Special to Wesson News The Dr. William R. and Camille B. Smith STEM Scholarship was recently established with the Co-Lin College Foundation. On hand for the presentation were (from left) Camille Smith, Dr. William Smith, and Co-Lin Foundation Executive Director Angela Furr. Dr. William R. and Camille B. Smith have endowed a STEM Scholarship in their with the Co-Lin College Foundation to benefit a student who is majoring in pre-med or a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) related field, with priority given to a student with financial need. Smith, a Wesson native, attended both Co-Lin High School and the college, where he was named to the student Hall of Fame in 1974. He attended Millsaps College and graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1979. He had a brief stint in private practice in Texas, but returned to Mississippi to join the internal medicine staff at the Jackson Veterans Administration Medical Center in 1983, where he was awarded the title of Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He was promoted to assistant professor of medicine at UMMC, and went on to practice Nephrology at Central Nephrology Clinic, serving St. Dominic Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 2016. Smith is married to Camille Brock Nelson and they have four children -- Mark, Desiree, Diana, and Mary-Emma.  He also has three stepchildren, Benjamin, AnnaLyn and Leslie, and 11 grandchildren. Contributions to the Dr. William R. and Camille B. Smith STEM Scholarship, or any other scholarship, can be mailed to the Co-Lin Foundation at P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, or made online at https://www.colin.edu/alumni-foundation/give-now/ .

By Bob Garver    Poster credit IMDB All the way back in 2009, director James Cameron introduced the world to the planet Pandora and the Na’vi race in “Avatar.” The film soon set the record for all-time highest grossing movie at both the domestic and international box offices (it still holds the record for the latter). Sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water” came out in 2022 and made its way onto the top 10 on both lists. Can three years’ worth of inflation help third installment “Fire and Ash” help the franchise reach new heights? I’d be happy if it did. The film once again follows the Sully family: human-turned-Na’vi Jake (Sam Worthington), native wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), impulsive son Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), daughter Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), adopted daughter Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), and adopted human son Spider (Jack Champion). Kiri is the biological daughter of ally Grace Augustine (also Weaver) and Spider is the biological son of villainous human-turned-Na’vi Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), still tasked with removing the threat the Sullys pose to the human colonization of Pandora. The new film sees the family try to send Spider off to live with a tribe of “air traders,” as the planet’s air is not safe for him at the surface level, though it might be at the traders’ altitude. But the traders are attacked, and Spider captured, by the fire-themed Mangkwan tribe, led by the fearsome Varang (Oona Chaplin). The Sullys go to rescue Spider from the Mangkwan, only to be ambushed by the unit led by Quaritch, who prioritizes saving his son. Spider is saved by the Sullys, while Varang and Quaritch come to respect each other in the ensuing battle. Following the battle, it is discovered that there is a way for Spider to breathe the planet’s air after all, if he interacts with certain wildlife. This is great for Spider, but bad for the Na’vi. The breathability of Pandora’s air is one of the few advantages they have in the war with the invading humans. If the secret were to fall into the wrong hands, it could doom them all. Jake and Neytiri, who isn’t crazy about humans like Spider in the first place, debate bringing a permanent end to the secret and its host. Meanwhile, Quaritch and Varang form an alliance, the first official one between the colonizing humans and the Na’vi. We get another big showdown between Na’vi and the humans at the movie’s end, but this time the villains have some Na’vi on their side that can both ride the planet’s wild creatures and use human weapons like guns, courtesy of Quaritch. The story is a mess, especially as the Sullys splinter off for their own subplots like Lo’ak wanting to save a race of whale-like sea creatures or Kiri having an identity crisis after learning the truth about her parentage (and yes, it is distracting that 70-something Weaver is playing a teenager, a discrepancy that even Cameron’s special effects can’t hide). The final battle is particularly hard to follow, with characters seemingly killed at every turn only to dust themselves off and throw themselves back into the action minutes later. The only interesting decision the movie makes from a writing perspective is the alliance between Quaritch and Varang, scene-stealing characters whose personalities are sidelined once the action picks up. But it matters little that “Avatar: Fire and Ash” doesn’t have an award-worthy script to justify its obscene price tag. James Cameron is still King of the World when it comes to visual spectacle. Every time I thought I was done being impressed by the look of Pandora, the movie found a way to blow my mind again. That is what this movie offers and that is what these movies have always offered. I can understand if audiences aren’t ready to spend another three heavy-handed hours in this world a mere three years after the last movie, but I was ready and I had a blast. Grade: B “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, bloody images, some strong language, thematic elements and suggestive material. Its running time is 197 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News   Through the end of December, the Copiah County Medical Center (CCMC) Cares Foundation is raising funds for its Copiah County Endowment towards creating lasting change in the community.   CCMC Cares Foundation is seeking funds to make three impacts by providing:   Medication expenses for people who can’t afford them. Food for families facing food insecurity. Assistance to families who have experienced devasting events, such as a house fire.   The goal of fundraising campaign is $5,000.  It runs until December 31.  For information, contact Kristi Carney at CCMC Cares Foundation.   “Your contributions help the underserved in Copiah County,” says Carney.  “Every dollar raised is a step toward a better community,”   CCMC Care Foundation also raises funds through an annual Gala and the Boil for a Cause Shrimp Dinner.  “They’re a chance for our community to rally together,” says Carney.  “Participate, contribute and be a vital part of our mission.  Help us continue providing vital resources and program that make a direct impact on the lives of Copiah County residents.

Dr. James Watson, State Veterinarian, issues a certificate of veterinary inspection to Santa Claus, permitting his reindeer to enter and exit the state of Mississippi on Christmas Eve, December 24. The Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH) has approved a certificate of veterinary inspection for Santa Claus of the North Pole, authorizing his famous reindeer to enter Mississippi on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, for a holiday delivery run. "I am happy to announce that Santa's reindeer have officially been cleared for their annual Christmas Eve visit by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health," said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. "It's always a pleasure to welcome Santa and his reindeer to the Magnolia State and I encourage all children to be tucked in early so Santa can deliver his gifts without delay." Dr. James Watson, State Veterinarian with MBAH, examined all nine members of Santa's reindeer team and confirmed they are healthy, happy and fit for their long night of work. With all the necessary requirements met, Dr. Watson issued the special certification allowing the sleigh and its crew to make their stops across Mississippi. Copy of Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. "Safeguarding the health of Mississippi's livestock and poultry is our top priority," said Dr. Watson. "With that responsibility in mind, we are happy to confirm that Santa Claus and his reindeer have satisfied all necessary health requirements to enter the state and spread Christmas cheer to the boys and girls on the nice list." The MBAH encourages families to leave refreshments out for Santa, as well as a snack for his hardworking reindeer on Christmas Eve night. The Board of Animal Health was created by the Mississippi Legislature and given plenary power to deal with all contagious and infectious diseases of animals as in the opinion of the board may be prevented, controlled, or eradicated, and with full power to make, promulgate, and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to control, eradicate and prevent those diseases. Commissioner Andy Gipson serves as a board member for the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, which works closely with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and is housed inside the MDAC headquarters building in Jackson. Visit  www.mbah.ms.gov  to learn more.

By Guest Columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid   The holiday season brings excitement, traditions, and moments of joy, but it can also bring stress, busy schedules, financial pressure, and expectations that feel overwhelming.  During December, many families in Wesson are balancing celebrations with concerns about health, wellness and emotional well-being.   The good news is that with intention and simple habits, you can enjoy the holidays in a safe, healthy and meaningful way. Here are practical tips to help you stay well, mind, body, and spirit, while still embracing the magic of the season.   Acknowledge your feelings.  December can bring a mix of emotions, joy, nostalgia, grief, stress or loneliness. Allow yourself to   feel what you feel. Reflect, breathe and don’t pressure yourself to create the “perfect” holiday. Manage expectations and set boundaries.  Reduce stress by letting go of perfection. Focus on presence, not pressure. It’s okay to decline   events, set limits on your time or create quieter moments at home. Healthy boundaries protect your   peace. Enjoy food mindfully.   Holiday meals are part of the joy.  Instead of restricting yourself, enjoy your favorite dishes with balance in mind.  Stay hydrated, eat regular meals and keep portions moderate. Add movement to your day.  A short walk after dinner, playing outside with the kids, stretching in the evening or joining a local activity can help reduce stress and boost energy, even in the chilly weather. Protect your sleep.   Aim for 7–9 hours of rest. Sleep keeps your immune system strong and your mood steady during a busy season. Boost your immune system.  December is also peak illness season. Support your health with: Good handwashing Clean high-touch surfaces  Staying home when sick Eating nutrient-rich foods Getting fresh air when possible Small steps make a big difference   Keep gatherings comfortable.   Whether celebrating at home or traveling, focus on safe, manageable gatherings. Bring sanitizer, pack healthy snacks and adjust plans if someone is ill. Reduce financial stress.   Overspending adds pressure. Create a budget, consider gift exchanges or make homemade gifts. Presence matters more than presents. Connect with supportive people.  Make time for relationships that bring joy and comfort. If you’re struggling, reach out. Connection strengthens mental health. Give back to the community.  Volunteering, donating or helping a neighbor brings a sense of purpose, one of the healthiest feelings of the season. Practice gratitude.  Write down a few things you’re grateful for each day. Gratitude lowers stress and creates a sense of calm during busy weeks.   Create a season that feels meaningful to you.  Ask yourself: What matters most about this holiday? What traditions bring joy? What can you simplify? The best holidays are centered on connection, rest, and purpose not perfection.   A final thought:  Wesson shines during December with its community spirit and shared traditions. By caring for your health, emotionally, physically and socially, you can enter the new year feeling renewed and grounded.   Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and healthy holiday season.   EDITOR'S NOTE:  Dr. Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).  She is also a Mississippi Health Ambassador.

By: Kelley Williams, Chair Bigger Pie Forum Cliff Notes began as short plot summaries of classic novels and stories. Now they are cribs about complex topics and spin. Corps Speak is the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) clever spin that evades responsibility for higher and longer Mississippi River floods (a complex topic). This story began when Congress put the Corps in charge of flood control (1928 Flood Control Act) to prevent another 1927 flood disaster. The Corps developed the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project (MRTP) master plan in response. It included levees, spillways, cutoffs, reservoirs, and other river projects. It was designed to carry the Corps’ maximum theoretical flood (Project Flood) safely to the Gulf. The original design was based on the Mississippi’s flow capacity in the 1930s. It was updated in 1950 based on flow capacity then. That flow capacity no longer exists. The 2011 flood showed that the Mississippi’s flow capacity has decreased since 1950. And that the MRTP levees won’t contain the river. The Corps’ 2019 flow line study confirms this. It predicts hundreds of miles of levees will overtop in a flood smaller than the Project Flood. How did this happen? A Congressional authorization in 1954 gave the Corps another mandate: prevent the Mississippi River from changing course down the Atchafalaya River. The Corps built the Old River Control Complex (ORCC) about 40 miles above Baton Rouge to do this. ORCC controls the river’s flow and diverts 23% to the straighter, swifter, shorter Atchafalaya to discharge to the Gulf below Morgan City, LA. It keeps the remaining 77% in the longer, slower, meandering main channel to discharge below New Orleans. The Corps knew that diverting part of the flow would concentrate sediments in the Mississippi’s main channel and that this could reduce its flow capacity. So engineers and scientists carefully designed and sited ORCC to minimize this. They were successful. The first ORCC structure began operating in 1963. Other structures were added later. There were no increases in river stages indicating a decrease in flow capacity until after 1990. (When channel capacity decreases, stages rise. The river must get higher to carry the same flow.) In 1982, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized a privately owned power plant (Sidney A. Murray Hydroelectric Plant) to be sited just upstream of ORCC. The plant had nothing to do with flood control. But the Corps agreed to integrate it into ORCC operations anyway. It began operating in 1990. The Corps diverts flow containing only small, light sediments through the plant turbines to the Atchafalaya in place of a mixed flow with larger, heavier sediments it had diverted through ORCC. This concentrates large, heavy sediments downstream of ORCC, clogs the channel, creates a bottleneck, and reduces flow capacity. The company says it’s not responsible for the sediments and refuses to dredge them. The Corps hasn’t dredged them either — even though it’s clearly responsible for flood control. The clog of sediments grew, the bottleneck got smaller, the Mississippi’s carrying capacity decreased — and floods got higher. The 2011 flood provided dramatic proof. It was not only the highest flood ever, it was higher than the Corps expected based on historic flows. This caused a near disaster. The Corps nearly waited too long to open the Morganza Spillway gates because the stage was higher than expected for the flow in the water control manual that triggered the opening. Fortunately, the Colonel in charge trusted his eyes, not the manual, opened the gates, and saved Baton Rouge. The manual was wrong because it too was based on flow capacity that no longer existed. To quantify lost flow capacity, look at stages at Tarbert Landing (just above ORCC). Corps rating curves show the stage was 7.2’ higher in 2015 vs pre-1990 readings. (Stage increases upstream are not as high due to the river’s slope. But longer floods upstream are about the same.) In 2016-17, upstream landowners near ORCC testified to the Mississippi River Commission (MRC) about higher, longer, more damaging floods inside the levees. MRC Generals blamed more rain. They didn’t tell landowners about the bottleneck. Mississippi’s Secretary of State also testified about the state’s flooded school lands. The Generals didn’t tell him either. In late 2017, LSU’s Dr. Xu reported a large sediment deposit below ORCC and major reductions in channel width and depth based on 2013 Corps measurements. He said the resulting bottleneck could cause the river to change course in a big flood. Flood duration (days above flood stage) increased after the record 2011 flood. Floods at Natchez were 3 times longer in the 5 years after 2015 vs the 5 prior years. The 2019 flood was above flood stage 154 days at Vicksburg, blocking the Yazoo’s discharge — and causing the longest backwater flood ever. Major floods occurred more often too after 1990. From 1927 to 1990, there was one major flood (57’ and higher) at Natchez in 63 years. From 1950 to 1990, there were none in 40 years. From 1990 to 2020, there were 5: one every 6 years. There was one every 2.5 years from 2010 to 2020. It’s clear that the river has lost flow capacity. And that this causes more frequent, higher, and longer floods. And that the Corps has failed at its job of flood control. And that it is unable to act on its own. So what to do now? Shut down and remove the power plant. Operate ORCC to divert flow and sediments as designed. Dredge Mudberg to restore the Mississippi’s carrying capacity. Build a diversion structure to take the top off of big floods. Urge Congress to order and fund these acts. Pray for time to make the changes before there’s a big flood.

Special to Wesson News Kina Leggett has been named Associate Vice President of Business Affairs at Co-Lin. Leggett, who has served as Comptroller for the past six years, brings more than two decades of experience and dedication to her new role.   Over her 22-year career at Co-Lin, she has served in a variety of positions, including Bookstore Assistant, Credit Union Manager, Data Entry Clerk, Business Office Clerk, Accounts Receivables Manager, Business Manager/Senior Accountant, and Comptroller. Her extensive background and hands-on understanding of the college’s financial operations have made her an invaluable member of the Business Affairs team. “Kina has demonstrated integrity and leadership throughout her many years at Co-Lin,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Her deep understanding of our financial operations and her commitment to serving students and employees make her an outstanding fit for this role. We are proud of her accomplishments and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make as Associate Vice President of Business Affairs.” A proud Co-Lin alumna, Leggett holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. She is also a graduate of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy (MCCLA) and the Community College Business Officers (CCBO) Leadership Academy. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for CCBO. “I am beyond excited for Kina on her promotion to Associate Vice President,” said Dr. Richard Baker, Vice President of Business Affairs. “She is the model of dedication and pursues excellence in everything she does. She is an incredible asset to the college, and Co-Lin is a better institution because of her.” Leggett is married to Avery Leggett Sr., and they have four children: Shabriana, Avery Jr., Tyler, and Taylor. She is also the mother-in-law of Sha’Kera and the proud grandmother of Greyson Avery. She attends Home Seeker’s Bible Church.

By Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB   Since this weekend’s highest-grossing as-yet-unreviewed theatrical film, 205-minute Indian actioner “Dhurandhar,” is playing on only 377 screens in the entire country, I thought I’d take this opportunity to review something a little more accessible. “Wake Up Dead Man” is the third installment of Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” mystery franchise. Like its predecessor “Glass Onion,” “Wake Up Dead Man” is treating fans to a brief theatrical run to supplement its December 12th Netflix debut. As with the original “Knives Out” from 2019, the whodunit largely follows a character so likely to be the killer that they start to suspect themselves. Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is the assistant pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude Church in upstate New York, having been assigned there as punishment for punching a rude deacon at his old church. He clashes with head pastor Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) over the church leader’s tendency to verbally browbeat unfamiliar parishioners until they leave. Duplenticy wants people to feel welcome in the church, and he also takes issue with Wicks’ drinking, greed, and general corruption. A rivalry and power struggle develop between the two, and it seems like control of both the church and the souls of Wicks’ inner circle are on the line. Wicks’ inner circle consists of lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington) and her adopted brother Cy (Daryl McCormack), doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner, sadly making no reference to the actor lending his name to a brand of hot sauce in “Glass Onion”), washed-up sci-fi author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), disabled cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny), church groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden… Church, appropriately), and longtime church assistant Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close). These people and Duplenticy are the only ones near the pulpit during a Good Friday service when Wicks is found murdered in a closet off to one side. And the one who went closest to the closet during the service was Duplenticy. Local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) decides that the case is too bizarre for her department to solve on their own. So she reaches out to an… outside resource. In comes private investigator and franchise face Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). Although Blanc can’t exactly rule out Duplenticy as a suspect, he’s a good enough judge of character to know that the kindhearted redemption-seeker probably didn’t kill Wicks, even if the evidence says otherwise. Still, both Blanc and Duplenticy have a job ahead of them, uncovering layer after layer of secrets involving illegitimate children, a crazed mother, a missing family fortune, more deaths, and a person in a pastoral robe emerging from a sealed mausoleum containing the recently-deceased body of Wicks and the skeletal remains of his grandfather. Did a Dead Man truly Wake Up in a Christ-like miracle? Devout Duplenticy believes one may have. Atheist Blanc highly doubts it, but then what did happen? Fans of the “Knives Out” movies (and the similarly-timed Kenneth Branagh Hercule Poirot trilogy) will know to wait patiently for Blanc to unravel the convoluted mystery. For as twisty as these stories are, there’s a loose, but recognizable formula to them. Characters take turns as prime suspects as lies are uncovered and secrets revealed until likely theories are disproven and the solution has to be something else. The solution, at least as it pertains to the “How?” is never apparent from the outset, so it’s up to the audience to just enjoy the ride, usually courtesy of Blanc and his ridiculous Southern charm. This ride is less fun than the other “Knives Out” movies, with its often-serious looks at faith, betrayal, and forgiveness, and also because it takes Blanc longer than usual to show up. But it’s still fun, and certainly clever enough for me to recommend. “Wake Up Dead Man” may not be the sharpest of the “Knives Out” franchise, but it fits into the drawer just fine. Grade: B- “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is now available on Netflix. The film is rated PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, strong language, some crude sexual material, and smoking. Its running time is 144 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News   A museum that will tell the story of Wesson is nearing reality next to the municipal park in a building formerly a venue for Boy Scouts.   “With purchase of equipment and building materials related moisture-proofing the building, we are moving forward with the first phase of the project,” says Marilyn Britt on behalf of Friends of the Library (FOL), which is sponsoring and coordinating the development of the museum.   An initial $9,500 Home Depot grant has jump-started the work and has so far been used to purchase a steel back door, seven windows, a dehumidifier and mini-split air conditioner and dehumidifier.   FOL expects Town of Wesson public works personnel and citizen-resident and Home Depot volunteers provide the labor required for installations, necessary repairs and cosmetics.   Britt singled out Home Depot’s Elisha Howard for helping to identify needed work.  “She did a walk-through showed us what needed attention to turn the building into a museum,” she explained.   Britt said the next phases of the building project will include:   Ceiling lighting Lighting for display cases Making the building handicap-accessible Electrical repairs Painting walls Repairing floors   The Town of Wesson has agreed to seal the front and north doors of the building to maintain its character.   FOL hopes the museum building will be ready for occupancy by the end of July, but additional funding and volunteer assistance will be needed.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com People are just people, everywhere you go. Everyone has their favorite hobbies and if given the chance, they would spend hours doing just that. And most of us also have heavy responsibilities that we avoid like the plague for as long as possible. As long as possible without wrecking our finances, or letting the house fall down around our ears. But only doing the great stuff? A truly adult life doesn’t work like that. Not unless you were fortunate enough to make a career out of your favorite hobby. But even then, there’s parts that are boring and stressful. For example, if you love toddlers and have chosen to run a daycare, those hours you get to spend playing and teaching them are magical. But as sure as day follows night, there is cleanup, bookkeeping, restocking of supplies, taxes, and a myriad of other responsibilities that aren’t near as much fun. But still, they have to be done. That’s the way life works for most people. And most adults accept it. Work and play, play and work. But. Then there’s others. That certain segment of semi-adults who somehow believe that  “I am definitely entitled to live differently!”  They think that because they only live once, they should be allowed to only do what they choose. Only the fun stuff. The adventurous stuff. And if society protests and tries to get them to change and accept responsibility for their life, they just stubbornly claim they have the right to exercise their right to do absolutely nothing of value. Others in that segment of non-working adults think they should play now, while they still have youthful vim and vigor. Work and responsibility can come later in life, after they have had time to experience all that adult playtime has to offer. The whole idea does sound fun, and honestly, kind of tempting. After all, who doesn’t like the idea of doing exactly as you want? When, how, and where you want. All the time. And then spend your – ahem - less than energetic years, working some dull, meaningless job that will allow you to pay off all your bills from earlier decades. But there’s a problem with that entire thought; If we all played, who provides the basics for the world? Food crops, transportation, homes, hospitals, and the money to have all those essentials? Second problem: In order to be meaningful, life needs real challenges to our minds, emotions and our bodies. In short, we need work. Without it, life gets sickening and uninspired. Much like a child who is allowed to eat sugary foods only and ends up suffering in every way, because his body is not receiving what it needs. In the same way, we humans NEED work  and  playtime to actually thrive. We need the challenge and the learned discipline that comes with hard work. But we also have to have time away from that work. I believe it’s called balance.

Special to Wesson News   The Wesson chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) has presented its annual Red Rose Award to Marilyn Britt, Librarian at Wesson Public Library.   The DKG Red Rose Award is an annual recognition program for non-member women leaders who have significantly contributed to education within a local chapter's area .   The award is presented by local chapters of DKG, the international organization for women educators, to honor women whose work has advanced education and the status of women in leadership roles. Recipients are often women who are involved in the community but not members of DKG.    Britt became librarian at Wesson Public Library after a distinguished banking career in which she was a vice president at Trustmark and manager of its Wesson branch.  At Wesson Public Library, she has developed new services and implemented programs to build user traffic.   With chapters worldwide, DKG has and over 100,000 members in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several European nations.  The honorary society for women educators promotes their professional and personal growth and excellence in education.  Its Greek letters stand for "Didaskotikai Kleidouchai Gynaikes," which translates to "teachers key women".    Founded in 1929, its mission is to unite women educators in a fellowship, advance their professional interests, and support legislation for education. The society aims to provide a spiritual fellowship for women educators, honor those who have given distinctive service, and advance their professional interests. It also seeks to support legislation, provide scholarships, and stimulate members' personal and professional growth. DKG provides scholarships for graduate study to members, with amounts up to $6,000 for a master's degree and $10,000 for a PhD, notes.

Fourteen students recently completed Copiah-Lincoln Community College's Electrical Lineman School. The 16-week training program is offered by the college's Workforce Education Division.  The Electrical Lineman Program is a non-credit workforce training program that, when completed, provides graduates with nine credentials: National Electric Codes, National Safety Electric Codes, Multi-Meter, OSHA-10, Forklift, First Aid/CPR, 40-hours climbing, Pole-Top Rescue, and CDL- Class A- License.   Graduates included Zachary Baker of Wesson, Ayden Carraway of Hazlehurst, Jay Fleming of Natchez, Avery Gary of Mendenhall, Gatlin Guynes of Bogue Chitto, Rhett Hedgepeth of Bogue Chitto, Helena Jointer of Brookhaven, Joseph Martin of Bogue Chitto, Philip Melancon of Brookhaven, Mason Shivers of Sumrall, Kolby Sagely of Brookhaven, Nelson Slocum of Lawrence, Todd Rodriguez of Brookhaven, and Mason Williamson of Florence.