JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson instructs anyone receiving packages of unsolicited seeds from China, or any foreign country, in recent days to immediately contact the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Bureau of Plant Industry by phoning (662) 325-3390. Those receiving the seeds are instructed to hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from MDAC’s Bureau of Plant Industry contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins. “We are aware that citizens in Mississippi, as well as other states, have received unsolicited packages of seed appearing to be from China over the last few days. We are working closely with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on this issue. If you have received these seeds, please call the Bureau of Plant Industry, and we will send an inspector to your location to pick up the seeds from you. Please don’t plant the seeds. I don’t want to scare people because there is no indication these seeds pose a danger to human health. But any foreign seeds can have a negative impact on our environment as a threat to plant and animal health, and to agriculture. Also, foreign seeds could carry fungi or pests which could cause great destruction to our native ecosystem. So, I can’t stress enough the importance of contacting our office regarding this matter. Your assistance will help us to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds into the country and protect against invasive pests and noxious weeds,” said Commissioner Gipson. At this time, the USDA does not have any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. That scam can involve many different random products, but foreign seeds could be an environmental threat. USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.

By Bob Arnold There's a lot of uncertainty as the beginning of a new school term at Wesson Attendance Center (WAC) nears on August 7. Will students return to classrooms, face distance learning alternatives or both? Will tentatively scheduled events on the normal school calendar happen as planned or even at all -- teachers meetings, parent and student orientations, yearbook photography, the ordering process for graduation invitations, rings and pictures; ceremonies, beauty pageants, special assemblies, testing, awards programs? Will sports teams compete, and will there be crowds on hand to watch them if they do? The only certainty now is that in some way school will start on August 7. But even if it starts one way, it may change as the school term unfolds. "There continues to be questions and concerns related to the reopening of schools in August," says Rickey Clopton, Copiah County School District Superintendent of Education. "While we are in the business of educating, our first priority is the safety of our students and our employees." Based on information-gathering from parents, employees, community members, administrators, state leaders, the Mississippi Department of Education and medical professionals, restart plans are in the works with safety procedures at the forefront, Clopton says. One of three scenarios will emerge by August 7: • A traditional plan, which Clopton says the School District would prefer. It would feature a relatively normal face-to-face classroom situation with increased safety precautions -- hand sanitizer and hand washing availability, cleaning of high frequency areas, limited visitation to campus that would facilitate transition to other kinds of school operations if required. Implementation of this place will be predicated on guidance from health officials and the Governor. • A virtual learning (full distance learning) plan in which students would not return to classrooms, but rather utilize distance learning materials. media and learning platforms. An executive order by the Governor to close schools would require this approach. • A hybrid plan combining distance learning and face-to-face instruction with increased safety and disinfecting measures. Limits to the number of people in groups and social distancing requirements would necessitate this approach. The District will maintain communications with parents through its web site (www.copiah.ms), related social media, regular mail and print and electronic media (i.e., Wesson News) on developing plans and actions required by parents and students related to transportation, acquisition of needed classroom supplies and other things required for a normal school situation or for distance learning platforms and materials under virtual learning or hybrid plans. One pressing need that will arise in the near future is registration of new and incoming students. Registration will be online this year for the first time, and parents and guardians will receive log-in information for accounts and instructions on completing back-to-school paperwork in the online format. All WAC students must reside within its district or have been released by their local school board and approved by the Copiah County School Board. Residency means a student resides full time, days and nights throughout the week and on weekends, at a place of abode within the limits of the school district. Students must reside full time at the address used for registration. Further, students must live with a natural parent or have legal documentation on file with WAC that they are under the guardianship of someone. For this year only, the Mississippi State Department of Education has waived the requirement that returning students who have not moved since the fall 2019 registration at WAC must provide new copies of residency documents. For those who have not moved, parents will sign an online form stating that they live in the same location. Students who have a new address and any new students must upload three proofs of residency (real estate documentation, utility bill or deposit receipt, official identification). Incoming students who did not attend WAC last year must also provide birth certificates, Social Security Cards, copies of Mississippi Immunization Form 121, final report cards from previous schools. Legal guardians will be required to provide additional documents. Assuming students return to a traditional classroom setting on August 7, several related events are tentatively scheduled to prepare parents, students and teachers for the year ahead: • Teachers return to WAC for a staff development program on August 3, 4, 5 and 6 that will orient them to their working environment, review their job landscape and expectations and give them direction to perform effectively. Faculty and staff will get their ID badges starting at 8 a.m. on August 3. • From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on August 4, parents and students will learn more about WAC. At an open house, students, parents and teachers will meet informally on the elementary school program and a Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) meeting will show parents how they can sustain their relationship with WAC throughout the school year. A special orientation for incoming seventh graders will also cover the transition for both students and their parents -- one with big changes, such as storing books in lockers and going to different classes and teachers when the bell rings. • Meet the Cobras on August 13 will introduce students to WAC's athletic program at the Old Gym. Players and coaches will make presentations in a rally-like atmosphere. SIDEBAR WAC staff and personnel are accessible by telephone, fax and email: • Principal Tommy Clopton. tommy.clopton@copiah.ms • High School Principal Dr. Barbara Roberson. barbara.roberson@copiah.ms • Elementary School Principal Marilyn Phillips. marilyn.phillips@copiah.ms • Guidance Counselor Stephanie Allen • Elementary Counselor Ginger Heard • High School Secretary Gwen Shannon • Elementary Secretary Aretha Butler • Nurse Michelle Berch • Bookkeeper/Secretary Paula Smith & Jacque McCormick (also Records Clerk) • High School telephone: (601) 643-2221/2222 • Elementary telephone: (601) 643-2295 • Fax: (601) 643-2458 or (601) 643-5838

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson announced the completion of the multi-million dollar renovation project to the Mississippi Coliseum five months ahead of schedule. The $2.2 million renovations included repairing and painting the floors and walls, installing new seating, and adding handrails and reflectors. The floors were equipped with an abrasive, slip-resistant paint to prevent falls and reflectors were specifically placed for the lighting of walkways. “I am excited to announce the early completion of renovations to the Coliseum on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds,” said Commerce Andy Gipson. “Initially, the renovation work was taking place in between scheduled events, but with event cancellations due to COVID-19, the contractors were able to complete the job five months early. I want to once again thank the Mississippi Legislature for their support that made these renovations possible.” The $2.2 million renovation began in October of 2019 and was to be completed in January of 2021. Renovations included repairing and painting the floors and walls, installing new seating, and adding handrails and reflectors. The floors were equipped with an abrasive, slip-resistant paint to prevent falls and reflectors were specifically placed for the lighting of walkways. Wier Boerner Allin Architecture designed the renovation project and Paul Jackson and Son, Inc. was the general contractor. This investment in the Coliseum provides new and safe aesthetics, conveniences and amenities that will attract new business and groups to the Mississippi Fairgrounds. The Mississippi Coliseum is attached to the new Trade Mart, which will make both facilities more marketable for hosting a wide array of events. The Mississippi Coliseum is the hub for several activities and events that take place on the Fairgrounds every year. It’s expansive arena floor of 25,449 square feet is complete with sound and lighting facilities and boasts of seating for 6,500 people at a time. “The safety and security of our guests is our top priority, and these repairs have been completed with that goal in mind,” said Michael Lasseter, acting director of the Mississippi Fairgrounds Complex. “Now, we are looking forward to getting back to business and once again hosting some of the state’s largest events, in a safe and engaging environment.” The Mississippi Legislature consolidated the Mississippi Fair Commission into the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce effective July 1, 2020. According to Commissioner Gipson, the Mississippi Fair Commission and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce have had a long, beneficial working relationship. “We have worked so closely together that most in the public and many in state government didn’t realize they have been separate agencies. I expect our strong mutual commitment to promoting agriculture, commerce and industry to continue as we move forward together,” said Commissioner Andy Gipson. Visit www.mdac.ms.gov/bureaus-departments/state-fairgrounds/ for more information.

On Friday, July 24, 2020, Governor Tate Reeves announced his amended Safe Return order, establishing additional measures on social gatherings and events to protect public health as COVID-19 cases rise across the state.  Closely monitoring data from the Mississippi State Department of Health and consulting with our state health experts, Governor Reeves signed a new executive order that amends previous restrictions on group gatherings and bars. The amended Safe Return order is in effect until 8:00 AM on Monday, August 3. "We are still in the middle of our most painful period of COVID-19 spread to date. We have to slow the spread to prevent our health care system from becoming overwhelmed," said Governor Tate Reeves at today's press briefing. "We’ve seen a tremendous amount of spread in young people. By far, the group driving these high numbers is people in their 20’s. I’ve been talking for about a week about wanting to do something to curb the spread among young, drunk, careless folks." To limit transmission across the state, the new social distancing measures include: Social gatherings are limited to 10 or less indoors and 20 or less outdoors. Bars can only sell alcohol to seated customers, and no alcohol can be sold at restaurants or bars after 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM. Previous social distancing measures, such as limiting to 50% capacity, updating floor plans to ensure 6 feet distance between groups, and limiting to 6 people per table, remain in effect. The Governor also announced that six additional counties were identified as hotspots within our state, adding the following counties to the county-specific executive order with tighter social distancing measures to help limit transmission: Calhoun, Holmes, Lamar, Montgomery, Winston, and Yalobusha Counties. Governor Reeves issued another executive order today to continue easing the burdens weighing on the thousands of Mississippians unemployed due to the pandemic. With some unemployment benefits set to end on July 25, the Governor has extended the suspension of work search requirements until August 8 and other unemployment benefits listed in the executive order until September 26.  The Governor made the announcements at today's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page here. You can view the text version of the new executive orders here: Executive Order No. 1510, Executive Order No. 1511, Executive Order No. 1512. Signed versions of all executive orders related to COVID-19 can be found on our website at governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19.

In order to accommodate busy parents gearing up for the new school year, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will host a one-stop curbside event for required school entry/registration forms. This special two-week event will allow parents to get a copy of their child’s Form 121 (shot record) if the child is up-to-date on vaccination requirements, as well as their birth certificate, at the same time and same place. Parents are asked to stay in their vehicle and call the designated number on the reserved parking sign. Please be aware that parking may be limited. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 27 – Friday, August 7 MSDH Office of Vital Records 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland (Off Highland Colony Parkway) During this event, the child’s Form 121 will be available for free if the child is up-to-date on vaccination requirements. Birth certificates will be available the same day for $17; each additional certified copy is $6. Mississippi state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases to enter public or private school, Head Start or daycare. There are also required vaccinations for first-time school entry in Mississippi as well as a requirement for 7th grade entry. Parents must provide the school with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) from their immunization provider prior to school entry. The child’s birth certificate is also required for school registration. Immunizations are available at county health departments by appointment. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

Many middle and high school students dream of pursuing careers that requires credentials of value beyond high school, but determining the pathway to a dream career can be a daunting task, especially to first-generation college students. Determining what degree is needed to enter the chosen career field, finding out which community colleges and universities offer the degree, understanding how to apply and, once accepted, how to pay for college can be overwhelming for students. A new, streamlined website aims to provide this information in a user-friendly format that is easy to navigate and easy to understand. The website, www.MyWayMS.org serves as a guide for students to find this information and much more. “The website helps prepare the workforce for Mississippi’s future,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “The website connects students and adults with their chosen careers by providing the information needed to obtain the skills, credentials and degrees needed to enter the field and Mississippi’s workforce.” Developed through a partnership between the Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid and Woodward Hines Education Foundation, the website is hosted by Mississippi State University. Representatives from each entity collaborated with Creative Distillery on the look and content of the site. “This new website contains tools to help students explore career options and take the necessary steps to prepare for college and the workforce,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. The website contains a wealth of information for middle and high school students, covering the gamut from the high school classes needed to be prepared for college, how to apply to the postsecondary school of their choice and how to apply for financial aid. For those already in college, the portal connects them to financial aid resources and information on jobs and internships. The website contains links to information about state Student Financial Aid, including the awards process and timeline, MAAPP—the online application, news and updates and frequently asked questions. Public, private, two-year, and four-year college students in Mississippi may be eligible for state aid.  Adults considering pursuing a degree or credential of value to enhance or change course on their career path can also use the website as a resource. Under the tab, MyWay Works, the website includes information on Adult Education Services, Apprenticeships, Get on the Grid, Getting to Work through MPB, MIBEST, and MS Works. “MyWayMS is a great one-stop tool for information on all things related to postsecondary access in Mississippi,” said Dr. Andrea Mayfield, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board.  “The website will help reduce barriers that some may face when it comes to navigating the process of applying for college, filling out financial aid information, and other steps related to enrolling in college. I am grateful to everyone involved who helped create the new site.”  The www.MyWayMS.org website takes the place of the former college access website, www.riseupms.com .

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph on Thursday ordered that masks be worn by everyone in all courtrooms in the state to protect against the spread of COVID-19. “Public safety was a concern of the drafters of our Constitution and remains a paramount concern today. As such, the Court continues to balance personal rights with the constitutional obligation to remain open and accessible,” the Chief Justice wrote in Emergency Administrative Order 14, issued  on July 23. The Chief Justice said in the order, “Throughout our Emergency Administrative Orders, the Court has recognized the necessity of balancing health risks presented by COVID-19 with the courts’ constitutional and statutory duty to remain open and accessible. In light of the overwhelming evidence, I find that modification of prior Emergency Administrative Orders is warranted. The aforementioned evidence, when coupled with the increasing transmission of the COVID-19 virus within this State, dictates that face coverings over the nose and mouth of all persons shall be required in every courtroom in this State, without exception, upon the entry of this Order.” The order said, “Courts are unlike businesses, e.g., shops, stores, restaurants, salons, or houses of worship, where one’s presence is a personal decision, voluntarily made. The presence of court personnel, including the judge, law clerks, court clerks, law enforcement, bailiffs, court reporters, counsel, parties, witnesses, jurors, and victims, is regularly required, and at times, they are in close proximity to each other. Others are commanded to attend court. While masks may be objectionable or pose a slight inconvenience to some, such inconvenience cannot prevent our courts from remaining open and accessible to all.” Emergency Administrative Order 14 is at this link: https://courts.ms.gov/appellatecourts/docket/sendPDF.php?f=700_506525.pdf&c=91465&a=N&s=2

The Mississippi National Guard is a ready and resilient force.  In an effort to maintain our readiness, we must complete training milestones to ensure we are prepared to respond at a moment's notice to any mission in support of our state and nation. The MSNG will host annual training at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center during the end of July through the month of August, hosting a total of approximately 7,000 troops on a rotational basis. "Mississippi is fortunate.  We are made up of talented men and women who are diversely qualified in our professions," said Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi.  "We are currently putting the right skillsets in place to assist with needs associated with COVID-19 testing, support to civil authorities during civil unrest, and support to MEMA [Mississippi Emergency Management Agency] during weather related events.  We train to be a ready force - ready to respond to missions in our communities, throughout our state, the nation and in missions overseas." The MSNG is implementing additional safety strategies to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 during annual training at Camp Shelby as well as readiness centers throughout the state.  Safety measures include daily screening of all personnel for temperature and potential symptoms of COVID-19.  Units are transitioning straight to a field-training environment to maintain social distancing while accomplishing essential annual training.  Increased hand washing stations or hand sanitizing stations are located at the entrances of buildings and high traffic areas. Units are increasing their cleaning regimen to ensure sanitation of high touch points such as restrooms and door handles in addition to their respective work areas.  Camp Shelby is ensuring proper protective equipment, such as facemasks, are worn in the garrison environment, including the Post Exchange and military clothing store.  Medical Command has an increased presence of support during this annual training season.  In the event that a Soldier presents symptoms of COVID-19, they will immediately be placed in a quarantine environment to minimize the threat of exposure to the remaining force. The MSNG is actively supporting the governor's COVID-19 Task Force and state agencies with testing site locations throughout the state.  The MSNG stands ready to respond to any mission in support of our state and nation to protect the citizens and the communities in which we serve.

An unpublished document prepared for the White House Coronavirus Task Force and obtained by the Center for Public Integrity suggests more than a dozen states should revert to more stringent protective measures, limiting social gatherings to 10 people or fewer, closing bars and gyms and asking residents to wear masks at all times. -The document, dated July 14, says 18 states are in the “red zone” for COVID-19 cases, meaning they had more than 100 new cases per 100,000 population last week. Eleven states are in the “red zone” for test positivity, meaning more than 10 percent of diagnostic test results came back positive. -It includes county-level data and reflects the insistence of the Trump administration that states and counties should take the lead in responding to the coronavirus. The document has been shared within the federal government but does not appear to be posted publicly. -“Why are we hiding this information from the American people? This should be published and updated every day," said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute -Dr. Deborah Birx, a leader of the task force, referenced an earlier version of what appears to be the same report. She said Arizona, California, Florida and Texas were among the states the task force was monitoring carefully and that “a series of other states” were also in the red zone and should consider limiting gatherings. -It’s clear some states are not following the task force’s advice. The document recommends that Georgia, in the red zone for both cases and test positivity, “mandate statewide wearing of cloth face coverings outside the home.” But Gov. Brian Kemp  signed an order Wednesday banning localities from requiring masks. For full data on your state, click here: https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19/ This article was originally published by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit newsroom based in Washington, D.C.

Governor Tate Reeves and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are launching the MEMA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program. Through Mississippi Legislature’s House Bill 1799 and Senate Bill 3047, MEMA was allocated $70,000,000 of CARES Act money to assist counties and municipalities with their COVID-19 expenses. Through FEMA’s COVID-19 Economic Disaster Declaration, counties and municipalities and specific nonprofits are eligible for public assistance. While FEMA reimburses 75% of those approved expenses, some entities struggle to meet the 25% match. Through the MEMA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program, the burden is now lifted from the counties and municipalities to provide that match. Not all COVID-19 expenses are eligible for federal reimbursement through FEMA; therefore SB 3047 details what other expenses can be covered by the CARES Act funds.  The allocation of funds from the Relief Program is based on the county or municipality’s population as listed in the 2010 U.S. Census. If a government entity’s costs are not entirely covered by FEMA’s reimbursement, MEMA will work with remaining CARES Act funds to help ensure a 100% reimbursement. The CARES Act funding application process will be open from August 3- October 15. Information on how to apply for CARES Act funding will be available by July 31 on MEMA’s website: www.msema.org. According to SB 3047, reimbursements must begin August 15. Monies must be obligated by November 30 or will be returned to the governor. Counties and municipalities can apply for public assistance through FEMA’s Grants Portal now by visiting https://grantee.fema.gov.

On Monday, July 13, 2020, First Lady Elee Reeves launched her 'Christmas at the Mansion' competition to honor frontline responders and other essential workers who have served throughout the pandemic by dedicating the Governor's Mansion holiday decorations to them. Committed to honoring the brave service of Mississippians throughout the COVID-19 crisis, First Lady Reeves' competition will spotlight the talent of Mississippi floral designers across the state submitting their designs for Christmas at the Mansion. "No one has stepped up during this pandemic quite like our frontline responders and essential workers. Their selfless dedication and sacrifice for their fellow Mississippians deserves to be recognized and celebrated," said First Lady Elee Reeves. "Together with a Mississippi floral designer, we can give back a little bit of the light and hope these brave men and women have given us with a beautiful Christmas celebration." Deadline for all submissions is July 31, 2020. Once the winner is selected, their holiday decorations for the Governor's Mansion must be completed by December 1, 2020. For those interested in featuring their talents and honoring our frontline workers at the Governor's Mansion this holiday season, please contact Ann Beard at ann.beard@govreeves.ms.gov or go to governorreeves.ms.gov/first-lady-elee-reeves for project specifications, buget, and more competition information.

Retro games are generally very affordable or even free when you download them from sites like Gamulator. This affects around 99% of the titles. But, 1% is special. This refers to rare games that are almost impossible to find, come in limited quantities or simply they were designed to be special. As you may know already, they are expensive, and below you can see 5 games that come at an extremely high price in the United States. 1. Stadium Events $41.000 Stadium Events is a rare and specific game. It was developed and released by Bandai in 1987 and the idea was to use a mat to control your character on the screen. This was developed for a Family Fun Fitness mat. But, in 1988 Nintendo bought the rights for the mat and the games and created their own franchise called WorldClass Track Meet. All the games and mats of the original brand were destroyed. Well, most of them were. The ones that still exist can be found today for a price of over $41.000. Of course, this includes a box that costs $10.000 separately. These games are almost impossible to find and it is believed that there are 2 of them available on the planet. 2. Air Raid $33.000 Air Raid is a game developed by Atari for their 2600 console back in 1982. It was developed by Men a Vision brand and according to them, only one game was developed properly. It was sold in 2010 for over $33.000 and became one of the most expensive titles on this list. The game is a classic shooting game where a player will shoot the opponents in the sky. Keep in mind that there is another game that is partially developed and it was sold for over $3000 in 2010. After that, we saw another game being sold for the highest amount mentioned here. 3. Nintendo Campus Challenge $20.000 Nintendo Campus Challenge was a series of games that were given to college students back in the 80 and 90s to play for 6 minutes and try to set the highest possible score. This was known as World Championships and after its competition, all the games were destroyed. Well, some aren’t and they can be found for a price of $20.000. They are very rare and only 1 is known to be available for now. Perhaps new ones will become available any time soon. 4. 1990 Nintendo World Champions $20.000 1990 Nintendo World Champions was a game used on the tour across the United States in the 90s. It involved 29 cities across the country and the idea was to allow for the players to complete and set the best possible scores. There are 2 main types of these games. They can be either gray or gold and the latter is the one you need. It can be sold for $20.000 while the gray version is available for around $8.000. Nintendo had 3 competitions of this kind in their history and each one provided impressive games that collectors love and must have. 5. The Red Sea Crossing $10.500 Red Sea Crossing is based on biblical situation and a player will control Moses in his efforts to pass the red sea while escaping from the enemies. In the game, a player will have to avoid various objects that Egyptians throw at him while crossing the red sea. The game was developed for Atari by Steve Stack and became one of the most expensive video games of all time, especially in the United States. An interesting fact is that the one copy we know about was purchased on a garage sale for less than $1. After 5 years it was sold for over $10.000 making this one of the rarest and the most expensive games on the list. Conclusion As we have mentioned at the beginning, these games are rare, special, and therefore expensive. In the best case scenario, you may see one in your lifetime or if you are really lucky you can find one forgotten somewhere. These games are expensive right now and they will increase their price even more until they become important pieces of history.