When it comes to safeguarding your home, choosing the right roofing company is critical. A great roofing contractor does more than simply fix roofs—they ensure your home's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, providing peace of mind for years to come. Here are the essential qualities every reliable roofing company should have. 1. Licensed, Insured, and Certified One of the most important aspects of a roofing contractor is proper licensing and insurance coverage. Always ensure the company you're considering has the necessary certifications to perform roofing work in your area. This not only ensures compliance with local laws but also protects you from potential liabilities during the project. 2. Proven Experience and Expertise Reliable contractors bring years of experience and skill to the table. They can handle various roofing styles, materials, and challenges, ensuring quality craftsmanship in every project. For instance, a team with exceptional repair skills can protect your home from leaks, while seasoned installers can deliver roofs that last for decades. 3. High-Quality Materials The best roofing companies use top-tier materials to ensure durability and performance. Look for contractors who partner with trusted brands for asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or composite materials. Using high-quality supplies can enhance both the functionality and appearance of your home. 4. Honest Estimates and Transparent Pricing A trustworthy company provides a clear estimate for all their services. Transparency in pricing means you won't be caught off guard by hidden fees or unnecessary upsells. It’s an essential practice that separates reliable contractors from the rest. 5. Comprehensive Roofing and Exterior Services A great roofing company doesn’t stop at shingles—they also offer other essential exterior services such as gutter and siding installations. Saratoga Roofing Co. is a top contender for those needing a contractor offering comprehensive services. Their team specializes in everything from roof installations to siding repairs, ensuring your entire home’s exterior is covered. 6. Customer Satisfaction Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about a company’s reliability. Reliable contractors build their reputation on positive client feedback and repeat business. Explore reviews, testimonials, and even case studies to assess a company’s level of dedication. 7. Warranties and After-Service Support Having a warranty on labor and materials guarantees that the roofing work will stand the test of time. Additionally, companies offering post-project support demonstrate confidence in their work and a commitment to customer satisfaction. 8. Expert Siding Services Reliable roofing companies often extend their expertise to other areas, such as siding repair and installation. Saratoga Roofing Co., for instance, is not only a trusted Roofing Contractor but also excels as a Siding Contractor. They provide premium siding solutions, tailored to meet your home’s aesthetic and functional needs. Why Saratoga Roofing Co. is Worth Considering While there are many reliable roofing companies out there, Saratoga Roofing Co. stands out for their commitment to quality, transparency, and variety of services. Their work has made them a trusted name in Saratoga Springs and surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for a new roof, gutter repairs, or help with siding, their team combines expertise with premium materials to deliver exceptional results. For homeowners ready to invest in their property’s longevity and appearance, choosing the right roofing contractor is crucial.

Special to Wesson News The Wesson Chamber of Commerce honored the town’s movers and shakers—individuals and organizations that lead the community—on Thursday, April 23. The Chamber’s annual awards banquet at the Thames Center on the Co-Lin campus spotlighted the Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Not-for-profit Organization of the Year, Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Educators of the Year (at Co-Lin and Wesson Attendance Center). Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson served as the headline speaker at the event, and Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw presented his State of the Town address. The Chamber also recognized companies that trailblazed the local economy over the past 12 months, including Grace Foam Solutions, an expanding business; Steel Outdoors, a business in transition with a new chief executive; two other metal fabricators within a five-mile radius of town; and Destiny Delights, a home-based business that moved into a permanent commercial location. The cost of the banquet was $60 per person or $300 to sponsor a table. Along with the Chamber, event sponsors included Copiah Bank, Trustmark Bank, and Taylor’s Legacy & Air Conditioning. The event began at 5 p.m. The banquet menu featured a Caesar salad, Southwest chicken, pretzel-crusted pork, vegetables, and crème brûlée prepared by Chef Chris McSwey.

By: Jessica Breazeale Have you ever wanted to give someone an invaluable gift—one that goes far beyond ANYTHING you could EVER wrap up? I’m talking about the kind of gift that helps you all the days of your life. Let me explain… Have you ever given someone a priceless gift… and they didn’t want it? Yeah. That happened to me last week. I love going for walks in the spring and fall when the weather is juuuuust right. Spring is my favorite—the smell of honeysuckle, the sound of birds chirping, that dramatic little temperature shift when you move from sunlight into shade. I love my walking paths! But…my son is a teenager—his moods are all over the place, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. So I thought, I’m going to give him this gift. This beautiful, life-giving gift: finding peace in chaos through walking. Walking is my happy place. My peaceful place. It’s where I find clarity. It’s where I spend time with God—my perfect Dad. It’s where I think about the world, pray about big things, try to solve world hunger, and get a little exercise in. Not that I lose any weight… because let’s be honest, I probably ate terribly all day—but still, I love it. So one day, in the middle of one of his classic teenage fits of rage—you know, that good old teenage angst we all “love” (and yes, sarcasm—no one loves it)—I calmly said, “Come on, you’re going walking with me.” He fought me tooth and nail. “No, I’m not going.” “Yes, you are.” “No, I’m not.” “Yes. You. Are.” “You don’t get a say in this—you’re walking with me. I’ve got a present for you along the way.” He’s intrigued by the mysterious gift not realizing the prize can’t be wrapped. In my head, I knew this would work. All he needed was some time—just some grass under his feet, hearing the birds, smelling the honeysuckle. I thought he’d be a changed man… or at least a changed young man. So, how do you think the story ends? Yeah. Not like that. He complained the entire time. Didn’t enjoy a second. And honestly, he made my walk miserable too. It wasn’t peaceful; it was just more chaos. And I found myself wishing I hadn’t invited him into my happy place. Lesson learned. Check. ☑️ But here’s the funny part—while I thought I was teaching him something, he was actually taught ME. I thought I was showing him how to find peace, the way I find it. But what he taught me was this: 1. You can’t make people find peace if they don’t want to. 2. You can’t expect everyone else’s place of peace to be your place of peace. 3. No matter how much you want peace for someone else. They have to want it. Let’s be honest, your peaceful place might just not be their thing…or their place. His happy place? Probably a baseball field. Or fishing. Or riding a four-wheeler. For some, it’s reading a good book. For others, it’s gardening—planting flowers, growing vegetables. Whatever it is, your happy place—your peace—is yours. It’s unique to you. So, the teacher became the student. And I’m okay with that… because I want to be a lifelong learner. I never want to be the person who thinks they know it all. There’s always something to learn—even from my teenager, who I love more than sliced bread with Mississippi State apple butter on it. What’s the Bigger Picture Here? #1 - Sometimes the teacher will be the student. #2 – Don’t force peace. Can’t be done. Just introduce it. #3 - Keep calm and carry on. Downloadable version:

Co-Lin's 2025-2026 Hall of Fame inductees included from left, Ellie Barrentine of Crystal Springs, Conner Cunningham of Brookhaven, Chrishuna Funches of Silver Creek, Dracy McNair of Meadville, Benson Schexnaydre of McCall Creek, and Olivia Vaughn of Union Church. Copiah-Lincoln Community College's Wesson Campus inducted six outstanding students to the college's Hall of Fame at their annual awards day program. The Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award given to a student and is voted on by students, faculty, and staff members. Only college sophomores are eligible for the honor and basis for selection includes fineness of character, superior scholarship, worthy leadership, and contribution to the betterment of Copiah-Lincoln. Inductees included Ellie Barrentine of Crystal Springs, Conner Cunningham of Brookhaven, Chrishuna Funches of Silver Creek, Dracy McNair of Meadville, Benson Schexnaydre of McCall Creek, and Olivia Vaughn of Union Church. Barrentine is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Mu Alpha Theta. She is a Co-Lin Presidential Scholarship recipient and was selected to Who's Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. She is an active member of the Alpha Omega Science Club, the Trailblazers, and the Baptist Student Union. Barrentine also serves as Captain of the Co-Lin Cheerleading squad. After Co-Lin, she plans to continue her education at The University of Southern Mississippi to earn a degree in biology. She is the daughter of Chris and Rebecca Barrentine of Crystal Springs. Cunningham is a Co-Lin Presidential Scholarship recipient and was selected to Who's Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He serves as President of the Eta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and Vice President of the Trailblazers. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Science Club, Honors College, Future Business Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta, Council of Presidents, and is active in the Baptist Student Union. After Co-Lin, Cunningham will continue his education at Mississippi State University, where he has received the prestigious MSU Presidential Partnership Scholarship, to earn a degree in mechanical engineering. He is the son of Tim and Sandy Cunningham of Brookhaven. Funches is a member of the Trailblazers, Eta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Omega Science Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. She was selected to Who's Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and is a Co-Lin Foundation scholarship recipient. Funches has served as an officer for Sigma Kappa Delta and the Student Government Association. She is currently a second-year student in the Associate Degree Nursing program where she serves as Vice President of the Co-Lin Student Nurses' Organization. She is the daughter of Christopher and Tashun Funches of Silver Creek. McNair was selected to Who's Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He is a member of the Eta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the Alpha Omega Science Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Chess Club. McNair is a member of the Blue Wave Show Band percussion section. He earned a place on the President's List with a 4.0 GPA. After Co-Lin, he plans to continue his education to pursue a career in radiology. He is the son of Linda Thompson and Shelby McNair of Meadville. Schexnaydre serves as Treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, Public Affairs Officer for Co-Lin C.A.R.E.S and was selected to Who's Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He is an active 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. He was elected by his peers as a Campus Favorite. 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. He is the son of Randy and Sonya Schexnaydre of McCall Creek. Vaughn serves 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 and to Who's Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. 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. She is the daughter of Xavier and Sherree Vaughn of Union Church.

Special to Wesson News . Wesson American Legion Auxiliary (WALA) Unit #79 is hosting a unique tablescaping competition along with a fundraising silent auction as part of the town’s annual Founder’s Day celebration on May 2. The “Heart of the Table” event and auction will be at the historic Old School Community Center at 1047 Eighth Street, with the entry deadline April 22, and late entries accepted no later than April 29 if space allows. Guests can visit the exhibit of competing tablescapes for $1.00 and vote for a People’s Choice Award. WALA is inviting individuals, organizations, businesses and community groups to participate in the unique competition, which will have three divisions: • America the Beautiful • Open formal • Holidays “The Heart of the Table” celebrates creativity, hospitality and service, and participants are encouraged to design with intention, welcome guests warmly and help create an inspiring experience that supports veterans, military families and community. Regular competition entry fees for each division are $60, with late fees, $75 per division. Multiple fees must be paid for entries in more than one division. A tablescape is the complete arrangement of items on a table, including place settings, centerpieces, linens, florals, candles (battery-operated preferred) and miniature props composed to convey a mood, theme or meal. All the items used -- decorative accents, materials and other elements -- help bring the table to life. Think of it as a mini set: every object should support the story the designer wants the judges (and viewers) to read. WALA’s competition will feature 60-inch round tables to which designers must confine their creations. The designer-competition entrants must include a title card with their table themes and proposed menus. Their tables must be set for at least four places with the appropriate serving ware for at least one of the meal’s courses. Competitors may incorporate items intended for the silent auction into their tablescapes with prior approval and providing a bid sheet that will be clearly visible for the auction. Approved competitors based on their registrations prior to the event deadline will receive designated setup time prior to the event opening when judges begin evaluating tables. All tables must be completed by the deadline. Themes must be in harmony with the Founder’s Day event. Judges will select winning tablescapes based on creativity and originality, overall presentation, theme and storytelling, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Cash prizes still to be determined will be presented for first, second and third places selected by judges, and a cash People’s Choice Award decided by guest voting will also be awarded.

By: Misty Strieff Prine “My story is filled with bad choices, broken pieces and a lot of hurt. It’s also filled with a major comeback, freedom in my life, peace in my soul and a Savior that restored everything.” – Unknown For those who follow my page, The Upward Way on Facebook and Instagram, I wrote this several nights ago. The Lord laid this on my heart so deeply that I wanted to share with this audience as well. I know many of you don’t do social media so I wanted to make sure it got out to as many as I could get it out to because I feel like God has a purpose behind laying it on my heart so deeply. If this isn’t the blueprint of a sinner’s testimony in a bubble, I don’t know what it is. Oh, the “happenings” that “happened” just between those pieces of times in my life when Jesus scooped up a broken me, saved me, changed me COMPLETELY into someone I would never dream I’d become but, let me tell you, I’m so proud of HER. Because the old her was weak, a nobody and wandered…aimlessly for so long until God got ahold of my heart and life. You see, God saw a purpose where she saw nothing but failure because that’s what those around her made her feel like she was. (Except for her AMAZING family who always kept her rooted in her faith, praise God!) Let me stop right here. Be SO thankful if you have THAT kind of support system who loves Jesus that constantly tells you to not give up, keep going and that the enemy is attacking you because you are doing God’s work. Surround yourself with more of THOSE people and LESS of the others. Trust me, it MATTERS!! Any who, morale of the story is, we were all given a comeback story. It is nothing to be ashamed of. If someone tries to make you feel guilty or bring it up in a negative way, see it for what it is and say, “Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus. He made a way where there was NO way…now look at me now.” Your testimony is yours. OWN IT.

Special to Wesson News Baby items for contest winners. New parents can win a basket of items, a baby quilt and toy and infant-oriented books in the Wesson Public Library (WPL) Books & Babies contest that started April 6 and runs through April 30. In total, WPL will give away prizes to four winners on Wesson Founder’s Day, May 2. On each visit to the library through April 30, a baby’s mother or father can sign in as contestants for the prizes with their library cards or register without a card as contest participants. WPL Library Marilyn Britt says the goal is to bring parents to the library to discover resources they can use for themselves or in caring for their babies. Friends of the Library (FOL) created the baby basket from business donations of gift certificates and items suitable for infant boys and girls. Jennifer Peets hand-crocheted the baby quilt and toy, and Beyond the Rainbow and Expectations donated the books that will be presented as prizes. Parents with babies up to 24 months old can enter the contest.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Prior to what I will generously call his “new take” on “The Mummy,” director Lee Cronin was best known for 2023’s “Evil Dead Rise.” Original “Evil Dead” director Sam Raimi had a new movie out earlier this year with “Send Help,” and he didn’t put his name in that film’s title. And his name carries real weight, he directed the Tobey Maguire “Spider-Man” trilogy back in the 2000’s. But the guy who directed the fifth “Evil Dead” movie thinks his name belongs in the very title of his next project. At least this way I know who to blame for this movie, so points for “owning it,” I guess. The film follows the Cannon family: father Charlie (Jack Reynor), mother Larissa (Laia Costa), son Sebastian (initially Dean Allen Williams, later Shylo Molina), and daughter Katie (initially Emily Mitchell, later Natalie Grace). They’re an American family living in Cairo next door to a mean matriarch known as The Magician (Hayat Kamille), who we know from the film’s prologue is the protector and caregiver of a malevolent Egyptian entity. Katie goes missing, and the local police, including young detective Dalia (May Calamawy) are no help. Eight years pass. The family is still devastated by the loss of Katie, but they’ve had another daughter named Maud (Billie Roy). One day, thanks to a deadly plane crash, they get an unexpected call from Cairo that Katie has been found alive… though very corpse-like. She was found wrapped in bandages inside an ancient sarcophagus found in the wreckage, in very poor health thanks to malnutrition and other forms of negligence, but alive. The parents want to know what happened to Katie in those eight years, and they’ll look to Dalia for those answers, but the important thing at the moment is that they have their daughter back. The family takes Katie home from what has to be the most incompetent hospital in the world to release a patient in her condition. And as you can probably guess, it doesn’t take long for things to start going wrong at home. Katie can supposedly barely move, but she keeps jumping out of her bed and scuttling around the house, eating scorpions, and hurting anyone in her vicinity, especially her religious grandmother (Verónica Falcón). Oh, and she spits up blood a lot. This is a movie that never passes up an opportunity to have its characters spit up any number of fluids. That’s where most of the “style” and scares lie for this movie – gross-outs and gore. Initially some of it is mildly shocking, but Cronin’s overreliance on these elements makes them downright boring by the end. And there’s plenty of time to become bored because this movie is way too long at 134 minutes. Cronin just had to keep Dalia, the Magician, and Cairo in the movie, even though dropping them and rewriting the script to keep things within the family probably could have saved the production millions of dollars, and more importantly, about 44 minutes of my time. “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” is a lame knockoff of better possession thrillers, mostly “The Exorcist” and “Evil Dead.” This movie has more in common with those movies than any “Mummy” movie I know. In fact, my theory is that Cronin wrote this script as a follow-up to his “Evil Dead” movie, and when he got this job, he just removed all references to Deadites and added a sarcophagus and some bandages. If that is the case, then the “Evil Dead” franchise dodged a bullet not having this uncreative dreck as an installment. Grade: D “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” is rated R for strong disturbing violent content, gore, language, and brief drug use. Its running time is 134 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Special to Wesson News The Wesson Chamber of Commerce will host its first-ever Wesson Kids Got Talent competition in conjunction with Founder’s Day. Founders Day is May 2, and the talent competition will be on Friday evening, May 1, at the Community Fountain Garden in downtown Wesson beside Milltown Salon and Spa. Teri Bath, the Wesson Chamber President, says “Wesson is an amazing community with many hidden talents, and I wanted an opportunity to recognize this talent in a very public venue.” Thus “Wesson Kids Got Talent” was born, stirring much excitement in the area. Any child from ages 4 to 18 with a special talent – dance, singing, a musical instrument, visual arts, magic and more -- can participate. Alderman Stanley Martin, owner of Super Sounds DJ & Karaoke and one of the judges, adds “it’s not just a show,” explaining that big talent often comes from small towns. “This is a chance for our community to come together, support our youth and celebrate the bright future growing right here at home.” From the many Mississippians that have recently been selected for hit TV shows such as American Idol and The Voice, “it’s exciting to think about the talent we have here in Wesson, and who could be discovered next, says Jessica Breazeale, Chamber member and a local business owner. Breazeale was thinking of last year’s American Idol winner, Jamal Roberts of Meridian. “He was my favorite all season,” she affirms. “I’m over the moon that he won. I’m beyond proud he’s from our hospitality state.” While Wesson might not have the same cash prize as American Idol, the town has confidence that it has tons of talent -- and plans to highlight it. To enter, there is a $5 application fee per person. Participants may enter individually or as a group. All proceeds collected by the Wesson Chamber of Commerce will go towards prize money. In addition, all participants will have access to the Wesson Library, where they can prepare, change and touch up before their performances. To secure a spot, apply as soon as possible. Refunds will not be issued after April 14. For more information, the community can stay up to date by visiting the Wesson Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Applications can be picked up or turned in at the Wesson Public Library. The show will begin at 5 p.m., and the entire community is invited to enjoy this exciting first annual talent showcase.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com We humans have personality traits, that is readily apparent. And because we all have our own individual and highly weird traits, each of us also have singularly different desires. Desires for things in our life that are driven by our God-given quirks. The athlete, bookworm, the flour-on-my-hands addicted, the outdoorsman, or maybe the dancer. We all seem to come equipped with an in-born love of something. Scripture says to rear a child according to who they are individually. So if you are given the responsibility of getting a child ready for adulthood, that years-long and difficult job of training, loving, and disciplining - you better know your little one well. Granted, every child has the same basic needs for getting ready to become elementary school age, then a teen, then a young adult – needs that involve love, security, education, and discipline. But face it – each kid is really different. Some are just instinctively more independent, with bossy tendencies that could probably make them a leader, if trained correctly. Others are naturally more compliant and ready to follow a leader. Think back to your experiences around little ones. Anyone who has been around a group of toddlers have witnessed that there are some who are simply more belligerent and self-centered than others. Then there are those who are much sweeter and quieter by nature, and less self-oriented. The assertive child can easily rip a toy from their tiny hands with not too much pushback. Can you ignore those apparent differences in personality, and just treat them all the same? And then expect Sweet Submissive Sally to enter into school life, ready to defend herself against the resident Larry The Leader? Of course not. Early in life, Larry and Sally need to be taught tailored  social skill lessons.  If you want your child to be mentally, emotionally, and socially ready to take their place in the world, then a smart parent will take that into consideration. But many adults do what is tempting and seems so normal; they copy what they experienced as children. “I didn’t turn out to be an ax murderer or nuthin’. So if it was good ‘nuff for mom and dad, I guess it’s good ‘nuff for me.” Or, if they believe their parent did a lousy job at raising them, they will turn to popular parenting advice books.  Good or bad. And there is a lot of bad they can choose. Then there are the parents who remember that when they were growing up with siblings, Mom and Dad had favorites. So they attempt to treat all their own kids exactly alike. Not recognizing the need for meeting differences in personality. I beg you, get to know your kids intimately.  Some need extra cuddling and facetime. Others need you to cultivate that spark of creativity and imagination they were given at birth. Some need extra attention given to that tendency of theirs to be a bully, so that it can be later channeled into natural leadership. Don’t just copy, or react, or ignore. Do your job well.

By: Kim Whittington and Jessica Breazeale Yes, it’s that time of the year!  You may think I’m talking about NBA playoffs, the Masters Golf Tournament, MLB, or any of those letters that require some sort of ball.  But I’m talking about everyone’s favorite pastime…T-Ball! Who doesn’t love T-Ball? You might as well admit to not loving America or apple pie, too. T-Ball is the highlight of baseball season! Before, after, and often during the games that you are at the field required to watch, you will sneak over to the main attraction, which is the tiniest future players.  They are all there in their brand-new sliding pants, along with their new team jersey and hat.  Each has a brand-spanking-new glove and an overpriced bat that will only last one season before it needs to be replaced. The new cleats are also expensive and will only last one season, too.  But the cost is of no concern because every one of them is a future MLB player, some headed to the Dodgers, some to the Mets.  Yes, all have plans for the big league, but only after their illustrious college career.  But the fans in the stands cheering the T- Ballers on see them today as the superstars they are…and will be soon. Some are outfielders - but wait - are they picking flowers?    And the first baseman is guarding the base, yes, he is actually sitting on top of it.  The second baseman and the shortstop are throwing dirt at each other. The third baseman is crying! “There’s no crying in baseball!” The outfielders are spotted doing cartwheels. Batter up! This one looks like a slugger, and he smacks the ball and runs like the wind to third base while the entire infield and outfield attack the baseball.    Triumphant, one player emerges with the ball, looks to first, but no batter!  Then he sees him, and everyone is yelling, “Run to first!” and then he tags the runner on the pitcher's mound.  Success, batter out!   Dirt stains on the pants. Emotions that can’t be contained. Ice cream in hand. Memories I never want to forget! At the time, it was so hard. Now, I long for those days.   Man, I’m glad it’s t-ball season! I can live it all over again through other kids and their parents…without the stress and now with just the fun!   What is the bigger picture? In the words of Gavin Rossdale, lead singer of 90’s grunge band Bush, who finally made his way to Mississippi and performed at the Brandon Amphitheatre last weekend: “Don’t let the days go by…could’ve been easier on you. (Yes, I realize this song is NOT about t-ball!) Don’t let these precious t-ball days go by without lots of pictures and videos. Don’t take it too seriously. They need to love baseball, not hate it. They want to be big boys and girls but are very much still babies. Treat them as such! You’ll look back and sing, “I couldn’t change, though I wanted to…” Okay, I’ll stop singing Glycerine now. Downloadable version

Special to Wesson News   Another grant will provide funds to put the finishing touches on a town historical museum next to Wesson municipal park.   The museum has been in development for more than a year at the former electric building that was later a venue for meetings and activities of local Boy Scouts.   A Home Depot grant jump-started initial work, including moisture-proofing the building, installation of climate control equipment, thorough cleaning, repairs to the doors and floor, and the purchase of a steel back door, seven windows and a mini-split air conditioner and dehumidifier.   Wesson public works personnel and citizen-resident and Home Depot volunteers have provided labor for installations of the HVAC equipment, windows, a ramp of disabled persons and necessary repairs and cosmetics, including the upgrading of plumbing and electrical systems.   The Town of Wesson has sealed the front and north doors of the building to maintain its character.   Wesson Librarian Marilyn Britt credits Home Depot’s Elisha Howard with identifying needed renovations in walk-through “that showed us what was required to turn the building into a museum.”   A permanent history museum that tells the story of Wesson has been a dream of locals since the town’s Sesquicentennial celebration in 2014 when a temporary museum whetted appetites for an ongoing one that honored life here.   As part of the Wesson Sesquicentennial celebration, Dixie Thornton encouraged locals to take the town’s history out of their closets, unpack boxes and donate historical items for public display in the temporary museum she created for the occasion.   In applying for initial Home Depot assistance to create a permanent museum, FOL members Britt, Dr. Steven Liverman and Sonya Cowen noted “the history for City of Wesson is stored in several areas that are not the best environment for safety” and that FOL seeks one location to allow for safety and continued preservation of the historical items.   From its opening in April, 2014, until July, more than 1000 persons, including children, groups from Wesson Attendance Center and out-of-towners who savored history, visited the temporary museum in which Thornton strived for “authenticity” in exhibits that featured clothing, artifacts and document from out of history rather than reproductions.  The exhibit highlights included:   Clothing made from the cotton and woolen fabrics produced at the textile mills which operated in Wesson from the 1860s into the 1890s and spurred development of the town Late 19th Century garments worn by Rilla Oliver Rae, daughter of Captain William Oliver -- one of the early mill owners Artifacts from the Wesson mills, including machine parts, keys to buildings, and corporate stamps A photo of Wesson mill employees in front of one of the factory buildings in which they worked Cotton bales -- raw material for the mill operations A 19th Century baby buggy School jackets that reflect the progression of Wesson schools and development of Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin) A World War II military overcoat The bell from the old Wesson grammar school Pictures and memorabilia from the pre-NASCAR racing career of Wesson resident Ikey Jerome, including his driving suit   The temporary  museum occupied two buildings on Spring Street off Highway 51 across from City Hall, one loaned by its owner, Mayor Alton Shaw, as a private citizen, to the Wesson Chamber of Commerce that housed a series of partitioned exhibits organized to tell distinct stories about different aspects of the life of Wesson -- the mills era, evolution of Co-Lin, churches and religion, commerce, etc. -- through  artifacts, photos, and documents; and an adjacent structure owned by the Town of Wesson next to the public library that featured displays focusing on daily life of townspeople -- a late 19th Century kitchen and bedroom, a garden with a manual plow, home spinning wheel, quilts, the printing press that produced the Wesson Enterprise   weekly newspaper in the 1950s and 1960s, among others.   Since the temporary museum closed, Wesson Friends of the Library members and other citizens of the town have been searching for ways to bring a permanent one to Wesson.  In creating the temporary museum, Thornton worked with Wesson residents steeped in the town’s history -- Sonya Cowen, Carolyn Graham, and Mike Hux -- to identify authentic documents, photos, and artifacts and solicit them from donors and lenders.  Mark Hamilton, former minster of music at Calvary Baptist Church in Silver Creek, worked closely with Thornton, picking up contributions, transporting them to the museum site, and building the museum exhibits.  More than 30 persons contributed as donors and lenders.