By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB How is it that Halloween of 2025 couldn’t give us a better horror movie than “Black Phone 2”? It’s not that I’m shocked that a Halloween horror movie is a disappointment. I’m just shocked that we got such a disappointing movie this year. 2025 has been such a banner year for horror thus far. “Sinners,” “Weapons,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” and “The Conjuring: Last Rites” were all blockbusters. There’s serious Oscar talk around those first two films, the latter two are the best box office performers of their respective franchises. We should have gotten a film that could stand alongside those giants for Halloween. Instead, we got “Black Phone 2,” a movie that has barely scrounged up an estimated $60 million at the domestic box office in its three weekends of release. With Halloween over, the film is not only highly unlikely to wind up a blockbuster, it’s highly unlikely to make more than its 2022 predecessor. It might even fall short of preventing already-notorious flop “Tron: Ares” from being the biggest release of October 2025. That covers the commercial disappointment. Creatively, the film has its defenders (it currently has a “Certified Fresh” 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but I personally found it to be similarly disappointing. The film takes place in 1982, four years after the original, where teenager Finney Blake (Mason Thames) managed to overcome and kill serial child murderer The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) by talking to the villain’s past victims with the help of the mysterious Black Phone. Now Finney and his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) are trying to move on with their lives, despite him not being able to overcome his trauma and her unable to stop having violent psychic visions. She thinks they need to go on a mission of some kind at the behest of their late mother. The kids’ journey takes them to a snowed-in Christian youth camp that their mother attended 25 years ago. Gwen’s visions start to intensify and she has increasingly severe nightmares and sleepwalking episodes. Also, despite the camp’s director (Demián Bechir) insisting that it is inoperative, Finney starts getting calls on the camp’s (Black) pay Phone. Some of the calls are from scared children that Finney has never met, though whom Gwen has seen in her dreams. But one call is from The Grabber. Somehow he can still make things happen from beyond the grave. And one of the things he wants to make happen is revenge. Early stages of the film show promise. We don’t know exactly what tools the dead Grabber has at his disposal, so we don’t know how he can affect the characters and the world around them. He could do something shocking. But as the film goes along and he shows his hand more and more, he gets less and less scary. By the end, he’s basically a less-smart Freddy Krueger, and the film has taken on the unfunny slapstick of a late-stage “Nightmare on Elm Street” sequel. Speaking of sequels with diminishing returns, “Black Phone 2” is guilty of running several halfway decent ideas into the ground. Gwen had a memorably-profane outburst in the first movie, this one has her go on about a half-dozen over-rehearsed vulgar tirades. The first movie was good at heartfelt inter-family dialogue, this movie gets so wordy that it feels about twenty minutes too long. Most overdone is the trope of showing grainy footage of murder victims in happier times, followed by “horrific” footage. This is because director Scott Derrickson employed the same trick in his two “Sinister” movies before he made “The Black Phone,” so I’ve had to put up with this device for four movies now instead of two, and Derrickson isn’t upping his game. “Black Phone 2” has had its Halloween heyday, and there’s no point in seeing it now, without the kind of big responsive horror crowd that this movie desperately needs for it to even approach being fun. Grade: C- “Black Phone 2” is rated R for strong violent content, gore, teen drug use, and language. Its running time is 114 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Have you ever tried to help someone who doesn’t actually want help? Oh, they tell you they do. They call and beg for you to give them answers to their problems. But when you stop your busy life, put your thinking cap on, get creative and give them answers, suddenly you run into excuses, reasons and downright refusals. All couched in terms like, “Oh, good grief, no!” Or, “No, I can’t do that because…” Or likely the tried and true, “You don’t understand, that won’t work because of_________” (insert whatever.) And as long as you play kamikaze and keep putting yourself out there on this suicide mission, you are going to hear this theme of self-centered negativity played out in your ears for as long as you are willing to listen. It doesn’t matter if you approach their problem from any direction - emotional, physical, or psychological. And it also doesn’t matter if your answers make excellent sense. That beloved stuck relative or friend will let you know that your solutions will not help. They won’t have to think for a while about what you have suggested. Their “No way” will be immediate, and followed by a litany of reasons and excuses that make perfect sense to them. And before long, you can find yourself frustrated and longing to find a cement floor to pound into powder and then eat that powder. Learn this before you find yourself drowning in a pool of their “But, but, buts.” THEY DO NOT TRULY WANT YOUR GOOD SOLUTIONS. They are drowning in another pool. A deep dark pool of rebellion and anger against whomever and whatever has put them in their situation. And nothing that you suggest - and I mean nothing - is going to satisfy them or be a good answer for their dilemma. The only thing they will warmly accept is for their life to rewind and become what they are wanting. To recover what they have lost. You are wasting your breath if you try to convince them there truly are answers for those problems which prompted them to call you and beg for your help. Help that down deep inside, they do not want. They only want life to return to what they had. Before they lost. Giving real answers to help them? Very likely, most of us are not trained counselors or a licensed psychologist, so I sincerely doubt you can. You can love them, be extremely patient and understanding with them, pray for them, and walk with them through their valley. But don’t be surprised if that valley is long and dark, while they finally learn to accept what has happened in their life. Patiently wait for them until they take a deep breath, lift their head, accept their new situation and walk on. Then and only then will your suggestions, your pleading, and your answers begin to make sense to the one who is stuck in that pit of negativity.

By Guest Columnist Eddie Smith :  Although the tractor seat plant looks like it belongs in a tropical rainforest, it is completely at home in a shaded Southern garden. There is an unusual looking plant with a descriptive name that performs well in shade gardens in the state.            The tractor seat plant has oversized, thick and leathery foliage shaped like the curved iron seats once found on old tractors. Known also as leopard plant, the Farfugium japonicum is native to the stream banks, moist woodlands and coastal regions of Japan and eastern Asia.            Although this plant looks like it belongs in a tropical rainforest rather than a Southern garden, it was completely at home in a shade garden I recently visited in Meridian, Mississippi. The tractor seat plant thrives in shady, sheltered locations where moisture is steady, much like the warm and humid conditions of its natural habitat.            The leaves are deep green with a reflective shine, and their bold, architectural form stands out beautifully against plants with colorful flowers and those with variegated foliage.            In late summer and fall, the tractor seat plant surprises gardeners with clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers held above the foliage on tall stalks.   These cheerful blooms add a splash of sunshine to shady corners, arriving just when many other plants are fading for the season. The contrast of the golden blossoms against the large, glossy leaves is both unexpected and delightful.   This plant thrives in partial to full shade. Since it prefers moist, well-drained soil, make sure it gets regular water during dry spells. A thick layer of mulch helps keep the soil consistently cool and damp through our hot Mississippi summers.   Provide protection from the afternoon sun, which can scorch their glossy leaves.   I recommend using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to keep the foliage lush and healthy. Because the large leaves can sometimes be a target for slugs and snails, keep an eye out for damage and use slug control when needed.            When it comes to landscape design, tractor seat plants are versatile.   I like using them as bold specimens near shaded entryways, as visitors can appreciate their dramatic leaves up close. They also work beautifully in groupings of three or more, where their broad foliage creates a striking groundcover effect.   The contrast is eye-catching when these plants are paired with delicate textures like ferns, variegated leaves of jasmine or the soft blooms of impatiens.            Where I live in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 8, tractor seat plants reliably overwinter outdoors, especially with a little mulch protection. In colder regions, gardeners can dig up and store the plant indoors for the winter or grow it in containers that can be moved for cold protection.   Container-grown tractor seat plants need the same care as those grown in the ground -- consistent moisture, rich soil and a shady spot away from the harshest sun.            With its glossy foliage, cheerful yellow flowers and dependable nature, the tractor seat plant has become one of my favorites and has a spot in my backyard. If you’re looking to add drama and beauty to your shade garden, the tractor seat plant is a must-try. 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.

You are invited to a joint-open house & ribbon cutting with KC Family Pharmacy and suitemates Extended Care Clinical Services today, Tuesday, Nov. 4. OPEN HOUSE starts at 3 PM.  - hot dogs - boiled peanuts - popcorn - sweets  - entertainment by local radio stations on site starting at 2:30 pm.  It's all complimentary! And...you'll LOVE this next announcement, too... We will be drawing two door prizes EVERY hour ON the hour from 3-6 PM!!! See some of the prizes below.  RIBBON CUTTING is at 4 pm today.  Hop in the picture. We are proud to have your support! We truly hope to see you Tuesday. Come celebrate with us! Address: 543 & 545 Brookway Blvd, Brookhaven

Two achievement awards have been established by the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Band and Colette Alumni Chapter and awarded annually. Nominations for these awards are accepted from members in good standing of the Co-Lin Alumni Association and the Co-Lin Band/Colette Alumni Chapter. 2025 honorees were presented at the college’s recent homecoming activities and included Kristopher Coleman, Stanley Stewart Young Alumni, and Larry Greer, who was inducted into the Band & Colette Hall of Fame. Pictured: L TO R Coleman & chapter president Jessica Breazeale Hall of Fame: Larry Greer  L TO R: Greer & Breazeale Join (or pay your dues) to the Alumni Association today! Yearly Fee: $10 Lifetime Dues: $100 https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E351235&id=1

Special to Wesson News   Foil Cooking Preparing a meal after a long day doesn’t have to be a daunting task, Mississippi State Extension Agent LaToya Evans reassured participants in a Co-Lin Learning In Retirement (LIR) workshop.   Stock your favorite fats, proteins and vegetables.  Quickly throw them together on 12 to 14 inches of aluminum foil.  Flavor with spices, a splash of something liquid, herbs, salsa and/or cheese.  Fold the foil over the preparation and cook for 30 to 40 minutes in the oven or 10 to 15 minutes at medium to high heat on a grill.   Evans calls them “fold and go” meals.  She suggests choosing ingredients from:   Fats to prevent sticking:  Olive, avocado, canola, vegetable or pesto oils.  Brush or drizzle.  You only need a little bit. Proteins:  Skinless, boneless chicken chunks, sliced sausage, shrimp, fish, slice steak, pork, lentils or beans (kidney, black, navy, pinto, chickpeas or soybeans), tofu.  Layer lean protein ground or cut into small chunks to cook evenly. Vegetables:  Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, squash, zucchini, potatoes, green beans, onions, garlic, beans, lentils, corn, spinach, mushrooms, cabbage, greens.  Fresh, frozen or canned are all great.  Cut firm carrorts and potatoes into small pieces, vegetables like squash and tomatoes into larger chunks, and thinly slice leafy greens like kale and collards.  Spices:  Pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, turmeric, lemon pepper, cayenne, taco seasoning.  Don’t stop with salt and pepper.  Try salt-free spices like garlic powder or salt-free seasoning. Create spice blends with special flavors -- Greek, barbeque, chili lime, lemon pepper, cajun, chili, garlic pepper, taco, ranch and Italian – for rubs, or combined with oil, vinegar, lemon juice or other seasonings to make a marinade, sauce or dressing.   Toppings:  Liquid flavorings, including worcestershire, balsamic vinegar, wine, lemon/lime juice or slices, soy sauce, sriracha, ketchup, barbeque sauce, stock (veggie, chicken or beef), teriyaki, jerk sauce.  Dry or fresh herbs, including cilantro, parsley, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, dill, sage.  Salsa.  Cheese.   Among an array of meals, Evans cites a variety of possibilities:  Cheesy Chicken and Greens, Bacon Ranch Potatoes, Philly Cheese Steak, Barbeque Hamburger and Veggie Delight, Sweet Potato Tacos, among many, many others.

Students from the Medical Radiologic Technology Program at Copiah-Lincoln Community College recently competed at the 83rd annual Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) Conference. Co-Lin students brought home three awards in the student exhibit competition: 1st place - “Radiography & Mental Disorders” by Alyzabeth Johnson of Florence and Paisley Tew of Brandon 3rd place - “The Use of Fluoroscopy in Diagnosing Swallowing Disorders“ by Savana Barclay of McComb, Mackenzie Deer of Summit & Corby Husser of Brookhaven    People’s Choice - “Emergency” by Ellie Davis of Ruth, Abbey Hemphill of Brandon, & Ally Sullivan of Wesson Additionally, Tameron Nealy of Bogue Chitto was chosen as a recipient of the MSRT student scholarship. Ally Sullivan of Wesson won the conference art competition for the second year in a row. Co-Lin Program Director Kelly Fenwick of Bogue Chitto was named the 2025 MSRT Technologist of the Year. First Place: Alyzabeth Johnson of Florence and Paisley Tew of Brandon Third Place: Savana Barclay of McComb, Mackenzie Deer of Summit & Corby Husser of Brookhaven People's Choice: Ellie Davis of Ruth, Abbey Hemphill of Brandon, & Ally Sullivan of Wesson 2025 MSRT Technologist of the Year: Kelly Fenwick of Bogue Chitto

Special to Wesson News Four Co-Lin Blue Wave Show Band scholarship recipients were recognized at the annual scholarship reception at Co-Lin.  Pictured (left to right) are Jessica Breazeale, Co-Lin Alumni and Foundation Band/Colette chapter president, Mara Norwood, Ralph and Dot Franklin Colette Scholarship recipient; Hayden Huffman of Magee, Mark Hamilton Memorial Scholarship recipient; Jarvis Wilson, recipient of the Clyde Wilson Band and Colette Scholarship; Geralyn Russell, band/Colette alumni chapter vice president; and Antwone Peters of Prentiss, Stanley Stewart Band Scholarship recipient.   The Franklin Colette Scholarship was established by former Colettes in 2000 for deserving returning sophomore Colettes in the Co-Lin district.  Dot Franklin was instrumental in establishing the Colettes in 1949 and Ralph Franklin was band director noted for devising innovative performances and use of props.  The Hamilton scholarship was established to honor Mark Hamilton, a 1979 graduate and past president of the Band and Colette Alumni Chapter. He was instrumental in the development of the Princess Ball fundraiser, which has raised thousands of dollars to support the college and the Blue Wave Show Band.  A recipient must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a member of the band.   The Wilson scholarship was established to honor Clyde Wilson, a 1950 graduate who returned as band director for 10 years. Under his leadership, the Blue Wave Band became one of the most outstanding community college bands in the nation. A recipient must be a member of the band, a member of the auxiliary, a Colette, or a manager in good standing, and have completed at least one semester and have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. The Co-Lin Band and Colette Alumni Chapter established the Stewart scholarship in 2015 to honor the former band director who was involved with the Co-Lin music program for more than 40 years.  The auditorium in the Maggie Flowers Ewing Building is also named for in his honor. A recipient must have completed at least one semester with at least a 2.0 GPA and be a member of the band, a Colette, in the auxiliary, or a manager.  Co-Lin's Alumni Association's Bluewave Band and Colette Chapter raises money for student scholarships, with the annual Princess Ball, a father-daughter dance held in the college's Thames Center every February, generating the most funds.

Governor Tate Reeves today issued Executive Order 1589 to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test for elementary, middle and high school students across Mississippi. Executive Order 1589 comes after President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order that reestablished the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and reinstituted the Presidential Fitness Test. "Students across the country are spending far too much time sitting around looking at screens and eating too much highly-processed junk food," said Governor Tate Reeves. "We know that obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition lead to more negative health outcomes. If we want more healthy adults in our society, it's important that we encourage students to be physically active and educate them on healthy eating habits. Mississippi will do its part to build a healthier America." Executive Order 1589 directs State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney to deliver a report to Governor Reeves that proposes evidence-based strategies and suggests public information/education campaigns to address deficiencies in nutrition, diet and exercise across the state. Additionally, it requests that State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans work with United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to create a report for Governor Reeves that proposes a plan for reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test. Both reports are due to Governor Reeves on June 30, 2026. The Presidential Fitness Test will be implemented in Mississippi during the 2026-2027 academic year. A copy of Executive Order 1589 can be found  here .

Pictured (l-r) : Amber Bowman, Amy Cupit, Abby Rials, Tatiyuana James, and Leigh Anne Mason. The Co-Lin Alumni Association recently honored five employees for excellence in teaching, service, and dedication to the college. Recipients from the Wesson Campus were Amber Bowman, Amy Cupit and Abby Rials. The Simpson County Center was represented by Tatiyuana James, and the Natchez Campus was represented by Leigh Anne Mason. Amy Cupit was named Outstanding Academic Instructor of the Year for the Wesson Campus. Cupit, a mathematics instructor and Co-Lin alumna, received a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and a Master of Science in mathematics education both from Mississippi State University. She previously taught at Enterprise Attendance Center, Loyd Star Attendance Center, Forest Hill High School and Holmes Community College before joining the Co-Lin faculty. Cupit is an active member of the Mississippi Collegiate Mathematics Association and Friendship Baptist Church. She and her husband, Brad, have two children, Kyle, and his wife Katie, and Karli; and one granddaughter, Ally. Abby Rials was named Outstanding Career and Technical Instructor of the Year for the Wesson Campus. Rials, a Co-Lin alumna, serves as program director for the Culinary Arts Technology program and has over a decade of experience in the foodservice industry. After Co-Lin, she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from the Mississippi University for Women. She is a member of the Mississippi Hotel and Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Rials and her husband, Jake, have one daughter, Clary Jean Rials. Amber Bowman was selected as Outstanding Staff Member of the Year for the Wesson Campus. Bowman, a Co-Lin alumna, received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Jackson State University and a Master of Science in clinical psychology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. She previously worked in mental health services with Region 8 Mental Health and as a mental health therapist. She currently works as an academic counselor where she serves as disabilities coordinator, ACT Coordinator, PTK: Eta Omega Co-Advisor, and military service coordinator. She is an active member and staff member of Homeseekers Bible Church and volunteers with Anchored Christian Grief Ministry. She is also a Mississippi Counseling Association member, a National Alliance on Mental Illness Mississippi board member and NAMI Four Rivers steering team member. Leigh Anne Mason was recognized as Outstanding Faculty/Staff Member for the Natchez Campus. Mason, a Co-Lin alumna, holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and two master's degrees, one in elementary education and one in math education, both from Alcorn State University. She had more than 15 years of experience in K-12 schools before joining Co-Lin as a mathematics instructor. Mason is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Stanton Baptist Church and Vidalia Women's Club. She serves on the board of the Natchez Balloon Festival and was a Leadership Natchez graduate in 2024. She has coached several teams to state and regional softball tournaments and the Little League World Series in Delaware, and she was a silver medalist in the Mississippi Senior Pickleball Tournament. She and the late Matt Mason have two children, Ashton and Shelby, and two grandchildren, Emmett and Rett. Tatiyuana James was named Outstanding Faculty/Staff Member for the Simpson County Center. James, a Co-Lin alumna, holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a certification in management from the University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from USM. She had a career in banking before joining the staff at the Simpson County Center and is currently the business office manager. She is a member of the Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement. She and the late John Hall have two children, Braelyn and Madalyn.

Special to Wesson News Camp Kamassa is opening its doors for a special fall celebration on Saturday, November 8, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, inviting families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy an evening filled with seasonal fun and community connection. Located at 4002 Sumrall Road in Crystal Springs, the camp’s annual event promises an array of activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. Guests can look forward to live music that sets a festive tone, a variety of food trucks offering everything from savory bites to sweet treats, and trick-or-treating around the camp’s cabins, giving children and adults alike the chance to collect seasonal goodies. In addition to these highlights, the festival will feature yard games and other engaging activities, creating opportunities for friendly competition, laughter, and shared memories. The event celebrates not only the season but also the camp’s mission as Mississippi’s only year-round facility serving children and adults with special needs and serious illnesses. By attending, visitors support a space dedicated to inclusion, care, and joy for all participants, while enjoying a safe, welcoming environment designed for family fun. Payments for the event can be made on site using cash, check, card, or Venmo, with staff on hand to assist. Camp Kamassa encourages everyone to come together to celebrate community, the changing season, and the unique spirit of the camp. This special day promises to leave lasting memories for all who attend, combining the charm of fall with the warmth of shared experiences. For additional information or questions, contact cmccaleb@campkamassa.com .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     It really is innocent looking, because it looks just like wet pavement. But it can be dangerous as a rattlesnake. And just like that reptile, it strikes when you least expect it, with the intent to cause you a lot of pain and destruction. Truly unseeable, hiding in plain sight.  With absolutely no redeeming value, it is only there to jangle your nerves at best, and send you careening out of control at worst. Black ice is the byproduct of snow or freezing rain, a warming-up period, and then severely dropping temperatures which refreezes that water into a smooth-as-glass, black, unseeable sheet of ice. Capable of turning your vehicle into a whirling dervish, then ending your sudden adventure upside down in the nearby ditch. Or in front of an oncoming car. Hitting your brakes when you suddenly realize, “Houston, we have a problem” doesn’t help you at all. In fact, it is the worst thing you can do. Brakes attempting to grab at that slick mess will only complicate things, and will likely cause a bigger crash than if you had just chosen to grab your ears and ride it out until it’s over. Sound familiar? If you have ever had to drive in winter time in one of our states that receives snow, rain, sleet or an ice storm, then you likely know of what I speak. You can be merrily tooling along, listening to your favorite podcast or music and suddenly find yourself on a Winter Wonderland Swirling and Whirling Adventure, worthy of a five-star rating at Disney World. Five heart-stopping seconds later, when your car settles down and coasts to a stop, you let loose of the breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. You quickly check yourself and everyone else in the car for injuries. And hopefully finding none, you proceed with the next series of necessities. You open the car door and gingerly feel your way out of the car to determine how much damage you’ve inflicted during your ride into the great unknown. Returning to your seat, you fish around for your lost cell phone which flew to the backseat and is now resting under your seven-year-old’s feet. About then, you realize that somewhere in all that excitement and terror, you had needed a bathroom break…but way too late now. If you have never been the petrified recipient of one of our ‘famous free exciting rides in wintertime’ then count yourself very fortunate. Because that free ride invariably costs you. Not only will your insurance company hit you with a higher deductible, but will also hike your annual rate for the privilege of providing you with accident coverage. And of course, there is always the likely expense of another vehicle while yours is being repaired. Never forget the old adage, “Ain’t nothin’ free.”  Especially an unexpected fun-filled whirl on black ice. Sounds exactly like life itself.