On Election Day, our office received more than 1,300 calls from voters with common, Election-related questions or reports of minor problems at polling places. Other than longer, unexpected wait times due to high voter turnout, no major, statewide issues were reported to our office. "I cannot say enough about the perseverance, flexibility and commitment from our Circuit Clerks, Election Commissioners and poll managers on Election Day," said Secretary Watson. "They did something their predecessors never had to worry about: execute a General Election in the middle of a global pandemic. Let's also not forget about our election officials along the Coast who had to couple the stress of the pandemic with the aftermath of a Category 2 hurricane. While some may view the long lines on Election Day as troublesome, I view it as a win for our county election officials, an encouraging display of civic engagement and an opportunity to strengthen our state's voting process. As all of us debrief the 2020 Election Cycle, I'm seeing and hearing countless suggestions about ways to improve our voting system. Before any changes are made, it's essential to receive input from the individuals engaged in the election process. Whether it's introducing new technology, adding additional machines within precincts and/or additional precincts, adding more poll managers, increased training, or more voter education, Clerks, Commissioners, and legislative leaders should have a seat at the table. Earlier this year, I made a commitment to meet and have in-depth discussions with Clerks and Commissioners in all 82 Counties. As of today, we've met with 26 counties and received beneficial feedback and ideas regarding our state's overall election process. I look forward to continuing these discussions and brainstorming ways to make it as easy as possible for all legally-registered Mississippi voters to cast their ballot, while maintaining a sharp focus on upholding the integrity of the process." Thankfully, our Cybersecurity team detected no abnormal activity on our websites or the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) during Election Day. As of today, Friday, November 6, 2020, SEMS reported a total of 248,558 absentee ballots requested, 248,003 absentee ballots sent, and 238,427 absentee ballots received for the 2020 General Election. As a reminder, Tuesday, November 10, is the day Circuit Clerk Offices must be in receipt of all mail-in absentee ballots postmarked on or before Election Day. Under our new administrative rules, if an absentee ballot is rejected because the signature on the absentee application does not match the signature on the absentee ballot envelope, Circuit Clerk Offices must notify that voter of the rejection and give an opportunity to cure the ballot. Voters have the option to complete a Cure Form at their local Circuit Clerk's Office, or the Circuit Clerk will mail, email, or fax a Cure Form to the voter. In order for the absentee ballot to count, all Cure Forms must be completed and filed with the county by noon on Friday, November 13, 2020. Any voter who cast an affidavit ballot on Election Day because the voter did not have an acceptable form of photo ID must visit their local Circuit Clerk's Office by Tuesday, November 10, 2020, to show an acceptable form of photo identification. As a reminder, voters can receive a free Mississippi Voter ID card by filling out an application at their local Circuit Clerk's Office. Our office has issued more than 8,000 free Voter IDs since the Voter ID Law became effective in 2014. Click here to learn more about how to obtain a free Voter ID. As counties release unofficial results, we've received numerous questions about the next steps for each statewide ballot measure. Please see below for information regarding the implementation process for Initiative 65/Alternative Measure 65A, House Concurrent Resolution 47 and the State Flag Referendum. Initiative 65/Alternative Measure 65A The Secretary of State's Office has 30 days from Election Day to certify results from the 2020 General Election. Pursuant to Section 23-17-41 Miss.Code Ann., "an initiative approved by the electors shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of the official declaration of the vote by the Secretary of State, unless the measure provides otherwise." House Concurrent Resolution 47 The Secretary of State’s Office has 30 days from Election Day to certify results from 2020 General Election. Once all results are certified and if the amendment received a majority of the vote required by the Constitution, the amendment will be inserted in the State Constitution through a proclamation from our office. State Flag Referendum The Secretary of State’s Office has 30 days from Election Day to certify results from 2020 General Election. Once all results are certified and if a majority of the qualified electors voted  "Yes," to the proposed design, then “the Legislature shall enact into law the new design as the official Mississippi State Flag during the next regular session of the Legislature after the election.” (Pursuant to House Bill 1796) As a reminder, our office will not announce unofficial election results. We will only announce and post certified election results submitted to our office by the counties. Counties have ten (10) calendar days from Election Day to file certified results with our office. All certified election results from the 2020 Election Cycle will be posted here on our website. For more information about state election laws or Election Day information, visit Y'all Vote or call the Elections Division Hotline at (601)576-2550.

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson encouraged producers to continue to apply for Mississippi Agriculture Stabilization Act (“MASA”) Funds, which were first made available to producers on October 15, 2020, and he announced caps for funding awards. Commissioner Gipson encouraged farmers to use this program to recoup COVID related expenses, “Whether you operate a poultry farm experiencing the loss of a flock over time, a qualifying CFAP farm recipient with uncovered COVID expenses, or a sweet potato farmer with uncovered storage costs, I encourage you to apply.” CFAP (Coronavirus Food Assistance Program) Qualified producers could receive as much as $50,000, even if they have received USDA CFAP 1 and CFAP 2, or as much as $100,000 if they were eligible for USDA CFAP but did not apply; $25,000 for poultry; and $20,000 for sweet potatoes. MASA went into law on October 9, 2020, through Senate Bills 3058 and 3061, and provides roughly $13 million to assist producers in Mississippi with CARES Act funds.  This is a self-certified application program for assistance due to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mississippi agriculture producers, and has three separate funds within it:  the Poultry Farmer Stabilization Grant Fund ($3 million), the Sweet Potato Farm Sustainment Grant Program Fund ($500,000), and the Mississippi Supplemental CFAP Grant Program Fund ($9.5 million). Allowable reimbursable COVID-related farm expenses include: costs to feed/care for livestock that would not have been spent but for COVID (e.g., cattle were not sold due to lack of demand, so extra feed was purchased by the farmer); costs associated with cancellations; additional supplies; additional hardware/software; project costs; training; overtime to cover for another employee in quarantine; PPE; and other expenses as noted on the program’s web page. Producers may apply at mscaresact.com and applications must be submitted online.  If application requests exceed available funding, funds will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.  The deadline to apply is November 16, 2020, and the initial funding awards will be processed as early as next week. Visit mdac.ms.gov/masa for more information about the Mississippi Agriculture Stabilization Act, program guidelines and applications. Questions regarding MASA can be submitted to Adam Choate at adam@mdac.ms.gov.

Wesson News, in partnership with Wesson Garden Club and Wesson Chamber of COmmerce, is pleased to present and sponsor the Spirit of Christmas Awards. Business and resident Christmas decorators will be recognized for distinct and creative displays. Wesson Garden Club will judge displays and select winners in the Wesson area, encompassing with corporate limits of the town and the Wesson School District. Wesson News will announce winners. Wesson Chamber of Commerce will present $125 to the top business winner. You do not officially have to enter. To assure consideration of your display, however, complete the form below and mail to P.O. Box 1028, Wesson, MS 39191, or email to Wesson News (bobarnold@wessonnews.com) The deadline for registering is December 4.

Election Day is in full swing! So far, calls to our Election Hotline have been steady, with most calls relating to polling place changes, voter registration, and masks at polling places. As a reminder, no voter should be denied the right to vote for not wearing a face mask. Currently, there are 1,985,928 active registered voters in Mississippi, which is an increase from the 1,876,605 total from the 2016 General Election. In 2016, there was a total of 1,209,357 legal votes cast for the Presidential Election. Based on absentee reports and voter turnout at the polls, our office expects Mississippi to surpass that total. "We are well aware of the lines many Mississippi voters are experiencing as they are going to cast their ballots," said Secretary Watson. "Please keep in mind our poll managers are doing a great job managing an incredibly high turnout in the midst of Covid-19 safety precautions, including social distancing and limited numbers of voters allowed in some of our precincts. Be sure to thank them for their service! I’m so proud of our Circuit Clerks, Election Commissioners, and Poll Managers for all of their preparation and hard work. And, let’s not forget to thank our first responders around South Mississippi who did an incredible job of getting power back on in our precincts. Coast Electric, Pearl River Valley Electric, Dixie Electric, Singing River Electric, Entergy and Mississippi Power all did a fantastic job. We have a large number of heroes responsible for pulling off the election today!" If you experience or witness a problem at the polls, please contact the appropriate District Attorney's Office or the Attorney General's Office at (601)359-3279, as the Secretary of State's Office has no enforcement authority to resolve problems. Our office will continue to field all calls and send updates on the 2020 General Election throughout the day.   Election Day Reminders: Polls are open until 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot. Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline: All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 3) and received within five business days of Election Day in order to count. Polling Place Location: Please contact your county Circuit Clerk’s Office or local Election Commissioners for updates regarding your polling place. Several counties have changed polling places since the 2020 Primary Election.  Click here to view a list of the polling place changes reported to our office. Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls.  A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot.  An affidavit ballot may be counted if the voter provides an acceptable form of photo identification to the Circuit Clerk’s Office within five business days after the election. Click here for more information. Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate or ballot measure within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot. COVID-19: Our office supplied every county with COVID-19 safety supplies and personal protective equipment for poll managers. County officials have been instructed to sanitize and disinfect high-touch areas at each precinct. Voters are encouraged to practice good hygiene and follow CDC guidelines at the polls. Click here for more information regarding COVID-19 safety at the polls. For more information about state election laws or Election Day information, visit Y'all Vote or call the Elections Division Hotline at (601)576-2550.

Fall enrollment at Mississippi Public Universities remains steady when compared to Fall 2019 figures. Fall enrollment for 2020 is 77,154 for the system, compared to 77,894 students enrolled in Fall 2019, representing a 1 percent decrease. “Our universities have faced innumerable challenges due to the global pandemic,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “The fact that enrollment remains steady despite these challenges is a testament to the perseverance of our students and the dedication and flexibility of our faculty and staff. Our universities have worked hard to protect the health and safety of students and employees, while maintaining the quality of academic programs, so that students can attain their educational goals and Mississippi businesses will have the workforce needed to grow and thrive.” Total Student Enrollment, Fall 2019 and Fall 2020 Figures are unduplicated and count students one time regardless of on-campus and off-campus enrollment. Figures are based on enrollment as of November 1 of the fall term.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, the end of Daylight Saving Time in most states is an occasion to turn back the clocks and enjoy an extra hour of sleep. However, as the weather changes, the end of Daylight Saving Time is also a great opportunity to perform routine household checks that will keep your family safe and comfortable this winter. In most states served by Atmos Energy, customers are responsible for the maintenance and service of natural gas appliances and natural gas lines from the meter into their home. Therefore, inspecting a home’s natural gas piping and appliances along with maintaining other common alarms and detectors around the house are a few of the household tasks to complete as winter approaches. “Just as homeowners call electricians to inspect electrical wiring and plumbers to repair a leaky sink, this weekend serves as a convenient reminder to contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor to inspect your natural gas lines and appliances,” says John McDill, Atmos Energy vice president of pipeline safety. “Our vision is to be the safest provider of natural gas services, so performing regular safety checks and operating appliances in accordance with manufacturer instructions can further promote safety.” Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas emitted any time fuel is burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, natural gas ranges, or furnaces, and it can be poisonous to humans if it builds up indoors. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends replacing your CO detector every five years, installing a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home.  In addition, the CDC advises buying a detector with a digital readout to best detect the highest level of carbon monoxide concentration. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends these additional safety measures related to carbon monoxide safety: Do not idle vehicles inside a garage or other enclosed structure. Be sure to properly install, adjust, operate, and vent appliances. Do not sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater. Do not use charcoal to start a fire indoors. If you or your family experience sudden headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or flu-like symptoms, leave the structure immediately and call 911 from a safe distance. Do not close chimney flues when fireplaces are in use. Fix leaks immediately. Check vents on water heaters, dryers, and other natural gas equipment to ensure a free flow of air without being blocked by bird nests, snow, or other objects. Contact a qualified professional to inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating and water heating systems annually. For home safety tips and to learn more about customer-owned natural gas piping, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/home-safety. For additional information about carbon monoxide safety, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/carbon-monoxide-safety. Atmos Energy Corporation is the nation’s largest fully regulated, natural gas-only distributor of safe, clean, efficient and affordable energy. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and our infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. An S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, Atmos Energy serves more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states and manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Find them online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Mississippi Chapter will host a virtual caregiver conference from November 9th through the 12th in order to educate, prepare and support those caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia. Leading local and national experts will cover topics including caregiving and COVID-19, brain health, self-care, Alzheimer’s research, grief, coping with dementia behaviors and more. November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. During November, the Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the more than 16 million people in the U.S. who are currently providing unpaid care to a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including 207,000 caregivers in Mississippi. This conference is open to professional and family caregivers, as well as individuals who want to learn how to support the caregivers in their life. According to a recent Alzheimer’s Association survey, 91 percent of people believe that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia should be a group effort among family or close friends, yet one out of three caregivers are not engaging others in caregiving tasks. The Association also found that more than four in five caregivers would have liked more support in providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, especially from their family. WHAT: Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Conference WHEN: November 9 – 12, sessions each day from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12 – 1 p.m. CT WHERE: Online, RSVP at alz.org/ms/events/2020-caregiver-conference to receive the link to join The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

Jason Barrett of Brookhaven was sworn in on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, by Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann as state senator of Mississippi Senate District 39. Barrett, (R), an attorney, represents Copiah, Lawrence, Lincoln and Walthall counties. Sally Doty, who resigned, previously represented the area.

Ahead of Hurricane Zeta, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) advises residents to prepare now for dangerous storm conditions including heavy rain, possible flash flooding, high winds, and possible tornadoes. Preparing a Disaster Kit Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during an emergency. At a minimum, these supplies should include: Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person). A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food. A first aid kit and manual. A battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Sleeping bags or extra blankets. Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach. Prescription medicines and special medical needs. Baby food, prepared formula, diapers and other baby supplies. Disposable cleaning cloths, such as “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available. Personal hygiene items: soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc. An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. For more information on disaster supply kits, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/kit. Food Safety Due to power loss, food may not be safe to eat during and after a hurricane. Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled or treated water. Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color or texture. Throw away foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs) that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for two hours or more. Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened or damaged. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees F or below can be refrozen or cooked. Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater, because they cannot be disinfected. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Never place any type of food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood. Thoroughly wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, after handling uncooked food, after playing with a pet, after handling garbage, after tending to someone who is sick or injured, after blowing your nose and after coughing or sneezing. Drinking Water Safety Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled or treated water. Remember these general rules concerning water for drinking and cooking if you are under a boil-water alert, or if you are not sure your water is safe to drink: Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food or make ice. Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving or washing, as long as one does not swallow the water or allow it in eyes or mouth. Parents should supervise children to make sure water is not ingested, and caregivers should supervise disabled individuals for the same reason. Those with recent surgical wounds, who have a chronic illness or are immunosuppressed should consider using bottled or boiled water for bathing until their boil water notice is lifted. Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most organisms. Water may be treated with chlorine or iodine tablets or by mixing eight drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and let stand for about 30 minutes. Unlike boiling, this treatment will not kill parasitic organisms. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death. The following precautions can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers indoors or in the garage. If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside. In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. For more information on hurricane preparedness and safety, visit HealthyMS.com/storm or download the free MS Ready smartphone app to get alerts sent straight to your phone.

While Halloween is meant to be fun, you may occasionally encounter someone who likes tricks more than treats. Luckily, insurance could cover holiday hazards. For instance, if your yard or porch decorations are damaged or stolen insurance may cover that. Likewise, if your car gets egged or damaged in any way by pranksters, comprehensive insurance should cover it. Take care while driving and be aware of trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood. Park cars in the garage or a well-lit area. Practice fire safety by using battery operated candles in your pumpkins to prevent fire. Additionally, find time this weekend to check your smoke alarms to make sure they work. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday and is a reminder to check those life-saving devices. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month, batteries should be replaced once a year, and the entire alarm should be replaced every 10 years. There have been 51 fire deaths investigated by the State Fire Marshal's Office so far in 2020. In nearly 59% of those cases there was either no smoke alarm in the home or the smoke alarm was not working. “At least 30 lives might have been saved this year if there had been a working smoke alarm in the home,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “A working smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half. You should have one near each bedroom in your home. I also recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home.”

Seasonal influenza vaccinations are now available for children and qualifying adults at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health departments. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older as the best protection against the flu. “We recommend that all Mississippians get their flu shots every year, but especially this year with COVID-19. We don’t want to risk overwhelming our hospitals,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. Dr. Byers said that flu season can occur as early as November and as late as March in Mississippi, but usually peaks anywhere from December through February. Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH, but the agency monitors flu activity through the ILI System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH lab. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state. “We recommend getting vaccinated now before we reach peak flu activity. Influenza vaccine is especially important for young children, pregnant women, those over 65, and those with underlying health problems,” he said. “Flu vaccination is the best way to protect both children and adults from serious complications such as hospitalization, and in many cases, death.” Those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive a flu vaccination for $10. Insurance, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.HealthyMS.com/vfc. Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are now widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and body aches, and fatigue. Most people recover from the flu without complications, but nationwide there are up to 200,000 hospitalizations from flu each year. While vaccination is the best protection, basic infection control measures can also reduce the spread of flu and should be taken whether or not individuals are vaccinated. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently. Wearing a face covering in public places offers additional protection against the flu. Please call your local county health department to make an appointment for your vaccination. To locate a county health department clinic in your area or for more information on flu, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/flu. Follow MSDH by email and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

Governor Tate Reeves announced that Chris Wells will serve as the permanent Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. Wells served as the Chief of Staff at MDEQ for six years, and the Senior Attorney for the department prior to that. He has served as Interim Executive Director since the Governor’s inauguration. Wells is a graduate of Mississippi State University and the Mississippi College School of Law. “Chris is a dedicated public servant who has spent the bulk of his career working for the people of Mississippi. He knows what it means to put their priorities first, and he has been a steady hand in this vital role since I took office. I have the utmost confidence in him, and I know that he will continue to serve the people well,” said Governor Tate Reeves. "I look forward to continuing our efforts to protect Mississippi's air, land, and water. Our mission is to look out for the people of this state, and ensure that we can always be proud of our incredible God-given resources. I'm grateful for the Governor's trust in me as we serve this state as a team," said Chris Wells.