By Misty Strieff Prine “God is the reason why even in pain, I smile; in confusion, I understand, in betrayal, I trust; and in fear, I continue to fight,” – Unknown. This sums up so beautifully the effect God has on the life of a believer. When our body is in pain, when our hearts are broken, or when we have every reason not to smile, we smile still because the love of God lives in our hearts and lives. In these times, remember these the verses that will be throughout this message.                 Remember Revelations 21:4 which states, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." We need to remember that everything is going to be okay...in His time though, not ours. For one day, there will be no more pain or sorrow, grief or pain. God's word says so. When we are confused and don't understand why things happen in our lives or to those we love, remember that our God remains in complete control when everything in the world around us seems anything but.                 Remember Joshua 1:9 which states, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." When I am betrayed and given every reason in the world to never trust again, I am reminded that God's word says in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."                 When my heart is consumed with fear and the worry about what tomorrow holds creeps in, I fight, and I fight hard. Why? Because of these two verses: Matthew 6:34 which states, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Also, in Isaiah 41:10 which states, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."                 You see, God has left us the perfect instruction manual to follow along this crazy winding road we call life. Can you imagine what people do who do not know the Lord? I cannot even fathom. That is why it is SO important that we be that light for them to see. We have to be strong and push through the trials of life so that we can help others by showing them what God brings to your life and how they can go about receiving Christ themselves. **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           The latest edition of Disney’s trend of remaking its animated classics in live action or “realistic” CGI is “Lilo & Stitch.” I remember seeing the 2002 original with my mom, both of us huge Disney fans, and we agreed that the studio’s magic from its mostly-90’s “Renaissance” era was long gone. I’ve come to appreciate the film more over time, but it doesn’t occupy the same space in my heart as a “Beauty and the Beast” or “Lion King.” I thought this might actually work in the new film’s favor, with less concern about it having to live up to the legacy of a masterpiece. But no, it still does enough wrong to fall short of even lowered expectations.             The story follows the two title characters, with their paths destined to intersect. Project 626, later known as “Stitch,” is a monster created in a lab on a faraway planet by crazed alien doctor Jumba (Zach Galifianakis). Too hostile even for the alien community, Stitch escapes his sentence of exile by stealing a spaceship, which he crash-lands on Earth. Jumba and Earth-obsessed scientist Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) are assigned to go to Earth and retrieve the creature, which just wants to run amok.             Meanwhile, on Earth, in Hawaii, six-year-old human Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is having a hard time coping with the recent loss of her parents, often acting out and wreaking havoc of her own. Her adult sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) is trying to raise Lilo by herself so the family won’t be split up, but she’s having trouble adjusting to the role, unable to juggle the tasks of working to pay the bills and keeping tabs on the wild child. A social worker (Tia Carrere, the voice of Nani in the original), warns her that she could lose custody of Lilo if the household isn’t put in order.             Needing a place to live, Stitch disguises himself as a stray dog. Recognizing a fellow free spirit, Lilo insists on adopting him, and Tūtū (Amy Hill), an elderly neighbor on babysitting duty, can’t say no. Nani thinks the crude creature is the last thing the fragile family needs, but Lilo is taken with him. Can the sisters and Stitch survive as a family? Can Stitch evade capture from Jumba and Pleakley? One thing is for sure: there will be lots of hijinks from the reckless child and alien along the way.             The movie has some good things about it. There are gags that work, especially in the early outer space scenes. And the vibe can certainly be sweet when it wants to be. Perhaps best of all, the live-action humans are an upgrade from the occasionally-off-putting character designs that marred the original. Also, it’s a good idea that aliens Jumba and Pleakley take on live-action human disguises for a while, because while I have no problem with the CGI version of Stitch’s design, the update to Jumba’s look is… unfortunate.             But for everything the remake of “Lilo & Stitch” does right, it does more wrong. Gags fall flat. Motivations are nonsensical. The movie pointlessly tries to wedge in beloved character Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) despite Carrere being just fine as a different take on the movie’s requisite social worker. What’s really frustrating is that both central conflicts could be solved immediately by characters making the decisions that they end up making anyway not based on anything learned along the way. Disney has done worse to better properties in this controversial trend of live-action remakes, but still, this entry lacks magic even more than its predecessor. Grade: C “Lilo & Stitch” is rated PG for action, peril, and thematic elements. Its running time is 108 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Mississippi's 2025 Municipal General Election Day is less than one week away. The June 3 ballot features municipal offices across the state. Polls for the Municipal General Election will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Any voter in line at 7:00 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. To familiarize yourself with the upcoming election, visit the  My Election Day portal  to receive election information tailored to your specific address, including a sample ballot. As you type your address into the system, similar addresses should populate. Simply click on yours to get started. Mississippians are encouraged to educate themselves on all races prior to heading to the polls. Problems at the polls observed by state observers or otherwise reported to our Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General's Office or the appropriate District Attorney's Office. As a reminder, the Secretary of State's Office has no enforcement authority over election-related issues. Utilizing smart technology, Mississippi voters may now access important election information and report issues via text message. Text "HI" to (601) 586-7600 to initiate a conversation with the Secretary of State's Office to solicit guidance on a variety of topics. To receive election reminders in preparation for Election Day, text "MS ELECTIONS" to 80946.  Click here  to learn more about the new "TextMyGov" resource. For questions, please contact the Elections Division at 1-800-829-6786, email  ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov , or visit  YallVote.ms . ELECTION DAY REMINDERS In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline:  The last day to vote absentee vote in-person is Saturday, May 31.  Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline:  All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 3 and received by Municipal Clerk's Offices by June 10. Voter ID Affidavit Ballot Deadline:  Voters who cast an affidavit ballot because they forgot their voter ID must present an acceptable form of photo ID to their Municipal Clerk's Office by June 10. Polling Place Location:  Contact your Municipal Clerk's Office to verify your polling place. Voter Photo ID:  Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. Click here to view a list of acceptable photo IDs. Campaigning:  It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering:  The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except election officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones:  Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com I can vividly imagine the reactions of most who just read that title. “Are you nuts, Renie B?! Of course, being rich would be better for me than having to drive this old rattletrap of a car, that breaks down every time a wind any stronger than a baby’s breath blows through. I’ll have you know that paying my A/C and heating bill usually costs me more that I bring in every month. That’s why my spouse has to work. It sure ain’t becuz she hates the thought of staying home all day! Even though our house is tiny, ugly, and drafty as all get out, she’d rather be at home with our baby.” But hear me out before you crumple your newspaper into a ball and throw it at the dog in anger. Empathy and sympathy for someone else’s troubles usually comes from our own personal struggles. Our own pain is how we learn to feel the pain of others. If we don’t hurt, we don’t have a clue how it feels when others are hurting. We would be a self-absorbed Me/Mine person. Wealth can bring with it a certain amount of self-centeredness, if we are not careful and very aware of the trap laid for us. Just imagine you are extremely wealthy: After all, having to take care of your expensive home, and the furnishings in it takes real attention and time. And it is absolutely irresponsible and foolish to spend good money on a house, grounds, and furniture, and then neglect their care. Really, hiring professionals to handle it all the right way, just makes a lot of sense. And who in their right mind lets their body go downhill by ignoring its need for correct exercise and honest-to-goodness health-conscious food? Even though you do try really hard to take care of yourself viruses and bacteria are everywhere, so you know it just makes sense to find only the best doctors when you get sick. Speaking of making sense, it’s really not an intelligent move to drive a vehicle that can break down at a moment’s notice. You really DO have to make certain you can get to where you are going without getting stranded somewhere, making you miss that important meeting. And honestly, image projection in your chosen career is terribly important. You can’t afford to drive anything less than a luxury car. And God forbid that your teenager or your wife’s car is dangerous for them. You remember that God wrote in the Bible that a man who doesn’t take care of his family is worse than an infidel.  Maybe in the long run, a better way to protect them is by just providing them all with new cars. A whole lot less to worry about when it comes to their safety. See what I mean? Wealth brings a trap of self-centeredness with it, without you even realizing it has happened. Not that I have first-hand knowledge, that’s for sure.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Dean of Student Services Samantha Speeg announces there are 693 students on the spring 2025 semester honor roll. Of this number, there are 187 on the President's List, 238 on the Vice President's List, and 268 on the Honors List. A grade point average from 3.2 through 3.6 is required for full-time students carrying at least 12 semester hours for listing on the Honors list. Honors List students include: Brookhaven: Hayden Adams Jaycee Aldridge Lydia Bass Laila Board Hannah Boyd Braelynn Byrd Carlee Case Jacob Case Reanna Dixon Amareon Dunnigan Shareka Fairman Joyalyson Fauver Kenbriana Foster Jose Garcia Jaylynn Goss John Griffin Brady Griffith Cody Hoeniges Cara Jarancik Rachel Jones Carson Keene Gabrielle Kirkland Faith Kyzar Dylan Lewis Keanna McCall Ashton McCullough Bradley McMorris Paul Nations Jeremy Porter Zaria Ratcliff Carnauvia Reynolds Anthony Sanders Elizabeth Smith Clarizza Tate Ashlyn Thurman John Wallace Jermaine Ward Aliyah Watkins Kayla Watts Keyona Williams Walker Williams Crystal Springs: Dakota Barlow Ellie Barrentine Bailey Barton Richard Clegg Kazaiya Linson Francis Morales Michal Murry Leonora Silvansantos Jackson Smith Jarvis Walker Timothy Williams Jaden Wilson Danajsa Young  Hazlehurst: Morgan Ainsworth Madeline Buckley Jakarius Cowart Tristan Dear Louis Howard III Savannah Jerrell Mehakpreet Kaur Angeles Mendez Kaylin Moss Darcie Munson Maurice Richardson Reigns Spears Jonathan Twiner Elizabeth Williamson Wesson: Jennifer Benton Abigail Blue Madison Callender Alley Honea Madison Kirton Carley Lambert Madalynn McManus Mara Norwood Brett Pittman Tyler Smith Tyler Waltman

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Dean of Student Services Samantha Speeg announces there are 693 students on the spring 2025 semester honor roll. Of this number, there are 187 on the President's List, 238 on the Vice President's List, and 268 on the Honors List. A grade point average from 3.6 through 4.0 is required of full-time students carrying at least 12 semester hours for listing on the Vice President's List. Vice President's List students include: Brookhaven: Atleigh Anding Gabrielle Anding Angel Boles Maleigha Bowman Audrey Box Marley Britt Destiny Buckhalter Sophia Christen Katrina Clark Casen DeHart Lainey Delaughter Afalon Dillon Jayonna Dixon Kierra Esters Aleesia Franklin Alvin Giddens Ramsey Hall John Hodgson Connor Johnson Jaden Lea Lauran Lewis Anna Martin Kelsi Parrett Vivian Porter Bobby Rollins William Rutledge Benjamin Simmons Heidi Smith Maelee Thibodeaux Davis Vannorman Angel Wilkinson Tyreka Wilson Natalie Womack Caden Yarborough Crystal Springs: Parker Burns' Nicholas Davis Kambria Denson Kaitlyn Gandy Erin Green Bryce Johnson Zacchaeus Johnson Kayla Kelley Justin Powell Lyndsey Rials Olivia Sherwin Paris Sutton Brandy Whittaker Hazlehurst: Brianna Brown Jessica Castro Sarajo Dear Hayden Foster Cheyanne Harris Ashby Hefner Jayla Hilliard Diamond Holloway Dawson Knox Taylor Papizan Kaleya Pierce Janelle Swilley Christy Washington Wesson: Madisyn Altman Coleman Bonds Harlan Brewer Kionna Gibson Lauren Hundhausen Brayden Lawrence William Loy Abby Mooney Michaela Sannoh Damarcus Smith Allyson Sullivan Camryn Summerall Rachel Tronstad Hailey Walker

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Dean of Student Services Samantha Speeg announces there are 693 students on the spring 2025 semester honor roll. Of this number, there are 187 on the President's List, 238 on the Vice President's List, and 268 on the Honors List. A grade point average of 4.0 is required of full-time students carrying at least 12 semester hours for listing on the President's List. President's List students include: Brookhaven:   Sierra Arnett, Warren Ashmore Allayna Barnett Aubrey Boman Darius Bryant Charlie Carr Conner Cunningham Brantley Day Kailee Dunn Lefarrah Esters Emaly Evans Gabrielle Evans Braden Ezell Reagan Fortenberry Trevor Fortenberry Jenna Fuller Tucker Gerald Riley Hinton Carson Hughey Steven Cody Jensen Victoria King Angela Lee Erica Lewis Sahra Liban Anna Grace McCreary Chloe McGill Katelyn Morrison Bailey Reid Preslee Rushing Landon Smith Lasandra Smith Layla Spencer Riley Thornton Nu Ton Kaylee Walker Alexandria Wall Dameshia White Mailey Kate Young Crystal Springs: Addison Hales Janiya Hampton Eydi Kitchens Madelyn Moore Kayla Woodrow Hazlehurst: Jake Ainsworth Ethan Britt Jakeviah Johnson Dru McDaniel Ray Newell Rhonda Richmond Wesson: Gavin Brister Abby Burnette Courtney Clay Olivia Conway Angel Dixon Cloe Elkins Justin Hailey John Leist Jessica Lepard Allie McNeill Lucas McRee Reagan Newman Kaylee Prine Blake Russ Hope Smith Julianna Wilson

By: Kara Kimbrough Smoked corn tartar sauce and tangy cocktail sauce, pictured top right, nearly stole the thunder from the delicious fried shrimp served at The Fish House in Pensacola, FL.   I’m stealing this phrase…” Secret’s in the sauce”  from an old TV commercial and claiming it as the motto for Summer ’25. More specifically, I’ll use it anytime I’m serving burgers, steaks, pork chops or basically any type of grilled meat that need a “little something extra.” I’ll also utter it when preparing a crudité   platter of sliced vegetables and need “a little something” in which to dip the otherwise-plain green things. And I’ll even trot it out when pouring a bag of chips and crackers onto a platter and dipping is a requirement.    The necessity of having an arsenal of homemade dipping sauces for summer dining emerged during a recent visit to a popular Pensacola restaurant. To check the box of enjoying "at least one fried shrimp dinner" while at the beach, I selected this meal at The Fish House a few minutes after arriving in Florida. To set the scene, read and revel in this mouth-watering menu description of “Crispy Gulf Shrimp.”       “Cornmeal-dusted jumbo Gulf shrimp, served with crispy fries, sweet corn hushpuppies, creamy coleslaw, cocktail sauce and smoked corn tartar.”  If that doesn’t activate your taste buds, I’m not sure if anything will. I soon learned I’d made the right menu selection and here’s why…    Not only were the large, succulent shrimp lightly dusted in cornmeal, but they were fried so delicately and with such skill, it was difficult to determine they were actually, well, fried. Yes, they  were  crispy, but lacking the heavy breading and greasy taste of many fried items. Also delicious were the hushpuppies filled with bits of sweet corn and a vinegar-based cole slaw instead of the usual mayonnaise-laden versions offered at most restaurants.    But here’s the most notable thing about this unforgettable meal. A tangy cocktail sauce accompanying the shrimp contained just the right amount of flavor and the star of the show – a flavorful tartar sauce infused with a smoky corn flavor – almost outshone the food. Both sauces – especially the unbelievably-delicious tartar sauce (which has never been on my favorite condiments list) - were simply outstanding. In short, they elevated the meal from above-average to 10 stars.    I’m still trying to get the tartar sauce recipe (or a reasonably-close version) to share with you. Until then, here are a few of my favorite sauces to get your summer off to a great start. They can be made in a matter of minutes courtesy of a food processor or even a blender. Like me, you’ll soon be saying…    “The secret’s in the sauce!” Best Combo BBQ/Ketchup Sauce (Great for burgers or any grilled meat as well as fries) 1/2 cup ketchup  2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon molasses teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)  2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce  2 teaspoons of favorite barbecue rub 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard  1/4 teaspoon onion powder  1/4 teaspoon garlic powder      Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, molasses, hot sauce, Worcestershire, barbecue rub, mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to a month. Vegetable Dipping Sauce 1 cup sour cream ½ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning powder 1 tablespoon grated onion ¼ teaspoon dried dill or 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt     Whisk together all the ingredients. Serve with fresh vegetables and/or chips. Favorite Burger Sauce   1 cup mayonnaise½ cup ketchup 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard 2 teaspoons dried minced onion ¼ teaspoon dried minced garlic ⅛ teaspoon white vinegar Hot sauce to taste Cracked black pepper to taste     Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion, garlic, and vinegar in a bowl. Season with hot sauce and seasoned pepper. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Breazeale speaking on "Truth About Vape" at Wesson High to health class. Jessica Breazeale of Wesson was recently invited to speak at Wesson High School to Mrs. Lisa Earls’ health class on behalf of GenFree MS.  GENFREEMS stands for Generation Free, a name that represents the hope that the next generation will make an informed decision to be vape/nicotine/tobacco- free.  The tobacco industry spent nearly $9.5 billion marketing its cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarette products in 2021, the most recent year with data for all three. Retail marketing accounted for almost $9.1 billion (95.6%), exceeding $1 million per hour. “Kids and teens just don’t realize,” said Breazeale. “It’s a marketing strategy that’s tailored to them....sweet, cheap and easy to get." There are more than 7,000 vape juice flavors available to e-cigarette users, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Some of these are considered safe in typical food products when eaten, but are harmful when inhaled in the aerosol form of vape. "Kids love the sweet flavors vape offers. So the makers of these products make them cheap and easy to get in order to gain more lifetime customers. Such a greedy despicable industry," said Breazeale. According to The Truth Initiative, Nicotine addiction can negatively impact mental health symptoms. 93% of vapers reported feeling more stress, depression or anxiety. 86% of all e-cigarette sales are for illegal products. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found youth who vaped were nearly 4 times more likely to smoke. One vape can equal 40 or 50 cigarettes. The nicotine content in those vapes is extremely high and on developing brains The GenFreeMS program trains students to become youth advocates who inspire change & educate their peers about the dangers of tobacco and vaping.  By engaging students to take charge of advocacy in their schools & local communities, GenFree MS is helping these students utilize their voices for an advocacy-filled life.   Educators like Breazeale aspire to ignite the spark in these students so they may make a positive change for Mississippi. Tobacco and nicotine products are harming young people, our communities, and the planet. Cigarette and vape waste are toxic to the environment. Breazeale is organizing an environmental cleanup day. If you or your organization wants to get involved, email  goatministry@gmail.com .  "I say this often and will continue to say it. 'If not me, who will help them learn the truth about these products? If not now, then when will someone do something?”' Breazeale explained. "Might as well be me...changes starts with me." Teens and young adults can text "VAPEFREEMS" to 88709 to receive free, anonymous support from the  Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)  for help in quitting. Messages will come from other young people who are quitting or have successfully quit e-cigarettes, providing real-life support and motivation.

Grace Foam Solutions (GFS), a spray foam distribution and installation company in Wesson, was recently invited to join Brandon High School’s Business & Industry Advisory Committee.   Ricky and Jessica Breazeale of Wesson represented GFS at the meeting as two of its four owners.   Brandon High School has different areas of career and technical education (CTE) and aims to have as many professionals as possible serve on the advisory committee to help better guide its programs and students.    The school’s Family and Consumer Science Department invited GFS to join its Spring 2025 meeting.   “I was encouraged that there is a level of secondary school students interested in entering the trade field. In the last seven years, we’ve seen a sharp decline in skilled and qualified trade workers. So, I’m encouraged that Brandon High School is taking proactive measures to solve a problem,” said Ricky Breazeale. Brent and Dr. Stephanie Duguid, the two other GFS owners, are currently working with Spray Foam Polyurethane Alliance (SPFA) to develop an approved curriculum based off the current professional standards to increase the opportunities for individuals interested in entering the spray foam industry.   The curriculum initiative is in the first stage of development, with a goal of utilizing the workforce programs at educational institutions across the nation in collaboration with approved spray foam companies in an apprenticeship program. The goal is for GFS to qualify interested parties to become licensed spray foam contractors.   Brent was the former Dean of Career, Technical, and Workforce Education at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson. At the same time, Dr. Stephanie served the college as the Dean of Academic Instruction and Chief Academic Officer. The four GFS partners are passionate about workforce education.   Brandon High School’s Business & Industry Advisory Meetings are held twice a year in the school library with breakfast served.    Serving on the committee helps the school personnel maintain the highest industry standards for the CTE academies and Family and Consumer Science classes that are taught at Brandon High School.   “I’m honored we were asked to be part of this group. It shows so much promise,” said Breazeale.

You don’t just stumble into a life lived out of a backpack, Wi-Fi tethered and schedule-loose. You plan it—rigorously, selfishly, even romantically. Becoming a digital nomad doesn’t start with plane tickets or minimalist luggage—it starts with mindset. The decision to uncouple where you live from how you work opens up more than geography; it changes your entire architecture of time, relationships, and income. You’ll need more than a laptop and wanderlust. You’ll need grit, strategy, and a healthy tolerance for bureaucracy, lagging Wi-Fi, and the peculiar loneliness of freedom. Start with a Skills Audit Before you book a one-way ticket or learn to say “espresso, please” in Portuguese, figure out what you’re already good at. You might be surprised—teaching, copywriting, UX design, bookkeeping—these are just a few in-demand skills  that translate well to remote gigs. Even better, match those skills against what people are paying for right now, not what you wish  they were paying for. Take inventory. The digital nomad life rewards self-starters who know what they bring to the table and how to sell it. If you want to successfully transition into the digital nomad lifestyle, start by mapping your professional assets to remote opportunities. Invest in Your Education You may be a free agent, but you’re not exempt from upskilling. If your goal is to be location-independent for the long haul, formal training can boost your offerings and broaden your niche. Whether it's accounting, management, or strategic communication, remote-friendly degrees offer the kind of career ammo that pays dividends. Even better, online programs don’t require you to pause your hustle. You can build your client list and   explore opportunities in business consulting at the same time. It’s the quiet edge most nomads overlook while they’re chasing sunsets. Choose Your First Base Not every city is built for remote work. Start with places that have good infrastructure, fast internet, and a built-in community of freelancers, creators, and fellow weirdos who ditched the 9–5. In 2025, Bali emerged as the standout favorite , and for good reason—affordability, lush backdrops, endless coworking spaces. But so did Lisbon, Medellín, and Tbilisi. Each location has its own rhythm, from siestas to rainy seasons to visa quirks, so be picky. Start somewhere easy, then get bold. Understand Visa Options You can’t live the dream if immigration kicks you out after 30 days. Long gone are the days of relying on tourist visas alone— over 60 countries  offer specialized 'Digital Nomad' visas now, each with their own income requirements and legal fine print. Some, like Portugal’s D7, offer a soft landing with tax breaks. Others, like Estonia, demand proof of remote income and a lot of paperwork. Pick one that aligns with your work reality, not just your Instagram fantasy. A beautiful place becomes less charming if you’re there illegally and worried. Build Your Remote Work Toolkit Wi-Fi isn’t a perk; it’s your oxygen. And your tools—communication, productivity, time management—are your lifeline. Don’t wing it. Set yourself up with a virtual Swiss army knife of apps, from Notion to Slack to Loom. Bookmark resources, back up everything, and get used to collaborating across time zones. These go-to productivity tools  will do more than organize your day—they’ll keep you sane when the time difference is twelve hours and your laptop just restarted. Plan for Financial Sustainability The dream dies quickly if your savings dry up or clients ghost you. Have a financial runway . Set up systems—multiple income streams, savings buffers, low-fee international bank accounts. Use local currencies where it makes sense, but track everything in one dashboard. Budget for insurance, emergencies, and “oh crap” expenses like new tech or spontaneous visa runs. Because transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle requires preparation and commitment, not vibes and vision boards. Living as a digital nomad isn’t the shortcut to freedom; it’s a long, curvy road filled with logistics, learning curves, and the occasional miracle. But if you get your systems right and your mindset sharper, the payoff is stunning. From going back to school to figuring out a financial plan, the details matter–and this guide can help you along the way. Stay informed and inspired with the latest from Wesson News , your go-to source for local stories, events, and community updates!

Students from Co-Lin's Basic Plumbing program recently completed a seven-week training course at the Wesson Campus. Pictured: Cedheyvian Beard, Corey Bell, Jr., and Devantavious Drummond of Brookhaven; Sharaad Beya of Wesson and Sean McInnis of Hazlehurst. Copiah-Lincoln Community College's Workforce Education Division is proud to announce the successful completion of its Wesson Campus Basic Plumbing training program. Over the course of seven weeks, participants gained hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in basic plumbing systems. The training was led by an experienced plumber and designed to equip students with the practical knowledge necessary to enter the plumbing workforce. The Basic Plumbing program is part of Co-Lin's ongoing effort to meet regional workforce needs and support economic development by preparing skilled tradespeople for the job market. Funding for this training was made possible in part by AccelerateMS. For more information about upcoming workforce training opportunities, visit www.colin.edu/workforce or call 601.643.8707.