Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com A grizzled old man observed with trained eyes and alert ears as the novice young man did his best to hold his own at a table filled with experienced, skillful gamblers and crooked card sharks.  Needless to say, things were going from bad to worse.   At the end of the long night, the elderly gentleman quietly followed the dejected fellow who now walked with much lighter pockets. He watched as the angry and humbled wannabe used his room key and then slammed his door closed behind him. Noting the room number, the old man shuffled to his own room, sat down at the room’s little desk and began to write.   Young man, Listen to me.  Yes, I know, you don’t know me, and have no reason to trust me. But I am the old man you may have glimpsed sitting quietly in the corner of the room earlier. Watching and listening.   Son, I’ve been watching you. Losing, again and again. How much longer do you think you can keep this up? How long before you lose absolutely everything that is valuable to you?  I’ve been a professional gambler for more years than you can even count. You could say I wrote the book on gambling. There is nothing new at any table that I haven’t already seen. I’ve experienced it all, and I’ve played it all. I’ve already seen every con, scam and every trick there is, from every kind of shady and crooked player.   Young friend, don’t try to take gaming shortcuts that look promising. They don’t work. Sure, they look shiny and great at first, like a sparkling diamond glittering in the sunlight. But shortcuts are fake roads and always end up putting you in the ditch…or worse.   Believe me and take this chance I am offering. Meet me downstairs in the restaurant at noon tomorrow. Don’t worry ‘bout finding me, I’ll find you. And I promise, if you will listen to me, learn what I will teach you, and mimic my methods, you will win.   Your friend, One Who Knows   The old man folded the note, and sealed it in an envelope. He then slowly and stiffly walked to the room of the foolish young gambler, leaned down with aching joints and slid it under the door. With a tired sigh that was a mixture of hope and a certain amount of resignation, he returned to his own room and fell into bed.   Now, read this story again. Only this time, substitute your Creator God for the grizzled old man in the story. And your own name instead of the foolish young man.   The game? This life that you’re trying to live. The crooked card sharks? The devil and his demons. The shortcuts? Every time you have attempted to play on your own, and lost more than you have ever won. Winning? Here… and in eternity.   A lot of truth can be found in a game of cards.

Wesson News   The Co-Lin Foundation recently held its 22nd annual scholarship reception at the Thames Center.   Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton gave the welcome.   Student scholarship recipient comments were given by Clifton Jernigan, who serves as Phi Theta Kappa president, Trailblazers president, Student Government Association vice president, cheerleader, special events coordinator for Baptist Student Union and plays in the praise band, among many other roles as a Co-Lin student. Jernigan plans to become a pediatrician in his hometown of Eupora.   “I want to leave a positive impact on Co-Lin,” said Jernigan, as he spoke to the crowd of just under three hundred reception attendees.  “I cannot express how thankful I am to my donors. Without you, the students wouldn’t be able to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”  Angela Furr, executive director of foundation and alumni relations, recognized scholarship recipients and donors.   Co-Lin awards approximately three hundred annual scholarships, more than $300,000 annually from approximately seventy-five donors, across all three of its campuses. Around two hundred fifteen those are Wesson campus students.

Wesson News   The American Legion supports its “Four Pillars” - veterans, defense, youth and Americanism.    "Be a part of making a difference in this community by joining the American Legion Drane-Prine Post 79 in Wesson," said Bobby Thornton, post commander.   The organization holds monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 pm. at the post, which is located at 1014 Main Street.    Membership in the American Legion is open to veterans and active-duty military members of any age. Sons of the American Legion membership is open to anyone who is related to a veteran or active-duty military member. Auxiliary members must be eighteen years of age or older and a mother, sister, daughter, granddaughter or spouse of a veteran or active-duty military member, living or deceased, but no more than two generations away. Junior memberships are available for students until age eighteen.   Dual membership in both the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion is permitted.   Dues for 2024-24 membership year are $45, Auxiliary Unit dues are $34, and Sons of the American Legion dues are $15.   Those who are interested in joining any of the organizations are encouraged to come to one of the monthly meetings, which includes dinner, and fill out the membership application.   "You can call us a ‘family,’ because that's exactly what we are," said Whittington. "We actually won the ‘American Legion Family Award’ - we won first place last year and second place this year. It's a special honor that goes to the post in the state with the best camaraderie on the most philanthropic projects. Why wouldn't anyone want to be a part of this!"   For more information, visit Legion.org , visit the post’s and/or the auxiliary’s Facebook page, or call Bobby Thornton, post commander, at 601-951-5871 for an application.

By Mika Hartman Hudson is my hero; however, you don’t need superpowers to sense other people’s emotions or need a power to tell you what someone else might be thinking or feeling. It’s called “empathy”. Some have these senses more than others. It took me being a momma to a child with special needs to truly have my power to see it, or not, in others so clearly. If your child fell and scraped their knee, you would likely tell them that you know it hurts. That you are sorry. You would probably blow on it, kiss it, make it feel better. You would let them know that you can feel that pain, too. It’s not sympathy, it’s empathy that they need. My child does not need your sympathy or your turned cheek when he’s hurting. He is just like every other child that needs love and reassurance that he will be okay. When you don’t try and imagine what he is feeling or thinking, you are not seeing him. This “empathy” word has been weighing heavily on me lately. I can give everything Hudson needs to live, be happy, provide comfort, communicate and embrace who Hudson was born to be… but many others can’t or won’t. So my efforts become limited to only a few who can understand how Hudson feels, communicate with him, see him and accept him. If you don’t have empathy, how will you inspire my hero to shine his brightest. Hudson will fall. He will struggle to show you when his iPad is dead or malfunctioning. He will cry out when his tummy hurts. He will grab snacks and shake the bag until you open it to give hime some. He will cry and you will have to guess until you figure it out… that is, if you figure it out. I have never prayed for Hudson to be different than who he was born to be. I wouldn’t change one hair on his head or one extra beautiful feature he was gifted; however, I did pray recently, for the first time, that he could one day be able to use some words. I was snuggling with Hudson as I was praying this; the tears of guilt for even asking made his head look like he just got out of the pool. Why was this my prayer? If I don’t want to change Hudson at all, why ask for this? Well… We recently were hit with the whole house stomach bug. It was brutal and ongoing, not the 24 hour kind. Hudson usually picks up every illness he comes across; he does’t have a great immune system and he loves to lick his hands, too. When your chid hurts like this and he can’t tell you what he needs, you feel completely helpless. As his mom, I can communicate pretty well… unless he is sick. Then it is truly try and try again. Hudson can’t tell me if his sock isn’t on correctly. He can’t tell me what hurts or if he stubbed his toe. Hudson can’t tell me he’s hot or cold. He can’t share if his head hurts or if he put a lego up his nose (this hasn’t happened, thankfully). This list goes on and on. Unless it’s a visible need, it might go unnoticed and this part kills me. I live with constant worry that I have missed something. Hudson might never talk. He might never get to tell me that he loves me using his voice. Even though he can’t use words yet, he does a wonderful job showing me how much he loves his life. It’s seen in his giggles, in smiles and definitely felt in his powerful kisses. His joy can be seen without words. I am finding a lot of the world desensitized to having empathy; it is a very selfish time today. Taking time to look at someone and guess what they might be thinking or feeling takes little effort, but many don’t outside of their own lives. I have watched moms on this journey struggle to carry the heavy that can be felt in daily life. I always thought that that would never be me, that I would carry it differently; my shoulders can’t afford chips if I want to carry this load the distance for Hudson. I don’t want your sympathy either. Empathy of warmth and compassion would go a long way. A better understanding of why I might decline an invitation to something; I want to go and love being invited, it might just not work. Or assuming I won’t come and therefore not even asking. Or if you change a date or time and I forget, my mental capacity is maxed out most days. Grace is always good for moms like me. The opposite of empathy is callous, heartless, inhuman, hard, insensitive, indifferent, and inhumane. When a mom is trying to be present in her world, change the world and not be angry at the world, see her. Know that you would deserve someone seeing you, experiencing your pain and joy, if you needed them to. Empathy is heartbreaking, but it makes us human. The one word describing empathy I don’t want is your pity. My life is one you may never experience and for that, I have EXTRA empathy that you’ll never know a love that I have.

By Bob Arnold   Active and retired military personnel, leaders and members of veterans organizations, representatives of agencies and groups serving veterans and public officials and other dignitaries are expected to help the Town of Wesson dedicate a long-planned veterans memorial at an 11 a.m. ceremony on November 11.   The Town’s public works department completed work on the memorial and grounds in recent weeks, funded by Blue Cross Healthy Hometown grant monies and assistance from local donors.  The memorial was part of the plans for the municipal park that opened eight years ago and was inspired by a ten-year old artist’s rendering.   The memorial is a new portion of the park behind the Copiah Clinic Wesson facility and beside the railroad tracks.    While the original artist’s rendering of the memorial showed a marble obelisk as its central feature, a less expensive 46-inch vertical 110-pound bronze statue – a Battlefield Cross created by Stan Watts at Atlas Bronze Castings in Salt Lake City, Utah – takes its place on the grounds.  The durable bronze statue has an estimated 4,000-year lifespan. The Battlefield Cross, or The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross, an iconic symbol which honors American men and women who gave their lives serving their country, recreates the ceremonial arrangement that soldiers in the field use to honor a soldier who has died on the battleground.  A helmet signifying the fallen solider is atop an inverted rifle with bayonet denoting a time for prayer and combat boots at the base represent the final march of a soldier’s last battle.    The image of the Battlefield Cross is believed to date back as far as the American Civil War, when it was used to mark the temporary grave of a fallen soldier. It was commonly used in World Wars I and II as a marker for personnel to remove a body for burial, and also as a memorial.  Since then, it has become a way for the living to memorialize and mourn those who die in battle.   The statue stands at the center in front of a brick wall with three 15-inch to 18-inch diameter 3D bronze emblems of the armed services flanking it on each side - Army, Marine Corps and Navy on the left, and Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force on the right.  In front of the wall, behind the statue and to its left and right, are the flags of Mississippi, the United States and POWs.   For the memorial, Wesson’s Aldermen have drawn on funds from the $100,000 Blue Cross Health Hometown grant designated for development of the municipal park, as well as donations.  The grant funds covered costs related to property purchases, including surveys and closing costs; site development, including dirt work and sod; and a walkway.  Alderman Michael King, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), provided funds to purchase the bronze Battlefield Cross, and Tori Earls, on behalf of Woodmen of the World, donated the flag poles.    The Town Aldermen welcome any other donations to fund the memorial, including the bronze service emblems, which are being purchased for $1,020 each. Those who wish to donate are asked to make checks payable to the Town of Wesson denoted for “Veteran’s Memorial” and deliver to City Hall.

Special to Wesson News Mississippi’s Secretary of State, Michael Watson, is urging Mississippians to exercise caution when donating to a charity or fundraiser, as there has been an uptick in activity from fraudulent charities operating in Mississippi.   "We know Mississippians are some of the most generous and hospitable folks in the nation, but it is important to always check the validity of a charity prior to donating,” said Watson. “Unfortunately, bad actors continue to solicit in our state, especially in-person, so we encourage you to do your research and ask questions prior to donating your hard-earned dollars."   For example, on July 10, 2024, the Secretary of State's Office issued a Cease and Desist Order against Restoration Houston Ministry, a group based in Houston, Texas. This organization has repeatedly solicited in Mississippi, while failing to comply with state law or register with the state’s Charities Division as an official charity. The Restoration Houston Ministry has refused to communicate with the Secretary of State's Office entirely, despite its efforts to solicit in Mississippi over the last ten years.   Mississippians are encouraged to question the validity of organizations, such as the Restoration Houston Ministry, who solicit donations. Legitimate organizations should be willing to communicate and register with the Secretary of State's Office.  It is also important to note that a 501(c)(3) status does not determine the validity of a charity. Many Mississippians will donate to an organization with this status, believing the federal 501(c)(3) status signifies an official charity in compliance with Mississippi law. Registration through Mississippi’s Charities Division is required before any charity (in-state or out-of-state) can solicit to Mississippi residents and be considered legitimate.   The Secretary of State's Office encourages Mississippians to utilize the resources available on the Charities Division webpage at www.sos.ms.gov/charities  to protect themselves and their hard-earned dollars.   For questions or more information, contact the Charities Division at 601-359-1599 or email Charities.CustomerService@sos.ms.gov . Tips for avoiding fraudulent charities: #CheckYourCharity! Before donating, verify an organization's validity through the Mississippi Charity Search portal ( bit.ly/4cDie2y ), or by calling the Charities Division at 601-359-1599. When in doubt, ask!   Legitimate charities will welcome inquiries. Mississippians should never feel pressured to send a donation "immediately" without receiving more information first. If in person, ask to see a copy of the Certificate of Registration from the Secretary of State's Office. Always get receipts  for donations. Be extra cautious  about solicitations via phone calls, texts, emails or mail. Help raise awareness  about the growing threat of scammers in the state. Educate yourself to help protect those around you!

By Bob Garver               Back in 2019, “Joker” managed to make over $1 billion at the global box office and earn itself 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and a Best Actor win for Joaquin Phoenix. I recall respecting the movie for Phoenix’s performance and the inspired idea to paint him as a Scorsese-style antihero, but I also recall not really “enjoying” the film in the traditional sense where I laughed or was thrilled very much. The film took a very realistic, mental-health heavy approach to the origin of the beloved Batman baddie, and I couldn’t help but feel that a movie that combined an evil clown with the world of standup comedy shouldn’t feel so grounded. In other words, “Why So Serious?”             Five years later, Phoenix and director Todd Phillips are back and have added some much-needed outrageous elements. Arthur “Joker” Fleck (Pheonix) is on trial for the crimes he committed in the first movie. His lawyer Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener) can save him from the death penalty if she can convince the court that Joker is a separate personality from Arthur that can be subdued. The prosecutor is none other than Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey), and of course fans are already licking their chops at the deliciousness of the character that is to become known as Two-Face arguing against a fellow Batman adversary having a split personality. It won’t be much of a surprise to say that Arthur isn’t going to follow his lawyer’s by-the-book counsel, and will instead use the televised trial as a forum to give the unhinged performance of a lifetime.             But Dent isn’t the only new member of Batman’s rogues gallery in the mix. The movie throws in a new take on Harley Quinn, played by the notoriously-audacious Lady Gaga. Arthur meets Harley while touring another part of Arkham Asylum, and a sadistic guard (Brendan Gleeson) lets them spend some time together, probably just so he can hurt Arthur by taking her away from him later. As if it weren’t enough for Gaga to be Phoenix’s figurative dance partner, she’s his actual dance partner too, because this movie is a musical! Over 20 song and/or dance numbers are performed throughout the film. Musical numbers still not enough? Okay, there’s also animation – a cartoon opens the movie. There shouldn’t be a single dull moment onscreen. And yet… this sequel is even more boring than the original.             How did this happen? I’ll start with the scenes of dialogue. There’s too much pausing and talking slowly. For all the talk of humor, these characters don’t have a great sense of timing. The musical numbers are all just dreary renditions of songs that make allusions to things that are comedy-related, but don’t have the energy to match. I guess Phillips thought he was onto something with that “Send in the Clowns” scene from the first movie, but that scene was only memorable because it was so unbelievable that a random stockbroker would know all the words to that song. As for action scenes, there isn’t much besides guards abusing their power, a non-fatal fire, and some admittedly good stuff toward the end that makes for too little, too late.             I get that “Joker: Folie à Deux” isn’t trying to be one of the zanier Batman movies, and it’s not like I don’t see an effort being made with the passionate performances. But to take characters as wild and chaotic as The Joker and Harley Quinn (not to mention the musical genre) and make them this lifeless is just a bad idea that should have been revised into something more palatable. The movie itself may even realize that this continuity has no future, as it seemingly passes up a perfect opportunity to set up a third installment. This film squanders so much promise… it’s laughable.   Grade: C-   “Joker: Folie à Deux” is rated R for some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality, and brief full nudity. Its running time is 138 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Wesson News Wesson residents Abby and Carlos Garcia have manifested their love for people and their local area into a business that gives them the opportunity to serve both. The two opened KC Family Pharmacy in May of 2023 in order to offer their community a personal touch. “We could see there was a need, from working in corporate for too long,” said pharmacist-owner Abby. “There was a desperate need for personalized service [and] personalized care. The ‘community pharmacy’ was not what it used to be, when it comes to big box stores.” “We lost our joy for the profession when we couldn’t personalize care and services,” said Garcia. Garcia’s grandparents, Lester and Katie Furr, owned Wesson Drugstore (where Milltown Salon is now located) from 1948 to 1971. The Furrs were part-owners with pharmacist Lonnie and Iris Freeman. Wesson Drugstore was not the typical drug store - it had a wedding registry, film drop-off, comic books, fancy chocolates, tie-dyed t-shirts, and even bus tickets, as it served as a bus stop. Garcia is keeping tradition in the same way. The pharmacy has a large gift shop, which Garcia says has filled a void in the area, offering favorite local and collegiate team items and apparel, gift cards, men’s clothing, and even HGTV’s Laurel Mercantile/Scotsman products. KC Family Pharmacy full-time pharmacist Dana Brooks Shoemake, another Wesson native and resident, says she is more fulfilled with her job being a local business. “We are able to do what we are called to do now,” said Shoemake. Shoemake has been a pharmacist since 2007. Both Garcia and Shoemake, who were college roommates, received their pharmacy degrees at Ole Miss and have worked together ever since. “I was at Mississippi College in pre-med [before going to pharmacy school],” said Shoemake. “[As an undergrad], I got a job as a tech at a small, independent pharmacy in Clinton, and I loved it. I loved seeing people and being able to take care of them.” The two finished pharmacy school and went to work at a large chain pharmacy. “We didn’t realize we were so far removed from loving on people,” said Garcia. “Some days, it was an assembly line. I couldn’t ask about your babies, or how you were doing, or visit. It was busy and never a good time to personalize care.” “This has made me come full circle, seeing people, hugging them, being able to talk to them, which is different, because I was too busy at my other job,” said Shoemake. With six employees, including two full-time pharmacists, KC Family Pharmacy owners and employees say they are proud to fill what they believe was a big community need. KC takes almost all insurance providers and will handle all logistics, if needed, from calling the doctor’s office to the transfer process, “because we actually have time to fully take care of the patient now,” explained Shoemake. While the two say that big pharmacies likely have an hour wait time or more, KC Family Pharmacy says their wait time is ten to fifteen minutes – at most. “We’re trying to make [picking up your medicine] an easy, pleasant experience, instead of something you dread,” said Shoemake. Garcia acknowledged that the biggest source of her daily gratification is “loving on people,” and says she is thankful she gets to do that now. KC Family Pharmacy is located at 657 Caldwell Drive in Hazlehurst.

In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) are coming together to highlight this year's theme, "My Mental Health at Work," and to encourage Mississippians to make mental well-being a priority in the workplace. With more people spending a significant portion of their lives at work, this year's theme shines a spotlight on the importance of fostering a healthy work environment. Mississippi is committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their job or life circumstances, have access to the mental health resources they need. Mental health is integral to every aspect of life, including how we perform at work. The demands of modern workplaces—whether physical, mental, or emotional—are contributing to the growing need for mental health support. More than half of Mississippians will experience a mental health issue at some point, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health not only in our personal lives but also in our professional settings. DMH Executive Director Wendy Bailey emphasized the critical role that workplaces can play in supporting mental health. "Mental health is just as vital as physical health, and it's crucial that we work together to make resources accessible," said Bailey. "We want everyone to know that mental health care is available, effective, and within reach. No one should have to suffer in silence." To meet this growing need, Mississippi has expanded its mental health services through several key initiatives: Mental Health MS  ( www.mentalhealthms.com ), a 24/7 resource providing immediate support for individuals in crisis. Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) , which offer short-term, intensive care for those experiencing severe mental health issues. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , which connects individuals in emotional distress with trained professionals across the state. MDRS Executive Director Billy Taylor emphasized the importance of collaboration between rehabilitation services and mental health efforts to support workers facing mental health challenges.  "Workplaces play a critical role in an individual's mental health," said Taylor. "At MDRS, we are committed to helping Mississippians with disabilities, including mental health challenges, find and maintain meaningful employment. Together, we can foster workplaces that support everyone's mental well-being."   Dr. Daniel Edney, State Health Officer of MSDH, stressed the interconnection between mental and physical health. "We cannot separate mental health from overall health," said Edney. "This World Mental Health Day, we urge everyone to take time to know there is help out there and to not hesitate to reach out for support when needed. It's never too early—or too late—to ask for help." As part of their efforts to create a mentally healthier Mississippi, DMH, MDRS, and MSDH are reaching out to local businesses, schools, and communities to help reduce the stigma of mental illness and foster open conversations about mental health in the workplace. Resources for All Mississippians: Free mental health screenings are available at www.mentalhealthscreening.org . Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) provide counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation programs across the state. Partnerships with schools aim to integrate mental health education into the curriculum, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to prioritize their well-being. This World Mental Health Day, DMH, MDRS, and MSDH invite all Mississippians to take part in the conversation about mental health at work. Whether through starting a dialogue, seeking help, or supporting a co-worker, every action plays a part in creating a mentally healthier and more productive Mississippi.

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If there has ever been a time in my life when I feel like crawling under the bed with a blankie and lying there whimpering – it just might be now. Now, I really don’t see myself as a wimp, like a girl who has never had to face anything more unpleasant than a pimple on her nose on prom night. I’ve faced my own share of serious diseases, loss of loved ones, being stranded in blizzard conditions, job loss, and car wrecks.   But people, I have to admit, we have entered a time in this world that is causing me more than just a passing “gulp” from anxiety. I now wake up of a morning with almost the same attitude as from the tired old joke; “Instead of my usual ‘Good morning, Lord!’ it has now become ‘Oh good Lord, it’s morning.”   Forcing myself out of bed, I have a choice of things to worry about from a buffet of disasters; the people ravaged by Hurricane Helene, the entire state of Florida that, even as I am writing, face Milton the Monster, and a presidential election that is threatening to engulf our entire nation in an internal war against ourselves. As a side dish, we have the escalating inflation rate that is causing a lot of folks to think about starting a starvation diet, and others to lustfully eye Fido’s food. And don’t forget the highlight of my days – dessert. A delightfully layered dish composed of warring countries who are backed by other countries, seemingly just itching to jump into the fray and make it a free-for-all.  My feelings familiar? Do you also find yourself longing for the days when kids dreaded to come home from school because they knew they would be facing their furious Mom - because she got “the call” from the school principal. The good ol’ days when a house break-in made the local newspaper headlines in HUGE BLACK LETTERING .   I am getting tired. Exhausted from living when the whole world is turning itself into a place where hate and brutality are the norm. A time when families don’t even realize they are supposed to be a safe place for each other. Where mom and dad and the kids know that if they come home bruised and defeated by a bully in their life, the rest of the family will actually care and will try to encourage them to face another tomorrow.   But still, I do have something to hold onto…something that gives me the courage to take a deep breath each morning and step outside my home. That something? A deep conviction and real knowledge of God. That He cares, that He is watching and helping, that nothing escapes His attention, and that He will repay .   No, I am not blind, I am very aware of the horrible pain in this world. But I also know nothing worth having comes without pain. And the win at the end is worth the pain we face now.

By Bob Arnold   The world’s best sweet potatoes, grown at Landreth Farms in the Vardaman area in north Central Mississippi, have arrived again and will be available at bargain basement rates for folk who savor them in Lincoln and Copiah Counties, thanks to the Wesson Lions Club.   For area sweet potato lovers, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.   For the tenth consecutive year, the Wesson-based Lions organization is importing product from the "Sweet Potato Capital of the World" and selling it at unbeatable prices to generate funds for the international and local charities the club supports.                 Members of the club started selling them late this month and expect to be sold out by the Wesson Flea Market on October 19 - 520 forty-pound boxes of sweet potatoes sold for $20 per box, or fifty cents per pound.  Individuals and area restaurants stocking up on the quality sweet potatoes are supporting the Lions Club's annual fundraising effort. Landreth Farms officials say it's the loamy soil – along with timely rains – in the Vardaman area that make their potato crops sweet and special.  Landreth plants sweet potatoes on 600 acres, among Mississippi farmers, who raise sweet potatoes on more than 18,400 acres across the state.  The farm sells commercially to national food stores, such as Kroger and Wal-Mart, and canners, like Gerber, and produces a line of pre-wrapped sweet potatoes for microwave cooking.                 The annual sweet potato sale is among three major fundraising activities of the Wesson Lions Club.  The club also has an annual spring pancake breakfast and sells boiled peanuts at Co-Lin athletic events.  It disburses some $10,000 every year to assist deaf and blind persons through the International Lions Club and to support local organizations and causes related to community improvement, children and youth, veterans, hospice care and address other issues and concerns.   To order sweet potatoes or for information about where to get them, call Wesson Lions’ Alton Ricks at 601-643-2466 or Hubert Greer at 601-643-2002.

By Kara Kimbrough     I’ve never understood why Crockpots are used more in the fall and winter months. I understand that cooler weather signals the start of comfort food season, highlighted by hot soups, stews and chili. But not only do I use my Crockpots – emphasis on plural, as I own several – all year long, but I actually rely on it more during the summer months when I avoid turning on my oven whenever possible.     Whenever you use a Crockpot, there are a few rules that help avoid Crockpot mishaps, ranging from mushy vegetables to shrinking meat: Sear meat before adding to the pot. It’s a quick, but all-important step when preparing a meat-based Crockpot meal. Browning the meat ahead of time will help lock in flavor and seal in the meat’s delicious juices. And, this step usually helps avoid meat shrinkage, a problem I encountered recently when I failed to brown stew meat before making recipe #1 (below). Make cleanup a breeze. Always use a slow cooker liner, eliminating the need to do more than a quick rinse of the ceramic pot after the meal is done. Don’t overfill the Crockpot. Only fill to about ¾ capacity of the Crockpot to prevent overcooking and overflow.  Keep it locked. Opening the lid to stir or check on the food releases heat and can extend cooking time. Keep an eye on the clock. Allowing food to cook past the recommended time can result in a soggy or crispy dinner. Here are two new favorite Crockpot recipes that have already got my Crocktober off to a delicious start. Best (and Easiest) Crockpot Beef Stew 2 cups low-sodium beef broth 2 pounds cubed stew beef 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon beef bouillon 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes, cut into chunks 2 cups sliced carrots 1 large yellow onion, sliced 1 cup frozen sweet peas 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon oil     In a skillet over medium heat, brown meat in oil until lightly-browned and crisp. Pour the beef broth into the crockpot and add the beef. Sprinkle the beef with the garlic, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce.   Add the cut potatoes, carrots and sliced onion on top of the beef.     Place lid on crockpot and cook for 4-6 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low, until beef is fork tender. Once stew is cooked, add in the sweet peas.      To thicken the gravy, make a slurry with cornstarch and gravy. In a bowl, whisk to combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. Then slowly pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir until all combined.  Replace lid and turn the crockpot to high heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every so often, until thickened. Crockpot Salisbury Steak and Gravy 1 package Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix 1 small onion, sliced 1 ½ cups beef broth or low sodium beef broth 1 ounce brown gravy mix 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons cornstarch 4 tablespoons water To make beef patties: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef 1 egg yolk ¼ cup minced onion ⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs 3 tablespoons milk Salt and black pepper to taste    Line 6-quart Crockpot with plastic line. Sprinkle soup mix on bottom, followed by onion slices.      Combine beef patty ingredients and form 6 flat patties. Brown over medium high heat (about 3 minutes per side) to achieve a slight crisp on both sides.     Layer beef patties over onions. Combine remaining ingredients except water and cornstarch. Pour over beef and cook on low 5 hours. Once cooked, remove patties and set aside.     Turn Crockpot up to high. Combine cold water and cornstarch. Stir into the broth and let cook a few minutes until thickened. Add beef back into the sauce to coat. Serve with gravy over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .