Wesson Garden Club has received four prestigious awards for its projects and programs. Mississippi Department of Transportation recognized the club's work around roadsides in presenting it the 2019 Transportation Commissioner’s Mississippi Roadside Award -- a beautiful silver bowl given to an organization that has promoted the planning and/or planting of an effective and outstanding roadside improvement project along a highway median and/or roadside in an approach to a town or community. Good landscape design and maintenance to ensure permanent beauty, with highway safety in mind are major considerations in selecting award recipients The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., also presented three awards to the local organization: • A second place “Youth Special Service” award which recognizes a club that contributes the most outstanding service in the promotion of gardening and conservation among youth. The Wesson Garden Club established a Youth Garden Club called “The Butterbeans” in September 2019 to cultivate the love of gardening among students, and teaching and exposing them to garden therapy, conservation, horticulture, nature study and an anti-litter program. • A third place “Garden Therapy Program" award that recognizes a club for sponsoring an outstanding garden therapy program in which physically challenged or learning disabled and/or shut-ins receive noteworthy benefit. The Wesson Garden Club partnered with Boswell Regional Center in Wesson to design and sponsor a garden therapy program for its residents. • A "Publicity Press Book” honorable mention award presented to a club for its book of press clippings, demonstrating publicity it has generated throughout the year. At its monthly meeting, Marilyn Britt, Yard of the Month Chair, proposed a new Club Holiday Award to recognize local gardeners like its Yard of the Month awards. The Wesson Garden Club is a member of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. and the National Garden Clubs, Inc.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson officially opened the new Mississippi Trade Mart to the public, with a building dedication and ceremonial ribbon cutting. “This is an historic day for the state of Mississippi,” said Commissioner Gipson. “I am proud to unveil the new Mississippi Trade Mart and excited for the endless opportunities its expansive and state-of-the-art facilities will provide. I want to thank the entire Mississippi legislature for authorizing the $30 million funding to build the new Trade Mart and make improvements to the Mississippi Fairgrounds. I would also like to thank U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves for their support in this endeavor.” Miss Mississippi Mary Margaret Hyer acted as mistress of ceremonies and opened the dedication program with a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Musical performances were provided by Music Director Slater Murphy of the Mississippi Baptist Convention and praise team leaders with New Horizon Baptist Church. Commissioner Gipson was joined by Dr. Kenny Digby, Director of the Christian Action Commission; Reverend David Tipton, Mississippi District Superintendent of United Pentecostal Church International; Bishop Ronnie Crudup, Senior Pastor of New Horizon Church International and Diocese Bishop for the Fellowship of International Churches; Bishop James Swanson of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church; and Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, who offered remarks and blessings. Following the building dedication program, Commissioner Gipson and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves provided remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony. On behalf of her mother, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Anna-Michael Smith also provided comments about the new Trade Mart.  “Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a number of dedicated Mississippians, and we would not be here today without U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, former Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce. I want to give a huge thanks to U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for being such a passionate advocate and supporter of this project. I also want to thank her successor, Andy Gipson. Thank you, Commissioner Gipson, for seeing this incredible project through to completion and for your continued leadership in serving the agriculture community in the state of Mississippi,” said Governor Reeves. The new Trade Mart on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds will serve as an economic boost for the state. Every year, the Trade Mart hosts more than 200,000 people at the nearly 80 events held. Attached to the Mississippi Coliseum, the new structure expands the functionality and flexibility of both facilities, making it more marketable for hosting a wide array of events. The new Mississippi Trade Mart is 110,000 square feet, and includes a lobby, a 2,500 square foot commercial kitchen, two cafes, a reception area, a “front porch” area and three massive trade halls. The trade halls can be configured to provide a seamless connection to the Coliseum’s arena floor, allowing for larger trade shows and events than ever before. The “front porch” area provides a large, covered space for exterior events and opens onto a new plaza that is shared with the Coliseum, which recently underwent a $2.2 million renovation. “The features of the new Mississippi Trade Mart will expand business opportunities for the Fairgrounds and attract new, prospective events and activities for the public to enjoy,” said Michael Lasseter, Acting Director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds Complex. The new Mississippi Trade Mart was designed by Wier Boerner Allin Architecture, and Fountain Construction was the general contractor. Visit www.mdac.ms.gov/state-fairgrounds online for more information.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced that Mississippi has joined a $39.5 million settlement with Anthem stemming from the massive 2014 data breach involving the personal information of 78.8 million Americans. Through the settlement, Anthem has reached a resolution with the 43-state coalition and California. Mississippi will receive nearly $197,000 from the settlement. In addition to the payment, Anthem has also agreed to a series of data security and good governance provisions designed to strengthen its practices going forward. “As we all become more dependent on the vast and ever-expanding digital infrastructure, we must also be vigilant in keeping Americans safe by combatting cybercrime and cyber-enabled threats,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “The Anthem cyberattack impacted tens of millions of Americans, releasing their sensitive and personal information to malicious actors on the dark web. This settlement reaffirms my commitment to hold companies accountable in their implementation and execution of strong security practices and their duty to protect users’ personal information.” In February 2015, Anthem disclosed that cyber attackers had infiltrated its systems beginning in February 2014, using malware installed through a phishing email. The attackers were ultimately able to gain access to Anthem’s data warehouse, where they harvested names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, healthcare identification numbers, home addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and employment information for 78.8 million Americans. In Mississippi, 164,216 residents were affected by the breach. Under the settlement, Anthem has agreed to a series of provisions designed to strengthen its security practices going forward. Those include: A prohibition against misrepresentations regarding the extent to which Anthem protects the privacy and security of personal information. Implementation of a comprehensive information security program, incorporating principles of zero trust architecture, and including regular security reporting to the Board of Directors and prompt notice of significant security events to the CEO. Specific security requirements with respect to segmentation, logging and monitoring, anti-virus maintenance, access controls and two factor authentication, encryption, risk assessments, penetration testing, and employee training, among other requirements. Third-party security assessments and audits for three (3) years, as well as a requirement that Anthem make its risk assessments available to a third-party assessor during that term. In the immediate wake of the breach, Anthem offered an initial two years of credit monitoring to all affected U.S. individuals.  In addition to this settlement, Anthem previously entered into a class action settlement that established a $115 million settlement fund to pay for additional credit monitoring, cash payments of up to $50, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket losses for affected consumers. The deadlines for consumers to submit claims under that settlement have since passed. The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General led the multistate investigation, assisted by the Attorneys General of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, and New York, and joined by the Attorneys General of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Governor Tate Reeves announced his new comprehensive Safe Recovery order as a one-stop resource for Mississippians as we continue to flatten the curve on new COVID-19 cases. Throughout this pandemic, one of the top priorities for the Governor has been transparency and keeping Mississippians up-to-date on the state's response. Replacing the Safe Return order and its amendments, Governor Reeves has combined all social distancing measures into one executive order to ensure understanding and keep people better informed. "I have always tried to stress the important balance of this time: we cannot allow our system to collapse, and we should not use the heavy-hand of government more than it is justified," said Governor Tate Reeves. "We have to tailor our actions to the current threat, and make sure that they do not go beyond what is reasonable." The Governor made the announcement at the press briefing, which can be viewed on the Tate Reeves Facebook Page. Under the new executive order, some social distancing restrictions have been eased as Mississippi's new COVD-19 case numbers continue to improve. A few of the relaxed restrictions include increasing attendance at outdoor K-12 extracurricular events such as football games to 50% of seating capacity, limiting group gatherings when you are unable to social distance to no more than 20 indoors and 100 outdoors, and requiring masks for schools and close contact businesses like salons and barbershops. The order is in effect until Wednesday, November 11 at 5:00 PM. You can view the text version of Executive Order No. 1525 here. Signed versions of all executive orders related to COVID-19 can be found on Governor Reeve's website at governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19.

As the seasons slowly change into autumn, the days get shorter, and deer become more active and visible on Mississippi roadways. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wishes to remind motorists to take precautions to avoid collisions with deer. “Mississippi averages over 3,700 reported deer-related crashes per year,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “Hitting a deer can be a very costly expense and sometimes it can cause a life-threatening accident.” In 2019, there were 4,058 reported deer-related crashes in Mississippi. However, the number of incidents could be as high as 22,000 according to one insurance industry analysis. “Deer are unpredictable, especially when frightened,” McGrath said. “Drivers should remain vigilant, avoid distractions and wear their seat belt.” Deer season is from October through January, but deer can run on or near roadways at any time of the year. Practicing safe driving and keeping these precautions in mind can help you get through this time of year accident-free. Don’t veer for deer. If a deer runs in front of a moving car, remain calm and brake firmly. Swerving can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, causing an even more serious accident. Deer are herd animals. Take extra caution for deer lingering around the same area. Remain vigilant when driving at dawn and dusk. About 20 percent of crashes occur in early morning, while more than half occur between 5 p.m. and midnight. Always buckle up for safety and drive at a safe speed. At night use high beams, when no traffic is approaching, to illuminate the eyes of deer near the road. Make sure both headlights and high beams are cleaned and aimed correctly. “No matter if a driver is traveling rural roads or busy highways, the threat of hitting a deer while driving is very real,” McGrath said.  “All motorists should take extra precautions during deer season to ensure their safety while traveling.” For additional travel safety tips, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms or follow @MississippiDOT on Twitter.

By Bob Arnold In junior high school at Wesson Attendance Center in the 1990s, a computerized vocational exam set Jessica Breazeale on the career path she has pursued since. Based on her answers to questions, it concluded she would be best suited for work in public relations. More than two decades later, Breazeale operates Jessica Breaseale Consulting (JBC), her own public relations organization based in Wesson with clients throughout the nation. Earlier this year, The Public Relations Association of Mississippi honored JBC's work with an Award of Excellence for "setting a new standard of excellence" among statewide organizations engaged in communications, public relations, marketing and media activities. In 2020, Breazeale was also the sole Mississippi public relations practitioner to receive the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) conferred by the Public Relations Society of America to certify exceptional professionals who complete a special project and successfully pass a rigorous examination. "I love what I do, and have never strayed from the career path that Wesson Attendance Center helped me identify," Breazeale says. The Wesson native says she loved growing up in a small town "where you can walk around freely and drive four-wheelers." She helped her family operate their local business -- the Wesson truck stop off the Interstate 55 exit -- learned dance and assisted other would-be dancers at Nena Smith Studios and enjoyed swimming in the local pool. Breazeale graduated from Wesson High School in 2000, where she was Homecoming Queen, and received an Associate's Degree in general studies at Co-Lin in 2003, where she was Miss Co-Lin, Colettes captain, a show choir member, Trailblazer and Diamond Doll. In 2006, she received her BS in public relations and theater from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). She received her Master's Degree in public relations from Northern Alabama in 2009, where she also met her husband, Ricky, an aspiring pastor. During her college years, Breazeale had a gig as a performer for Disney Cruise Line at Fort Canaveral, Florida, as singer, dancer and actress. At USM, she also got a taste of public relations work as an area recruiter in northern Mississippi and northern Alabama. Her "first real pr job," she relates, was in tobacco education for the Alabama Department of Health's Tobacco Free Alabama program. Breazeale returned with her husband from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Wesson to be near her parents ("my step father was seriously ill") after recruiting for USM's College of Business and College of Science and Technology in 2012-2013 and serving as an American Heart Association Heart Walk Director in 2013. She started building the freelance business that grew into JBC while working as public relations and marketing director at Brookhaven-based Reeds Metals from 2014-2017 and public affairs manager at Georgia Pacific at Monticello in 2018-2019. "It has been a weird time to start my own consulting firm in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemeic, but it's working," says Breazeale. JBC has ten to twelve clients that it serves on an ongoing basis, and several others it helps part-time in the digital marketing and advertising and public relations services it offers across the U.S. Among its clients are Thermaguard Industries in Zachery, Louisiana, Protec in Kentucky and Brookhaven-based Tree Extractors, Rushing Metals and Martin's Construction. Breazeale and her husband have one son, Walker, 9, in the fourth grade at Wesson Attendance Center, who enjoys playing baseball. What are your hobbies? I enjoy swimming. I like to travel -- to New York City and places I have never been, and on cruises. I am also active in community organizations -- Lincoln County Rotary, Wesson Chamber of Commerce, The Public Relations Association of Mississippi.. Are you a reader? I read Christian and spiritual literature. I am currently reading Joyce Myer's Unshakable Trust. Do you enjoy movies or theater? I would rather be in them than watch them. As a child, I dreamed of performing on Broadway. I enjoy the Netflix show, The 100. My favorite movie is Gone with the Wind. What kind of music do you like? I am into modern worship and Christian contemporary music. I also am a dancer. I was captain of the Colettes at Co-Lin and the Dixie Darlins' at Southern Mississippi. I danced with Disney Cruise Line and in theater shows. What would you do with lottery winnings if you were so lucky? I don't play the lottery, but if I did, any winnings would be tithed to the church. Then I would pay my bills and spend them on travel. How would you change the world? I would promote peace with one another!

By Bob Arnold In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wesson is projecting a five percent decline in revenues and a four percent decrease in its expenditures for the 2020-2021 fiscal year from its 2019-2020 budgeted revenues and expenses. With forecasted revenues of $1,133,757 and expenditures of 1,113,260 for the coming year, the town will continue to run a projected budget surplus of $20,496 -- down $14,801 or 42 percent. "It's an austere budget for tough times, but it entails no new taxes," Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw said. The town's budget encompasses revenues that pay for general government expenses, the police and street departments, Old School Community Center and public library; and revenues and expenses for the fire and water/sewer departments and water meters. In the budget for the coming year, Old School rentals showed the sharpest percentage forecasted decline from $10,000 to $1,000 (90 percent) and water/sewer revenue showed the largest dollar drop from $538,600 to $506,600 (a six percent slide) on projected declines from sewer charges to customers ($17,000 from $187,000) and metered water sales ($5,000 to $80,000). Other revenue dips included the motor vehicle tax levy (down $5,000 to $50,000), sales tax (down $5,000 to $155,000), fines and forfeitures (down $10,000 to $35,000). On the expenditures side of the budget, the street department enjoyed a $4,500 increase to $83,350 and fire department expenses were projected to remain the same as the previous fiscal year at $24,900 on stable revenues of $31,532. While general government expenditures showed a new $10,000 budget item for payment on an $80,000 bond for emergency cash, budgeted expenses for travel were slashed to $2,500 from $15,000. Budgeted expenses for the Old School Community Center and public library were cut from $38,500 to $24,700 and from $17,460 to $12,460 respectively. The police department sustained a small $2,500 budget cut to $279,000. Budgeted water/sewer department expenses were trimmed by $32,000 in accordance with an estimated six percent revenue decline. "The budget largely reflects the impact of the pandemic," Mayor Shaw pointed out. Reduced water/sewer usage by Co-Lin and Wesson Attendance Center due to closures and curtailed operations have had a major effect on town revenues. Sales tax revenues have just naturally decreased with declining levels of business at merchants and restaurants. The town also borrowed $80,000 through a bond issue that created a new debt obligation. "It could have been worse, but it still made a difference," Shaw concluded.

By guest columnist R. Shaw Furlow Well, folks, here we are again. Another month has come and gone and still no live performances. I miss the music, but I miss my friends as well. I have committed to do a show in Natchez at a small venue at the end of this month. It’s something I have to do for me. It’s been a while. With the world still reeling from the Coronavirus and two hurricanes, the future of live performances, as we knew them, is bleak. Broadway and professional regional theatres are still dark. Thousands of actors, writers, musicians, tech personnel, costumers, stage hands are all sitting at home hoping for an end. Bands with new music out should be on the road promoting the album. But they are at home as well. I recently read where the venerable soul band, Tower of Power, had to cancel a European tour for the first time. Legendary guitarist Al DiMeola is at home showing off his Italian roots in the kitchen. Some musicians have used this time to write and create new music. Pop superstar Taylor Swift dropped an album no one even knew she was recording. On the other side of the music business, young Brookhaven rapper and former Co-Lin Blue Wave Show Band member Kris Jamz took to his small, home studio and went to work producing several new tracks. I guess out of weirdness some normalcy is welcomed. Creativity comes from many sources. A friend of mine, who has pretty much quarantined as much as I, plays his guitar and writes songs every day. Tony Norton, one of the partners in the Downtown Music Academy, has used his time off to cook with his daughter. He also has done some wood carving, creating keepsakes for his friends. Recently, on my weekly day out of the house, I ran into local guitarist, former Co-Lin rock band Sojourner Kyle Graves, and I asked him about gigs. He has some venues where he plays solo shows and has been able to hold onto some of them, depending on the size of venue. “It’s not the same,” he told me, “ but it is something.” Ahh, youth. Virtual concerts are becoming quite prolific on the internet. Everyone from established stars like Jimmy Buffet and Vince Gill to members of the Chicago Symphony have placed music on Facebook and YouTube, all remotely recorded and carefully edited. I will cite some links at the end of this column. I highly recommend Eric Whitaker’s mass choir. Once again, the creative minds at the Brookhaven Regional Arts Guild (BRAG) have come up with a way to show their works during this long spell. "Landmarks and Landscapes" is their latest endeavor, a virtual art show that promotes the talents of guild members. Like other art shows, it was adjudicated and there were works for sale. Winners were selected and prizes were awarded. Although the voting is complete to honor particular show works, you can still catch many pieces on the "Landmarks and Landscapes" website. Visit its Facebook page for all the information that would be too much for this column. "We really had to get creative," local artist Derek Covington Smith, vice president of BRAG said. The latest BRAG venture follows its drive-through art show, which it hosted in a downtown Brookhaven parking lot a few months ago. The latest virtual project was a bit difficult to judge, Smith noted. “There were works for sale, like at an in person show," he said. "We are now looking for a venue that can handle our annual regional show in November. There will be well over a hundred entries from all over the southeast.” Here are some websites for some of the virtual shows. • https://youtu.be/D7o7BrlbaDs • https://youtu.be/P_QE0rbUB6Y • https://bragarts.weebly.com/#/ In these crazy times, when you can’t go out, these clips will have to suffice. Support the arts my friends. Artists want to work.

COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi As of Friday, September 18, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported 497 new COVID-19 cases and 12 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in our state to 92,432 and the total number of deaths to 2,792. Earlier this week, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers hosted a Facebook Live forum to answer various questions from the general public. The virtual event covered questions regarding COVID-19 testing, treatments, mask-mandates, contact tracing, and more. While state case numbers are on a consistent decline, it is still vital for every Mississippian to stay informed about the virus and make wise decisions that will assist in the effort of "flattening the curve." Click here to watch a recap of the MSDH COVID-19 Facebook Live event. Click here to view a map of COVID-19 cases. Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions Governor Reeves recently issued Executive Order 1522, which extends the social distancing measures under the Safe Return order with a few amendments relaxing COVID-19 restrictions. Under the amended Safe Return order: Group gathering limitations are now at no more than 10 indoors or 50 outdoors when social distancing is not possible. If people are able to social distance, group gatherings are set at no more than 20 indoors or 100 outdoors. Maximum capacity has also been increased to 75% for retail businesses, restaurants, gyms, and seated dinners at reception halls and conference centers. Party sizes in restaurants are now limited to 10 people per table, and gyms can be open 24 hours a day. Click here to read Executive Order 1522. First Round of Funds Released for Lost Wages Assistance Program The Mississippi Department of Employment Security processed the first round of payments for the federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. Some claimants may begin seeing their first payments by Saturday, September 19, 2020. MDES officials say benefits will be paid retroactively to eligible individuals based on available funding. Mississippians who are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 and are currently receiving a weekly unemployment benefit amount of $100 or more from one of the following programs will be eligible to receive an additional $300 a week in the LWA FEMA program: Unemployment Insurance (UI) Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Extended Benefits (EB) Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Claimants do not need to file a separate application to receive LWA. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) will make the LWA payments in the same manner as any payment from one of the above-listed programs payable for the week involved for all participating claimants. The $300 LWA payment is subject to both federal and state income taxes. Click here to learn more about the LWA program. Executive Orders Executive Order 1524Executive Order 1524 extends the September 15th budget deadline for 24 Gulf Coast and inland counties. Executive Order 1523Executive Order 1523 declares a State of Emergency for the State of Mississippi as a result of the impending impact of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Sally. Executive Order 1522Executive Order 1522 extends the Safe Return order with a few amendments aimed to relax restrictions. Click here to view all Executive Orders. Emergency Contact Information Office of the Governor of Mississippi Tate Reeves (601) 359-3150 governor@govreeves.ms.gov Mississippi State Department of Health (877) 978-6453 Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (601) 933-6362 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (800) 232-4636 Mississippi Department of Employment Security (601) 855-3133 1-888-844-3577 (toll-free) 1-888-772-0061 (toll-free)

Funding Includes $8.0 Million Dedicated to Vicksburg National Military Park & Natchez Trace Mississippi to receive $22.7 million in emergency relief funding to offset the costs for repairing and reconstructing federal roadways damaged by flooding and storms earlier this year. Among the five Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awards is $8.0 million to the National Park Service for the repair of road damages at Vicksburg National Military Park and Natchez Trace National Parkway.  Hyde-Smith, who serves on the appropriations committee overseeing the park service, visited the Military Park following mudslides and erosions in February that closed parts of the park. “The severe storms and flooding Mississippi experienced earlier this year claimed lives and caused significant damage to federal properties throughout the state.  Damage to the Vicksburg National Military Park, a historic and economic asset to Warren County, was particularly startling,” Hyde-Smith said.  “I’m pleased the U.S. Transportation Department has approved this emergency relief funding to address the costs of making necessary repairs to ensure public safety and commerce.” The five awards are linked to federal and state emergency disaster declarations issued for Mississippi following heavy rains and flooding in 2019 and 2020, including the February 2020 storms that caused the Pearl River to reach its third-highest crest on record.  One award is linked to severe weather and flooding in April 2020. The FHWA awards include: $12,952,530 – Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for February 2020 heavy rain and severe flooding damage repairs $8,000,000 – National Park Service for January 11 and February 14, 2020, heavy rain and flood damage repairs $1,044,692 – MDOT for February 2019 flood damage repairs $749,010 – MDOT for April 12, 2020, storms and flooding repairs $41,963 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for February 2019 flood damage repairs

Michael Watson of the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, represented by the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, joined the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and 29 other states in filing a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas alleging Metals.com and Barrick Capital Inc. defendants solicited $185 million from 1,600 seniors and other vulnerable investors nationwide, including over $350,000 in Mississippi, by touting precious metals at grossly inflated prices that were not disclosed. "They capitalized on investors' fear of market instability and took advantage of hard-working Mississippians," said Secretary of State Michael Watson. "Our investors suffered consequential losses from retirement savings, and it's only right that we take action. We're working closely with the Attorney General's Office to ensure the victims of this case receive justice, and we encourage all investors to thoroughly scrutinize and research any investment opportunity or offer." The complaint names Los Angeles, California-based companies TMTE Inc., also known as Metals.com, Chase Metals Inc., Chase Metals LLC, Barrick Capital Inc., along with Simon Batashvili, Lucas Asher, and Tower Equity LLC as defendants. The defendants are accused of using cold calling, television, radio, and social media advertisements designed to “instill fear in elderly and retirement-aged investors and build trust with investors based on representations of political or religious affinity.” Investors were advised to liquidate their holdings at registered investment firms to fund investments in precious metals bullion through self-directed individual retirement accounts and bullion coins, the complaint said. “This historic joint effort between the CFTC and 30 state regulators is an important step toward rooting out fraud across the country,” said CFTC Chairman Heath P. Tarbert. “This case highlights just how geographically broad commodities fraud can be in our rapidly-evolving financial markets and how important it is for regulators at all levels of government to work together to pursue bad actors and protect market participants.” The defendants also are accused of failing to disclose the markup Metals.com and Barrick charged investors for their precious metals bullion products, and that investors could lose the majority of their funds immediately upon completing a transaction. The defendants charged investors prices for gold or silver bullion averaging from 100% to more than 300% the melt value or spot price of that gold or silver bullion. In many cases, the market value of the precious metals sold to investors was substantially lower than the value of the securities and other retirement savings investors had liquidated to fund their purchase. “The defendants were preying on seniors and other vulnerable persons, grossly misrepresenting the value and likelihood of financial profit of the investments they were selling and scamming consumers out of their retirement savings,” said Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I appreciate the work of the Secretary of State in this matter, and we will continue to work together to protect the rights of Mississippi consumers.” The complaint requests that the Court order the defendants to cease sales activity, return money to investors, stop defrauding investors, and violating federal and state laws going forward. The complaint also requests that a receiver be appointed to take over the companies to marshal funds for the benefit of investors across the country. Metals.com and its agents have attempted to evade previous regulatory actions from 12 states by, among other tactics, changing its business name. Today’s coordinated state and federal action to put a stop to the company’s efforts to continue to prey on elderly investors is the result of a multi-state collaboration by members of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), of which the Secretary of State’s Office is a member, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Office of Cooperative Enforcement. If you suspect you have been targeted by similar precious metals investment schemes, please contact the Securities Division at (601) 359-1334.

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation announced the official end-date for eight (8) scratch-off games. Friday, October 30, 2020, will be the last day to purchase or sell the following games: Game #1 – 3 X Lucky Game #3 – Triple 777 Game #4 – $100,000 Jackpot Game #7 – Jewel 7’s Doubler Game #10 – Easy Money Game #13 – Double Doubler Game #21 – Crawfish Cash Game #23 - Crossword Players have until Thursday, January 28, 2021, 90 days, to redeem valid prizes for these games. The following games that were recently launched remain available for purchase. : - 3 X Lucky (Game #34) - Triple 777 (Game #36) - Double Doubler (Game #35) New games are introduced the first Tuesday of every month. For a complete listing of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation games, visit www.mslotteryhome.com. Prizes remaining for scratch-off games are updated each week!