By Misty Strieff Prine                   “Today you could be standing next to someone who is trying their best not to fall apart. So, whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart.” – Unknown                 We all must remember that each and every one of us has a story, a story that most people do not know. We need to remember that we don’t know what battles we’ve had to fight behind closed doors or the emotional toll it has taken on our lives. We are all out here, literally, trying to smile and hold it together by a thread. That’s where God’s master plan comes into play. His word tells us that we need to pray for one another. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. If you see someone and the Holy Spirit lays it upon your heart to pray for them, do it. I assure you, there’s a reason. We’ve got to do God’s work while we walk around and live our lives each and every day. Secondly, we need to have a forgiving heart. Why do you think that is? Well first of all, if God can forgive us, shouldn’t we be willing to forgive those who hurt us? We need to pray for that situation and for them. I know it often goes against every “human side” of us, but that’s why it’s the Christ-like thing to do.  If we carry around that hurt with us everywhere we go, we will become miserable, and our joy would diminish rapidly. You see, it’s a process. The sooner we forgive them, we take our life back and at the same time, we’ve lifted them up in prayer and obeyed what God has instructed us to do. Who knows how badly they may need that one prayer. We never know what God has called them to walk through and they sure don’t know what He’s called us to walk through. If we knew each other’s stories, even those ‘who hurt us stories’, we couldn’t help but love each other/them deeply. Our hearts would be broken to know what some have been asked to go through while others would have us praising God for the victories He’s won in some of their lives based on what He’s brought them through. We ALL have a story. We need to embrace each other in Christ-like love. This world needs a lot more of it! **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By: Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB               2016 was a great year for animation. Disney gave the world a new musical masterwork in “Moana.” Pixar had its biggest hit up to that point in “Finding Dory.” Even underdog Laika came out with cult classic “Kubo and the Two Strings.” But the winner of the Best Animated Feature Oscar that year wasn’t any of those films (“Finding Dory” wasn’t even nominated), it was another Disney movie, “Zootopia.” It wasn’t a terribly controversial choice either, with critics and audiences alike praising the film for its more-thoughtful-than-usual look at race relations, symbolized as relations between various species of animals, though usually taking the form of predators vs. prey. The film was so successful, funny, and poignant that at time I advised Disney to add a whole Zootopia section to their Animal Kingdom theme park. To date, the property has only gotten a single attraction – a 3D movie in the park’s Tree of Life – but it’s in a key location. Anyway, here’s a look at the less-poignant sequel.             Following the events of the first “Zootopia,” bunny police officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) was hailed as a hero, along with her unlikely ally, former con-artist fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). Now the two are both officially cops, and partnered together as a mismatched-on-paper duo that Judy is determined to turn into the superstars of the station. She decides that the best way for the team to make its mark is to bust a smuggling operation without consulting buffalo police chief Bogo (Idris Elba) or even Nick. Poor communication turns the desired bust into, well, a bust, and Judy and Nick soon find themselves at the bottom of the department’s figurative food chain.             Nick wants to wait patiently to get out of the (again, figurative) doghouse, but Judy wants to turn things around immediately, so she doubles down and drags Nick into another unauthorized mission, this time to protect the theft of a book that details how the weather accommodates all the animals in Zootopia. The book belongs to the powerful Lynxley family (of lynxes, naturally), and patriarch Milton (David Strathairn) has graciously decided to display the book at a fancy gala, where Judy interacts with his son Pawbert (Andy Samberg), the most charmingly awkward runt of a family since Hans from “Frozen.”             The book does indeed get stolen by Gary (Ke Huy Quan), a venomous snake. This is a big deal for the city, as for all its supposed inclusivity, reptiles, especially snakes, have been banished from Zootopia for the last century. Judy and Nick naturally want to stop Gary, but there’s more to the story than a simple book theft. If Gary can just use the book for its intended purpose, he can end the reptile ban and make life better for himself, his family, and his whole class of animals. But the city at large, including the Lynxleys and stallion mayor Winddancer (Patrick Warburton), are more interested in protecting the accepted truth than the actual one. Judy and Nick have to rely on unconventional resources like beaver conspiracy theorist Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), all while questioning if they really belong as partners after all.             “Zootopia 2” is a fine movie, if missing some of the magic of the first. A few too many gags take the form of terrible puns or played-out schtick, but there are more than enough funny jokes to balance them out. What really dinged the film for me was the idea of the acceptance of the reptilian race hinging on a single piece of information. The Zootopia of the first movie was too complex to rely on outdated concepts like “banishment.” Prejudice, sure, maybe mistreatment, but not black-and-white banishment. Oversimplified shortcuts like these are why this film can’t measure up to its predecessor. Then again, the worldbuilding is still creative and the chemistry among the cast still sharp. It’s a movie that I’m happy to recommend, but as with last year’s “Moana 2,” that happiness is somewhat dulled by remembering the heights that the franchise reached before. Grade: B- “Zootopia 2” is rated PG for action/violence and rude humor. Its running time is 108 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News Jackie Ard-Barclay (‘85), of Gulf Breeze, Florida, and Johnny Cook (’64), of Ridgeland, were selected as Co-Lin’s 2025 Alumni of the Year, and Stone Clanton (‘19), of Meadville, was selected as the 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year. Barclay  graduated from Co-Lin in 1985, where she served as vice president of both the Trailblazers and the Student Government Association.  She was also a member of the President’s Council, and was voted Miss Co-Lin, a campus favorite, and Homecoming Queen. She was selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and was a member of the women’s basketball team, which finished with a record of 30-2, and was second in the nation her sophomore year. After Co-Lin, Barclay earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and later pursued a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She was instrumental in the founding of The Blake, a senior living concept that grew into a nationally recognized model for hospitality-centered assisted living and memory care communities.  She remains involved through her continued affiliation with Quality Senior Living, a development company, and its management entity QSLM Management.  Barclay has also provided consulting services to hospitals and healthcare organizations. Barclay is a member of numerous community and philanthropic initiatives, including IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Pensacola, where she actively participates in mission trips. Her commitment to medical mission work has taken her to South Sudan, rural India, and Iran. Barclay and her late husband, Glenn, had one son, Blake, whose name continues to honor the spirit of the communities they helped create. Blake graduated from Harvard and currently attends UCLA Law School. Cook  graduated from Co-Lin in 1964 where he was a member of the men’s basketball team and voted class favorite. After Co-Lin, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millsaps in 1967, where he continued his basketball career and was a member of the M Club. He received a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1973 from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Government Administration and a Master of Public Administration both in 1976 from Georgia State University. Cook’s career for the State of Mississippi included time as the director of the Social Security Disability Determination Services, commissioner of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, interim executive director of the Department of Human Services, director of Legislation and State Agencies in the Governor’s Office, and executive director of the Department of Finance and Administration. He served as director of finance and chief of staff for the Mayor’s Office in Jackson, and he was appointed to a senior officer position within the United States Department of Treasury. He retired from government service in 1993. He went on to have a career in the private sector, where he was the executive director of government programs in Mississippi for United Healthcare Insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. He eventually became the divisional director of governmental programs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama until his retirement in 2009. He then started his own business, New Capital Consulting, where he worked with businesses and large healthcare companies pursuing federal and state contracts. During his long career, he was selected as National Rehabilitation Director of the Year, National Disability Services Director of the Year, and received Outstanding Leadership awards from both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Madison and formerly served as a volunteer fundraiser for the ACCESS Program at Mississippi State University. He and his wife, Linda Ruth Lester Cook (’64), have one daughter, Angela Randle, and her husband, Andy, and three grandchildren, Dr. Hope Randle Goad, Mary Grace Randle, and Andrew Randle. Clanton  graduated from Co-Lin in 2019, where he was the president of the Centurions History Club, as well as secretary and chairman of the College Republicans. He was a member of PTK and the BSU. After Co-Lin, he received a Bachelor of Science in political science and history from Mississippi College, where he served as the vice-chairman of the College Republicans and was a member of the Rotaract Men’s Service Club, serving as merch chair his senior year. He also served as secretary of the Mississippi Federation of College Republicans during the 2019-2020 school year and was a member of the History Club, Students for Life, and the BSU. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in government at Regent University. After short stints at the Office of the Mississippi Secretary of State and the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, he began working for Americans for Prosperity in early 2022 as a Grassroots Engagement Director, working in economic policy, foundational education policy, regulatory policy and healthcare policy. In 2024, he was promoted to Director of Grassroots Operations, where he leads the community engagement team in education and grassroots lobbying. He serves on the UMMC Community Advisory Board and is the executive director of the Mississippi Federation of Young Republicans. He was a member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class of 2023. Clanton is currently a member of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Rotary Club and Bude Church of God.

By Guest Columnist Eddie Smith There are three plants in my landscape that never fail to signal the arrival of fall.   When I see the golden blooms of swamp sunflower, the soft blue clusters of blue mistflower and the elegant white petals of white lycoris, I know fall has arrived. These plants add a distinct charm to the garden as the days grow shorter and the air takes on that unmistakable autumn crispness.            The swamp sunflower , known scientifically as Helianthus angustifolius, is one of the brightest sights in my fall garden.   Towering above most other perennials, this native wildflower produces masses of cheerful yellow blooms that seem to glow in the late afternoon sun. The narrow, dark green foliage is a striking contrast to the bright flowers, and it is a favorite stop for butterflies and bees stocking up before winter.   Swamp sunflower thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, though it is surprisingly adaptable once established. A midsummer trim helps keep plants compact and encourages more blooms when fall arrives.            Blue mistflower , known scientifically as Conoclinium coelestinum, spills gracefully along the edges of my flower beds. Its soft, fuzzy clusters of blue-violet blooms pair beautifully with the yellow tones of swamp sunflower.   Blue mistflower forms a dense mat of foliage that works well as a groundcover, and it is another pollinator magnet. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil. While it can spread enthusiastically, its natural, cottage garden look makes it a joy to grow.            The third plant that signals cooler days are on the way are the lycoris . They add a touch of mystery to the garden by appearing suddenly. Often called spider lilies or surprise lilies, they send up slender flower stalks well after their spring foliage has vanished.Known scientifically as Lycoris albiflora, the white lycoris in my garden create an elegant display of crisp blooms. Each flower is lightly fragrant and laced with delicate, curling petals.   Red lycoris, scientifically called Lycoris radiata, are an unmistakable favorite more commonly seen in Southern gardens. Less common are the yellow lycoris, known as Lycoris aurea and sometimes called the golden spider lily.   All lycoris varieties thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Once planted, they prefer to stay undisturbed for many years, rewarding patience with dependable blooms season after season.            Fall may mark the winding down of the growing season, but these autumn bloomers remind me of the beauty that comes with transition in the garden. Autumn can be colorful and rewarding in your Mississippi landscape as well. EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He is also host of the popular Southern Gardening  television program.

Special to Wesson News   Wesson High School mighty Cobra marching band seniors and leadership council are (front left to right) Mady Woodson, Maddy Morris, Abigail Cameron, Mackenzie Mire, Ava Woodson, Brooke Coleman, Maria Hall, Alana Hux, Willow Love, Jakyiah Johns, Ashley Chamblee, (back left to right): Brendon Duguid, Sam Scopel, Dayne Newman, Brandon Thomas, Karter McLemore, Caeden Williams, John Parsons, Sullivan Roberts, Jackson Barlow, Braiden Bowman, Conner Davis, Tate Brister, Lucas Shumaker and Brenton Brewer. Wesson High School’s mighty Cobra marching band received all-superior ratings last month at the state marching festival in Pearl.   Drum Majors Brooke Coleman and Ava Woodson earned a drum major superior rating.   The color guard, coached by Shae Coleman, received an overall superior color guard rating. Color guard captains are seniors Abigail Cameron (Head Captain) and Mackenzie Mire (Co-Captain).   The percussion line received a superior rating under the leadership of Captain Brendon Duguid.   The band as a whole received all superior ratings, with other leaders including Low Brass Captain Tate Brister, High Brass Captain Mady Woodson, and Woodwind Captain Alana Hux. The band is directed by Cody Spurlock and assisted by Andrew Bonner.   This was the first time the band has received all-superior ratings under Spurlock's leadership.

By Misty Strieff Prine “Thank You, God, for putting periods on sentences that I wasn’t strong enough to end.” – Unknown I’m so thankful for the sentences that God put a period at the end of when I was FAR from strong enough to put one there myself. God knows when we are not strong enough to find our way out of situations we often find ourselves in the middle of. His word tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” I absolutely love the last part of this verse that says “then when I am weak, then I am strong.” This reminds us that when we are weak, our strength that comes from God, in those moments, makes US strong! You see, in HIM does our true strength lie. On our own we are weak. He often puts a period during the times in our lives where we think we know what’s best for us (but knows it’s far from it) or in times we feel as though we are too weak to put a stop to the path we are own. Sometimes we have to continue on a path until we learn a very important life lesson and then He puts a period at the most perfect time. We just have to have faith that God knows what He’s doing and accept the moment He puts the period instead of us putting a question mark in its place. **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit: IMDB Previously, in “Wicked” Aspiring witches, green-skinned outcast Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and pink-and-popular Glinda (Ariana Grande), started off as enemies at school, but then became friends. They decided to go their separate ways after discovering a plan by the nefarious Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) to blame and punish animals for problems in the Land of Oz. The Wizard and henchwoman Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) tried to have Elphaba captured and silenced because she learned that The Wizard had no real magical power. Fortunately, Elphaba did have magical powers and escaped the Emerald City on a broomstick, though The Wizard and Morrible quickly spread rumors throughout Oz that she was a Wicked Witch. When we rejoin “Wicked,” Elphaba is still on the run, helping out animals when she can and trying to think of a way to expose The Wizard as a fraud. Her disabled sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) is now governor of Munchkinland, with reluctant boyfriend Boq (Ethan Slater) as her favorite servant. Love interest Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey, recently named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive) is captain of The Wizard’s guards, tasked with hunting down Elphaba, but secretly determined to assist his old flame. As for Glinda, she’s been made a “Good Witch” by The Wizard and Morrible, a sort of magical superhero to balance out the Wickedness of Elphaba, at least in the public’s eyes. She isn’t exactly Wicked herself, but she has been seduced into complicity by the perks and popularity that come with the position. She even unwittingly gives Morrible the idea to do the most Wicked deed of all. If last year’s “Wicked” served as a sort of prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” then “Wicked: For Good” serves as a sort of parallel piece. It’s not an even split – there’s plenty of prequel-y stuff here too, but a never-fully-seen Dorothy shows up at about the halfway mark, and we see what was happening offscreen while that literary and cinematic classic unfolded. It all leads up to a devastating splash from a bucket of water that ties into the Munchkinland celebration from the beginning of the first movie. Frankly, all the “running parallel to ‘The Wizard of Oz’” stuff is a huge detriment to both the stage and screen versions of “Wicked.” Characters’ attitudes, motivations, and loyalties turn on a dime just to accommodate the way those characters behaved in the more familiar story. Then there’s the huge plot hole of characters interacting in these movies despite ostensibly meeting one another for the first time during Dorothy’s walk down the Yellow Brick Road (a certain brainless wonder should have received more recognition than he was ever given). The whole practice makes the story a mess, though the movie is only following the stage musical’s lead, while admirably tightening up a detail or two. Another area where the new film tries to fix a deficiency with the stage show is with its musical numbers. The stage version is so front-loaded with memorable songs that disappointingly little is saved for the second half. The film knows that audiences won’t stand for such a dull second installment, so it has added two new songs: Elphaba’s attempt to rally her animal friends with the familiar adage that “There’s No Place Like Home,” and Glinda taking a long hard look in the mirror (or rather, somewhat-reflective sphere) in “The Girl in the Bubble.” They’re admirable efforts, but neither is as memorable as the stage show’s “No Good Deed” or the titular “For Good,” themselves paling in comparison to the best songs from the first movie. “Wicked: For Good” is a relative step down from “Wicked,” but it justifies its existence better than fans feared it would when it was first announced that the adaptation would be split into two movies. And it’s still a grand, ambitious, passionately-performed spectacle. I can say that the underwhelming second half of the stage musical has been changed for the better, and because it’s been shown some much-needed love, it has been changed “For Good.” Grade: B- “Wicked: For Good” is rated PG for action/violence, some suggestive material and thematic material. Its running time is 137 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News The Band and Colette chapter of the Co-Lin Alumni Association inducted Larry Greer of Madison into its Hall of Fame and honored Kristopher Coleman of Brookhaven as the Stanley Stewart Outstanding Young Alumni recipient during Homecoming festivities October 23. Larry Greer is a 1967 honors graduate of Co-Lin, where he was a member of the Blue Wave Show Band and the tennis team. After Co-Lin, he received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College. He is a past president of USM Alumni, Hinds County chapter; past president of Downtown Jackson Exchange Club; past chairman of the Board of the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi; a graduate of Leadership Jackson Honor Society; and a participant in Metropolitan Crime Commission organization. He was also a long-serving member and past president of the Co-Lin Foundation Board of directors and is a charter member of the Band and Colette Alumni Chapter. “I am very pleased to be the recipient of this honor,” he said. “I am a native of Wesson, and I have always had a sincere fondness and admiration for the band and Colette organization at Co-Lin Community College. My mother was one of the first four Colettes selected in the 1940s; therefore, I have a legacy with the band and Colettes that began over 80 years ago.”   He is married to Paula Little Greer and has two children, Jeffery and Brian; and four grandchildren, Lola, Jude, Beckett and Mylo.  Kristopher Coleman attended Co-Lin from 2009 to 2011, where he was a member of the Blue Wave Show Band. He credits retired band director Shaw Furlow for helping prepare him for a career in music. Since leaving Co-Lin, he has performed in over 58 shows across major cities like Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans. He became the first hip-hop artist to perform at the Brookhaven Ole Brook Festival in 2022 and has graced the stage every year since.   Coleman is the proud owner of WEALL1 RECORDS, his own Christian Recording Label, and co-owner of Stori Studios, a media and marketing company he runs alongside his wife, Orionna Coleman. Together, they also host the “We Komplete Podcast” every Friday at 9 a.m. CST on G93 with SuperTalk Radio, marking a historic milestone as the first Black hosts ever at the Brookhaven station.   “This honor means a lot to me,” he said. “Knowing that there are people who truly see me in my entirety. I’m so appreciative and grateful for the recognition, and I look forward to wearing this with honor.”   Coleman and his wife have three children together: Kao, Harmony and Melody.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Grandma Gertie is more than ready for Thanksgiving Day to arrive. For the first time in seventeen years, she is going to have her entire family home for Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone has painstakingly arranged their holiday schedules to be able be together at Grandma’s house. Excited-beyond-measure cannot even begin to describe her emotions. For the last two months she has planned for her big day. The lists of things to do and to buy have been endless. No expense spared. Nothing will be too good for this year’s grand family event. Because all her kids and their spouses, grandkids, and great-grands are going to come piling into her house for the biggest, best-est meal she has ever put together.  The big day has finally arrived and she has been up and going since five in the morning. So much to do, and so little time! Pre-dinner snacks to assemble, enormous turkey to bake, to be stuffed with her favorite homemade dressing, fresh vegetables to prepare, several salads, pies and cakes to bake, and all kinds of drinks to get chilled. After all, she has no idea what everyone favorite beverage is, so she has bought every kind she could find.  But non-alcoholic, of course. Anyone who knows Gertie is aware that she is a staunch advocate for everyone being sober. But nobody really knows why. All they know is that  “Ya don’t drink  anywhere  around Grandma! She will call you out in a heartbeat, if she gets even a whiff of alcohol on your breath. You will be hauled out by your ear if she catches you.”  The whole family firmly believes that Grandma really does have ESP and a nose that would do credit to a bloodhound. No, none of the family knows that as a teenager and a young adult, Gertie was a drinker. And not just a dabbler in the art. She was a falling-down-spend-my-last-penny-last-one-to-leave-the-party drinker. Until she finally realized life was passing her by, and she had the courage to get sober and stay there. Until today. Today Gertie has decided to celebrate.  “I’ll just have a tiny sip from that big bottle I bought for cooking today.   After all, it’s been seventeen years since we’ve all been together!” Uh-huh.  When the family began arriving, Grandma was in her cups, and then some.  They all noticed that Grandma was awfully cheerful and talkative. And weaving quite a bit as she brought all the food out of the kitchen. Exchanging meaningful glances, the family joined together at the dining table and waited for the oldest to ask the blessing. The huge feast was passed around the table.  Turkey stuffed with mashed potatoes that had a heavy dose of salt. Cranberry salad that tasted suspiciously of soy sauce. Fresh vegetables that were sauteed, and accidentally refrigerated. Ice cream left melting on the kitchen cabinet. Drinks mostly room temperature. No ice.  But the family had reason to be thankful anyway, cause at least Grandma Gertie was happy. So very singingly, sloppily, happy.  Make it a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Special to Wesson News   Wesson Lions Club may not be where you think it is.  The local service club and civic organization has left its long-time home and changed its meeting time to afford more members of the community greater opportunity to serve the town.   Wesson Lions now meet at the Fire House Barbeque at 12 noon on the second Tuesday of every month after many years of evening meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Co-Lin student cafeteria conference room.   “We’re changing with the times,” says Wesson Lions Club President Larry Williams.  “Like many other service and civic clubs, our membership has dwindled, and the younger persons we need for a healthy, ongoing organization aren’t joining.   “We’re now at a downtown location convenient for local business people.  Our hour-long noon meetings allow people to enjoy a quick lunch, get back to work promptly and go home to an evening with their families, while still involving themselves in important community activity and benefitting from informative programs.”   Lions Club members are expected to attend the meetings on a regular basis, arrange one program per year, participate on committees, help raise funds at a roadblock for the sight-impaired and by taking orders for sweet potatoes in October.  Major Lions service projects revolve around sight/hearing conservation, the Lions All-State band, diabetes/substance abuse, hospice ministries, Co-Lin scholarships, Lions youth camps.   Lions Club dues are $35 per quarter covering the organization’s operational expenses.   “Lions Club members are being good citizens, strengthen their community and enjoy service together,” summarizes Williams.

by Tyler Teresa, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration     Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. It is an important part of the busiest shopping season for small businesses.  Last Small Business Saturday in 2024, the reported projected spending in the United States from those who shopped small on Small Business Saturday was around  $22 billion .  This is an excellent opportunity not only for entrepreneurs but for everyone to have a chance to support their local communities. “Since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday is an estimated $223 billion,” said Tyler Teresa, SBA Southeast Regional Administrator.”  “This is our chance to support our neighbors, family members and friends who are hardworking entrepreneurs. When we support local entrepreneurs, we support our local economy. This is what a true community is all about. Please shop small, dine small, and thank a small business owner for their community impact this Small Business Saturday.” Americans understand that small businesses contribute to the relevancy of their communities, support local non-profits, employ more than half of our workforce and are a significant economic engine both locally and nationally. About 80% of small business owners say that the end of the year spending by customers is critical for their bottom line.  These are just some of the reasons why we encourage people who invest in their communities to actively participate in Small Business Saturday.     The Saturday after Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season is the perfect time to drop by unique retail shops and to dine at local eateries. If you prefer to shop online, you can purchase goods and services and meals from small businesses by utilizing their websites. Be sure to make a positive impact on your own communities by shopping and dining SMALL on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season and know that you have made a positive contribution to your own community. Join the highly successful team of SBA and American Express in kicking off the 2025 holiday season- it starts with small business. Ways to Participate in Small Business Saturday 2025: Shoppers:   Find  small businesses participating in Small Business Saturday  in your area Small business owners:   Get free Small Business Saturday marketing materials  - including sample posters, and social media resources Partner organizations:   Follow SBA on social media  for all the latest updates on #ShopSmall Support our nation’s more than 36 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long.

Work is about to begin on a $5.5 million project to upgrade the Brookway Boulevard interchange on Interstate 55 in Lincoln County. The Mississippi Department of Transportation announced that the project will bring major improvements aimed at making the area safer and easier to travel. Plans include building two roundabouts—one on each side of the interstate—adding brighter lighting, improving the drainage system and repaving the roadway. According to MDOT, the new roundabouts will replace the current intersection layout, which has struggled with heavy traffic and frequent congestion. Roundabouts help guide vehicles through a steady, circular flow, which reduces the chances of serious crashes and keeps cars moving more smoothly. MDOT officials said this design will be especially helpful during busy travel times and will make the area easier to navigate for both local drivers and visitors who rely on Brookway Boulevard for access to shops, restaurants and nearby businesses. The project also addresses other long-standing concerns. New lighting will improve visibility at night, making the interchange safer after dark. Upgrades to the drainage system will help manage rainwater better, reducing the risk of standing water and flooding during storms. Fresh paving will create a smoother driving surface and extend the life of the interchange. Commissioner Charles Busby of the Southern Transportation District said the project is a major improvement for the Brookhaven area. He explained that the interchange is one of the busiest gateways into the city and plays an important role in supporting local businesses and daily commuters. Busby said the upgrades will make travel through the area safer and more efficient for years to come. The work has been awarded to T.L. Wallace of Columbia, with construction scheduled to begin the week of November 24, 2025. During construction, drivers should expect lane shifts, slower speeds and changing traffic patterns as crews move through different phases of the project. MDOT is urging all motorists to use caution, follow posted signs and stay alert when driving through the work zone. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026. Once finished, the improved interchange will offer a safer, more reliable travel route for the many drivers who use it each day and will strengthen the transportation network around Brookhaven.