotte is a college graduate, works for NDSS, has been featured in Forbes and you'll find her fighting for this and all equal rights for people living with Down syndrome. She is a gift and her voice and power will create a change for thousands. She was given a chance; one she deserved and is making the most of. The Charlotte Woodward Bill has been introduced at the Federal Level in both the House and the Senate this session. My Hudson was born with a large hole in his heart. At 3.5 months old, he underwent open heart surgery. The surgery was successful for the hole repair, but he still has a leaky mitral valve. Hudson will need another surgery to replace his valve. I think of this one (the law and the discrimination) very personally. How should a mom, dad, or family feel when a huge piece of their heart is suffering and in need and they can't help? I'm crushed knowing this happens. How unfair. How much discrimination should be tolerated? The answer is NONE. I understand demand and availability, but to deny based on valuing a persons life is un-American, at best. The solution for Mississippi: Cole's Law. Cara and Cole Sims have introduced (two years in a row) the Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act in the House. Due to Covid and other pressing matters, it sadly has been overlooked. But, not this year. We, together, have increased the co-sponsors and even have it being introduced in the Senate, as well. House: Rep. Lee Yancey, Rep. Jansen Owen and Rep. Becky Currie. Senate: Sen. Jeremy England. We welcome anyone to add their names to this very bipartisan bill to save lives and protect those who have been far too long unprotected. Cara and Cole Sims live in Bay Springs. Cara is super active in the Down syndrome community and a true leader. Cara is on the Mississippi Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition and her heart is gold. She is doing this to see that children like Cole and Hudson never feel this discrimination. So that families have hope and peace in hard diagnosis. Also, so that new moms stop having to fear this journey. And COLE! He is awesome. Cole is 4, loves animals, loves Elmo and is such a beautiful boy. He has a life worthy of living and a heart worthy of loving... He is a wonderful gift. You can be a voice for this change. Please reach out to your representatives and ask them to act on Cole's Law. Think of someone you love and the mountains you'd move to protect them and save them; moms of children with Down syndrome often have the largest mountains to move and they do it no matter how hard. Help us. "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." -The Dalai Lama "EDITOR'S NOTE: CJ and Mika Hartman are personal friends of The Wesson News' publisher, Clay Mansell. We wanted to use our publication to share Mika's journey as she works to change laws, perceptions and anything else she chose to tackle to make our state a better, more inclusive one. Her son, Hayden [Hudson?], has Down Syndrome, and she will share his journey and hers as she works with lawmakers to make Mississippi a better place to live for everyone. Please visit our website to view her blog and important information on how we can all help make Mississippi better. "

Legislation Would Require Doctors to Provide Accurate Info to Parents That Will Empower Them to Choose Life The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) today celebrated as Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed the Down Syndrome Information Act, legislation that would require doctors to provide accurate and up-to-date educational information to parents of children newly diagnosed with Down syndrome. The legislation passed with wide bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. The bill is commonly known as “Hudson’s Law,” named after Hudson Hartman, a two-year-old Mississippian who has Down syndrome. Last year, Hudson and his mom Mika were key lobbyists for the Life Equality Act, legislation to ban discrimination abortions based on race, sex, disability, or genetic makeup. Governor Reeves signed the Life Equality Act into law last summer. “We thank Governor Reeves for signing Hudson’s Law and for his strong pro-life leadership in Mississippi,” said SBA List State Policy Director Sue Liebel. “This law goes hand in hand with the Life Equality Act and will serve as an important check to ensure that doctors are empowering parents of children who have Down syndrome with accurate information and resources. Parents deserve to know that 99% of people with Down syndrome live happy and fulfilled lives. No child should be deprived of the right to be born, especially due to a disability – this is no less than modern-day eugenics. “We are grateful to State Senator Jeremy England and State Representative Jansen Owen for championing this legislation. Their leadership on behalf of Mississippi’s most vulnerable will save lives.” Polling conducted earlier this year found that 70% of Americans, including 56% of those who identify as pro-choice, 59% of Democrats, and 70% of Independents, oppose abortion based on the expectation that an unborn child may have Down syndrome.

My husband and I have been married over 24 years. Celebrating us today is as important as it was our first Valentines Day. The first one, CJ came to my work and left perfume on my windshield. “Tommy Girl” perfume became my new favorite; I can still smell it. Not because it was the most wonderful smell out there, but because it smelled of love; his love for me. No, I don’t still wear “Tommy Girl”, but I can’t forget how this little box made me feel. We hadn’t known each other very long… and 24 years later, I remember that day perfectly. CJ and I have three children together. Our hopes and daily prayers consist of the exact same thing for all three children, even though they all have a decade between them: True love, passion for life; determination; and success at a level they feel successful (all up to each of them to decide what these are to them); all with God as the priority. This list is the same for many parents, including mine. For my two older children, these are achievable milestones, as they should be. They will be on a path of their choosing and all doors are open them. They can dream big and do whatever their determination level goes for. It is up to them to achieve the life they desire. I don’t have to advocate or change laws to see them reach their full potential or walk through life with someone they love. Just prayers are needed. My youngest child, Hudson, has roadblocks set up that many have no idea about. I didn’t know all of them until his arrival. He’s only 3, while the laws may be improving, there is still so much that dictates the life he can have. Andra Day is ironically playing on my Echo this very second, her song playing is “Rise Up”. This song has become my theme song. I will move mountains to see Hudson have opportunities to choose the level of success he wants and the love he desires/deserves. It’s “Love Day” month, did you know many people with disabilities are unable to be married because of the penalties that they would face? If two persons with Down syndrome fall in love and want to walk in this world together, they are penalized if they officially wed. The Federal Government says that they (the persons living with Down syndrome) will lose needed benefits if they marry; punishing them for seeking love at a deeper level. SSI and Medicaid would deem incomes as joint, making this couple ineligible. And all cash gifts to the couple have to be reported as income, as well. Other helpful programs, like CDB and SSDI, would be affected because of the parent connection that automatically goes away. As it stands today for our friends: You can fall in love, but you can’t get married. Or you can get married and face your challenges with no help? That’s not American. I have met friends that had a love ceremony, but nothing was filed and last names remained different. Love is a powerful gift, but it is not so powerful that your medical needs vanish. When I asked for guidance on this issue, I was told by a good friend that he has a friend who is calling her wedding ceremony “fake” to not lose their benefits. How awful to need to lessen or degrade the most important day in your life as “fake”. Heartbreaking. The person with Down syndrome recognizes that needed benefits trump a real ceremony. It’s also unknown that our friends with Down syndrome can be paid “subminimum’ wage…. It’s not even a real word, but it happens all over. This program was originally created to help open employment doors for people with disabilities. It was intended to help integrate the disability community and provide income that wouldn’t disrupt any health services already provided. It worked against them. It gave society the opportunity to devalue a person based on their disability. We are valued in life by our worth, productivity, opportunity and abilities. When a person is paid as little as 20 cents per hour, the message becomes that they are only worth that. So not true and extremely belittling. Many states are making changes to this, but Mississippi hasn’t yet. Now, we don’t pay 20 cents an hour that I am aware of, but how often do you see a person with a disability like Down syndrome working in your community? I live on the Coast and I personally know of one. I did know of two, but the other one is off at college! You read that right! Many families find themselves in this very situation and either choose to keep their adult child at home or create an opportunity for the family to open a business. Value is more than money, it can be a smile, or a hug, or pride of a job well done; all are contagious. Now let’s put these two big dreams I have for my children together: Hayden and Henley can get married with a ceremony and a celebration of love, Hudson can’t, not legally. My older children can do whatever job they seek and be valued and earn raises/have new opportunities; Hudson will be devalued by society and paid under minimum wage for doing his job or I will have to create him real opportunity. This is the first time I’ve typed this and my heart is skipping beats. Hudson’s diagnosis is Down syndrome. He has a life expectancy of greater than 65 years old, He has a strong-will and he CAN do big things. Every other person in life gets to choose a path. Why can’t Hudson? I also want to add this: God gave Hudson his extra chromosome. He didn’t ask for it. He was created this way. And he’s wonderful. Different isn’t bad; his different is beautiful. The world needs the love he gives. Some will argue that raising the pay to minimum wage across the board for all will lead to unintended consequences; not all good intentions play out as all good. I have heard this one already several times on my path to bringing the needed change. If you force employers to pay more, then they may not hire at all a person with Down syndrome. And that is the problem. It is embedded in us that they (people with Down syndrome) don’t deserve better and fair wages. If a person has the heart to hire based only on the bottom line, they missed the mark. This wasn’t created to make a bottom line better. It was to integrate wonderful, loving, happy people into the workplace and provide opportunities for them to grow and learn; active/productive citizens in our communities. If real training applies to the job intended, the work “with a smile” will happen and be productive. Some will argue that marriage isn’t important either. Or that is not a reasonable request. I disagree. Having someone you love to walk through this world with and be your best friend on the deepest level possible is everything! Now let’s put these two together: Marriage and a great job that values your contributions… the dream for all of us, right? Now the money part. Better wages and two incomes becoming possible for our friends may deem that all the extra assistance isn’t needed. But I want to ask you think about it this way, a person living with Down syndrome has many health challenges, ones you’ll never face, and the cost of healthcare is very expensive. Hudson was born with a large hole in his heart that will require multiple surgeries, transient leukemia, hypothyroidism, missing tear ducts, and more. All require medical attention. He also eats by a g-tube. His feeding equipment is over $2000 per month. I’ve recently been denied a wheelchair for Hudson. The cost is thousands for his chair. Hearing that items on a wheelchair are a luxury is ridiculous. I need it for his safety on long walks, trips, doctors visits because of his low muscle tone. His adaptive bike was $9000. My point in sharing is that even with fair wages and two incomes through marriage, the medical side is necessary for many reasons and a couple will never find themselves monetarily rich, but rich in life and love. Love comes in many ways. It comes in a hand holding yours as you walk, it comes in a smile that cheers you up just when you need it, it comes in looking to the future with that special person. Love can also be found in a mom moving mountains. I love Hudson so much, I will move these mountains; I have to. My dreams for my children will remain, my prayers are different for Hudson. I pray I can he the voice he needs. I pray that he won’t know all the discrimination that is out there when I am done. I pray he gets the life he deserves. I pray that life gives him the love in return that he gives. With God, all things are possible. Any help moving these mountains is truly appreciated. I had an opportunity to speak when Hudson was just 5 months old. All of this was so new to me (I still learn something new every day), but I said these words and they still ring so true in my heart today: “So, I shook my fist at Heaven Said, “God, why don’t You do something?” He said, “I did, yeah, I created you.” Matthew West, “Do Something” … He created YOU, too! Extra hugs and extra kisses this February. Remember that love conquers all. *February is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month. Hudson is a CHD Warrior! Celebrate all our little fighters with me; they are heroes!

In today’s prepared foods, microwavable society, making dishes and condiments from scratch and preserving fruits and vegetables is quickly becoming a lost art, especially when it comes to the classics that once graced tables a few short decades ago. Be honest, outside of a restaurant, when is the last time you sat down a Sunday dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade biscuits or rolls and lemon meringue pie? If you’re like many cooks, the answer is “I can’t remember” or even, “never.” After talking to those for whom from-scratch cooking is not just a lost art, but one they’ve never learned, I’ve concluded that there are some procedures that are downright intimidating. The good news is, they don’t have to be. With a little research and determination to learn a new skill regardless of how terrifying it may seem, you can easily master these classic dishes and condiments. I promise, the homemade product resulting from each of these (I’ll explore one almost-lost art in the following weeks) is 100% better than store-bought, frozen and microwaved version. First up: homemade jams and jellies. Talk about enjoying the fruits of your labor…there’s no better (or more delicious) way to accomplish this than by preserving the best of summer and fall’s bounty. I won’t lie, it’s a lengthy process to wash and prepare fruit (I make plum jelly in the summer, muscadine in the fall), cook it down with sugar and pectin, sterilize jars and rings, fill steaming-hot jars with equally hot, bubbling liquid and process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath. But here’s the good news – it’s a skill that’s relatively easy to master and nothing’s more beautiful than a row of jewel-toned jars glistening in the windowsill. Most importantly, the taste of homemade jam is infinitely fresher and much better than the store-bought version. And, it’s the perfect gift for the person that “has everything” and would appreciate a gift from the kitchen. If you’d like my jam and jelly recipes and preparation tips, simply drop me an email and I’ll send them to you. Speaking of lost arts, a dish that’s rarely made anymore but remains a Southern classic is chicken and dumplings. It’s labor-intensive, but like many old-school dishes, simple in terms of ingredients and preparation. I spent an hour or two recently rolling out dough and boiling chicken using an old recipe for chicken and dumplings. I’m sharing the recipe for those of you who still hold fond memories of enjoying a plate of steaming, fragrant chicken and dumplings at your grandmother or mother’s table. Old-School (But Easy) Chicken & Dumplings 3 pounds chicken pieces (I combine chicken breasts and pieces with bones- legs, etc) 2-3 stalks celery stalks, roughly chopped 2 carrots, roughly chopped 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 2 quarts water 2 teaspoons salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pastry board ½ teaspoon baking soda 3 tablespoons Crisco ¾ cup whole buttermilk For stock: Place chicken, celery, and carrots in large Dutch oven or stockpot; add water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Remove chicken from broth, and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Remove chicken from broth and discard skin and bone from chicken, then shred into bite-size pieces. Remove boiled vegetables and set aside (you can chop them finer and return to broth at the end if you’d like them in your dumplings, but this is optional). Return broth to a boil over high heat; stir in pepper. For dough: combine flour, baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender (or use fingers) until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface like a marble pastry board or cutting board; knead lightly 4-5 times. Pat dough down with hand or slightly with a rolling pin, to ½-inch thickness. Pinch off dough in 1 ½-inch pieces and drop into boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until desired consistency is reached, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in chicken and if desired, chopped boiled vegetables. Stir together until everything is heated through and combined. Serve hot.

By Bob Garver It is ironic that the #1 movie at the domestic box office on Valentine's weekend would be one where all but one relationship ends badly. If you are watching this movie with a partner, be sure to say something like, “Good thing we’re not as screwed up as these people, right?” If your partner can’t answer because they are too busy jotting down notes on how to plan the perfect murder, perhaps your relationship has run its course. Following 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” Kenneth Branagh is back as legendary Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. More importantly, Poirot’s ridiculous mustache is back, complete with its own black-and-white origin story. It’s almost, but not quite worth sitting through some lousy digital de-aging effects on Branagh to understand some of Poirot’s motivations. The bulk of the film takes place, in color, in 1937 Egypt. Poirot is on holiday when he spies old partner Bouc (Tom Bateman). Bouc introduces Poirot to his mother Euphemia (Annette Bening) and his recently-married friends Simon (Armie Hammer) and Linnet Doyle (Gal Gadot). The Doyles request Poirot’s help in ridding them of stalker Jacqueline de Bellefort (Emma Mackey), an obsessed former lover of Simon’s. Poirot can’t do much since Jackie hasn’t committed any crime, but he does suggest that the couple sneak away in secret. Misinterpreting Poirot’s advice, the Doyles rent out a huge ocean liner and take their circle of friends (including Poirot) on a cruise down the Nile where they figure Jackie can’t follow them. Jackie boards the boat at the very next stop. Murder follows. Frustratingly, the prime suspect has an airtight alibi – they were being detained for shooting another passenger at the time. Perhaps it was another member of the party. There’s Linnet’s own jilted former lover Dr. Windlesham (Russell Brand, for once not looking like a pirate despite the movie largely taking place on a ship), her cousin and crooked estate manager Andrew (Ali Fazal), her Communist godmother Marie (Jennifer Saunders) and Marie’s nurse Mrs. Bowers (Dawn French), scheming maid Louise (Rose Leslie), school chum Rosalie (Letitia Wright), and Rosalie’s singer aunt Salome (Sophie Okonedo). Complicating matters is that Rosalie and Salome have stolen Bouc and Poirot’s respective hearts. Which isn’t to say that Bouc and his mother are necessarily off the hook. Some expensive diamonds are missing, that alone could be the motive behind the murder, and absolutely everyone could use the money. The movie meanders in its early stages, no doubt trying to spend as much time as possible with the full cast before someone has to be eliminated. But then we get to the really fun part – Poirot’s fast-paced interrogations. It is here where we get the film’s wittiest dialogue and best chemistry between actors. I’ve heard it said that Hammer and Gadot have no chemistry as a couple, and I think that’s a bit unfair, as public opinion of Hammer is very low right now due to accusations levelled against the actor, and I think people would be disgusted by him in any role, especially one as sensual as this. But it doesn’t take a Poirot-level detective to see that the Simon/Linnet marriage isn’t destined to last – assuming they both live long enough to split up. Director-and-star Branagh is currently in Oscar contention for directing a semiautobiographical film called “Belfast.” It probably won’t make enough money to warrant its own review, but if did, I would give it an A- and name it one of the top two or three films of 2021. I definitely recommend seeing it instead of “Death on the Nile” if it’s an option. This movie probably won’t get nominated for any Oscars, but it at least manages to keep its head above water – the Nile, as it were. Grade: B- “Death on the Nile” is rated PG-13 for violence, some bloody images and sexual material. Its running time is 127 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. .

Acting State Conservationist Michael Carr of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced an urban agriculture focused sign-up through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This targeted sign-up is for farmers in Biloxi (Harrison), Brandon (Rankin), Brookhaven (Lincoln), Canton (Madison), Greenville (Washington), Greenwood (Leflore), Gulfport (Harrison), Hattiesburg (Forrest), Jackson (Hinds), Natchez (Adams), Oxford (Lafayette), South Haven (Desoto), Starkville (Oktibbeha), Tupelo (Lee), and Vicksburg (Warren) counties, who are interested in producing local, healthy, sustainable food for their communities. EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that helps producers make conservation work for them. NRCS provides agricultural producers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements, or what NRCS calls conservation practices. “Urban farmers in Mississippi are doing some great work connecting consumers to the land that provides their food,” said Carr. “Urban conservation provides local economic and environmental benefits while providing fresh food options to communities that need them most.” NRCS takes applications on a continuous basis, however, interested parties are encouraged to contact their local NRCS service center and apply by March 11, 2022, to be included in this application batching period. While this sign-up is limited in scope, NRCS is looking to expand urban agriculture conservation to other areas of Mississippi in the future. To begin those discussions or sign-up for a conservation program, contact your local NRCS conservationist. Be sure to check the status of your USDA Service Center when you reach out to us. For offices with restrictions on in-person appointments, we are still available by phone, email, and through other digital tools. To learn more about EQIP or other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit Get Started with NRCS or contact your local USDA Service Center. More Information Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change. More broadly, these efforts build on others across USDA to encourage use of conservation practices. For example, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently provided $59.5 million in premium support for producers who planted cover crops on 12.2 million acres through the new Pandemic Cover Crop Program. Last week, RMA announced a new option for insurance coverage, the Post Application Coverage Endorsement, for producers who “split apply” fertilizer on corn. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air, and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including state, local and Tribal governments. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

We’ve all seen it on TV and in the movies: Someone who’s stressed, angry or unhealthy clutches their chest, screws up their face and has a heart attack. But stress, especially during the trying times of a pandemic, also can lead to what some in the medical community refer to as a “brain attack.” It’s a stroke, and if symptoms are ignored or treatment is delayed, a life can be lost. “Anxiety levels are high now in some people,” said Dr. Shreyas Gangadhara, an assistant professor and chief of the Division of Vascular Neurology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “Some of my patients who had quit smoking have gone back to it.” Taking steps to manage anxiety and stress, he said, is not only good for overall health, but a key factor in reducing your risk of stroke and heart disease. Stroke is the fifth-highest killer and leading cause of disability in the United States, the American Heart Association says. February is Heart Month, a time to help increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke and what you can do to control your risk. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen. That means brain cells begin to quickly die. A stroke is usually caused when an artery is blocked by a blood clot or other debris, or when a blood vessel in the brain is leaking or has burst. If someone is having trouble walking or speaking, has trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying, has paralysis or numbness of the face, arms or legs, or has a headache or problems seeing, think FAST: Face: Can the person smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms: Can they raise both arms? Does one drive downward, or is one arm unable to be lifted? Speech: Is the speech slurred or unusual? Time: Call 911 if any of these signs are occurring. If you’re experiencing one or more of these factors, you’re at added risk: you have high blood pressure or blood cholesterol, are a smoker, are obese, get little exercise, eat a diet high in fat and sodium, are diabetic, have carotid or peripheral artery disease, have sickle cell disease, or have other heart diseases. The American Heart Association offers a stroke quiz that gives a good idea of your risk. “They add up,” Gangadhara said of risk factors. “And when anxiety is uncontrolled, the other things can get out of control.” The best chance doctors have of successfully treating a patient, and hopefully averting a stroke altogether, is to see them early, said Gangadhara, who also directs UMMC’s TeleStroke program and vascular neurology fellowship program. “We can give clot-buster medications up to four and half hours from symptom onset in patients who qualify for it, and in some patients, we can surgically pull the clot out if we see them within 24 hours,” he said. UMMC‘s Stroke Center provides highly coordinated stroke care and is a certified primary stroke center. The center has state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including a six-bed dedicated stroke unit, and a 20-bed neurosciences intensive care unit. The Stroke Center has been honored by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association with their “Get with the Guidelines” Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award. Since the pandemic began, Gangadhara said, “we’ve seen patients aren’t going to the emergency room as much as they would have previously. They hear the ER is full, so they come a week later after their symptoms don’t get better. Or, they come to an ER and are told there’s going to be a long wait, so they leave.” “Sometimes when they come to see me in the clinic, it’s too late to decrease their stroke burden,” he said. “We could have prevented some of the worst effects of stroke.” Take proactive steps to manage your health and stress levels so that your risk is lower, Gangadhara suggests. If you’re smoking, quit. If you haven’t been vaccinated, do so quickly because your stroke risk factors can potentially come into play if you are sickened with the virus, “Go to your primary care doctor. Get your blood pressure checked and under control,” Gangadhara said. “Eat a healthy diet – more veggies and fruits, and less fried foods and fast food,” he said. “Exercise. Go for a walk, or do an exercise you like, a minimum five times a week to get your heart rate up.” To contact a specialist in neurosciences care at UMMC, call (601) 984-5500.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson kicked off the 53rd Annual Sale of Junior Champions today by recognizing the collaborative efforts of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, FFA, and the Sale of Champions Promotion Committee in making the Sale of Junior Champions a success year after year. The Sale of Junior Champions is one of the highlight events of the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo. During the livestock auction, 4-H and FFA youth livestock exhibitors winning Champion and Reserve Champion in the Junior Round-Up sell their animals through an auction. Commissioner Gipson was joined by Dr. Gary Jackson, Mississippi State University Extension Service Director; Jill Wagner, Mississippi FFA State Advisor; Gary Blair, Chairman of the Sale of Junior Champions Promotion Committee; Billy Jade Chapman, FFA State President; Scotty Lovelace, owner of Harper & Morgan Rodeo; and Phillip Morgan, CEO of Southern AgCredit. Two Sale of Champions Scholarship recipients, Logan Johnson, from the West Lauderdale FFA/Lauderdale County 4-H, and Tatum Madden from the Covington County 4-H, gave remarks on how the livestock program has impacted their lives. “I am proud of all of the 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors and scholarship recipients that are being recognized here today. Each of them have worked hard and earned the opportunity to be part of the Sale of Junior Champions. The skills and lessons that they are learning are preparing them to be our future leaders in agriculture,” said Commissioner Gipson. This year 1,538 4-H and FFA members from across Mississippi participated in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Show showing 2,262 head of various livestock including pigs, sheep, cattle and goats. The animals will be sold for top dollar in the Sale of Champions. In addition, scholarships totaling $62,000 will be awarded to 39 students. “The Dixie National is the largest livestock show and PRCA Rodeo east of the Mississippi River. MSU Extension is always honored to bring over 1,200 4-Hers each year to exhibit their livestock. Youth development is really what the Dixie National Junior Livestock Show is about, and the Sale of Champions is a major highlight of the event. We want to congratulate our youth and express our appreciation to Mississippi’s business leaders who make the Sale of Champions and the scholarship program a reality,” said MSU Extension Director Dr. Gary Jackson. The work of the Sale of Champions Promotion Committee has been the key to the success of the Sale for over 50 years. Since the Sale of Champions began in 1970, the event has continued to grow due to the generosity and dedication of the Sale of Champions Committee members. “As Chairman of the Committee, my main focus is trying to provide money for our scholarship recipients and our Sale of Champions participants,” said Gary Blair, Chairman of the Dixie National Sale of Champions Promotion Committee. Over the past 52 years, the sale has grossed over $8 million. Last year, the sale of 45 winning animals grossed $389,425, and 38 scholarships were presented to 4-H and FFA members totaling $60,000. Since the first scholarships were awarded in 1993, over 758 scholarships have been awarded to various 4-H and FFA members totaling over $1 million. The Sale of Junior Champions provides an opportunity for students to earn money for college, as well as helps them to develop a wide host of skills. The youth participating in the livestock show spend months raising and caring for their livestock learning the value of hard work and responsibility.

Governor Tate Reeves today announced the state of Mississippi is investing nearly $25 million in site development projects throughout the state. Site development grant funds made available through the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the RESTORE Act are assisting local economic development entities in their efforts to spur economic growth by attracting new industry to competitive, shovel-ready sites. “Shovel-ready sites are a top priority for companies seeking a new location,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “By investing in these sites today, we are laying a foundation upon which companies can quickly locate, expand and create jobs for future generations of Mississippians.” The MDA recently awarded a total of $1,637,983 through its Site Development Grant Program for projects in the Ready Sites and Premier Sites categories. Ready Sites require a minimum of 20 highly developable acres, and the site must be work-ready within six months and must be capable of having utilities on site within 12 months. Ready Sites are eligible to receive up to $50,000 in funding. Premier Sites require a minimum of 100 acres and must have attributes that distinguish them from other properties, such as being in high-demand locations, having large-scale, "mega"-development acreage or having significant utility infrastructure already in place. They also must have a labor force able to attract the intended market. Premier Sites are eligible to receive up to $250,000 in funding. Those awarded funding include: • Ready Sites Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce – $25K for completing environmental due diligence at Cleveland Industrial Park Economic Development Authority of Jones County – $50K for drainage improvements at Howard Industrial Park Greene County Board of Supervisors – $50K for environmental due diligence at the Greene County Rail Site Harrison County Development Commission – $28K for broadband installation in the North Harrison County Industrial Complex Marion County Economic Development District – $50K for environmental due diligence and clearing at the Columbia New Generation Park Walthall County Board of Supervisors – $49,983.20 for clearing and to design and build an entrance at the U.S. Hwy. 98 Site Yellow Creek State Inland Port Authority – $50K to complete environmental due diligence and clearing and grubbing at the Boothe Property Development at the Yellow Creek Port • Premier Sites Community Development Foundation – $250K for construction of a building pad and an expansion pad, and initial access road construction at The HIVE Business Park Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission – $250K for environmental due diligence at Site #1 at Port Bienville Industrial Park Madison County Economic Development Authority – $250K for clearing and grubbing at the Madison County Mega Site Panola Partnership – $85K for engineering/design for an elevated water tank at Panola County Airport Industrial Park Rankin First Economic Development Authority – $250K for construction of a building pad at the East Metro Center Rail Site at the EMC Industrial Park Smith County Economic Development District – $250K for infrastructure improvements at the Smith County Industrial Site The MDA also has committed $11,642,589 in Site Development Grant – Select Sites funding. The Select Sites program was created in 2021 to increase the number of highly competitive industrial sites in the state that are available and ready to meet prospective companies’ needs. Twenty of the state’s top publicly owned industrial sites were evaluated by Greenville, SC-based Strategic Development Group, which was contracted by the state’s electric utilities. Of these sites, the following have been invited to apply for Select Sites funding, based on current funding availability: • Select Sites Belwood Industrial Park, Adams County – $1,825,977 to complete levee construction and make drainage improvements Ceres Research and Industrial Interplex – Site B, Warren County - $1,368,000 for stream mitigation, drainage improvements, water and sewer system improvements, and to design entrance improvements I-59 South Site, Jones County – $553,600 for access roads and clearing I-59 Supply Chain Park (at Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport), Jones County – $3,402,858 to upgrade sanitary sewer capacity; construct a building pad and complete intersection modifications NorthStar Industrial Park, Oktibbeha County – $679,775 for wetlands permitting and mitigation; clearing, grubbing and grading; and developing an all-access road Springs Industrial Park, Marshall County – $346,875 to thin and clear trees University of Southern Mississippi – The Garden, Forrest County – $3,465,504 for clearing, grubbing and grading and construction of an access road Governor Reeves also has approved the NorthStar Industrial Park for ARC funding and invited the site to submit a full application for $2,719,102 in ARC SAAW funding. RESTORE Act funding in the amount of $8,927,940 also is assisting three projects with site development needs. The projects approved for RESTORE Act funds, administered by the Department of Environmental Quality, are: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport – $4,180,000 for site development work at a 241-acre economic development site at the airport Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission – $2,547,940 for engineering/design and site development work at Site #13 at Stennis International Airport Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission – $2,200,000 for site development at Hancock County Tech Park at Stennis International Airport “MDA commends each of these communities for taking the initiative to ensure their sites are competitive and ready to meet the unique needs of companies across a wide range of sectors,” said MDA Interim Executive Director Laura Hipp. “Mississippi is an ideal place to do business, and the further development of these industrial sites is yet another attribute we can add to our strong portfolio of competitive business advantages.”

On Saturday, February 12, 2022, MCM Partners will be celebrating the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) through their biggest fundraising event, Ignite the Night: New York State of Mind. Every February, adults are given permission to play after hours at the Mississippi Children’s Museum during its signature fundraising event, Ignite the Night. Each gallery comes to life with festive food, mesmerizing music, and amusing activities. Hosted by the Mississippi Children’s Museum Partners, a group of volunteers and donors who support the museum, this is not your typical party. It is imaginative, entertaining, and, most importantly, fun! On February 12, 2022, MCM Partners invites grown-ups to take over the museum as Ignite the Night: New York State of Mind welcomes the museum’s biggest little kids to come take a bite out of the Big Apple in the heart of Jackson! Come dressed in your most Cosmopolitan of New York City style, enjoy entertainment by street performers and musicians and savor a variety of NYC’s finest culinary offerings. Be ready to bid on swanky silent auction items while strolling down Fifth Avenue, and be sure to peruse the beautiful art in our SoHo Artist’s Alley while you get a taste of New York City’s most exciting nightlife. After all, nothing beats a night out in NYC! By supporting MCM Partner’s signature fundraiser, Ignite the Night: New York State of Mind, you are helping the museum in its mission to create unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning. Proceeds from the event provide critical funding for the museum’s operations, including meeting ongoing exhibit and program needs. Purchase your tickets online at one.bidpal.net/ignitethenight. Ignite the Night Sponsors: Ignite the Night: New York State of Mind is presented by BankPlus and is sponsored by Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, Newk's, Wealthview Capital, Zimmer, Kroger, Puckett Machinery, C Spire, Overby, Inc., Ross & Yerger, First Horizon Mortgage, WBA Architecture, Jones Walker, Titos Handmade Vodka, EastGroup Properties, First Commercial Bank, Janet and Charlie Spain, Sunbelt Sealing, American Field Service Corporation, McB's Bar and Grill, GranthamPoole, KPMG, LLP, Marion Counseling Services, McNeely Plastics, Raymond James, Ballew Wealth Advisors, Geri Beth and Allen Smith, Mamie and Jet Hollingsworth, Carr, Riggs & Ingram Special thanks to: Sysco of Jackson, Clark Beverage Group, Southern Beverage, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Davaine Lighting, Hederman Brothers Printing, Blithe & Vine, Fondren Cellars, Fresh Cut Catering and Floral, and Maison Weiss. 2022 Ignite the Night Committee: Chair Elizabeth Mehrle, Honorary Chair Elee Reeves, Co-Chair Amanda Puckett, Alicen Blanchard, Amanda Overby, Jane Claire Williams, Melissa Boyd, Brittany Moss, Rivers Walker, Libba Wilkes, Niki Cleveland, Jenni Graven, Barbara and Jason Craft, Barbara Byrd, Dana Robertson, Janet Spain, Suzy Hays, Allison Barrett, Anna Peterson, India Torrey, Elizabeth Hawkins, Katherine Puckett, Stephanie Rippee, and Weatherly Sams. About the Mississippi Children’s Museum The Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission of creating unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning in all children. The 40,000-square foot museum is designed around five primary initiatives, with correlating exhibits, programs, and outreach efforts. These initiatives include: Literacy, STEAM, Health and Nutrition, Cultural Arts, and Mississippi Heritage – the keys to helping our children mature into healthy and productive adult learners. In response to community needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MCM shifted operating and programming priorities to best serve Mississippi’s children and combat learning loss through facilitating virtual schooling and creating online educational enrichment – services that continue today through a robust, daily afterschool program and an online platform for teacher professional development. In 2021, MCM celebrated a monumental year by receiving an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal, the nation’s highest honor for museums, and through opening its first satellite museum, MCM-Meridian, which received the 2021 Governor’s Award for Travel Attraction of the Year.

A veteran coach has joined the Co-Lin Wolf Pack grid team as defensive coordinator. David Duggan comes to Co-Lin after serving as director of recruiting at Troy University and as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Arkansas State University from 2019-2020, where he helped lead the Red Wolves to a Camellia Bowl appearance in the 2019 season. “We had a lot of great candidates for the position,” says Co-Lin Head Football Coach Glenn Davis. “When David called about the job, it was an easy decision for me because he had recruited many of our guys while he was at the senior college level.” Prior to Arkansas State, Duggan was at Western Michigan from 2016-2018 where he was linebackers coach for all three seasons and the special teams coordinator for his final two. Duggan helped to lead the Broncos to two bowl appearances during his tenure and a Mid-American Conference Championship in 2016. The 2016 Broncos team finished with an undefeated regular season and were ranked as high as 12th in the nation, leading to a berth in the Cotton Bowl that season. The Broncos also made the Idaho Potato Bowl in the 2018 season. Duggan also has two stints at the University of Southern Mississippi from 2013-2016 and 2008-2011 with a stop at University of North Carolina from 2012-2013 sandwiched between them. While at USM, Duggan was linebackers coach every year both times, special teams coordinator in 2009-2010, co-defensive coordinator in 2011, and defensive coordinator from 2013-16. At USM, Duggan helped lead the teams to five bowl appearances including back-to-back R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowls in 2008 and 2009, the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl in 2010, the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl in 2011and the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2015. The Golden Eagles also won the Conference USA Championship in 2011 and were the Conference USA West Division Champions in 2015. During his time at UNC, Duggan was the special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach and helped lead the Tar Heels to an ACC Coastal Division Championship in 2012. Duggan also has experience coaching in the Northeast, with stops at Brown University, Colgate University, College of the Holy Cross, University of New Hampshire and Allegheny College from1987-2000. Duggan also has three NCAA National Playoff appearances to his credit during this time with two at the Division I-AA level and one at the Division III level, while also four conference and league championships including the 1987 North Coast Athletic Conference Championship, the 1991 Yankee Conference Championship, the 1996 Patriot League Championship, and the 1999 Ivy League Championship. Coach Duggan also spent time coaching in the NFL Europe League from 2000-2007. His first stop in the league was with the Berlin Thunder from 2000-2003 as the defensive coordinator, where the team won the NFL Europe Bowl IX and X Championships in 2001 and 2002. Duggan then joined the Cologne Centurions from 2003-2007 as defensive coordinator from 2003-06 and head coach from 2006-07. The Centurions had the number one ranked defense from 2004-07, and Duggan had an overall record of 12-8 as a head coach. “Coach Duggan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our staff,” Davis says. “We are excited to welcome David and his family to our family here at Co-Lin.” Duggan and his wife, Lynne, have two daughters Olivia and Grace.

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians/Pearl River Resort announced today an agreement for title sponsorship of the annual basketball and baseball awards presented to the Most Outstanding College Player in Mississippi in each sport. In basketball the women compete for the Gillom Trophy named for Ole Miss All-American Peggie Gillom-Granderson, while the men receive the Howell Trophy named in honor of Bailey Howell, the first male Mississippian elected to the National Basketball Hall of Fame. The baseball award is named for Dave “Boo” Ferriss, the former Mississippi State and Boston Red Sox great and long-time Delta State University coach. The Howell Trophy has been present annually since 2005, and the 2021 winner was Ole Miss guard Devontae Shuler. The women’s award began in 2008, and the most recent winner was Shakira Austin of Ole Miss breaking a string of six straight winners from Mississippi State. The Ferriss Trophy was first awarded in 2004, and the 2021 winner was Tanner Allen of the National Champion Mississippi State Bulldogs. “We are very pleased to be associated with these prestigious honors that go to the top college players in our state,” said Choctaw Chief Cyrus Ben. Hall of Fame Executive Director Bill Blackwell said, “We are honored to have the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Pearl River Resort take over sponsorship of these cherished trophies and begin what we think will be a strong partnership going forward.” This year’s basketball awards will be presented on Monday, March 7, 2022, and the baseball banquet will be Monday, May 23, 2022. Tickets for The Howell and Gillom Trophies presented by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort are on sale now at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame or at www.msfame.com. About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.