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A Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group is now meeting weekly in Wesson. The group, including recovering addicts who have abused a wide range of mood-altering and mind-changing substances, including drugs and alcohol, and their family members, comes together on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Wesson Volunteer Fire Department (1038 Factory Street). It is part of a global, community-based organization with a multilingual and multicultural membership that was founded in 1953, and now holds nearly 67,000 meetings weekly in 139 countries. At NA fellowship meetings worldwide, and locally, addicts seek support in maintaining drug-free lives. People with various lengths of clean time attend, including newcomers and members who have been sober for many years. All of them support one another in learning and practicing a way of living that keeps them healthy and drug free. At meetings, addicts share their stories and discuss simple spiritual principles to guide daily living. The NA program calls for complete abstinence from all drugs and requires only that its members desire to stop using. It advocates a twelve-step guide for persons seeking to overcome addiction: · Admitting powerlessness over their addictions. · Belief that only a power greater than themselves can restore their sanity. · Turning their wills and lives over to the care of a God as they understand God. · A searching and fearless understanding of themselves. · Admitting the exact nature of their wrongs to God, themselves and other persons. · Readiness for God to remove all their character defects. · Humbly asking God to remove their shortcomings. · Willingness to make amend to all persons they have harmed. · Making direct amends to people they have harmed. · Continuing to take a personal inventory of themselves and promptly admitting wrongs. · Prayer and meditation to improve conscious contact with the God they understand, and receive the knowledge of God's will and power to carry it out. · Carrying their spiritual awakening to other addicts and practicing the twelve principles in all their affairs. The local NA group invites participants to meetings with the reminder that "Even the Broken Rise." NA is not affiliated with any other organizations. It has no initiation fee or dues, pledges to sign or promises to make to anyone. It is not connected to any political, religious or law enforcement groups, and meetings are under no surveillance. Anyone may become part of an NA group regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion or lack of religion.

Wanda Woodard, the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Litter Prevention Coordinator, talked to Wesson Garden Club’s youth group -- Butterbeans, including third through sixth graders from Wesson Attendance Center (WAC), at WAC's elementary school library about the litter problem in Mississippi. After listening to Woodard, each Butterbean pledged not to litter and aagreed to promote litter awareness.

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) named Co-Lin standout basketball forward Sha'Quandra Carter to it All-Region XXIII for her stellar sophomore season. Carter, a Neville High School product, led the Lady Wolves in scoring with 15 points per game. She finished the season with 360 points and a 41.5 shooting percentage from the floor. Along with her solid offensive play, Carter had 39 steals and 167 rebounds. The 5'9 athletic forward helped lead the Lady Wolves to a 13-11 overall record in 2019-2020 and earn the team a bid to the NJCAA Region Tournament in Clinton.

Bored staying at home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19? How about a bear hunt? Inspired by Michael Rosen’s 1989 children’s book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, teddy bears are appearing everywhere along streets made empty by coronavirus. The stuffed animals are appearing in windows around the world to give children, and even the young at heart, an exciting, social-distancing-safe scavenger hunt activity during coronavirus lockdowns in line with the opening of Rosen's book: "We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day! We’re not scared. In its social distancing guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control recommends bear hunts. The idea is for some folk to display teddy bears and other stuffed animals in the windows and neighbors to walk or drive around to find them. You may find not only find bears, but perhaps a stuffed bunny or camel. In some places, the hunt is for safari-themed animals. In neighborhoods where they're happening, people say the hunts building a stronger sense of community, communicating in a symbolic way that we're all in this together. Laura Ann Walker, a seventh grade teacher at Alexander Junior High in Brookhaven, may have been one of the first to promote the idea in the area, stealing it from other teachers on social media and posting it as a suggestion on the Neighborhood Watch Facebook page of Brookhaven's Vernondale area. But the bears are appearing in locations as far flung as New Zealand.

By Guest Columnist Al McSwain With the shortage of bread in some stores these days, I have resorted to making my own. What I like about this recipe is that it uses all-purpose flour, requires very little kneading and only minimal kitchen utensils. It is my interpretation of the Mi’kmaq Mama recipe from Youtube. If you can, watch her video to get a better understanding the kneading and rolling process. Recipe for two loaves 2 cups of lukewarm water (as warm as a baby's bottle) ¼ cup white sugar 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast* 2 teaspoons of salt 3 tablespoons of oil 4 cups of flour plus more for board ¼ cup melted butter *note: 1 packet of yeast = 2 1/4 teaspoons (double check your packet), so 2 tablespoons = 6 teaspoons = 2 & 2/3 packets 1. In a large bowl, mix water and sugar, add yeast. Let set for about seven to eight minutes until yeast is foamy. Add salt, oil and two cups of the flour; mix until dough is about the consistency of a pancake batter. Add the remaining 2 cups of flour. Fold and mix until all the flour is incorporated. Dough will be very sticky. 2. Dump dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for about three to four minutes. Keep adding flour as you knead, until dough does not stick to surface. Knead until you have a fairly smooth surface. Place in a well-greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled (about one hour). 3. Divide dough into two equal parts. Roll dough into a rectangle not wider than bread pans until all air bubbles have been removed. Tightly roll dough into a log, seal the seam and edges. Place in a well- buttered loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Brush generously with melted butter. Place pans in center of cold oven, set temperature to 375°F and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, brush generously with melted butter. After five minutes, remove from loaf pans to wire rack. Let stand for one hour before slicing. EDITOR'S NOTE: Al McSwain owns Porches Restaurant in Wesson.

By Bob Arnold At age 3, when Angela Hester came to Wesson from Tuscaloosa with her mother after her parents' divorce in 1986, she didn't think she would ever like the town. "It was quite a change from the city," Hester recalls. "I was in the eighth grade at Wesson Attendance Center in class with sixty other students, leaving behind a class of 1,200 at Tuscaloosa. So I returned to Tuscaloosa to live with my father for my freshman and sophomore years in high school." Two years later, she came back to Wesson, and has never left, although she has never stopped rooting for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide either. Now, fittingly, Hester is the Town Clerk for the small town she learned to love. "I came to appreciate and enjoy the close relationships the people of Wesson have with their neighbors, the town's special quiet, and, most of all, the way people here help each other when they are in need," Hester summarizes. Shortly after graduating from high school, Hester married her first husband Carl Roberts, with whom she had three children over nine years: Trace, 29, a truck driver; Nickoles, who died in a traffic accident when he was 21; and Taylor, 25, a natural gas production supervisor. "It was with two babies and trying to be a student at Co-Lin while working that I really came to appreciate and love small town Wesson, and the help people here will provide when you need it," she says. Hester started her working career at the Sunflower grocery store in Wesson in the 1990s and studied a year at Co-Lin in 1992. "I was at the Sunflower, when it closed," she recalls. "It was a sad occasion." She worked at the truck stop on Sylvarena Road as a waitress and then did bookkeeping there -- her first office job -- before moving to Precoat Metals in Jackson in 1994, where she was a line operator for four years, and then going across the street to Consolidated Metal Products, where she went back into the office as an administrative assistance and bookkeeper in a career she has never left. Her next career stop was the Crystal Springs Police Department, where she acquired municipal court experience. While there in 2007, she also learned again about the generous help the people of Wesson offer when you're in need. It came after a major boating accident at Roosevelt State Park. It was eight months before she could work again. One week of hospitalization and six surgeries later, she became a Rural Carrier Assistant at Hazlehurst and assisted part time with Wesson municipal court needs, gaining the experience that would bring her to Wesson city hall full time. Until 2016, when she became full time Court Assistant for Wesson, she was on the road for four years with her husband Chad Hester, a natural gas production consultant, whose work was in Pennsylvania during that period. In 2017, Hester became Wesson Town Clerk. Hester and her husband of 17 years live on 200 acres on Rocky Hill Road where they graze cattle. They have one son, J.C. Hester, 26, who works in oil and natural gas production for his brother Taylor. What are your hobbies? I grew up on the water. I learned to water ski when I was five years old on Miller Dollar Lake in Bessimer, Alabama, and the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa. But my current focus when I am not working are my grandchildren -- Laney, 10, Rhylee, 7, Addisyn, 6, and Ainslee, 10 months. I also have twin grandbabies coming this summer. While my husband works in Ohio, I spend my time spoiling them on Rocky Hill Road. When I can get them to water, I teach them to ski and swim, and learn not to be afraid of the water as I was as a kid. What do you read? I am a fan of the Fifty Shades trilogy. Do you enjoy movies or theater? Again, the Fifty Shades movies. I also like Titanic and Pearl Harbor. My favorite actors are Matthew McConaughey and Leonardo DeCaprio. On television, I follow Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med. I particularly like police series, having acquired that interest when I worked for the Crystal Springs Police Department. How about music? Country. Tim McGraw is my favorite singer/songwriter. I enjoyed going to the Swampstock concerts with Gerri Lynn Porter, who works at Copiah Bank. We try to go to a concert each year. How would you spend your lottery winnings if you were so lucky. I have already won the lottery. God gave me a wonderful family with a loving husband along with kids and grandchildren. There is not enough money in the world that could give me the happiness that they do. How would you change the world? I really don't know if you can. Pray a lot, I guess.

Today, the Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) made the March transfer of $9,942,264 in net proceeds to the Lottery Proceeds Fund in the Mississippi State Treasury. This brings the total amount deposited to the state to more than $37.5 million since launch on November 25, 2019. In accordance with the Alyce G. Clarke Lottery Law, the MLC is required to transfer net proceeds within 20 days following the close of each calendar month. “As we all continue to adjust to this difficult time in Mississippi and the world, the sale of lottery tickets has declined in recent weeks,” said MLC President Tom Shaheen. “We anticipate the trend will continue in the near future. May and June transfers may also decline, as a result. However, what is most important at this time is that we all remain safe and healthy. In an effort to ensure people remain at home as much as possible, as of April 1, 2020, the MLC has cancelled TV and radio advertising indefinitely.”

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the statewide shelter-in-place by 7 days, while providing some ability for “non-essential” businesses to safely make sales. The Governor’s new executive order extends the expiration date of his previous order to Monday, April 27th.  “I wanted to come here today and announce that we can all ease up and re-open, but we can’t. We can’t stay in this position for much longer. But we are still in the eye of the storm. I made a vow to protect the people of Mississippi. I have to do what the best information and wisdom I have tells me. Right now, it tells me I have to ask you to stay vigilant for one more week," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Governor also announced two changes to the previous executive order to help Mississippians cope mentally and financially.  First, the Governor shared that he has been advised by state and local officials that they can safely enforce social distancing rules on Mississippi’s lakes and beaches. This executive order allows them to re-open for individual fishing and relaxing.  “It’s a small thing, but I hope it helps even a bit for people who need to safely get out in the sun for their own sanity. We need to do anything we can to help address the growing depression, isolation, and other mental health issues. That matters," said Governor Reeves. Second, the Governor announced that “non-essential” businesses could start making curbside, delivery, or drive-thru sales.  “Clothing stores, florists, or athletic goods can do safe sales. If a salon or other business wants to safely sell their excess supplies to stay afloat, they can do that. Call ahead or order online, then safely pick it up. I wish I could open it all back up for everyone. I can’t do it without harming even more people. But we believe that we can safely do this," said Governor Reeves. The Governor explained his reasoning for this move was twofold. It prevents people from crowding big-box retailers by encouraging them to safely patronize Mississippi small businesses. It allows more Mississippians to provide for their families, even in the face of this virus.  “No business is non-essential to those who rely on its paycheck for food, supplies, and shelter. I cannot sit by while Mississippians are driven into poverty, without doing everything in my power to give them some greater ability to take care of themselves. It’s not enough. But it’s a good faith step towards recovery, and I hope that you will take it as a lifeline and sign of hope," said Governor Reeves. The Governor shared a message of joint resolve and courage with the people of Mississippi.  “Please stay strong. Stay smart. Stay home. Use common sense—that’s the single best thing you can do. If you are part of a vulnerable population, please stay home—please. This is the time to be the most vigilant. I’m asking all Mississippi: Stay in the fight for a little while longer, and we will come through this together," said Governor Reeves. The text of the executive order is here. The signed, sealed copy will be available on sos.ms.gov later today.

The deadline to submit supporting documents, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), in order to qualify for the HELP Grant, a state-supported student financial aid program, is April 30, 2020. HELP Grant applicants should file the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.   Students can get free, virtual assistance with FAFSA completion by contacting the non-profit Get2College at www.get2college.org or  (601) 321-5533. "During this difficult time, it is important for students to stay on track with their plans for college," said Jennifer Rogers, Director of Student Financial Aid. "We don’t want any student to miss out on their dream of going to college, because they missed an application deadline." The HELP Grant pays up to full tuition for students attending Mississippi public colleges and universities.  Students attending a private institution will receive an award amount equal to the award of a student attending the nearest comparable public institution. To qualify for the HELP Grant, students must: • Complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) by March 31 • Apply for the first time within two years of high school graduation • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 • Score a minimum of 20 on the national ACT (or an equivalent score on the SAT) • Take the required IHL College Prep Curriculum in high school • Meet income requirements and be Pell eligible, as determined by completion of the FAFSA, and • Provide supporting documentation by April 30 More information about HELP is available at  www.msfinancialaid.org/help. Due to recommendations from the Mississippi State Department of Health, the state aid office staff are working from home.  Applicants should check their MAAPP Dashboard for application updates and notices.  For additional assistance, students may email sfa@mississippi.edu or call toll-free 1 (800) 327-2980. The deadline to complete MAAPP to qualify for MTAG or MESG is September 15. The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

JACKSON — Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the statewide shelter-in-place by 7 days, while providing some ability for “non-essential” businesses to safely make sales. The Governor’s new executive order extends the expiration date of his previous order to Monday, April 27th.  “I wanted to come here today and announce that we can all ease up and re-open, but we can’t. We can’t stay in this position for much longer. But we are still in the eye of the storm. I made a vow to protect the people of Mississippi. I have to do what the best information and wisdom I have tells me. Right now, it tells me I have to ask you to stay vigilant for one more week," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Governor also announced two changes to the previous executive order to help Mississippians cope mentally and financially.  First, the Governor shared that he has been advised by state and local officials that they can safely enforce social distancing rules on Mississippi’s lakes and beaches. This executive order allows them to re-open for individual fishing and relaxing.  “It’s a small thing, but I hope it helps even a bit for people who need to safely get out in the sun for their own sanity. We need to do anything we can to help address the growing depression, isolation, and other mental health issues. That matters," said Governor Reeves. Second, the Governor announced that “non-essential” businesses could start making curbside, delivery, or drive-thru sales.  “Clothing stores, florists, or athletic goods can do safe sales. If a salon or other business wants to safely sell their excess supplies to stay afloat, they can do that. Call ahead or order online, then safely pick it up. I wish I could open it all back up for everyone. I can’t do it without harming even more people. But we believe that we can safely do this," said Governor Reeves. The Governor explained his reasoning for this move was twofold. It prevents people from crowding big-box retailers by encouraging them to safely patronize Mississippi small businesses. It allows more Mississippians to provide for their families, even in the face of this virus.  “No business is non-essential to those who rely on its paycheck for food, supplies, and shelter. I cannot sit by while Mississippians are driven into poverty, without doing everything in my power to give them some greater ability to take care of themselves. It’s not enough. But it’s a good faith step towards recovery, and I hope that you will take it as a lifeline and sign of hope," said Governor Reeves. The Governor shared a message of joint resolve and courage with the people of Mississippi.  “Please stay strong. Stay smart. Stay home. Use common sense—that’s the single best thing you can do. If you are part of a vulnerable population, please stay home—please. This is the time to be the most vigilant. I’m asking all Mississippi: Stay in the fight for a little while longer, and we will come through this together," said Governor Reeves. The text of the executive order is here. The signed, sealed copy will be available on sos.ms.gov later today.

Residents of Hinds and Quitman counties and surrounding communities can be tested on Saturday, April 18, for COVID-19 as the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi State Department of Health continue efforts to stem virus transmission by setting up one-day, drive-through collection sites. Testing is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Appointment-only collection sites are: Quitman County: Supervalu, 1012 Martin Luther King Drive, Marks Hinds County: Jackson State University’s Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center, 1400 John R. Lynch St., Jackson Hundreds of people in Mississippi communities have taken advantage of the UMMC/MSDH drive-through collection sites. Those numbers include 85 people in Olive Branch, 25 in Clarksdale, 55 in Vicksburg, 49 in Greenwood, 61 in Meridian, 110 in Natchez, 57 in Carriere, 33 in Ripley, 59 in Moss Point, 18 in Raleigh, 25 in Eupora, 50 in Clinton, 25 in Tunica, 27 in Fayette and 28 in Houston. As of April 14, there had been 2,207 people tested at the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi National Guard are partnering with UMMC and MSDH to coordinate mobile testing sites. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, including fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat, who feels they should be tested must first go through a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. UMMC and C Spire have partnered to make the screening free to all Mississippians. Mississippians who are screened as being at high risk for having COVID-19 are given an appointment at a testing site to provide a specimen sample, via a nose swab, without exiting their vehicle. The fastest and easiest way to get screened and tested is with the C Spire Health app. It’s available daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Those using the C Spire Health app will be given an appointment if a medical provider determines their level of risk for COVID-19 is high. They’ll be asked questions about symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat. UMMC will contact those tested with their results. Those without smartphones can call (601) 496-7200. Anyone not experiencing symptoms is asked not to use the app or call. Anyone determined to be at low risk for infection will receive instructions on social distancing, home isolation and self-care – and told to call back if symptoms worsen. For more information about testing, click here.

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced further efforts to support homeowners and first responders who are being stretched thin during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) and Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Governor Reeves is providing mortgage assistance for homeowners and emergency childcare for essential personnel and first responders to help relieve the burden of hardworking Mississippians across our state. You can view the Governor's full remarks here. Mortgage Assistance MHC has reopened the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) to provide short-term mortgage assistance to those who have lost employment or income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow MHC to pay monthly mortgage payment assistance. People can submit applications through an online portal here: mshomesaver.com. "I saw firsthand the homes that were lost to the tornadoes this weekend. It breaks my heart. There are more who are at risk of losing their homes to our nation’s economic crisis. We can’t stop the wind from blowing, but we can try to stop more from losing these homes," said Governor Tate Reeves. HHF is a program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which first allocated funds to Mississippi in 2010. Mississippi has used the funds to stabilize local housing markets and help families avoid foreclosures. The program targets assistance toward unemployed homeowners or underemployed homeowners and those with homes that are worth less than their value of their mortgages. “MHC is taking action to help families navigate the evolving impact COVID-19 is having on our communities. It is our hope that through re-opening the Hardest Hit Fund we are able to help Mississippi families who have been impacted by this national crisis,” said MHC Executive Director Scott Spivey. Emergency Childcare for First Responders Working with the Governor and the state's COVID-19 response, MDHS has joined with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) to provide much-needed childcare services for emergency and essential personnel who would otherwise not have access to it because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our essential workers are being asked to do things that others aren’t. They are stepping into the line of fire to provide what we all need to stay safe. We need to do everything that we can to help them. We hope that this expanded access to child care will lighten the load for our essential workers. It won’t make their jobs easy. But we hope that it can make this one highly stressful element easier," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Childcare Crisis Assistance in Isolation Response Plan (CCAIR) is designed to serve as temporary, emergency childcare facilities during this crisis period for families listed as essential workers in Executive Order 1463. These personnel are serving on the frontlines of this pandemic and are unable to isolate at home. In addition to fulfilling the background, health, and safety requirements, potential partners will have access to free-of-charge CCAIR training through the Early Childhood Academy. Upon completing this training, they will be assigned a CCAIR Coach who will guide them through the process of becoming a CCAIR site. “We have emergency and essential personnel risking their health and well-being every day to continue to provide the care and support we need to sustain our daily lives. They should not have the additional burden of finding both care and education for their children," said MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson. For those who need financial assistance, Emergency Certificates can be applied for. Applications for these certificates will begin one week from today. For more information on CCAIR, as well as what steps that must be taken before being considered for certification as a CCAIR site, you can go to www.mdhs.ms.gov/ccair.