By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB             Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson is known as a top-tier talent without top-tier recognition. None of his movies have made more than $50 million at the domestic box office, and despite 11 nominations, he’s never won himself an Academy Award (a combined three Oscar wins have come from his films, including Daniel Day-Lewis as Best Actor for 2007’s “There Will Be Blood,” but I’m talking about Anderson personally). “One Battle After Another” seems to represent an attempt by Anderson to step up his game, both commercially and creatively. The result is a film that is highly likely to give him his first blockbuster, and yes, could very well end his losing streak at the Oscars.             The film initially follows Pat Calhoun (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor), members of a revolutionary group known as the French 75. The group frees detainees, robs banks, blows up (hopefully) abandoned buildings, and generally causes headaches for authority figures like Lt. Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn). Pat and Perfidia fall in love due to their shared thrills in their missions, but Perfidia also has an affair with Lockjaw due to their shared thrills in their cat-and-mouse game. Perfidia eventually gives birth to a daughter named Charlene, and Pat wants the three of them to settle down and have a normal life, but his wanting to give up the risk drives Perfidia away. She ultimately botches things so badly that the group is brought down by Lockjaw, Pat and Charlene have to go into hiding, and she’s basically dead to everyone who may have once cared about her.             Sixteen years later, the now-Col. Lockjaw is up for membership in a powerful white-supremacist organization. The problem is that they won’t let him join if they join if they find out about his mixed-race possible daughter Charlene. Lockjaw sets to tracking down the girl now known as “Willa Ferguson” (Chase Infinati), who is living in a sanctuary city with her father-figure “Bob.” Bob is expectedly loving and protective of Willa, but he’s a mess himself, which causes the girl to practically have to be a parent to him. She’s smart and steadfast like her mother, but she has no idea the trouble she’s about to be in with Lockjaw and associates both legitimate and unscrupulous descending on the area.             So much of the film is chase and action sequences, with the French 75’s activities in the first half of the film giving way to both Lockjaw pursuing Willa and an intoxicated Bob trying to recover Willa with the help of her karate instructor (Benicio Del Toro) in the second. Anderson has been known more for “tension” than “action” in his career, but this movie – especially with its bumpy-ride car chases – will make you think he’s been an action director this whole time. But the appeal doesn’t lie entirely in action, there are also some great emotional performances and gut-busting dry humor, as well as more outrageous humor. Bob’s frustration over being expected to remember decades-old French 75 code is arguably the highlight of the entire movie.             At this point, the question isn’t whether or not “One Battle After Another” will be nominated for Academy Awards, it’s the number of categories in which it will be nominated. DiCaprio, Penn, and surefire breakouts Taylor and Infiniti could all get into the acting categories, and Anderson himself wears so many hats in the production that he could be up for at least four awards. I do have a few quibbles, like how the film does so little with a fellow revolutionary played by Regina Hall, and Bob’s questionable usefulness to the story, and how a character seemingly only survives a consequential action sequence just so they can be used for a humorous scene later. But overall this is a very exciting, funny, enjoyable movie that I wouldn’t mind earning Paul Thomas Anderson the recognition he’s deserved for decades. Grade: B “One Battle After Another” is rated R for pervasive language, violence, sexual content and drug use. Its running time is 161 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News                                                                                                          Kathleen Hutchison is new Director of the Copiah Jefferson Regional Library (CJRL) system, returning to where she started her career in 1973.   Hutchison brings more than 30 years in the academic, public and archival library environments to the CJRL position with skills in cataloging, collection development and library systems management; commitment to access, literacy and lifelong learning; and passion for strengthening rural communities through responsive public library services, collaborative leadership and programs that meet local needs.   At CJRL, Hutchison is overseeing Wesson Public Library, and the public libraries of Crystal Springs, Georgetown, Hazlehurst and Jefferson County.   Hutchison earned her BA in Library Science at the University of Louisiana at Baton Rouge in 1971 and her MA in Library Science at the Mississippi Universi1985ty for Women at Columbus, Mississippi, in 1972, and started her career as a librarian at CJRL, where she was Library Director from 1973 to 1979.   She served the State of Mississippi in Jackson at Mississippi Library Commission as Reference Librarian (1985-86) and at Mississippi Department  of Archives & History as Project Cataloger for is Mississippi Newspaper Project (1986-88) and Head of its Reference department (1988-90).  She served as the school librarian at Copiah Academy at Gallman from 1990 to 1992 and as Co-Lin Assistant Librarian from 1992 t0 2003.   Most recently, Hutchison worked at Mississippi College as a part-time librarian after serving as Systems Librarian (2003-06) and Library Director (2006-2019).   Hutchison is co-author of Tracing Your Mississippi Ancestors  with Anne S. Lipscombe, and recipient of the Mississippi Library Association non-fiction award and Mississippi Historical Society Resolution of Recommendation.

Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson and other officials addressed security measures, preparations and new details ahead of the Great American Mississippi State Fair taking place October 2-13. State Fair officials have announced security measures, preparations and new details ahead of the Great American Mississippi State Fair taking place October 2-13, 2025. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson was joined by law enforcement officials partnering to provide security on the Mississippi Fairgrounds during the State Fair, as well as other officials and organizers with special fair events. Also in attendance was Willie Simmons, Central District Transportation Commissioner with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). Commissioner Simmons announced the road construction on Interstate 55 at the Pascagoula Street exit has been completed, so that the exit is now opened to assist the flow of fair traffic. "Transportation and infrastructure are absolutely key to making the State Fair run smoothly, and I want to thank Commissioner Simmons and MDOT for their tireless efforts in successfully completing the major road construction project along I-55 here by the Fairgrounds before this massive event and significantly improving the quality of our roadways. Their work will make a noticeable difference for visitors of the State Fair driving into Jackson," said Gipson. "The safety and security of fairgoers is our top priority at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds," he continued. "The annual Mississippi State Fair is one of the largest events held in our state, and we are so thankful for the support and partnerships we have with several local and state law enforcement agencies."  The Mississippi State Fairgrounds has partnered with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, including their Commercial Truck Enforcement Division, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Capitol Police Department and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; State Fire Marshal's Office; Department of Homeland Security; Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; American Medical Response; Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau; Hinds County Sheriff's Office; Jackson Police Department; Pearl Police Department; and SWETMAN Private Security Company.  Gipson also emphasized the unique significance of this year's fair. As part of the nationwide Great American State Fair initiative, the Mississippi State Fair will feature a variety of patriotic festivities and special events in celebration of America's upcoming 250th anniversary. Gipson and the fairgrounds' staff encourage all visitors to show their patriotic spirit by wearing red, white and blue, and to enjoy all the new patriotic-themed competitions, shows and attractions taking place throughout the 12-day event. "One thing that we're especially proud to add to this year's State Fair – something we've never done before – is the opportunity for fairgoers to give back to our military veterans," he said. "In keeping with the America250 celebrations, it was important to us to make special efforts to honor, recognize and support the over 200,000 veterans who call our great state home." This year, the Mississippi State Fairgrounds has partnered with the non-profit combat veterans organization 5th Squad. This organization was founded in 2018 by four Mississippi Army combat veterans to provide financial assistance for immediate life-sustaining needs to qualifying veterans in a time of crisis. During the State Fair, special signage featuring information about the 5th Squad will be displayed throughout the fairgrounds. Each sign will include a QR code that links directly to the organization's website, where visitors will have the option to make a donation through a secure online portal. "While you're enjoying the Mississippi State Fair, keep an eye out for the 5th Squad signs. Scan the QR code and give what you can to support our veterans in need. They've sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms, and they deserve our support whenever we're able to give it," continued Gipson. The 166th Mississippi State Fair will kick off this Thursday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m. Fairgoers can expect all the usual, fan-favorite entertainment, as well as several all-new events and patriotic attractions as Mississippi participates in the Great American State Fair competition. Fairgrounds Chief of Security Steve Shows also reminded fairgoers of several things to "Know Before You Go." Gate admission is $10.00 per person, and parking is free. Children ages 5 and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase admission tickets, concert tickets and ride wristbands online at  www.msstatefair.com , or purchase admission and concert tickets in-person at the Coliseum Box Office. Fair admission is free every weekday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., except on Monday, October 13, Columbus Day. Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. until close and all day Friday and Saturday, any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by an adult (21 or older). Any guest may be asked to show official proof of age. Guests are encouraged to bring identification. When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one of several security points utilizing a metal detector, and/or be subject to magnetic wanding. Only clear bags will be allowed on the Fairgrounds during the State Fair and must not exceed 12"x12"x6". Diaper bags and medically necessary bags and items are allowed after proper inspection and tagging. All bags are subject to search. No outside food or beverage allowed. No marketing, soliciting, political or vending items allowed unless and as authorized under Fairground regulations. No animals (other than service animals or as authorized by Fair management for Fair activities), banners, fireworks/explosives or laser pointers allowed. Jefferson Street will be closed between Pearl Street and Amite Street. Greymont Street will be open for Fair traffic only.  For more information about the Great American Mississippi State Fair, which runs October 2-13, 2025, visit  www.msstatefair.com  and follow the Mississippi State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and X.

By Kara Kimbrough  One Skillet Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish to throw together when time is short but an enjoyable dinner still has to be made.  Don’t ask me why…but someone, somewhere thought it was a good idea to make Hamburger Helper relevant again. Yes, you read that right…the bright red box adorned with the animated white glove character pointing to a pan of…well, I’m not exactly sure what the dish consists of…is being touted as the new “It” product.     First, I saw the contents of the familiar red box being discussed on morning news shows as a “delicious meal.” Even more unbelievable, the anchors were actually served bowls of Hamburger Helper and expected to eat it at 8 a.m. Similar videos popped up online of college students describing it as the “perfect inexpensive meal,” I realized then that Hamburger Helper’s marketing team was working overtime to resurrect the product from the “it was good in the 70’s when we didn’t know any better” product line.      I don’t remember Hamburger Helper ever being served on the family dinner table as I was growing up. I vaguely remember trying it once when I moved into my first post-college apartment. If memory serves, it only took one bite of the dish filled with tons of unpronounceable, tasteless ingredients for me to realize that taking a few minutes to make similar dishes from scratch would be well worth the time and effort.    After viewing all the fuss about Hamburger Helper in recent days, I made a special trip to the supermarket to check out the infamous red box on the shelves. I learned that what Hamburger Helper lacks in taste, it makes up for in variety. Just a few of the “flavors” that can be created courtesy of a powdered sauce mix inside the box include Cheeseburger Macaroni, Cheesy Ranch Burger, Tomato Basil Penne, Deluxe Beef Stroganoff, Deluxe Philly Cheesesteak…and the list goes on. Each one sounds delicious, but reading the ingredients on the box curbed any interest I might have felt.     I can’t in good conscience recommend Hamburger Helper as a healthy, tasty meal. However, I  can  share a couple of easy skillet meals that resemble photos on the “red box” but taste so much better. So, disregard the claims that the “red box is back” and instead, make your own delicious meals that are simple to make, better for your health and here’s the best part, don’t taste like they came from a box.   Skillet Cheeseburger 1 pound ground chuck or turkey ½ chopped onion ½ teaspoon garlic salt 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce 2 cups small rotini pasta, uncooked 1-1/2 cup water ¼ cup ketchup ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese      Add ground meat, onions and garlic salt to skillet and cook until meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain fat, then put back on heat and add tomato sauce, pasta and water; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and cook 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.    Stir in ketchup, then top with cheeses and leave skillet on low heat until cheese melts.   One Skillet Creamy Chicken Pasta 1 pound bow-tie pasta 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Salt and pepper 1 tablespoon butte r1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic ½ cup chicken broth ½ cup heavy cream 1 cup grated Parmesan 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (use tomato sauce if you can’t find this item) 1 cup baby spinach    Boil pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. Slice chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper.    Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until golden brown on both sides and completely done. Remove chicken from skillet and add onions and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes, then pour in broth. Let mixture bubble up, then reduce and cook on low for 2 minutes.     Add heavy cream and Parmesan, whisking constantly until well combined. Allow liquid to thicken for a few minutes. Remove sauce from the heat, then return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the tomatoes, spinach and pasta. Combine all ingredients and serve immediately from the skillet. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By Bob Arnold   Photo Special to Wesson News Whether you want to prepare quick, convenient meals to nurture a busy life, learn crafts and painting for your spare time, manage a small pond on your property to fish, attract wildlife or enjoy the beauty, or better understand your heritage, the Institute for Leaning in Retirement (ILR) fall semester at Co-Lin is jam-packed with opportunities for those with special interests in post-work lives to expand skills and knowledge.   This semester, ILR has eight learning-filled workshops and four monthly luncheons on its calendar.  Mississippi State University Extension agents will lead four of the workshops and art instructor Dawn Marks will return to conduct another painting on cypress wood workshop.   An organization for persons aged 50 and older who are retired or semi-retired, ILR provides learning opportunities that are both fun and serious for them, according to the educational goals they define based on their own choices and talents and at a comfortable pace.  Members, who come from wide ranging backgrounds and bring varied experiences to the organization, design its program.  Co-Lin, as the ILR sponsor, staffs and manages the organization, which is fully funded by member dues.   ILR hosted its first fall semester luncheon on September 4 featuring a meal prepared by Co-Lin culinary students at their Anderson Building study venue on the Wesson campus.  On September 9, ILR members attended the first fall semester workshop – “Fold & Go Meals” -- in which Mississippi State University Extension Agent LaToya Evans them how to make quick, convenient food, such as sandwiches and wraps, to enjoy while pursuing their busy lives. ILR’s fall semester also includes: September 11.  Workshop.  “Indian Heritage in Lawrence & Lincoln Counties” conducted by David Higgs and Joy Wesbrook.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  10 .m.    October 2 .  Luncheon.  Co-Lin culinary students will provide lunch for ILR members at the Anderson Building.  Entertainment provided by Brookmont Strings Plus.  $10.  10:30 a.m.     October 7 .  Workshop.  “Making Tile Coasters,” a DIY class led by Mississippi State University Extension Agent LaToya Evans.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $5.  10 a.m.   October 21 .  “Workshop.  “Pond Management” conducted by Mississippi State University Extension Agent Tristan Peavey.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  10 a.m.   October 28 .  Workshop.  “Original Cypress Painting,” conducted by Dawn Marks, who will guide participants in creating a Christmas scene on wood to take home for holiday decorating.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $25 fee for art supplies.  2 p.m.   November 4.  Luncheon.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $14.  10:30 a.m.      November 11 .  Workshop.  “Food Mixes in a Jar,” led by Mississippi State University Extension Agent LaToya Evans continues to look at preparing and serving quick meals for busy people.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $5.  10 a.m.   November 13 .  Workshop & light lunch.  “Making Foral Christmas Decoration” conducted by florist Myrtle Cartwright.  Soup and salad served.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $14.  10:30 a.m.   December 9.   Workshop.  “Making Pressed Flower Dishes,” conducted by Mississippi State University Extension Agent LaToya Evans, will teach participants how to turn ordinary dishware into a work of art with pressed flowers.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $5.  10 a.m.   December 10.   Luncheon.  With Christmas music as entertainment, attendees will enjoy a traditional Christmas meal prepared by Co-Lin Chef Chris McSweyn.  Thames Center at Co-Lin.  $14.  10:30 a.m. For information, contact ILR Coordinator Erin Johnson:  erin.johnson@colin.edu  or 601-643-8702.  Visit the ILR Facebook page at Facebook@ILRCoLin.

Edna Earl Crews August 15, 1937 - September 27, 2025 88 Years of Age Edna Earl Crews, 88, went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2025 at Copiah County Medical Center. Visitation will be 4pm-8pm Thursday at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs. The service will be 1pm Friday at Stringer Family Chapel with burial at Poplar Springs Cemetery. Mrs. Crews was born on August 15, 1937 in Winona, MS to the late Jacob Earl and Annie Patridge O’Neil and would establish her permanent home in Crystal Springs. She was a graduate of Mississippi College and was an educator for 34 years. After teaching for the Jackson Public School District, Mrs. Crews was an English Professor at Copiah Lincoln Community College from 1972-2002. During her tenure at Copiah-Lincoln Community College she was recognized in 1973 as faculty advisor for the Microcosm Campus Literary Magazine and with an Annual Dedication in 1986. She was listed in the Literary Hall of Fame in 1985 and 2010 and Outstanding Faculty and Staff in 1994. In 2013, she was listed in Foundation Hall of Fame in along with her husband the late Raiford Crews. She was blessed with an amazing knowledge of flowers and loved gardening. Her love for literature was also shown in the poetry she enjoyed writing. Edna Earle Crews was preceded in death by her father (Jacob Earl Patridge), her mother (Annie Patridge O’Neil) and her husband the late Raiford Glen Crews, I. She is survived by her children, Raiford Glen Crews, II (Melody) of Crystal Springs; daughter, Cynthia Earle Crews-Bailey of Crystal Springs; grandchildren, Kara Mackenzie Bailey of Florida, Karley Beth Bailey of Crystal Springs, Kellie Grayce Bailey of Florida, Landon Glen Crews of Crystal Springs and Kristen Elise Johnson of Crystal Springs; and sister-in-law, Becky Richardson of Flora. Mrs. Crews’ Family would like to thank show appreciation for her caregivers: Pat Ford, E’Kya Bryant, Angela Kendrick and the caregivers from Home Instead: Lynn Kees, Lilly Robinson, Tonya Bledsoe, Kristy Terrell and Barbara Jackson. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edna Earle Crews please visit our Sympathy Store .

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced eligible livestock producers will receive disaster recovery assistance through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) to help offset increased supplemental feed costs due to a qualifying flood or qualifying wildfire in calendar years 2023 and 2024. The program is expected to provide approximately $1 billion in recovery benefits. Sign-up begins on Monday, September 15. Livestock producers have until October 31, 2025, to apply for assistance. Qualifying Disaster Events To streamline program delivery, FSA has determined eligible counties with qualifying floods and qualifying wildfires in 2023 and 2024. For losses in these counties, livestock producers are not required to submit supporting documentation for floods or wildfires. A list of approved counties is available at fsa.usda.gov/elrp . For losses in counties not listed as eligible, livestock producers can apply for ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW but must provide supporting documentation to demonstrate that a qualifying flood or qualifying wildfire occurred in the county where the livestock were physically located or would have been physically located if not for the disaster event. FSA county committees will determine if the disaster event meets program requirements. Acceptable documentation includes: Photographs documenting impact to livestock, land, or property Insurance documentation Emergency declaration reports News articles National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration storm event database records Other FSA disaster program participation records Other documentation determined acceptable by the FSA county committee Livestock and Producer Eligibility    For ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW, FSA is using covered livestock criteria similar to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) which includes weaned beef cattle, dairy cattle, beefalo, buffalo, bison, alpacas, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, ostriches, reindeer, and sheep. Wildfire assistance is available on non-federally managed land to participants who did not receive assistance through LFP or the ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire program delivered to producers in July of this year. When producers submit their application, they must provide documentation to support eligible livestock inventories as of the beginning date of the qualifying disaster event. Livestock producers can receive assistance for one or both years, 2023 and 2024, and for multiple qualifying disaster events, if applicable. However, producers cannot exceed three months of assistance per producer, physical location county, and program year. Payment Calculation Eligible producers can receive up to 60% of one month of calculated feed costs for a qualifying wildfire or three months for a qualifying flood using the same monthly feed cost calculation that is used for LFP. ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire and ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW have a combined payment limit of $125,000 for each program year. Producers who already received the maximum payment amount from ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire will not be eligible to receive an additional payment under ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW. Eligible producers may submit form FSA-510, Request for an Exception to the $125,000 Payment Limitation for Certain Programs, to be considered for an increased payment limit of $250,000. Supplemental Disaster Assistance Timeline USDA is fully committed to expediting remaining disaster assistance provided by the American Relief Act, 2025. On May 7, we launched our 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page where the status of USDA disaster assistance and block grant rollout timeline can be tracked. The page is updated regularly and accessible through  fsa.usda.gov . Contact your local FSA county office for more information.

Special to Wesson News   The Rally on the Runway – an annual event to introduce locals to Copiah County Airport – will be November 15.   This year, motorcyclists as well as pilots will be on hand with the food – BBQ chicken plates for $10 -- to lure folk to the airport to learn about it’s importance to Copiah County and shop in a market in which vendors bring varied goods.   Copiah County Airport is a mecca for pilots due to the reasonable fuel costs and location.  On any day at the airport, you can meet people there from across the United States and North America who may want to do business with you.   In the past, the airport day has featured a fly-in for pilots across the continent to show off their aircraft and mingle with locals who appreciate what they see.  This year a motorcycle rally will coincide with the fly-in and market.    There is no entry fee for the popular event.

By Charles R Fortson   Cornbread is a Southern staple that will be a hit as part of a meal or a snack that will be the talk of the party.  At Uncle Rays, we serve it with our juicy pork chops.   Cornbread became a vital food in the American South, where the hot climate made growing corn easier than wheat.  Southern cooks adapted early versions made by Native Americans who first cultivated corn, and European settlers, who added eggs, milk and fat to their simple mixtures of cornmeal, water and salt.  Southern cooks developed varied sweet and savory styles according to regional preferences.   We call our specialty at Uncle Rays Mexican Cornbread.  It is oven-cooked as pot muffins.   Ingredients ½ cup melted butter 3 large jalapenos, deseeded and firmly chopped 1 small can of creamed corn 1 cup of milk 3 Large eggs 1 box of Jiffy Honey cornmeal 2 cups of regular cornmeal   Directions 1.       Use medium mix bowl. 2.       Add eggs and milk.  Mix well. 3.       Add cornmeal and stir mixture until it is rather thick. 4.       Mix in cream corn and jalapenos. 5.       Pour mixture into butter-coated pan, filling it to about 7/8-inch full to allow for some rise. 6.       Place into oven preheated to 370 degrees and cook for 20-25 minutes depending on thickness of the mix. 7.       Top with any remaining butter and serve. Editor's Note: Charles R Fortson is owner/chef at Uncle Ray's across from Lake Lincoln State Park.

Recent Training Participants: (L to R) Allen Huth of Slidell, Quadrant Performance Materials; Ricky Breazeale, 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐋𝐋𝐂 (GFS); Susan Elhindi of Nashville, Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Proctor; Tanner Murphy of Booneville, McCoy Foam; Robert Buran of Booneville, McCoy Foam; Houston Vaughn of Booneville, McCoy Foam; Kyle Muzny of Laurel, Pine Belt Insulation; Stephanie Duguid of Wesson, Grace Foam Solutions; Brent Duguid of Wesson, Grace Foam Solutions; not pictured: Josh McCoy of Booneville, McCoy Foam Grace Foam Solutions (GFS), a spray foam distribution company out of Wesson, is helping to shape the future of spray foam insulation.  Many installers in the industry are not credentialed, a legitimate concern from homeowners, home builders and architect firms.   GFS strives to be part of providing a solution by helping to raise industry standards. The local company is accomplishing this by offering opportunities for installers to receive the appropriate education and training to become certified, licensed installers.  GFS Owner Ricky Breazeale conducting recent training  GFS Owner Ricky Breazeale of Wesson teaches courses like health & safety, job site prep and processing parameters to a recent group of training participants at the Event Room on Spring Street in Wesson.  GFS just celebrated its 2-year business anniversary on Sept 27.  “ We are family-owned and operated, and I love this town and this industry. More importantly, we love God...our perfect heavenly Father, and we want to try to be more and more like Him everyday. Let's show each other some GRACE,” said GFS Owner Breazeale.  GFS was created BY the contractor, FOR the contractor.” Grace Foam Solutions, LLC is a spray foam insulation distributor serving Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia. At GFS, we don't just sell spray foam insulation to contractors, we also help service or tech equipment for its loyal, active customers, a great benefit offered. We also have the privilege of supporting your business as a partner that works alongside you. "Grace" Foam Solutions knows the meaning of grace. We are thankful for the opportunity God has given us to serve the spray foam industry with expertise, experience and passion for energy-saving solutions coupled with building science knowledge. Headquartered in Wesson, MS.

By Misty Strieff Prine                    “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” – by Margery Williams from The Velveteen Rabbit.                 You Become . Wow, what a BOLD statement. We all BECOME once we’ve been through some things, don’t, we? The Velveteen Rabbit quotes ring so true, to me, to the lives of a Christian, if you just put them into perspective that way. We all become who we are over a period of hardships, sorrows, being loved by those who love us for us and most of all the joy that comes from loving and helping others. In all my “birthday years”, in the past, up until about 6 years ago, I had been broken more times than I can count. When I mean broken, I mean hurt by people who you would never think would be capable of inflicting such hurt. My edges were often sharp and guarded in fear of getting run over and hurt again. Guarding my heart was something I finally had to prioritize because I left myself open and vulnerable to people's own insecurities and jealousy. I made myself a target...unwillingly. I can't applaud much regarding myself but what I can applaud is how I made it through and by Who's grace enabled me to do it. It wasn't until 6 years ago, I felt God’s calling on my life to take a stand against those people and I felt… "real." I finally realized my purpose in life and understood it. Many of us have led a hard life indeed, some more than others. Some of us have the physical scars to prove it, whereas some have more emotional ones. The fear of being judged, unaccepted, compared, and forgotten. Truth is, it's the things we face in this life that strengthen us to the point we realize what we were called to be...we find our purpose.                 God uses our brokenness to build our purpose and gracious alive, if we let Him use us to tell our story to others, blessings will flow from every direction for you! He did it for me!                 **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Linda Farmer Lowe Piazza March 6, 1944 - September 10, 2025 81 Years of Age Linda Farmer Lowe Piazza passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 1:15 PM, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, with her husband, daughter, and son by her side. Born on March 6, 1944, in Jackson, Mississippi, Linda was the daughter of the late Samuel F. Farmer and Etta Dorothy Izard Farmer. The Farmer and Izard families were among Mississippi’s early settlers, having moved to Copiah County in the early 1800s. Linda grew up surrounded by family—parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—who nurtured her strong sense of community and faith. She attended Jackson Public Schools and graduated from Provine High School in 1962. At Mississippi State College for Women (now MUW), she majored in Speech Pathology and Audiology, serving as Social Chairman of the Speech and Hearing Club, treasurer of Sigma Alpha Eta, and a member of Rosette Social Club. She later earned her Master’s degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), studying under Dr. Godfrey Arnold. After completing her internship and national boards, she joined the Communication Disorder Clinic at UMMC, where she also taught as an Instructor for over a decade. Linda went on to serve as Director of Special Services in the Copiah County School System, helping children discover their voices and potential. Linda was a pioneer in her field. She played a role in the early development of the Mississippi Speech and Language Association, serving as newsletter editor and in various leadership positions. In 2014, she received the Clinical Achievement Award from the Mississippi Speech and Hearing Association for her outstanding contributions to clinical practice in speech-language pathology. She married James Edward Lowe, Jr. in 1972 and raised her children in Clinton, Mississippi, where she was active in the PTA, the Junior Auxiliary of Clinton, and First United Methodist Church of Clinton. She even served as a Boy Scout Den Mother. Later, in 1989, she married Michael Leonard Piazza, beginning a 36-year marriage filled with love, partnership, and shared service. Together they spent two years in Redlands, California, before returning home to Mississippi, where Linda founded Speech Care Associates. Through her practice, she worked with schools and Head Start centers across the state, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, improving the lives of countless children. She retired when the COVID-19 pandemic forced school and center closures. Faith remained central to Linda’s life. After many years as a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Clinton, she later became a faithful member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where she continued to serve and remain active in her church community. Linda’s dedication to children extended beyond her career. She was a tireless advocate for services supporting children’s health and education, often lobbying on their behalf. She also supported the arts as an early member of New Stage Theatre, volunteering in fundraisers, front-of-house duties, and backstage work with props and costumes. She served on the Provine Class of 1962 reunion committee for many years, cherishing the connections with her classmates. Creative at heart, Linda enjoyed sketching, painting, and writing throughout her life. She also loved cooking, entertaining, and welcoming others into her home. Known for her gracious spirit, she was a devoted godmother to Marshall Wall and a loving aunt to Janet Farmer Simpson and Kathy Farmer, as well as a deeply loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She especially treasured time with her grandchildren—Caroline, Taylor, and Aiden—and never missed an opportunity to celebrate their milestones. Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Piazza; her children, Michael Lowe (Misty) of Madison, MS, and Megan Lowe Kane (Michael) of New Orleans, LA; and her grandchildren Caroline Lowe, Taylor Kane, and Aiden Kane. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel F. Farmer and Dorothy Izard Farmer, and her brother, Samuel K. Farmer. Her life was one of service, faith, love, and creativity—a legacy that will live on in her family, her profession, and the many lives she touched. Service Information A private family burial will take place at Strong Hope Baptist Church in Copiah County . Following this, family and friends are invited to a celebration of Linda’s life on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Bellevue Clubhouse at Lake Caroline (667 Bellevue Drive, Madison, MS 39110) . Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and honor of her beautiful life. Flowers & Memorial Gifts Flowers are welcome, but in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/ . When donating, please select that you would like to designate the gift to a specific affiliate and choose Humphreys County . The Imagination Library provides free books each month to children from birth to age five, inspiring a lifelong love of reading and learning. Supporting this program would mean so much to Linda, who devoted much of her career to caring for and educating children in this region.