KC Family Pharmacy & Extended Care Clinical Service will have a joint-ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.   The two businesses are neighbors and suitemates at 543 and 545 Brookway Boulevard in Brookhaven and will have an afternoon of fun to celebrate the recent opening of their businesses.   Open House will begin at 3:00 p.m. and feature food like hot dogs, boiled peanuts, popcorn and sweets. Enjoy giveaways, door prizes, sales, and specials, too. B92, Magic 104.3, and K106 radio remote will host entertainment from 2:30-4:30 p.m. The ribbon cutting will take place at 4:00 p.m.   The public is encouraged to attend this open house and ribbon cutting.     ABOUT US:   Extended Care Clinical Services at 545 Brookway Blvd in Brookhaven. Extended Care Clinical Services  is a primary care and urgent care clinic at 545 Brookway Boulevard in Brookhaven is designed to meet the needs of your entire family. Walk ins are welcome! They have low cash costs and online booking for your convenience.   Extended Care Clinical Services, or ECCS for short, offers low wait times & guarantees quick and thorough treatment every visit! Their motto is grace, comfort, compassion... and they mean that! Extended Care Clinical Services’ owner (and one of their providers) is Nurse Practitioner Mallory Mowdy that you will love.   The clinic has a convenient next-door neighbor, KC Family Pharmacy Brookhaven that also offers fast, friendly, and compassionate care.   KC Family Pharmacy Brookhaven at 543 Brookway Blvd in Brookhaven. KC Family Pharmacy  is your new, local hometown family pharmacy that cares about personalized care and services. They will do ALL the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to . Transferring your meds and getting prescriptions filled shouldn’t be a hassle. Owners Dana Brooks Shoemake and Abby Furr Garcia of Wesson are your pharmacists, and their team will make the process stress-free because they care.   During your short wait, you’ll love the well-stocked and unique items in the gift shop. From children’s toys, jewelry, team-themed gifts, hats, dip n dots, and more, you are sure to find the perfect gift. The gift shop features HGTV’s very own “Hometown” stars Ben and Erin Napier’s products. They stock Laurel Mercantile products like Scotsman serving boards and Scent Library candles. Each piece is designed and made in Laurel, MS. They support American makers, manufacturers, and small towns that depend on them, and KC Family Pharmacy Brookhaven does, too.   KC Family Pharmacy now has two convenient locations in downtown Hazlehurst and now on 543 Brookway Blvd in Brookhaven. They have a convenient drive-through window in Brookhaven.

Special to Wesson News All ten Practical Nursing graduates in the Co-Lin Wesson Campus Class of 2025 passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The accomplishment highlights the dedication of both students and faculty within the program, Co-Lin officials say. The NCLEX-PN is a nationally recognized exam required for licensure as a practical nurse, and first-time pass rates are a key measure of program quality and student readiness for the workforce. “We are incredibly proud of these graduates,” said Practical Nursing Director Hope Berry. “A perfect pass rate is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our students, as well as the excellence of our instructors who prepare them to meet the highest standards of patient care.” Students included Rebecca Adams and Kyla Barcenas, both of Brookhaven; Rebekah Carr of Bogue Chitto, Tyranesha Davis of Harrisville, Angela Freeman of Fayette, Cassidy Hunt of Bude, Erica Johnson of Clinton, and Ambria Mackey, Zarreyah Thompson, and Kaci Weeks, all of Brookhaven. Co-Lin offers the one-year Practical Nursing program on all three campuses: Wesson, Natchez, and Simpson County. Students are trained with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on clinical experience needed to succeed in today’s healthcare field upon graduation. For more information about Co-Lin and all programs offered, visit  www.colin.edu .

By: Michael Watson, MS Secretary of State Mississippi's next Election Day on Tuesday, November 4, is one week away. Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Any voter in line at 7:00 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. To view the list of counties that may have an election on November 4,  click here . Visit the  My Election Day portal  to receive election information tailored to your specific address, including a sample ballot. As you type your address into the system, similar addresses should populate. Simply click on yours to get started. Mississippians are encouraged to educate themselves on all races prior to heading to the polls. Problems at the polls observed by state observers or otherwise reported to our Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General's Office or the appropriate District Attorney's Office. As a reminder, the Secretary of State's Office has no enforcement authority over election-related issues. For questions, please contact the Elections Division at 1-800-829-6786, email  ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov , or visit  YallVote.ms . ELECTION DAY REMINDERS In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline:  The last day to vote absentee vote in-person is Saturday, November 1. Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline:  All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 4 and received by Circuit Clerk's Offices by November 12. Voter ID Affidavit Ballot Deadline:  Voters who cast an affidavit ballot because they forgot their voter ID must present an acceptable form of photo ID to their Circuit Clerk's Office by November 12. Polling Place Location:  Contact your Circuit Clerk's Office to verify your polling place. Voter Photo ID:  Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. Click here to view a list of acceptable photo IDs. Campaigning:  It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering:  The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except election officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones:  Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.

Special to Wesson News   Wesson Aldermen have adopted a 2026 fiscal year budget with revenues up 4.2 percent and expenditures up 10.8 percent that requires a 9.9 percent millage rate increase on property taxes.   For the fiscal year, the Town is projecting total expenses of $1,430,550 with revenues of $1,627,757 compared FY 2025’s revenues of $1,561,757 and expenses of $1,290,100.72 The millage rate increase will help cover lost income from the sales tax ($10,000) and the Mississippi use tax ($130,000 received from the state for infrastructure) along with higher costs reflected in the jump in budgeted expenditures. The Town's budget encompasses revenues that pay for general government expenses, the police and street departments, Old School Community Center and public library; and revenues and expenses for the fire and water/sewer departments, and water meters.      Other budget highlights:   General government expenditures budgeted at $331,250 included increases in salary expenses ($80,000 to $145,000), retirement expenses ($18,400 to $23,000) and legal and audit costs ($35,000 to $45,000). Wesson Police Department (WPD) salaries rose to $250,000 from $235,000 while reduced personnel expenses accounted for a drop in the street department’s budgeted expenses from $91,050 to $67,600. Estimates of Old School Community Center and library expenditures were up slightly.  The fire department’s projected income and expenses remained at $32,532 and $28,450 respectively.  Garbage/waste management, repairs and administrative costs drove the budgeted increase in water/sewer department budgeted expenses from $583,650.72 to $647,200 on estimated revenues of $697,000 with increases in metered sales to customers and sewer charges.  Water meter revenues and expenses are again budgeted at $7,025 and $5,000 respectively.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jackson, MS hosted a grand Diwali celebration, inviting the community to experience the traditions and joy of the Festival of Lights. Observed by millions of Hindus worldwide,  Diwali is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration with family and community. This year’s celebrations highlighted the theme of unity, emphasizing the values of harmony, compassion, and togetherness that Diwali inspires. The festival served as a reminder that when individuals and families come together, they strengthen not only their own bonds but also the fabric of the wider community. “This festival reminds us that the whole world is one family. I can see Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in practice here, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate Diwali at the Mandir is truly in spiring”, shared Ramesh Maddali, a member of Telegu Association and a visitor at the event. “ Seeing so many dedicated volunteers in preparation and executing this Diwali event, showed me how service can bring us together a family and community,” shared Sonu Patel, visitor at the mandir In preparation for the celebration, volunteers dedicated weeks of effort to create a vibrant atmosphere at the mandir. The grounds were adorned with colorful decorations, intricate galaxy as theme in decoration, and  displays of light, offering visitors an immersive cultural and spiritual experience that reflected both devotion and artistry. A central feature of the festival was the ‘Annakut,’ or “mountain of food,” in which hundreds of vegetarian dishes prepared by devotees of all ages were beautifully arranged and offered to the Divine. The Annakut served as a symbol of gratitude and devotion while also showcasing the dedication and collective spirit of the community. “I love to be part of a team of volunteers in preparation for Diwali” shared Harin Rao, one of the volunteers at BAPS. Beyond the rituals, the celebration engaged families and guests of all ages with activities such as fireworks, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that conveyed the meaning of Diwali. These experiences fostered learning while building connections across generations. “Experiencing Diwali at BAPS, Jackson is truly special, way the young volunteers participate and provide guided tour in Mandir where theme Galaxy is wonderfully explained with message of Unity” shared Dipak Patel of Ahmedabad Mitra Mandal. Mayor of Flowood City – Mrs Kathy Smith, Mayor of Vicksburg – Willis Thompson, Mayor of Jackson CityJohn Horhn and Councilman Brian Grizzell were some of the dignitaries attended the celebrations. Learned about Indian culture. Appreciated the message of Unity and young volunteers. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj shared his Diwali blessings, encouraging all to let the light of unity shine brightly in their lives. He explained, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj has taught us that true unity begins with  self-reflection. I must first strive to uphold unity without expecting it from others. Though it may bring challenges, unity can be nurtured through patience, listening, setting aside one’s own opinions, and being flexible.”  He further blessed, “May all your noble wishes be fulfilled, and may your conviction in God grow stronger, leading to ever-deepening devotion.” BAPS mandirs across North America joined in hosting Diwali celebrations, offering a space for spiritual reflection, cultural appreciation, and community unity. As the lights of Diwali continue to inspire, the BAPS Shri  Swaminarayan Mandir in Jackson, MS remains a place where individuals and families come together to celebrate tradition, strengthen values, and foster goodwill.

By Guest Columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid Every day, thousands of lives are lost to sudden cardiac arrest, but many of those lives could be saved with one simple skill: CPR. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home. That means the life you save is most likely that of a loved one. This reality underscores the importance of CPR education. It is not just for healthcare professionals. Anyone can learn it, and everyone should. A trained bystander can mean the difference between tragedy and survival. That’s why Do Good Pro Health, a CPR training company, is offering two unique opportunities this fall for the Wesson community -- one designed to help anyone gain confidence in lifesaving action, and a second designed to equip future instructors who want to multiply that impact. ▪ On Thursday, October 23, at 5:30 p.m., Grace Foam Solutions will host a hands-on Community CPR class. This class is open to the public and perfect for parents, teachers, coaches, and community members who want to be prepared. Location: Grace Foam Solutions. Cost: $40 per person (use promo code COM50 for discount). Space is limited. So early registration is encouraged. Participants will leave with the knowledge and skills to respond confidently in an emergency, whether at home, at school or on the ball field. ▪ For those ready to step further into leadership, the CPR Instructor Course will be offered on Friday, November 8, in Wesson. Becoming an instructor allows you to teach others and extend the ripple effect of lifesaving skills throughout the community. You must have Basic Life Support (Advanced) Certification in order to take this course. To learn more and determine if you qualify, call Dr. Stephanie Duguid at 601-669-6784. This class is ideal for educators, trainers or anyone looking to make a bigger impact by helping others gain lifesaving confidence. The chain of survival -- the process that gives cardiac arrest victims the best chance at recovery -- begins with a bystander. Immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates, but too often, hesitation or lack of training keeps people from stepping in. By taking a community class, you prepare yourself to act. By becoming an instructor, you help prepare dozens, even hundreds, of others. Both roles are essential, and both strengthen the safety net that protects families, schools, and neighborhoods. Imagine being the one who can save a life. Imagine knowing your family, your students, or your teammates are safer because of the skills you gained. These classes are about more than checking a box -- they’re about building confidence, leadership, and resilience in moments that matter most. Consider joining us for one of these sessions. Whether you’re stepping up for the first time in October’s community class, or stepping forward to lead in November’s instructor course, you are taking action that could change everything for someone in need. Let’s make Wesson a heart-safe community -- one class, one person, one heartbeat at a time. EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching). She is also a Mississippi Health Ambassado

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announced today that due to the ongoing federal shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of November will not be issued. This pause in benefits is a direct result of the federal shutdown and is not a state-level decision. The United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has directed states not to transmit the EBT issuances files to EBT vendors until further notice. As a result, no new SNAP benefits will be issued for November unless federal guidance changes, however, previous benefits will remain accessible. Existing clients are reminded to fulfill all requirements to maintain SNAP eligibility. At this time, MDHS has not received confirmation from federal partners on when benefits will resume. MDHS will provide updates to beneficiaries and retailers as the situation develops. MDHS SNAP customer service representatives will continue to be available to answer technical questions but will not be able to provide information on the timing of benefit issuance. SNAP clients and community groups are encouraged to visit http://www.mdhs.ms.gov/home/federal-shutdown-updates/ for the latest information on SNAP updates and a comprehensive list of local food resources. MEDIA FAQs MDHS is not available for interviews regarding this matter. The following FAQ should answer any questions. Q: Will Mississippi SNAP recipients receive November benefits? A: If the federal government shutdown continues, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or may not be issued. Q: If a SNAP client has a balance on their EBT card from a previous month, will they be able to use those benefits after November 1? A: Currently, SNAP clients will maintain access to previous month benefits. MDHS advises our clients who have unused SNAP benefits from October or previous months to make eligible purchases with those benefits. Because the length of the shutdown is uncertain, MDHS recommends that clients purchase shelf-stable items such as canned goods. Q: When will the state be able to issue SNAP benefits again? A: Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, there is no clear timeline for when states will be able to issue SNAP benefits again. MDHS will continue to follow guidance from the federal government and will communicate when more information is available. SNAP clients and community groups are encouraged to visit http://www.mdhs.ms.gov/home/federal-shutdown-updates/ for SNAP updates and a list of local food resources. Q: What actions should SNAP recipients take to maintain their compliance with program requirements during the shutdown? A: SNAP recipients should continue to report household changes, submit requested verifications, and complete any scheduled interviews. Q: Where can clients find updates about the impact of the federal shutdown on MDHS-administered programs like SNAP? A: Visit MDHS.MS.GOV or follow our agency's social media accounts for the most up-to-date information. Please note that MDHS county office staff do not have any additional information on SNAP benefits beyond October. http://www.mdhs.ms.gov/home/federal-shutdown-updates/ Q: Are there other resources available to help Mississippi families meet their food needs? A: To find a list of local food pantries, please visit: North Mississippi: Mid-South Food Bank: https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org/find-food?locsearch=38107&loccountry=US&locdistance=25&sortdir=distance-asc&loccategories=none Central Mississippi: Mississippi Food Network: https://www.msfoodnet.org/help/ South Mississippi: Catholic Charities of South Mississippi: https://catholiccharitiesofsouthms.org/ Q: Can SNAP recipients use existing benefits during the shutdown? A: Yes, all benefits on your account prior to November 1, 2025 are available to use. Q: If a SNAP client receives a notice that they were approved for November benefits, will they receive those benefits on their EBT card? A. No. Although MDHS will continue to accept and process applications, SNAP clients will not receive November benefits until and unless further guidance is issued to MDHS by FNS. For additional FAQs, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/home/federal-shutdown-updates/#h-faqs .

Special to Wesson News The Wesson Cobras continued their impressive  run Friday night with a commanding 48-0 victory over the Wilkinson County Wildcats, keeping their undefeated season intact. The shutout marked yet another decisive win for Wesson, who have made a habit of overwhelming opponents — six of their victories this season have come by margins of more than 22 points. From the opening kickoff, Wesson controlled the pace on both sides of the ball. The defense proved relentless, pressuring Wilkinson County’s quarterback throughout the game and forcing three interceptions, all snagged by defensive standout Wesley Loy. His performance anchored a defense that has been a cornerstone of Wesson’s success this year. Adding to the excitement, Layton Cloy delivered one of the night’s biggest highlights when he scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, sending the home crowd into a roar. With this win, Wesson improved to an impressive 9-0, closing out the regular season undefeated. Their consistency, discipline, and playmaking ability have set the tone for what could be a deep postseason run. For Wilkinson County, the loss dropped them to 0-9, extending a difficult stretch that has seen them struggle both at home and on the road. They’ll have another opportunity to regroup when they return home Thursday to face Enterprise, whose defense has shown vulnerability this season. As for Wesson, their latest victory serves as both a statement and a celebration — a team firing on all cylinders, ending the regular season with perfection and momentum on their side.

Special to Wesson News Bruce Shawton Smith and LaNiaa A. Wilson with Co-Lin’s Angela Furr, Director of college Foundation, and Dwayne Middleton, college President, after endowing Shawn Marquis Smith Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son. The Shawn Marquis Smith Memorial Scholarship was recently endowed with the Co-Lin Foundation by his parents, LaNissa A. Wilson, of Houston, Texas, and Bruce Shawnton Smith, of Brookhaven. The scholarship was established to benefit a Brookhaven High School graduate with a 2.5 or higher grade point average who is majoring in Automotive Technology or business on Co-Lin’s Wesson campus. Smith had a love for cars and could often be found outside his grandmother’s house working on his own vehicle. His parents described him as a protector of his family. He was known as “Smitti Lo” in the Brookhaven area, a nickname given to him by his cousin. Smith passed away May 12, 2013, at age 19. “Simply put, Shawn was charismatic, well-mannered and such a comedian,” Wilson said. “To know him was to love him, and he was loved by all. I am overjoyed to establish this scholarship in his memory.” Contributions to the Shawn Marquis Smith Memorial Scholarship, or any other scholarship, can be mailed to the Co-Lin Foundation at P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, or made online at https://www.colin.edu/alumni-foundation/give-now/ .

By Misty Strieff Prine “Just be a good person. Love who you can, help where you can, give what you can.” – Unknown I always try to live my “every day” life by this theory but with an added mindset of “if I could shine the light of Jesus so that others will 100% know I’m a believer and what He’s done for me”, I’m doing it!” You see, through being just a good, kind and humble human being, REGARDLESS of how you’re feeling or how bad your day has been, THAT alone is your testimony. How you respond to others. You are not doing it for recognition but from the bottom of your heart from a place of genuine Christ-like love. Always remember that you have an audience. There are two types of audiences: people that you see watching you and there are people you don’t KNOW that are watching you. They both take away so many different viewpoints of you. A lot of us react a different way when we think no one is watching. In today’s times it’s easy to get aggravated at others and it’s easy for others to get aggravated at you because neither one knows what’s going on in each other’s lives. Also, Jesus may allow your path to cross with a lost person who needs to see Jesus in someone in that exact moment and Jesus sent you to do that job. Don’t let the enemy win and steal that opportunity by letting a bad day possibly ruin that moment. The enemy is always at work. People around you KNOW your situation and your faith and are already wanting to cast doubt on your faith to others and if you are a loose cannon and treat someone ugly, that just gives them a reason to run with something. You’ve given them all the ammunition they need to try to go out and ruin your testimony. Meanwhile, you’ve really hurt someone in the process behaving out of character. Always guard your words and actions carefully. Words can’t be taken back once said. Just simply be a good person and act how Jesus would have you act and react. Be that person. Be kind. Love and help when you can. It costs absolutely $0 to be nice to someone. People are going through a lot and fighting so many unseen battles. Me included and I’m strong. No act of kindness is too small. Kindness always wins. People just don’t talk about it enough. We need to focus on putting more acts of kindness out in the world and when they ask how to repay you just simply say, “Pay it forward.”                 **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Special to Wesson News   Wesson Chamber of Commerce has started a weekly Farmer’s Market & Taco Tuesday.   The Chamber launched the ongoing event on Tuesday, September 30, and it will continue on Tuesdays at the concrete slab at the Lone Pine Shopping Center on Highway 51 at the south stoplight.  The hours are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  During inclement weather, the event will move inside.  Otherwise, it will be outside under the Mississippi sun.   While shopping for fresh produce brought by local farmers, visitors can munch on tacos and tamales prepared by Hispanic Heritage Kitchens and Jonas Hernandez from Beauregard.    Honey was sold at the first event by Broken House Farms and at the second event by Buffy Girls Farms.  At the inaugural event, Patrick Kinkaid from Reservation Farms was the lone farmer offering mustard and turnip greens, okra and squash.  At the second event, he brought along some tomatoes.   Chamber President Teri Bath says she is seeking more farmers for the Market, food vendors who complement the Taco Tuesday theme with Mexican specialties and arts and crafts vendors – all locals from Copiah County.   “We’ve started small and are looking to grow,” she says.   For information, contact Bath at 601-757-3949

Special to Wesson News   Joanna Busby According to Chinese legend, tea drinking started around 2737 BC when Emperor Shennong set an example for his subjects whom he had ordered to boil water before drinking it.  The wind blew a few leaves from a nearby tree into his water, changing its color and taste and creating a flavorful brew with restorative properties.   Now, in 21 st  Century Wesson, Joanna Busby is helping people around town discover the similar pleasant surprises that leaves, stems and roots of various plants can produce when brewed in boiling water.   Last month, Busby officially opened Lemons & Thyme Apothecary at a grand opening ribbon cutting where its located at the small cottage retail site in front of the Milltown Mall across from Wesson Ace Hardware in Wesson on Hwy 51 .     There locals can acquire customized tea mixes for tasty thirst quenchers and/or addressing health concerns.  Busby makes them to order from an array of herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, roots and even grains, demonstrating why next to water, tea is the world’s favorite beverage.  While teas are the featured product, other all natural products on the shelves are coffee, raw honey, candles, an African Shea butter skin care application, drops for ear aches, nausea, fever and sleep problems, a spice blend for autoimmune support, elderberry cold and flu elixir, fire cider to prevent colds, cough syrup, goat milk soap, a mushroom blend and even chapstick.   Customers can relax and test the teas and other products in the cozy interior at Lemons & Thyme, which has a couple of small tables with chairs, and at an outdoors table when weather permits.   Busby, who assists Christy Shaw at C&L Treasures, isn’t new to Wesson, although her new business here comes after a fire destroyed a bed and breakfast she owned and managed off Highway 51 in north Brookhaven.   Lemons & Thyme is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Busby will meet customers by appointment on days when the store is closed.