Marjorie Case Williams November 18, 1927 - July 13, 2025 97 years of age Graveside services for Mrs. Marjorie Case Williams will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery at 2:00 in the afternoon. Marjorie Case Williams passed from this earth on July 13, 2025, at the age of 97. She was born on November 18, 1927 in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Marjorie was a graduate of Loyd Star Attendance Center and worked for Potter company for many years. Marjorie was a devoted member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Wesson. She served on the Human Rights Committee at Lincoln Residential Center for numerous years. Marjorie spent the majority of her years on this earth as a devoted caregiver to numerous family members. She will always be remembered for her strength, her faith in the Lord, and her prize-winning cornbread. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jasper and Radie Case; brother, John T. Case; sons, Gerald and Randy Durr; and her husband and the love of her life, Leon Williams.  She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Doris Durr; granddaughter, Misty Smith (her "pride") and her husband, Wade; and her "joys" as she called them, great-granddaughters, Kayleigh and Khloe Smith.  The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Aspen Assisted Living Facility and Silver Cross Health and Rehab, with a special thanks to Tara Pepper, RN, and Marjorie's cousin, Shelia Massey, for the love and care they showed her during her time at Silver Cross. They would also like to thank the Staff of Deaconess Hospice, especially their Account Executive, Morgan Boyd, and volunteer Kenneth Douglas, for the times they spent visiting with Marjorie and bringing a smile to her face.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mississippi chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or Zion Hill Baptist Church.

Wesson News             Wesson Attendance Center (WAC) anticipates enrollment to hold steady in the coming 2025-26 school term.             The new school year begins in Wesson on Wednesday, August 6.              New faces – Ann Shelby Smith and Vanda Brister – are moving into elementary and high school principal positions with retirement of High School Principal Dr. Barbie Roberson, six new teachers are joining the WAC staff and a new MTSS coordinator will handle student interventions.             In high school, WAC is also adding two elective career education courses – one focused on engineering and another on entrepreneurship.             WAC athletic teams will renew old rivalries in a return to competition at the 2A level.  Back on team schedules are Loyd Star, Enterprise and Amite and Wilkinson Counties, among others             "We expect about 860 to 870 students to enroll," says WAC principal Tommy Clopton.  Kindergarten registrations are particularly strong, he adds.             "All students attending WAC must reside within its district or have been released by their local school board and approved by the Copiah County School Board," Clopton says. "Otherwise, law requires students to attend school in the districts where they live.              "Residency means a student resides full time, days and nights throughout the week and on weekends, within the limits of the school district.  Students must reside full time at the address used for registration and live with a natural parent or have legal documentation on file with WAC that shows they are under the guardianship of someone."             To enroll in classes at WAC, four documents for each incoming student, who did not attend the school last year, must be provided:         Birth certificate         Social Security Card         Original copy of Mississippi Immunization Form 121         The final report card from the previous school             All students planning to attend WAC, even if they were enrolled last year, must show residency proof, including one document from each of three groups with the name of the registrant's parent or legal guardian: Real estate documentation.   Mortgage papers or property deed, original apartment rental agreement or home lease (receipts will not be accepted) of a filed homestead exemption form; Utility bill or deposit receipt (lights, water, gas) dated within the last two months (cell phone bills will not be accepted); Other proof.   Driver’s license, voter registration card or automobile registration.             If documents of legal guardians are used to prove residency, the registrant must provide a copy of the court order appointing the guardian or the filed petition for a pending guardianship decree.  Children or youth living with an adult other than parents or legal guardians in the district may be enrolled at WAC in cases of death or serious illnesses of the parents or legal guardians, abandonment, abuse or neglect; unstable or detrimental family relationships or living conditions, or if they are exchange students with host families.  In such cases, the district resident housing the students must provide an affidavit stating the relationship to them and documentation fully explaining the circumstances.  WAC may also require temporary placement and custody orders from courts.               Call WAC for dates, times, and place for new student registration in which parents or guardians can enroll them.  Returning students should be registered online through the Copiah County School District website at www.copiah.ms , where an ActiveParent sign-in will be required.  Log-in information, if not known by the registrant, is available at WACEnroll@copiah.ms or at 601-643-2221 Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  Once logged in as an ActiveParent, a drop-down menu guides users through the student selection and the registration process.  Registrants should be prepared to download copies of required documents -- the same ones required for new students.                  New students include those who have been home schooled or attended other schools. WAC staff and personnel are accessible by telephone, fax and email:        Principal Tommy Clopton.  tommy.clopton@copiah.ms .         High School Principal Principal Vanda Brister.  vanda.brister@copiah.ms .         Assistant Principal Ann Shelby Smith.  ann.shelby.smith@copiah.ms .         Guidance Counselor Taylor Burke.         High School Secretary Gwen Shannon.         Elementary Secretary Aretha Butler.         Nurse Michelle Berch.         Bookkeeper/Secretary Amanda Granger and Jacque McCormick (also Records Clerk).   High School telephone:  (601) 643-2221/2222 Elementary telephone:  (601) 643-2295 Fax:  (601) 643-2458 or (601) 643-5838

Charlotte Ann Brown Matthews August 7, 1942 - July 8, 2025 82 years of age Charlotte Ann Brown Matthews, age 82, left this world peacefully and entered into the glorious presence of her Lord, Jesus Christ, on July 8, 2025. She was born on August 7, 1942 at the home of her family in Bogue Chitto, Mississippi and was the youngest of ten children belonging to Pence and Ola Mae Brown. Charlotte was a resident of Brandon, Mississippi and a beloved sister, aunt, and friend. It was the desire of her heart to honor the Lord with her life. She was a diligent student of the Word of God and a gifted Bible study teacher. She enjoyed playing piano, going to the gym, sharing meals with friends, and traveling – especially to the Holy Land. She is survived by her brother, Robert Brown (and wife Marilyn), of Bogue Chitto, along with many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers and their wives, Hilton Brown (Irene), Hansel Brown (Merle), and Hulon Brown (Irene); and five sisters, Ethel Margaret Brown, Katie Boyd (and husband Doug), Sarah Elizabeth “Betty” Smith (and husbands Felder Reid and Alton Smith), June Ballard, and Ella Rose Jordan. Charlotte earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mississippi College, worked as a legal secretary, then later completed credentialing requirements to become a paralegal / certified legal assistant. She excelled in her career as a dedicated employee of the U.S. Department of Justice – Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. She was a genuinely kind and humble person with an unwavering faith in God and a heart for those who do not know Him. For forty-five years, she carried gospel tracts – in multiple languages – everywhere she went and personally handed them to thousands of people. She continually prayed for open hands and receptive hearts. Visitation (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) and a Celebration Of Life (1:00 PM) will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Brookhaven Funeral Home, 894 Natchez Drive, Brookhaven, Mississippi. A graveside service will follow at Bethel Baptist Church in Bogue Chitto. Pastor Luke Spencer (Word of Life Church) will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Eric Carpenter, Jordan Carpenter, Casey Hudson, Jamie Hudson, Jason Leggett, John Parson Leggett, Buddy Russell, and Tim Wallace. Charlotte was a faithful supporter of her church and other Christian ministries. Her favorite was Samaritan’s Purse - to which donations may be made in lieu of flowers. The family expresses appreciation to the staff of both Haven Hall Health Care Center and Gentiva Hospice for the compassion and care given to our beloved Aunt Charlotte. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Special to Wesson News   When Jeana James was a teenager back in the 1980s, she hung out with friends at Lake Lincoln, enjoying swimming, boating, water skiing and tanning on the beach   Forty years later, you can still find her at Lake Lincoln in her spare time when she isn’t working.  Now, as a volunteer, she seeks to keep the recreation area in and around the lake – what has become a state park – the same beautiful place where other people of all ages can play and relax as she did.  Whether its tending flower beds and gardens, cutting grass, trimming trees, clearing the grounds of branches or picking up trash she helps as she can.  Recently, she has begun serving as president of Friends of the Park, a group of persons want to serve similarly.   James was born in Dr. Steven Liverman’s office in Wesson and grew up mostly in the Stronghope area as one of four children of a single parent mom.  After an interval in Louisiana, she returned with her family to the area and started the sixth grade at Wesson Attendance Center.  A teenage bride in 1987, she didn’t graduate from high school at WAC, but received a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) in a study program at Co-Lin in 1989.   After studying business briefly at Co-Lin, James went on to earn a degree in cosmetology Southwest Community College in 2009.   Since college, she has had a varied career, working as a cosmetologist for four years and then for Alpha Insurance for another 10 years before starting two businesses of her own.    Today, James cleans homes for nine clients on a regular basis and maintains an online store – 3 Generations Creations, where almost 600 members shop for her customized arts and crafts, including sewn items, such as t-shirts; woodwork, such as picture frames, door hangers and crosses; paintings, flower arrangements and décor.  The store evolved from participation as a vendor at Wesson Flea market. When her sister Cindy joined Lake Lincoln State Park as the manager, James came back to her teenage haunt as a volunteer.   She lives in Brookhaven, and has a 30-year-old daughter, Ashley Watts, a stay-at-home mom with three children – Kailey, 12, Melanie, 5, and David, 3.   “I don’t live a glamorous life, but I love it,” James summarizes.                 What are your hobbies? There’s Lake Lincoln, of course.  My work, too – particularly 3 Generations Creations – is also my hobby.  In crafts, I am doing more cross stitching. Then, there are my grandchildren.  I spend every weekend with them.   Are you a reader? I mostly fall asleep reading after busy days, but when I get into books, it’s likely a biography. How about music? I am a listener, particularly to country – George Strait and Blake Shelton.  Alabama, now gone, was my favorite group.   If you won a lot of money in the lottery, how would you spend it? My family, particularly my grandchildren would enjoy the benefits.  And, of course, some of the money would have to go to Lake Lincoln.   How would you change the world? I’m not sure what I would do, but I know the problem – the hate and divisions in the world.  We need to be peacemakers and strive for unity.

Special to Wesson News   Sam Newman begins his first year as assistant coach, joining head coach Randy Bolden for his first year leading the Wolves program. The Minnesota native comes to Co-Lin after spending nearly four years as assistant coach at Mississippi College. During his time at Mississippi College, Newman helped to lead the team to back-to-back GSC Tournament appearances in the 2023 and 2024 seasons -- first trips to the tournament since the 1996 season. Newman helped in the recruitment and development of Galen Smith and Rashad Bolden at MC, who both attained All-GSC honors during their time with the Choctaws. "I am excited for coach Sam Newman to join our staff this year," said Co-Lin head coach Randy Bolden. "Sam has been with me for the past four years at Mississippi College and his dedication and basketball knowledge along with his ability to connect with players has been invaluable." Prior to his time at MC, Newman spent two seasons at Florida State University as a graduate assistant working under Hall of Fame head coach Leonard Hamilton. During his time at FSU, Newman was part of a staff that earned an ACC Regular Season Championship in the 2019-20 season and then reached the Sweet Sixteen in Indianapolis in the 2020-21 season. His primary responsibilities with the Seminoles focused on on-court player development and developing scouting reports on opponents. While part of the staff Newman helped with the development of seven NBA draft picks including Patrick Williams, Devin Vassell, Trent Forest, Raiquan Gray, Balsa Koprivica, MJ Walker, and Scottie Barnes. "Throughout our time together, Sam has consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching the game and a commitment to player development," said Bolden. "His relentless work ethic and tireless effort in recruiting, scouting, and game preparation has made a significant impact on every team we've been a part of." Before joining the staff at Florida State, Newman spent two seasons as an assistant boys basketball coach at Mahtomedi High School in Minnesota . Newman graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing in 2019 and received a Master of Science in Sports Management from Florida State in 2021. "Sam's ability to build strong relationships with our players and foster a positive team culture is one of his greatest strengths,” says Bolden.  “He has an incredible talent for helping players grow both on and off the court and I'm confident he will be instrumental in helping us build a competitive and cohesive team here at Co-Lin.  I'm grateful to have Sam on staff again and look forward to working with him as we pursue excellence in all areas of our program."

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB After three “Jurassic Park” movies and three “Jurassic World” movies, it seems the time has come to kickstart the “Jurassic” franchise again with “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” I’ll give the franchise credit for recognizing that there was no need to continue with the Chris Pratt or Bryce Dallas Howard characters from the last three movies, who were widely seen as uninteresting. Even the more popular “classic” characters played by Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum are probably best taking this movie off after fans got sufficiently caught up with them in 2022’s “Jurassic World: Dominion.” Good on this movie for coming up with a new set of heroes. I can’t say I always cared for the story, action, or generally the movie around them, but the movie is better for having them. The most-talked-about scene in the movie is its cold open, where a carelessly-discarded candy bar wrapper leads to catastrophic results. It reminded me a lot of one of those convoluted “Final Destination” death sequences, but that didn’t do the movie any favors, all it did was make me wish I was watching one of those movies instead of this. I’m sure the intention here was to have a scene where funny and scary were well-balanced, and I suppose technically it succeeds by delivering very little of either. Soon after, we’re introduced to our new cast. Capable covert operative Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) is recruited by shady pharmaceutical rep Krebs (Rupert Friend) to lead a team to an island of mutant dinosaurs to collect DNA samples that can be combined to form a cure for heart disease. The team also includes Zora’s longtime colleague Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) and unemployed paleontologist Dr. Loomis (Jonathan Bailey). As the new leads travel to the island, we’re also introduced to a civilian family: father Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), younger daughter Isabella (Audrina Miranda), older daughter Teresa (Luna Blaise), and Xavier (David Iacano), Teresa’s hapless boyfriend. Their boat is capsized by ocean-based dinos and they need rescuing from Zora’s team, much to the chagrin of mission-focused Krebs. The groups are briefly brought together, then quickly separated again once they reach the island so they can go on disparate adventures. Said adventures include Zora’s group collecting samples from prehistoric creatures on land, sea, and air. It’s the “air” that proves the most challenging, as they have to scale a perilous cliff to get to the nest of a fearsome predator. The family needs only to survive the island, but they don’t have things any easier. They need to make it down a river, but not if a T-Rex has anything to say about it. For the climax, the survivors of the two groups reunite for a shared showdown with the vicious mutant dinosaur that escaped its enclosure at the beginning of the movie. I at least liked the design of the new Big Bad dinosaur, it’s got more going on than previous built-up surprises that usually just turned out to be variations on raptors. I liked the chemistry of the Johansson/Ali/Bailey team in “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” I liked them so much, in fact, that I was annoyed whenever there was any business with dinosaurs that prevented them from casually interacting. The sailing family could have been cut from the movie entirely. I know the movie wanted to throw in some cute kids for the dinos to terrorize, but they’re bland, at times annoying, and they detract from the more interesting storyline. As for the dinosaurs and the action around them, it’s par for the course. Don’t worry, they’re here, but the special effects are wonky at times and nothing they do will be surprising to anyone familiar with this franchise. I can’t say that I strongly dislike this installment with its change-up in human leads, but this series, now on its seventh installment, is no longer the unique property that established itself as a pop culture institution in the 90’s. Grade: C “Jurassic World: Rebirth” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence/action, bloody images, some suggestive references, language and a drug reference. Its running time is 134 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com The very thing that you dread and fear can keep you keep thinking about it. A lot, in fact. And that constant thinking can give way to obsessive anxiety. And then the obsessive anxiety and fear begin to take control of your days…and causing sleepless nights. Gradually, the lack of sleep can spiral you into depression, which easily saps your energy. Next thing you know you have lost your zest for your job, your family life, your romantic life… everyday living will seem colorless. Maybe there is a way to break this habit of destroying your own happiness and personal peace. Maybe you can learn to acknowledge and recognize a potential threat, but not let it turn into a paralyzing dread, to then become absolute soul-sucking fear. To put it in its place. If you have recognized yourself in these opening paragraphs, you’re flailing around in dark water and trying not to go down for the third time, then take heart. There actually are a few self-help exercises that are worth the effort. Do this for a few minutes: Review all the people, events, or circumstances that you have feared throughout your life. If I could persuade you to do this, I would like you to actually write them down. Then sit back and study them. Take the time to remember which ones became reality. You will likely find that most simply never came to pass. Yes, of course, some horrible things did occur, but many never actually came into your life. Realize this all-important fact.  “Most of those scary things that you fear? Never actually materialize. We simply let ourself live in fear of those things happening.” The next step is recognizing your negative-but-oh-so-entertaining thoughts, before they become fear and anxiety. The following is an example of disastrous thinking that leads you into that deep dark water. “What if all the constant fighting me and my husband are doing doesn’t get better, and we end up in a divorce? Hmmm, I guess I really ought to start preparing for being alone in life……Oh, @$%&$!!!  Is it possible that is  exactly  what he’s been doing? Getting his list together of things he plans to walk away with?  Well, he’s got another think a-comin!  I’m getting my own list of our financial assets together. I can’t let that scumbag take advantage of me! In fact, we’re having it out tonight, no way he’s taking more than his share!” See the negative progression, the self-fulfilling prophecy of her fearful thoughts? It is vital that you learn to recognize your negative thoughts, and then forcibly replace them with a totally different way of thinking about what you fear. Deliberately take control, before you cause an ending that didn’t have to happen. Self-fulfilling thinking is real, folks. So it’s definitely worth the effort to keep your thought life positive and try to help create a good ending for yourself. Or you can just let the opposite happen.

By Misty Strieff Prine                   “If you feel like you’re losing everything, remember that trees lose their leaves every year and they still stand tall and wait for better days to come.” – Unknown                 Maybe there is someone out there reading this today that really feels as though they are on the brink of being totally overwhelmed. They are hanging on by a thread. To you I say this. No matter how hopeless a situation seems, there is always hope. You’re not going to find it in earthly places but in Jesus. You may think you are about to be pushed over the edge and that there is no one there to catch you. You’re wrong my friend. Jesus will always be there and has no intentions of going anywhere or leaving you alone to deal with life’s troubles on your own. No matter how much has been ripped away from you, stand tall, scars and all. There are better days coming. God will see you through. You just have to trust that He will and trust His timing. God’s grace will get you through anything. What a beautiful promise we have in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.   There is a soundtrack that my mom bought me many years ago to sing at church when I was the music director, and it has stuck with me all of these years. The song title is “Nothing Greater than Grace” by Point of Grace and I want to share it with you today. I feel like it’s perfect for this message. They are as follows: “What do you say to someone who feels like they’ve lost it all? Over the edge, with no one there to break their fall. And what do you say to someone who feels so unloved? Giving themselves away a little bit everyday just to be good enough. And what do you say to a hopeless soul who can’t remember their way home and everything is out of their control. There is no valley. There is no darkness. There is no sorrow, greater than the grace of Jesus. There is no moment. There is no distance. There is no heartbreak, He can’t take you through. So, before you think that you’re too lost to save, remember there is nothing greater than grace. What do you say to someone whose life is on the line? And they’re unsure what happens after their last breath in time. What do you say to someone who’s built a wall you can’t break through and it’s so hard for them to hear the truth? Don’t lose heart! Don’t let go! Don’t give up! You are not alone!!” **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Special to Wesson News Shaun Broderick  Are weeds a problem in your yard and garden? Instead of chemicals, the answer might be heating your soil, Dr.  Shaun Broderick from the Mississippi State University (MSU) Truck Stops Experiment Station told more than 100 attendees at the Natchez Trace District spring workshop last month. Broderick was the guest speaker at The Garden Clubs of Mississippi (GCM) June 4 event at the Thames Center on Co-Lin’s Wesson campus.  Attendees came from Brandon, Crystal Springs, McComb, Natchez, Madison, Raymond, Richland, Florence, Madison, Spring Lake, Jackson and Wesson. Steaming soil to control weeds and other pathogens is one of many research projects ongoing at Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station on Highway 51 in Copiah County just south of Crystal Springs. “Steam at temperatures up to 250 degrees F is placed over tilled land until the soil temperature reaches 160 degrees F at 4 inches deep,” Broderick said.  “The treatment kills most weeds, soil-borne pathogens, slugs, and some insect pests.  It is well-suited for organic growers who do not want to use herbicides or pesticides.  We have used steam treatments in different vegetable and flowering crop experiments.” Research at the station, which was established in 1938, also encompasses vegetables – the facility’s initial focus, ornamental crops, fruits and pecans.  “Over the years, as new technology emerged and our understanding of what growers, producers, and home owners wanted out of their plants, we have changed along the way,” Broderick explained.  “We have a little over 175 acres of land to work with which makes us the largest horticulture research station in the MSU system.  There are two laboratories, shop facilities, nine greenhouses and seven high tunnels onsite.” Researchers conduct variety trials for commercial growers and the gardening public. They evaluate how well certain plants grow under various conditions in the field, in the greenhouses, in the high tunnels and in various containers. Three of the high tunnels are dedicated to researching organic fruits and vegetables.  The station maintains an online database of all of the plants included in its annual variety trials so growers have quick and easy access to learning about the performance of a new variety. The ornamental research program has or is working on many projects such as a breeding program for new plants in Mississippi, websites to distribute information on performance of plants in our climate, Hydrangea cultivar trials, fertilizer management studies, Crape Myrtle variety trials, substrate ingredient studies, winter production strategies for high tunnels, growth regulator research, season extension technology studies, pot-in-pot planting research, Bio-container trials, and yearly bedding plant cultivar trials, including both a spring and fall annuals trial with over 200 entries each. At the half-day meeting, Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw, who welcomed the attendees to town, and state garden club leaders shared the podium with Broderick. Focusing on garden club issues were Dixie Thornton, past Wesson Garden Club (WGC) president and current Garden Clubs of Mississippi Third Vice President, past WGC president Lisa Smith and current WGC president Sherri Carty, Nan Harris, Natchez Trace District Director, Sassy Mauldin, 2025-27 GCM, Angelia Wade, GCM executive secretary, McComb Garden Club President Brianna Causy, who invited attendees to the Natchez District fall meeting at Natchez. They recognized local garden clubs for award winning work with children and youth, beautifying their towns and gardening techniques.  They also encouraged clubs to: Seek future awards for children’s, memorial, historical and church gardens and plantings. Compete in the Youth Sculpture Contest to engage students in grades four through eight to create sculptures of recyclable, reused and reduced materials, involving them in saving the environment and helping to keep the planet green. Apply for grants up to $500 over the next two years for projects focused on garden therapy, natural disasters, the Plant America Community Project, wildflowers and native plants and landscaping for the economically challenged. The meeting concluded with a luncheon prepared by Co-Lin chef Chris McSweyn.

Special to Wesson News   Veterans and their guardians visited Washington, D.C. Twenty-seven Mississippi veterans, including two from the Wesson area, along with their guardians travelled to Washington, D.C., last month on a Honor Flight sponsored by WoodmenLife, as part of its Mississippi Jurisdictional Convention Project, in partnership with Lone Eagle Network.   In Washington, they visited memorials and monuments dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifice in line with the mission of Honor Flight Network.   The Wesson veterans on the trip were John Leo Wesley, Jr., and William Jay Maples. John Richard Goza, Julianna Rose Wilson, Travis Dewayne Cloy and Tori Smith Earls, a WoodmenLife staff person, from Wesson were also on the trip as guardians.  Brookhaven veteran Clois Randel Wilson was on the trip from the area as well.   The veterans represented all service eras, with priority for those who served during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and in time periods between these conflicts.  Most of them were Vietnam veterans, with one World War II veteran and one Korean War veterans.  There were multiple purple heart recipients in the group   A veteran is only eligible to participate in an Honor Flight once in their lifetime, so the Honor Flight Network ensures that is an experience to remember.    The travel group flew out of Jackson, Gulfport and Memphis Airports on June 15 to Baltimore, where Lone Eagle Honor Flight Program Director Allison Qunilan greeted them.  After touring the Iwo Jima Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Navy Memorial, the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials on June 16, the group returned on June 17 to the three airports from which they departed.  Volunteers, family, friends and veterans group and other community members sent them off and welcomed them back home as heroes waving flags, holding signs, clapping and chanting “USA” and giving them tokens of appreciation.  Cal-Maine Foods donated a case of fresh eggs to each veterans. WoodmenLife Mississippi Jurisdiction picked this trip as its 2025 sponsored project, and it was in planning for nearly two years  Initially, the goal was raising the required money to pay for 25 Mississippi Veterans (those eligible were those who enlisted in 1975 or before) to travel to Washington D.C, through the Lone Eagle Honor Flight Program.  WoodmenLife Mississippi fraternal chapters pledged donations to provide the financial means to make this happen.  By the time for the funds to be submitted to Lone Eagle for the trip, there were 27 veterans from Mississippi confirmed and enough funds to help sponsor an additional 11 terminally ill veterans from varying states.  The project paid all expenses for the veterans and their guardians.    Lisa Davis, Regional Director WoodmenLife Misssissippi South suggested the project and Chris Sparkman, Regional Director at Mississippi North agreed it was a superb idea.  The plan was set in motion for the 2025 Mississippi Jurisdiction project to be a fully sponsored Lone Eagle Honor Flight.    In addition to the Wesson and Brookhaven veterans, the Honor Flight included the following veterans for other areas of Mississippi:  Jimmy Franklin Zdenek, Ocean Springs, John Douglas James, Gulfport, Robert Larry Thomas, Gulfport, James Earl Thomas, Gulfport, John Fredric Battle, La Grange, Jeffrey Alan Davis, Peachland, John Lowery Hoggatt, Gulfport, Charles Fredrick Gardner, Union, George William Copeland, Brandon, Herman Perry Bozeman, Philadelphia, James D. Embrey, Chunky, James Kirk Hodge, DeKalb, Jarvis Dale Winstead, Philadelphi, Kenneth A. Acton, Byram, Marshall Paul Yates, Taylorsville, Martin Francis McCann, Meridian, Perry Willis Smith, Byram, Richard Leroy Nelson, Bailey, Richard Glenn White, Byram, Tommie G. Jefcoat, Louisville, William David Smith, Pearl, Robert Andrew McNeil, Tupelo, Chester Marin Ross, Southaven, Harold Wain Palmer, Rienzi, Kenneth Neal Patterson, Belden, and William J. Mims, Tupelo.   WoodmenLife, founded in 1890 as a not-for-profit, offers life insurance and retirement products to customer-members across the country who join together in a shared commitment to family, community and country.  Through the Honor Flight program, they share and encourage patriotism in their communities by celebrating veterans and volunteers.

By: Kara Kimbrough Waldorf's Famous Fruity Chicken Salad is the perfect no-cook dinner.  I know what you’re thinking…how do you serve dinner without cooking…at least a little? I deliberately omitted the word “salad” from the headline so you’d keep reading. Believe it or not, there are salads that are substantial enough to satisfy even the pickiest (and heartiest) eaters. Salads filled with lots of crunch, a little meat for the carnivores and plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables are just the ticket when the heat is oppressive and turning on the oven to heat up an already-steamy kitchen is not an option.   My favorite of the three no-cook salads is Waldorf’s Famous Fruity Chicken Salad. Originally created at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1893 (some sources say 1896) by maître d'hôtel Oscar Tschirky, the recipe was much simpler than today’s versions. Filled with apples, celery and mayonnaise, it was delicious, but not much more than a basic fruit salad.    Over time, the Waldorf salad evolved to include walnuts, grapes and one of the best additions, chicken, with a mayonnaise dressing. Unlike many recipes originating in the 1800’s that have disappeared, this fruity, hearty salad has withstood the test of time.     Try each of these no-cook meals – and yes, salads – this summer. Unless you choose to toast the walnuts (not entirely necessary), the oven will stay off and the kitchen will actually be a pleasant place to visit.   Waldorf’s Famous Fruity Chicken Salad 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon balsamic or cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt or garlic salt 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped 2 ribs celery with leaves, diced 3 medium apples, cut into bite size cubes 1 cup red grape halves 1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)     Preheat oven to 350 degrees (skip this step and forgo toasting if you don’t want to use the oven!) Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast or 6-8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.     In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, vinegar, lemon pepper and salt until combined.      Add the walnuts, chicken, celery, apples, grapes and raisins. Toss until coated.  Chill in an airtight container for up to 2 hours. Serve on lettuce leaves. Italian Chopped Salad For the Italian vinaigrette: 1 lemon, juiced 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For the salad:   2 heads romaine or green leaf lettuce, chopped  1/2 red onion, chopped 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 medium tomato, diced  6 ounces genoa salami, chopped  8 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped  1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers Fresh basil leaves, chopped         Make the dressing:  In a jar with a lid add the lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, sugar, oregano, olive oil, kosher, salt, and black pepper. Add the lid and shake for 10 seconds until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.       Note:  The vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. It’s best served at room temperature. The dressing will separate and solidify in the fridge, so run the jar under some warm water and give it a shake to bring the dressing back to room temperature before serving.       Make the salad:  Add the chopped Romaine to a large bowl and drizzle with a few tablespoons of dressing. Top the romaine with the red onion, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers and basil. Stir together well before serving. Add more dressing, if desired. Crunchy Romaine Toss ¼ cup unsalted butter 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 (3 ounce) package uncooked ramen noodles, crushed 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar ½ cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped 1 bunch broccoli, coarsely chopped 2 green onions, chopped      Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and ramen noodles; cook and stir until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate; set aside until cooled.      Whisk vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl. Combine romaine lettuce, broccoli, walnut-ramen noodle mixture, and green onions in a large serving bowl. Add vinaigrette; toss to coat.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Wesson News   For drivers bringing students to Wesson Attendance Center in private vehicles:     Drop off students before 7:40 a.m. for classes, which start at 7:45 a.m.  Drop-off points are in front of the old gym and high school area for grades seven to twelve and the elementary school parking lot (where two attendants are on duty) for kindergarten through sixth grades.    Pick up students in kindergarten through sixth grade in the elementary school parking lot.  Line up on the north side of the road east of the building, enter the parking lot on the east, load students from the inside lane, and exit parking lot on the west.  Use the outside lane when leaving the pickup line.  Children should not walk to vehicles parked along the side of the road.    Pick up students in grades seven through twelve and their younger siblings in the parking lot by the old gym and high school area.  Enter on the east, park in the inside (north) lane while waiting for students to pick up, and exit on the west via the outside (south) lane.   Do not pick up students at the rear of the school where buses load. Older and younger siblings will meet in the old gym and walk together to their pickup vehicle in the high school parking lot. Children who walk or bike to school will wait in the old gym until 3:15 p.m. when buses and most cars have left the campus.