Pictured L to R: Breazeale, Norwood, Huffman, Wilson, Russell, Peters Congratulations to the four Co-Lin Blue Wave Show Band scholarship recipients who were recently recognized at the annual scholarship reception at Co-Lin. Jessica Breazeale of Wesson, Co-Lin Alumni and Foundation band/colette chapter president and Mara Norwood of Wesson, recipient of the Ralph & Dot Franklin Colette Scholarship Ralph and Dot Franklin Colette Scholarship was established by former Colettes during their reunion in 2000.  It will go to a deserving, returning sophomore Colette in the Co-Lin district. Dot Franklin was instrumental in establishing the Colettes in 1949-50. Ralph Franklin was band director & noted for devising innovative performances such as the use of props. Hayden Huffman of Magee , Mark Hamilton Memorial Scholarship recipient Mark Hamilton Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Mark Hamilton, a 1979 graduate and past president of the Band & Colette Alumni Chapter. He was instrumental in the development of the Princess Ball fundraiser, which has raised thousands in support of the college and the Blue Wave Show Band. A recipient must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a member of the band.   Jarvis Wilson of Copiah Academy , recipient of the Clyde Wilson Band & Colette Scholarship Clyde Wilson Band and Colette Scholarship was established to honor Clyde Wilson, a 1950 graduate who came back as band director for 10 years. Under his leadership, the Blue Wave Band became one of the most outstanding community college bands in the nation. A recipient must be a member of the band, a member of the auxiliary, a Colette, or a manager in good standing; have completed at least one semester and have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. Geralyn Russell , band/colette alumni chapter VP Antwone Peters of Prentiss , Stanley Stuart Band Scholarship recipient Stanley Stewart Band Scholarship – The Co-Lin Band and Colette Alumni Chapter established this scholarship in 2015 to honor Stewart, who was involved with the Co-Lin music program for more than 40 years. The auditorium in the Maggie Flowers Ewing Building is also named for Stewart. A recipient must have completed at least one semester with at least a 2.0 GPA and be a member of the band, a Colette, in the auxiliary, or a manager. Co-Lin's Alumni Association's Bluewave Band & Colette Chapter raises money for student scholarships. The chapter's biggest fundraiser is the annual Princess Ball, a father-daughter dance, held in the college's Thames Center every February.  Thanks to the donors who make education possible. Congratulations to these scholarship recipients.

By Kara Kimbrough   Old-Fashioned Seafood Gumbo is a classic dish that almost everyone loves. If you’d like the recipe, email me and I’ll send it to you.   Visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast on the 20 th  anniversary of Hurricane Katrina proved to be an emotional journey. Highlights were moving commemorative ceremonies and candlelight vigils; riveting documentaries and personal stories from those who lost everything but never considered not rebuilding. I discovered a hidden gem hotel as well as restaurants serving delicious Coastal cuisine.     First and foremost, I found a new home at The Inn at Long Beach. It’s a well-appointed gulf front property I’ve passed hundreds of times but never slowed down enough to notice. That changed a photo of the hotel’s pool facing the gulf surfaced in an online Gulf Coast discussion. Surrounded by majestic Live Oaks with a view of the beach and gulf, the scene transported me back to my childhood and the gulf front hotel at which we always stayed. The Inn at Long Beach’s crown jewel – a beachfront pool surrounded by majestic Live Oaks, transported me back to the “old Coast “days.          I can still picture my grandfather sitting out under the oak trees beside the pool of Gulfport’s Sahara Hotel enjoying the early morning breeze wafting in from the gulf just across Highway 90. The Sahara was destroyed in Katrina and I’ve never again seen another hotel pool surrounded by Live Oaks fronting the beach.     I messaged the hotel to share my reminisces and how a simple photo in 2025 had transported me back to a simpler time on the Coast and in my life. The owner graciously invited me to experience the hotel for myself, despite the busy Labor Day weekend ahead.    The thought of seeing the pool similar to the Sahara’s was foremost in my mind when I drove up to The Inn, located just a few miles from Gulfport. Upon entering the property, I realized I was in for an enjoyable stay. In short, The Inn is that it actually does live up to its name: guests actually feel as if they’re staying in a private inn instead of an impersonal cookie cutter hotel.    As I entered the spacious, well-appointed lobby, I was greeted warmly, much like one would greet a friend entering their home. And the best part: I was offered homemade cookies and directed to help myself to beverages at the well-equipped coffee bar before heading up to my room.     Many hotel lobbies can seem impersonal and somewhat cold, but The Inn’s large, yet cozy lobby is tastefully decorated with comfortable furnishings, artwork, fresh flowers and large windows offering scenic views of the shimmering pool, Live Oaks and the beach and gulf. I immediately felt at home, perhaps because the décor resembles just that – warm touches of a home rather than a hotel.      That comforting feeling of being “at home” continued when I arrived at my spotlessly-clean, modern, yet cozy gulf front room. Once again, tasteful décor in soothing neutral shades instantly caused me to decompress. Equipped with a spacious bath, coffee bar and mini fridge and free Wi-Fi, each guest room offers everything necessary for a relaxing, comfortable stay. A ground floor fitness center and complimentary bike rentals are available for those looking for an active getaway.    As a glowing sun descended below the gulf, I would have been perfectly content to relax by the pool and enjoy evening breezes as they wafted in from the water. However, I had dinner plans with friends and made the short drive over the bridge to Bay St. Louis (more on dinner below).     The following day, I was directed to the breakfast buffet offered adjacent to the lobby. I’ve enjoyed numerous complimentary hotel breakfast in my lifetime, but this one far exceeded all the others in variety, quantity and taste.    Freshly-made biscuits, gravy, bacon, sausage, grits and eggs and hot oatmeal with a variety of toppings are offered in the hot foods area. Guests can also request made-to-order pancakes, either plain or with specialty options like blueberry, lemon ricotta and other ingredients. Also offered are cereal, fresh fruit, a variety of pastries, freshly-squeezed orange juice and specialty teas and coffees.    Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at cozy tables spread throughout the lobby and adjacent elevated dining area while enjoying a view of the pool just steps away.    Lounging by the pool or taking a leisurely bike ride through Long Beach, both crossed my mind, but I had scheduled events to attend. Following a busy morning of ceremonies, it was time for lunch.         Stopping by Harbor View Café in Long Beach for a repeat meal after dining there during a media tour had been on my agenda for some time. After such a bounteous breakfast at The Inn, I didn’t feel I could explore the menu as I’d planned, but decided to stop by for a quick bite.     Located near U.S. 90 overlooking the Long Beach Harbor (hence the name), Harbor View Cafe offers outdoor dining on wraparound porches for waterfront dining as well as plenty of indoor seating. The restaurant serves a variety of delicious appetizers, seafood dishes, salads, po’boys, steaks and desserts.    I ordered shrimp remoulade, consisting of Cajun boiled shrimp tossed in house-made remoulade sauce served over mixed greens, cucumbers and tomatoes. It was the perfect light, yet utterly delicious meal.    Speaking of shrimp, the evening before I joined friends at Cuz’s Oyster Bay in Bay St. Louis. A jumbo shrimp po’boy paired with delicately-fried onion rings with a delicious remoulade dipping sauce proved to be the perfect dinner at one of my new favorite restaurants.    Yes, being on the Coast 20 years after so much despair and destruction was an emotional experience, but one that resulted in valuable “finds” that I will definitely revisit.       The Inn, which I highly recommend for those looking for a more relaxed, quiet and personalized experience with easy beachfront access, was the undisputed highlight of my trip. Additionally, revisiting two restaurants and experiencing an above-average breakfast buffet that exceeded expectations, was the absolute icing on the cake of a memorable weekend.    Last, a Coast friend shared her family’s tried-and-true recipe for seafood gumbo; a recipe handed down by her grandmother and used by generations of Creole cooks. It’s a little lengthy, so drop me an email if you’d like to try it and I’ll send it to you. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com

By Bob Arnold    Larry Williams (left), president of the Wesson Lions Club (WLC), presents $250 donation for Wesson Public Library to its Librarian, Marilyn Britt, who spoke to the Club at its August meeting. Wesson Public Library (WPL) isn’t just about books, but rather community service, Marilyn Britt, its librarian, told Wesson Lions Club members at their organization’s Family Night last month.   Britt, whose mother served 15 years as WPL librarian and is following in her footsteps after retiring as vice president and manager at the Trustmark Bank Wesson branch, talked about her efforts to take the library to a new level as an integral part of town life, and accepted a $250 donation for the library’s work from the local Lions.   Britt sees her mission at the library as encouraging readership among wide-ranging population groups, providing a broad spectrum of services to the town and promoting community cultural programs.   “We’re trying to reach to everyone,” she says.   First and foremost, she wants people to read.  Towards that end, one of her first projects at WPL was “Books for Babies” to bring parents with their infants to the library.  She offered a basket filled with baby care items as a prize in a drawing that required moms or dads to come to WPL with their infants to get them free library cards and introduce them to age-appropriate books early in their lives.  Library programs also reach out to children at Wesson Baptist Pre-school and Precious Moments Day Care, she says.  To encourage reading at the other end of the age spectrum, Britt has filled the library shelves with 700 large print books so reading remains a joy in the senior years of WPL users.  “At WPL, you can find fiction and non-fiction literature for all ages – children, juveniles and adults -- and reference works for research,” Britt summarizes.    But the library goes beyond books for Britt.  WPL helps people address their business and personal needs on computers and through copying and faxing services, she points out.  It is also a venue where local artists regularly display their works and a setting for other members of the community talk about their work at events, such as the Summer Reading Program for children and National Library Week celebration and forum.   With all that, Britt has also made the library a comfortable space to meet or work alone, securing donations love seats from Tilden Furniture to help create a pleasant environment.   Although WPL is supported by government as part of the Copiah-Jefferson Libraries system,  Britt credits volunteers from the Wesson Attendance Center Beta service club, and, especially, the Wesson Friends of the Library (FOL) with providing valuable assistance, supplementary funding and staffing special events.    A major project of FOL in partnership with WPL is a town history museum.  With the help of a $9,500 Home Depot grant, they are renovating a building constructed in 1915 to house the facility.

(Photo credit MS Public Broadcasting) Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) will premiere  Everlasting: Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers , a powerful new documentary exploring the life, impact, and enduring legacy of civil rights icon Medgar Evers. The film debuts on MPB Television at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. An MPB original production, Everlasting features in-depth interviews with Evers’ family, including his wife Myrlie Evers-Williams, daughter Reena Evers-Everette, and colleagues who worked alongside him during the Civil Rights Movement. “This project honors Medgar Evers not only as a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights, but also as a husband, father, and deeply committed Mississippian,” said MPB Chief Content Officer Taiwo Gaynor. “We are proud to bring his story to new generations and shine a light on his enduring legacy.” In addition to the broadcast, MPB will launch a companion podcast series, Everlasting: The Legacy Podcast, releasing weekly beginning September 18. The podcast, hosted by Rita Brent, will feature extended interviews from the documentary, along with archive clips, and in-depth conversations with special guests. Everlasting  and additional digital video content will also be available to stream at  mpbonline.org  after the documentary airs on television. Educational resources including lesson plans, and curriculum guides, will be made free to educators and available at   www.mpbonline.org . MPB invites educators from around the state to register for the professional development seminar on October 9, 2025 from 8:30am – 4 p.m. Everlasting: Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers  is part of MPB’s continued mission to preserve Mississippi’s stories, elevate local voices, and educate future generations through powerful, meaningful content. For more information about the documentary, podcast, digital series, or educational materials, visit  www.mpbonline.org .

Bobby Thornton, post commander; James Harris, post chaplain; Scott Hoeflich, and Billy Sturdivant  Members of American Legion Post 79 and Auxiliary unit 79 participated in the annual Wesson patriotic parade held on September 11 to commemorate the heroic efforts and loving memory of all those affected by 9/11.    Local Legionnaires  led the parade carrying flags, followed by Legion Auxiliary members and Wesson Baptist Church Daycare students.  Children adorned their wagons, tricycles, etc with American flags, and according to Kim Whittington, auxiliary president, “Wesson was a sea of red, white, and blue.”  “I love living in a small town where traffic stops and our town is filled with parade watchers, and I especially love seeing all the children’s smiling faces,” said  Janet Currie, auxiliary vice president.  The post’s auxiliary is currently planning for their November initiatives, Holiday Shoppe and Wreaths Across America. For more information, email Kim at kbueto@yahoo.com .  Sharon Langley, Mikayla Alexander & Baby Charlie Vivian & Scott Hoefich

Special to Wesson News The Wesson Cobras continued their unbeaten run Friday night, handling Franklin County with a steady performance that ended in a 34-19 victory. The win not only preserved Wesson’s perfect record but also extended their recent success over the Bulldogs, having come out on top in their last meeting as well. Quarterback BP Robbins kept the offense moving, throwing for 114 yards and connecting for one touchdown. His favorite target of the night was Landon Cole, who hauled in 74 yards through the air and scored once to keep the Cobras in command. The victory lifted Wesson to 3-0 on the season, giving the Cobras even more momentum heading into the next stretch of games. Franklin County, meanwhile, slipped to 1-2 after dropping their fifth straight road contest dating back to last year. Both squads will look to regroup and build on their performances in front of their home fans this week. Wesson will host Lumberton at 7 p.m. on Friday, while Franklin County prepares to welcome Perry Central for a Friday night matchup of their own.

By Misty Strieff Prine “Jesus slept on the boat to show us His silence does not mean His absence.” – Unknown. The other night, this was my nightly devotional on “The Upward Way” page on Facebook and Instagram. If you are not on there, I’d love for you to take the time to look for it. I write nightly devotionals like this to encourage others where I only write once a week in the newspaper. I pour my heart and soul into what I write because I use what I am going through personally as I feel that is what the Lord has lead me to do or off of something I have experienced through someone that day that may help others. Simply, sometimes He just lays something on my heart that HE knows someone needs to hear. I felt this was too important not to share as many of you may not be on social media to read this and I wanted to share on this platform in the newspaper. I hope it reaches who He intends for it to. This ministry has been going on for THIRTEEN years now and God has blessed me through using this as a ministry to reach others for Him. Please tell others about it. Here it is: This is one of the most “peace-giving” passages in God’s Word to me that is so relatable to today’s times. So often people think Jesus is not moving or not doing what “they” think He should be when storms arise in their lives. In this passage, He’s asleep. They approached Him with a confrontational tone as if some today would say, “Lord, why are You letting this happen to me?? Are you just going to sit back and let it continue?” When God’s people realized He was the ONLY WAY, and surrendered to Him, He got up, rebuked (reprimanded) the wind and told the seas to be still. That same Jesus who the wind and the seas obeyed can calm the storm in your life. That Is why this is one of my go- to passages when I need reminding of Who is in control when life seems anything but. This is from the parable of when the “Winds and Waves Obey Jesus and is taken from Mark 4:35-39 which says, “On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By Bob Arnold   Performances of Father of the Bride  and a stand-up comedy show kick off the Brookhaven Little Theater (BLT) 2025-26 season this month.   Father of the Bride , a comedy about the money and aggravation associated with a wedding and its preparations, is one of six productions BLT is bringing to its stage at the historic Haven Theater on Cherokee Street in downtown Brookhaven.  Performances are Thursday thru Sunday, September 25-28.   On September 13, Brian Bates from Nashville will be on the BLT stage will present a stand-up comedy show.  Bates tours the country, performing at comedy clubs, theaters, corporate events and churches; is heard regularly on SiriusXM radio’s LaughUSA; is seen on Dry Bar Comedy specials; is heard as a guest on The Grand Ole Opry; and is one of the hosts of NateLand Podcast.   During the coming season, BLT will also feature:   October 23 .  Brookhaven pianist Blake Scafidel’s “Yellow Brick Boulevard: An Elton John Tribute.” December 5, 6 and 7 and December 11, 12, 13 and 14. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer , a Christmas musical comedy with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer and beloved holiday music in the familiar story about what makes you different – a red nose – can make you special. February 5, 6, 7 and 8 and February 12, 13, 14 and 15.  Hadestown (teen edition), a musical drama that adapts the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, interwoven with the story of Hades and Persephone. February 27. Brookhaven-born actor, writer and musician Randy Redd returns to his hometown to launch a solo concert tour with an evening of stories, standards and show tunes, including songs written by Burt Bacharach, Leonard Cohen, David Bowie, Randy Newman, John Prine, Jason Robert Brown and many more. April 16, 17, 18 and 19 and April 23, 24, 25 and 26.  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , a musical comedy that reimagines the Biblical story of Joseph, his father, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. June 5, 6 and 7.   Singin’ in the Rain , a musical comedy performed by participants in the BLT Teen Camp about a leading man, starlet and love affair that could change lives and make or break careers. June 25 and 26.   Disney’s Aladdin , a kids musical comedy performed by participants in the BLT Kids Camp based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score, about Aladdin, the street urchin who vies for the princess Jasmine, using a genie’s magic power to become a prince in order to marry her.   Founded in 1968, BLT is the longest continuously running community theater in Mississippi.  In addition toto  presenting musicals, dramatic classics and modern Broadway hits, its program includes educational outreach to children and youth through Kids and Teen Camps that introduce them to the excitement of theater and the arts.  BLT is led and sustained by volunteers who give generously of their time and resources to produce stunning shows and create magical experiences guided by the mission “to expose people to the arts.”   For information and tickets, call 601-669-9200 or email tickets@brookhavenlittletheater.com ,

Copiah-Lincoln Community College is proud to announce that all ten Practical Nursing graduates from the Wesson Campus Class of 2025 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This accomplishment highlights the dedication of both students and faculty within the program. 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: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB             A few days before I saw “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” a friend of mine asked me about my plans for the weekend. I told her that I planned to see the film, and I was excited. When she asked me why I was excited to see yet another entry in the generally-middling “Conjuring” series, I blurted out, “They make such a cute couple!” “They” of course being Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, respectively. These fictionalized tales of their cases sell themselves on demon- and possession-related horror, not charming family dynamics. Yet whether by design, by accident, or by default, the Warrens as characters are what this series does best.             Take the opening scene, set in 1964. Ed and a pregnant Lorraine investigate the usual demonic element in the basement of an antiques shop. Lorraine insists on snooping around alone, with minimal light, and of course jump scares abound. The demonic presence causes Lorraine to go into labor early, and Ed rushes her to the hospital to give birth in a room without electricity. It looks like the baby doesn’t survive, and the darkened room is full of tears. I’m not talking about the delivery room with the parents and doctors – I’m talking about the theater full of moviegoers. This scene, its characters, and its actors have been so engaging that the audience has become way more invested than they should in a movie that a few minutes earlier was easily dismissible as schlocky horror. And then the baby survives, and at my screening it made for one of the most deafening crowd reactions I’ve ever heard. Yes, I rolled my eyes a little, since daughter Judy Warren has been a character in other, later-set “Conjuring” movies, so I could guess how the scene was going to play out, but also yes, the cheering was infectious and it was an undeniable mark of a sequence well-done.             The rest of the film takes place in 1986, after the movie “Ghostbusters” has come out, and the Warrens are seen as jokes living in semi-retirement. Judy (Mia Tomlinson) is ready to take her next step in life, introducing her parents to her boyfriend Tony (Ben Hardy). Ed and Lorraine, like most parents, are conflicted about letting their baby go, but also know that she can’t be their baby forever. Tony, for his part, is sweet and dedicated, if occasionally awkward. I seriously thought about recommending this movie to my horror-averse mother just for the family scenes. But I couldn’t, because darker subject matter has to butt its way in. Unlike most parents, Ed and Lorraine also have to worry about lingering traces of demon possession in their daughter, which they aren’t eager to foist upon the unsuspecting Tony.             To add to the drama at home, the Warrens are desperately needed in small-town Pennsylvania. A family recently came into possession of the world’s creepiest mirror – the same artifact that caused problems for the Warrens in the opening scene – and are now being unsurprisingly haunted. Cue every cheap spiritual horror trope like unexplained bumping sounds and things moving when they shouldn’t, as well as every cliché surrounding old heroes taking on one last mission. Judy and Tony are willing to help for the first time ever, but Tony doesn’t know the first thing about demons and Judy may be compromised as an instrument of the mirror-demon.             “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is a tale of two conflicting tones. The loving, charming, occasionally-eccentric Warren family make for delightful “straight” scenes, but they aren’t going to sell tickets without some kind of supernatural payoff. The horror scenes, while necessary for the movie’s appeal, are often drab and even more often the result of stupidity (I know demon possession is a hard pill for non-believers to swallow, but still…). I’m swayed enough by the Warren family to give the movie a mild recommendation, but only because the main characters all make for cute couples. Grade: B- “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is rated R for bloody/violent content and terror. Its running time is 135 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Fighting fair. Not a spouse’s favorite saying when they are currently in the middle of “Who’s Gonna Win This Time” with their dreaded enemy of the moment. Face it, any married human female whose spine isn’t yellow jello, wants to come out of the latest skirmish with a feeling of “Huh! Oh, yeah, I just showed him! He’s gonna learn sooner or later that he can’t walk all over me, even if he’s does have three doctoral degrees and bulging muscles that make him look like a balloon gone berserk.” And the Intelligent Balloon? There is no way on this green earth that he’s going to allow himself to feel “less than,” by having to acknowledge defeat by that simple slip of a weakling, “who half the time can’t even open a new jar of peanut butter without my help.” Not a thought will enter either of their little minds about “I need to be careful what I say and how I say it. The last thing I need to do is wound the sensitive ego of my spouse.” Nope, when the battle lines are drawn, that sharp sword known as the tongue suddenly comes into play and eager hot words start spewing. Absolutely no holds barred. Have you ever noticed that when you get into an argument with your loved one that your ‘sword’ becomes noticeably looser and a lot sharper? The brain kicks into high gear, and every idiotic action and every hurt you’ve ever suffered at their hands suddenly is instantly accessible from your memory bank. To be retrieved at the perfect moment, locked and loaded and ready for bear. Want a ‘for instance?’ You find yourself smack in the middle of fighting to the death to win the argument of “I know good and well that it was  your  turn to ______ (fill in the blank) but it’s just like the last time, when you said “I forgot.” Well, you always ‘forget!’ When are you gonna grow up?!” Like I said, locked and loaded and ready for bear. And even if you do have a vague sense of “I think I might halfway remember something about learning a lesson from our last battle, that I was going to handle things a little differently the next time.” The next time never happens. The age-old I WANNA WIN! kicks in, and your good intentions slide quickly down the drain to Never-Never Land. If you don’t recognize and laugh at yourself when you read this column, then you are one of two things: You are not human. Or you are not married. Marriage is not easy, it is the joining of two strong-minded, self-centered people. Who are then supposed to coexist peacefully in the same household. And the only way that can ever happen – the peaceful part – is to strong arm into a dark corner that part of yourself that insists on winning the argument EVERY TIME. And if both of you will do that, your marriage stands a fighting chance. No pun intended.

By: Kara Kimbrough A football-shaped cheeseball filled with cream cheese and favorite additions is the perfect centerpiece for tailgating tables as well as watching the game at home. After sharing my favorite dip recipes last week as inspiration for fall football season, I was asked if I had any “new and different” recipes for cheeseballs. If it appeared that I was slighting cheeseballs in any way, I promise that’s not the case. I’ve never met a cheeseball I didn’t like and in fact, consider them one of my favorite party, tailgating or anytime-snacking essentials. Filled with cream cheese, shredded cheeses and additions that often include spicy seasonings, chopped vegetables, pecans and my favorite, chopped bacon, a cheeseball is versatile and delicious. A slice on a cracker is the perfect snack and here’s the best part – leftovers placed in the refrigerator taste even better the next day. I have to confess, I’ve been known to place a hearty slice of cheeseball between two pieces of bread and called it a meal. Most cheeseball-lovers have several of the tried-and-true recipes composed of ranch dressing mix, chopped bacon, chopped olives and chopped pecans or parsley in which to roll the cheese mixture to create the perfect coating. Believe it or not, there are a few “new and different” recipes out there. Here are three that I taste-tested before sharing them. I can attest that they’re definitely delicious and worthy of a place on any tailgate table or to simply enjoy in front of the TV. If you want to be particularly creative this season, shape the cheeseball into a football shape by flattening the ball, then pinching the ends to create a pigskin replica. Finish the job by place 3-4 mozzarella strips across the top for the laces. Try these recipes to liven up any fall gathering. Like me, you may just decide to save a slice to make a sandwich the following the day. Crab Dip Cheeseball 1 8-ounce cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup lump crabmeat, drained and picked 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons chopped green onions 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon dried dill 1/4 cup chopped pecans for coating In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crabmeat, mayonnaise, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into a ball and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Before serving, roll the cheeseball in chopped pecans. Pepperoni Cheeseball 1 8-ounce package cream cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 teaspoon garlic salt ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning 4-5   pepperoni slices, chopped into small pieces 15  Ritz Crackers, crushed ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese In a small bowl combine cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped pepperoni, garlic salt and Italian seasoning and mix thoroughly. Roll into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour, preferably longer. Mix the crushed Ritz crackers and the Parmesan cheese together, pour into a bowl and place the chilled cheeseball on top. Roll the cheeseball in the topping mixture until it is thoroughly coated. Taco Cheeseball 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup taco seasoning 2 tablespoons diced jalapenos, seeded 4-ounce can diced black olives, drained 4 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or Doritos In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with taco seasoning until well blended. Add in jalapenos and black olives. Line a 4-cup bowl with plastic wrap. Drop cheese ball into bowl and wrap the plastic around the cheese ball. Refrigerate for at least one hour (even longer is best to allow flavors to mingle). When ready to serve, fill a bowl with the crushed chips. Unwrap cheese ball and drop into bowl, pressing chips gently onto the ball. Place cheese ball on platter and serve with extra chips and crackers. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .