The Mississippi State University Extension Service partnered with the Mississippi Food Network (MFN) to develop a resource for Mississippians who are seeking food assistance. The MFN website now offers a geo-locator tool that offers users the ability to search by location to find food pantries and food distribution events. “By gathering this type of information and putting it all in one place, we increase opportunities for people to access nutritious food,” said David Buys, Extension health specialist. “The information is already being requested by other entities as a resource to help Mississippians find what they need quickly and efficiently. “We are grateful for the partnership of MSU Extension Service,” said Cassandra Mobley, Director of Agency Relations at MFN, “this new tool on our website allows hungry Mississippians 24-hour access to information on where they can locate a food pantry close to them.” The geo-locator tool is accessible at https://www.msfoodnet.org/help/

NASA conducted a long-duration RS-25 single-engine test April 28, continuing its seven-part test series to support development and production of engines for future missions of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Operators fired the engine for almost 11 minutes (650 seconds) on the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, providing valuable data to Aerojet Rocketdyne, lead contractor for the SLS engines, as it begins production of new engines for use after the first four SLS flights. Four RS-25 engines, along with a pair of solid rocket boosters, will help power SLS at launch. Engines for the rocket’s first four Artemis program missions to the Moon already have been tested. Operators now are focused on collecting data to demonstrate and verify various engine capabilities, evaluate new engine components manufactured with cutting-edge and cost-saving technologies, eliminate operating risks, and enhance engine production. The latest 650-second duration test represents the time three engines would have to fire to burn up propellant and power SLS to orbit, if the fourth engine shut down early during launch. The longer time also allows operators to schedule and meet more performance objectives during a test. Operators fired the engine at 113% of its original power level for a period of time April 28 as well. RS-25 engines must fire at 111% to help power the launch of SLS; firing at 113% helps operators to test a margin of safety. The hot fire also marked the second test of a new NASA-designed thrust vector control (TVC) system used to gimbal engines for the test. “Gimbaling” refers to how the engine must move to ensure proper flight trajectory. During the April 28 test, operators demonstrated the ability of the new TVC to move engines on both a tight circular axis and back-and-forth on a line. With the Artemis program, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon and establish sustainable exploration in preparation for missions to Mars. SLS and NASA’s Orion spacecraft, along with the commercial human landing system and the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, are NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single mission. RS-25 tests at Stennis Space Center are conducted by an integrated team, including NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Syncom Space Services, the prime contractor of Stennis facilities and operations.

Boyz to Men is a youth mentorship program that was officially organized on April 27, 2021. Our mission is to help transform the lives of children, families and individuals by providing quality mentoring services and life skills development programming. Some programs will include Mentors & Movies, Career Spotlight Program, men’s health & wellness workshops and the Conversations with a Leader Forums, in partnership with the Clergy Liaison Committee. On May 15th we will be taking our first field trip to the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, MS and will have a BBQ for the kids at the Joe Nathan Wilson Fire Station on Harmony Rd. upon our return. If you would like to participate by mentoring please come out and support. Our program is FREE and open to all young men 12-16 years of age. For more information and to register your child please contact us at the information below: Contact: Chief Dejohn Hampton Office :601-892-2121 Cell: 601-717-2171

Mississippi Public Universities will award 12,004 bachelor’s, master’s, specialists and doctoral degrees during Spring Commencement Exercises. The system total for Spring 2021 represents an increase of 1,224 graduates from Spring 2020, when the total number of degrees awarded was 10,780. “I congratulate the students who have worked so hard to earn degrees during such challenging times,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “These graduates have made a wise investment in themselves by earning a degree and this investment will pay dividends over the course of their careers and lifetimes. I would also like to congratulate the family members and university and faculty and staff that have helped them along the way.” According to the College Board’s Education Pays 2019 report, published in January 2020, “individuals with higher levels of education earn more, pay more taxes, and are more likely than others to be employed: “In 2018, the median earnings of bachelor’s degree recipients with no advanced degree working full time were $24,900 higher than those of high school graduates. Bachelor’s degree recipients paid an estimated $7,100 more in taxes and took home $17,800 more in after-tax income than high school graduates. (Figure 2.1) “The typical 4-year college graduate who enrolls at age 18 and graduates in 4 years can expect to earn enough relative to a high school graduate by age 33 to compensate for being out of the labor force for 4 years and for borrowing the full tuition and fees and books and supplies without any grant aid.” (Figure 2.2A) Figure 2.1: Median Earnings and Tax Payments of Full-Time Year-Round Workers Age 25 and Older, by Education Level, 2018 Figure 2.2A: Estimated Cumulative Full-Time Earnings (in 2017 Dollars) Net of Forgone Earnings and Payment for Tuition and Fees and Books and Supplies, by Education Level Source: Jennifer Ma, Matea Pender and Meredith Welch, “Education Pays 2019: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society,” The College Board, January 14, 2020. 2021 SPRING COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULES Alcorn State University Time/Date: 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 Location: Jack Spinks and Marino Casem Stadium/Dwight Fisher Field Speaker: Colonel Timothy “Tim” Holman, U.S. Army – MR&A, Equity & Inclusion Chief, Army Diversity Delta State University Graduate Time/Date: 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 Location: Walter Sillers Coliseum Speaker: President William LaForge, Delta State University Undergraduate Time/Date: 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 Location: Walter Siller Coliseum Speaker: President William LaForge, Delta State University Undergraduate—College of Business & Aviation and College of Education & Human Sciences Time/Date: 3:30 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 Location: Walter Siller Coliseum Speaker: President William LaForge, Delta State University Jackson State University Graduate, Class of 2021 Time/Date: 9:00 a.m., Friday, May 7, 2021 Location: Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center Speaker: Dr. Erik Greene, Superintendent, Jackson Public Schools Undergraduate, Class of 2021 Time/Date: 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 Location: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Speaker: The Honorable Bennie Thompson, U.S. House of Representatives Graduate and Undergraduate, Class of 2020 Time/Date: 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 Location: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Speaker: Mr. Jordan Jefferson, Student Government Association President 2019-2020, Graduate Class of 2020 Mississippi State University Starkville Campus College of Arts & Sciences (Undergraduate) Time/Date: 8:30 a.m., Thursday, April 29, 2021 Location: Humphrey Coliseum Speaker: Dr. Mark E. Keenum, President, Mississippi State University College of Education and College of Business (Undergraduates) and ACCESS Program Time/Date: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 29, 2021 Location: Humphrey Coliseum Speaker: Dr. Mark E. Keenum, President, Mississippi State University All graduate students (master’s, doctoral, specialist) & the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Time/Date: 8:30 a.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 Location: Humphrey Coliseum Speaker: Dr. Mark E. Keenum, President, Mississippi State University Bagley College of Engineering; College of Architecture, Art & Design; College of Veterinary Medicine; College of Forest Resources; Academic Affairs (Undergraduates) Time/Date: 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 Location: Humphrey Coliseum Speaker: Dr. Mark E. Keenum, President, Mississippi State University Meridian Campus Time/Date: 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 3, 2021 Location: MSU Riley Center Speaker: No speaker Mississippi University for Women Mississippi University for Women Commencement Ceremonies were held April 23-23, 2021. Mississippi Valley State University Time/Date: 8:00 a.m., Saturday, May 1, 2021 Location: (Outside) Quadrangle between H.G. Carpenter Building and James H. White Library Speaker: No speaker The University of Mississippi Commencement 2020 Time/Date: 8:00 a.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field Speaker: Mr. Patrick Willis, former Ole Miss Scholar-Athlete and NFL Player Commencement 2021 Time/Date: 8:00 a.m., Saturday, May 1, 2021 Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field Speaker: Mr. Jonathan Reckford, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity The University of Mississippi Medical Center There will not be a speaker for the Commencement Ceremonies. School of Nursing Time/Date: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 26, 2021 Location: Mississippi Trade Mart School of Health Related Professions Time/Date: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2021 Location: Mississippi Trade Mart School of Dentistry, School of Population Health, School of Medicine, and School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences Time/Date: 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 27, 2021 Location: Mississippi Trade Mart The University of Southern Mississippi All ceremonies are open to graduates from Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021 semesters. There will not be a speaker for the commencement ceremonies. Undergraduates—School of Nursing & Health Related Professions Time/Date: 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 3, 2021 Location: Reed Green Coliseum, Hattiesburg Undergraduate—College of Education & Human Sciences Time/Date: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Location: Reed Green Coliseum, Hattiesburg Graduates Earning Doctoral and Master of Fine Arts Degree—All Colleges Time/Date: 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Location: Reed Green Coliseum, Hattiesburg Graduates Earning Specialist and Master’s Degree—All Colleges Time/Date: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Location: Reed Green Coliseum, Hattiesburg Undergraduates—College of Business & Economic Developement Time/Date: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021 Location: Reed Green Coliseum, Hattiesburg Undergraduates – College of Arts and Sciences – Schools of Communication; Humanities; Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development; Music; Performing and Visual Arts; and Social Science and Global Studies Time/Date: 9:00 a.m., Friday, May 7, 2021 Location: Reed Green Coliseum, Hattiesburg Undergraduates – College of Arts and Sciences – Schools of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences; Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering; Construction and Design; Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; Ocean Science and Engineering; and Polymer Science and Engineering Time/Date: 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 7, 2021 Location: Reed Green Coliseum, Hattiesburg Coast – Undergraduates and Graduate Students – All Colleges Time/Date: 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 Location: Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi

The application process for Walmart’s eighth annual Open Call is now open, and the company invites Mississippi entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their products on Walmart shelves and online to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on June 30 via virtual pitch meetings. The deadline to apply for participation in this year’s Open Call for products made, grown or assembled in the United States is April 30. Last month, Walmart announced a new commitment to spend an additional $350 billion on items made, grown, or assembled in the United States. It’s estimated that this spending will support more than 750,000 new American jobs. Walmart’s Open Call is one way in which the company supports this commitment. The June 30 virtual event will include one-on-one pitch meetings with Walmart merchants and an opportunity for participants to hear directly from Walmart executives at the hour-long kickoff of the event. Smaller breakout sessions will be available throughout the day where suppliers can learn more on valuable topics and about resources available to them. “Open Call is like watching the American Dream play out in real time,” said Laura Phillips, Walmart senior vice president for Global Sourcing & US Manufacturing. “You see on full display the spirit and energy of new ideas and the hope of what could be – founded on creativity, hard work, and self-belief. We know how much this opportunity means to small businesses, and we can’t wait to see the new product submissions from potential new suppliers.” This year’s Open Call attendees could secure opportunities that range from promoting products in a handful of stores in local markets to supplying products to hundreds, even thousands, of Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs and online. “Walmart makes it easy – they really do,” Henry Johnson, who owns Le’Host Hair & Wigs with his wife, Haith, said about their experience at Walmart’s 2020 Open Call. “They sent us a video that they send to everyone who’s going to present to buyers and said, ‘This is what we’re looking for.’ … We found out what was important to Walmart as a company, in the community. What’s important to Walmart is their customers. To us, our customers are No. 1. So, when we saw that was the mindset of Walmart, we knew it was a good marriage.” Earlier this year, Walmart began expanding Le’Host products into some 300 stores across the Southwest and Southeast regions of the United States. Apply for Open Call today by visiting Walmart-jump.com. Your can join the conversation on your social media channels by using #WalmartOpenCall.

Select polling places are now open for Municipal Party Primary Runoff Elections. Polls, where runoffs are being conducted, will close at 7 p.m., and any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot. Primary Runoff Elections are only conducted in those cities in which certain party candidates did not receive a majority of the votes cast in the Primary Elections held April 6, 2021. Voters should contact their Municipal Clerk’s Office or local election officials to determine if Primary Runoff Elections are being held in their city today. As a reminder, crossover voting is not allowed in this election, meaning voters who cast a ballot in one political party’s Primary Election on April 6th cannot legally cast a ballot in a different political party’s Primary Runoff Election today (April 27th). However, voters who did not vote in the Primary Election are still eligible to vote in today's runoff elections. Municipal Primary Runoff Election Day Reminders Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline: All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by TODAY, Primary Runoff Election Day (April 27th) and received by Municipal Clerks Offices within five business days of Primary Runoff Election Day in order to count. Polling Place Location: Please contact your Municipal Clerk’s Office for directions to your polling place. Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. An affidavit ballot may be counted if the voter provides an acceptable form of photo identification to the Municipal Clerk’s Office within five business days after the election. Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot. COVID-19: Voters are encouraged to practice good hygiene and follow CDC guidelines at the polls. For more information about Municipal Primary Election Day, please contact your local Municipal Clerk's Office or call our Elections Hotline at 601-576-2550 or 1-800-829-6786

Stress happens. Sometimes it's unavoidable, at times it's unbearable. That's why taking time for yourself is a necessity. National Stress Awareness Month is a good chance to take a deep breath and relax. Stress does not merely afflict your mind; it can also affect you on a cellular level. In fact, long-term stress can lead to a wide range of illnesses – from headaches to stomach disorders to depression – and can even increase the risk of serious conditions like stroke and heart disease. The sympathetic stress response is a survival mechanism that's "hard wired" into our nervous systems. This automatic response is necessary for mobilizing quick reflexes when there is imminent danger, such as swerving to avoid a car crash. When you perceive a threat, stress hormones rush into your bloodstream -- increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Other hormones also suppress functions like digestion and the immune system, which is one of the reasons why chronic stress can leave you more vulnerable to illness. Danger triggers the stress response – but, unfortunately, so can work conflicts, worry over debt, bad memories, or anxiety. Although one bad day at work won't compromise your health, weeks or months of stress can dampen your immune response and raise your risk for disease. If you suffer from chronic stress and can't influence or change the situation, then you’ll need to change your approach. Be willing to be flexible. Remember, you have the ability to choose your response to stressors, and you may have to try various options. So here is a list of positive ways to respond to the stress in your life and keep your own stress levels in check. 1. Make Up Your Mind to Get and/or Stay Healthy. Taking control of your personal health can make a great difference in the amount of stress you feel. The best way to reclaim control of your life is by taking charge of your body. Whether it is through diet, exercise, or simply getting that checkup you've been putting off, let April be the month you put yourself back in control. 2. Make a Change. It can be as simple as clearing the clutter off your desk or as elaborate as taking a well-deserved vacation, the important thing is that you do something different. Even a small change can make a big difference when it comes to stress. 3. Focus on Now. Most folks live their entire lives in yesterday or tomorrow. In truth, however, there is only Now. Focusing on this perfect moment, right now, provides a magical escape from the disappointment of what once was and the fear of what might be, and leaves stress stuck in a time warp. 4. Talk to Yourself. Sometimes a good pep talk is all that is needed to keep stress at bay. Maybe it is high time you gave yourself one by affirming what is right with your life instead of dwelling on what’s wrong. 5. Get the Giggles. It’s true; laughter really is the best medicine. Watch a funny show or video, or tell a funny joke. Whatever it takes, give yourself time for laughter each and every day. 6. Meditate. A still mind is a stress-free mind, so take a deep breath, quiet your thoughts and let the stress melt away. Even ten minutes of meditation done daily for the next 30 days will do wonders for releasing stress in your life. 7. Keep a Happiness Journal. Every evening for the next 30 days spend a few minutes reflecting on the day you just experienced and list five things about the day that delighted you. 8. Put a Positive Spin on It. No matter what challenge you may be facing, do your best to think about it positively and then let that new positive mindset become your focal point. 9. Help Someone Else. Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is by providing relief to someone else. Putting your focus on others takes the focus off your own challenges, leading to less rumination and stress. So look around you, see who needs a hand, and then offer yours. While you can't avoid stress, you can minimize it by changing how you choose to respond to it. The ultimate reward for your efforts is a healthy, balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun. EDITOR'S NOTE: Stephanie Duguid is Dean of Academic Instruction at Co-Lin. She is also an athletic trainer and nutrition specialist and has been teaching courses related to those two areas as well as practicing what she preaches for more than twenty years.

Nearly six years ago, when I was asked to write a monthly column about the arts for the Wesson News, I didn't think there was enough material about I could write every month. I thought maybe an occasional column as a guest writer would be better. I was convinced to give it a try. I've learned a lot and have had good advice and countenance from my editor. Trying to tell a 300 word story in a 700 word article is harder than a thousand word story. For the most part, however, it has been fun. Now, I am no new writer. I've never been on a school newspaper staff. The only reason I knew the lingo was because my friend Tricia Walker's mother was an owner/publisher/editor/columnist of a local newspaper when I was at Co-Lin. She let me fold papers in a hot press room, where I recall, four machines, including the press, all running, carrying out their particular function, producing a rather percussive sound that caught my attention. When all the old machines were working, I found the rhythms relaxing. My brother and his wife were also in the newspaper business during their entire lives. Over the last 12 months, I've missed the pleasure of covering in-person arts events. I've written eight columns about virtual concerts, a drive-through art show, which really was cool, and conferences that had to go virtual for safety's sake. I've written about musicians, actors, stage hands and others who bring us the arts being out of work. Trucks and buses that transport big shows are sitting idle in lots. I follow a few roadies and stagehands, and I can tell you, these folks are bored and need to go back to work. At last, it now gives me pleasure to write about some events that will be in-person. Hazlehurst is once again sponsoring an art walk-through in its downtown area and in local bank lobbies and offices. More than 50 Copiah County artists will be displaying their work in windows easily accessible by taking the walking tour. One of my personal favorites is photographer Ben Foy. I called him a photographer, but "artist" describes what he does much better. He has photographed old barns and churches that jump off the page. I could use the same camera and get a picture of barn, but Foy makes art. You can view his work at Allred's pharmacy. A new Hazlehurst business is the Groom Room, which will feature the works of Sheila Sanders focused on animals. What else at a pet grooming business? Moving to corner and east on Gallatin Street will bring walkers to you to Luv's Coffee Bistro, a recently renovated antique store. The windows display gorgeous quilts and needle work by Susan For, Connie Anderson and Mary Rutledge. A former jewelry store houses intriguing miniatures from an antique store and the old Rockport Store lovingly created from reclaimed wood from the now dilapidated building. Darlene Corr has recreated most unique structures complete with electric lights from her childhood memories. The Rockin Railroad Festival on May 1 will end the month devoted to the arts. This festival is always well attended, and the folks on stage have fun. Headlining this year is a former Copiah Countian who is making her way in the tough world of American Idol. Tatum Henry, 18, who now lives in Ridgeland, has earned The Golden Ticket, which sends her to Hollywood and a live performance on the popular television show. American Idol include now superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwod and long list of others. Good luck, Tatum. Also performing at the festival is the ever-entertaining Babs Wood. Another crowd favorite is Zach Day. The music starts at 10:30 a.m., and Henry appears from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On May 1, stop by the Mississippi Music Museum located in the old train depot. It's a great place with unique exhibits. In the coming months, I will be writing about other in-person event, with the return of Brookstock and the Overbrook Songwriters Festival. Until then, get outside, wear a mask and hit the streets. It's spring in Mississippi. Support the arts, my friends. Local artists are ready to bust loose after the year they've had. EDITOR'S NOTE: Shaw Furlow is a local composer, musician and arts promoter. He produces an internet-based video show -- From the Shadyside -- that spotlights area musical talent and is a consultant to school bands in the region.

Mississippi Boychoir will present its annual spring concert Saturday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5400 Old Canton Road, Jackson 39211. This will be a live, in-person concert with an audience limit of 100. This is a free concert and open to the public. Donations are appreciated! Mississippi Boychoir is funded in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. About Mississippi Boychoir: Founded in 1995, Mississippi Boychoir has been providing a life-changing musical, cultural, and developmental experience for the young men of our state for over 25 years. From the group’s beginnings in Columbus, Mississippi Boychoir now operates two chapters: Jackson and Vicksburg. More information is at www.msboychoir.org, or 601-665-7374

The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project (MVLP) is hosting a virtual clinic on Friday, April 23, 2021, 8:30 a.m. Attorneys will work with participants to draft their court documents for the following matters:  Irreconcilable differences (no fault) divorce  Uncontested guardianships  Simple wills  Advance healthcare directive (AHD)  Power of attorney (POA) Interested participants must complete an intake form at http://www.mvlp.org/clinics/. If they do not have access to a computer, smart phone or tablet, they can complete their intake forms by calling 601- 882-5001 on Thursday, April 22nd between 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MVLP will host additional virtual family law and wills clinics listed below:  May 6  May 20  June 4  July 23  August 6  September 10  September 24  October 1 For more information on MVLP or the legal clinics, please contact 601-882-5001 or visit www.mvlp.org. About MVLP The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project (MVLP) is a 501(c) (3) legal nonprofit entity that was formed as a collaboration between the Mississippi Bar Association and the Legal Services Corporation to provide free legal services to low-income residents of Mississippi, for nearly forty (40) years. Founded on the belief that everyone should have access to courts, MVLP’s early efforts of reaching those in need were accomplished exclusively through directly representing clients. MVLP currently assists clients with civil legal matters, primarily in the following areas: uncontested divorces, emancipations, simple wills, power of attorney, advance healthcare directives, adoptions, guardianships, name changes, birth certificate corrections, conservatorships, and expungement matters.

Many residents will plant trees to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, and in support of safety Atmos Energy reminds everyone to call 811 at least three business days before planting a tree at parks or in yards. “Trees bring environmental savings and improve air quality while offering a shield from stifling summer temperatures,” said Bobby Morgan, Atmos Energy vice president of public affairs. “We encourage the enhancement of parks and green spaces for our communities to enjoy and advise this simple step of calling 811. It’s free, it’s safe and it’s required by law. Calling 811 can protect yourself, your community, and the infrastructure that makes daily life possible.” Utility lines may be only a few inches from the surface for a variety of reasons such as erosion, prior excavation, and uneven surfaces. Calling 811 helps prevent volunteers, contractors, and do-it-yourself diggers from damaging an underground utility line. Even minor damage can weaken a pipeline and lead to a future leak or cause inconvenient outages. Volunteers are responsible for having lines marked, regardless of whether they are planting a sapling or a full-grown tree. The best way to avoid damaging your utilities is to call 811 a few days before digging to learn the approximate location of buried lines in your area. Everyone who calls 811 is connected to a local notification center that will take the caller’s information and communicate it to local utility companies. Professional locators will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with spray paint, flags, or both. Once a site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging around the marked areas. Take the Atmos Energy Call 811 Pledge prior to your tree planting celebration by visiting https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/sign-call-811-pledge. About Atmos Energy Atmos Energy Corporation, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor. We safely deliver reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Find us online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

C Spire and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame have announced that Charles Davis, former University of Tennessee defensive back and veteran CBS NFL television analyst, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the virtual presentation of the C Spire Conerly, Gillom, Howell and Ferriss Trophies. Due to pandemic restrictions and general health concerns, this year’s awards will be presented virtually on Monday, May 24. The versatile Davis has worked as an analyst for both college and NFL for Conference USA, the Big East, ESPN Plus, TBS, TNT and Fox prior to joining CBS in April of 2020. Besides his work in football, Davis has also covered NBA and college hoops and has worked as the analyst for Madden NFL video games. Since graduation from the University of Tennessee, he also became the first African-American director of a PGA Tour event when he ran the Disney Golf Classic from 1998-2000. The C Spire Conerly Trophy, which will be presented for the 25th time, is the oldest of these awards and goes annually to the top college football player in the state. The C Spire Gillom Trophy goes to the top women’s basketball player from any of the state’s four-year college programs while the C Spire Howell Trophy goes to the top men’s hoopster. Baseball’s top in-state college player will receive the C Spire Ferriss Trophy. Details on fan voting for each award and on how to watch this year’s presentation will be announced soon. About C Spire C Spire is a privately-owned telecommunications and technology company driven to deliver the best experiences in wireless, fiber internet, and business IT solutions such as internet, VoIP, cloud and managed services. Read more news releases and announcements at cspire.com/news. For more information, visit cspire.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. . 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.