By Misty Strieff Prine Now just sit back and think about the magnitude of that question for a second. Wow. So how about it? Would you like you if you met you? Would you come across as humble and kind or as one of those people who thinks they are above others and are selfish and self-centered? You see, we all need to step back and ask ourselves this question because it will, or at least should, help us to see the importance of our behavior when it comes to those around us. Whether we realize it or not, people are watching us to see how we treat others or how we respond to situations in our lives. Some are waiting for us to slip so that we can become their topic of conversation, but some are literally trying to see how we respond to “life happenings” when we confess to be a Christian so they can respond in a better way than they may have done before…looking to us as “examples.” Yep, we are examples. If that doesn’t stop you in your tracks, I don’t know what will or should. Our lives are open books. God uses us to point others to Him by living our testimonies out loud for all to see. So, I want to encourage you to check yourself. If you were to observe “you”, would you be proud or ashamed? Would you need to do something different at the risk of leading someone away from the Lord instead of to Him? Food for thought for sure! Sometimes we all need to gain a different perspective so that we can become the best versions of ourselves. For, from the time we wake up (praise the Lord) until the time we rest our heads, we are living, breathing testimonies of the goodness and mercies of a God that given us so much to be thankful for. We need to live that out loud for all to see!

Special to Wesson News   Jo Jones (far right) and her granddaughter Kate Norwood (second from left), who is Wesson Founders’ Day Queen, accept Wesson Garden Club prestigious Magnolia Award from WGC’s Cherry Heard (far left) and Marilyn Britt (third from left).  The Magnolia Award recognized landscaping of Steve and Jo Jones. Steve and Jo Jones are recipients of Wesson Garden Club’s annual Magnolia Award.   The Magnolia Award, the most prestigious award presented by the Club, recognizes and honors home gardeners for the best landscaped yard of the year and their love of gardening.     The Jones are known for their outstanding hard work in constantly maintaining a well-groomed landscape year round that includes seasonal flowers, native trees and plants, accents, and shrubs.     The primary basis for receiving the Magnolia Award is consistently maintaining a manicured yard, curb appeal, originality, use of native and seasonal plant material and creativity.  Recipients of the award must have received the Club’s Yard of the Month award within the same calendar year.    WGC also recognized Elise Bell at 2168 King Road for her gardening and landscaping.  Her yard, graced by her skills, won the club’s Rural Yard of the Month honors at the end of 2025.    The WGC awards programs spotlight maintenance principles and elements of landscape design practiced by Wesson area organizations and residents towards encouraging ongoing beautification and cleanliness and cultivating a citizenry that values and protects natural resources and assumes responsibility for enhancing the environment.    The Garden Club's Yard of the Month awards honor properties in organizational, town residential and rural residential (limited to Wesson School District) categories during the spring, summer and fall.   The Wesson Garden Club is a member of the Natchez Trace District, Garden Clubs  of  Mississippi, Inc., and the National Garden Clubs, Inc.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB It has been just over ten years since viewers were first introduced to the work of sci-fi author Andy Weir with Ridley Scott’s “The Martian.” In that film, a scientist (Matt Damon) was stuck on a planet millions of miles from Earth and forced to use his wits to survive against near-insurmountable odds, often punctuating his actions with smart-aleck remarks that only he could hear. New Weir adaptation “Project Hail Mary” is different. In this film, a scientist (Ryan Gosling) is stuck on a spaceship millions of miles from Earth and forced to use his wits to survive against near-insurmountable odds, often punctuating his actions with smart-aleck remarks that only he can hear… until he has an alien buddy that can hear them. Dr. Ryland Grace (Gosling) is on mission to save the Sun (and consequently Earth) from a bacteria that is severely diminishing its output. He’s not what you’d call a “likely” hero (just a schoolteacher with some controversial theories), and he doesn’t exactly “volunteer” for the mission. Sketchy mission organizer Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller) has to use some nefarious means to get him on the ship, but only because she truly believes his way of thinking makes him the best hope for humanity. His “way of thinking” doesn’t extend to knowing how his spaceship works after over a century in an induced coma. After Grace spends a few days flopping around the ship, the whole vessel is intercepted by an alien spacecraft. Piloting the new ship is a creature that comes to be known as Rocky (voiced by James Ortiz, once he has a voice), because his body is so rock-like. He’s on a mission to save his own planet from the same problems plaguing the Sun. Not having many ideas of his own, his plan is to abduct Grace so they can pool their resources. Of course, Grace doesn’t really know what he’s doing either, but after a tedious process of learning to communicate with one another, the two of them start hatching something resembling a plan to save their respective worlds. And they might just become friends in the process. Okay, I won’t make it suspenseful, they become friends. Grace and Rocky’s friendship is really odd, considering that they never knew the other’s species even existed until they met in outer space. Also, neither can so much as breathe the air on the other’s ship. Grace has to keep his helmet on in Rocky’s, and Rocky has to travel around Grace’s in what I can only describe as a hamster ball. But through inspiring determination, they make it work. And though the attitude is usually kept light, there are very high stakes for both parties. Entire planets need to be saved and sacrifices need to be made. Will those sacrifices have to include our heroes’ ability to get home? How about their very lives? Can they even have a mission successful enough to warrant these kinds of questions? The story of “Project Hail Mary” is very familiar territory, especially if you’ve seen “The Martian.” I joked about it earlier, but Gosling’s character is basically a carbon copy of Damon’s in that film. And the friendship with Rocky has been done before too, in any number of movies where a human has to work together with an animal or alien (“E.T.” comes to mind). Fortunately, the writing, acting, and directing from the ever-enjoyable Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are all crisp enough to make this a decent version of a cookie-cutter space adventure. It could probably stand to eat up less time, but for the most part, “Project Hail Mary” is worth cheering on as much as your favorite sports team making the titular play. Grade: B- “Project Hail Mary” is rated PG-13 for some thematic material and suggestive references. Its running time is 156 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News (Photo from DG Foods website) Poultry processing and portioning company DG Foods is expanding its operations in Hazlehurst with a $1.19 million investment that will create 32 new jobs. The project will allow the company to increase production capacity and continue growing its presence in Copiah County. DG Foods provides deboning, tender portioning and other custom poultry processing services. The expansion includes the installation of new automated chicken nugget portioning equipment, which will significantly increase the company’s nugget production to meet rising customer and consumer demand. The project is being supported by the Mississippi Development Authority through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program, with additional assistance from Copiah County. Headquartered in Hazlehurst, DG Foods opened its original 55,000-square-foot facility in 2004 and has grown into a major local employer with approximately 375 workers. Company officials say the 32 new positions will be filled across two shifts, with 16 employees per shift. The second shift is expected to begin in mid-May. “DG Foods' expansion in Hazlehurst shows how Mississippi companies can grow, modernize and stay competitive while continuing to create jobs in their hometowns,” said Tate Reeves. “This $1.19 million investment strengthens an established local employer and brings dozens of new job opportunities to Copiah County. I thank the DG Foods team for continuing to invest in the community they have called home for more than 20 years.” Officials with the Mississippi Development Authority said the project is an example of how supporting existing industry can have a lasting impact on local communities. “Economic development isn't just about recruiting new companies. It's about reinvesting in the industries and employers already doing the work, like Hazlehurst's DG Foods,” said Bill Cork. “This expansion creates jobs, ramps up production and drives local tax revenue, which keeps communities thriving.” DG Foods leadership said the project would not be possible without strong partnerships at the state and local levels. “DG Foods is grateful for the support from the Mississippi Development Authority. This partnership has played an important role in our growth, and we appreciate the opportunity to work together on this project,” said Chris Carter. “We are excited to invest further in our Hazlehurst operations, strengthen our capabilities with new technology and create additional jobs for the community we call home.” Local economic development leaders also praised the project and its impact on the area. “Copiah County Economic Development District is grateful to the Mississippi Development Authority for its support of Copiah County and DG Foods, which will help strengthen the company's operations, create new jobs and assist with the continued economic growth of our community,” said Arthur L. Evans Jr.. The expansion continues a more than 20-year history for DG Foods in Hazlehurst and reflects ongoing investment in both technology and the local workforce, positioning the company for continued growth in the years ahead.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 79 in Wesson is inviting the community to take part in its upcoming “Heart of the Table,” a tablescape competition and silent auction designed to bring together creativity, community spirit, and charitable giving. The two-day event will begin Friday, May 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., as contestants set up their themed tablescapes at the historic Old School building in Wesson. Activities will continue Saturday, May 2, starting at 8 a.m. with the opening of the silent auction at the park in Wesson. Attendees are encouraged to look for a white tent near the ice cream parlor, Park Place Concessions. Contestants will have from 8 to 8:30 a.m. to check placements and make final adjustments before judging begins at 9 a.m. Judging will run through 11 a.m. A VIP viewing of the displays will be held from 12 to 1 p.m., followed by public viewing and People’s Choice voting from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission for public viewing is $1. The silent auction at the park will close at 2 p.m. and will reopen at the historic Old School building at 3 p.m. Closing ceremonies, including the announcement of auction winners and tablescape competition winners, will take place at 5 p.m. The event is the result of months of planning, with the committee working since December to build what organizers hope will become a lasting community tradition. So far, organizers reported more than $1,500 in donated items and gifts for the silent auction. However, they are continuing to seek additional support in the form of monetary donations, auction items, services, and participant entries in the tablescape competition. This event is in conjunction with Wesson’s Annual Founder’s Day celebration. Community members are encouraged to participate by creating a tablescape as part of a group. Ideal participants include Sunday School classes, civic clubs, local businesses, and groups of friends. Registration forms can be submitted by mail or dropped off at the Wesson Library. The event is being organized by committee chairperson Janet Currie, along with committee members Dixie Thornton, Cathy Stroud, Judy Chester-Turner, and Laurie Chassion. “We need participation from Wesson and the surrounding communities. We are hosting this fundraiser to honor our veterans and military personnel. We hope this event will be the first of many, and everyone will come join in the fun and visit the Old Wesson School for the event,” said Currie, event chair. “We hope this tablescape event will be held every year so the funds will help support our missions.” For additional details email alaunit79wesson@gmail.com .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Have you ever noticed that those rigid rules you insist your kids obey rarely bring about long-term enthusiastic obedience? “Mom told us to not do that. Yay!!!” Instead, rebellion later on is usually the result. When your back is turned. When your kid is turned loose on his own. When you are not there playing policeman. When they get to a place in their life that allows a teen to make a few of their own choices, often a young person who was reared under heavily restrictive guidelines with no explanations, will decide to find out what they were missing. Think along the lines of a kid going to college and out on their own for the first time. Feeling the heady thrill that comes with total freedom of choice. Coupled with long-denied desires of doing anything and everything that mom and dad declared off-limits. Add in the natural rebellion that comes with hormones that fluctuate like waves in the ocean. You potentially have what can be termed as a perfect storm. Ask any parent who dares to be totally honest with you. There is a second reason that using strict rules of conduct alone doesn’t really work long term. Unless you have been successful in instilling in that immature brain of your child the same line of reasoning, the same set of values, and the same fear of venturing off the safe beaten path of obedience that rules your behavior, then all you have accomplished is getting your kid to obey as long as you hold the reins. Good luck with that. I do believe that an average teen who is out on his own can be guided… to some degree. But for that to be true, effective loving guidance has to be started lonnnng before the teen years hit. So, just how do we parents accomplish the impossible? Beginning in the elementary years, the effective firm “ NO!” coupled with a smack on a diapered bottom that worked on your toddler has to have “Here’s why you can’t fill in the blank .” Stated unequivocally in logical and age-appropriate terms that your child can understand. Just yelling, “Because I said so!” isn’t going to go very far in getting your kid to want to cooperate. If that tired old sentence is your standard go-to, then very likely you have on your hands a child living out the old saying; ‘I’m sitting quietly on the outside, but I’m defiantly standing on the inside.’  And believe me, it only gets worse when hormones are added to the mix. My belief for the almost impossible job of parenting? Imitation : Pick up your Bible and read how your wise Creator parents you. Patience: Remember, your child is the student, you are the teacher, so teach. Loving firmness : Stick to your guns. I repeat, YOU are the teacher. How will Junior learn if you don’t stay firm? Fearlessness: Do not be afraid to enforce the word NO. Parent, do your job well. Or you will regret the results later on.

Special to Wesson News   Sonya Cowens (center) with Librarian Marilyn Britt (left) and District 92 Mississippi House of Representative Becky Currie. Life-long Wesson resident Sonya Cowen celebrated her 80th birthday last month with friends at Wesson Baptist Church.   Friends organized Cowen’s birthday and celebrated it with her. Among the folk on hand who organized the party and celebrated with Cowen were Barbara Locke, Janice Puckett, Carolyn Frazier, June Owens, Sharon Langley, Janet Currie, Cherry Head, Marilyn Britt, Diane McIntyre, Ann Williams, Joy Philips, Dr. Steve Liverman, Peggy Newman, Mary Ann Jasper, Lee Ann Knight, Sharon Speights and Rhonda Ishee.   In all, some 150 persons attended and shared slices of birthday cakes baked by Wendy Harrell.    Mississippi House of Representatives proclamation honored Sonya Cowen for life’s work and achievements. Mississippi District 92 House of Representative Becky Currie presented Cowen a special birthday proclamation passed by the full House that recognized her life’s work and achievements   Cowen is a 1963 graduate of Co-Lin High School and a 1965 graduate of the college. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education and library science from Mississippi College and completed additional study at Mississippi College and The University of Southern Mississippi.    She established the first library at Wesson Elementary School and worked there as a teacher and elementary and high school librarian for 30 years. She worked as an assistant librarian in the Evelyn W. Oswalt Library.   Servers at Cowen’s birthday. Cowen is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, which selected her as a Woman of Distinction in 1990, and also is a member of the Co-Lin alumni association and the Band and its Colette Alumni Chapter, the Wesson Garden Club, the 50+ Club, the Old Wesson School Community Center Committee and Wesson Baptist Church, where she has taught Sunday School.   She was Co-Lin Alumna of the Year in 2010, Wesson Elementary Teacher of the Year, Wesson High School Teacher of the Year and honored by Wesson Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year as Wesson’s Ageless Hero.  She was married to the late Hollis J. Cowen Jr., and they had two children, Hollis J. Cowen III (Trey) of Wesson and Katrina Smith and husband, Lane, of Flagstaff, Arizona.

By Bob Arnold   Ashley Owens (left) and Misty Sandifer are ready to take orders at Park Place Concessions. Misty Sandifer and Ashley Owens started their third season bringing summer treats to the community across from Wesson Municipal Park at Park Place Concessions on Saturday, March 6.   This year, the opened with a new 30-foot x 20-foot porch-deck that they are making available to customers who want to have special parties and events near the park.    The menu is the same that its customer have enjoyed since July 2024 after Sandifer and Owens purchased the business from its previous owners:  40 flavors of soft serve ice cream, shakes, floats, snow cones and the specialty Typhoon – ice cream stuffed in a snow cone.  Customers can choose a Typhoon in any of the 40 flavors of ice cream available or weekly the special for half price on Typhoon Tuesdays and a one dollar discount on every other day of the week.   Sandifer and Ashley added the porch-deck as alternative for Municipal Park users who are disappointed when others take space for parties and events on a first-come/first-serve basis that they wanted for their affairs.  “They can reserve the space with us and be assured of the party or event they planned for a nominal fee,” says Sandifer.  “In the future, we will probably offer party packages.”   The Park Place Concessions co-owners bought the business on the spur of the moment when they saw a for sale sign on the building.  “We were driving past it, and said to each other at the same time ‘that’s something I would like to do,’” Sandifer recalls.  “Next thing you knew we were selling ice cream.”   Sandifer and Owens are life long friends, classmates at Wesson Attendance and Co-Lin, who followed a similar career path in medical care – Misty in radiology and Ashley as laboratory technician.  Their husbands are also involved the business – particularly when there is heavy lifting to do.  Ryan Sandifer built the porch-deck and Ashley’s husband cuts the grass.  Ashley continues working as a lab tech and Misty owns and operates Taylor’s Legacy Heating and Air Conditioning with Ryan when Park Place Concessions isn’t their focus.   Park Place Concessions opens when the long days and warm weather begin and closes its season the Saturday before Day Light Savings Time ends and the days get shorter.  It is open seven days a week – 12 noon to 7 p.m. except Wednesdays and Sundays when its hours are 12 noon to 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.   “We look forward to seeing everyone soon,” say the owners.

By Kara Kimbrough   It’s not a “pretty” dish, but Dirty Spaghetti is a tasty alternative to traditional red sauce pasta. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough)   The month of March is shaping up to be a great one, filled with some of my favorite things: Daylight Savings Time; a few day trips, culminating with a few stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast; new food and treasure finds; spring break courtesy of a school-related job and of course, the advent of spring itself. In no particular order, here are the highlights from a week of exploring, traveling and dining: First, a quick trip to Monticello in Lawrence County to purchase a piece of furniture marked half-off at June Bug’s, a cute vintage and home decor store, brought back memories of living there right after college and working at the newspaper. I was impressed with the unique way the small town is utilizing once-empty stores and transforming them into attractive retail spaces, especially in the historic downtown area. June Bug’s is a delightful vintage/antique and treasure hunt-type of store filled with everything from yard and garden décor to collectibles and more. Some of the downtown stores were closed on the Saturday I visited, but after spotting similar stores and learning a friend operates nearby Fannies Flowers & Gifts, I decided I'd definitely have to return on a weekday. Another trip down memory trip occurred a few days later when I met a college friend at Genna Benna’s, a cozy spot in downtown Brandon. After moving from Monticello to the Jackson area, I eventually landed in Brandon not far from the downtown area. I always loved exploring downtown Brandon's shops and restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised to that even more clothing and gift boutiques, vendor markets, coffee shops and restaurants have opened downtown. Genna Benna’s offers something for every taste. Southern comfort classics like hamburger steak, grilled pork chops, red beans and rice are offered along with specialty pastas, sandwiches, burgers and steaks. Everything looked intriguing, but it had been a while since I'd seen a Cuban sandwich on a menu, so I had to order one. The sandwich was everything I expected and more, but since so many other dishes on the menu looked amazing, a return visit is on my to-do list. One benefit of having a few days off is slowing down enough to catch up with the rest of the world. After scrolling through a few social media sites, it was evident I was behind in trying “dirty spaghetti.” Inspired by Cajun (often called dirty) rice, the spaghetti version relies heavily on a browned ground beef, chopped peppers and onions and a roux of beef broth and flour that coats the pasta for a savory flavor. In short, there are: no tomatoes, no tomato sauce, no tomato paste. Nothing red…only brown; thus, the name “dirty.” I was a bit skeptical – spaghetti without red sauce just sounded, well…wrong. But I decided to see what had made this the “viral TikTok recipe of the week.” I can report that the dish is, indeed, tasty…as long as plenty of Cajun or Creole seasonings are added. If this important step is omitted, it’s somewhat bland. And here’s the worst part – it’s definitely not a “pretty” dish. I hesitated about sharing the photo I shot; it’s not very appetizing-looking, at least in my opinion. But again, if properly seasoned, the taste is above average and hey, maybe a change from my regular red sauce is needed. Last, the highlight of the week was a quick, but busy trip to the Gulf Coast. First up: I was excited to meet work friends for lunch at Uncle Joe’s Pizza and Wings in Long Beach. Several years ago, I wrote a food story for the Sun-Herald on the top pizza restaurants on the Coast. Uncle Joe’s, then solely located in Diamondhead, was on the list. I was anxious to check out Uncle Joe's expanded menu at another location. For the record, Uncle Joe’s serves many specialty pizzas, including Kitchen Sink and Cheeseburger, as well as over 20 varieties of wing sauces. Since a trip to historic Philadelphia may be on the horizon this summer, I couldn’t resist ordering the Philly Cheesesteak pizza. It's a savory combination of steak, plenty of cheese, green peppers, mushrooms, and onions. My friends’ choices of chicken, bacon and ranch and a vegetarian version also received positive reviews. Besides its Long Beach and Diamondhead locations, Uncle Joe's is open in Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula. So yes, March has been a good month. Before summer's oppressive heat descends, why not get out and explore, experience and enjoy these places and more? Happy Spring! Dirty (But Still Good) Spaghetti 1 pound spaghetti 1 pound ground chuck 1 each: green pepper, red pepper, yellow onion, diced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3-4 cups beef broth Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each: Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning; salt and pepper to taste In a large skillet, brown ground beef until browned; drain grease. Move meat to side of skillet and brown chopped vegetables until wilted; stir in garlic. Add seasonings and mix together meat and vegetables, stirring well. Slowly add flour; stir well to coat and cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly add beef broth while stirring. Cover and let simmer on medium-low for a few minutes. Pasta options: Cook pasta separately in lightly-salted water until al dente. Or, add dry spaghetti directly to skillet mixture; break in half, cover and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.(I prefer meat sauce served over, not combined with pasta, so I cooked pasta separately, then spooned meat sauce over a dish of hot pasta). Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By Jessica Breazeale I know a miraculous cure, ladies and gentlemen…for whatever ails ya.   I’d like to share with you a miraculous cure-all…and guess what? This cure is absolutely free! You heard it right, folks. It is a cure for anything and everything, and it costs you nothing .   What is this miraculous, elusive thing that I’m talking about?   Walking. This is the perfect time of the year for this miracle drug, because soon it’ll be too hot to enjoy. It’s the perfect temperature to get outside get some vitamin D. Walk for leisure, for exercise, walk for your blood pressure, walk for your mental health, walk for your clarity, walk for meditation, walk for your circulation, walk because it’s a free activity…walk because it’s always readily available to you..   I do apologize if you are not able to walk, but if you can  get up, go outside, get moving, then get walking. This is the perfect time of the year to do so because Spring is finally here!   It’s the exciting change of season where things are coming to life and growing, so with every breath, the fresh air that you breathe in makes you feel invigorated to get outside yet again and walk a little more and more every time. Walking is the medication that will not harm you and won’t have any side effects other than soreness - but let’s be honest - we all need to be sore in this way. Couldn’t we all stand to walk a little more?   Did I mention this miraculous cure-all is absolutely free?   You don’t pay anything for this medication. You don’t have to beg, borrow or steel for this cure. It’s free, and it’s always  readily available. Walking is good for your heart, your body and soul, and it’s good for your physical and mental strength,. It’s good for your endurance. It’s good for you in every  way!   If I have not inspired you enough yet, let me hopefully bring it home by powering you with this iconic quote from the hit movie from 2001,  Legally Blonde : " Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don’t! “Elle Woods says this while defending Brooke Windham, highlighting her unique, optimistic perspective on life and legal defense.  My point? When you’re out moving, you’re happy. You can’t get into too much trouble when you’re happy! I become a bit of a recluse every winter. It’s too cold for me so I dislike being outdoors even for a moment. Being inside too long really does influence our emotional state, mental clarity, our and perspective. Since being cooped up too long affects our mental health, I remind myself often that we as children of God are to walk in the light. I don’t believe this is just figurative. I honestly believe this is also literal because I personally know that I feel better when I am outside in the sun getting vitamin D. Right now, the temperature feels great. Getting out walking in the light is good for my soul, and when I feel good, I help other people around me feel good, and then those people help other people feel good. It’s the ripple effect gift that keeps on giving. And we are all better for it!   However, when we stay inside, and we don’t feel very well, it’s hard to walk in the light and shine that light. No judgment here from me, the ole winter recluse! Stuck in your head? Got the stinkin’ thinkin? Mad at the world. Bitter at life. Woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I know something that can help you see the bigger picture.   I know a cure! Go get some of that free and fresh air, invigorating vitamin D the sun offers, and start walking.   I bet it’s the cure-all you’ve been waiting for! I just wanted to offer it to you.   Happy Springtime and happy walking! Downable version

The USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) is proud to announce the launch of a special  Official Artist & Poster Contest  in honor of its  50th anniversary , to be celebrated during the next competition cycle,  June 12–26, 2027 , in Jackson, Mississippi. This milestone event marks  five decades of artistic excellence  and the  13th time  the official USA IBC will be hosted in its long-standing home city. Since the inaugural USA IBC in 1979, each competition has been commemorated with a unique, original poster created by a selected artist—an enduring tradition that visually captures the spirit and artistry of this globally renowned event. The 2027 competition, a golden anniversary celebration, will elevate this legacy through an open call to artists. Official Artist & Poster Contest Announced The winning design will become the  signature visual identity  of the 2027 USA IBC. Its colors, themes, and imagery will be featured throughout: Competition branding and marketing Print and digital publications Merchandise and promotional materials In addition, the selected artist will receive: A  dedicated exhibition and artist reception Extensive promotional features  and media coverage A  press conference unveiling the official poster Recognition as the  2027 USA IBC Official Artist , joining a distinguished lineage of creatives A Legacy of Artistic Collaboration Artists who have previously contributed to USA IBC’s visual history have described the experience as both meaningful and career-defining. Reflecting on his selection,  Brent Funderburk , Official Artist of the 2010 USA IBC, shared: “As official artist of the 2010 USA IBC events I was thrilled and grateful! This privilege is one of the highlights of my life and artistic career; the poster is a wonderful medium by which to share the IBC and also the arts and artists of Mississippi and the region. It has been a great honor to have dance professionals and fans from around the world view my work.” Celebrating a Golden Anniversary The 2027 USA IBC promises to be a landmark celebration, honoring the competition’s enduring mission: to inspire excellence, elevate dancers on the world stage, and unite global audiences through the power of classical ballet. The Official Artist & Poster Contest invites artists to help shape this historic moment by creating a visual representation worthy of the competition’s 50-year legacy. For more information and to apply visit:  usaibc.com/poster-contest

By Misty Strieff Prine             “Grace is when you get the good things you don’t deserve. Mercy is when you’re spared from the bad things you do deserve. God is generous with both.” – Unknown.             "Mercy there was grace and grace was free. Pardon there was multiplied to me. There my troubled soul found liberty at Calvary." We all know those lyrics. We all have had and still have moments in our lives when we have felt so worthless. Our failures and rejection became too much to bear, and we find ourselves pulling away from everyone. In those moments, if we put all outside distractions aside and focus on the moment that God's grace and mercy found us, we would realize just how loved we truly are and have ALWAYS been...in-spite of how much we fail Him daily and those repeated valleys we find ourselves walking in because of them. God's grace is a beautiful thing y’all. Grace is when we get the blessings in life that we totally don't deserve. Mercy is when we don't get what we totally deserve (thank you, Lord.) Can you imagine if God gave us what we deserved? That's a scary thought, isn't it? We serve a God of second chances. Sometimes He chooses to give us third, fourth and even more chances. Why is that?? God loves us so much. He loves us through our failures and when we reject Him. That's where mercy comes in. In those moments where we "think" we can do this life on our own terms and reject God at every turn, guess what? He's still there...waiting. He knows that there is going to come a time when we will see the error of our ways and how much we depend on Him. I think all the time how in the world people even remotely do this life without Him. There are so many people that are lost and dying today that do not know Him as their Lord and Savior. There are also a lot of people that have been saved but have drifted away from Him. Life got in the way, and they lost sight of Him. All those people have one thing in common. Their lives are tough...in shambles if you will. They are wondering why they are facing adversities in their lives at every turn. Life seems to get harder every single day. If you find yourself in this boat today, I pray that you will examine your heart. Have you distanced yourself from Him? Maybe He's trying to get your attention, and you have just been too preoccupied and bullheaded to see it. God's mercy and grace are waiting on you, friend. All you have to do is say, "Lord, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Use my life as a testimony to others as to what You can do in their lives, just as You have mine. Here I am, Lord. Use me as you see fit." Friend, when you do that and you become willing, your life will take an amazing turn. You will realize how blessed you truly are and all of the blessings you have been missing all along. All you had to do is be open to receive God's mercy and grace. It's there for the taking. Take it and LIVE in it. Then put your seat belt on because your life is about to be amazing. Do you want to experience that in your life? All you must do is surrender your life to Him. He's waiting for you. Are you willing and ready?