In June, Larry Jointer made history by becoming the first Black mayor of Brookhaven, defeating Republican incumbent Joe Cox. While the milestone is significant, Jointer is focused on ensuring his leadership is defined by action and results rather than just the symbolism of his election. “Being the first Black mayor, I hope that it opens some more doors,” Jointer said, acknowledging the importance of representation while emphasizing that his goals for the city go far beyond that achievement. Drawing on his background as a former sheriff’s deputy, Jointer is placing public safety at the top of his agenda. He said his main priority is to ensure that residents feel secure in their daily lives, whether they're walking through their neighborhoods or heading out at night. “I want people to be able to walk the streets without hesitation or fear. That’s the main thing,” he said. To help address concerns about rising crime, Jointer has expressed confidence in newly appointed Brookhaven Police Chief Dustin Bairfield. According to the mayor, Bairfield has been proactive in collaborating with outside agencies, including the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, to support city law enforcement efforts while the department works to recruit additional officers. “He’s working closely with other agencies, especially the local sheriff’s department, to provide backup and assistance in the city,” Jointer said. “Things are going well. Hopefully, if we can get our crime under control, we can attract more businesses.” Economic development is another key priority for the new administration. Jointer hopes to bring more major retailers, like Walmart, to Brookhaven in order to create job opportunities and stimulate growth. But beyond business recruitment, he says his broader aim is to build a community where residents feel safe, supported, and proud to live. “If we can get that level of trust and comfort, I think I’ve achieved a goal that was set,” Jointer said. As he begins his term, Mayor Jointer is focused on forging a path forward that blends safety, growth, and unity—while ensuring that his historic election is only the beginning of what he hopes to accomplish for Brookhaven.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     Jeannie slipped silently down the dark, cellar steps like a shadow on a mission. Certainly not a shadow, but definitely on a mission. She knew exactly where her grandmother kept her pickle-making crock. Despite the blackness that surrounded her, she headed confidently across the musty narrow room. One thing was on her eleven-year-old mind. Grandma Joan had loaded her large crock with briny cucumbers four days ago, and that meant one sure thing.  Crisp, tangy, dill pickles were just waiting for Jeannie on the second shelf at the back. One problem existed though. G’ma had threatened Jeannie with a week-long pickle ban, if she caught her stealing from the crock in her cellar. “No tellin’ where your grubby hands have been, and I won’t have you pollutin’ my pickles.” Jeannie knew she had to be quick and clean with her get-away in the next five minutes, because Grandma had just stepped next door to speak to the neighbor. No longer than that, because G’ma wasn’t one to stand around talking very long. So she needed to be in and out, and gobbling pickles in the far corner of the back yard, long before the Pickle Guardian returned and caught her down there. Reaching the back of the cellar in just a few steps, Jeannie found the second shelf, then felt along it until she felt her hand hit a large smooth, cool surface. Grinning triumphantly, she slid her small hand up the side of the crock to the top, and slipped it underneath the fermenting foam that was gathered there. She quickly found her prize, and decided ‘if one’s good, three’s a lot better.’ Loaded with her ill-gotten bounty, dripping with the salty, dill liquid that coated the pickles, she turned, crossed the floor, and started up the cellar steps. Only to stop in horror as she watched the cellar door slowly open and saw her G’ma standing at the top with a look on her face that Jeannie rarely saw. And it didn’t help to raise the little girl’s hopes, when she saw the dreaded ‘learning paddle’ in her grandmother’s hand. Oh, to only be banned from eating pickles for the next week! That would have been a punishment that Jeannie would have gladly born. Grandma was a healthy believer in children doing as they are told. And she also detested out-and-out rebellion. Unfortunately, Grandma was also a healthy, strapping woman who believed in her grandkids having their learning abilities attached to their behinds, and believed a healthy strong spanking would drive the needed information home. Needless to say, that experience was never forgotten. Sixty-one years later, Jeannie is still known to pass along her memories of that day. With a laugh, that’s true, but also with a regretful glint in her eye. “I learned a lesson that day. Never, and I mean never, steal from G’ma. She had warned me, and I found out she meant exactly what she said.” Wish today’s parents still knew to do that.

By: Kara Kimbrough Dunn's Falls Water Park in Enterprise, MS, is one of the most scenic (and coolest!) places to visit during the summer.  No matter how positively you (or the weatherman) spin it, there’s only one way to describe the south this time of year…it's hot. If you’re looking for an escape route from the omnipresent heat, picture a place shaded by massive trees swaying in cool breezes and plenty of cold water. Forget a long plane trip to a tropical island and instead, journey to a much closer haven- Dunn’s Falls Water Park in east Mississippi. The bluffs of the eastern bank of the Chunky River in Lauderdale County extend to amazing heights from which a natural majestic waterfall flows. In short, there’s no shortage of ice-cold water in which to wade or swim; a brisk wind whistling through the trees and up above, a 65-foot waterfall. Does anything sound cooler and dare I say it…more heavenly? Created in the mid-1850's by Irish immigrant John Dunn, today the scenic waterfall powering an old waterwheel and the adjacent park draw visitors who are amazed by the contrast of powerful flowing water with the otherwise peaceful, tranquil area. Being able to climb down winding steps on the steep embankment next to the falls to view the majestic sight of thousands of gallons of clear water rushing down from above is one of the park's major draws. Once visitors have cooled off in or near the water, exploring the scenic park is always a good idea. You won't want to miss the historic Carroll-Richardson Gristmill. Dating back to the 1800's, the historic building was moved from Cave Springs, Georgia and reconstructed on the site of Dunn's original mill. Other sites are a rustic homestead, mill pond filled with fish and ducks and picnic area. Additionally, the crystal-clear river offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and paddle boating. Nearby, nature trails wind through the woods and are home to wild turkey, deer, squirrels and other wildlife on display for hikers. Primitive camping sites are available for those who don’t mind roughing it in exchange for an unforgettable outdoor experience. There are nominal fees to enter the park and to fish and camp. If, after enjoying the sights and experiences at the park, the desire exists for more adventures and a memorable meal, make the 15-mile drive in to Meridian, where the state’s oldest restaurant awaits. No visit to Meridian is complete without a stop at Weidmann's, which can easily be classified as destination dining at its finest. Opened in 1870 by Swiss chef Felix Weidmann, the historic, yet comfortable restaurant is famous for individual crocks of peanut butter at each table and its signature black bottom pie. Before sitting down to a leisurely meal, here are a few can’t-miss attractions spread throughout Meridian. First, seeing (and riding, if you’d like) the world’s only two-row stationary Dentzel Menagerie Carousel in Highland Park should be on every visitor’s itinerary, regardless of age. Colorful carousel horses are also spread throughout the city (a map can be obtained online from  visitmeridian.com ). Meridian is also home to several museums, including one dedicated to the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers. Other popular attractions are The Max-Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience showcasing the state’s strong arts/entertainment history; tours of historic Temple Theatre and Merrehope, a Victorian estate and walking tours of Meridian’s downtown. After working up an appetite, walk through the heavy doors of Weidmann’s in historic downtown Meridian and be transported back in time courtesy of white-clothed tables, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and vintage photos. Once seated in either in the well-appointed main dining room or on the upstairs balcony overlooking downtown, dip a cracker into creamy peanut butter, a staple since 1940’s. During World War II, butter was short, so the owner substituted peanut butter in earthenware crocks. It was popular addition, ne that remains part of the Weidmann’s experience. Weidmann’s serves brunch on the weekend as well as lunch and dinner throughout the week. Entrees include steak, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes, but perhaps none is as popular as one of Weidmann’s specialties, shrimp and grits. Stone ground grits are slow cooked with butter and cheddar, then topped with fresh shrimp, ham, tomatoes, peppers, onion and a light cream sauce. The menu also includes soups, salads and appetizers. Felix’s Special pays homage to the founder by pairing his favorite shrimp remoulade salad with a grilled pimento cheese and applewood bacon sandwich on sour dough bread. After a Weidmann’s meal, it’s hard to imagine ordering dessert. However, you can’t leave without sampling Weidmann’s famous black bottom pie. I’m not sure about the modern-day version, but a vintage online recipe contains gingersnaps, scalded milk, layers of custard and chocolate, a dash or two or whiskey and a crown of meringue scattered with chocolate shavings. Today, Weidmann's version is a decadent, delicious and a must-try ending to a memorable meal. If You Go: Dunn’s Falls Water Park Where: 6890 Dunn's Falls Rd., Enterprise, MS Hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday; open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday Contact: 601-655-8550 to learn about admission fees and other issues; for cabin reservations, call 1-800-748-9403 Weidmann’s Where: 210 22nd Ave., Meridian Contact:  601-581-5770 for hours of operations Website:  weidmanns1870.com Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By: Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB             I’ve never seen 1997’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” all the way through. 11-year-old me was too young to see the R-rated slasher in theaters, which was just as well because I did see a trailer and lost many nights’ sleep over the killer’s deadly fishing hook. I eventually got caught up via highlights and recaps, to the point where I feel like watching the movie now would just be a redundant bore. This is all to say that I don’t have much loyalty to the original, outside of a begrudging respect for its ability to give me nightmares with something sharp. Once again, this is probably for the best, since without loyalty to the original, I don’t have to worry about betrayal on the part of the same-titled reboot.             The premise is the same here as it was in 1997: a group of friends goof off on a secluded coastal road one fateful summer night. Their antics cause an accident and a death, and although good girl Ava (Chase Sui Wonders) thinks they should take responsibility, others, like the spoiled Danica (Madelyn Cline) just want to put the incident behind them as quickly and quietly as possible. Danica, her obnoxious fiancé Teddy (Tyriq Withers), troubled Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon), and Ava’s wannabe boyfriend Milo (Jonah Hauer-King) agree to forget what happened, and after some peer pressure, so does Ava.             A year later, the group reunites for Danica’s wedding… to newcomer Wyatt (Joshua Orpin). She and Teddy didn’t work out as a couple. Nothing worked out for anybody, likely as a result of guilt. At her bridal shower, Danica receives a mysterious note with the titular message. Nobody in the group admits to sending it. Soon after, a murder occurs, committed by someone wearing all-too-familiar fisherman’s gear and wielding… well, first an effective-but-not-terrifying harpoon, but then that traumatizing hook. The murder is clearly related to the incident a year ago, and of course is just the beginning of a string of killings targeting the group and those around them.             Who can the killer be? Someone in the group? None of them “seem” capable of deliberate murder, but someone could just be pretending. Teddy’s bigwig father (Billy Campbell) knew about his son’s involvement, and in true mayor-from-“Jaws” fashion, he wants to sweep all local violence under the rug to protect property values. The creepy local pastor (Austin Nichols) seems to have something nefarious up his sleeve. A true-crime podcaster (Gabbriette Bechtel) is snooping around town suspiciously. Why is she here? Because this is the same town where a similar string of fisherman-based murders occurred 30 years ago. Survivors Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.) still live in the area, maybe they can help the new generation of hapless protagonists. Or do their violence-filled pasts make them a current danger?             The “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot has to lean heavily into nostalgia to be appealing, because it can’t elevate itself on more creative merits like interesting new characters or well-earned scares. At least Hewitt and Prinze have important roles to play, they aren’t just cameos for the sake of cameos, not that there isn’t at least one of those. I’ll also confess that I got some laughs out of the mystery, if only because the film goes so far out of its way to make minor characters with two or three lines seem like potential killers. Still, I don’t feel like I missed much by not seeing the original “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and you won’t be missing much if you don’t see this one. Grade: C “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is rated R for bloody horror violence, language throughout, some sexual content and brief drug use. Its running time is 111 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News Once known as the "Queen City of the Hills," Wesson, Mississippi, was a place where fine homes lined the shaded streets, many built during the height of the town’s prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While a few of those structures still stand today, many have been lost to time—demolished, neglected, or simply faded into memory. These homes weren’t just buildings; they were witnesses to Wesson’s booming textile era, particularly when Mississippi Mills dominated the local economy. Built by mill owners, managers, and civic leaders, many of these residences reflected the architectural detail and craftsmanship of the time—tall ceilings, ornate woodwork, deep front porches, and brick chimneys that stood against storms and seasons. One of the most talked-about was the former home of Col. James Madison Wesson, founder of Mississippi Mills and namesake of the town. While no known photo of the home survives, local accounts describe a two-story structure that once sat on a slight rise, commanding a view over the heart of early Wesson. It’s believed to have been dismantled in the early 1900s as the town shifted away from its industrial roots. Also gone are several stately homes that once lined what is now Spring Street, including the residence of a mill superintendent known for hosting company parties and town socials. In interviews with longtime residents, these houses are remembered not just for their architecture, but for the memories they held—Christmas gatherings, wedding receptions, or evenings spent listening to the radio on the porch. Some losses were sudden. A fire in the 1950s destroyed a once-prominent Victorian home near the old train tracks, and others were torn down during the push for modern development in the 1970s and ‘80s. No preservation guidelines existed at the time, and many homeowners had little idea of the historical value their properties held. Photographs, family scrapbooks, and oral histories now serve as the only record of many of these lost homes. At the Wesson Public Library, a growing collection of historical images offers glimpses into the past—a porch swing, a gas lamp, a tin roof—all pieces of a story now partially erased. But with renewed local interest in Wesson’s heritage, there’s hope. Community members are beginning to gather and document what remains. Former residents are being interviewed, old home sites are being mapped, and there is talk of creating a walking tour that marks both existing and vanished homes. Though these homes may be gone, their stories—and the stories of the families who built Wesson’s foundation—still linger in the minds of those who remember. And as the town continues to evolve, there remains a quiet reverence for the homes that once stood proudly along its streets.

By Misty Strieff Prine “Love came down and rescued me.” – Unknown We all need rescuing at some point in our lives. I pray that we never reach the point of thinking we don’t need to be or that we are beyond the point of being rescued. Jesus IS our Rescuer. We can’t rescue ourselves no matter how hard we try. That’s what Jesus does for us. He pulls us out of deep water and keeps our eyes above the waves of distress. He came down from the most beautiful place ever so many years ago, left Heaven, to come walk the earth as a man. He experienced everything we have or will ever experience...plus some. He then went to the cross of Calvary willingly to give His life for you and for me knowing how we were going to live our life. But as He, again willingly, stayed on the cross for us, He saw ahead in time and knew we were going to need rescuing...a lot of it too. Though we didn’t deserve grace, He was going to make sure we had it available to us. When He breathed His last, He made a way by which we could be saved and rescued from our circumstances and sin. Finally, today, I’m reminded of this one stanza of music that has always spoken to my heart that says,” Mercy came running, like a prisoner set free, past all my failures to the point of my need. When the sin that I carried was all I could see and when I could not reach mercy, mercy came running to me.” **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Shaun's main goal in life is to never make a mistake. In fact, he will bend over backward in every area of his life to make certain that never happens. The FEAR OF PUNISHMENT from childhood is so engrained into him that allowing even one mistake in his world cannot be tolerated. That fear has led him into an adult prison of rigid rules, absolute perfection and arrogance. All of his own making. Tom won’t even try to begin his own business, even though he is aware that he could get the financial backing it would take. His desperate fear of failing has kept him paralyzed and working for someone else for the last twenty years. He is trapped in his panic of losing everything financially, and also his overwhelming anxiety of being ‘the family failure.’ As a result, he lives his life suspecting that he is just a coward and a loser. That suspicion itself and his FEAR OF FAILURE is tanking his self-worth. Piper lives with a secret. Her deep fear of having to deal with life alone.  That haunting anxiety is creating her sharp tongue as she picks constantly at the faults and weaknesses of her chronically ill husband. His inability to function at his former high levels constantly reminds her of terrifying possibilities, and causes her FEAR OF ABONDONMENT to stay kicked into high gear. Russell controls his kids with punishment – threatened and also real - should they make the smallest infraction of his rules. He grew up in a household that had less financially than all the other neighbors. And to make matters more difficult, he didn’t have the perfect model family of Dad/Mom/Kids like all the popular kids in school. Even though the other kids at school didn’t really deliberately embarrass or shame him, he still felt different from the others. Therefore, now as an adult, he is determined to make himself and his family absolutely perfect. SHAME is his constant, unseen, all-controlling companion. Julia is seen by everyone around her as pretty standoffish, a loner to the bone. No one suspects that every evening she walks the floor of her home, waiting for the phone to ring. So lonely, but yet too afraid of being rejected to pick up her phone and reach out to someone. Cindy works in the same office as Julia. She is the girl everyone calls…to bail them out when they need help. She is easily manipulated, and they all know Cindy will never refuse to lend a helping hand. Envious and Lonely Julia doesn’t know that Popular Cindy is struggling with resentment at being constantly used, but yet she can’t say “NO,” because of her fear of being disliked. Both ladies are dealing with the results of the FEAR OF REJECTION. You just might recognize yourself in one of these mirrors. Most likely we all can. But recognizing ourself is a good first step to healing our self.

Special to Wesson News   Dr. Thomas Dobbs speaker. Kim Whittington and Jessica Breazeale, Wesson residents and health advocates, participated in the recent B.E. S.A.F.E. (Sexual Awareness for Everyone) Summit at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).    The John D. Bower School of Population Health Sciences hosted the event at the UMMC Norman C. Nelson Student Union Conference Center to empower healthcare professionals, students and community partners with the tools and knowledge to address syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and other STIs in Mississippi. Whittington and Breazeale found it an important learning experience.  “Mississippi being #1 in STIs is not something to be proud of,” Whittington said.  “We need to do better. We are failing our citizens by not providing them with what they need to be sexually safe.”  Mississippi has a high rate of syphilis infections, and in expectant mothers the rate has risen more than 1000% in the past 10 years. Syphilis can easily be treated with one shot of penicillin.  Left untreated, it can cause miscarriage and stillbirth or be passed to unborn children who will be birthed with severe complications, including brain damage and blindness.  “Every expectant mother should be checked for syphilis during pregnancy,” said Whittington.

Special to Wesson News IC Depot at Wesson on September 15, 1953. (Photo courtesy WHB Jones, David S. Price Collection) Before the hum of Highway 51 or the buzz of modern life, Wesson, Mississippi, moved to the rhythm of a train whistle. The railroad didn’t just pass through—it stitched the town into the fabric of Southern commerce and culture. Wesson’s rise in the late 1800s was no accident. When the Illinois Central Railroad  laid its tracks through town, it brought with it something more powerful than machinery—it brought connection . Suddenly, this small mill town had access to distant markets, new ideas, and a faster pace of life. At the heart of Wesson’s prosperity stood Mississippi Mills , one of the South’s largest textile operations of its time. Cotton arrived by train, and cloth left the same way, headed for warehouses in Memphis and storefronts in New Orleans. The rail line didn’t just fuel the economy—it shaped daily life. Workers set their clocks by the train’s arrival. Store shelves were stocked with goods brought in on flatcars. And in a time before paved roads, the train was  the highway. The Wesson depot stood as a gateway to the wider world. Passengers stepped onto wooden platforms to begin honeymoons, family visits, or long-distance business ventures. Soldiers left for war from that very spot. Mailbags—sometimes 20 a day—were thrown from the train as it passed, without ever stopping. Children would race to the tracks to wave at engineers. Farmers brought crops to be loaded onto freight cars. And inside the depot, stationmasters knew every name and every schedule by heart. Though the building itself is long gone, its place in Wesson's history remains deeply felt. Sidebar: Illinois Central Railroad Timetable Through Wesson (c. 1910s, historical recreation based on public records and local accounts) 🕰 Northbound #4 Departs Wesson: 9:12 AM Connects to: Jackson, Memphis, Chicago 🕰 Southbound #3 Departs Wesson: 4:45 PM Heads to: Brookhaven, McComb, New Orleans 📬 Mail & Local Passenger Train #22 Mid-morning stop—often loaded with newspapers, parcels, and letters for the post office 🌙 Night Express #1 Passes just after midnight —limited stops, but could be flagged in emergencies 💼 Freight Service Daily mixed freight ran cotton, lumber, and general cargo in and out of Wesson, with added service during the fall harvest Did You Know? – Wesson was part of the Illinois Central’s Main Line of Mid-America , a 900+ mile artery connecting New Orleans to Chicago– Local children nicknamed the mail car the “iron postman” By the mid-20th century, change was rolling in. The highways grew busier. The mills slowed. Passenger trains were phased out. The depot was boarded up, and eventually torn down. The rails, once polished by constant travel, grew rusty in places. But not all was lost. Today, the tracks still cut quietly through Wesson. Local historians are working to preserve its railroad legacy through stories, photos, and proposals for interpretive markers. There’s even hope for a small museum or historical display where the depot once stood. Because while the trains may no longer stop here, the legacy they left behind still runs deep. The railroad didn’t just shape Wesson—it defined  it. And if you listen closely on a cool morning, you might still imagine the distant sound of a whistle, echoing through the pines.

By: Annie Oeth, UMMC Communications   Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory infection, can cause severe illness in infants and young children.   Rising cases of pertussis nationally and statewide serve as a reminder to parents to vaccinate their children against this and other highly contagious diseases, experts at the University of Mississippi Medical Center say.  Pertussis , or whooping cough, is a preventable respiratory illness that can be life-threatening to infants. Spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact, pertussis has early symptoms that resemble a common cold but can progress to severe coughing fits.   As of July 10, 80 pertussis cases had been reported to the Mississippi State Department of Health from all nine public health districts compared to 18 cases reported by the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for roughly the same period in 2024 and 49 cases in the state for all of 2024.   The increase in cases prompted the Mississippi State Department of Health to issue a statewide health alert Monday.  Although no deaths from pertussis have been reported in Mississippi this year, doctors at UMMC and its pediatric arm, Children's of Mississippi, stress that the disease can be life-threatening.     Dr. Mary Taylor "Pertussis can be especially dangerous for infants, who are most at risk of severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures or even death," said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics at UMMC.   "Vaccinations are the best line of defense against whooping cough and other diseases," she said. "These diseases are preventable through vaccination, so we advise parents to ensure their children are up to date with their  immunizations . "  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends immunizations as the safest and most cost-effective way of preventing disease, disability and death. Mississippi had a 97.4% immunization rate in the 2023-2024 school year, a drop from 98.9% in 2020-2021.  Dr. Roberto Santos, professor of pediatric infectious diseases, said the rising number of illnesses that can be prevented through immunizations is alarming.    Dr. Roberto Santos "There were six times more cases of whooping cough in 2024 in the U.S. with peak incidence last November 2024, according to the  CDC ," he said. "The best way to prevent pertussis is through timely vaccinations, which not only provide personal protection but also offer community protection if vaccination rate is above 90%."  Vaccines are effective, but not 100% effective, the  American Lung Association  reports. "Vaccinated people who get whooping cough usually have more mild symptoms such as a cough that doesn't last as long and coughing fits that are less common and severe."  With decreasing vaccination rates, medical providers need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of pertussis, he said.  "We should not let our guard down since pertussis can be associated with severe pneumonia with pulmonary hypertension or severe coughing spells  complicated  with hernia, hypoxia or lack of oxygen and conjunctival hemorrhage."  According to the  AAP , the duration of pertussis can be up to six to eight weeks. About a third of babies 12 months and younger who catch pertussis will require hospitalization.   Dr. Sue Phillips, a pediatric hospitalist at Children's of Mississippi, said it's important to visit a health care provider if exposed to pertussis.    Dr. Sue Phillips "There are ways to test for pertussis and also ways to treat it," she said. "High-risk populations – infants, unimmunized, the elderly – especially need to be evaluated if there is concern and tested in the event that antibiotics are needed."  Since protection from pertussis vaccinations can wane over time, it is important for adults to update their immunizations, according to the  CDC . The two types of pertussis vaccines, DTaP and Tdap, also protect against  diphtheria  and  tetanus.    DTaP protects nearly all children within a year of their last shot and about 7 in 10 within five years of their last shot. Tdap protects against illness in about seven in 10 people in the first year after getting it and about three to four in 10 people four years after.  DTaP is recommended for younger children, while Tdap is recommended for older children, pregnant women and adults. Infants should receive DTaP vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months followed by two booster doses at 15 to 18 months and at 4 to 6 years. Pre-teens should receive a single dose of Tdap at 11 to 12 years to boost their immunity. Pregnant women should receive a single dose of Tdap during each pregnancy in the 27th to 36th week of pregnancy to help protect their newborns from pertussis during their first few months of life. The CDC also recommends a single dose of Tdap for adults who have never received Tdap.  MSDH recommends that grandparents and others who may come in close contact with infants get booster shots to ensure they don't unknowingly pass pertussis to the child.  Vaccinations are  available  through primary care physicians, pharmacies, community health centers and county departments of health.   Parents who have questions about vaccinations should talk with their children's pediatrician or primary care provider, said Dr. Bryant McCrary, a pediatrician at Children's of Mississippi's Bridgewater pediatric clinic in Gulfport.   "Trust is at the heart of pediatric medicine," he said. "Immunizations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect our children and our communities. The vaccines we recommend are grounded in rigorous science and decades of research. One has to believe that the American Academy of Pediatrics, dedicated to the well-being of all children and made up of devoted doctors and researchers, would never make recommendations that were not in the best interest of all children."   Watch video  here .

By: Kara Kimbrough Nothing's better in the summertime than a scoop of homemade ice cream on top of hot blackberry cobbler fresh from the oven.     Ever wonder how Americans in the old days made it through a long, hot summer without central air conditioning? According to historical records, they made ice cream. That’s right, making homemade ice cream is one of the most popular - and oldest - ways to beat the heat. President George Washington owned a "cream machine for making ice,” according to historical records. Washington was reportedly so fond of ice cream that he spent more than $200 (several thousand dollars in today's money) making the cool treat in the summer of 1790.       Those of us who grew up eating ice cream made in laborious, hand-cranked machines filled with rock salt love the fact that homemade ice cream is now very simple to make. Basic ice cream machines (in the $50 range for no-frills models) hat do most of the work are available at major retailers. And there's also the Nina CREAMi Ice Cream Maker (retails for $169 at Walmart), which produces a smoother, creamier version of ice cream, sorbets, milkshakes and similar treats than the basic models.       Everyone reminisces about childhood experiences of turning the ice cream handle, but nobody has time now to actually do that and why should we? Today’s machines turn out a superior product in 30 minutes or less.  And, if you like a firmer ice cream, all that is required is to put it in the freezer for a few hours.     Last but not least - one of the major benefits of making your own product is the ability to become an ice cream artisan. You pick the ingredients, including quality dairy products and if desired, fresh, locally-grown fruit.     This time of year, there’s nothing quite like the sight and feeling of a chilled bowl of homemade ice cream nestled in your hand, ready to be enjoyed. Even plain vanilla melting in delicate rivers over a helping of hot blackberry cobbler is a treat to be treasured.    Here are two easy recipes that'll ensure a frosty bowl of homemade ice cream will be in your hands in under an hour.    3-Ingredient Homemade Ice Cream 2 cups heavy cream 1 can sweetened condensed milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Additions: chopped fruit, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, nuts or other toppings/flavors of your choice.           Using a stand or hand mixer, whisk whipping cream for about 2 minutes. Set aside. In a separate bowl whisk together sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Scoop out half of the whipped cream into the condensed milk bowl. Using a spatula gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk.       Fold the whipped cream and condensed milk mixture into the remaining whipped cream. Fold gently and mix. Stir in desired additions; mix well. Pour the mixture into a 5x9- inch loaf pan, cover with cling wrap and place into the freezer for 3 hours.   The Best Vanilla Ice Cream 3 eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3 cups heavy whipping cream 1 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract      Tip:  Freeze the bowl and paddle attachment to your ice cream maker for 24 hours.     Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes, until thick and pale. Mix in cream, milk and vanilla until blended. Refrigerate batter at least 4 hours or freeze 2 hours or until very cold.       To make ice cream:  Pour cold batter into the frozen ice cream maker and churn for 25-30 minutes. Ice cream will look gritty once done. Transfer ice cream into a container and freeze until firm.  Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Wesson News   Jessica Breazeale (left) and Janet Currie at Wesson Chamber luncheon.    Recalling the Biblical story of David and Goliath in which David, as a young shepherd boy, defeated the mighty Philistine warrior with nothing more than a sling and five smooth stones, Stanley Martin – Wesson’s newly elected Alderman-at-Large – called on members of Wesson Chamber of Commerce to use their own smooth stones to face challenges confronting the town.   Martin was guest speaker at the June Chamber luncheon at the Venue at Porches.    Involvement in town affairs and standing up for what is right isn’t unlike challenging Goliath, Martin suggested in recommending five smooth stones for realizing a vision for Wesson: Partnership with other people and organizations that will work with you. Investing money, time and energy in the town and its organizations. Community encouragement to gain strength and give strength to others. Faith that God is in your life to help. A song of Lazarus – He Called My Name  – on your heart.    At the meeting, Chamber President Teri Bath also addressed:   Chamber membership and leadership.  She is seeking volunteers to chair a committee tasked with recruiting new members and a nominating committee for new officers.   Consolidation of local school districts.  Although local leadership in the state legislature killed a bill that would have created a single Copiah County school district, consolidation of school districts throughout the state remains an ongoing issue with appointment of a study group by the Governor, Bath noted.   Tariffs, a contentious issue throughout the nation particularly among businesses.  She said tariffs were among the nation’s first taxes and used to address smuggling during Colonial time.  They generate revenues and have been effective in protecting growing businesses from foreign competition, she added.