Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     Many things like our car washes, ATMs, and grocery stores now boast that they have contactless accessibility. “NO TOUCHING, KEEP TO YOUR YOURSELF SO YOU WON’T RISK BEING CONTAMINATED OR INVOLVED.” And that concept works for keeping yourself germ-free in this scary disease-ridden world. But not so effective in rearing kids. We are now seeing the effects of living as touch-me-nots, where impressionable kids have too many of their relationships through texting, social media, and phone calls. Instead of eye-to-eye conversations, hugs, and hands-on discipline. I believe this type of hands-off emotionally distant parenting has resulted in a generation of kids living in loneliness, despair, and depression. Sure, you may not hear a child specifically verbalize that is how they feel. But watch. Listen between the lines. If you take the time, I think you will realize that our current remote style of relating is taking its toll. Too many of America’s families are suffering from the lack of home-time and intimacy. Being gathered around the dining room table eating together, talking, listening, and even the inevitable arguing among siblings is a vital part of learning how to function in life, how to relate to others. And having to share a bedroom, “Oh, God forbid!” with a sibling is not a bad curse on a child. On the contrary, a kid learns to share, to compromise, to lay in their bed and listen to another’s hurts and successes.  And learn that the feelings and opinions of others really do matter. Pretty successful training for a budding adult. Isolationism is taking a tragic toll on our country’s society. Remember, as the kids go, so goes a nation. After all, the way you are raised as a child plays a part in how you function as an adult. If you are emotionally isolated in childhood, there is a good chance those young years will influence how you function in your grownup years.   As a result, many neighborhoods are segregating into many small microcosms, where only very few make a concentrated effort to care for more than those within their small circle. Gone are the days when neighbors deliberately became friends, or at least made that effort. Therefore, trust and closeness in our neighborhoods, where we each care about the welfare of others on our street, is just about down the drain. How do we begin to turn this around? In your own home, first of all. Secondly, start with a neighbor. Be it the little widow lady who lives on the corner, or the huge family next door. Reach out in warmth, friendliness and kindness. Go out of your way to introduce yourself. Retrieve their empty trash can for them after trash pickup day – it won’t kill you. Offer to help them with a chore, and don’t take it personally when they shy away at first offer. After all, nowadays, neighbors aren’t really trusted at first. Just begin. Our country’s worth it.

Special to Wesson News   Marilyn Britt told Aldermen about town museum’s progress.  Rehabilitation of the former electric building and later the venue for the local Boy Scouts program is progressing towards creation of a town museum, Marilyn Britt, Librarian at Wesson Public Library, reported to Town Alderman.   Funded by a $9,500 Home Depot grant, Friends of the Library (FOL) is spearheading the project.  The initial work includes moisture-proofing the building, installation of climate control equipment, a thorough cleaning and repairs to doors and floor.  A second phase of work the will require more funding, including support being sought from other donors, will include installation of a new window, ramp for disabled persons, dehumidifier and other HVAC equipment, and upgrading of plumbing and electrical systems.   The Alderman also heard reports on:   March Wesson police activity presented by Chief Chad O’Quinn: 69 tickets and citations related to driving, vehicular, dog ordinance and open container violations; three misdemeanor and two felony arrests and response to a domestic violence simple assault, four animal calls and three disturbances among other incidents.  In total, WPD handled 235 phone and walk-in complaints and conducted 238 business checks.   Progress of new water meter installations, including discovery of a variety of errant readings by old meters.   The Alderman also voted to:   Authorize participation of Police Chief O’Quinn and Assistant Police Chief Tim Stevens in state Chief training.   Approve annual contribution to state Police Chiefs Association.   Send the Deputy Town Clerk for election training at Ridgeland, Mississippi.   Adopt the water department’s annual assessment and readopt its emergency response plan.

By: Kara Kimbrough Spaghetti salad, full of chopped vegetables and tangy dressing, is the perfect hot-weather meal or side dish.     When I say “salads are spring/summer survival food,” I’m not referring to pale leaves of iceberg lettuce topped with a few shakes of tasteless low or no-fat dressing. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think a top-heavy salad of rich ranch dressing, oil-laden croutons and salty bacon pieces on a miniscule layer of lettuce constitutes a healthy meal. But at the same time, there has to be “just a little” substance to my salads. And there’s no time like the present to begin compiling a list of some of my go-to salads as spring and soon, summer, requires lighter meals and side dishes without turning on the oven.        First, I absolutely love pasta, so finding a new way to transform my favorite carb into a salad always makes my day. I jotted down the ingredients for Spaghetti Salad. A quick trip to the supermarket yielded the ingredients for the easy dish that turned out even better than expected. The tasty, satisfying dish will be a staple in my refrigerator for a quick meal or to take to gatherings when a side dish is required. Due to the oil-based dressing, this salad will hold up well outdoors at backyard cookouts and on summer picnics and beach trips.       Following this discovery, I watched an online demonstration of a busy mom creating easy lunches to take to work to save money. First, I was intrigued by her salad prep work. Using her grandmother’s recipe, she pickled sliced red onions to serve as crunchy toppings. For protein, she bakes or grills several chicken breasts and slices 1-2 daily to top the salad. And the creamy dressing looked easy and delicious. Because the salad is so tasty, she claims to never tire of it, bringing it or a variation to work every few days.      Here are two of the spring/summer salads I tried this week, along with my new find, a way to pickle red onions…the old-fashioned way, of course.   Spaghetti Salad 1 pound spaghetti (heavier than angel hair) 1-2 large tomatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 green pepper, sliced 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced thin ½ cup sliced black or green olives ½ cup pickled onions (more to taste) 16-ounce bottle Italian dressing (I like Wish-Bone) 8 ounces fresh mozzarella ½ cup grated parmesan 2-3 tablespoons Salad Supreme   Boil pasta until al dente. When done, drain in colander and run under cold water until cooled. Pour into a large serving bowl and add chopped vegetables, stirring well to combine. Pour in dressing and additional toppings; stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour; preferable overnight, before serving. Pickled Onions 2 small red onions 2 cups white vinegar 2 cups water ⅓ cup sugar 2 tablespoons salt      Thinly slice onions and divide the onions between 2 (16-ounce) jars or 3 (10-ounce) jars. Heat the vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve, about 1 minute. Let cool and pour over the onions. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. The onions will be ready to eat once they're bright pink and tender - about 1 hour for very thinly sliced onions, or overnight for thicker sliced onions. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.   Everyday Salad Salad: 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce 2 cups chopped green leaf lettuce 4 ounces sliced cooked chicken Pickled onions Slices of avocado, tomato or other favorite vegetable Dressing: ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon mayonnaise (I used olive oil-based) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese    Add dressing ingredients to bottom of mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Add chopped lettuce and toss well to combine. Top with diced chicken, pickled onions and sliced vegetables.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Dr. Stephanie L. Henderson of Brookhaven has been named Dean of Academic Instruction at Copiah-Lincoln Community College effective July 1, 2025. A seasoned educator and administrator, Henderson brings more than two decades of experience in K-12 and higher education to her new role. "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Stephanie Henderson to the Co-Lin family," said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. "Her extensive experience and strong reputation in academic leadership make her an exceptional addition to our team. We look forward to the vision and energy she will bring as our new Dean of Academic Instruction." As Dean, Henderson will oversee the academic instructional programs of the college, working with faculty and staff to maintain high academic standards, promote student success, and support curriculum innovation across all campuses. "I am excited to join the Co-Lin family and contribute to its strong tradition of academic excellence," said Henderson. "My passion lies in supporting students, empowering faculty, and helping institutions thrive through intentional leadership and collaboration." Henderson currently serves as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University. She previously served as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership at Mississippi College. Her administrative background also includes serving as Interim Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent in the Brookhaven School District, where she led district-wide instructional planning, compliance initiatives, and strategic budgeting. Throughout her career, Henderson has championed accreditation readiness, curriculum development, and equity in education. She has advised doctoral students, led academic committees, and facilitated professional development at the local and state levels. Henderson earned a Doctor of Education and Education Specialist degree from Mississippi College, a master's degree from Millsaps College, and a bachelor's degree from Spelman College. She is also a certified accreditation team member with both CAEP and Cognia and was named Mississippi College's Distinguished Alumna in 2022. She is actively involved in her community as a teacher and ministry leader in her church, a life member of the Junior Auxiliary of Brookhaven, a member of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Scholarship Committee, and a member of the Mississippi Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College. She also serves as a board member for both Mission First and Magnolia Speech School and is an active member of The Natchez, Mississippi Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is married to Dr. Roderick Henderson, and they have two sons, RJ and Michael. "Dr. Henderson brings a depth of knowledge, a passion for education, a strong track record of academic leadership, and a high level of professionalism that make her an excellent fit for this role," said Dr. Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Wesson Campus. "Her experience as both a classroom educator and an academic administrator in higher education gives her a well-rounded perspective that will serve our faculty, staff, and students well. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Co-Lin family and look forward to the positive impact she will make."

Clifton Jernigan Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomore Clifton Jernigan of Eupora has been named a Mississippi State University (MSU) Presidential Partnership Scholarship recipient. The Presidential Partnership Scholarship will cover the cost of full-time tuition at MSU for two years, totaling over $20,000. This scholarship is only for community college transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa and have showcased academic excellence and leadership on campus. Recipients are nominated by the president at their community college and selected by the MSU Scholarship Committee. "I am beyond grateful for Dr. Middleton and everything he has done for me while at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and his nomination for the Presidential Partnership has been one of my highlights at CLCC," said Jernigan. "He made my transition from Eupora to Wesson seamless. I would also like to thank ALL faculty and staff on campus. If I were to name each person, I would go way behind the word count, but I can tell you that if it was not for EVERY single faculty and staff on campus, I would not be where I am today. These people do not get enough recognition!" Jernigan was recently inducted into the 2024-2025 Co-Lin Hall of Fame. He is a Pitts Presidential Scholar and serves as President of the Trailblazers and Vice President of Student Government Association. He also serves as President of the Eta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and the Co-Lin C.A.R.E.S Club. Jernigan is active with the Baptist Student Union and serves on the leadership team and in the praise band. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Science Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Co-Lin Honors College, and the Wolf Tales student newspaper. He is also on the Co-Lin Cheerleading team serving as the college's mascot, Mr. Wolf. He was named Phi Theta Kappa Officer of the Year, Most Distinguished Regional Member for MS/LA, and to Who's Who at Co-Lin. He was elected by his peers as Mr. Co-Lin. Jernigan was a member of the Wolves Tennis team his freshman year where he was named MACCC All-Academic First Team. "If you would have told me about Copiah-Lincoln Community College two years ago, I would have said, "yeah, that's the place south of Jackson that has a wolf mascot, right?", Jernigan stated. "Standing where I am now, I can personally tell you that Co-Lin is way more than just that... it is truly my home away from home! Ever since I first stepped foot on campus, everyone from faculty to staff to students have been extremely kind and inviting." After Co-Lin, he will pursue a bachelor's degree in microbiology with plans to attend medical school to become a pediatric physician. He is the son of Bubba and Randee Jernigan of Eupora. "I will miss Copiah-Lincoln Community College more than most people realize! For those of you who do not know me, Cracker Barrel is literally my favorite part about Brookhaven, Mississippi," said Jernigan. "I love it so much that it was one of my main deciding factors for attending Co-Lin. So, I say this next statement with all my heart: I love y'all more than Cracker Barrel. Thank y'all for everything that you have done for me, and I hope I can repay the favor someday!"

Misty Strieff Prine “If what’s ahead scares you and what’s behind hurts you, just look above. He never fails to help you.” - Unknown. The scars, pain, and baggage of past mistakes as well as the unforeseen negatives, worries, and fears of tomorrow can easily rob today of the joy that God intended on us to have. We are unconditionally loved and forgiven of our past by God once we ask. No questions asked. The bible tells us that He forgives our sin as far as the east is from the west. Where on earth would we be without His grace and mercy? He tells us in Matthew 6:34 that we shouldn't worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Why? Because each day we live will assuredly have enough trouble of its own to deal with without us adding any additional worry to it. So, what do we do to handle what we face today? No matter how far down we seem to be sinking in life's trials, we can always look above for answers. God has, is and will ALWAYS remain by our side both when we feel as if we are on top of the mountains and most certainly when we walk through the valleys. He is the only person that will never let us down. He will always be there to help us even when we feel as if help is far from our grasp. May we always be mindful of the fact that God didn't intend on us to carry around the weight of past mistakes nor the worry of what will happen tomorrow. His shoulders are plenty wide enough to handle all of that for us. If you are a sinner saved by grace, your past no longer has a hold on you. Your future is secured. That is all you need to remember. Ask God to help you take one day at a time and to guide you through every decision you are set to make each day. Don't worry about anything...period. I know it's hard, believe you me, I know. But when you do so you truly make yourself miserable. Don't give the enemy the satisfaction. Instead, smile and live life knowing you are loved and forgiven by the King of Glory! That is the peace that comes with knowing Jesus as your Savior and Lord. For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By Misty Strieff Prine “Pray to God even after He gives you what you were praying for.” – Unknown                 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~                                                         Prayer is such a blessing. It's not intended to be a crutch, only to be used when you need something, but a direct line of communication with the Lord that is open 24/7. It's truly a blessing and a privilege. When you wake up, you need to pray. Throughout your day, when things go well, be thankful in prayer. Just a little "Thank you Jesus" is sufficient. When things go bad, pray. When you lay down at night, pray. Prayer is critical in the life of a believer because it provides peace and comfort that only talking to your best friend (the person who loves you more than anything in the world and thought you were worth dying for) can give. God will answer you in His time and when He does, don't for one second think you can stop praying. Thank Him for the answered prayer and then keep praying. Pray for others. Pray for God to put you where you need to be. Pray for God's will to be done in your life. Pray to have eyes that see people the way God sees them; not on the clothes they wear, the money in their bank account or the fancy house or car they have-but their hearts. Strive to see their need and to pray for them. Here's a biggie...pray for those who hurt you. Whew! I bet that stopped you in your tracks! That is one of the hardest things to do but one of the most rewarding things at the same time. If you haven’t tried it, please do so. I don’t mean just one time, but continuously. Do you know what that does? It not only has you following God’s commandments but all the while, it steadily give you your peace back more than you realize. Why do you think God tells us to do it? You are forgiving them a little at time, or who knows, a whole lot at a time. God has a reason for EVERYTHING y’all.                 There is ALWAYS something to pray about and there is always someone to pray for. Let me tell you this one thing. There is always something to be thankful for. Pray to God and tell Him thank you, even if it’s for waking you up today. You’re reading this right now so He gave you another day. Have you thanked Him for that?                  Never. Stop. Praying. No matter what life throws your way, God can see you through it. Prayer will keep you afloat when the waters seem to swallow you up. Prayer is a gift from God. Use it. It’s a blessings and a lifeline.                 **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By Misty Strieff Prine “Repeat after me: My current situation is not my permanent destination.” – Unknown Hello, my sweet friends, neighbors and precious community. I hope life has been treating you kind lately. Oh, that little thing called life. It can be a fickle thing, can’t it? You can be on the top of that mountain one second and walking in that valley for what seems like weeks in the blink of an eye. I came across this quote the other day and I thought it was perfect for this message. So many people today feel like they are stuck in a rut and spinning their wheels. They feel like their current situation is permanent. NOPE! At any given moment in time, friend, you can change your situation. You first must get it in your mind that you have the ability and the right to change your situation at any given moment in time. You don't have to wait for anyone else to make that decision for you. The first decision you must make is surrendering every problem you are facing to Jesus. Do you have that relationship with Him today? This world and everything in it, including the situations we find ourselves in the midst of...are TEMPORARY. The decision you make while on this earth to either accept Jesus or reject Him, is a PERMANENT decision for a permanent destination. I pray today that you've made the decision to accept Him as Lord and Savior of your life. If not, I pray that you will search your heart and talk to Jesus. Admit that you are a sinner, believe that He is the Son of God, ask Him to forgive you and come into your heart and save you. Truly turn your life around and tell others about your decision. Live a life that shows others that Jesus is now the Lord of your life. So, no matter what you are facing right now, don't give up. Better days are coming. How quickly you find those better days is totally up to you. You can either wallow in self-pity or decide to change your circumstances. After all, change is good. You deserve to be happy. Start with changing the things that bring you down. If you need to start with your inner circle, start there. Surround yourself with positivity. Your circle needs to be made up of people who celebrate your successes with you, pray for you when you are in those valleys and support you no matter what you go through. If you don’t have that kind of support group, guess what? There is One person that you will ALWAYS have and that is Jesus! Do you know Him today? I pray that you do. If you don’t, let today be that day. Tomorrow is not promised. He wants a relationship with you, in good times and bad. He will never leave you or forsake you. Jesus does not nor will He ever break promises. **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By Misty Strieff Prine                 Each year on Easter, we are reminded of the fact that we serve a RISEN Savior. We focus on the days leading up to when our Savior was crucified for our sins. We know that on that third day, He arose from the grave and by His willingness to give His own life for ours, He made a way, the ONLY way, by which we could be forgiven for our sins. Saving grace could only be brought by the shed blood of a perfect lamb...the Son of God. He willingly gave His life for you and for me on that cruel cross of Calvary. And one day, He is coming back! Will you be ready?                 There is a special highlight of a part of scripture that I love to focus on each Easter “Why did Jesus fold the napkin?” The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed separate from the grave clothes. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. He bent down and looked in to see the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen cloths lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side. Was that important? Absolutely! Is it significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now, if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. During those times, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!' HE'S COMING BACK!!!! **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By Misty Strieff Prine                 “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.” Isaiah 41:10                 This is my oldest son’s favorite bible verse. He is a senior in high school this year. It does my heart good to know that this is a verse that he clings to so much and always has. He has always had it imprinted on all of his baseball gloves over the years, he put it under his picture in his senior yearbook, on his invitations, you name it. This mama’s heart can’t help but be blessed by this.                 I know so many people today who are struggling with hurt, grief, and may even feel as though they are not enough. Days are going to be hard. That’s a given. God never promised an easy road but He did promise to always be with us. He will strengthen us when we are weary and heavy with burdens. He is the Almighty God. He is capable of all things. Our enemy knows that and he will go out of his way to make you feel miserable to lose sight of how blessed you really are and how AMAZING your God is! Don’t give the enemy the satisfaction. You are amazing just the way you are. You are awesome. You are loved. You are significant. You matter! So, hang in there. A bad day only last 24 hours and just because you have a bad day doesn’t mean you have a bad life. I have this mindset: if the devil beats you down at every turn, you must be doing something right. It’s going to be okay!  Hold on to the Lord and your faith. They will see you through this valley you are in.                 I found this from Jodi Ann Bickley and it’s titled “This Letter is to you.” It says, “The you that’s had a rough week. The you that seems to be under constant storm clouds. The you that feels invisible. The you that doesn’t know how much longer you can hold on. The you that has lost faith. The you that always blames yourself for everything that goes wrong. To you. You are incredible. You make this world a little bit more wonderful. You have so much potential and so many things left to do. You have time. Better things are coming your way. So please hang in there! You can do it.”                 God has you my friend. He is right beside you every step of the way. Remember to be still and talk to God. He’s there for you 24/7. He’s your lifeline. Allow Him to give you His strength.                 **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Governor Reeves declares May 4 – May 10, 2025, Hurricane Preparedness Week for the State of Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges citizens to prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Last year, there were 18 named storms, 11 of which formed into hurricanes, and five intensified into major hurricanes. According to the National Weather Service, an average season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.    "The upcoming hurricane season marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which serves as a reminder about the significant challenges our state can face from powerful storms," said Governor Tate Reeves.  "I encourage all residents to take proactive steps in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season. Being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and minimizing damage."   "I encourage all Mississippians to use Hurricane Preparedness Week to prepare now, by assembling an emergency supply kit, developing a family emergency plan, and determining evacuation routes," says MEMA's Executive Director Stephen McCraney. "By taking precautions now, we can safeguard our communities from any potential tropical storms. Let's work together to ensure the safety and resilience of Mississippi during this hurricane season."   Every Mississippi family should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with necessities like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, etc. To download a copy of the disaster supply checklist,  click here . MEMA encourages homeowners to do an insurance check before hurricane season; homeowners should also purchase flood insurance if their home is in a special flood hazard zone.   During Hurricane Preparedness Week, MEMA will highlight key messages, facts, and ways to be prepared on our social media platforms. Here are the key topics for each day:   • May 4, 2025 - Know Your Risk: Wind & Water • May 5, 2025 - Prepare Before Hurricane Season • May 6, 2025 - Understand Forecast Information • May 7, 2025 - Get Moving When a Storm Threatens • May 8, 2025 - Stay Protected During Storms • May 9, 2025 - Use Caution After Storms • May 10, 2025 - Take Action Today   The official Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1, 2025- November 30, 2025.   Mississippians can also view MEMA's Hurricane Preparedness Guide  here. MEMA's Hurricane Guide in Spanish can be viewed  here. MEMA's Hurricane Guide in Vietnamese can be viewed  here.

The Copiah-Lincoln Community College athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Randy Bolden of Jackson, Mississippi, as the new head men's basketball coach.   "I am truly honored and humbled to be named the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Copiah-Lincoln Community College," stated Bolden. "This is a tremendous opportunity and I'm incredibly excited to get started building on the rich tradition of Co-Lin Basketball."   "First, I want to thank Dr. Dewayne Middleton and Bryan Nobile for their faith in me and for entrusting me with the leadership of this program," added Bolden. "I'm also eager to connect with our student-athletes, get to know their strengths, and begin working together towards our shared goals."   The native of Jackson, Mississippi attended Forest Hill High School and then played at Texas Southern from 1994-94 where he earned SWAC Player of the Year honors his junior and senior seasons and was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year for the 1994-95 season. Bolden also finished Top 10 nationally in scoring and helped lead the team to the NCAA Tournament in 1995 where they almost upset defending national champion in Arkansas losing by one point, 79-78.   "We are excited to welcome Randy as our next men's basketball coach," said Co-Lin Athletic Director Bryan Nobile. "We are fortunate not only to hire someone with his experience in the MACCC, but he is well known in the high school ranks statewide. He brings the passion, drive, and leadership to the program that we are looking for and I look forward to Coach Bolden getting to Wesson and starting work."   Bolden comes to Co-Lin after spending the last four seasons at Mississippi College where he guided the Choctaws to the GSC Tournament in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, the Choctaws first appearance since the 1995-96 season. Prior to his time at MC, Bolden was the head coach at Jones where he led the Bobcats to an 59-31 record in four seasons. His tenure there featured back-to-back 20-win seasons, a South Division title, conference runner-up, and Region 23 runner-up. He also signed seventeen players to the Division I level in his first three seasons with the Bobcats. Before his time at Jones, he spent one season as an assistant coach at Hinds after a successful nine-year stint as the head coach at Meridian High School from 2007-2016. During his time at Meridian, he had a career 227-55 record while guiding the Wildcats to the 2011 6A MHSAA Championship along with back-to-back South State titles in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Bolden was also the head coach at Pearl High School from 2004-07 after beginning his coaching career as an assistant at Provine High School from 2002-04.   "My vision for Co-Lin Basketball is simple: we will be a program built on hard work, discipline, and a commitment to academic excellence," said Bolden. "We will play an exciting brand of basketball focused on aggressive defense and an up-tempo offense. More importantly, we will strive to develop young men of character who will be successful both on and off the court."   After he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Texas Southern, Bolden played professional basketball in Iceland, Brazil, and Canada from 1998-2002. He also earned a Master of Science in health, physical education, and recreation from Jackson State University in 2006.   Bolden has one son, Rashad, who played for him at Mississippi College and was a 1st Team All-GSC honoree in the 2023-24 season after finishing second in the nation in Division II in scoring and led the team in assists. Rashad was also named to the NABC South All-District 2nd team that season.   "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Randy Bolden to the Co-Lin family," stated Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. "With Coach Bolden at the helm, we are excited about the future of our men's basketball program. His dedication to fostering high character and leadership in his players will undoubtedly inspire them to reach their full potential. His vision and leadership will be instrumental in continuing our tradition of athletic excellence and community engagement."   "We will be active members of the Wesson community and represent Co-Lin with pride and integrity," added Bolden. "I understand the high expectations that come with this position and I'm embracing that challenge! I'm confident that, together, we can achieve great things, and I can't wait to get to work and share this journey with the entire Co-Lin family. Go Wolves!"