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By Misty Strieff Prine                 “I do not understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” – Anne Lamott                 Grace is such a small word with such a HUGE meaning that we often tend to overthink and misunderstand. So, what is grace? The definition of grace is the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. Grace is sometimes hard to grasp, and it can so easily be shrouded in mystery if we "think" too much into it. What we do know is that grace meets us in the depths of despair and changes us completely. Grace never leaves us where it finds us. It lifts us up and pulls us out of that place where we once thought we couldn't and wouldn't make it out of. God's grace is such a beautiful thing. Where were you when grace and mercy found you? How deep was the valley you were walking through? Do you remember that moment when you felt the hand of God reach down and pull you out of the darkness and loneliness of that valley? That my friend is your moment of grace among many others to come. God's grace has no boundaries or limitations. Grace changes people. As the familiar lyrics say, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." Grace opens our eyes in ways that nothing else can. God's grace is immeasurable and unfailing. God's grace and mercy find us when we are buried deep in the world and lost as could be.

By Bob Arnold               Ask Copiah County Economic Development District (CCEDD) Executive Director Arthur Lee (Pokey) Evans about his work in the past year and what he foresees in the coming year, and he points to one simple measure of his work:  jobs .               “For me, economic development is not about recruiting a big or small business or a particular type of business, but the job opportunities in Copiah County,” Evans says.  “My mission is jobs.  On that basis, I would say we’re okay.  Our unemployment rate has hovered around three to four percent.  For a workforce that is ready and willing to do the jobs employers want them to do, the opportunities are available.  Things are good now, and we’re looking for tomorrow to be better because of many small things and maybe a big thing happening.”               There was no one big economic development win during 2025 in Copiah County, but a number of small successes that assured the job opportunities, he says.               Perhaps the biggest of the small things that happened:  “We maintained our existing jobs,” Evans says.  “Our major industries – forestry and timber, trucking, warehousing and poultry – continued to perform well and provide the jobs that made that happen.”               Then there were several other small strides that will grow jobs throughout the county:   In spite of a few issues in Hazlehurst that delayed its opening for business, Bell Lumber & Pole , which will use the area’s abundant wood supply to produce utility poles to electrical lines and other industry uses, started construction of a new facility near the LC Industries old lumber yard. Copiah County Medical Center CCMC opened Copiah County Medical Plaza , a state-of-the-art facility next to the medical center at Hazlehurst that houses CCMC’s medical records department, an expanded specialty clinic; physical, occupational and speech therapy services, and new locations for City Drugs, Total Pain Care and Hazlehurst Clinic. A modern convenience store on Highway 27 North at Crystal Springs. Steam Punk , a customized metal fabricator near Interstate 55 at Martinsville. A mini shopping plaza on Highway 51 South at Wesson.   During 2026, Evans is looking forward to demonstrating to companies near and far that Copiah County is “Open for Business” through “marketing efforts that are being taken to the next level” by Wesson-based marketing consultant Jessica Breazeale who has redesigned the CCEDD website and created ads for web-based social media, including Google and Facebook.  The county’s economic selling points coupled with how they are being communicated, he believes, mean good things are in store during the coming year:             A workforce that is willing and ready to serve employers thanks to local school and a community college that focuses on preparing workers; and career coaches and retired persons with workforce experience, who counsel students, introduce them to the business world through field trips and other activities and guide them in making career decisions and identifying training opportunities.   A location near key markets with rail, interstate, air and nearby water access.   Government officials who understand business needs, provide incentives, and facilitate locating offices buildings.   Available land and buildings that are well-priced.   Already at the start of the year, two companies in the CCEDD industrial park at Gallman are expanding and creating new jobs, Evans says.   Evans says CCEDD economic development work is a team effort and praises his office colleague Brenda Harper, the organization’s board and the Copiah County Supervisors for their support and assistance in telling the county’s story Contact Evans for information at 601-421-1249.

By Bob Garver "Scream” is easily my favorite horror franchise. It might be my favorite movie franchise overall, but especially in terms of horror. That’s why it really hurts me to say that “Scream 7” isn’t up to snuff. It’s not hard to see why this installment falls short, given its troubled production history. The latter half of 2023 saw the departures of both co-directors and both lead actresses from both of the last two installments that had reinvigorated the franchise for the 2020’s. Rather than cancel the project outright, the studio forged ahead with a retooled movie with original star Neve Campbell and original screenwriter Kevin Williamson as director. In theory, this could work, especially with the always-welcome Campbell as the lead, but this film never quite shakes off the passionless stench of someone having to deliver a film to meet an obligation despite the absence of first-choice talent. The film, as expected, opens with a violent pre-title sequence. A young couple (Jimmy Tatro and Michelle Randolph) check into the old house of original co-killer Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard), now a rental property for fans of murder scenes. Spooky surprises are hidden throughout the house, including a robot wearing the iconic Ghostface costume. Eventually a non-robot Ghostface shows up, ready for some slashing. It’s not a lock that the couple will be killed like so many pre-title sequence characters before them, but… I didn’t see them bucking the trend. We soon rejoin Sidney Prescott (Campbell) trying to live a life out of media spotlight, despite having found herself as a player in five killing sprees in her lifetime. She’s married to the local chief of police (Joel McHale) and has three children, two of whom are away visiting their grandparents. Her teenage daughter Tatum (Isabel May) wants to know some of the juicy details of her past, which she refuses to divulge, but otherwise clashes with her, disobeys her, and wants nothing to do with her, in typical teenage fashion. One day, Sidney gets a call from someone using the familiar Roger L. Jackson filter. It’s the new killer. But instead of terrorizing Sidney in the Ghostface garb, this killer directs Sidney to a screen, where she’s taunted by none other than Stu Macher (played by Lillard at his current age), who died in the first movie… or so she thinks. Did he somehow survive? Is this an A.I. prank? Either way, “Stu” makes it clear that Sidney and her family are targets for revenge. Potential suspects/victims line up. Sidney works at a coffee shop frequented by her neighbor Jessica (Anna Camp) and her slasher-obsessed son Luke (Asa Germann), as well as creepy wildcard Karl (Kraig Dane). Tatum’s circle of friends includes boyfriend Ben (Sam Rechner), and besties Hannah (Mckenna Grace) and Chloe (Celeste O’Connor). Shady characters on the periphery include rude drama teacher Mr. Willis (Tim Simons), mental hospital orderly Marco (Ethan Embry), and fame-hungry reporter Robbie Rivers (Mark Consuelos). Those are the new faces. But because the movie has to use nostalgia as a crutch, it’s not long before longtime ally Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) shows up, flanked by returning characters Chad (Mason Gooding) and Mindy (Jasmin Savoy-Brown), from the fifth and sixth movies, now working as the reporter’s assistants. And as forced as those returns feel, they’re no match for Stu and a gaggle of last-act cameos that serve no purpose other than for the advertising to be able to say that the actors technically appear in the movie. I found some things to like about “Scream 7.” Campbell hasn’t lost an ounce of Scream Queen credibility, there are some creative kills, and the fight choreographer certainly earned their paycheck. But any scene without Campbell that involves mystery, suspense, emotion, or even the series’ trademark humor is a miss. Save for one, I’m not interested in following any surviving characters to another movie. This movie probably shouldn’t have been made without certain people onboard, and I’ll say that there shouldn’t be another “Scream” movie until they can come back. Grade: C “Scream 7” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, and language. Its running time is 114 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Parenting kids…tough stuff. And just think of doing that same job from God’s point of view. He’s responsible for the same…guiding you and me to become good adults. Not a job that you would hear me volunteering to do in a trillion lightyears. Just imagine. God: “Jimbo, go to work everyday and do your job well, then go straight home to be with your family when you’re done. So you can be the husband and father they need.” Jimbo: “Huh, not happening, God. I enjoy goin’ out drinkin’ with the guys too much. I need some time to unwind.” And now God has to work at teaching and training Jimbo to see life the way God wants him to see it. And believe me, He will not accept Jimbo’s excuses and reasons for living life any old way that he wants. Why? Because God simply never gives up on us. Me in God’s shoes? I’d tell Jimbo to get it right. One time. Oh, I guess I might give him another opportunity to change his ways. Maybe a warning shot across the bow. But if Jimbo still made no attempt to learn to be a good family man, then my next shot wouldn’t be a warning. It would likely be dead center in the middle of his pleasure-seeking little boat and would turn his world upside down, with water rapidly filling and turning it into a watery grave. But not God. The Bible says He is a patient Father. He tells us what He wants for us. Then He tries again. And again. Until finally, He sighs and does what He has to do to get our attention. And it’s up to us to determine just how far He has to go. Heaven help those who rebelliously thumb their noses at Him, and keep going their merry way. Because God is known for using circumstances to get our attention. Things can go from good – to not so good – to bad – to “Somebody please help me, I’m drowning in my problems.” I repeat, because God simply never gives up on us. But back to parenting our kids. In a microcosm, we’re supposed to be handling our job just like God is with you and me. Loving, giving, teaching, training, disciplining, and even punishing to the necessary extent when nothing else seems to work. But never - and I mean never giving up. We parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles can’t afford the luxury of simply walking away from a hellion stuck in rebellion. That adult-to-be should be seen as too valuable to just hand his life over to a world intent on destroying everyone in its path. We need to employ everything at our disposal in trying to make a difference in our kids and their future. Prayers… pleading… discussion…counseling… explanations…lockdowns… ball bats…you name it, we need to try it. My point is simple. Be like Almighty God. Never give up. Try everything. Throw it all against the wall and see if anything will stick. Our kids are worth it.

Donald Hilburn "Tripp" Jones, III February 7, 2008 - February 28, 2026 18 years of age A graveside service will be held for Donald Hilburn “Tripp” Jones, III at 12 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation will take place starting at 10 a.m. until time of graveside service at Riverwood Family. Donald Hilburn “Tripp” Jones, III, 18, of Brookhaven, MS, passed away February 27, 2026. He was born in Jackson, MS, on February 7, 2008, to Donald Hilburn Jones, Jr. and Carrie Danielle Johnston. Tripp wasn’t a man for the spotlight or a big show. He preferred a small circle of close friends, real conversations, and time spent outdoors where he felt most at home. The woods at daylight, a duck blind before sunrise, chasing deer in the fall, or listening for that first turkey gobble in the spring – that was his kind of peace. He loved deer, turkey, and duck hunting. He respected the land and the quiet that came with it. Some of his best moments were found in those early mornings when the world was still and simple. He took pride in his truck – if you knew Tripp, you knew that truck. It wasn’t just something he drove; it was part of him. The same went for his four-wheeler, always ready to head down a trail to the river, or across a field; and whenever he went, Remi wasn’t far behind. His dog was his new loyal sidekick, a steady presence that matched Tripp’s own loyalty to the people he loved. Tripp was a hard-working man with a strong work ethic. He was proud to be beginning his career as a lineman – stepping into a trade that demands grit, discipline, and courage. He embraced the challenge with focus and determination, ready to build a future through honest work and long days. He believed in earning what he had and standing tall in the responsibilities placed before him. He also loved music, all genres. Whether it was playing in his truck, around friends, while in the shower, or in the background after a long day, music was another place he found connection and meaning. He recently found great joy attending Big Springs Baptist Church with his family. He especially enjoyed the Sunday singing with the men’s ensemble on stage for special music.  He was deeply loved by his family, especially by his mother, who cared for him with unwavering devotion. She made sure he was always okay, always supported, always reminded how much he was loved. Their bond was one of strength, protection, and unconditional care. Though Tripp kept his circle small, the mark he left on those who truly knew him runs deep. He will be remembered for his beautiful smile, quiet strength, his determination, his love of the outdoors, his loyalty, and the steady way he lived his life. He will be missed beyond measure. Preceding him in death are his brother, Joshua Tanner Stewart and grandfather, Rev. Ricky Johnston. Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Joe and Carrie Wilson and Don and Leslie Jones; brothers, Conner Wilson and Brayden Wilson; sister, Sara Carver (Blake); and grandparents, Clois and Junko Wilson, Joe & JoNell Fairchild, and Don and Carolyn Jones. He is also survived by an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who will forever cherish his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fallen Linemen Foundation: P.O. Box 634 Cary, NC 27512 or www.fallenlinemenfoundation.com or to Big Springs Baptist Church: 849 Big Springs Dr. NE Brookhaven, MS 39601

By Jessica Breazeale Do you take   more than you give  or give   more than you take ? Humanity seems to have lost care and compassion (collectively and individually). We’ve learned survival mode all too well and at a great cost. It seems like we are all trying to “survive” and society has bought into the lie that it’s “survival”.  Somehow, somewhere in society, we have bought into the lie that we are the center of the universe. Humanity seems to care very little about how our wants, desires, preferences, and choices affect other people and their families   and their situations. With our mouths, we say that we care about others, but our actions tell a very different story. Our actions tell the story that we are all about ourselves - survival of the fittest . Is this the way that Christ wanted us to live? By no  means. I recently watched an incredible movie called “The Hate U Give,” based on a novel by Angie Thomas, and its overall theme is learning to find your voice, use it, and fight the cycle of poverty. Watching this movie got me thinking, do we give more than we take, or do we take more than we give? Do we fight  the cycle or feed the cycle? Do we have poverty - or poverty-brain? Are we financially poor or simply poor in spirit? Are we poor in our bank accounts or poor in hearts and minds. Poverty mindset is any place where we are lacking. Do we have compassion poverty? Selflessness poverty? We can have lots of kinds of poverty mindsets. It doesn’t just affect us, but everyone around us. We are poor, and it shows. We see it and feel it. It’s becoming a cultural norm to put up the walls and be defensive. I wonder if we fight or feed the cycle of poverty. I wonder this because the hate that we give produces more and more hate, and if that’s the harvest that’s planted, we can’t blame the spoiled crops that come out. We can say all day long that we love, but as we all know, love is an action verb. It’s not a word at all. It’s meant to be shown, and you can easily see if you’re loved or not. It’s easy to tell.   This idea of whether you give more than you take or take more than you give is meant to be thought-provoking for social change. Do we honestly want to be the kind of people that expects everything to be handed to them, or do we want to be proud that we rolled up our sleeves and did the hard work because what we learned and gained from it was so much more rewarding than keeping our hands out all the time.   Let us consider these examples: Instead of rolling down our windows and throwing trash out, let’s be the kind of people who go around and clean up trash. Instead of us being the kind of people who are asking to borrow money all the time, let’s be the kind of people who work - and work hard. Stop asking and start doing. Don’t put people in an awkward position to say “no” and be the villain in your life. Rather, bless someone yourself. Do you try to take away someone’s voice, or do you try to help give them their voice? Does silencing someone empower you or give you inner peace? I doubt it.   A few nights ago, at a ball game, my mom and I were walking to the vehicle, and three teenagers approached us to offer to carry our chairs for us. While this act of kindness truly is a rare thing these days, it was the glimmer of hope needed to remind me that there is hope for humanity.   It also reminded me to ask the question…what circles are we in? Are we in the circles where we’re around a bunch of takers, or are we around a bunch of givers? The circle matters because it can also alter our perspective.   Hopefully, we are inspired to leave the world better than we found - to be the kind of people that will give more than we take so that we’ll leave a positive legacy for the generations to come. Downloadable version:

Wesson News Clifford Jackson Sr., known as A.J., a native of Wesson, has launched a new business venture, Power Insulation. Power Insulation, a spray foam insulation contractor, is helping homeowners and business owners cut their monthly energy bills—often by nearly half.   Spray foam insulation is considered the premier product for energy efficiency, and A.J. emphasizes that their work is powered by the mighty hand of God—a ministry that drives them to do this work with purpose.   “We have years of experience in spray foam and we leave no job unfinished,” said Jackson.   A.J. is not alone in this venture. His son, Clifford Jackson Jr., known as C.J., and his father, known as Pops, are all part of the team, contributing to the growth of Wesson’s economy.   “There is no job too big or too small for us. We complete one job at a time with the professionalism you can count on,” said Jackson.   A.J. and his wife, Kita, recently opened a bakery in Wesson, Destiny’s Delights, where Kita manages the daily operations. The bakery will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Saturday, March 7th, at 11 a.m., with free samples and giveaways for the community.   As Power Insulation continues to grow, so does the spirit of Wesson. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses and get involved in town initiatives. For example, the community has voiced a need for better sidewalks along Highway 51, where pedestrian traffic is high.   Residents are urged to contact Wesson Town Hall to share ideas or explore community grants—reach out to Terry Bath, president of the Wesson Chamber of Commerce to join the chamber.   More good news for Wesson is that Grace Foam Solutions (GFS), Power Insulation’s spray foam distributor in Wesson, is expanding and opening a second location in Gulfport this year. GFS opened in 2024, and expansion was always part of the business strategic plan.   “It’s our dream to be able to train and equip local people to be entrepreneurs. That’s what we’re trying to do,” said Ricky Breazeale, CEO of Grace Foam Solutions.   By shopping local, dining local, and supporting these businesses, residents can help drive Wesson’s vibrant growth forward.

By Misty Strieff Prine “The closer we are to the shepherd, the safer we are from the wolves.” Jarrid Wilson             Have you ever wondered why you seem to have one bad thing happen after another? Maybe your life feels like a suspenseful movie that always seems to have a bad ending. Maybe you go to dodge a ball, and you raise up to get hit by ten of them. Bam! Can I ask you something? When is the last time you prayed? When is the last time you got real with God? I'm not talking about the occasional "go to God just when you are down on your luck" or the "just when you need something" kind of times. I'm talking about praising Him for the life you have...every aspect of it...the good and the bad. We need to thank God for all that He sees fit to give us. We need to learn to go to Him before we search for answers in this world which leads us to even more misery and hopelessness. For the Lord is our shepherd and we are His sheep. Just like a good shepherd does, when one sheep goes astray from the fold, He searches for that one lonely sheep in order that it may be brought back into the fold to fellowship and be kept safe by Him. He knows that the wayward sheep will not fare well among the wolves, and neither will we in this world without Him. May we never get so outside of the will of God that we don't see the wolves, sin and the enemy lurking around every corner waiting to attack us. Being a Christian is not a religion but a relationship with God. We need Him every single second of every single day. When things seem to spiral downward, we need to examine our hearts carefully. Have we fallen out of fellowship with God? Have we drifted far away from Him? When is the last time we prayed? When was the last time we simply thanked Him? Maybe that's the problem. We have forsaken God. May we never get so caught up in the things of this world and our "woe is me" attitudes that we walk away so easily from the One who died for us all.

Special to Wesson News   Blues musician Houston Stackhouse was born in Wesson. While the Mississippi Delta is considered to be the birthplace of the blues, musicians from all across the state sang and played instruments in the unique style.  Several of them had their roots in Copiah County:   Tommy Johnson  from Crystal Springs grew up in a musical family with brothers and an uncle who taught him to play and sing.  A supreme vocalist who could jump from a falsetto to a growl, he sang about what he knew in a raw, raspy voice with a driving guitar.  His lyrics with striking blues compositions incorporated fragments of African American folk poetry and fables.  The movie O Brother, Where Art Thou , which has two scenes shot in Copiah County, portrays him telling three escaped convicts he sold his soul to the devil for the ability to play the guitar – a story first told by his brother LaDell, and a legend now popularly erroneously ascribed to Robert Johnson.   Johnson recorded 14 titles between 1928 and 1930.  He died of a heart attack in 1956 after playing at a house party, and is buried in Copiah County’s Warm Springs Cemetery.   Hazlehurst-born Robert Johnson  (no relation to Tommy Johnson) spend most of his life in the Delta, dying in 1938 at 27 years old under mysterious circumstances.  Over his short life he recorded 29 tracks in a style that has led some to consider him the “Grandfather of Rock and Roll.”  A master of the guitar, the Tommy Johnson story about selling his selling his soul to the devil became associated with him.  The film Crossroads  was based on Johnson’s career, and the Blues Foundation inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1986.    Houston Stackhouse , born Houston Goff in 1910 at Wesson, assumed his stepfather’s surname in 1925 when he moved to Crystal Springs, and was inspired by his uncles Luther and Charlie Williams and other local musicians – notably Lonnie Chatmon and Tommy Johnson and his brothers.  He learned to play the violin, harmonica and mandolin before settling on the guitar, which he taught to renowned blues musicians Robert Nighthawk, Jimmy Rogers and Sammy Lawhorn, and performed on live Delta radio broadcasts.  In the 1970s, he often appeared in Memphis as a solo act after working with Robert Johnson, Tommy Johnson and his brothers, and moving to Helena, Arkansas, in the 1940s and continuing to work in the industry.  He died in 1989 and is buried at Crystal Springs.   Crystal Springs born Sunny Ridell  in 1945 as Thomas James Oria Murray, he played as New Orleans as a backup for Fats Domino, Lee Dorsey, Little Richard and other notables when he was a teenager, and later performed, toured and recorded with musical legends.  Before embarking on an acting career in the films Leadbilly and Outlaw Blues , he led the band Sunny Ridell and the Eight Counts of Distinction.  He died in 2018 and is buried in Crystal Springs.   According to the website Mississippi Blues Trail, there are at least 16 museums throughout the state devoted to blues, including the Robert Johnson Heritage & Blues Museum at Crystal Springs and the Mississippi Music Museum at Hazlehurst.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Christian music biopic “I Can Only Imagine” had a surprising performance at the domestic box office back in 2018. The film made $83 million despite never finishing above the #3 position on any given weekend. While it never escaped the shadow of “Black Panther,” which beat it every weekend, it did manage to ultimately outdo the Alicia Vikander “Tomb Raider” and badly-received kaiju sequel “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” both of which had better weekends in their respective debuts in the film’s first two weeks. The film did well because it had stamina and passionate support. Now sequel “I Can Only Imagine 2” has also debuted in the #3 position, behind the second weekends of both “Wuthering Heights” and “GOAT.” Will it have the stamina and support to pull off a similarly impressive showing? Probably not, but only time will tell. I did not see the first film, but I understand that it ended with songwriter Bart Millard (J. Michael Finley) penning one of the biggest Christian crossover hits of all time following the death of his abusive, yet redemption-seeking father (Dennis Quaid). Millard starts this film by assuring us that his story did not end with his achieving financial success in the early 2000’s. Life went on, and as life does, and it contained hardship. In the wake of the song’s success, Bart and his wife Shannon (Sophie Skelton, taking over the role from Madeline Carroll) have a scare when their son Sam suffers a diabetes-related seizure. He’ll have to spend the rest of his life receiving regular insulin injections, which scare him tremendously. Ten years later, in the early 2010’s, Sam (Sammy Dell) is a sullen teenager, while Bart and Shannon, having had four more children, aren’t as financially stable as they once were. Brick (Trace Adkins), manager of Bart’s band MercyMe, informs them that their upcoming tour is in jeopardy due to the headliner pulling out. The tour can continue with MercyMe as headliners, but they’ll need a new opening act. With curiously no time given to the decision-making process, the film introduces Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia), a struggling musician with a loving wife (Arielle Kebbel), an obsession with hymn “It Is Well With My Soul,” and a suspicious gratitude for every day that suggests he has been told his days are numbered. Bart, Tim, and the rest of MercyMe go on tour, with Sam tagging along to spend some quality time with his dad. Though Tim and Sam get along well, with the professional even inviting the aspiring musician to perform with him, the relationship between Bart and Sam is fraught with tension. Bart needs Sam to take his insulin shots on schedule, and Sam wants to avoid them at all costs. Bart wonders if he’s being a monster by “hurting” Sam, the way his father was a monster by hurting him. The film treats this insecurity like a legitimate question, but… the answer is no. Flat no. Bart’s father’s beatings didn’t take the form of delivering life-saving insulin. It’s not the same thing. Next dilemma, please. There are plenty of dilemmas throughout “I Can Only Imagine 2.” Both Sam and Tim struggle with health problems, Bart is under a lot of pressure to write another hit after ten years, his marriage has seen better days, the bus breaks down at one point, etc. But, this being the “uplifting” movie that it is, you can probably guess that faith will see these characters through their various crises. Faith is certainly not a guarantee that these characters (or anyone else) will not experience loss or despair, but genre expectations are such that things aren’t likely to end on a down note.   Grade: C   “I Can Only Imagine 2” is rated PG for thematic material and some language. Its running time is 110 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Wesson News   A major arts and crafts expo featuring name artisans from throughout the Southeast will debut on May 2 and 3 at Lincoln Civic Center.   “This expo will bring together the recognized pros,” says Lincoln Civic Center Director Chaston Bullock.  “The exhibitors must formally apply to participate.  They will be thoroughly vetted, and their crafts will be authenticity screened.  This won’t be a show of amateur hobbyists no matter how good they are.”   Among the expected 30 to 35 exhibitors will be Randy Castan, known for his forged and fired knives; potter Janet Smith and Larry Cotton, who makes hummingbird houses and feeders.  In addition to displaying their products, the exhibitors will present special shows about them and their crafting techniques.   The Arts and Crafts Expo is among an array of shows and events the Lincoln Civic Center and Brookhaven/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce (BLCCC) are producing and promoting in the area during 2026.   This month, BLCCC kicked off its program year once again by giving area residents a taste of a New Orleans style Mardi Gras festival.  On Saturday, February 7, the Whitworth Avenue area near the main stage by the log cabin in Brookhaven was the site of its annual family-oriented Downtown Jazzed Up from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with live music, food vendors and jumper inflatables for kids.  Downtown Brookhaven restaurants also served specials throughout the day.   Upcoming events are:   February 21.   Krew of Ceres annual Brookhaven Charity Ball  at Lincoln Civic Center, a benefit for area service organizations.  The court is presented at the ball, and the king and queen are crowned. Tickets can be purchased from any Krewe of Ceres member. Call 601-823-9064 for more information.   February 26 – March 2.   The Classic Kids Consignment Store , kids clothes and furniture on sale at Lincoln Civic Center.   March 7.   Go Into Town  Car Show  produced by area truck and auto parts and accessories suppliers and promoted by BLCCC Tourism Council.  The show featured 350 vehicle last year.   March 16-May 31.   Diamond Youth Baseball competition at Lincoln Civic Center ballpark.   March 23-26.   Wood Magic produced by David Livingston at Lincoln Civic Center explores the logging industry.  Oriented to school students.   March 30-April 4.   Bunny Hop , an annual Easter-themed shopping event in downtown Brookhaven featuring more than 20 participating retailers, prize drawings, and special promotions.  Organized by  BLCCC.   April (date to be determined).  Annual BLCC breakfast with area lawmakers  following Mississippi State Legislature 2026 session discuss actions and answer questions.   June 12 & 13.   Tri State Rodeo Association Shelby Bearden Ole Brook Rodeo attracts participants from throughout the nation who compete for cash prizes and to move on to vie for championships in varied categories worldwide.   June 25.   Girls Night Out.   This BLCCC signature event is the perfect way for the savvy or social shopper to experience the best of retail and restaurants in Brookhaven.   June 26 & 27.   Beautifully Broken Ministries  conducts a women’s religious conference at Lincoln Civic Center.   July 4.   A spectacular 30-minute fireworks display  sponsored by area lawmakers celebrates the 250 th  birthday of the USA starts at 9 p.m. on the grounds at Lincoln Civic Center.   Food will be available from vendors.  Music accompanies the display on Super Talk Radio.   August 21-23.   The Southwest Mississippi Wildlife Expo , a family-oriented outdoor event held at Lincoln Civic Center  features hunting/fishing vendors, wildlife exhibits and conservation education. It serves as a regional showcase for outdoor gear, with live demonstrations, competitions (i.e., turkey calling), and celebrity guests.      October 3.   The Ole Brook Festival , a BLCCC event held in downtown Brookhaven, features more than 100 arts, crafts and food vendors. A tradition since 1974, it offers live music, a classic car show and a kids' zone.    December 3.  Brookhaven Christmas parade sponsored by BLCCC.   During the spring, summer and fall, BLCCC also sponsors concert series featuring area bands and entertainers, dates to be determined.               For more information about BLCCC events and promotions, go to visitbrookhavenms.com on the web.  Visit www.lincolnciviccenter.com  or call 601-823-9064 for information about Lincoln Civic Center events.

As a reminder, Mississippians need to be aware of upcoming important dates and deadlines for the 2026 Primary Election for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on March 10. 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.   In-Person Absentee Voting Circuit Clerk's Offices will be open this Saturday, February 28, from 8:00 a.m. until noon for in-person absentee voting for the 2026 Primary Election. The last day to vote in-person absentee is Saturday, March 7. Circuit Clerk's Offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. until noon. All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, March 10 (Election Day). To track your mail-in absentee ballot, visit the My Election Day portal . To learn more about absentee voting requirements, visit the Secretary of State's  Absentee Voting Information webpage .   UOCAVA Voter Registration Deadline For non-registered UOCAVA voters to vote in the 2026 Primary Election, Circuit Clerk's Offices must be in actual receipt of a completed Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) from a UOCAVA voter by Saturday, February 28. For more information regarding how to cast a UOCAVA ballot, please contact your local election officials or email  UOCAVA@sos.ms.gov .   The Secretary of State's Office is your primary and trusted source for election information. For questions, please contact the Elections Division at 1-800-829-6786, email  ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov , or visit  YallVote.ms . 2026 Primary Election Dates for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate February 28 - Saturday In-Person Absentee Voting Begins for the 2026 Primary Election March 7 - In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline for the 2026 Primary Election March 10 - Primary Election Day (U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate) Deadline for the postmark of mail-in absentee ballots