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Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he has asked leaders of Mississippi’s business community to chart a course for economic recovery and re-opening Mississippi’s economy. During this COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi has seen a nearly 9,000% increase in unemployment claims. Small businesses and their employees are struggling to stay afloat. The Governor's Commission for Economic Recovery will look at the impact on every industry, geographical region, and community and help the Governor transform our state's economy under these new conditions through tailored solutions. "We need Mississippians helping Mississippians. I have asked a trusted group of our state's top business minds to do just that. Under the 'Restart Mississippi' umbrella, they are going to develop a series of recommendations and goals for our new economy. They will study the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce and small businesses. And they will help us recover—day by day," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Governor has asked Joe Sanderson of Sanderson Farms, a longtime business leader in our state, to serve as the chairman of the effort. Joining Joe Sanderson, this commission will be comprised of leaders representing Mississippi’s different regions and industries. Bringing together large economic drivers and small business leaders, this private sector group will develop recommendations for state leaders on economic recovery to help Mississippi businesses and employees navigate our new economy. The commission will study the economic impact of COVID-19 on different industries, communities, and regions with one goal: develop a path forward to Restart Mississippi. The full list of members with biographies can be found atrestartms.ms.

COVID-19 spending bill gives an additional $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant to support families with child care options during this public health crisis On March 27, the President signed a $2 trillion emergency relief bill aimed at providing economic relief to the nation’s families, workers, and businesses. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will provide the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) with $6.3 billion in additional funding that will aid in the continuation of work protecting, supporting, and uplifting our vulnerable communities during this public health crisis. “President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help meet the needs of America’s most vulnerable during this time of crisis, including those who need assistance affording child care,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “As part of the President’s all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus, ACF is providing extra support for human services that Americans—including healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers—may rely on even more in this time of crisis.” The bill provides $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant. This funding will support states, territories, and tribes to provide assistance to child care providers in order to financially support them during the public health crisis. This additional funding can also help support healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers playing critical roles during this crisis. Funds will be released to state, territory, and tribal Child Care and Development Fund programs. “It is crucial that we continue our work in supporting our most vulnerable populations with the services they need to live their daily lives during this unprecedented time,” said ACF Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson. “Providing access to child care for individuals and communities who have been affected by the public health crisis is a priority of the Administration for Children and Families.” With this additional funding, the Administration for Children and Families continues to support services that strengthen and support families, individuals, youth and children to achieve their fullest potential during a public health crisis. Additional information about the Child Care and Development Block Grant specific to this public health crisis can be found on the Office of Child Care website. Quick Facts The CARES Act provides ACF with $6.3 billion in additional funding that will aid in the continuation of work protecting, supporting,and uplifting our vulnerable communities during this public health crisis. The bill provides $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant. This additional funding can also help support healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers playing critical roles during this crisis. Quotes “President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help meet the needs of America’s most vulnerable during this time of crisis, including those who need assistance affording child care." — HHS Secretary Alex Azar “As part of the President’s all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus, ACF is providing extra support for human services that Americans—including healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers—may rely on even more in this time of crisis.” — HHS Secretary Alex Azar “It is crucial that we continue our work in supporting our most vulnerable populations with the services they need to live their daily lives during this unprecedented time.” — ACF Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson “Providing access to child care for individuals and communities who have been affected by the public health crisis is a priority of the Administration for Children and Families.” — ACF Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson

Urged on by elected officials, emergency management and public health authorities across the state and Federal leadership, including the President, Governor Tate Reeves ordered Mississippi residents to stay at home until at least April 20 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) unless they are essential workers. The Governor's response reflected fears like those raised by Lincoln County Emergency Manager Clifford Galey last month, who voiced concerns that the numbers of those infected by the virus could grow in the area because people aren't taking the spread of the virus seriously enough. "We have to go to the grocery and the doctor and the bank, and have to get something to eat, but it's spreading rapidly and we need to be vigilant," Galey said. He said it's important to follow Mississippi State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on hand washing, social distancing and quarantines, and "not going anywhere that we don't need to go." Yet many Wesson residents were already staying at home and avoiding crowds where they are highly vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus, which can be spread in the air through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and land on the mouths or noses of other nearby people who inhale them into their lungs. Also, local businesses, organizations and institutions had already either halted activities and operations or were experiencing drastic slowdowns. Wesson Attendance Center had closed at least through April 17, in line with an earlier executive order issued by the Governor. The Town of Wesson cancelled its annual Easter celebration. Wesson Chamber of Commerce cancelled the annual Founders' Day festivities in April. The public library shut down. The Wesson Lions Club, American Legion Post and Masonic Lodge cancelled meetings. The Wesson Athletic Foundation indefinitely delayed its spring/ summer baseball/softball season for children and youth. Local churches started reaching parishioners online with Sunday worship and cancelled Bible studies and others activities. Wesson Baptist Church, among other congregations, is planning to hold its Easter service in its parking lot, with members sitting in their cars instead of pews. Under the Governor's executive order, the municipal park is still open for individuals, but not for group activities. Co-Lin, Wesson's largest employer, shifted its academic and adult education courses to the internet and developed a limited access delivery plan for its Career Technical Education programs, closed its daycare center and indefinitely suspended all events hosted by the college or meeting in a college facility, along with travel, golf course operations and high school equivalency testing. The National Junior College Athletic Association shut down its sports activities. The college told residential students not to return to campus following their spring break and to retrieve essential items from their residence halls. Another Time. . .Another Place and Mill Town Spa closed before the Governor's order, and Mill Town Mall closed when he issued his executive order. Local restaurants are now just offering takeout meals. Initially, Porches restaurant closed altogether, but reopened to serve takeouts. Dump's Barbeque and the 51 Diner, which had continued limited inside dining service with fewer customers, are now providing only takeout service under the Governor's executive order. The takeout only ice cream parlor across from the municipal park remains open. Ace Hardware proprietor Tim Sutton said he didn't particularly like benefitting from a pandemic as an essential business, but his customers are apparently working on long-delayed projects while ensconced in their homes to social distance themselves from others. At other retailers considered essential because of their gas and/or food sales, business was off. At the Dollar General and Family Dollar stores, customers are coming in the morning and late afternoon to stock up on food and other necessities, but business is slow during other hours. At convenience stores -- Ashley's 51, Shop 'N Wash, East End -- "business is like a Saturday afternoon -- our worst time," Jared Ashley at Ashley's 51 reported. At the former API building, metal fabricating work continued as an essential business, with Steel Outdoors consumer sales down and Alpha Machine & Welding's industrial sales remaining steady. The Governor's statewide stay-at-home executive encompasses the following guidelines: • Individuals are to stay at home except for limited exceptions -- working for an essential business, going out to buy food, gas, and necessary supplies; buying food and necessities for someone who can't get out of the house; running, walking or exercising alone. • When outside of their homes, people must follow social distancing guidelines by maintaining a 6-foot distance from others and avoid groups of 10 or more. • Evictions are suspended, although people are still required to pay any rent or make any mortgage payments. • All nonessential businesses are to stop all activities other than those necessary for minimum operations (e.g. payroll, health insurance, security) and enable employees to work from home. • Social and other non-essential gatherings in groups of more than 10 people must be cancelled or rescheduled. • Restaurants and bars may only remain open for drive-thru, curbside, and/ or delivery service. So far, the town has stayed healthy, Dr. Stephen Liverman said. He has been screening possible COVID-19 cases among his local patients by telephone and setting appointments at intervals so his waiting room is not crowded. "I have heard from many people who 'think' they have been infected by the coronavirus, but have not had to refer anyone to be tested so far," he said. Are all the precautions necessary? Yes, Liverman affirmed. The virus can cause a severe lung infection, and the seemingly "draconian" response to stop its spread is warranted.

A federal grant is allowing the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Mississippi State University (MSU) to offer training focused on youth suicide prevention, and crucially making it available online to be accessed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since last year, The Alliance Project training has taught thousands of parents and caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and others in Mississippi on how to identify when a person is in distress, make a connection with that person, and learn how to help them. A special edition of this training, created by MSU Department of Psychology staff, is now available online, allowing access when so many people and professions are practicing social distancing to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. “This training is designed to help you learn how to reach out to those who need help despite our need to keep a distance,” said Rachel-Clair Franklin, LPC-S, with the MSU Department of Psychology.  “We have tailored our normal, in-person training to fit the unique times we are living in.” The training is the result of the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant made available in 2019 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The grant called for recipients to utilize a gatekeeper training for suicide prevention. Gatekeepers are anyone who can “open the gate” to help another person find support and services.  MSU is acting as a subgrantee to provide The Alliance Project gatekeeper training. “Gatekeepers include family members, friends, acquaintances, partners, members of the community – anyone who can help and support another person,” said Ja’Quila Newsome, Director of Suicide Prevention at DMH.  “We are all gatekeepers and we play an important role in preventing suicide just by recognizing the signs and responding to them immediately.” Common warning signs of suicide include talking, thinking, or writing about suicide, talking about feeling worthless or hopeless, a loss of interest in activities one usually enjoys, or other significant changes in someone’s typical behavior.  In Mississippi, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 10-24 years old. The training is now online and available on YouTube on the page of Dr. Michael Nadorff, with the MSU Department of Psychology, and on the DMH Facebook page.  It is titled “The Alliance Project Training: Suicide Prevention During COVID-19.” “During this time, I think so many of us want to know how to help and still stay safe,” Dr. Nadorff said.  “The good news is that research tells us even just small interventions, like checking in with someone and expressing our concern, can have a huge impact.” Dr. Nadorff also noted that even during the current pandemic, a term often used – social distancing – does not really mean that people can’t be social with their friends and families. “Social distancing does not mean we should be disconnected,” he said.  “This is a great time to reach out to your friends and loved ones, particularly those who may be struggling, as they may not reach out to you otherwise.” His colleagues, Dr. Emily Stafford and Rachel-Clair Franklin, LPC-S, said that it is important for people to check on those they love during stressful times, and that it is also okay for people to reach out for help if they are struggling. “The support numbers are still there, and many providers are now providing telehealth,” Franklin said.  “Help is still available.” The Alliance Project training can be found directly at https://youtu.be/pRKecOce7AA. It is also available on the DMH Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dmhmississippi. Help is Available The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990, and you may text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The Crisis Text Line can connect someone with a crisis counselor by texting HOME to 741741.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). The DMH Helpline will remain staffed at all times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call 1-877-210-8513 for information about services or supports near you. Additional resources for Mississippians are located  www.mentalhealthms.com.  and www.standupms.org.

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 least thirty new jobs are coming to southwest Mississippi in Brookhaven's Lindbrook Industrial Park in a major expansion of an Iowa-based electrical components manufacturer, and Co-Lin will make sure trained workers are available to fill them. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced that Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company (KEMC), based in Des Moines, is locating new production facilities in Brookhaven, which will require primarily skilled electrical technicians to produce parts for power generating facilities. "We are working with Co-Lin to make sure the workers we need for our manufacturing operations have the skills they need," Fred Buie, president and owner of KEMC said. "We're working with the college to provide training to workers we hire." Reeves said Keystone is one of a growing number of manufacturing companies that recognize Mississippi as a quality location with skilled labor for their operations. The Governor thanked Co-Lin, the Mississippi Development Authority, Lincoln County-Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Electric Power Association, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors, Brookhaven Mayor Joe Cox and the town's aldermen for the cooperative effort to bring Keystone to southwest Mississippi. Brookhaven Mayor Joe Cox noted the cooperation of the city, Lincoln County and local agencies in development of Lindbrook Industrial Park and construction of a 54,000 square foot spec industrial building there to lure employers to the area. Keystone, which is buying the spec building for its operations, decided to locate here as a result of this strategy, he said. "Don't be surprised if we continue to support future industrial development along the same lines," Cox added Lincoln County Board of Supervisors President Ed Brown also lauded Lincoln County-Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Garrick Combs for his leadership in the area's industrial development. Keystone's Buie, a Brookhaven native, and a graduate of Brookhaven High School and Mississippi State University, said his company produces "the brains for the electrical power grid." "Our products monitor demands on the grid and protect it from overloading," he explained. "They also control output of wind farms, based on determination of power demand on wind turbines." Buie said the Keystone Des Moines operation employs 90 persons, but Brookhaven will be the focus of ongoing expansion, with the facility in Lindbrook Industrial Park initially requiring at least thirty workers, possibly more, including the electrical technicians to be trained by Co-Lin, an electrical engineer and designer. "We decided to expand in early January, plan to start hiring during the second week of March and address building needs at the industrial park by March 31," Buie said. Buie said Keystone seeks to be a good corporate citizen, with a particular emphasis on giving its employees the opportunity to succeed in an environment designed to encourage success. "I am giving back to my hometown, where I started on my career journey," he explained. As a student working at a local mobile homes dealer, he decided to study industrial engineering towards becoming a plant manager -- a "dream job I landed at General Electric when I was relatively young." At 35 years old, realizing he had a long work life ahead, Buie decided to find his own company to run, and purchased Keystone twenty-two years ago. "Now I am coming back to Brookhaven," Buie said.

JACKSON— Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced his request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government has been approved. The declaration makes available additional federal assets and resources to aid Mississippi's COVID-19 response. Governor Reeves sent a letter to President Trump on April 1 requesting the disaster declaration. "I'm truly grateful for President Trump approving Mississippi's request to support our people and ease the burden of COVID-19. These resources will reinforce our ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus and help us emerge stronger than ever. Our continued partnership and collaboration with the Trump Administration will be critical as we deploy every resource available to protect the health and well-being of all Mississippians," said Governor Tate Reeves. Public assistance is now available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas across Mississippi impacted by COVID-19 beginning on January 20, 2020. The disaster declaration will provide Mississippians access to expanded mental healthcare, supplement the efforts of tribal healthcare workers, provide grants to reduce the risk of loss of life or property during future emergencies, make available legal assistance to low-income Mississippians, expand food assistance and other services to low-income households impacted by COVID-19, and more.

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson encourages the public to stay informed on the latest news and resources in agriculture by reading the Mississippi Market Bulletin. The Mississippi Market Bulletin, published by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, serves as a source to buy direct from a farmer, as well as a source to find items needed for both small and large farms, both small and large, gardens and homesteads. “As we ‘Shelter in Place’ to slow down the spread of COVID-19, I can think of nothing better to do than take a few minutes to read the latest edition of the Mississippi Market Bulletin,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This newspaper has gained the reputation as being the #1 agriculture trade publication in the state for farmers, ranchers and landowners over the last ninety years.” Commissioner Gipson continued, “The Bulletin is not just for farmers, but anyone interested in connecting to agriculture, horticulture or the outdoors. You can find a list of local farmers markets, or buy supplies for a home Victory Garden, or buy direct from Mississippi farmers. Whether you want to diversify your family’s food supply or want to do some healthy, outdoors social distancing, now is the time to explore the Mississippi Market Bulletin.” The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has published the Mississippi Market Bulletin twice every month since 1928. Issues feature an agricultural commodity and provides a listing of farmers markets; agricultural events; livestock and equipment auctions; farm market prices; livestock shows and sales; and informative and educational information, along with agricultural news articles and recipes. The Mississippi Market Bulletin has over 32,000 subscribers, allowing all in-state subscribers the opportunity to run two free advertisements per issue. Each issue contains between 2,000-3,000 agricultural advertisements in over 165 categories including machinery and equipment, crops, livestock, farm property, hunting accessories and much more. Subscriptions are only $10 per year for in-state residents and $15 per year for out-of-state residents. Visit msmarketbulletin.org for more information, to view free past Mississippi Market Bulletin editions, and become a subscriber. Click https://youtu.be/fxplPCIJJNU to view Commissioner Gipson’s entire message.

By guest columnist R. Shaw Furlow Just in case you didn’t know, you can watch Co-Lin sports events on television from the comfort of your home or at work by opening a link on your computer or cellular device. Co-Lin on television! When I was a student, we were proud when a group of students got a little, low watt radio station up and running. Co-Lin exemplifies how television has changed over the years, and the local colleges has been on the cutting edge of streaming their sporting events. If you can’t make it to the stadium or the gym, you can watch every play or turn-over on Co-Lin’s live stream. To say television has changed is an understatement? When I was a kid, we had three networks, which provided news, entertainment and sports, much like they do today. On Saturday afternoon, the family sat around the TV and watched the Baseball Game of the Week. Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reece did the play-by-play and set the example for many sports announcers who followed. The game of the week. One game and occasionally, a double header. Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley and David Brinkley brought us the news each evening. One of the dreadful reports brought to us each day was the body count from the war in Vietnam. But we trusted Cronkite and the others to keep us informed. Public Broadcasting was one of the first changes, bringing new types of television. Educational programs like "Sesame Street," orchestral concerts and operas from Lincoln Center in New York City and, of course, Julia Child and Justin Wilson. All different from the three commercial broadcast networks. I remember the conversations we all had about “pay tv.” Why would we pay for what we can have for free? Little did we know. Cable tv came along, and with it FOX. It started with limited content and was not available in every home. But cable grew, becoming available in every neighborhood, subdivisions and apartment complexes. On their signs, hotels advertised they had free HBO to entice visitors to stop. With cable came relaxed standards. After all, you subscribed. No one made you do it. Family television rapidly gave way to series like the "Sopranos," which opened our eyes to the dark side of the mafia. The scripts were violent, the dialogue was full of profanity, and there was nudity. Everything changed with satellites and the internet. What you could watch proliferated. No more were there standard shows everyone watched. Program content narrowed for specific demographics. Even the television set itself changed. Today, we watch our "television" shows on our telephones. I remember asking my Co-Lin Music Appreciation classes if they saw last night's episode of "24" or the Grammy Awards show, and no one was watching them, or even a television set for that matter. I repeated that question each semester and got the same response. I was flabbergasted at first, but then came to expect it. They were playing video games -- another new kind of "television program" on a television-like device or a television modified for interactive play -- when they should have been watching REAL tv. “Remember when late night tv was funny?” I hear that all the time from victims of demographic-focused programming. My mother said: “I just don’t get Conan O’Brien.” Now, mom was well into her 70s and way out of Conan’s demographic. I explained that his humor was not intended for her, but rather "thirty-something’s." “Well, that explains a lot,” she said. "Saturday Night Live" was funny to me during my mid 20s to mid 40s. Today, I find some of it slightly amusing and I rarely know the musical guest. I’m not in the demographic. To attract younger viewers, venerable morning news shows, like "Today" and "Good Morning America," have introduced us to many new younger reporters. The awards shows are geared toward younger viewers. It doesn’t bother me. I had my time. Not only can you watch tv on your cellular device, but you can produce your own show and stream it to all your friends and followers, and if you are really lucky, you can become an internet influencer, whatever that is. My friend and sometime music partner Charlie Hewitt streams many live music shows in our area. With his phone and Facebook, he brings performances to your computer or phone. Charlie and I, in fact, have delved into the streaming world ourselves with a Facebook show, "Two Old Men on the Shadyside Porch" totally streamed from our IPhones. My show, "Music from the Shadyside," was recorded with very professional equipment, but streamed on both Facebook and YouTube. I highly recommend both shows "YouTube." The name reflects how far television has come. Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ed Sheehan and Charlie Puth all started on YouTube. You don’t know these names? Demographics. There’s that word again. Now there is Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, and a dozen others. What’s next? Maybe cable goes the way of Blockbuster? That’s it for now friends. You have to look for it, but there is tv worth watching. Until next time, support the arts.

Relay for Life (RFL), the American Cancer Society's (ACS) major fundraising event that has taken place annually in local communities across the nation since 1985, is coming to Wesson this year. Co-Lin will host the event sponsored by ACS of Lincoln and Copiah Counties on April 25 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Last year, the event was held at Lincoln Civic Center in Brookhaven. "We are excited about our move to the Co-Lin campus in Wesson," Stacie Cross, community development manager for the area ACS, told an Institute for Learning in Retirement luncheon. The Relay is one of ACS's most visible activities, and teams are already organizing in Copiah and Lincoln Counties to raise funds in connection with the event. "Over thirty years, RFL has generated some $6.5 billion, which the Society spends on cancer research that is not entirely understood and other services largely unknown to the public," Cross said. Cross focused on that research and those services: Research results, including new screening technologies to detect cancers early, new drugs and advances in treatments of cancers unique to women. "ACS has directed some $4.9 billion in grants to cutting edge research that resulted in 49 Nobel Prize awards," Cross pointed out. A 24/7 800-number (800-227-2345) where cancer patients and their caregivers can learn about what to expect as they pursue treatments, be reassured, connect with volunteers for rides to physicians offices and clinics and obtain other kinds of assistance. Lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers during treatments. "ACS has its own apartment complexes -- Hope Lodge -- and has arrangements with hotels and motels," Cross said. "It's free for the length of the treatment period -- days, weeks or months. It allows patients to keep their homes if they must spend extended time away." A Hope Lodge which opened in Jackson last year is currently 60 percent occupied. Travel grants. Insurance and resource assistance. A wig bank for patients who experience hair loss due to chemotherapy. A wide-ranging network of volunteers, who are thoroughly trained to provide services, and understand what ACS offers to patients and caregivers. Blood. Cancer patients need one-third of the stored blood supply, and ACS partners with the American Red Cross on blood drives to make sure it's there for them. "Under new leadership, ACS is taking an increasingly business-like approach to its work," Cross concluded. "We now seek out donations for things for which we used to pay. Training for employees and volunteers is extensive." As result, the Society, which once spent only 65 cents of every dollar on its mission, now is spending 79 cents, with the goal of increasing it to 85 cents, Cross said.

Don't be surprised if you're meeting more people from who live outside the immediate area in Mississippi and even outside the state. It's happening in Lincoln County because there's more money to spend on tourism. Over the past year and a half, funding of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce (BLCC) Tourism Council from the two percent hotel-motel tax has tripled from annual receipts of $5,000 to $6,000. "We joke that 'we must be doing something right for a change,'" says BLCC Executive Director Garrick Combs says. But in fact BLCC, with its committees and the Tourism Council, has been working steadily in recent years, particularly since funds started flowing from the hotel-motel tax four years ago, to make its own events bigger and better and help locals grow and create other events to bring visitors to the area. The work is bearing fruit. In January, BLCC co-sponsored Brookhaven Little Theater's fourth annual "Mozart by Candlelight" performance of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. BLCC has also been an important supporter and promoter of the current BLT season, including “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical,” in October, “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” in December, “The Diary of Anne Frank” last month, and upcoming productions of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical” in April and May and workshop performances of “Disney’s High School Musical Jr.” and “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids” by BLTeens and The Haven Kids in June and July. Last month, BLCC again hosted Downtown Jazzed Up, its fourth annual Mardi Gras celebration in downtown Brookhaven from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring a second-line parade, a Cajun cook off and street party. On Mardi Gras party day starting at 7 a.m., BLCC also co-sponsored the first of five run/walk events in the Ole Brook Run Series -- "Cupid Shuffle," with a 5K run/walk, 10K run and one-mile kids run to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. BLCC will also support the Defining Moment Event charity runs on May 23 ("Run to Remember"), July 18 ("Splash Dash"), October 24 ("Trick or Treat Trot") and December 5 ("Run, Run Rudolph") for the Wounded Warriors Projects, a school kits program and Toys for Tots. BLCC hosted "Brookhaven Day" in the state capitol rotunda at Jackson on February 27, featuring an ice cream social and visits from government officials. Locals making also had opportunities to visit their legislative representatives and personnel at state agencies. Last week, BLCC registered bikers for the Red Bluff Gran Fondo 100-mile plus ride in Lawrence County and hosted a Meet and Greet featuring retired pro bike riders. Long-standing BLCC events are: Miss Hospitality interviews for young women 18 to 24 years old for the state pageant. Girls Night Out in June to bring shoppers to downtown Brookhaven. The Ole Brook Festival, AM outdoor bazaar in Brookhaven with fleas, arts and crafts, food vendors and entertainment on October 3. The Brookhaven Christmas parade on December 3. BLCC also promotes: The Goin' to Town Car Show held March 7 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Fielder's Pro Shop event brought more than 270 vehicles to downtown Brookhaven last year. Hogwild Barbeque Festival sponsored by volunteer fire fighters on May 22 and 23, with cook off contests for adults and kids, as well as meals for visitors. A Farmers Market coordinated by the Agricultural Extension Service in Railroad Park in downtown Brookhaven from May through August and into the autumn months. The Spring Fest, a country fair with a rides, and displays and vendors at Lincoln County Civic Center. The Wildlife Expo August 24 and 25 at Lincoln County Civic Center that showcases hunting, fishing and outdoors products. In recent years, the area music scene has been recognized for its talent, and BLCC has supported: A summer concert series during May, June and July, with bands providing music for street dancing in downtown Brookhaven. Brookstock, a three-day rock festival in July bringing together long-time and young musicians, including performers who continued their careers elsewhere after starting them in the area and others who stayed here. Overbrook Songwriters Festival, an event that brings together composers-performers of popular and country music mostly from outside the area to share their art with locals in area restaurants/bars. Music in Trinity Park, an outdoor lunch time concert series in the Trinity Episcopal Church park produced by Wesson News columnist and local arts promoter Shaw Furlow during April and October.

Wesson’s Youth Garden Club -- the Butterbeans -- learned how to properly plant trees and shrubs and pot bulbs in an Arbor Day celebration last month at Wesson’s Splash Park and pavilion. The Butterbeans, including third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, planted six trees -- red buds, a flowering crabapple and sweet olive -- and forsythia and spirea shrubs. Two of the trees, which will be dedicated in the near future, memorialize Belle Cowen and Dottie Mercier, recently deceased Wesson residents who were active members of the Wesson Garden Club. After their gardening experience, the Butterbeans enjoyed refreshments and a story time at Dumps BBQ Restaurant. Wesson Garden Club members talked to the group about the importance of trees in the environment and the many products made from trees. In a reading of Celebrations in My World: Arbor Day by Lynn Peppas, the Butterbeans learned that Arbor Day was first celebrated in the United States in Nebraska in 1854, was founded by American Julius Sterling Morton and spread to other states and countries around the world. Children participating in the celebration took home bulbs to plant at their homes and received wooden hearts to decorate and give to a love one for Valentine's Day. Garden Club members involved in the Arbor Day celebration were Beverly King, Pam Owens, Jennifer Peets, Debbie Smith, Lisa Smith, Nancy Sullivan and Dixie Thornton. The Town of Wesson’s Public Works Department dug the holes for the trees in the park and a Lowe’s Community Partner Grant helped make it possible for the Club to purchase materials.