Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson invites everyone to attend the 57th annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo and announces the schedule of events taking place today, Tuesday, February 8, 2022. All events take place on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. One event taking place today that the public will not want to miss is the Mary Hopkins Memorial Equestrians with Disabilities AQHA Show, which starts at 9:00 a.m. in the Equine Center. This unique event exhibits multiple horse skills from a variety of riders with some form of disability. This year, over 25 exhibitors from Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee will face off in a series of competitions including horsemanship, Para reigning, western pleasure and more. This event is free to the public. Scheduled Activities & Events for Tuesday, February 8, 2022: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Dixie National Corral - off Midway, behind Barn 12 8:00 a.m. – Beef Breeding Show - Coliseum 8:00 a.m. – Commercial Meat Goat Doe Show - Judging Arena/Barn 14 15 minutes after CMGD Show – Market Goat Show - Judging Arena/Barn 14 9:00 a.m. – Equestrians with Disabilities Horse Show - Kirk Fordice Equine Center 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Dixie National Steakhouse - Trade Mart Events of the 57th Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo run through Sunday, February 20, 2022. The Dixie National Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River, takes place Friday, February 11, through Sunday, February 13, and again Wednesday, February 16, through Saturday, February 19, inside the Mississippi Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds. Rodeo Entertainment: Friday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m. – Dylan Scott - Coliseum Saturday, February 12, at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. – Joe Nichols - Coliseum Sunday, February 13, at 2:00 p.m. – Gatlin Brothers - Coliseum Wednesday, February 16, at 7:00 p.m. – Justin Moore - Coliseum Thursday, February 17, at 7:00 p.m. – Neal McCoy - Coliseum Friday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. – Gary Allan - Coliseum Saturday, February 19, at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. – Bellamy Brothers - Coliseum To purchase tickets to the Dixie National Rodeo, visit www.ticketmaster.com/dixie-national-rodeo-tickets/artist/848320. For more information on the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, visit www.dixienational.org, follow the Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo page on Facebook or call 601-961-4000.

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health joins forces with the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) for an informational lunch and learn. On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m, MSDH outreach coordinator Lazarus Taylor and nurses Jamie Grant and C’Sherrolyn Thurmond will share information regarding the MSDH breast and cervical cancer program. The lunch and learn is free and open to all Mississippi residents. Register at https://bit.ly/3unFVtc. For more information, contact iamh@advancingminorityhealth.org.

Wesson Garden Club's educational committee has created five displays for Wesson Public Library that highlight the winter and spring seasons and holidays celebrated in February and March. Thru March, the displays will decorate a prominent library shelf that patrons see as they enter the facility.

The annual Dixie National Parade will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Jackson. This beloved event that traditionally kicks-off rodeo competitions, will include an array of rodeo queens, marching groups, floats, car and tractor clubs, riding groups, dignitaries, the famous Dixie National Wagon Train and much more. “I want to invite everyone to come out to the Dixie National Parade,” said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “This year’s theme for the parade is the ‘Spirit of America.’ And with special appearances from unique participants and local celebrities acting as our parade judges, this outdoor event is the perfect outing that the whole family will enjoy. My family and I look forward to this tradition every year, both getting to watch the parade and participate in the procession.” Beginning at the corner of Mississippi and Jefferson streets, the procession will travel down Mississippi Street, circle the State Capitol, and finally take a left onto Amite Street before returning to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Spectators are encouraged to watch from the Capitol grounds near President, High and West streets for the best view. Following the parade, Miss Mississippi Holly Brand will present awards to the winning parade groups at the Mississippi Farmers Market at 12:00 p.m. For additional information on the Dixie National Parade from Commissioner Andy Gipson, see the linked video. The Mississippi State Fairgrounds is also hosting the Dixie National Rodeo “Cowboy Up” blood drive this weekend, to assist with the national shortage of blood supplies. The blood drive will be held Saturday, February 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Mississippi Farmers Market parking lot. All donors are required to wear a protective face covering for the duration of their blood donation regardless of vaccination status. To schedule an appointment, visit www.donors.vitalant.org. For more information and a full event schedule on the 57th Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, visit www.dixienational.org, download the mobile app, “like” the Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo on Facebook or call 601-961-4000.

By Anna Coates Copiah Sheriff Byron Swilley hosted his first “Meet and Greet” breakfast at the Safe Room in Gallman February 1. Over 50 enjoyed fellowship and breakfast, engaging with Sheriff Swilley and members of his staff, along with Representative Greg Holloway, and Mayors Sally Garland of Crystal Springs and Kenneth Ramsey of Hazlehurst. Hazlehurst High School Student Government Association members served sausage biscuits, donuts and orange juice, compliments of Burger King in Hazlehurst and State Farm in Crystal Springs. “We are continuing our quarterly Chat with the Sheriff meetings where we can address your concerns and suggestions. The Breakfast gatherings are for you to put faces and names with your nearest law enforcement personnel. They are the ones who answer your calls and give assistance. We depend on the help you provide –many times you offer vital clues in our work. Be on the lookout for the announcement of our next Breakfast gathering soon.”

By Bob Garver With an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Jackass Forever” is more beloved than some of the movies that will soon be vying for Best Picture at the Oscars. What’s so special about this movie? It certainly isn’t that Johnny Knoxville and his crew are doing anything different with the “Jackass” template; the movie is a collection of stupid stunts as always, and there’s no story to tie them together like with Knoxville’s “Bad Grandpa” or “Action Point.” Could it be that the world desperately need some hearty laughs after the last two years? That could certainly be a factor. Heck, I desperately needed some laughs after the last two weeks, as I did not have fun at “Redeeming Love” and that pathetic mermaid movie. But I think that fans and critics alike are just so impressed that “Jackass” has been going for over 20 years. No longer can these guys be accused of debasing themselves for a fleeting taste of fame. They are engaging in a full-blown way of life, and they’re tasting… I think a taser is the most publication-friendly thing that comes in contact with a human tongue in this movie. To be sure, these guys still do not practice socially-acceptable ways of garnering attention. They do dangerous stunts, allow themselves to get bitten and stung by all manner of animal, and pull sick pranks on one another. New to this installment is a form of psychological torture, where participants are placed in a room with a venomous snake and then the lights are turned out. The poor marks have to find their way to the door, occasionally whacking their heads on low-hanging frying pans, getting their fingers caught in mousetraps, and encountering a rubber snake thought to be the venomous one. It’s actually one of the least-dangerous episodes in the movie, unless you count the high likelihood of a heart attack. It should be noted that many scenes in this movie involve the area… below the belt. The guys never miss an opportunity to hit one another below the belt, or at least show off the area below the belt. An early special-effects driven scene features a monster that looks suspiciously like the area below the belt. It is not unusual for movies buffs to jokingly compare kaiju to the area below the belt, but in this case they’d be absolutely right. A particularly wince-inducing sequence involves a person’s full body weight plus an additional object with a highly-concentrated point of contact being driven into the area below the belt on one of these saps. I have to say something about this movie that I don’t think I’ve ever had to say about a movie before, but it reaches a point of diminishing returns on the below-the-belt shots. Dare I say I was even bored with the constant below-the-belt trauma by the end of this slightly-overlong spectacle. Obviously, this geek-show stuff isn’t for everybody. I don’t blame you one bit if your idea of fun doesn’t include finding out what happens when the guys drink pitchers of brightly-colored milk and then get on a high-speed carousel (spoiler alert: it’s exactly what you think). But those in the target audience will appreciate the camaraderie and commitment of the “Jackass” crew. It’s oddly comforting to know that you can still come to these guys for a certain brand of craziness – or at least as comforting as watching multiple bungee wedgies can be. Grade: B- “Jackass Forever” is rated R for strong crude material and dangerous stunts, graphic nudity and language throughout. Its running time is 96 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Locals looking to celebrate Mardi Gras without traveling to events outside the area can find the magic of New Orleans Jackson Square with its painters, musicians and street performers in downtown Brookhaven this month. The annual Downtown Jazzed Up will feature loads of family fun and entertainment on Whitworth and Railroad Avenues, in railroad park and in the municipal parking lot from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 26. The event sponsored by the Lincoln County-Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce (LCBCC) Tourism Council the weekend before Mardi Gras on Tuesday, March 1, will help frame the actual date of the celebration with the Goin To Town Car Show the following weekend on March 4 and 5. There will be no parade, but the fully outdoors festivities will feature live music, bounce houses and face painting for the kids and much more, including plenty of beads, to assure a Mardi Gras experience for all visitors. Restaurants will offer specials and there will be sidewalk sales. Event organizers are still accepting registrations from people and organizations with contributions that will add to the Mardi Gras ambiance. The entertainment lineup for the event is: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. -- Kelsey Smith & Maddie Brabham 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. -- Jason Nix, Steve Fee & American Idol winner Trent Harmon 6 p.m. -- Everyday People Band The car show on March 4 and 5 is also sponsored by the Tourism Council in partnership with Fielder's Pro Shop. Last year's car show featured more than 250 vehicles displayed on downtown Brookhaven streets with owners ready to engage in conversations about their entries. Car show entry forms are available from LCBCC. The pre-entry fee is $10 and day-of-show entry fee is $15. For out-of-town entrants, the Holiday Inn Express is offering special rates. Call (601)-833-1411. A third major Tourism Council event during 2022 is Girl's Night Out on June 16, when Brookhaven merchants will offer shopping specials to women of all ages who purchase participation tickets.

Olivia Clark of Wesson was named to the Fall 2021 president's List at Mississippi College. The Mississippi College Office of Academic Affairs releases the president's list after the close of fall and spring semesters each academic year. To be eligible for the President's List, a student must maintain a 4.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system. The student must take a full course load of at least 12 semester hours of undergraduate credit with all academic courses impacting their grade point average. Mississippi College, affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is a private, co-educational, Christian university of liberal arts and sciences serving more than 4,100 students from approximately 35 states and more then three dozen countries. Founded in 1826, MC is the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi, one of the largest private universities in the state, and America's second-oldest Baptist college. MC offers 84 areas of undergraduate study, 45 degree programs in graduate studies, more than 10 certificate programs, two educational doctoral degrees, a doctor of jurisprudence, and a doctor of professional counseling. MC seeks to be a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ.

Eighteen students recently completed Co-Lin's Electrical Lineman School. The 16-week training program is offered by the college’s Workforce Education Division. Program Instructor Tony Martin, a retired Lineman from Magnolia Electric Power, served as both a mentor and a coach to help push students to be their best. “These students started sixteen weeks ago without skills for a productive and rewarding career," Martin said. "After intensive training they are ready to enter the workforce and to continue learning their trade. They have a great start.” At a showcase and certificate presentation for family and friends, graduates showed off only a fraction of the skills they had learned, including attaching lines, climbing poles, and conducting a mock rescue. “These students have come a long way and are ready to make a difference,” said Workforce Education Director Stephanie Sullivan. “We are so proud of each graduate.” Graduates of recent linemen class included Justice Abel of Clinton; Lonnie Ball of Tylertown; Jarred Bullock, Griffin Case, Cody Golmon, Brandon Lang, all of Brookhaven; Lawson Chemin of Wesson; Sam Cowart of Smithdale; Holden Granger of Hazlehurst; Tyler Hodges and Jacob Johnson, both of Summit; Austin May of Meadville; Collin Moore of Brandon; Dennis Rogers of Bogue Chitto; John Sasser and Gunner Smith, both of Monticello; Michael Brady Watts of Jayess; and Adam Sandifer of McComb. The Electrical Lineman Program is a non-credit workforce training program that, when completed, provides graduates with nine credentials: National Electric Codes, National Safety Electric Codes, Multi-Meter, OSHA-10, Forklift, First Aid/CPR, 40-hours climbing, Pole-Top Rescue, and CDL- Class A- License. To register for the next Lineman School, contact Co-Lin’s Workforce Education Division at 601-643-8707 or visit www.colin.edu/lineman.

By Kara Kimbrough For the first time in, well, forever, the Super Bowl has landed in the middle of Valentine’s Day weekend. It’s a given that many will choose to celebrate the day of love on the weekend prior to the actual day on which it falls this year…a less-than-romantic Monday. Despite Super Bowl LVI having the audacity to be played on Feb. 13, there are some ways to celebrate both with simple dishes that can be enjoyed all weekend long. First, every year a new Super Bowl food trend seems to sweep the interest and this year is no exception. Photos and videos of massive nacho tables began surfacing on TikTok and are now featured on hundreds of social media pages. The nacho table trend involves wrapping a large table with aluminum foil or butcher paper, then piling enormous quantities of tortilla chips, ground beef and other meats, salsa, cheese and jalapenos, along with other dipping sauces, as high as they can possibly go. While it’s fun to see new food trends, most of us are looking for something a little less time-consuming (and costly) for these two special occasions, especially a Valentine’s meal. Since Valentine's is near the weekend, a memorable meal on Friday or Saturday evening is more convenient. But who wants to spend all their time cooking when shortcut recipes result in the perfect Valentine’s meal? Even better, they can be doubled (or tripled, depending upon your crowd) and served again on Sunday. Everything, that is, except Super Bowl LVI nachos. They deserve their own rightful place on honor on Sunday. (If you'd like more Super Bowl or Valentine's Day recipes, drop me an email and I'll send them to you. Or, celebrate away from home with special restaurant and spa packages at Biloxi's Beau Rivage and additional dining promotions around the state. I'll share those with you as well.) Teriyaki Steaks for Two Marinate a thick cut of sirloin (or your favorite cut) steak for several hours in the refrigerator with: 1/2 bottle of teriyaki steak sauce Juice of 2-3 lemons Salt and pepper Remove from refrigerator and top with 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Grill or broil to desired level of doneness. Let meat rest before slicing. Easiest Twice-Baked Potatoes Ever Bake two large baking potatoes. Scoop out inside, leaving a small border of potato around edges. Add to the meat of the potatoes: • Small container of French onion dip • 1-2 tablespoons of butter Stir and return mixture to potatoes. Top with a sprinkle of bacon pieces and shredded cheese, if desired. Place under the broiler or in microwave for a couple of minutes until butter and cheese are melted; don't overcook. Make-Your-Own Chocolate-Covered Strawberries 1-pint fresh strawberries 1 cup milk chocolate chips, white chocolate or dark chocolate chips 1 teaspoon coconut oil Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Dry strawberries well with paper towels to make sure chocolate adheres perfectly. Heat chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave safe bowl for 2 minutes on 50%. Stir until smooth. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, making sure the strawberry is covered almost to the stem. Place chocolate covered strawberry onto parchment lined baking sheet and place into the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set. Once chocolate is set, you can dip the bottom half of strawberries in alternating chocolate color or drizzle alternating color over strawberries with a fork. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Note: For Super Bowl, leave some “plain” after dipping in dark chocolate. Decorate each with white “football laces” using small icing packages found in the baking aisle. Shortcut Mississippi Sin Dip 1 loaf French bread 1-8-ounce container French Onion Dip 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup chopped bacon (I use packaged Hormel Real Bacon Pieces) 1-4-ounce can chopped green chiles, drained Cut the bread lengthwise and set top aside. Scoop out the bread from both sides, leaving a sturdy rim. Combine the dip, cream cheese and chiles in a bowl, then spoon into the hollowed-out bottom loaf and add the top. Wrap in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for an hour. Tear the baked top into large to use as a “dipper” and serve along with chips and crackers. Super LVI Bowl Nachos 2 bags corn tortillas in different colors and flavors (yellow, blue corn, lime and chili flavored. Note: many Mexican restaurants will sell bags of homemade tortilla chips). 2 jars of your favorite salsa (more for additional toppings) 2-1/2 cups of cheese sauce (more for additional toppings) For beef-bean topping: 1 pound ground sirloin or chuck Extra-virgin olive oil 1 small onion, chopped fine 1 packet taco seasoning 1-15-ounce can black beans, drained Add oil and onions to heated skillet on medium-high heat and cook onions for 3 minutes until they begin to wilt. Then add meat and crumble with wooden spoon. Season meat with taco seasoning. Cook meat until all pink is gone, then stir in beans and reduce to low, simmering until well combined. To serve: In the middle of a large platter, place a bowl of sour cream topped with chopped tomatoes. Spread chips around the bowl and pour heated cheese sauce over the top. Top mixture evenly with beef and beans, then lightly top with salsa. For a gourmet touch, place sour cream in a plastic bottle with a tip and zig-zag thin lines sour cream over the top. Serve with additional bowls of cheese sauce and salsa, chopped black olives and avocados, shredded cheese and other favorite toppings. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Contact her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Today, Gov. Tate Reeves signed a bill that will establish a medical marijuana program in Mississippi. In a landmark decision, State Legislators passed The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act with 90% approval last week— more than any other state’s Legislature. This goes to show how much work went into the bill from Sen. Kevin Blackwell and Rep. Lee Yancey. Last May, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled against the state’s ballot initiative process, killing the medical marijuana program 74% of Mississippians voted to pass in November 2020. Over the course of the next several months, both the House and Senate worked to create a bill that reflects key features of Initiative 65, including broad access for patients, decision rights for certifying healthcare providers, a free market and sustainable revenue models and reasonable regulations. “This bill is the product of all Mississippians coming together.,” said Ken Newburger, Executive Director for the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association, known as 3MA. “The Legislature has been with us through this entire process to make sure Mississippi patients have a medical marijuana program that is both safe and effective. Mississippi is fortunate to have representatives and senators who respect and honor the will of its voters.” Now that the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act has passed, the Mississippi State Health Department will begin setting up the new program. “I am thrilled that the Legislature did the right thing and made a way for thousands of suffering patients to have access to medical marijuana,” said Dr. Matthew Wesson, M.D. “This is going to be life-changing for so many individuals and families across our great state.” “As a potentially qualified patient, I’m very proud that our elected officials have come together for the betterment of patients across the state of Mississippi, which I’m proud to call my home,” said Cody Weaver, a United States Navy veteran. “It’s hard to put into words how thankful I am that disabled veterans, like myself, will now have access to medical marijuana to help provide them with the highest quality of life possible for their existing conditions.” The Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association represents the interests of the diverse group of business licenses in Mississippi’s medical marijuana industry. To learn more about 3MA, visit medicalmarijuanams.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Winter can bring extreme weather conditions. These conditions often create a high risk of damage to your roof, interior, and plumbing. Your homeowners or renter's policy can protect you against common winter damage, so check your policy before temperatures drop. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reminds you to review your insurance policies and consider these tips this winter season. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW To reduce your risk of damage from winter weather, maintain your property before snow, ice, and freezing temperatures arrive. Snow and ice accumulation can make tree limbs snap off and fall onto houses or power lines. Heavy snow and ice can also cause unseen structural damage and even make your roof collapse. Below freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and break. Interior and exterior pipes, such as irrigation lines and garden hoses still attached to the home, are all at risk. In warmer areas, your interior pipes may not be well insulated and may not withstand rare below freezing temperatures. WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME Look at the trees around your property and cut back branches or stems that are dead, dying, diseased, or broken. Clearing the debris from your gutters will help prevent ice dams by allowing meltwater to drain freely. Use a safe and secure ladder when removing leaves and debris from gutters or contact a professional to assist you. To minimize the risk of frozen and cracked pipes, detach garden hoses from your home before freezing weather begins and properly winterize your home and irrigation systems. To protect interior pipes, leave your faucet running with a slight drip and open the cabinet doors under your sinks. This allows water to keep moving through interior pipes, reducing the chances of freezing, and also allows warm air to circulate around your plumbing lines.