By Raymond Barranco, MSU Professor of Sociology There are two things that most of us struggle to say (no, I’m not talking about “Irish wristwatch” and “rural juror”): “I’m sorry” and “You were right.” Those words are difficult no matter the relationship – between spouses, parents and children, coworkers, friends, or teachers and students. Why? Because saying them requires us to admit something we would rather not: that we made a mistake. Most of us don’t enjoy admitting we’re wrong. Maybe we’re afraid it will be used against us later. Maybe we worry it will make us look less competent. Maybe we simply don’t like the feeling of losing face. Whatever the reason, those small admissions can be surprisingly difficult. And if admitting we’re wrong about something small is difficult, imagine what happens when the disagreement involves something much bigger – our politics, our religion, the way we’ve raised our children, or beliefs we’ve held for decades. Those aren’t just opinions. They’re often part of our identity. Changing our minds in those situations doesn’t simply require admitting we were mistaken. It can feel like admitting that part of who we are was mistaken. I think many of us forget this when we disagree with one another. We assume that if we can simply prove ourselves right, other people will recognize the evidence, admit they were wrong, and change their minds. But that’s rarely how people change. Being right matters. Facts matter. Evidence matters. But being right and changing someone’s mind are not the same thing. Imagine someone who insists on giving directions from memory instead of using GPS. You follow their directions, get hopelessly lost, and mention it the next time you see them. You could say, “You gave me bad directions. You should have just used GPS.” You might even be right. But what happens next? Most people don’t respond by saying, “You’re absolutely right. I’ll never do that again.” Instead, they explain. They defend themselves. They remember the one time GPS took them the wrong way. The conversation becomes less about finding the best route and more about defending the old one. Now imagine a different conversation. “I got turned around, but no big deal. I pulled up GPS and found it. I actually leave it on even when I think I know where I’m going. It’s saved me more than once.” You never told them they were wrong. You simply gave them another way to think about the problem. The next time they drive somewhere unfamiliar, they may quietly turn on GPS themselves. If they do, they’ve changed their behavior – but they arrived there on their own. That difference matters. Good parents understand it. Their goal isn’t to win arguments with their children. It’s to help them become adults who can make good decisions without them. Good teachers understand it too. Simply telling students the answer isn’t the same as teaching them how to think. The best lessons are often the ones students feel like they discovered for themselves. The same is true in marriages, friendships, workplaces, and public life. We spend enormous amounts of energy trying to convince people that they’re wrong. Perhaps we’d accomplish more by helping them discover what’s right. That’s the strange thing about changing minds. People rarely enjoy having their minds changed. But they often enjoy changing their own minds. Real change almost never comes from being pushed. It comes from choosing. If our goal is simply to be right, proving someone wrong may be enough. But if our goal is to change minds, our job isn’t to drag people to the answer. It’s to help them find it themselves.

By Kara Kimbrough Fall’s finally here and football season is in full swing. The tantalizing aroma of wings, dogs and burgers grilling in the late afternoon sun is almost sweeter than your favorite team’s victory. Colorful tables filled with sausage balls, pulled pork sandwiches, pigs in blankets, football-shaped cheese balls, dips of every description and sugar cookies iced in team-colors are surrounded by fans who enjoy dining outdoors under a tent almost as much as entering the stadium to watch the game. It doesn’t matter if you’ll enjoy fall football action on a high school or college campus or in front on the TV in your recliner, it helps to have new recipes and tailgating ideas in your play book. At last week’s Ole Miss-LSU matchup in Oxford, a group of “mostly Simpson County” Rebel fans created a standout tent named “Tailgater of the Day," an honor announced on the Jumbotron in the midst of the game. I was more interested in their menu, which included a feast of chicken strips, smoked and fried wings, pulled pork, chili cheese dogs, sandwiches, Rebel corn dip, cowboy caviar and decorated cookies was served. Rebel corn dip sounded interesting, so I quickly retrieved the recipe. If you’d like to receive it, drop me an email and I’ll send it to me. Tip: If you’re not an Ole Miss fan, simply change the name to reflect your school loyalty. I did a little research and found the top five tailgate recipes American consistently search for on Google. They include wings, burgers and sliders, finger foods like pigs in blankets and nachos, chili and dips. I approve of this list, especially the last item. I’m a firm believer in the value of a lineup of flavorful dips on every tailgate table. In no particular order, here are a few of my favorites: Two-Ingredient Salsa…it simply doesn’t get any easier…or tastier. Friends are shocked when I tell them it’s as easy as letting an eight-ounce bar of cream cheese soften for a few hours, then mixing it with a 15.5-ounce jar of medium-heat salsa. I use a food processor or hand mixer to ensure a smooth consistency, but you can stir it together by hand if time is short. If you simply must make it a little fancier, chop a small Roma tomato and sprinkle on top or a handful of chopped black olives. As an alum, I primarily tailgate at Southern Miss. We’re close to the Gulf Coast, so shrimp prepared a myriad of ways, including in savory dips, is prevalent on Game Day. Location aside, a good shrimp dip translates well on every campus. Out of a dozen recipes, one of my favorites doubles as a dip for crackers or chips and as a sandwich spread on crusty French bread. To make Easy Shrimp Dip, beat eight ounces of cream cheese with a quarter cup of mayonnaise, along with two tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir in a tablespoon of cocktail sauce (more to taste) or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish. Gently stir in three-fourths of a pound of small shrimp that have been cooked, shelled and finely chopped. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with chopped green onions (optional). Serve cold with chips, crackers or vegetable slices. Looking for a lighter dip? Healthy Spinach Yogurt Dip fits the bill. Squeeze the water from a 10-ounce package of thawed frozen spinach and combine with two cups of light sour cream, a cup each of reduced-fat mayonnaise and plain yogurt, small package of Knorr’s Vegetable Recipe Mix and a sprinkle each of fresh dill and seasoning salt. Cover, chill and serve with savory crackers. Cataloochee Ranch Trout Dip, a creation of Sous Chef Jeff Bankes at the property’s amazing Switchback restaurant in Maggie Valley, NC, is hands down, the most delicious dip I’ve ever tasted. Drop me an email and I’ll send you the recipe. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) Last, the recipe is a little lengthy, so if you’d like the recipe for one of the best dips I’ve ever tasted – Cataloochee Ranch Trout Dip – a delicious concoction served at Switchback, the signature restaurant of the amazing property in Maggie Valley, NC – drop me an email and I’ll send it your way. The base of Crème Fraiche and other seasonings is so amazing that switching out smoked trout for another more readily available seafood item won’t substantially alter the taste. So…peruse your recipes, pick a flavor (or two) and start dipping…and above all, enjoy football season while it’s here because like our fleeting fall, it won’t last long. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Wesson News The Copiah County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its Citizen’s Academy, which offers Copiah County residents the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office and the services it provides to the community. The program aims to build relationships between the public and the deputies and staff who serve and protect the community, as well as the change to learn about things like patrol operations, investigations and special units. Applications can be picked up at any time at the Sheriff’s Office at 20032 Highway 51 in Hazlehurst. The Citizen’s Academy will be held October 19 through October 23, and applications are due by October 5. For more information, call 601-894-3011.

By Jessica Breazeale Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomore Anna Michelle McKenzie is inviting the community to join her in supporting childhood literacy through a bake sale set for Homecoming. "Baking for a Cause" will take place at Co-Lin's Homecoming Tailgate on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, ahead of the Wolves' Homecoming Game against East Central Community College. Proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a nonprofit that has provided free books to children from birth to age five since 1995 and has distributed more than 300 million books worldwide. McKenzie, a Smithdale native majoring in Business Administration, developed the bake sale as her Passion Project through Phi Theta Kappa, Co-Lin's honor society, where she serves as Vice President of Scholarship. As an officer, McKenzie was given the opportunity to design and carry out a project of her own choosing on behalf of the organization. She also serves as president of Co-Lin's Student Government Association. "I chose this project because it brings together several of my interests and passions, such as event planning, baking, photography, business, and literacy," McKenzie said. "I wanted to find a way to combine these interests into something meaningful that could make a difference beyond just our campus." McKenzie said the idea took root this summer while she was working at Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. "During my time there, I experienced so much kindness, love, and hospitality, and I saw firsthand how deeply Dolly Parton's values of giving and helping others were woven into the culture surrounding her," McKenzie said. She said the cause is personal to her because of what books have meant in her own life. "I believe a book is so much more than just a book," McKenzie said. "It can be a doorway to imagination, a source of comfort, a place to learn, and the beginning of a lifelong love of reading." McKenzie pointed to two quotes from Dolly Parton that inspired her: "I think that if you can read, it gives you wings to fly anywhere you want to go," and "The seeds of dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world." "To me, this project is about so much more than just selling baked goods," McKenzie said. "It's about planting a small seed of kindness and watching it grow into something that can reach children far beyond our own community." McKenzie is asking individuals, families, and local businesses and bakeries to consider donating baked goods or making a monetary contribution ahead of the event. Community members are also encouraged to stop by the bake sale while attending the Homecoming Tailgate and cheering on the Wolves. "We never know how much a small act of kindness might affect someone else," McKenzie said. "I hope our community will come together to raise money for something bigger than any one of us and help give children the opportunity to discover the joy, imagination, and possibilities that come from having a book of their own." After Co-Lin, McKenzie plans to continue her education in Hospitality and Tourism, though she has not yet decided where. She said she hopes for a future that allows her to travel, meet new people, and create experiences for others. Those interested in donating baked goods or making a monetary contribution can contact McKenzie at 601-757-7099 or annamckenziet@icloud.com.

The wide-ranging program for the 83rd National Folk Festival’s Mississippi Folklife Area & Stage was announced today at a press conference inside the House Chamber at the Old Capitol Museum. This is the event’s second year of a three-year residency, scheduled to take place November 13-15, 2026, in Downtown Jackson. On hand for today’s announcement were Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) Executive Director David Lewis, and Director of the Two Mississippi Museums Michael Morris. Also participating were Shaquita Chapman, Community Engagement & Strategic Communications Coordinator, National Folk Festival; and Blaine Waide, Executive Director, National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA). To provide a preview of the rich and varied program that will be on offer in November, three participants in this year’s program were also featured at the press conference: Rising Stars Fife & Drum, keepers of a singular African American fife and drum legacy; quilters from Mississippi Cultural Crossroads; and Geno Lee with the Big Apple Inn.” The Mississippi Folklife Area & Stage is a special component of the National Folk Festival, celebrating and showcasing the traditions held deeply in the state's diverse communities. With a different theme each year, the Folklife Area shines a spotlight on the distinctive music, rituals, crafts, occupations, foodways, and other traditions at the heart of Mississippi's cultural heritage, expressing both the state’s deep history and its evolving character. From the Gulf Coast to the Delta and the Prairie to the Hill Country, this area presents the best traditional musicians, artisans, and foods in Mississippi, in curated programs that celebrate the state’s rich, varied, and unique culture. Performances, demonstrations, displays, exhibits, and narrative presentations explore a wide range of topics, including the traditions of its Native peoples, the cultural legacies of families who have called the state home for generations, and the expressions of the newest Mississippi residents whose cultural roots are in far-flung places around the globe. Mississippi Flavor: At the Crossroads of the American Story For 250 years, Mississippi culture has flowed continually outward to shape the nation. The state's folk traditions speak to the heart of America, particularly when it comes to food and music. From church hymns to juke joints, and kitchen tables to gameday tailgates, Mississippi's traditions are meant to be shared and continually remade. Mississippi Flavor: At the Crossroads of the American Story, a special program curated by the Mississippi Arts Commission, honors the state's contributions to the nation's artistic and cultural excellence. It celebrates artists, musicians, cooks, friends, and families who carry the past forward and communities where creativity is a shared act. Here, traditions remind us that Mississippi's cultural soul does not simply belong to one state but enriches the entire nation. “America’s rich palette and sounds are rooted right here in Mississippi,” said David Lewis, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission. “With southern soul and a side of comeback sauce, we continue our celebration of America’s 250th with a focus on the music and flavors Mississippi has cultivated for generations. We can’t wait for everyone to experience what Mississippi has brought to the table this year.” "The Folklife Area is always a vital part of the National Folk Festival experience, but that’s especially true this year, " said NCTA Executive Director Blaine Waide. "Mississippi Flavor is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the state’s contributions, not just as the ‘birthplace of America’s music,’ but as the source of so much of our nation’s artistic and cultural legacy.” Mississippi Flavor: At the Crossroads of the American Story will feature: Alan Sibley & the Magnolia Ramblers of Ackerman, combining classic bluegrass standards, original gospel sounds, and classic instrumental licks in a style that harkens back to the music’s founding generation. Annie & the Caldwells of West Point, blending fiery gospel sounds with the slow-burn groove of soul, making this family band a longtime favorite on the gospel circuit in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle, and of late, across the world Big Apple Inn of Jackson, a community staple for nearly 80 years, serving up classic southern soul food like their famous pig ear sandwiches. Cedric Burnside of Holly Springs, an innovator and torch bearer for the spellbinding Hill Country blues tradition, bridging the music’s legacy and future, transmitting deeply held blues stories in a fresh, contemporary voice. Chimneyville Weavers & Spinners Guild of Jackson, sharing the time-honored practice of creating textiles by hand using tools that predate modern technology. Eddie Cotton, Jr. of Clinton, a master of soul blues moving audiences, body and spirit, with blistering guitar work, stirring vocals, and a hard-driving style rooted in the church of his youth. Eden Brent of Greenville, a blues pianist, vocalist, songwriter, and educator carrying forward the rich sounds of Mississippi Delta blues and boogie-woogie piano. Edna Nicole & Rev. Slim of Clarksdale, performing their mix of Delta blues, gospel, soul, and funk that draws inspiration from the community and people around them. Hollywood Luck of Jackson, a hip hop artist, producer, and songwriter, celebrating the creativity and energy of southern hip hop. Jarita Frazier-King of Natchez, sharing her signature twist on traditional southern soul food and Creole classics. Jemero Carter & Kingdomology of Oxford, playing a compelling mix of traditional, contemporary, and trap gospel—creating music that celebrates the continuing evolution of a signature southern sound. The Church of the Living God, “Home of the Sacred Steel Players,” of Tupelo, offering a rare opportunity to experience the distinctive sacred steel musical tradition of the Church of the Living God, Jewell Dominion. Lady Trucker of Holly Springs, a cousin of Jessie Mae Hemphill, performing the blues and gospel of her roots, celebrating the rich musical traditions of North Mississippi’s Hill Country. Las Delicias of Leland, demonstrating their award-winning version of a distinctive Mississippi staple, Delta tamales. Leda & Annie Issac of Choctaw, sharing their knowledge of traditional Choctaw culinary traditions that have been practiced in Mississippi for millennia. Los Preeminentes of Greenwood, a family band that has transported Northern Mexico’s classic norteño sounds to the Delta. Melony Armstrong of Tupelo, showcasing her skills as an expert hairbraider and sharing her craft with festivalgoers of all ages. Mississippi Cultural Crossroads of Port Gibson, sharing the rich quilting traditions of the region, including string quilts and their newest collaborative quilt celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum of Cleveland, showcasing the rich and vibrant customs brought to the Delta by Chinese immigrants, from grocery stores to wok demonstrations, chopstick tutorials, and mahjong.Palmer Robbins of Jackson, demonstrating traditional blacksmithing techniques. Peter Sherman of Natchez, a bowl hewer, showcasing a form of woodworking using an adze, a seldom-seen, historic woodworking tool. Rising Stars Fife & Drum of Coldwater, infusing the centuries-old African American fife and drum tradition with a new energy and youthful spirit, keeping the flame of her grandfather Otha Turner’s legacy. Shane Sekul of Ocean Springs, demonstrating boatbuilding and boat restoration by sharing the time-honored skills that serve Mississippi boatbuilders of past and present. Southern Boyz Grabbling of Olive Branch, sharing the uniquely southern practice of catfish grabbling, also known as noodling. Bringing the tailgating traditions of a Saturday college gameday to the festival, with tailgaters from Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of Mississippi. More artists may be added at a later date. Several of these artists, along with others who have been previously announced, will also participate in pop-up street performances, providing festivalgoers a unique way to interact and engage with festival performers. Schedule and festival site details, including performance times, will be announced in the fall. Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival, with more than 30 different musical groups performing on as many as six outdoor performance venues throughout Downtown Jackson. Over 15 people of different backgrounds—and with a deep knowledge of music and art forms—came together from across Mississippi to serve as the local Festival Programming Advisory Committee. This committee’s role is to consider—and help the NCTA select—the artists who will perform at the National Folk Festival each year. This year marks the second year of the festival’s three-year residency in Jackson, Mississippi, and will prominently feature National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship recipients, our nation’s highest honor for the traditional arts, in a special program celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The 83rd National Folk Festival is also participating this year in Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals, a series of programs and exchanges marking the U.S. Semiquincentennial and showcasing the country’s remarkable cultural landscape. To learn more about these artists and their stories, please visit nationalfolkfestival.com/artists. The National Folk Festival will feature individual artists on its Facebook page (facebook.com/NFFJackson) and Instagram (instagram.com/NFFJackson) throughout the summer. The 83rd National Folk Festival will prominently feature National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship recipients, our nation’s highest honor for the traditional arts, in a special program celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The festival is also participating in Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals, a series of programs and exchanges marking the U.S. Semiquincentennial and showcasing the country’s remarkable cultural landscape. The National Folk Festival is a partnership of the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the City of Jackson, Jackson Redevelopment Authority, Visit Jackson, Downtown Jackson Partners, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi Humanities Council, Visit Mississippi, the Community Foundation for Mississippi, and the National Park Service. The festival is FREE to the public. The 83rd National Folk Festival, presented by Ergon / Alliant, is also sponsored by Amazon, AT&T, Atmos, BankPlus, Barbour Hurst, Capital Area Tourism Association, Cathead Distillery, City of Flowood, Clarion Ledger / LocalIQ, Comcast, C Spire, Entergy, Explore Louisiana, Explore Ridgeland, Fertile Ground, the Foundation for Mississippi History, Hal & Mal’s, Hinds County Economic Development Authority, Hope Credit Union, Huntington Bank, iHeart Radio, Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, Kellogg Foundation, Levitt Foundation, the MAX, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, the Mellon Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Neel-Schaffer, Nissan Foundation, Phil Hardin Foundation, Regions Bank, Renasant Bank, South Arts, Southern Beverage, StateStreet Group, Trustmark Bank, Visit Vicksburg, VitalCore Health Strategies, Volunteer Mississippi, Westin Jackson, Where Y’At Magazine, and WJTV. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years. For festival media inquiries, please contact Allison Ford, allison@ivpr.com, or Sydney Griffin, sydney@ivpr.com.

A ninth grader from Copiah Academy is sitting in second place in a national competition, and his hometown has four days to push him to the top. Walker Breazeale currently ranks No. 2 in the 2026 Youth Athlete of the Year competition, a nationwide search hosted by 3BRAND, the youth apparel company founded by Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson and Ciara. The winner will receive $25,000, be featured in a 3BRAND national ad campaign appearing on CBS and in Sports Illustrated, and get a one-on-one mentoring session with Wilson. Voting for group finals ends this Thursday, Sept. 24, at 10 p.m. Central. For Breazeale, baseball has never been just a game. "Winning the youth athlete of the year would mean the world to me," Breazeale said. "It would mean that I have accomplished what I set out to accomplish, being recognized for my hard work." On his competition profile, Breazeale says he has loved the game since birth and is committed to growth and development on and off the field. Ask him what he loves most about the sport, and the answer comes fast: the chance to compete. That competitive streak hasn't made him complacent. Breazeale says he has always felt a natural talent for baseball, but he doesn't lean on it. "I know that I still have to work really hard because someone will always try to outwork me and the competition will always be tight," he said. That work ethic has already produced a moment he points to with pride: a hit off a pitcher already committed to play college ball. Off the field, Breazeale looks to former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow for inspiration, calling him "a good person that inspires me to be my best on and off the field." "I'm thankful that I've been given this opportunity," Breazeale said. "I'm grateful that I have loving support and I'm proud of where I came from and I'm excited for the future to see where it takes me. I love the game of baseball." Fans can vote for free once, and sometimes twice, each day. Additional votes can be purchased through a donation benefiting the Why Not You Foundation, Wilson and Ciara's nonprofit focused on education, children's health and fighting poverty. With four days left, Wesson has a chance to send one of its own to the top spot, but only if enough people show up for him. Cast a free vote for Walker Breazeale at athleteoftheyear.org/2026/walker-44b1.

By Charlie Rook The Wesson Cobras continued their undefeated start over the last two weeks, earning victories over Franklin County and Lumberton. Wesson faced its closest test of the season on Sept. 11, holding on for a 15-14 victory over Franklin County. After comfortable wins in each of its first two games, the Cobras found a way to win a one-point game and improve to 3-0. Wesson followed that with its second shutout of the season, defeating Lumberton 25-0 on Thursday night. The victory moved the Cobras to 4-0. Wesson has been especially strong defensively through the first month of the season. The Cobras have recorded two shutouts and allowed only 28 total points through four games. Wesson will return home Friday night to face Lawrence County before beginning district play against Enterprise on Oct. 2.

By Misty Strieff Prine “Never underestimate the power of a compliment. Sometimes it could keep a person going for days, weeks or even years.” – Unknown Life lately…it’s been crazy busy and just plain hard to be honest. I do my very best to keep a positive attitude and encourage others even in those times. I’ve been silently struggling with anxiety and overwhelming situations…unbeknownst to anyone…but God. But the past few weeks I’ve been reminded of something. In those valleys where I feel alone and it’s hard to even pray (when you know you need to be), the Lord hears those unspoken prayers of exhaustion and worry and He also sees you being strong in front of others but knows you’re worn slap out when you find yourself alone. I say all of this to say this. In the midst of some of the most difficult battles I have faced, God wraps His arms around me and sends and surrounds me with the most beautiful people each day who have kept me lifted up, loved on and made me feel valued. You see, God knew what my heart needed when I didn’t. Never ever hold back saying a kind or encouraging word to someone, making them laugh or just letting them know you are there for them with absolutely no explanation needed from them when the thought crosses your mind. Trust me when I say it’s more important than you realize. So many people are struggling with things and tend to hide it very well…but God knows their spirit needs MAJOR lifting up. Your girl here is proof of that. Stay kind. Battles are being fought behind smiles every day. Be that light that shines to everyone around you. You never know who is desperately searching for that light in their life in that very moment.

The Wesson Cobras remained unbeaten Thursday night with a 26-0 shutout of the Lumberton Panthers on the road, improving to 4-0 on the season. Wesson’s defense turned in another dominant performance, holding Lumberton scoreless throughout the game. The shutout was the Cobras’ second of the season and continued a strong start for a Wesson team that has allowed just 28 points through its first four games. The matchup favored Wesson entering Thursday night. In MaxPreps’ Mississippi football rankings, the Cobras were ranked No. 102 in the state, while Lumberton was ranked No. 212. The difference in the rankings pointed to Wesson being the expected favorite, but the Cobras still had to take care of business on the road. Wesson opened the season with a 41-0 shutout of Bogue Chitto before defeating North Pike 29-14 and Franklin County 15-14. The Cobras have now scored 111 points while allowing just 28 through four games. The victory gives Wesson four consecutive wins to begin the 2026 season and keeps the Cobras undefeated heading into the final week of September. Wesson will return home Friday, Sept. 25, to face Lawrence County. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Cobras will look to carry their early-season momentum into the Lawrence County matchup before beginning district play in October.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Apparently I blinked and the 1998 chick flick “Practical Magic” developed a huge cult following. The film, about witch sisters Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) Owens, came out 28 years ago, made only $40 million at the domestic box office, scored a mere 31% on Rotten Tomatoes, and I can’t recall ever hearing anyone speak affectionately about it. And yet not only was there a call for a sequel in 2026, the resulting film was the first to win a weekend over “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (okay, only “after” a six-week run of dominance, but still…). What kind of spell has this franchise cast on the moviegoing public? The Owens sisters, along with their kooky aunts Franny (Stockard Channing) and Jet (Dianne Wiest), come from a long line of witches that love extending their bloodline, but hate… love. Or at least romantic love, as a jilted long-ago relative cursed the women of the family to lose their male partners. As a result, Sally’s children, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams), have lost both their father and the stepfather that Sally found for them at the end of the first movie. Sally wiped their memories as children so they would never know the temptations of practicing magic, but the curse still applies. Now Kylie has a boyfriend, Gideon (Xolo Maridueña), and Sally can’t figure out a tactful way to tell her daughter that, for his own good, she can’t love him. Sally waits too long and tragedy befalls Gideon, though there’s a sliver of hope that he can be saved. Kylie finally learns of her heritage and the curse, falls out with her mother, and storms off to England, home of her ancestors, to see if she can break the curse with the help of local escort Tom (Solly McLeod). Sally tries to track her down, also travelling to England and taking Gillian along, ostensibly because she needs help but really because the movie needs Bullock and Kidman together so they can squabble for comic effect. They enlist the help of a professor (Lee Pace) who may or may not have ulterior motives and who may or may not be a potential third husband for Sally if that pesky curse can be broken for real. The movie is, in its best moments, agreeable and little more. I’m not saying that the appeal of Bullock and Kidman playing witches who share the ins and outs of sisterhood is completely lost on me. The two have good chemistry and some genuinely funny and touching moments. And when they’re sharing the screen with wily veterans Channing and Wiest, those genuine moments are amplified. I get why people like the low-stakes scenes of these four just playing off one another, with magic thrown in for flavor. The problem is that these movies can’t “just” be about these women enjoying happy hour. Like its predecessor, “Practical Magic 2” falters when it tries to deliver more than the laughs and tears that people expect. In other words, it doesn’t work as a thriller. The first movie really lost its balance once murder entered the picture, and this one similarly topples with all the mystery surrounding the curse and an evil scheme to burn one of the family at the stake. There’s so much lore and so many secrets that have to be uncovered that the film is over two hours long. I was chanting, “Just end already” like an incantation by the time the credits rolled. By taking up so much time, this movie offers up too much of even the stuff that does work, and goes far overboard with the stuff that doesn’t. Grade: C “Practical Magic 2” is rated PG-13 for some violence, intense thematic elements and sensuality. Its running time is 130 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

By Jessica Breazeale As if she needs a caption! (The late but great Dolly Parton herself!) I have two hanging baskets on my front porch, and I've started calling them my Dolly Parton wig plants. That's genuinely the only way I know how to describe them — big, full, bouncy, bursting with life. I don't even know what kind of plant they are. I think I picked them up at Buds and Blooms, and one of these days I need to actually ask somebody what I'm growing. For now I just know they're gorgeous, and I know they need a lot more water than I ever expected. Plant #1 Before Plant #2 Before Look at that. That is not a good look. That's a wet dog hanging its head after being caught in the rain — drooping, sad, completely wilted. Every strand of that "wig" just falls flat when these plants go too long without water. And I mean it, these things drink. I underestimated how thirsty they are. Plant #1 After But here's the part that gets me. You water them when they look like that wet dog, and by the next morning — I mean first thing the next morning — they are back. Full Dolly Parton wig, standing tall, like nothing ever happened. It is the fastest comeback I have ever seen from a plant, and every time it happens I can't help but think of Dolly herself. Plant #2 After There's a certain energy about these plants — a "get up and get moving" spirit, like they've got a famous 9 to 5 kind of attitude, just waiting on somebody to show up and give them what they need to get the party started again. They don't need a cup of coffee like the rest of us dragging into the kitchen in the morning. They just need water. But the principle is the same — something has to fill you back up before you can function. So here's the bigger picture, because with me there's always a bigger picture. Anything that matters to you requires work — consistent work, done when it's required, not just when you feel like it. Skip it, put it off, take too long of a break, and it will show. It always shows. These plants aren't shy about telling on me when I've neglected them, and honestly, most things in life work the exact same way. We just don't always droop as visibly as a hanging basket does. So what does that look like in real life? For some of us, it might be a relationship with a family member or a friend that's gone dry because we haven't tended to it. It might be an apology we've been putting off. It might be something we need to let go of because we've been holding on past the point of doing any good. It might be parenting, showing up in the ways our kids need even when we're running on empty ourselves. I know what it means for me. Every time I walk past those baskets and see them drooping, it's a reminder — water them, or the beauty fades. And I've got a few places in my own life right now where I know exactly what needs watering. So I'll ask you the same thing I keep asking myself: what's drooping in your life right now, just waiting on you to show up with what it needs to come back to full bloom? Nature’s Dolly Wig Working 9 to 5!

Special to Wesson News Pictured (l to r) are Debbie Hoaglin, Cherry Head, June Owens, Debbie Smith Sherri Carty, Kristi Watts, Terri Bath, Lisa Smith, Jean Ricks, Joy Phillips and Sonya Cowen. Not pictured is Jennifer Peets. Members of Wesson Garden Club met at the American Legion Prime 79 on Tuesday, August 11. Those in attendance were Teri Bath, Sherri Carty, Sonya Cowen, Cherry Head, Debbie Hoaglin, June Owens, Jennifer Peets, Joy Phillips, Debbie Smith, Lisa Smith, Dixie Thornton and Krisi Watts. Sherri Carty, Debbie Hoaglin and Lisa Smith served as the meeting’s hostesses. President Sherri Carty called the meeting to order and opened with an inspirational quote. The Collect and Pledge of Allegiance were recited. Members were welcomed to the first meeting of the 2026-27 year, and the yearbook was reviewed and distributed. Jean Ricks gave the tip of the month. Sonya Cowen read a-thank-you note to the group for helping with her 80th birthday party. The previous minutes were approved and the treasurer’s report distributed. Lisa Smith gave the Butterbean report and announced the programs planned for the upcoming year. The club plans to have a float in this year’s Christmas parade with a Grinch theme. The mum sale fundraiser is underway, and mums will arrive at the City Park Pavilion on September 18, 2026. The meeting was adjourned with prayer. WGC is a member of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., and the Natchez Trace District GCM.