The DeBruce Foundation today announced its gift to the Class of 2021: a free, online career-building experience to help graduates focus on their strengths, expand their career pathways, and feel more secure about their futures. The Graduation Toolkit is a four-part, online experience designed to help recent high school and college graduates gain awareness of their skills, discover where their interests align with workforce opportunities, and devise their plan to get there. Once signed up, the experience will take about 15-30 minutes each day over four days, or it can be “binged” all in one day. The Graduation Toolkit is available HERE. “The tools in the Graduation Toolkit helped me prepare to land my job after graduation,” said Alex Oleson, Class of 2021. “And they’re helping me build the career I want.” The DeBruce Foundation’s Graduation Toolkit features a story about a fictional graduate and includes online resources such as the Agile Work Profiler, Career Explorer Tools, and the Draw Your Future with Agilities video tutorial. These resources are free and easy to use, and they can help individuals reach their career goals. “We applaud the Class of 2021. Completing one’s high school or college education in the context of the past year was no small feat,” said Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and COO of The DeBruce Foundation. “Through the Graduation Toolkit, we’re pleased to provide graduates with resources that will help them with next steps in their career journeys.” To deliver this gift to high school and college graduates, The Foundation is partnering with various educational institutions across the country and launching a public awareness campaign. “This experience will help graduates take the next step in their future with confidence,” said Cindy Schluckebier, high school teacher. ”This is a stressful time for some graduates and the Graduation Toolkit will help validate decisions they may have already made or help lead them in the right direction to a brighter future.” Access the Graduation Toolkit.

Co-Lin and The University of West Alabama have partnered to provide Co-Lin graduates increased transfer scholarships and new opportunities to earn their bachelor’s degree at UWA. “We are always looking for partnership opportunities that will benefit our students,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims. “Our new agreement with West Alabama is an example of that, and we feel confident our students will thrive at the next level.” In the agreement recently signed on the college’s Wesson Campus, UWA guarantees admission to all Co-Lin students with a 2.0 GPA and 45 transferable credit hours or an associate degree from Co-Lin. In addition, Co-Lin students with a 3.0 GPA or better will receive a $3,000 to $4,000 academic scholarship per year for up to four consecutive semesters and will be exempt from out-of-state tuition. Students who receive an academic scholarship will also qualify to apply for a Housing Scholarship of $2,000 to assist with on-campus residency costs. UWA is also committed to providing Co-Lin students with personalized counseling and one-on-one assistance to ensure a smooth transition from Co-Lin to UWA. “Our student body at UWA is very similar to the student body here at Co-Lin,” said UWA President Dr. Ken Tucker. “We promise to take excellent care of your students every step of the way.”

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds will host a job fair at the Mississippi Trade Mart tomorrow, Tuesday, May 11, through Wednesday, May 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The job fair for positions available at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds includes general maintenance, custodial, equipment operators and facility operations. Those interested in attending are required to bring a completed application and current resume. To find an application, visit www.mdac.ms.gov/agency-info/employment-opportunities. “I would like to invite anyone looking for a job to attend our job fair for available positions on the State Fairgrounds staff,” said Michael Lasseter, acting director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds Complex. “We are excited about the future of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, and we wish to grow a team with an enthusiasm and passion for our vision.” The Mississippi Trade Mart is located on the State Fairgrounds at 1200 Mississippi Street in Jackson, Miss., 39202. For more information about the job fair, visit www.mdac.ms.gov or the Mississippi State Fairgrounds page on Facebook.

Founders Day, traditionally an occasion to commemorate Wesson history, was a celebration of town life and a bourgeoning new post-pandemic normalcy this year. It was an event-filled evening and day on April 30 and May 1 with a band concert, a variety of musical entertainment, a Glow Run/Walk, art walk, arts, crafts and flea market; car show and snacks, refreshments and meals. The Wesson Chamber was the primary sponsor of the event with support from Co-Lin, Trust Mark National Bank, Curves of Brookhaven, Dumps Restaurant, the Town of Wesson, Pike National Bank, Wesson Fire Department, Yeagers Auto Sales and the Bank of Brookhaven. The Chamber crowned Karnryn Bridges, a Wesson High School (WHS) junior, the 2021-22 Founders Day Queen. Bridges, who plans to attend Co-Lin to pursue occupational therapy. Her involvement at WHS has encompassed Science and Beta Clubs, yearbook staff, First Priority and color guard. She has been recognized of academic achievement, is active in Clear Branch Baptist Church and has volunteered at Wesson Public Library and King's Daughters Medical Center, where she assisted with COVID-19 vaccinations. Her parents are Mike and Lori Bridges and grandparents are Bob and Pat McCreary. The Chamber also presented an appreciation plaque to Dr. Steven Liverman for his service to the organization as a member. Overall winners in the 5K Glow Run were Truman Poole (male) and Christie Barber(female). The first, second and third place in four age category were Truman Poole, Mason Ashley and Brayden Arbough in the under 20 division; Dalton Rushing, Yerri Wolfe and Blake Smith in the 21-35 division; Christie Barber, Brian Norwood and Beth Hutchinson in the 36-50 division; and Nelson Thames, Patty Jackson and Anna Mason in the 51-over division. The 5K Walk first, second and third place winners were Brendon Duguid, MacKenzine Martin and DaMonica Brown. In the car show, Patrick Clark with a 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was the Participants Choice winner and David Mobile with a 1960 Chevrolet Apache was the Chamber Choice winner.

Future Mississippi voters are learning about U.S. democracy and its foundation grounded in elections through a unique awards program of the Secretary of State Office. The Promote the Vote (PTV) program geared to K-12 encompasses a statewide mock election, an essay contest, and an art contest. Secretary of State Michael Watson has just honored winners in the 2020 Promote the Vote (PTV) program. The 2020 theme, “The Future of My Vote,” encouraged students to think outside of the [ballot] box and imagine what our state's overall election process might look like in the year 2060. After a tough judging process, 24 students from across the state were selected as 2020 Promote the Vote Program winners. The theme and the registration start date for the 2021 Promote the Vote program will be announced on the Secretary of State Office website and social media accounts before the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The Office encourages participation of public, private, charter, and parochial schools as well as home school associations. "Educating our future leaders and voters about the election process here in Mississippi and encouraging them to engage are core functions of our office," said Secretary Watson. "I love seeing and hearing their ideas expressed through thought-provoking artwork and essays. We want to make sure they know we care about them voting and are here to protect Mississippi’s elections system." Watson's office partnered with the Education arm of Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) to encourage school, teacher, and student participation. In addition to the art and essay contests, MPB organized a social media contest as a way to keep students engaged during an unprecedented school year. “Mississippi Public Broadcasting is proud to once again partner with our friends at the Secretary of State’s Office on this essential program,” said Ronnie Agnew, MPB Executive Director. “This initiative is vital toward helping students understand the importance of voting and the elections process. Through this program, seeds have been planted that exercising the right to vote is a civic duty. It is my belief that participation in this initiative will instill in these students that voters matter.”

Co-Lin's spring 2021 commencement ceremonies begin today on the Wesson campus and will continue tomorrow at the Simpson County Center and Thursday on the Natchez campus. On the Wesson campus, two commencement ceremonies will be held at Mullen Gymnasium for Spring 2021 graduates. Graduates with last names A-J will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremony and last names K-Z will participate in the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. At the Boswell Regional Center in Magee and Natchez Convention Center, Simpson County Center and Natchez campus graduates will receive their diplomas at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. To ensure social distancing, only two guests per graduate will be allowed at each commencement ceremony. Tickets were distributed at the mandatory graduation rehearsals last Friday. Only graduates, selected Co-Lin staff and ticket holders will be allowed inside the commencement venues. Graduates will be provided with a Co-Lin face mask to wear as they enter the gymnasium. Masks are mandatory for all graduates, staff members and guests present. The ceremonies will be streamed LIVE at www.colin.edu and on Co-Lin's Facebook page for family and friends to view.

With the June 8 municipal election nearing, poll workers, ballot counters and those who oversee voting are preparing to carry out their responsibilities and make the day go smoothly. City Hall, rather than the American Legion Hall, will be the polling place for the election since it will be held for selecting municipal officials only. The poll will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In-person absentee voting at City Hall will be on May 29 and June 5 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Town Clerk Angela Hester is conducting training sessions for key people in the election process. Last week, the three election commissioners appointed by the Wesson Board of Aldermen who oversee the election -- Alena Hughes, Chad Sills and Sabrina Brown -- learned about their responsibilities. "The job of each commissioner is to uphold the election law and see that the election is conducted in an honest and fair manner," Hester says. "Their duties encompass preparing and printing ballots, overseeing poll workers, securing all supplies, preparing poll books, compiling precinct results on election day, certifying election results, providing election data to the public and purging voter rolls in compliance with the National Voters Rights Act." Hester will train two resolution board members responsible for counting absentee ballots at a May 27 session beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the three poll managers responsible for election day voting details at City Hall on May 29 at 9 a.m. Wesson residents who will be at least 18 years old before June 8 can register to vote at City Hall or with Copiah County Circuit Clerk Edna Stevens through May 10 if they are not already registered or need to change their registrations. Wesson City Hall is open Monday thru Friday, May 3-7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for voter registration. In the election, incumbents Mayor Alton Shaw and Ward Aldermen Larry Hall (Ward 1), Jarrad Ashley (Ward 2), Billy Ellison (Ward 3) and Michael King (Ward 3) will run unopposed. Incumbent Stephen Ashley will face former Alderman Van Graham and Mark Douglas in a contentious Alderman-at-Large race. Because Wesson municipal candidates run as independents, they vie only in a general election with no preliminary primary election.

It is time for yearly athletic physicals for Wesson Attendance Center student athletes. KDMC will be providing this year’s physicals free of charge on Saturday, May 15, 2021 in WAC New Gym. Below is a schedule for 6th – 8th grade students and for 9th-11th grade students. All students must be dropped off on time, and we ask that parents be available to pick the students up as soon as their physical is over. We don’t’ anticipate the process to take a very long time. Students should wear loose fitting athletic shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes on the day of the physical. Physical packets have been distributed to students in grades 6th through 11th grades. In order to receive a physical, each student must have a signed Medical History page and a signed Student-Athlete Authorization page. If you have any questions please call 601.643.2221. 2020-21 Drop off time: Pick up time: Grade 6th – 8th Grade 8:20 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9th – 11th Grade 8:50 9:45 a.m. It is vital that the attached paperwork be completed fully and accurately to include the signature of a Parent/ Guardian where a request for signature is indicated. Your child must have the completed paperwork in hand on Physical Day to receive the free service. Otherwise you will have to arrange for a personal physical at another time. All student-athletes must have a completed physical packet on file with the WAC office before they will be allowed to participate in any athletic practices or events.

Today, Walmart and Sam’s Club announced a new COVID-19 vaccine milestone: immunizations are now available to customers and associates in all of their more than 5,100 pharmacy locations nationwide, across 49 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. This includes the 85 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in Mississippi. Vaccines are being administered via both walk-up and scheduled appointments, providing convenient options for customers and associates to get protected against COVID-19 where they already shop for groceries and health care essentials. Additionally, the company is rolling out new programs to both encourage people to get a vaccine and continue efforts to increase access across the country. “Now that supply and eligibility have expanded, it’s even more important for us to reach underserved and vulnerable populations to ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Health & Wellness. “Widespread vaccination is the only way we will eventually end the pandemic and help our country reopen, and we don’t want anyone to get left behind as we enter this new chapter in our fight against COVID-19.” Walmart and Sam’s Club are expanding access to COVID-19 vaccines nationwide: Providing Education on Vaccine Effectiveness: Get Out The Vaccine campaign (GOTV) The company launched a nationwide Get Out The Vaccine (GOTV) campaign to encourage more people to get vaccinated. The GOTV campaign, an extension of the retailer’s role in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and the existing vaccination program, provides education materials in our stores and clubs about the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccine. As part of the GOTV effort, Walmart is utilizing mobile clinics to bring vaccines directly into select communities via events and gatherings. Most recently, Walmart partnered with the National Hot Rod Association at their Southern Nationals Event in Commerce, Georgia, to offer walk-up vaccinations for race fans, educational resources with background on the safety and efficacy of the vaccines and an official Walmart branded dragster with information on how to schedule a vaccine. Reaching Into Communities Walmart and Sam’s Club continue emphasizing vaccine access in locations that reach customers in vulnerable communities. With the expansion of vaccine supply nationwide, there are now nearly 4,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations administering the vaccine in locations designated as Medically Underserved Areas by the Health Resources and Services Location (HRSA). To encourage vaccination in these communities, Walmart and Sam’s Club will continue partnering with national and local non-profits, community partners and faith-based organizations on community vaccine events. Walk-Ins Welcome All Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacy locations across Mississippi are now accepting walk-in vaccine appointments, as supply allows, in addition to scheduled appointments. Customers who schedule an appointment can complete pre-vaccination paperwork ahead of time, if interested. Appointments can be made at walmart.com/COVIDvaccine and samsclub.com/covid. Walmart pharmacies are open seven days a week (Sam’s Club pharmacies are closed on Sundays), and are administering the approved J&J, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Individuals are not required to be a member to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Sam’s Club. Encouraging Associates to Get Vaccinated Walmart and Sam’s Club continue to strongly encourage, but not mandate, associates to get vaccinated. To help make this process as easy as possible, the retailers are: offering appointments to associates in stores and clubs, providing two hours paid time to get a vaccination, regardless of where associates get their shots, and allowing associates to get the vaccine during their shifts if vaccines are being offered at their location. Both Walmart and Sam’s Club have also enhanced their COVID-19 emergency leave policy to include three days of paid leave for any vaccine side effects for associates. Walmart and Sam’s Club will continue to work to increase the accessibility and availability of COVID-19 vaccines nationwide. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout at Walmart and Sam’s Club, please visit corporate.walmart.com/covid-vaccine.

On Monday, May 3, a section of U.S. Highway 51 in Lincoln County was designated as the “Corporal Zach Moak and Officer James White Memorial Highway” in honor of the late Corporal Zach Moak and Officer James White. The memorial highway begins at the Natchez Avenue intersection and extends north to the Brookway Boulevard intersection. Corporal Moak and Officer White lost their lives in the line of duty on September 29, 2018. “The people of Lincoln County will never forget the sacrifice these two men made,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “Dedicating this section of highway is a constant reminder of what Corporal Moak and Officer White did for the community, and MDOT is honored to play a role in this dedication.” The ceremony was held at the Lampton Auditorium in Brookhaven. U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, U.S. Rep. Michael Guest and state Rep. Becky Currie were among the distinguished guests who spoke at the dedication ceremony. For more information on memorial highway dedications visit GoMDOT.com.

During the 2021 Session, users viewed the Legislature’s new YouTube site 93,510 times and logged 26,000 hours of watch time. At less than a year old, the channel has garnered more than 2,300 subscribers and 283,400 views from people logging 66,300 hours of watch time. “It is impossible for citizens, who have jobs, families, and other responsibilities, to always be present during our debates—but it is imperative we have citizens’ input. When we use collective intellect, the final policy outcome is always better,” Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann said. “Webcasting has made this possible without citizens having to leave their homes, schools, or businesses.” Hosemann and the Mississippi Senate have led the effort to webcast committee meetings, in addition to floor debate, to increase transparency in the legislative process. After the first emergency order related to the pandemic was issued in March 2020, the Senate began webcasting its meetings in Room 216, the former courtroom of the Mississippi Supreme Court. In January, the Senate added Room 409, the next largest Senate committee room to its webcasted spaces. Room 210 on the Senate side of the Capitol is currently being equipped with webcasting technology, and will be ready to broadcast by the 2022 Legislative Session. Almost 158,823 views generated in the past year were from people located in Mississippi, according to analytics from YouTube, with the next highest amount at 17,500 from Georgia. Viewers were from all 50 states. During the 2021 Legislative Session, 77 percent of those watching were under 54 years of age. About 22 percent of viewers were under 34 years of age. “As we promote the site, we are hopeful viewership among all Mississippians will continue to grow,” Hosemann said. To visit the Mississippi Legislature’s YouTube site, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLmAgbQMuI7kLvDNV6LluA/featured. To learn more about Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, visit https://ltgovhosemann.ms.gov.

Mobile-based chain Shoe Station is hiring up to 150 employees in the five Southeastern states where is has locations due to increased sales in stores and on its e-commerce site. The chain, which has 21 stores overall in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana, invites applicants to apply online at www.shoestation.com/careers . Hiring is underway for full- and part-time employees company wide. Shoe Station President Brent Barkin stated, "Business has picked up in the past few months, and we are hiring in anticipation of a busy Summer season. Our buyers purchased tens of thousands of pairs of the latest styles of sandals, shoes, and accessories for women, men, and children, and now the cartons are arriving. It's an exciting time to explore different opportunities at a growing company that often promotes from within." Factors driving business include pent-up demand from Covid, changing fashions, and government stimulus checks. Shoe Station welcomes new team members who are passionate about fashion and retail. "We invite applicants from all walks of life to gain hands-on experience in today's evolving retail sector. Shoe Station especially welcomes students and graduates of The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi College, and Jackson State University." Barkin said. Shoe Station also encourages high school students to apply. "There are generally three categories of footwear consumers: people who need new shoes; people who avidly follow fashion; and a smaller category of people who need supportive and/or comfort footwear to ease aches and pains. In 2021, Shoe Station has experienced substantial growth in revenue from all three of these footwear consumer categories. We are hiring in response and invite all eager, qualified applicants to join us." Applicants can apply at any Shoe Station location or at www.shoestation.com/careers .