August 20, 1952 - July 5, 2025 Sybil Diane Fellow Mangin, 72, of Crystal Springs, MS, formerly of Raymond, MS passed away July 5, 2025. Sybil was born August 20, 1952. She loved being outdoors doing anything. She loved sitting on her porch drinking coffee and listening to her birds singing. She loved working in her flowers or taking care of all of her inside plants. She loved hunting and fishing and was a crack shot with a gun or rifle, having killed her share of deer. She loved fishing in a pond or in the marsh with her husband Tom. Sybil was a loving and supportive wife, mother and sister. She was always worrying more about everyone else than herself. She didn’t wait on anyone to help her do anything. She was a joyful force to be reckoned with. She spoke her mind whether you liked what she had to say or not. She was loved by her extended family at Rushingville. Her nephew’s children all affectionately called her Aunt Bibble. She will definitely be missed by all who knew and loved her. Sybil is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas D. Mangin; sister, Carolyn Cason of Charlottesville, VA; and parents, Rueben and Pauline Fellow of Columbus, MS. She is survived by her sons, Rueben Eugene Williams (Shanna) of Florence, MS; Jamison Andrew Williams of Crystal Springs, MS; sisters, Bettie Byrd of Stanford, KY and Barbara Rushing (Danny) of Columbus, MS; nephews, Rusty Burton of Owensboro, KY, Richie and Keith Rushing of Columbus, MS, Skipper Heule of North Carolina and Kermit Heule of Charlottesville, VA; niece, Emily Heule of Charlottesville, VA; friends, Samantha and Juanita Day; and her furry baby, Waylon. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Lakewood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Keith Rushing, Richie Rushing, Danny Rushing, Brantley Deen, Tyler Rushing, and Bobby Rushing. Honorary pallbearers are Samantha Day, Juanita Day, Daniel Rushing and Lamar Byrd. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Sybil Mangin , please click here to visit our sympathy store .

By Misty Strieff Prine “I have a past, but I don’t live there anymore.” - Unknown We all have done things in our lives that we are not proud of haven't we? That would be the moments of regret. Then there are also those moments in our lives that we have gone through that have made us stronger. Maybe we THOUGHT of them as regrets at first but then the Lord used those moments and turned them into something amazingly beautiful. Maybe you thought you would never find your person or could never have kids, but God provided in His time and not your own. Maybe you made terrible decisions when you were younger and were sowing your wild oats and you thought those same mistakes would forever haunt you as an adult. Maybe you grew up in church and thought that just because you darkened the doors of the church all of your life, that you were saved...only to find out many years later, when your heart became so completely convicted, that you were anything but. That is what I mean by your past being filled with repeated regrets and abundant blessings disguised as regrets. One good thing about the past is that it's just that...the past. You can't change it. What you can do is let it make you stronger than you were back then. In doing so, you need to build that relationship with God that you didn't have back then and strive to live a better life and help others live one as well. I am so thankful for my past because if the things had not happened like they did, I know 100% that I would not be who I am today. God has a way of working things out just how they need to be. I am so thankful He didn't give up on me and saw a greater purpose for my life that I totally never saw years ago. Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with so much more than I deserve. I am thankful that the past is gone and that I don't live there anymore. Thank you, Lord, for helping me understand that bad days will come, and they will go but so will this temporary home we have now. I have peace knowing that God is with me today, tomorrow and for all the days ahead until He calls me home to glory. Thank you, Lord, for that blessed assurance. If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can have that same outlook on life too. If you don't know Him today, you can. All you have to do is believe that Jesus is Lord, ask Him to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins and be the Lord and Savior of your life. He will change it completely. Don't let your past keep you from making the most important decision of your life. There is absolutely nothing you have done in your life that God will not forgive. **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By: Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB       “F1: The Movie” takes viewers inside the exciting world of Formula One auto-racing. The director is Joseph Kosinski, best known for taking “Top Gun: Maverick” to the top of the yearly box office three years ago. Between that movie’s jets and this movie’s cars, it seems the man’s specialty is directing movies about things that go “whoosh.” And yes, this movie is best enjoyed in premium-format theaters (for me it was a Dolby) that can really give the audience a good taste of the whooshing. That is to say I got maximum enjoyment out of the whooshing cars and very little enjoyment out of everything else.             Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver whose career ended in a crash in the 90’s. Now he’s broke and lives out of his van, taking on freelance driving jobs whenever someone needs him in a pinch. As it happens, former rival-turned-friend Ruben (Javier Bardem), now a team owner, needs a driver in a pinch. His team hasn’t gotten a single top-ten finish all season and is in danger of being sold. Rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) has a lot of potential, but he’s consistently being bested by more experienced drivers. It takes some arm-twisting, but Sonny agrees to come aboard as Joshua’s teammate.             Sonny doesn’t fit in well at first. Most of team is European, he’s American. They’re up on the “current” Formula One, he’s been out of the game for 30 years. They’re high-strung, he’s easygoing, etc. He especially ruffles the feathers of Joshua, who sees him as a threat to his spot on the team, as well as lead engineer Kate (Kerry Condon), who thinks he isn’t cooperative with those who know better. Of course, by the end of the film, he’ll be these characters’ mentor and lover, obviously respectively.             How does Sonny win everybody over? By racing, of course. He has instincts that the others don’t, and is willing to try things that others won’t. Sometimes this means unconventional tricks with timing, sometimes this means exploiting loopholes in the rules and flirting with penalties (some will see his tactics as very unsportsmanlike), sometimes this means doing things that are extremely dangerous. But he’s never going to be the best if he plays things safe, and he’s obsessed with being the best.             Whether or not you like “F1: The Movie” comes down to two things: how much you like the Pitt performance and how much you like the racing scenes. To me, they both have the same problem: they’re top-notch at what they do, without impressing me much by doing it. Yes, Pitt is effortlessly charming, but he brings the same effortless charm to every role, and there’s little else to make the character unique. And I don’t just mean he’s not unique for a Brad Pitt character, I mean he’s not unique for this style of movie hero. I really felt like I was watching Tom Cruise in “Top Gun: Maverick,” maybe with a shade less dedication to the craft because I don’t think Pitt is putting his body through the wringer for all these racing scenes.             As for the racing, much like Pitt’s charisma, I certainly can’t call it incompetent. I’m sure they got everything right in painstaking, extremely difficult detail. But also like Pitt’s charisma, the film thinks its ability to nail Formula One driving carries it to greatness and it just doesn’t. In just the past few years, “Ford v Ferreri” and “Gran Turismo” gave me equally exciting racing sequences, and both had better stories to go around them. So I’ll put it this way: if you’ve gone a long time without seeing a Brad Pitt movie, a racing movie, or a “Top Gun” movie, and you’re willing to give this movie premium-format prices and over two and a half hours of your time, then you might get something out of “F1: The Movie.” Otherwise, steer clear of this one. Grade: C- “F1: The Movie” is rated PG-13 for strong language, and action. Its running time is 155 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Several Wesson women recently started dancercize classes in town.  Dancercize is where dance meets exercise for fun, calorie-burning, cardio. The class is offered every Tuesday evening for ladies only.  Attendees can attend the 6 pm or 7 pm class - or both if they want the extra exercise. Women of all ages are participating.  These classes are led by Marsha Raiford, Taylor Burke and Jessica Breazeale - all of Wesson and former Nena Smith teachers.   Front L - Taylor Burke, Jennifer Crapos.Ashlyn Banes, Marsha Raiford, Jessica Breazeale; Middle row L - Tammy Newman, Whitney Reynolds, KC Hutcherson, Josie Breakfield, RuthAnn Breakfield, Christy Shaw; Back row L - Carrie Smith, Melanie Huber, Heather Smith, Mandy Case, Robyn Breakfield “Dance, it’s cheaper than therapy!” said Marsha Raiford, the one spearheading the efforts. The idea was birthed during the Nena Smith surprise 50th anniversary celebration where former dancers and loved ones mentioned the desire and need for adult dance classes but less technical and more fun and exercise. Participants do not have to have any experience in dance or even be good at it. The classes are for fun, fellowship & exercise.  “The idea really came when we were getting the alumni dance together for Miss Nena. I realized how much joy dance brought me. Taylor and I were saying to each other how much we missed it and enjoyed making up the routines. Hearing others ask for us to start an adult dance class got me to thinking, why not?” said Raiford. “And at the Wesson Chamber Banquet, I heard Mayor Alton Shaw mention that his wife, Christy had a room for rent, I lit up inside and thought, ‘I’ll have to talk to her about this to see if we could do an adult dance class there,’” explained Raiford. The class is $5 which pays for the room rental fees. Classes are held at The Event Room on Spring Street - yes, that’s the name of the venue - (located at 1014 Spring Street beside Wesson’s public library).  “I’m so excited about the opportunity to fellowship with some wonderful ladies, get a little exercise, and get back to dancing!” said Burke, another one of the dancercize instructors. Attendees from a recent class Women are invited and encouraged to attend. There is no commitment to join or attend regularly. Simply attend when available.  “YOU DON'T STOP DANCING BECAUSE YOU GROW OLD YOU GROW OLD BECAUSE YOU STOP DANCING, “ said Raiford.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Quote; “I have been accused of being too hard on my sons. I totally disagree. Undisciplined boys become undisciplined men. Undisciplined men are found in prisons, hospitals and graveyards.” – Steve Harvey; comedian, author, actor, and television host. You’ve been around them, we all have. The parent who gazes adoringly at their little boy who is acting like a self-appointed detonated bomb. Using the tenderest tone of voice, they carefully speak to him, “Evan, please don’t do that, it’s not nice. Remember what I was telling you this morning, that a good little boy doesn’t try to cut the tail off of a kitten? And they never throw mud balls in the living room. Please be a good little Evan now, too.” Good Little Evan doesn’t even bother to look at Mommy as she is talking, and continues to terrorize the other three-year-olds in the room. But instead of jerking her son up and applying some well-aimed knowledge to his backside, she just sighs patiently. She looks at the now incredulous and angry adults around her and proudly says something in the way of, “Only three years old, and already Evan obviously is displaying the ability to be a born leader.” She then scornfully continues, “He simply  never  just does what he is told without thinking about it. He has a mind of his own.” Tossing her head and smiling smugly, she ends with, “And that, my friends, is the mark of a young man on his way to the top.” Thirteen years later; Born Leader Evan slouches in and stares defiantly at the judge in charge of the courtroom. His total contempt for any semblance of authority was obvious. Now leading his own neighborhood juvenile gang, he has fulfilled his proud Momma’s prediction years ago. The judge’s decree of three months in juvenile lockup followed by six months of probation changes nothing. Evan remains unrepentant, belligerent and determined to be his own man… a born leader racing down a very dark road. Ten years passes. Still a leader, still rebellious and angry, Born Leader Evan is the underground head of the inmates in a State Prison. But now his ‘leadership abilities’ are confined to leading in prison for the next twenty-five years. Unfortunately, statistics bear out the very real probability of this story being true in many young people’s lives. Your kids need firm guidance. They don’t like it, and they will complain bitterly. And tender-hearted, well-meaning but misguided adults will vehemently condemn you for being a firm parent with a strong arm and accurate aim.  But just remember, history backs you up. Kids with adults in their lives who give them firm, loving discipline have a much greater chance of becoming successful and productive as adults. And when they have kids of their own, most likely they will be parents who can pass along the same basics of life. Yes, I very much agree with Steve Harvey. And incidentally, those same teachings for rearing children are found in Scripture.

By: Kara Kimbrough This recipe isn’t actually used by Delmonico’s in New York City to create their famous steaks, one of which is pictured here, but the recipe does use the Delmonico cut of steak and is delicious in its own way. (Photo credit: Giada Paoloni for Delmonico's)                  We are only a little over halfway through 2025 and I’m already obsessed with a few things. I’m referring to new supermarket products I’ve discovered; restaurant meals I can’t stop dreaming about, destinations to which I must return and travel products that made my life easier during the first half of the year. In no particular order, here are a few of my top obsessions thus far: 1.    Breyer’s Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream -  It’s hot, so I’ll start with a cool treat that found a way to transform my favorite dessert – strawberry shortcake – into an ice cream. Whoever decided to combine delicious swirls of strawberries with creamy vanilla ice cream, along with the cake crumbles from Good Humor’s Strawberry Shortcake Bars is…a genius!  2.    Delmonico's Hash Browns  – Despite the present-day heat, my mind often wanders back to a very chilly January night in New York City. Jan. 21, to be exact...the night when I enjoyed one of the best meals of my life. I’ve shared details of my Delmonico’s dinner, including the outstanding salad, steak and baked Alaska. But it’s a simpler dish that I can’t stop thinking about. Delmonico’s hash browns...potatoes combined with a delectable cream sauce and cooked to a crispy finish in a cast iron skillet, then topped with crème fraiche and chives. It's a dish that I must sample again in order for my life to be complete. 3.    MoKo Double Eyeglass/Contact Lens Case  – If you’ve flown much since 9/11 changed air travel forever, you understand the stress of condensing all of your vital carry-on toiletry items down to miniscule 3-ounce sizes. Trying to ensure a tiny bottle of contact lens solution is safely in my carry-on, along with a lens case containing a spare set of contacts and another containing glasses in case of emergency is stressful indeed. Imagine my excitement at finding a compact, two-sided case with space for glasses on one side, contact lens case and small solution bottle within TSA guidelines and a built-in mirror on the other. Everything fits in one handy case! I rarely order items from Amazon, but this is one product I couldn’t resist.   4.   Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey  – One of the most stressful things about cooking a turkey is the defrosting process. It can be days before the chunk of frozen meat is defrosted enough to cook, causing unnecessary stress during the holidays. Butterball finally got with the program, inventing its “Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey.” This new and improved turkey doesn’t need to be thawed before roasting, eliminating days of waiting before baking. Now, unwrap and roast…that’s it! There’s even a special brine that helps the turkey retain its moisture, resulting in a tender, golden-brown turkey.     5.    Trot Pets Bowl Set  - Speaking of travel, making sure our furry, four-legged friends are happy and well taken care of while we’re out of town is a vital part of any trip. I found a complete set of food and water bowls with compact lids, along with a matching non-slip mat, that I can fill with Teddy’s favorite food and give to my pet-sitter. This makes things much easier on the sitter, who often has a house full of other dogs to keep separated at meal time. Knowing he will feel at home when served meals from his handy, dishwasher-safe set alleviates unnecessary stress for everyone, especially Teddy. To order a set, go to:  trotpets.com . 6.    Gulf Islands National Seashore  – I’ve experienced my fair share of gorgeous sandy beaches and multi-colored gulf waters, but a new one caught and held my interest this year: Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola. This stunning, peaceful national park contains more unspoiled, natural beauty than almost any other place I’ve visited. Miles of pristine, largely-uninhabited beaches fronting mesmerizingly-blue gulf water transported me to a private island experience. There's even an historic lighthouse in the distance to complete the picturesque scene. It's an otherworldly place that I’m longing to revisit.  7.    Beau Rivage’s Breakfast Buffet  – I wasn’t expecting breakfast to eclipse the previous evening’s meal at Coraline's, but that’s almost what happened during a recent visit to the luxurious Biloxi resort. I decided to stop by the breakfast buffet on my way out for what I though would be a quick bite. I was surprised to find a wonderland of delicious breakfast items, ranging from traditional dishes like pancakes, waffles, bacon and eggs, fruit, biscuits and gravy and related items, to elevated ones like made-to-order omelets. Eggs Benedict, cheese grits and a plethora of homemade pastries. And the piece de resistance? Hot beignets made fresh for each diner. As I sipped a cup of steaming black coffee in between bites of the flaky, powdery treat, I “almost” felt like I was dining at New Orleans’ Café du Monde.       I’m still searching for a recipe that’s “close” to Delmonico’s hash browns; when I do, I’ll share it with you. If you visit New York City, I highly recommend booking a reservation at this historic restaurant and sampling them for yourself, along with one of their famous steaks.        In the meantime, I was excited to find a recipe for a version of Delmonico steak. The recipe mainly referred to the cut of steak – Delmonico – not the restaurant. While it was delicious, it didn’t quite live up to the original, but it’ll suffice until I get back to NYC. When I arrive, my first stop will be at, you guessed it…Delmonico’s.   Delmonico Steak with Onions and Steak Sauce 4 (1-inch) Delmonico steaks, 8-10 ounces each2 teaspoons extra- virgin olive oil Steak seasoning blend, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning, or coarse salt and pepper Onions: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 large yellow skinned onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Steak sauce: 1-1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, half a turn of the pan 2 cloves garlic, chopped  1 small white boiling onion, chopped  1/4 cup dry cooking sherry  1 cup canned tomato sauce  1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce  Black pepper      Heat a heavy grill pan or griddle pan over high heat. Wipe hot grill or griddle with extra-virgin olive oil. Cook steaks 6 minutes on each side for medium doneness, 8 minutes for medium well. Season steaks with steak seasoning or salt and pepper and remove to a warm platter to allow the meat to rest.           To make onions: Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes, until onions are soft and sweet. Add balsamic vinegar to the pan and turn onions in vinegar until vinegar cooks away and glazes onions a deep brown color, 3 to 5 minutes.    To make steak sauce:  Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add oil, garlic and onions and sauté 5 minutes until onion bits are tender. Add sherry to the pan and combine with onions. Stir in tomato sauce and Worcestershire and season with black pepper. To serve, top steaks with onions and drizzle steak sauce down over the top, reserving half of the sauce to place on the table. (Recipe from RachaelRay.com ). Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Maintaining a lush, well-kept lawn has never been easier, thanks to GreenPal—often referred to as the "Uber for lawn care." With over a million homeowners across 48 states already benefiting from its streamlined services, GreenPal is transforming how residents in Wesson, Mississippi, manage their lawn care needs. How GreenPal Works GreenPal simplifies lawn maintenance with a hassle-free, user-friendly process: Post Your Lawn for Free – Homeowners can quickly list their lawn care needs and receive bids from vetted, local professionals. Choose Your Provider – Compare bids, read customer reviews, and select the best service provider for your needs. Pay After Service – Payments are made securely through the app only after you're satisfied with the completed job. Set It and Forget It – Schedule recurring lawn care services to ensure your yard stays in top shape without the hassle of rebooking. Why Choose GreenPal? GreenPal offers a seamless and reliable lawn care solution, connecting homeowners with trusted professionals. The convenience of an easy-to-use app, combined with a network of pre-screened providers, makes lawn maintenance stress-free and efficient. Get Started Today Experience effortless lawn care with GreenPal in Wesson, Mississippi. Visit GreenPal Wesson, MS to get started. Interested in becoming a GreenPal provider? Learn more at GreenPal Vendor Signup . Explore other GreenPal service areas by visiting GreenPal Service Area . Say goodbye to lawn care hassles and hello to a perfectly maintained yard with GreenPal!

Modern civil engineering requires more than just structural integrity — it demands environmental awareness, long-term planning, and interdisciplinary expertise. Whether designing a commercial development, a municipal drainage system, or a roadway expansion, engineers must balance regulatory constraints, natural forces, and human needs. The Core of Site Development Engineering Site development is where engineering and environmental planning intersect. A successful site plan includes: Grading and drainage design  to manage runoff and reduce erosion Utility layout  that ensures efficient access to water, sewer, and power systems Roadway alignment and access  that meets safety standards and traffic flow expectations Each of these elements requires coordination across disciplines — from surveying and permitting to stormwater modeling and soil stabilization. Water Resources Engineering in Practice Water resources engineering involves both protection and utilization. Engineers working in this field design systems that: Control flooding through detention and retention basin design Improve water quality with BMPs like bioswales and filtering structures Restore natural hydrology while maintaining development goals Hydraulic and hydrologic modeling tools help simulate conditions under varying rainfall and land-use scenarios. This allows teams to optimize drainage systems before any excavation begins. Real-World Applications Firms specializing in both site and water resource engineering are uniquely positioned to handle: Commercial and municipal developments  requiring coordinated site and drainage plans Road improvements  with integrated stormwater solutions Regulatory compliance projects  involving MS4 or FEMA floodplain considerations A deeper look at these applications can be found here, where diverse projects demonstrate the full range of technical capabilities involved in modern infrastructure design. Today’s engineering professionals must be both problem-solvers and systems thinkers. By integrating water resource expertise into site development planning, they not only meet regulatory and environmental standards — they create infrastructure that performs reliably for decades. As urban areas expand and weather events grow more severe, this integration will only become more essential.

Across Wesson, a number of young residents and students are stepping into the world of small business ownership, turning hobbies and skills into income-generating ventures. From lawn care and handmade crafts to social media marketing, these young entrepreneurs are making their mark on the local economy. What began as after-school jobs or summer projects has evolved into structured side businesses for several high school and college students in the area. With determination and a willingness to learn, they are finding creative ways to meet local demand while gaining real-world experience along the way. Seventeen-year-old Caleb Simmons started mowing lawns in his neighborhood at age 14. Today, his client list includes more than a dozen regulars across Wesson. He handles scheduling, maintenance of his equipment, and even takes payments digitally. Caleb says he enjoys the independence and takes pride in a job well done. Meanwhile, Emma Grace Taylor, a student at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, has built a growing customer base for her custom vinyl decals and tumblers. She operates primarily through social media, posting photos of her work, responding to orders, and delivering products around town. What began as a creative outlet has become a steady source of income, helping her pay for school and supplies. Another student, Tyler White, has launched a social media consulting service for small businesses in the area. He helps local shops and services set up Instagram and Facebook pages, create content, and boost visibility online. He started with his family’s small business and now manages accounts for three others. Tyler said the experience has not only improved his communication and tech skills but also opened doors to possible career paths. Parents and teachers have taken notice of the trend and say they’re proud to see young people taking initiative. Local leaders hope to support their efforts through programs that teach budgeting, marketing, and customer service. These young entrepreneurs are proving that age is no barrier to success. With drive, creativity, and a little community support, they are turning ideas into action and shaping Wesson’s future one small business at a time.

Special to Wesson News   Stroke kills about 1,500 Mississippians each year, and smokers are more at risk.   During May, National Stroke Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) stressed the importance of taking meaningful steps to lower your risk and prolong your life.   If you smoke, are overweight or drink more than a moderate amount of alcohol, you are increasing your chance of having a stroke. Black men and women are at a substantially higher risk of dying from stroke. If you are older, or have a family history of stroke, your risk is also higher. “We know that tobacco use increases the risk of blood clots, which are the cause of stroke,” said Tiffany Johnson, Director of the Office of Tobacco Control at MSDH. Because the signs of a stroke appear only when the stroke is happening, being able to spot those signs – numbness, confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, loss of balance, and headache – can save your life. You should also memorize the FAST acronym to quickly recognize stroke symptoms: Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty, such as slurring Time to call 911 Staying active and smoke-free are two ways to dramatically reduce your risk of having a stroke. It’s also important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, to Know Your Numbers, and work to get them to healthy levels. The four health numbers you should know are blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. MSDH offers free blood pressure screenings at all county health departments and fire stations. For a list of county health departments, visit  www.healthyms.com/locations . Strokes can be prevented. Quitting smoking and staying tobacco-free is the first step. MSDH offers free, live coaching for those who want to quit. Call the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. For more information on the dangers of tobacco products, visit  www.quitnow.net/ms . Get up to date news and updates at:  www.msdh.ms.gov . and on social media; facebook.com/HealthyMS   twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.ms

Special to Wesson News Farrod Green, born on June 10, 1997, in Wesson, Mississippi, is a professional football player who has served as a tight end for the Indianapolis Colts. Known for his quiet determination and physical style of play, Green’s path from small-town Mississippi to the NFL is a testament to steady development, perseverance, and hard work. Growing up in Wesson, Green displayed athletic talent early on and became a standout at Wesson Attendance Center, where he played multiple positions on the football field. His size, agility, and understanding of the game drew attention from college scouts, eventually earning him a spot at Mississippi State University, a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive conferences in college football. At Mississippi State, Green played under multiple coaching staffs and consistently contributed as a dependable tight end. He was especially known for his blocking ability and willingness to do the less glamorous work that helped the offense function. While his receiving stats were modest, his presence on the field went beyond the box score. Coaches often praised his football IQ and his readiness to contribute on special teams and in high-pressure game situations. Over the course of his college career, he appeared in over 40 games and was respected as a team player with a strong work ethic. After graduating, Green entered the 2020 NFL Draft. Though he went undrafted, he signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts shortly afterward. In training camp and preseason action, he impressed coaches with his work ethic and ability to adapt to the speed of the professional game. He spent time on both the Colts’ practice squad and active roster, demonstrating versatility and a willingness to step into different roles as needed. While he has not yet broken out as a starter, his resilience and commitment have kept him in the conversation as a valuable depth piece at tight end. Green’s journey is a point of pride for his hometown of Wesson and for Copiah County, where he remains a role model for young athletes. He continues to train and stay prepared for the next opportunity in the league, proving that dedication and attitude can carry a player far—even when the road isn’t easy or predictable. Through it all, Farrod Green has carried himself with humility and focus, never losing sight of the values that shaped him. His story serves as a reminder that success isn’t only measured in touchdowns and headlines, but also in consistency, professionalism, and the respect of those around you.

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit: IMDB It has been 23 years (not 28, somewhat frustratingly) since British audiences were first introduced to the mind-and-body-ravaging Rage virus in “28 Days Later.” The virus turned everyone it affected into zombies, known as The Infected, obsessed not so much with feeding as with turning more people into zombies. The film’s heroes had a hard time evading The Infected, and then just when it looked like they were safe, they had to deal with the degenerate humans that had appointed themselves to power after the collapse of civilization. The Infected were still at large five years later in “28 Weeks Later” and humanity was more monstrous than ever. Nothing interesting must have happened 28 months later from the events of that film, because the series skipped right over it. Instead, it jumps to 28 years later, when older children and even adults have never known a world not affected by The Infected. Teenager Spike (Alfie Williams) lives what passes for a normal life on an island off the coast of Scotland that can’t be reached by The Infected because of high tides. His father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is a hero to both family and community, going on dangerous missions to the mainland to gather supplies and kill Infected, who are just as ravenous as ever. His mother Isla (Jodie Comer) is bedridden with an illness different than the Rage virus, yet still causing her great suffering both physically and mentally. She desperately needs a doctor, but there isn’t one on the island, and Jamie warns Spike not to seek out the one setting fires on the mainland. Jamie takes Spike to the mainland, where he tries to train his son to fend off and kill Infected as best he can. Unfortunately, the Infected are so aggressive and numerous that the lesson has to be cut short in the name of just trying to stay alive. The two barely make it back to the island. Spike failed at every turn during the excursion, but Jamie tells the town that his son was competent and brave. At first, Jamie’s lies putting over his son don’t seem so bad, but then Spike catches onto more lies, and the bond of trust is broken. Thinking that his father might also be lying about the trustworthiness of the doctor, Spike persuades Isla to come with him to the mainland, even though he has minimal survival training. Will Spike and/or Isla survive long enough to reach the doctor? Ralph Fiennes is billed in the film’s advertising, and he doesn’t seem to be playing a resident of the island, so… he’ll probably turn out to be the doctor, which means at least one character will have to meet him. That predictable aspect aside, this is a movie worth taking seriously. Director Danny Boyle is just as good with his worldbuilding here as he was with a ransacked London over 20 years ago. “28 Days Later” was my first exposure to eventual Oscar-winner Boyle (and eventual Oscar-winning star Cillian Murphy, for that matter), and even with a genre that doesn’t usually lend itself well to awards, he still managed to immediately prove to me that he was one of the most gifted filmmakers in the industry. The glut of zombie media since then has over-saturated me on the concept, which is why I couldn’t work up the same enthusiasm for this film that I could for the original, even though Boyle hasn’t lost a single step. “28 Years Later” is still visually spectacular, excitingly edited, occasionally funny and touching, and successfully scary. I know that a follow-up called “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is scheduled for next January, so I won’t have to wait long, but if I didn’t know about that film, I’d say that I didn’t want to wait another 28 years to get another one of these. Grade: B “28 Years Later” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, graphic nudity, language, and brief sexuality. Its running time is 115 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .