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

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

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is providing free Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccinations and birth certificates to residents impacted during last week's tornadoes in Lincoln, Lamar and Franklin counties. The American Red Cross will also be providing resources. Residents and first responders ages 19 and older in the impacted area can receive the Tdap vaccine at no cost, regardless of insurance status, by visiting the MSDH mobile unit in the parking lot at the address below: Lincoln County Safe Room 1154 Beltline Drive Brookhaven, MS 39601 Wednesday, May 13, 8a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. You can also visit any county health department (CHD) in the disaster-affected area. A Tdap booster is recommended for all adults over age 18 impacted by tornadoes if it's been 10 years or more since your last Tdap vaccination. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Children 18 and younger needing the vaccine should visit their CHD or primary care provider. For more tips on staying safe after a storm, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/afterstorm 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 Download the new MSDH Healthy App for free in Apple and Android stores.

By Jessica Breazeale Is your fence meant to keep people in or keep people out? I guess it’s normal to want to feel safe and secure, so putting up a fence isn’t too crazy, by any means. Have you ever been too trusting, maybe because you have such a big heart, and discernment isn’t your spiritual gift, and you had to learn the hard way? Maybe some form of protection is not the worst idea, but at what cost does that protection come? Do we miss out on potential relationships that are real and last a lifetime? Do we miss out on conversations that God ordains? It’s natural to jump to defense when we’ve been hurt by establishing offense. I’ve done that. I’ve said things like: “Lesson learned, that won’t happen to me again.” “Lesson learned, you can’t trust everybody.” “Lesson learned, only help those who appreciate it.” And, where my flesh wants to debate that notion constantly, my eternal spiritual self knows everything needs moderation—a holy balance. As I picture this image in my mind right now of installing a fence on my property, all I can help but think of is that it would make an epic balancing beam! I could do dance moves on top of it. It would be a jungle gym playground. Yes, I might get hurt, but if I don’t have fun on that fence, I’ll never know. That’s the inner child that will always be in me, that sees something different than other people. Maybe your fence is purely decorative; you just wanted a fence that looked good. Maybe your fence is a façade; you want everyone to think there’s more security than there actually is, but it’s just enough to fake the predators. Maybe your fence is in bad shape. Looks like it’s seen better days and is not really working anymore. It’s giving off the wrong vibe. Maybe you didn’t even know there was a fence on your property—when you discover one, you brainstorm: leave it up or take it down? Is this message subliminal enough for you? Yes, it’s a metaphor. In what ways does it speak to you? Are you like Desperado? Have you been out riding fences for too long? Are you gonna make like Garth Brooks and have “No Fences”. That was just a good album, right? I don’t know much, but I know this: fences are costly in time, money, and constant repairs. Install or don’t install—choose so wisely. And I think, after all, this is what we all wrestle with: that balance. I love the depth of this image because it reminds me that even as we guard ourselves, we also need to stay open. And just like a fence, we can choose when to let ourselves dance on top of it—free, but mindful. Install or don’t install—choose so wisely. Downloadable version

Caylie Britt, a junior at Wesson Attendance Center (WAC), is the 2026-2027 Wesson Founder’s Day Queen. The daughter of Hillry and Misty Britt of Wesson, the new Queen says she aspired to the role because “I am proud to be a part of the community.” She says grew up in Wesson and always enjoyed the events that brought the town together and believes “I would be a positive representative for the town.” At WAC, Britt has been a member of the Beta Club, yearbook staff and Educators Rising. She is an honor student, achieved the highest average in education preparation I, and was recognized for outstanding achievement in child development, contemporary health and education preparation. Britt has played Lady Cobra volleyball for four years. Her favorite class is entrepreneurship because she is very interested in business and has launched her own boutique this year. She has enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School, GA activities and participating in D-Now with her church youth group at Sylvarena Baptist Church, where she is a member. Britt plans to attend Co-Lin and pursue a degree in business administration focusing on entrepreneurship.

By Misty Strieff Prine Last week, we had some terrible weather that came through a neighboring county to us, Lincoln County, and it was just horrible. It made me really realize how scary a storm can be and how it can bring about such a fear of the unknown, especially at nighttime, in the darkness. I also so the outpouring of community as all the First Responders from Copiah County and beyond caravanned down to Lincoln County, my husband being one of them, and worked endlessly through the night, to help rescue people and clear paths, only to go back the next day to continue the efforts. Volunteers and communities are such a blessing to see jump into action to help their brothers and sisters in need and may God bless them for their willingness to serve so selflessly. Please continue to pray for all involved as they continue to recover from this. I’m reminded of when not only a thunderstorm comes like this in our area but when the storms of life blow into our lives unexpectedly – financial woes, physical strains, emotional distress, relationship issues, etc., how our faith in Jesus will carry us through. He will always make a way for us to weather the storm. We just have to keep our eyes on Him. I’m reminded of the passage of scripture in Matthew 14:22-33 which says, “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

By: Bob Arnold The Co-Lin Foundation inducted 11 new members into its Hall of Fame. Members of the 2025 class pictured were (front, from left) Dr. Toby and Kathy Graves, Wesson Lions Club representative Larry Williams, Bank of Brookhaven representative Shannon Aker, Dr. Richard and Lesa Baker, Melton King, Angela Furr, LaNissa Wilson; (back) Wesson Lions Club representative Bobby Thornton, David Magee, CCMC Cares Foundation representative David Sinclair, Dr. Dewayne and Tan Middleton, Barry and Susan Tyson, and Cliff Furr. The Co-Lin Foundation inducted 11 new members into its Hall of Fame: Dr. Richard and Lesa Baker were recognized for their contributions to the Back the Pack Capital Campaign and the general fund. Richard Baker is a graduate of Enterprise High School and holds an associate’s degree from Co-Lin, a bachelor’s degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College, and a PhD from USM. He is a CPA with over 35 years of experience in managing financial operations and has been involved in multiple entities as an owner and co-owner. He began teaching at Co-Lin in 2010 and has served as the college’s Vice President of Business Affairs since 2019. Lesa Baker is a graduate of Boyle County High School in Danville, Kentucky, and she received an associate’s degree from Jones College, a bachelor’s degree from USM, and a Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College. She is an attorney and a CPA and has served in multiple roles, ranging from an auditor for the Mississippi Department of Revenue to the Lincoln County Public Defender and the Lincoln County Youth Court Referee. Bank of Brookhaven was recognized for its contributions to the Bank of Brookhaven Scholarship and the Big Wolf Fund. Bank of Brookhaven opened in 2000, beginning with more than $7.5 million in assets. Since then, it has grown to more than $240 million in assets. The bank has been involved in most of the development in downtown Brookhaven in recent years, financing projects ranging from restaurants to hotels to office buildings. In 2025, Bank of Brookhaven was ranked seventh in the state for overall performance. The Bank works hard to be a good corporate citizen and looks forward to a long relationship with Co-Lin.  CCMC Cares Foundation was recognized for its contributions to the CCMC Cares Scholarship. Founded in 2022, the CCMC Cares Foundation was established with a singular purpose: to strengthen Copiah County by supporting the underserved population. Built on a spirit of service, generosity and shared responsibility, the Foundation has become a driving force for positive impact — uplifting individuals and families during times of need while championing causes that create lasting change. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement and a deep commitment to compassion in action, CCMC Cares has helped hundreds of Copiah County residents, demonstrating that when a community comes together with purpose, the results are transformative. Cliff and Angela Furr were recognized for their contributions to the Back the Pack Athletic Campaign and the general fund. Angela Furr has been employed at Co-Lin for more than 20 years, where she has held positions in recruiting and alumni relations prior to her current role as executive director of Foundation and Alumni Relations, which she assumed in 2018. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in the humanities division for 19 years. Cliff Furr is a graduate of Co-Lin and received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi, and master’s and specialist degrees in education from William Carey University. He has been an educator for 20 years, with teaching and coaching positions at Brookhaven High School, Co-Lin, Terry High School, where he was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2021, and Alexander Junior High, where he currently teaches 8th grade. Dr. Toby and Kathy Graves were recognized for their contributions to the Simpson County VP Enrichment Fund. Toby Graves received a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College in 1999, a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2003, and an Ed.D. from Delta State University in 2026. He is a charter member of the faculty and staff of the Simpson County Center, where he is a history instructor. Kathy Graves was recognized as faculty member of the year and advisor of the year. She is a licensed professional counselor and a national board-certified counselor. She has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and family studies from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a psychology and sociology instructor at the Simpson County Center. Melton King was recognized for his contributions to the Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration, Back the Pack Capital Campaign and various scholarships. He is a 1956 graduate of Natchez High School and a 1970 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a retired senior sales representative at Humana and is a semi-retired insurance agent at Melton King & Associates, LLC. King has been a member of the Co-Lin Board of Trustees since 1988 and served as board chairman from 2021-2025. He was instrumental in establishing the Co-Lin Natchez campus. David M. Magee was recognized for his contributions to the Nurse Connie Scholarship and the Simpson County VP Enrichment Fund. A Magee native, he has been a contract grower for Tyson for 31 years. He served the region as a forest ranger for the Mississippi Forestry Commission for three decades before his retirement from the state. Magee shared 33 years with his late wife, Connie Magee, and together they raised four daughters, Nicole, Hannah, Alisha, and Emily — all graduates of Co-Lin. Dr. Dewayne and Tan Middleton were recognized for their contributions to the Back the Pack Capital Campaign and the President’s Campus Improvement Fund. Dewayne Middleton is a graduate of Franklin County High School, and he received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree from Alcorn State University and a doctorate from Mississippi State University. He started at Co-Lin as Upward Bound program coordinator and assistant basketball coach. He held several positions at the college before being named Co-Lin President in 2023. Tan Middleton is a graduate of Magee High School, and she received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a master’s degree from William Carey University. She has been a teacher and librarian at Magee Elementary School for 24 years. Barry and Susan Tyson were recognized for their contributions to the Back the Pack Capital Campaign and the general fund. Barry Tyson received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin in 1984 and a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College in 1988. Susan Tyson received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin in 1994 and a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University. He owns Franklin Ready Mix Concrete, and she is a registered nurse and IT director at Franklin Memorial Hospital. He has been a member of the Co-Lin Board of Trustees for 23 years, serving as secretary for five years before being named chairman in 2025. Wesson Lions Club was recognized for its contributions to the James M. Lewis, Kenneth Furr and Jimmy Furr Memorial scholarships and the Big Wolf Fund. Established in 1940, the Wesson Lions Club is dedicated to the conservation of sight. They do sight screenings at Wesson Attendance Center and provide glasses to those in need. They also fund Wesson students who are selected for the Mississippi Lions All State Band. The Lions Club meets monthly at Fire House BBQ. They fundraise by selling sweet potatoes in October, and they hold a roadblock at the end of March to collect donations. LaNissa Anita Wilson was recognized for her contributions to the Shawn Marquis Smith scholarship. A native of Brookhaven, she is the daughter of Florence Wilson and the late Randy T. Wilson Sr. She has two children, Alica McPhaul and the late Shawn Marquis Smith, and one grandchild, Gigi Marie Coleman.  She is a 1994 graduate of Brookhaven High School and a 2003 honor graduate of Co-Lin. She served as freshman class secretary, freshman maid, class president and representative for the Blue Wave Marching Band. She was also a Colette, a Trailblazer and an active member of both Phi Beta Lambda and Phi Theta Kappa. She was crowned Homecoming Queen in 2002 and was recognized in Who’s Who Among American Junior College Students. She also served as vice president of the President’s Council. Wilson continued her academic journey at The University of Southern Mississippi, where she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Mu Nu Chapter) and served as a Residence Life staff member. Her professional career reflects more than two decades of dedicated federal service in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer Third Class Intelligence Technician during the Gulf War Era. In 2004, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Services in Hattiesburg and now a Title II Claims Specialist at the Social Security Administration Office in Houston, Texas. The Co-Lin Foundation Hall of Fame includes individuals and businesses who have donated more than $10,000 to the efforts of the Foundation. The Visionary level acknowledges donors who have exceeded $25,000 in gifts; the Ambassador level acknowledges donors who have exceeded $50,000 in gifts; and the Benefactor level acknowledges donors who have exceeded $100,000 in gifts. Contributions can be made to the Co-Lin Foundation, P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, by calling (601) 643-8313, or online at www.colin.edu/alumni-foundation.

Co-Lin culinary arts sophomore Ashlyn Sprayberry of Harrisville, a graduate of Mendenhall High School, has earned a paid internship at Disney World in Orlando, FL as part of the Disney College Program. Pictured with Sprayberry is Culinary Arts program director Abby Rials. Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomore Ashlyn Sprayberry of Harrisville has been accepted into the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Sprayberry, a Culinary Arts Technology student on the college's Wesson Campus, will graduate during commencement exercises next week before beginning her paid internship in June. Following the internship, Sprayberry hopes to continue working with Disney in a full-time role. "I am so excited to start this new journey at Disney in June," said Sprayberry. "I hope to stay at Disney for a few years and work full-time in one of the many Disney restaurants." Sprayberry said her experience at Co-Lin helped prepare her for the opportunity while also allowing her to build lasting friendships and become involved on campus. "My time in the Culinary Arts program has been great, and I have had so much fun meeting new friends," she said. "I also loved playing my clarinet in the Blue Wave Show Band." Culinary Arts program director Abby Rials said Sprayberry is her fourth student over the past few years to be accepted into the Disney College Program. "Ashlyn is an excellent student, and I have truly enjoyed having her in the program over the past two years," said Rials. "I can't wait to see where this opportunity takes her."

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com You have natural abilities and inclinations. You love doing certain things. That's normal and good. But what you love in life was never intended to be all that is important in your world. Family, friends, co-workers, church family, strangers, and even supervisors, they are all supposed to be important to you. Granted, holding importance in varying degrees, but definitely holding a place in that tight little circle that some of you seem to believe should be all-consuming…The Orb of Me. Don’t agree with me that others really should be important to you? Okay, look at it this way… if you happen to be having a little trouble seeing outside The Orb of Me. If you neglect being there for others when they need you, you may find them hard-of-hearing when your turn comes and you need their help. Oh yes, I know, that still smacks of catering to the Orb of Me, but at least it has you paying attention to the needs of others, if only for the wrong reason. But I would much rather that we all realize this ill-fated reality. Basically, we have become a selfish and self-consuming people, who have a lot of trouble looking through our Me And Mine Only stained glasses, and seeing others who are suffering and need help. We all seem to be living in our own Orb of Me. If it doesn’t directly affect us, then the issue can be relegated to the back burner. To likely stay there until it burns up. And our world is reaping the results. Very unfortunate results. You can click on the local and national news at any minute of the day and witness this. But how do we stop the mayhem? I really have no idea. I am not a world leader with a miracle plan to whip out of my back pocket. And I personally do not believe in a man or woman leader coming anywhere on the near horizon who does have that pocket. But I do know this. Like the old saying says, “No, you can’t save every fish in the sea. But you can make a world of difference to that one little fish you find washed up on the beach. Pick him up and toss him back into the water.” Miracle in your back pocket for that little guy. Think of someone you know who is struggling, and then spend some mental time living life in their shoes. In other words, try to envision what life for them is probably like. Then step back into your world and reach out, as only you can. Your involvement and help could be enough encouragement to give them hope. Hope that just might energize and spark determination in them. Because success always has to have hope, energy, and a determined spirit at its very core. Folks, step out of your "Me Only" orb. It is very true that you are your Creator's prized possession, but you are not the only one.

Special to Wesson News Curbing vandalism at Wesson Municipal Park requires the assistance of park users who see it happening and reporting it to police right away, Aldermen agreed at their April meeting. The vandalism is occurring in park bathrooms and at the Veterans Memorial, and probably unsupervised youth are culprits, Mayor Alton Shaw said. “Too often the vandalism isn’t reported until several days after it occurs,” noted Alderman Mike King. “Daily reports from citizen volunteers who walk through the park at the same time would help police pinpoint the time it is happening.” The most helpful thing people can do, however, is “to say something when they see something,” Mayor Shaw said. At the April meeting, Police Chief Chad O’Quinn reported to aldermen that Aaron Love and Clint Earl had been hired on a part-time basis to replace Officer Tillman, who had resigned his full-time position but was completing his final days with the Wesson Police Department. The Aldermen approved the recommendation, along with annual Police Chief Conference dues and training costs for the Chief and a deputy. Also speaking at the meeting was Albert Turnage, a Lawrence County attorney who talked about his candidacy for a new Circuit Judge position in a district that encompasses Copiah County. In other actions, the Aldermen voted to: Authorize a 2024 audit as the Town continues to catch up with reports unfiled by a previous Auditor. Declare two fire trucks and 500 replaced water meter surplus property so they can be sold. Approve $3629 to replace three doors at the Old School Community Center. Approve opening a closed section of Briar Street to access property. The Town of Wesson wants to do something to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, but it doesn’t know what yet. “We’re looking for ideas,” Mayor Alton Shaw announced. “We want to do something celebratory that will respect the occasion and not distract from it.”

By Courtney Warren I am so glad we are finally to warmer weather! It’s time to lounge outside in the sun and enjoy the beauty around us. For me, that means spending time in the backyard and at the pool with a good book. Here are two books I am excited about. Kutchinsky’s Egg by Serena Kutchinsky. According to the publisher, when Kutchinsky was a child, her life was turned upside down by her father’s obsession with crafting the world’s largest jeweled egg. Long after her family’s jewelry firm had been ruined and her family decimated by the scope of her father’s fixation, the author returns to the demons that drove him–and the mystery of the missing Argyle Library Egg. Carley Fortune is an author I have enjoyed reading for years. Her new book Our Perfect Summer, is set to be a great spring read. According to the publisher, Frankie and George have been best friends since childhood, but their relationship is strained as Frankie’s wedding approaches and she’s unsure if he’ll even show up. After her fiancé abruptly leaves her with only a note, Frankie is left heartbroken and confused. George convinces her to go on her honeymoon to Tofino with him as a way to heal. What begins as a chance to fix their friendship quickly becomes a journey filled with buried secrets and unexpected feelings.

By Bob Arnold A healthy part of a dream Educational Performing Arts and Athletic Center that was a vision of former Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims for the Wesson campus of the college she managed seems to be on track under a Federal grant. Co-Lin has been awarded $16,294,746 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant program for construction of a new, large-scale safe room facility that will accommodate more than 2,000 occupants and include a gymnasium where the college’s basketball and volleyball teams will play. When Dr. Dewayne Middleton succeeded Dr. Hulon Sims as president of Co-Lin, he suggested FEMA’s safe room program might be a route to realizing part of the vision Dr. Hulon uplifted in her ambitious proposal for a $30 Million complex including a 1,500-seat performing arts theatre and a 2,000-seat athletic arena with shared ticketing, concessions, and restrooms along with a shared lobby designed to host basketball games, other athletic events and arts shows. FEMA safe rooms are hardened, reinforced structures (concrete, steel, or CMU) designed to provide near-absolute protection for emergency shelter against EF5 tornadoes and hurricane-force winds, while serving multiple daily or long-term uses in homes as walk-in closets, pantries or bathrooms or safe storage/panic rooms to secure firearms, documents or valuables or refuge during security threats or break-ins; and in public, school or community settings as gyms, classrooms or community centers. They can also offer secure locations for communications equipment and critical systems of public agencies and be specifically designed with ADA-compliant doors for individuals with disabilities. A safe room at Gallman, Mississippi, in Copiah County serves as a multi-purpose community center for meetings, functions and special events. “We’ve been through enough severe storms in Mississippi to understand the value of safe rooms. I’m pleased with these FEMA hazard mitigation grants to create more safe spaces in our state,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that has jurisdiction over FEMA. “The safety of our students, employees, and community is always a top priority for Co-Lin,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “This project will provide a secure shelter during severe weather while also creating a first-class facility for our student-athletes and campus community. “We are especially grateful to U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for her continued leadership and strong support of Co-Lin, the community college system, and the people of Mississippi. Her commitment to strengthening our institutions and investing in projects like this makes a meaningful difference for our students and communities. We also extend our sincere appreciation to FEMA and our federal delegation for supporting a project that will serve our college and the surrounding community for generations. In addition, we greatly appreciate the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for its assistance and support in helping make this important project a reality.” The $16.3 million Co-Lin grant will cover construction of a 35,000-square-foot standalone, multipurpose safe room on the college’s Wesson campus. It is phase II of a total $18 million grant that included $1.6 million for planning awarded in 2024 and a $175,000 administrative grant awarded with the current funds.