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Special to Wesson News The COVID-19 pandemic has shut down traditional classroom instruction at Co-Lin, but students in the college's academic and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have continued to pursue their studies, shifting almost seamlessly from buildings on Co-Lin's campuses to computers and cell phones in their homes, and even in their vehicles, to continue learning on the internet. Nearly 100 percent of CoLin students who were enrolled in traditional classroom courses before they were shut down by COVID-19 are now taking them online, Stephanie Duguid, the college's Dean of Academic Instruction, and Brent Duguid, Dean of Career and Technical Education, report. Instructors made contact with their students via email, telephone and text after the college announced its COVID-19 emergency plan, and kept most of them on board for online classes. "We were uniquely prepared to make the shift," says Stephanie Duguid. "Since 2012, Co-Lin has used Canvas, a web-based mobile-friendly learning management system, to deliver an expanding number of online courses to students and encourage its classroom instructors to prepare online versions of their courses. So both our students and teachers were largely familiar with the technology." Using Canvas, instructors lecture students online and embed homework, laboratory project assignments, videos and other supplementary materials, interactive games and tests and quizzes that are accessible to students. They conduct classes in their homes on personal computers and even on their cell phones at Co-Lin parking lots, which are WIFI hot spots. Students access the Canvas web site on their lap tops, tablets, home computers or cell phones and enter their user names and passwords to attend their online courses. On Canvas, they submit completed homework and other assignments and take their tests. Art students can even upload videos of their works, and music students can upload audio files to their instructors. For courses that require more interchange between teachers and students, Zoom, a web-based video conferencing application, is meeting the need for "virtual synchronous," or same time interaction, Stephanie Duguid says. Classes that utilize Zoom include those that require questions and answer, give and-take discussions among students and between students and teachers. The interaction is especially important for courses like cosmetology, engineering, economics, history and physical science classes. Rural students with limited access to internet services are going on Canvas and Zoom at WIFI hot spots in Co-Lin parking lots and off campus at varied business and government locations throughout the area. C-Spire in Brookhaven recently announced it was making its parking lot a hot spot. Academic and CTE courses alike at Co-Lin have been able to apply the internet technologies for the classroom component of learning, but hands-on laboratory work required in HVAC and welding courses, for example, is a challenge, says Brent Duguid. "Until the shelter-in-place order, we conducted the labs with small groups of less than ten participants," he says. "We're hoping freshmen can catch up on lab requirements when restrictions are lifted, and we're looking to our coop business partners to provide on-the-job lab experiences for our sophomores." "We're seeking to meet student needs," summarizes Stephanie Duguid. "We were well prepared, transitioned well and are now getting ready for the summer semester with online registration. The success of our COVID-19 online program confirms what we've been doing for almost a decade with digital technology."

The arrival of spring brings with it an increase in motorcycle traffic. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants all road users to safely share the road. MDOT is releasing this video that outlines safety tips for drivers and motorcyclists to encourage everyone to be safe on Mississippi highways. As April showers give way to temperate spring days, more motorcyclists will be out enjoying the weather. At MDOT, we want all road users to coexist and cooperate to reduce injuries and fatalities. Driving a car and riding a motorcycle require different skills and knowledge. All motorcycle operators are required to have an endorsement in addition to an automobile driver’s license. It is also important for drivers to understand the challenges motorcyclists face. Drivers, adjust your mirrors and know your blind spots. Motorcyclists don’t appear out of nowhere. With their smaller size and profile, motorcycles can blend in with traffic. Be sure to check twice for bikes. It can also be harder to tell how far away a bike is or how fast it is going. When in doubt, let the motorcycle pass before turning at intersections or entering a travel lane. Don’t follow motorcycles too closely. Motorcycles can slow quickly and operators don’t always use brakes. Leave extra space between yourself and bikes so you can react accordingly. Motorcycle riders, you should also take precautions to remain safe on the road. Before every ride, check your motorcycle’s tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators. And before riding in traffic, be sure you are comfortable with how your bike handles. Wear protection. Helmets are required on Mississippi roads. Arms and legs should also be covered to provide protection in a crash. Gloves and boots will help protect your hands and feet. Be visible. Reflective tape and bright gear can help other motorists see you in traffic. Ride defensively. While you can’t control how other road users drive, you can anticipate changes in traffics. Pay attention and be prepared to respond to changing conditions. By being mindful of other road users, we can all help reduce injuries and fatalities. All motorists, whether in automobiles or on motorcycles, should obey speed limits, avoid distractions and never drive impaired. Thanks for watching. For more bike safety tips, follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, today provided information regarding the award of $3.6 million in FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program funding for Mississippi.  The funding is being provided through FY2019 appropriations, as well as funds provided in the CARES Act, which became law in late March to address the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.  These funds are intended to help nonprofit organizations throughout Mississippi address hunger and homelessness needs. The FEMA advisory provided to Hyde-Smith with county funding breakouts can be viewed by clicking here.

JACKSON— The Mississippi Public Service Commission conducted the monthly docket meeting Tuesday to discuss pending matters on the docket. The meeting was held telephonically to comply with Executive Order 1466 and state and federal social distancing guidelines. One of the agenda items taken up by the Commission was a review of the Order passed by the Commission on March 15 that temporarily suspended disconnections of certain utility services for 60 days, including water, sewer, electricity and natural gas services. The original action was taken in response to Governor Tate Reeves’s Declaration of a State of Emergency on March 14, 2020, and requests by the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency regarding the pubic health emergency driven by the spread of COVID-19. “As a result of work place closures and the need to maintain healthy home environments, the Commission recognized that any loss of essential utility services would challenge the abilty of families to safely shelter at home,” Commissioner Brent Bailey said. “However, as Mississippi’s economy begins to reopen, we must also allow utilities to take steps towards normal operations.” “Today, the Commission voted to extend the suspension order until 5 pm on May 26, 2020, to allow customers this time to call their utility companies and work out any payment plans going forward,” Commissioner Bailey said. “While the public health emergency still reigns, the economic impacts for customers (recurring non-payment) and utilities (reduced revenues) have to be considered as well. This short-term extension should be framed as a transition period for consumers and utilities to work together to find amenable solutions to getting balances reduced and current in a timely fashion. We implore customers to take action and contact their utility companies to avoid disruption to their services following the expiration of this extension.” Another matter taken up by the Commission includes the Interim Adjustment to the Energy Cost Recovery Factor for Entergy Mississippi customers due to falling natural gas prices and the reduced cost of generation that has led to an over-recovery of anticipated costs. The Interim Adjustment to the Energy Cost Recovery Factor was filed to become effective with June 2020 bills, for a period of four months through and including September 2020 bills. “The Commission approving Entergy Mississippi’s proposed Interim Adjustment will result in a decrease of $9.71 per month for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWhr,” Commissioner Bailey said. “This adjustment reduces the impacts of generally higher bills experienced during the summer months and provides advanced financial relief for customers experiencing economic hardship. I appreciate Entergy Mississippi filing this Interim Adjustment and temporarily reducing rates for its customers.”

Are you looking for a way to shake up your quarantine and get a little creative? Maybe give your brain a little exercise? Well, you’re in luck because the Mississippi Department of Transpiration (MDOT) needs your help! Get all your punny, witty, and clever safety messages together and enter them in MDOT’s Safety Message Contest. “Last year, MDOT wanted to give everyone the opportunity to come up with their own fun safety messages; so we held a contest to find the best ones,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “It was such a success, there was no question we had to do another contest again this year, because an engaged public is a safe public.” MDOT’s witty traffic safety messages, which are often related to current events and pop culture, are part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. Over 90 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions, such as speeding, driving aggressively, distracted or impaired. There is no limit to the number of messages you can submit, but there are some guidelines to remember: The message must relate to traffic safety. Signs can only accommodate three lines and 21 characters per line, including spaces. Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed. No emojis. To enter, head over to GoMDOT.com/MDOTcontest. After entries have been submitted, MDOT will select the top five messages, and each will be displayed on overhead signs along Mississippi highways. The winning messages will also be posted on MDOT social media. The contest will end June 11. You can also submit COVID-19 safety messages during the contest. The best COVID-19 messages will be posted as they come in, and the top five overall safety messages will be announced at a later date.

Special to Wesson News Mississippi businesses are cautiously reopening, even as cases of COVID-19 continue to mount statewide. Governor Tate Reeves issued a new Safer-At-Home executive order, which has been extended until May 25. He initially allowed retail stores that had been closed under his previous orders to reopen, and subsequently permitted restaurants and bars, parks, and salons, barbershops and gymnasiums to reopen as well -- all with conditions on cleaning and sanitizing their premises, social distancing and protecting employees, and limitations on the number of customers they can serve. The Governor opened the salons, barber shops and gyms on a day when the number of new COVID-19 cases spiked to 404 -- the largest number reported so far, as the state's total approached 9,000. On average, the state has been reporting 200 to 300 new cases of COVID-19 each day. Lincoln County's cases are close to 200, including nearly 60 at long-term care facilities. In Copiah County, cases number more than 150, and Lawrence County has reported more than 60 cases. Restaurants and bars can cautiously allow diners inside at fifty percent of their capacity and separated by six feet, with servers wearing masks if they are in close contact with customers. Similarly, retailers must limit traffic to fifty percent of capacity, and the Governor recommended store employees wear face masks when they are on the job. At businesses that cannot avoid sustained person-to-person contact -- gyms, salons and barbershops -- employers must wear masks. Salons and barbershops must limit customers inside to one per service employee. In gyms, workout equipment must be separated by at least six feet and sanitized after use. All businesses were required to deep clean and sanitize their premises before reopening, and now must maintain the condition daily. Seniors, who are more vulnerable to the virus, are asked to continue to stay at home, and people are still being asked to maintain a minimum of six feet apart from each other and avoid groups of 10 or larger. Elective medical and dental procedures are now allowed. People are being asked to limit leaving their households for essential travel only. "I've been in contact with small and large businesses across the state, and what we have found is that the vast majority of businesses are taking extra steps and extra precautions," Reeves says. "We anticipate that business owners are going to continue to take necessary precautions." State health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs adds: "If we are diligent about wearing our masks in public, employees wearing masks in public, maintaining social distancing, making sure we maintain proper hand hygiene -- all the things we know will work -- it can be safe."

We are excited to take our next steps towards welcoming you back to Mississippi State Parks. Day-use areas are now open to groups of 20 or less and RV camping will also reopen at State Parks. You will also have access to hiking and bike trails at State Parks. Trace Lake and Clark Creek Natural Area will remain closed until further notice and indoor facilities will remain closed. We ask that all visitors help keep our parks clean and follow the CDC and Mississippi Department of Health guidelines on hygiene when using our facilities and continue to practice social distancing. As always, prepare before you come. Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and anything else you might need during your visit. If you have questions please feel free to reach out to individual parks or visit our website at www.mdwfp.com. We have missed you and can't wait to see you outdoors.

High school students in the Magnolia State can take advantage of online courses offered through Mississippi State’s Center for Continuing Education to accelerate progress toward graduation, catch up with classes they need, take a course not available at their school or simply enjoy a convenient online learning option. The MSU High School Online program offers open enrollment so Mississippi public, private and homeschool students can register at any time to begin earning Carnegie credits toward graduation requirements. Complete details are available at http://ce.extension.msstate.edu/programs/high-school-online. All courses are approved by the Mississippi Department of Education and developed and taught by licensed Mississippi teachers. Students interested in enrolling should consult with their high-school counselor or principal to ensure their school will accept the courses and complete a High School Online Course Request Form. Amber Shultice, continuing education program coordinator, said the convenient online courses are designed to help students who plan to graduate early, lack courses they need, have transferred from out of state or have a scheduling conflict. Students not currently enrolled in high school who are looking to earn their high-school diploma can enroll in one of ten Career Online High School Programs available to students over the age of 16 who have successfully completed the 8th grade at an accredited school. For questions or more information, contact Shultice at ams257@msstate.edu or 662-325-1457. MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

What Are CBD Gummies? CBD, or cannabidiol, is an extract obtained from the cannabis plant, which is recommended for a wide range of diseases. CBD is mostly used to treat conditions that are symptomized by pain, anxiety, inflammation, seizures, and mood swings. As with many herbal extracts, one of the common challenges among CBD users is how best to integrate the substance into their health and wellness routines. For instance, most users are looking for a method to consume cannabidiol that doesn’t subject them to the bitter taste of hemp. And that’s where CBD edibles come in. CBD edibles come in various shapes and forms, with gummies being the most popular variety. CBD gummies are more or less similar to the gummies you’ve used from your childhood, only that they come with the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol. What Are CBD Gummies? As we’ve just mentioned, the main benefit of CBD gummies is that they offer you a convenient way to consume your CBD. That makes them ideal for use on the go and by people of all ages. You can simply pop and chew them when required. Now, imagine you’re the CEO of a company and are battling with anxiety and mental slump. After conducting your research, you discover how effective cannabidiol is at relieving stress and clearing the thought process. So, you go and purchase CBD from your local supplier, but then realize there’s an even greater challenge to contend with – how to consume the substance. Much as vaping is considered less harmful than cigarette smoking, the last thing you want is to be seen strolling the office corridors billowing clouds of vapor. Dripping tinctures beneath your tongue isn’t convenient either, and neither is swallowing pills or applying ointment. So, your best bet is to go for CBD gummies. You can pop and chew your gummies whether you’re in a boardroom, staff briefing, or meeting your clients. No one will have the slightest idea that you’re consuming CBD. Secondly, CBD gummies taste good. Now, you could be wondering why taste matters. Remember that most cannabis products that medics prescribe for medicinal use come from a variant of the plant known as hemp. Hemp enjoys a wider legal approval compared to other cannabis variants like marijuana, as it contains insignificant concentrations of the mind-altering tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But hemp has one notable drawback – its unsavory taste. Consuming CBD in methods like tinctures and pills may feel like taking your usual dose of bitter Panadol. Fortunately, the bitter hemp aftertaste will be the least of your worries if you opt for CBD gummies. And the best part is CBDfx helps you get to choose your preferred flavors. Another notable benefit of consuming CBD gummies is that they come with pre-determined doses. That makes them a more convenient alternative to tinctures where you must measure your own doses using a dropper. The doses in CBD gummies usually come in small servings of between 10 and 25 mg of CBD per gummy. So, you can easily determine the number of gummies to chew in a day, depending on your individual daily dose. Last but not least, CBD gummies pack the same therapeutic benefits as any other cannabidiol product. You can use them to relieve all manner of pain, from nociceptive to neurological pains. All you require is to establish the doses that work for you. How to Use CBD Gummies for Pain Management: The first step in using CBD gummies effectively for pain management is to establish your individual dose. First off, it’s important to note that CBD has no ideal dose. That’s why experts generally don’t prescribe the substance but simply recommend it. The following are some of the factors that will determine the amount of CBD gummies to consume for pain relief; Your age, body size, and body weight Your body chemistry Whether you’re presently suffering from any medical condition or using any other medications The kind and severity of pain your treating and Whether you’re a new or seasoned user If all factors remain constant, you’ll do just fine with a daily CBD dose of 10 to 25 mg. However, you should also realize that chewing one CBD gummy with a 25 mg CBD dose doesn’t mean that the entire 25 mg enters your bloodstream. While gummies come with the benefit of convenience, they lack significantly in bioavailability. Gummies are essentially classified as edibles. Therefore, they take reasonably longer to be digested and absorbed into your bloodstream. So, out of the 25 mg of CBD, you may only benefit from 15 mg or so. The following are some of the pain conditions that CBD gummies may help with; Arthritis CBD gummies, like all other CBD products, contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve arthritis. But the gummies don’t just ease the swelling for arthritis patients. Studies suggest that CBD-infused creams can also alleviate pain and inhibit the thickening of the synovial membrane. All these are invaluable in reducing the severity of arthritis. And though the studies mostly examined CBD creams, the findings can also apply to gummies, as the active compound remains cannabidiol. Cancer Pain CBD gummies have been touted as the safer alternative to opioid drugs used for cancer treatment. That’s primarily because unlike opioids, CBD gummies canada relieve pain without causing addiction. Also, the gummies can help to manage the side effects of various cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea. Migraines Most cases of migraines are linked to endocannabinoid deficiencies. When these deficiencies occur, people suffering from migraines become highly sensitive to light and sound. Also, migraines can result from insufficient levels of the chemical anandamide. Since CBD enhances the functions of your body’s endogenous cannabinoids, CBD gummies can be useful in correcting endocannabinoid deficiencies. Consuming CBD gummies also helps to boost the levels of anandamide in your system, helping you banish migraines for good. When it comes to pain management, CBD is not only a potent remedy. It also comes with minimal side effects. And even when the side effects occur, they’re usually mild and short-lasting. Just ensure you experiment with smaller doses until you find your sweet spot.

Money Help for Veterans There are a lot of things that Veterans need to work with and sort out. And, finances can sometimes be a really big issue to try and work out, especially if you’ve been gone for a time. How can you be sure that you’re able to do as much as possible? Finding the right resources for your purposes can be a big part of the process. You want to be certain that you can sort out details and ensure that you and your family are taken care of. How do you ensure that you can get ahead of the curve effectively? Here are some money options for Veterans. Veteran’s Loans There are a lot of loans out there for veterans that are looking to do different things, available from LetMeBank and other places. Whether you want to consolidate your debt, work out the details of a health need, or just update your home, you can typically get a pretty solid rate just for being a Veteran. There are also entire companies that focus on providing Veterans with loans and other resources (for example, USAA), so you can work with them and know that you’re getting the help you need. These loans often have lower interest rates and more flexible payment plans that you can work out with them. Even if you’re in a situation where your credit isn’t the best that it could be, you’re going to be much more able to find something that works for your situation and how you may want to proceed with taking out a loan and using it for your purposes. Grants for Veterans In some cases, you can find some pretty solid grants (i.e. money that you aren’t going to need to pay back). If you’re looking to start a business, you can often find grants and loans that are meant for you – they help you to spend a lot less money on your efforts and make it easier for you to work out what it is that you need to do. You may also be able to find grants for other services as well. There are entire organizations that have particular sectors that are meant for working with Veterans that have needs. These organizations have tons of resources and may even have some grants available so that you can make the changes and improvements that you need assistance with. Find the right organizations and you’ll be in order. Health Care Options for Vets Health care is always a concern, especially if you’re a veteran that was in combat in some manner or fashion. On top of that, as you get older, you may need some extra help due to the type of work that you were doing while in the military. V.A. hospitals and other organizations can help you to find the resources that you need in those cases. Thankfully, these sorts of organizations are doing a lot more work when it comes to helping Veterans. Many times, they will help you to sort out the rights that you have and what you’re going to be able to access as time goes on. On top of that, you may also find that there are a lot of different ways that you can choose to get the help you need, and that’s worth the research you put into it. Discounts for Veterans There are all sorts of ways to ensure that you can get fun discounts just for being a Veteran. For example, there are plenty of places that will offer a free or reduced meal just for being who you are. On top of that, you may be able to connect with different companies that give you discounts on their products or services. Just look around and see what you can find that will work for your purposes. You may have to be able to show your service in some way – so be sure that you have the information you need handy. You can talk to the companies in question to double check what they’re looking for (if they’re looking for anything) and get it all in order so you can enjoy your discounts. As you can see, Veterans have a lot of opportunities, but more still need to be worked out as well. See what there is to do and learn as much as possible so that you can take care of yourself and your family. You worked hard for our country, so it’s only right that you get the help you need in order to do well after you leave service.

JACKSON, Miss. — Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson will make several announcements pertaining to efforts to strengthen the state’s food supply chain on Thursday, May 7, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Commissioner Gipson will announce steps being taken by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to expand farm-to-table efforts and increase food security and the availability of Mississippi food for Mississippians. An emergency rule to expand the custom slaughter exemption by increasing the allowed number of shares sold per animal will be signed by Commissioner Gipson. Commissioner Gipson will announce the launch of Mississippi Farm Marketplace, an online marketing portal, to connect farmers and consumers. This online portal gives farmers a place to advertise commodities they have for sale, while providing consumers a location to easily source local products. Commissioner Gipson will discuss a proposal to expand meat processing capacity in the state. “The country’s food supply chain continues to function in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, labor issues in other states, coupled with shifting demands as restaurants and schools have closed, have strained the supply chain,” said Commissioner Gipson. “In Mississippi, our food supply is abundant, plentiful and safe, thanks to our hardworking farmers. It is imperative that we take steps that will provide new market opportunities for our farmers, while simultaneously providing consumers with avenues to purchase direct from farmers. These steps are all part of keeping our food supply diverse and secure.” The press conference will also be livestreamed on the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Facebook page.

Taking a look around, it seems more and more people are enjoying the weather and passing the time on two wheels. In fact, many bike retailers are reporting an increase in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is only appropriate that May is “Bike Month.” It’s a time to highlight the many benefits of biking and encourage more people to give it a try. MDOT is releasing this video that outlines proper procedures for cyclists and motorists to encourage everyone to be safe on and around bicycles. May is Bike Month. It’s a time to highlight the many benefits of biking — and encourage more people to give it a try. At MDOT, we want all modes of transportation to safely coexist - including motorists and bicyclists. So drivers, let’s share the road with bikers and make sure everyone gets to their destination. According to state law, when a driver comes upon a cyclist, the motorist shall leave a safe distance of at least three feet between their vehicle and the cyclist. It is also unlawful to harass, taunt or maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle. Bicyclists can also do things to keep themselves safe. Be sure to check your equipment for proper fit, maintenance and tire pressure. Plan to be seen. That means wearing bright clothing and using lights when riding at night. Always wear a helmet. Cyclists are also required to follow all traffic laws. That means riding in the same direction as traffic, using hand signals for turns and obeying traffic signs and signals. Thanks for watching. For more bike safety tips, follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.