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Special to Wesson News Competitors in the Wesson Kids Got Talent show danced, sang, played instruments and displayed works of art. Fifteen local children and youth between the ages of four and 18 years old demonstrated that they don’t take a backseat to their peers elsewhere when it comes to dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, the visual arts and more in the first Wesson Kids Got Talent competition sponsored by the Wesson Chamber of Commerce on the evening of May 1 in preparing the town for events of Founder’s Day that followed on May 2. Heavy rains moved the talent show scheduled to take place at the Community Foutain Garden beside the Milltown Salon and Spa to the American Legion Post 79 lodge where a capacity audience came to see and admire what local kids can do. Dancers Katie and Kiki Garcia Judges awarded Katie and Kiki Garcia first place honors for their dance duo. Sami Curole sang Proud to be an American. Colby Greer played drums. Sami Curole and Colby Greer tied second in the competition. The petite Curole wowed the judges and audience singing Proud to be an American and Greer showed he could out-perform even veteran adult drummers at his tender age. Hannah Carroll won first place for her Mount Rushmore drawing in the visual arts category. In the visual arts charcoal category, Hannah Carroll won first place for her Mount Rushmore drawing. Molly Waltman won a second place for her oil painting. Other kids in the competition were Mathew Waltman (pencil drawing), Killian Jackson (pencil drawing), Finn Jackson (pencil drawing), Oliver Jackson (pencil drawing), Clara Carroll (oil painting), Molly Waltman (oil painting), Tyrece Terrel (dance) and Josie Kennedy (piano). Teri Bath, the Wesson Chamber President, says “Wesson is an amazing community with many hidden talents, and I wanted an opportunity to recognize this talent in a very public venue.” Thus “Wesson Kids Got Talent” was born, stirring much excitement in the area. Alderman Stanley Martin, owner of Super Sounds DJ & Karaoke and one of the judges, adds, “it’s not just a show,” explaining that big talent often comes from small towns. “This is a chance for our community to come together, support our youth and celebrate the bright future growing right here at home.” From the many Mississippians that have recently been selected for hit TV shows such as “American Idol” and “The Voice,” “it’s exciting to think about the talent we have here in Wesson, and who could be discovered next, says Jessica Breazeale, Chamber member and a local business owner. Jamal Roberts from Meridian was an American Idol winner last year. The talent show winners received cash prizes from the $5 per person application fees to participate and other support for the event.

By: Kara Kimbrough The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir located in parts of Madison and Rankin Counties, is filled with numerous opportunities for boating, jet and water-skiing, swimming, fishing and picnicking. One of the most popular picnic areas is Lakeshore Park on the Rankin County side. (Photo courtesy of Pearl River Valley Water Supply District) Filling up the car with gas in advance of a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend ahead was not a problem in previous years. But this year…well, that’s a different story. Without dwelling on the pain we’re all feeling at the pump, I decided to share a few tips to celebrate the official start of summer without venturing too far from home. After all, we’re blessed to live in a state filled with scenic State Parks, hundreds of recreational lakes and a mammoth reservoir, city parks and 29 miles of sandy beaches and gulf waters at our southernmost border. Grilling burgers or hot dogs at home on the patio isn’t that exciting, but dining al fresco surrounded by natural beauty and waterfront views? Now that quickly elevates a picnic lunch from backyard boring to memorable Memorial Day in no time. Why not pack a cooler full of your family's favorite picnic foods and beverages and take a short - notice I said "short" - road trip to one of our state's outdoor areas? It's a lot cheaper than trekking across state lines to a pricey beach resort or other crowded vacation spot. A few of my ideas when considering exploring some of Mississippi's scenic outdoor spots (and yes, they're equipped with picnic areas, among other amenities) to check out this Memorial Day weekend include: 1. Visit a State Park- Mississippi is blessed with 25 State Parks encompassing 24,000 acres of public land filled with campgrounds (RV and tent campsites), picnic areas, lakes for fishing, boating and swimming, and playgrounds. A small sample of some that have been nationally-recognized for their amenities are: J.P. Coleman State Park: Located on 47,000-acre Pickwick Lake in the northeastern corner of the state in Iuka, this destination is known for its magnificent 50-foot waterfall, Cooper Falls, freshwater fishing, swimming in the lake or heated swimming pool, water recreation and plenty of places to camp, grill, spread out a picnic and soak in the area’s outstanding natural beauty. Buccaneer State Park: Located in the opposite end of the state on the Gulf Coast in Waveland, the park has a fascinating history tied to pirate Jean Lafitte and President Andrew Jackson, both of whom loved the area for its picturesque beauty and cool coastal breezes. In addition to over 250 campsites, nature trails and golf course, one of the most popular features is a popular water park, Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark that will reopen just in time for the holiday weekend. Guests can purchase a day pass to enjoy the waterpark. Lake Lincoln State Park: A favorable beach rating usually occurs on the Gulf Coast. However, one of our state parks is listed in the “Top 25 Best Park Beaches in the U.S." by Reserve America. Lake Lincoln State Park in Wesson features a sandy beach fronting its namesake 550-acre lake perfect for jet skiing, swimming, water skiing, boating or fishing. Or, simply relax on the sand and enjoy the cool breezes floating over the water. There are campsites for overnight stays, a picnic area, nature trail, playground, disk golf course and nature trail. LeFleur's Bluff State Park: Located right in the middle of the Jackson metro area just off Lakeland Drive and Interstate 55, LeFleur’s Bluff is perfect for a quick escape for the weekend or a day of picnicking and relaxing. LeFleur’s Bluff offers hiking on scenic nature trails, fishing on Mayes Lake or playing a few rounds of golf on the 9-hole course. Opportunities for picnicking, camping and bird-watching also abound in this lush oasis in the midst of busy highways and buildings. Named to several “best of” U.S. state park lists for its above-average amenities, LeFleur’s provides a tranquil green spot to decompress away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 2. Barnett Reservoir – If visiting a larger body of water is more to your liking, drive a few miles from the Jackson city limits to the 33,000-acre Reservoir, or “Rez” as it’s commonly called. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and scenic water views in all directions along 105 miles of shoreline. One of the best spots to stop and enjoy a leisurely meal is scenic Lakeshore Park located on the Rez's southeastern shore in Rankin County. The area is open to the public year-round for picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming in a secure sand-filled body of water with an adjacent beach. Admission is free Monday through Friday. A $5 parking fee is assessed on Saturday and Sunday at Lakeshore and other parks. 3. The Mighty Mississippi – Second only to the waterfront views along the Gulf Coast are those along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River. Both Natchez and Vicksburg offer scenic picnic areas near their riverfronts. Bluff Park in Natchez is the perfect place to unpack a picnic lunch and enjoy the breeze and sight of the river rolling by. Over in Vicksburg, River Front Park offers similar views and opportunities for a memorable meal. These are just a “few” of my recommendations for a fun, relatively inexpensive way to kick off summer and enjoy Memorial Day ’26. If you’d like more recommendations on ways to celebrate the holiday without busting your budget, drop me an email and I’ll send them to you. In the meantime…Happy Memorial Day! * To find a State Park near you and to learn about admission fees and amenities, check out the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Park’s website: mdwfp.com. And, if you'd like menu ideas or recipes, I'll be happy to send those, too! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Special to Wesson News Jessica Breazeale accepts award on behalf of G.O.A.T Camps at the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi’s 2026 Summit. G.O.A.T Camps was recognized as a 2026 REACH Award winner during the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi’s 2026 Summit, Sowing Seeds of Success: Cultivating a Bright Future for Mississippi’s Children last month at Pearl, Mississippi. The two-day Summit brought together leaders, professionals, advocates, educators, community partners, and stakeholders from across the state for learning, connection, and conversation centered on the well-being of Mississippi’s children and families. Sessions focused on key issues affecting children across the state, including health, education, economic well-being, and family and community life. A major highlight of the Summit was the release of the 2026 Mississippi KIDS COUNT Risk & Reach Report. The report pairs data on child well-being with real examples of people, programs and organizations working to support children and families across Mississippi. As part of the Risk & Reach Report, REACH Award winners were selected through community nominations to highlight meaningful, community-rooted work taking place in counties throughout the state. The recognition honors organizations, programs, and initiatives that are helping meet the needs of children and families in practical and impactful ways. G.O.A.T Camps was selected as a 2026 REACH Award winner for its work in Copiah and Lincoln Counties. The organization supports children and families by offering a free outdoor camp experience twice a year in Copiah and Lincoln counties, which combines sports, arts, guest speakers, and mentorship, with teens and young adults helping to serve as leaders and role models. “This camp being recognized for its impact is an honor we don’t take lightly,” said Jessica Breazeale of Wesson, one of the camp’s founders. “It’s a meaningful recognition that means we are doing something right. We didn’t start it because it would be fun or easy. We felt compelled because we saw a need and tried to meet that need.” Through the Summit, the Risk & Reach Report, and the recognition of REACH Award winners, the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi highlighted both the challenges facing children and the people and programs helping create stronger futures across the state. To learn more about the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi and the 2026 Mississippi KIDS COUNT Risk & Reach Report, visit childrensfoundationms.org.

Law camps that will introduce high school students to the legal profession are scheduled for June and July in Brandon, Gulfport, Indianola, Natchez, Starkville, Tupelo and Vicksburg. The Mississippi Court of Appeals also will conduct a one-day appellate law camp in Jackson. Planned programs are expected to include discussions with judges, attorneys and court staff; opportunities to watch court proceedings; and practice activities including mock trials, negotiations and oral arguments. Program dates and locations are: • June 1-5, Natchez, Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy, Adams County Courthouse, registration deadline May 15; • June 1-5, Vicksburg, All Rise Law Camp, Warren County Courthouse, registration deadline May 22; • June 8-12 Indianola, 9th Chancery Summer Law Camp, Sunflower County Courthouse, registration closed; • June 15-18, Gulfport, Gargiulo Law Camp, Harrison County Courthouse, registration closed; • June 22-25, Starkville, Golden Triangle Law Academy, Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Complex, registration deadline June 15; • June 22-25, Tupelo, Themis Law Camp, Lee County Justice Center, application deadline June 15; • July 14-15, Brandon, Rankin-Madison Future Lawyers, Rankin County Circuit Courthouse, registration deadline July 6; • July 22, Jackson, Court of Appeals Law Day Camp, Carroll Gartin Justice Building, registration deadline June 26. Registration information for programs in Natchez, Gulfport, Starkville, Tupelo and Brandon is at this link: https://www.msatjc.org/event. Registration for the All Rise Law Camp in Vicksburg is at this link: www.judgeterrett.com/camp2026. Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice Leslie King of Greenville will be among the many judges, attorneys and court staff who will speak to students from Humphreys, Sunflower and Washington counties during the 9th Chancery Court's Law Day Camp June 8 through 11 at the Sunflower County Courthouse in Indianola. Students will hear from judges at all levels of the court system, attorneys, court administrators and a court reporter. The program will conclude on June 12 with a trip to the State Capitol, the Mississippi Supreme Court and Mississippi College School of Law. Presiding Justice King said that he hopes to dispel some misconceptions about the law and encourage students to join the legal profession in the future. He said, "There is a need for trained legal professionals in Mississippi. There are many areas of our state where there are just a few lawyers, many of whom are of advanced age and are perhaps retired or semi-retired. As a part of the law camp, it is important that we help the participants to understand that the law is not just a job, but a profession which carries with it both privileges and responsibilities." Presiding Justice King said, "I have encountered too many people, both children and adults, who have a significant misconception of the law and its operation. Many of them labor under the belief that the law is a weapon to be used against them, while it protects the favored few. Those of us who are a part of the legal profession have an obligation to inform, by our words and demonstrate by our actions, that the law applies equally and fairly to every person no matter his station in life." Television programs and movies give some misconceptions. "It is amazing the number of people who believe that Judge Judy or Judge Mathis are accurate representations of how the law operates," he said. Attorney Pieter Teeuwissen of Jackson also will speak to the 9th Chancery Law Day Camp students. He said, "Due to the complexity of modern life, almost every one of us or a family member will need legal counsel in our lifetime. The legal profession is the backbone of American self-governance, impacts economic activity and interstate commerce and is essential in transferring family assets between generations. We need young people who are interested in service to consider law as a career so we can maintain our collective values of common good and order. Young people, especially those that enjoy solving problems or taking or embracing challenge, should be encouraged to pursue the law as a career that provides personal satisfaction while serving a greater good." Chancellor Vincent Davis of Fayette, who spearheaded the first Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy in Natchez in 2025, is eager to expand and reach more students this summer. Alcorn State University Chief Compliance Officer Alfred Galtney, who spoke to students last year about careers in law, joined the planning team and secured a grant that will fund the Miss-Lou program and four others, Judge Davis said. Alcorn partnered with law camp planners across the state. "The primary goal is to introduce students to the legal profession, hopefully to light a fire, to cause some of them to go into the legal profession," Judge Davis said. Judge Davis recalled that he was in college when he met a lawyer for the first time. Students at last year's program "met nearly every judge in this county." Lawyers from a variety of practice areas spoke, and stayed to watch much of the program. The Miss-Lou program also teaches students about the workings of government in their local courthouses. Judge David said, "A lot of people don't quite understand what happens in the courthouse. They buy tags and pay taxes." In last year's law camp in Natchez, students met the Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector and other officials. They saw the Election Commission at work. Students in the Natchez program will get a first-hand look at both trial court and appellate court proceedings. The Mississippi Court of Appeals' Court on the Road program scheduled a visit to Natchez during the Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy. A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in a case on appeal on June 3. The appeal will be heard at 10:30 a.m. on the Natchez campus of Alcorn State University at 15 Campus Drive. The case scheduled to be heard is the appeal of Shawnzell Lee McGee v. State of Mississippi, Appeal number 2025-KA-00161-COA. A Prentiss County Circuit Court jury convicted McGee of first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm for the Jan. 22, 2019, shooting death of Gary Price in Baldwyn. The All Rise Law Camp will be held June 1-5 at the Warren County Courthouse in Vicksburg. This will be Circuit Judge Toni Terrett's seventh year to conduct the program. "It is a fully immersive camp that includes educational components about how law intersects with the three branches of government with a special emphasis on the court system. Students will hear from motivational speakers and will travel to Jackson to visit the Civil Rights Museum and the Capitol. The week concludes with a mock trial presentation by the students," Judge Terrett said. As many as 19 students are expected to attend the Gargiulo Law Camp in Gulfport June 15-18. Harrison County Court Judge Alison Bryant Baker, who is leading the program, said. "I hope our students will not only gain a better understanding of the Mississippi court system, but will expand their desire to start a career in law. Our goal is to expose students to how varied the practice of law can be, so that they are encouraged to pursue a law degree." The program is named in honor of the late Judge John Gargiulo, who served as a Circuit Court Judge for Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties, then as U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi. The Golden Triangle Law Academy is set for June 22-25 in Starkville. Circuit Judge Michelle Easterling said, "The Golden Triangle Law Academy will provide participants with a unique opportunity to see and experience firsthand how expansive and exciting a career in the law can be. Students will not only hear from attorneys from different facets of the legal field, but will also have the opportunity to observe court proceedings, interact with judges and practitioners, and hone their own skills with exercises in negotiations, oral argument and resume building." Rankin-Madison Future Lawyers, scheduled July 14-15 in Brandon, will take participants into the courtrooms with Circuit Judges Steve Ratcliff and Dewey Arthur and Chancellors Haydn Roberts and Troy Odom. Students will watch court hearings and participate in a mock trial. The Themis Law Camp, the model for most of the other summer law camps, is scheduled for June 22-25 in Tupelo. Access to Justice Commission Co-chair Chancellor Jacqueline Mask started the Themis Law Camp in Tupelo in 2022. Judge Mask said, "It's my hope that our combined efforts to bolster this program will have a lasting, positive impact on these students, and on the future of our region. Those of us who have been blessed to be an attorney or judge can use this as a way to give back to the communities that have helped us have these careers." Encouraging young people to consider careers in law is important to providing access to the courts for all people, particularly those who have limited financial means, said Nicole H. McDowell of Tupelo, executive director of the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission. In recent years the number of people who struggle to afford legal assistance has grown as the number of attorneys has declined. McDowell said, "The decreasing number of attorneys in the state is a serious access to justice issue we are very concerned about. Targeting our Mississippi youth and introducing them to the law as a possible profession might assist in the shortage of attorneys in the state. We need our brightest to stay in Mississippi and, hopefully, practice law or become affiliated with the legal profession in some other way."

Special to Wesson News Tent vendor fees spark discussion at Aldermen meeting. Do vendors in tents at town events, who pay almost nothing to sell food and products, compete unfairly with brick and mortar businesses? A question about the fee vendors at the Chamber of Commerce Taco Tuesdays are paying – or not paying -- sparked an intense, but polite discussion about the issue among Wesson Aldermen, Teri Bath, the Chamber president, and other townspeople at the May Aldermen meeting. Although the Aldermen had approved Taco Tuesdays, with vendors paying the town $25 each, it was discovered the fee was not being collected. For Alderman Ashley, a local businessman, it seemed he was paying thousands of dollars for business licenses, permits and other fees while the vendors were competing unfairly. Others argued that Taco Tuesday vendors brought people to town who patronized established local businesses, and the vendors were, in fact, fledgling businesses that could grow into brick and mortar commercial enterprises and boost the local economy. The discussion ended with an agreement on the need to enforce the $25 vendor fee, and Mayor Shaw promising to come back to a future meeting with a comprehensive recommendation considering other licensing and permit requirements for the Taco Tuesday vendors. “It was a productive discussion in which folk agreed to disagree with a conclusion that did not involve people with different opinions becoming enemies – something that is all too common today,” Mayor Shaw affirmed. At the meeting, Aldermen also: Received the resignation of Officer Rashaun Tillman through Police Chief Chad O’Quinn. Previously, the Aldermen at their April had hired two new part-time officers – Aaron Love and Clint Earl – to replace the full-time Rashaun in money-saving action recommended by O’Quinn. Approved travel of Alderman and town officials to the annual Mississippi Municipal League conference June 21-July 1 in Biloxi and Town Clerk Angela Hester to the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) at Reno, Nevada, May 14-22. Hester’s travel to Nevada prompted a question about how it would be funded, and she explained the an IIMC scholarship covered her conference registration and hotel expenses and she will pay for her air fare. In the process, she pointed out she will bring back important learnings to her job. A question about replacing old water meters at a trailer park prompted Mayor Shaw to observe the town is maintaining budget discipline in the face of “rising costs in many areas.” In the case of the trailer park meters, two master meters will all the individual meters instead of replacements, which require very expensive related software to function. He also pointed to the Police Department’s decision not to replace Tillman with another full-time officer.

By: Misty Strieff Prine “THE KEY IS THIS. Meet today’s problems with today’s strength. Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today.” – Unknown. Wow! I’ve never thought of it this way but what an amazing way to look at it. We’ve all heard of taking one day at a time because, not only do we not know what tomorrow holds yet, but not one of us are promised it. Here, it reminds us to meet today’s problems with TODAY’s strength. Why? Because we haven’t gotten tomorrow’s strength yet. That is so profound to me! But, oh, how true it is! We haven’t received our strength for tomorrow because God hasn’t given it to us yet because HE is the one that grants us tomorrow if He wills for us to see it. So that’s why it’s so important for us to remember at the peak of a high anxiety situation that we need to focus on making it through that day, not worrying about the next day yet. Why? Because the current day clearly has enough trouble of its own. God’s word tells clearly in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This is one of my favorite verses of all time. It reminds me to slow down, breathe and not worry about things that are yet to come because those are the “uncontrollables” in life. God is already in the tomorrows but today is what we are facing in the moment. It may be stressing us out, but God is right there beside us, holding our hand through it. He knew that each day was going to have its fair share of troubles, and we were going to need HIS strength to get through it. That’s why in HIS word; He told us to not factor tomorrow’s worries into it. They didn’t need to be added to the tally yet. Remember, God is our refuge and our strength each day. Focus on the day at hand, not the day that’s not even here yet.

Special to Wesson News : Lions Club members (left to right) Daryl and Stephanie Alsbury, Suzanne and Randy Davis, Larry Williams, Bob Arnold and Bobby Thornton celebrated receiving Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award. Wesson Chamber of Commerce celebrated the movers and shakers of the town last month at its 2026 awards banquet. The Chamber brought local leaders to the podium at the Co-Lin Thames Center and presented awards to businesses that helped drive the economy last year, a service organization for its charitable activities, and individuals who contributed to the life and culture of Wesson. Chamber member Dixie Thornton presents Citizen of the Year award plaque to Sharon Langley. Sharon Langley was honored as Citizen of the Year and Larry Williams, President of Wesson Lions Club, accepted the Community Service Award on behalf of his organization. Also receiving awards were: Brad Turner for BW Turner Construction, named New Business of the Year; Nekitha Jackson for Destiny Delights, the Business of the Year recipient; Penny Martin from Wesson Attendance Center, who received the Educator of the Year award; Landon Beasley, Fireman of the Year; Sergeant Rick Bynam and Officer Brandon O’Quinn, who shared the Policeman of the Year award. Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw at Wesson Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. An array of speakers shared their perspectives on the Wesson community and making life better for Mississippians. Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw, who has needed to care for his mother since she suffered a stroke, said he has increasingly come to appreciate how citizens of the town step up to the plate and provide leadership when he is distracted by family responsibilities. “I particularly thank the people in this room for that,” he said. District 92 State Representative Becky Curry, who endorsed Gipson for Governor introducing him, pointed to achievements of the recent state legislative session, which, she said, was “perhaps one of the most contentious”: Protecting local public schools from legislation that would have consolidated school districts and “choice” that would have reduced their funding, while making the state school system less accountable. Creating a foundation for more legislative work in support of independent pharmacies. Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Co-Lin Wesson campus, declared the local community college “number one for student success in the state,” reflected in graduation rates. She pointed to the $18 million grant the college received from FEMA for a safe house, student housing renovations, success of athletic teams and growth of funds managed by the Co-Lin Foundation. Wesson Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) Chief Ken Carraway and Police Department Chief Char O’Quinn reflected on the service of their departments. Carraway said WVFD answers four to five calls per week for some kind of emergency assistance with volunteers who love serving. O’Quinn said his police officers are just human beings “who step into people’s worst moments” and make sacrifices. Chamber President Teri Bath thanked the organization’s board members for their service: Gerri Lynne Porter, Nekitha Jackson, Janet Currie, Pam Stamps, Kristy Carney, Misty Sandifr, Michelle Chambers and Stanley Martin. She also cited Copiah Bank, Copiah Medical Center, Trustmark Bank and Taylor Legacy HVAC for sponsoring the awards banquet and noted table sponsors Bobby Thornton, Brad Turner Construction, Copiah Bank, Copiah County Medical Center, Co-Lin Foundation, Destiny’s Delights, Janet Currie, Johnny Smith, Pam Stamps, Salmon Point Development, Taylors Legacy HVAC, Town of Wesson, Trustmark Bank, Wesson Attendance Center, Wesson Police Department and Wesson Fire Department.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB I had never seen 2006’s “The Devil Wears Prada” until a few weeks ago when I watched it in preparation for the sequel. I didn’t care for it, mainly due to the off-putting character of Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). I knew going in that the fashion magazine editor’s dialogue was filled with verbal put-downs that were supposedly eccentrically charming, but I mostly just found unfunny, unprofessional, and rude. Such constant negative energy from a person that I didn’t see bringing enough positives to the workplace to balance it out. The Miranda character was written to spend more time making demands and throwing shade than acting like she belonged in a position to be so demanding. There was basically only one scene (and granted, it’s arguably her most famous scene) where she came off as someone who had truly mastered the ins and outs of the fashion and editorial industries, and the rest of the time I saw little more than a spoiled child. The main character, Miranda’s second assistant Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), and her supervisor, first assistant Emily (Emily Blunt) had their off-putting qualities as well, but at least their misery at working for Miranda was understandable and relatable. Okay, enough ranting against a movie from 20 years ago. The new film opens with Andy and Miranda, having gone their separate ways at the end of the first movie, both in trouble. Andy has just been fired from her job as a news journalist and Miranda is in hot water over her association with an unscrupulous label. The mutual solution is that Andy will go to work as a features editor for Miranda’s magazine, trying to restore the maven’s reputation. Miranda has some of her trademark resentment toward Andy for not being her choice to hire, and of course Andy has some resentment toward Miranda for being a bully. It’s not all bad for Andy. Her stories get some of the best reviews of her career, and she’s able to reconnect with old friends like mentor and fashion editor Nigel (Stanley Tucci). Even Emily is back in the picture, in a high position with magazine ally Chanel, thanks largely to influence from her rich boyfriend, tech-bro Benji (Justin Theroux). But at the end of the day, Andy’s life is still a nightmare because Miranda is still Miranda. Or is she? She’s as condescending as ever, she hasn’t let up on that. But this movie is more eager to show a side to her that isn’t “just” condescending. She leads the magazine through a series of crises, from accusations of human rights violations (real ones in overseas factories, not her being snippy in the office), to worries of the brand’s future under its new, not-fashion-conscious owner (B.J. Novak), to having to make sure that humans still have a voice in the fashion industry under the looming threat of A.I. She even proves to be a laudable journalist, earning compliments from a rich divorcee (Lucy Liu) who thanks Miranda for focusing an exclusive interview on her and not her notorious ex-husband. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” shows Miranda doing the work of someone at the top better than the first movie, where the character seemed to take unfair advantage of simply “being” at the top. The whole movie is better for it. Okay, maybe not the “whole” movie. Andy’s romantic subplot with a contractor (Patrick Brammall) is a slog and it’s annoying to see her fall back into her old habit of craving validation and needing another stop-feeling-sorry-for-yourself pep talk from Nigel, which is basically a cut-and-paste from the first movie. Still, there’s plenty to like here, from a fairer share of funny lines to a grander celebration of all things fashionable and luxurious, if that’s your thing. But it’s the more-detailed development of the character of Miranda Priestly that I think is worth celebrating. Grade: B- “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is rated PG-13 for strong language and some suggestive references. Its running time is 119 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Special to Wesson News Local Realtor Sherry R. Davis has been named a Leading Edge Society Award winner Davis, of Wesson, is a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) team member. She is also a retired school teacher working on her second career, now in real estate. This Leading Edge Society award recognizes top-performing agents for their sales achievements within the BHHS network. Davis ranked among the top agents based on her 2025 sales numbers. She has been a realtor for over 20 years and is based in Wesson. She serves clients in Copiah and Lincoln counties. “I’m so grateful for my clients and this amazing community,” Davis said. “My favorite thing about my job is networking with my work family and making people happy.” Davis also won this award last year. “This tells me I’ve fulfilled a lot of dreams for my beautiful clients and for myself,” she said. For more information, visit Sherry R. Davis, Realtor’s Facebook page, for buying or selling questions.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com The office was in its usual Monday morning subdued chaos, nothing new about the muffled exclamations, one-on-one conversations, and general hubbub. But still, there was a decidedly different element in the air. The reason? The new chief-of-staff was beginning his first day in the office, and everyone was feeling slightly jittery with quite a few unanswered questions about him. Micromanager or Mr. Can’t Be Bothered? Looks the other way or will examine everyone’s time card himself? Will he want to be one of us, or just talk to us as simply underlings? If he even notices us. A few were confident that he would be easy to work for, because after all, “He is from down South, and we all know how laid back and friendly those Southerners are!” But there were also some who had heard rumors to the contrary, that the new Big Boss expected things to be done as of yesterday, and they had better be in perfect order. Others wisely were voicing no expectations, content to keep their head down with computers clicking until they actually could see the lay of the land. One or two less-than-brave souls silently contemplated hiding under their desks, updating their resumes, just in case. The first few hours rolled by, and nothing was heard from inside the glassed-in walls of the supervisor’s office. No one was called into that private sanctum, and no inner-office memos appeared on their computer screens from the new supervisor. More than a few anxious glances were thrown toward the man’s closed door, but otherwise they finally began to settle down and attempt to throw together a semblance of a normal Monday morning’s work. Then it happened. No one had seen the new chief of staff squeeze his head with both hands in total frustration. No one knew when he abruptly shoved his office chair away from his desk and agitatedly leaped to his feet. And his office assistant was certainly not prepared when he stomped to her office and threw the door open so violently that it thudded against the wall. As her head jerked up in surprise, she heard his angry bellow as it filled the room, “The durn thang just won’t cooperate!” Finding her voice, she anxiously asked, “Wha—wh- what thing won’t cooperate, sir?” “That !&(@^% stupid computer! I can’t get it to do anything that I need done!” Following into his office as she listened to his complaints, she quickly realized the problem. Her new boss was a Windows man, and the entire company ran Macs. So which would be correctly identified as ‘uncooperative’ – Mr. Mac or Mr. Chief of Staff? Who was going to have to swallow his irritation and pride, and concede to the other’s insistence that the job be done only their way? Mr. Mac just stood his ground – no change necessary, or even capable, on his part. Sometimes you just have to own up to the problem being totally yours, and be the one who has to learn to cooperate. Or fight it out until one of you yells, “UNCLE!” Guess who that will be.

Special to Wesson News Chris McSweyn, the long-time chef at Wesson’s once world-renown Porches Restaurant before taking over as Executive Chef for Co-Lin’s Aladdin Campus Dining, shared his cooking secrets with more than 20 Institute for Learning in Retirement members seeking to improve their culinary skills in a special workshop at the college’s Thames Center last month. At the workshop, McSweyn shared start-from-scratch recipes for water melon and chicken salads, turkey cranberry sliders, red wine vinaigrette and chocolate chess pie, showed class participants how to prepare them from fresh ingredients, cooked and served the food to them in the tradition of his grandmother and shared thoughts on how to make the dishes extra special. McSweyn, who grew up in a cooking family and still recalls his grandmother’s tutoring, engaged in conversation with his ILR students throughout the workshop, revealing his own secrets as they tested their knowledge and understanding with him. Among his secrets: An increasingly popular all-purpose seasoning mix. Originated in San Francisco, Everything Bagel includes a mixture of seasonings that enhance food flavor – garlic, onion, poppy seed, sesame seed and more. You can’t go wrong! Rag it instead of brushing it. When the recipe calls for brushing something, McSweyn dips a rag in the butter or sauce and heavily mops the food he is cooking. More is better! Copiah tomatoes. Copiah County, Mississippi, soil produces the best tomatoes in the world. Alone sliced, part of a salad or stuffed with chicken or tuna salad, they make a big difference. How to salt & pepper to taste. Salt is salt is salt when it comes to taste. When seasoning, pay attention to the size of the salt you are using. Size determines saltiness. When it comes to peppers, kind makes the difference. Red pepper is hot. Green pepper is mild. Black pepper is somewhere in between. Brining fish, poultry and other meats and blanching fruits and vegetables. Brining before starting to cook meats moisturizes and tenderizes them, enhances their flavor and reduces their cooking times. A simple brine is a mixture water and salt, but brines may include sugar, spices and other seasoning mixed with broths, buttermilk and juices as well as water. Usually, meats are refrigerated in a brine overnight. Blanching – immersing a vegetable or fruit in boiling water for two minutes to cook rapidly and then abruptly stopping the cooking with an ice bath -- preserves the flavor, color, texture and nutritional value of vegetables and fruits like cauliflower, green beans and tomatoes. Hand-mixing. While mixers are better for speed, large batches, and high-fat doughs, hand-mixing is preferred for developing a deeper understanding of your mix, particularly for breads, pastas, and pastries. You can feel the exact moment the mixture changes, ensuring it is properly hydrated, smooth, and not over-worked. You prevent crushing or over-compressing items that a machine might damage. You have better control and greater precision for small batches or specific recipes. Allows for immediate cleaning and avoids dirtying extra appliances. TURKEY SLIDERS Yield: 12 sliders. Prep Time: 5 minutes. Cook Time: 18 minutes. Total Time. 23 minutes Hawaiian roll turkey sliders use holiday leftovers. With turkey, cranberry sauce and Swiss cheese in a roll baked to perfection with a butter drizzle, they are tasty follow-up to holiday feasts. Ingredients 1 package of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, 12 count. 3 cups of cooked turkey, diced, sliced or pulled. 1 cup of cranberry sauce (you can use a simple cranberry BBQ sauce as an alternative). 6 slices of Swiss cheese. For the butter drizzle: 4 tablespoons of melted butter. 1 teaspoon of yellow or Dijon mustard. ½ teaspoon garlic powder. 1/8 teaspoon salt. ½ teaspoon poppy seeds (optional). Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick foil or use cooking spray on surface. 2. Separate top and bottom portions of Hawaiian Rolls and place bottom half of the rolls into the baking dish. 3. Layer with turkey, cranberry sauce and cheese and place top of the rolls on top of the layers of ingredients. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, mustard, garlic powder, salt and poppy seeds. 5. Pour butter mixture over the top of rolls and use a brush or spoon to spread the butter and spices evenly over the top. 6. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. 7. Remove foil and bake three more minutes uncovered 8. Serve immediately. Ingredients for cranberry BBQ sauce 2/3 cup of cranberry sauce. 1/3 cup of ketchup. ¼ cup of brown sugar. 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Directions: Add ingredients to a small saucepan. Place over medium heat until it begins to bubble, stirring constantly. Spoon over top of turkey layers before baking.

Special to Wesson News Wesson High School will graduate 72 seniors this month with the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Brendon Duiguid STAR Student Among the graduates are four Wesson Attendance Hall of Fame inductees: Tate Brister, Macy Loy, Ty Turner and Mary Margaret Woods. The 2026 Star Student from the Class of 2026 is Brendon Duguid. The 2026 Star Teacher is Heather McKenzie. The 72 graduating seniors are: Tate Brister- Hall of Fame Brayden David Allen, Jackson Stephen Barlow, Jaxon Valor Barlow, Allie Elizabeth Beeson, Jamera Tyonna Jenise Black, Blair Mitchell Boyd, Trinity Rain Breland, Celeen Aleese Brice, Charles Tate Brister, Micah Van Britt, William Gavin Greene Brock, Brandon Parker Brooks, Ke’mari Jaquan Brown, Kievon Ashad Brown, DaKiyah Kristian Butler, Abigail Marina Cameron, Walynn Richard Cline, Brooke LouAnne Coleman, Kayleigh Rayne Cook, Rowan Spencer Crapps, Conner Miles Davis, Natalya Maia Dickerson, Brianna Keshundra Dixon, Brendon Robert Duguid, Wallace Douglas Dunn. Macy Loy - Hall of Fame Jer’Keivsha Lasha Edwards, Jenny Joana Flores Delacruze, Michael Lee Guess, Maria McKenzie Hall, Tyrell, Montre’z Harris, Jamirah Dameal Harvey, Melvin Hernandez, Noah Nelson Marion Howell, Stephen Garet Hundhausen, Alan Caroline Hux, John-Brayden James, Jakyiah Telia Johns, Gracey Victoria Lopez, Willow Margaret Love, Macy Rebecca Loy, Mar’Shunti Quintayvea Martin, Tripp Radford Martin, Katherine Blair Mathis, Karter Brent Lee McLemore, Madison Victoria Morris, Ruston Dayne Newman, Ashtyn Lee Nieburg, Katherine Rae Norwood, Rylan Kesley Oswalt, John Patrick Parsons, Lexi Grace Prestridge. Ty Turner- Hall of Fame Mary Margaret Woods- Hall of Fame William Nick Raiford, Sullivan McKenzie Roberts, Kylie Morgan Rorie, Gustavo Ruiz-Garcia, Dakota Rose Rushing, Samuel Cade Scopel, Karley Grace Shannon, Warren Channell Shelton, Joseph Thomas Shumaker, Baylor Lane Smith, Connor Wyatt Smith, Isaac Conner Stovall, Ty Rustyn Turner, Aider Keith Wallace, Akierah Denari Wallace, Sydnee Layne Westrope, Whitney Paige Westrope, Caeden Blake Williams, Jack Henry Wilson and Mary Margaret Woods.