By: Mika Hartman    October is here. As we commemorate both Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), I can reflect on what I have learned on this journey, share some of the hard truths and hope for a better tomorrow for my son.    Hudson is only 6; however, the dreams I have for him should not be limited based on an outdated mindset or the “no longer applicable” laws that still exist. It is time to look at the success stories of our children and raise our expectations. It is beyond time to put back in the hands of people with disabilities what their glass ceiling is and whether or not they can break it; that is up to the individual. The laws, as written today, hold back our buddies and give society the doubt that greatness can be achieved. We currently live in a “prove you can do more” versus a “sky’s the limit” outcome all while holding back the tools needed to achieve the successes our buddy's desire.     Did you know that if two people with Down syndrome want to get married, they will lose their SSI benefits? Why? Because they would become a two-person income family and exceed the dollar amount cap to receive the benefits. All while many states still offer sub   minimum wages to our friends born with an extra chromosome. Many families find themselves fighting against raising wages to not put at risk the benefits that their loved one needs. How backwards is all of this? Penalize an individual who has to work harder at the job they have all while likely not being given the proper training. And let’s not even add in layoffs and who is first to go. And back to the thought of finding love and wanting a commitment in a legal way to be stopped by the government. It’s more than outdated, it’s discrimination.    Last year, I wrote about my hopes for Hudson’s future. I don’t care if he wants to build pizza boxes or run for President of the United States, it is up to me to make sure he is provided with all the tools he needs to be whatever he dreams to be. If he wants to be married, I absolutely want this for him, too. It’s what we should all want for him; to find love, to be loved and to have the choice to give a girl his last name. I more than welcome it, I pray for it.    Two individuals with Down syndrome, that I met years ago, may not have been able to be legally married; however, they did have a commitment ceremony. Heather and Craig Blackburn fight this issue at every turn. They didn’t let the law stop them from being committed in this relationship, but it has stopped them from being able to live together, because they currently live in two different states and moving will change their benefits. Crossing state lines can change so much for our buddies. We are a military family, and I understand this inconvenience all too well. Our families already have enough challenges, it seems like elected officials would help make some things easier on our journey.     Let’s also talk about what SSI provides: it varies per state, but the maximum monthly payment is $943. That is $11 316 per year per person. If a person earns $2 from work, their SSI payment will be reduced by about $1. If a couple gets married, their benefits go to $1 , 371 average per month for two people. Divide that in two, you see they go to $685 per person and that’s only if they don’t have a job, much less both be working. The system is so backwards; punish two people who want to be married and work, but who need the benefits because they have more health concerns and more needs like glasses, hearing aids, thyroid medication, heart issues, transportation worries, accessible living needs and more.     In celebrating NDEAM, my ask is that you get involved. Learn about the laws that need to be revised and be a voice for the needed change. I ask that you see my son and his possibilities, not his disability. Remove the outdated stigmas and do some research to see what all our buddies are accomplishing today. Help them achieve their dreams, don’t be the one stopping them.     My son is EXTRA; if or when he pops the question one day, I hope the worry of this issue is gone and we can focus on celebrating the future Mrs. Hartman and the next chapter of the life we want for our son….    … that is the life he EXTRA wants and EXTRA deserves!

Wesson News Copiah Lincoln Community College has kicked off its fall 2024 semester with classes, football, activities and much more.  Welcome Week on the Wesson Campus was held in mid-August, with activities the included outdoor games, a 360° photo booth, a concert by The Lincoln Outfit, a Club Fair and movie night in The Wolf Den, a luau at the Baptist Student Union (BSU), and Frosty Flamingo free treats on behalf of Co-Lin Alumni.  Meet the Wolves, held at Stone Stadium, was a free event and open to the public. Co-Lin fans came out to support student-athletes.  Campus elections were held late last month. Sixty new Trailblazers, student recruiters who serve as the “faces” of Co-Lin, were selected after applications and interviews. Faculty and staff wore matching shirts on the first day of classes for the new college-wide Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP): Press P.A.W.S, which stands for Positively Advocating for Wolf Pack Success.  Press P.A.W.S aims to increase student success by providing students with enhanced mental health support and services.  BlueWave Marching Band Colette Dancers Skylar Sojourner of Crystal Springs and Mara Norwood of Wesson.

Special to Wesson News The Copiah-Lincoln (Co-Lin) Community College Foundation received more than $1 million in donations during the 2023-2024 fiscal year for the first time since the late 1990s, and the Foundation’s Board of Directors and college administrators celebrated following a recent board meeting.   The annual total did not stem from lump sum gifts, which was the case of the transformational Taylor and Pitts family gifts to the college in the1990s, but instead came from a variety of sources, including individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events and athletic camps. Donations to the Foundation have increased steadily over the past ten years, nearly doubling its total from five years ago.   “I am thrilled to reach such a big milestone this year. This is the result of a great effort of our whole team at Co-Lin,” said Angela Furr, who has served as executive director of the Foundation since 2018. “Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, alumni and corporate partners who continue to support the college and our students.”   This past year’s giving has allowed for the unprecedented awards of nearly half a million in scholarships to students and faculty, more than $250,000 to athletics and $150,000 in other direct support of the college.  The gifts help make it possible for the college to continue creating new programs, providing scholarships to students, and making improvements to its campuses, as state funding and tuition revenue does not cover all the costs associated with running the college.   The Co-Lin Foundation staff and our generous donors are vital to our success here at the college,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Each dollar given to the Foundation allows us to meet the growing needs of the college, whether it be through student scholarships, purchasing much needed equipment for our academic and career-tech programs, or updating our technology and facilities.”   To make a tax-deductible gift to Co-Lin, contact the Foundation office at 601-643-8313 or visit colin.edu to give online.

By Bob Garver               In preparation for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” I watched the original film from 1988. I found that I liked “some” things about it, like the set and character designs and much of the humor, but it’s not a film I would recommend overall. The special effects weren’t well-integrated (even for the 80’s), motivations between the warring factions made no sense, and worst of all, the characters just weren’t likeable. I’m not talking about obvious villains like the ruthless profiteers or Michael Keaton’s sleazy trickster-for-hire Betelgeuse (hereafter referred to as “Beetlejuice”). I mean that I couldn’t even root for harmless yuppie couple the Maitlands (you guys are dead, find something to do with your eternal lives and stop bothering the living) or Winona Ryder’s teenage goth icon Lydia Deetz (“’somebody’ wants attention”). The good news is that the new film is better about making its protagonists likeable. The bad news is that, while it addresses one issue, others remain and a few new ones pop up.             The story finds the now-adult Lydia returning to her family’s old home to attend her father’s funeral. In tow are her eccentric artist stepmother Delia (Catherine O’Hara, reprising her role from the first movie), her manipulative fiancé Rory (Justin Theroux), and her distant daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega). Though moody around her family and bullies, Astrid isn’t as standoffish as Lydia was in the original. She even makes friends with local boy Jeremy (Arthur Conti) and the two have a sweet little romance that you know is too wholesome for this movie, so something’s going to have to go wrong.             What isn’t too wholesome is what’s going on in the Netherworld. Ever-scummy bio-exorcist Beetlejuice isn’t having much luck with his favorite pastime of haunting Lydia, appearing to her for only a split-second at a time, which makes her question her sanity. He’s being haunted himself by his ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci). The two have a tumultuous history, having killed one another in their human forms. Now she’s back in his (after)life and she wants… to suck out his soul, I think. Or maybe she wants to remarry him? Or use him for a demonic ritual? Like its predecessor, this movie has a problem establishing motivations. Her inventive introduction in a scene where she fixes her own dismemberment is supposed to compensate for a lack of character development. Also underdeveloped is Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson, an actor who played detectives in his lifetime before transitioning to a career as an actual detective in the afterlife. Sometimes he gets his roles and his job mixed up. Great idea for a character, but the movie never quite knows how to work him into the story.             Twists and turns wind toward a wedding between Lydia and Rory that Beetlejuice wants to crash. Poor Lydia just wants to keep her family alive and Beetlejuice out of her life, but of course things can’t be that simple. She has to go through an ordeal filled with demonic babies, a half-devoured-by-fish ex-husband (not to be confused with her half-devoured-by-fish father), a literal Soul Train, and another forced musical number that wants to outdo the “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” sequence from the original.             Like the original “Beetlejuice,” I like the creativity and humor on display here, but I don’t like that the script is full of holes (and not just of the “afterlife rules are random” variety) and plot threads that go nowhere. What helps is that in this movie, the three generations of women that serve as protagonists are ultimately more loving and supportive than the characters in the original. In fact, it helps so much that, unlike its predecessor, I will recommend this movie. I’ll even look forward to the inevitable third installment, as I seriously doubt that a franchise obsessed with saying a character’s name three times is going to stop at two.   Grade: B-   “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is rated PG-13 for violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, some suggestive material and brief drug use. Its running time is 105 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

By Misty Prine   “Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus, but you don’t have to sit on it.” – Unknown Life is far from easy. Sometimes we are dealt a good hand and sometimes that hand is quite difficult. What we take from that difficulty speaks volumes to our strength and determination and from whom our strength comes from. You see, harboring negativity along a difficult journey only makes our paths that we have yet to travel on even more difficult to endure. Just like this quote says, you may be given a cactus but that doesn't mean you have to sit on it! The choice is yours. Are you going to sit on the cactus or are you going to choose to walk away and chance finding a nice comfy seat to sit on? The choice is yours! Surrender with your head down or fight with your head up. When life gives you lemons, make a whole great big pitcher of lemonade and then drink up that joyful life and fighting spirit that comes with knowing Jesus as your Savior. With Him in your corner, don't you dare sit on a cactus willingly! God loves you immensely and He never promised an easy road. One thing He did promise is that He would never leave us or forsake us. With that promise, hard days should be a lot more tolerable knowing the King of Glory not only knows you by name but gave His life for you and promised to love you through it. We serve a God that gives such amazing grace!

Wesson News   The WAC PTO “Rent the Rock” fundraiser allows parents and community members to sponsor the “rock” being painted in support of special events, team support, birthdays, and the like. Those walking down the halls of Wesson Attendance Center (WAC) would be hard-pressed to find something the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) hasn’t had a hand in. The PTO’s mission is to make the lives of students, faculty and staff better through encouragement and assisting in creating an environment conducive and welcoming of fun and learning for all students.   With a new board and many new parent volunteers, PTO leaders say this year is poised to be another great one for WAC students. Their work kicked off before the start of the school year, with a joint effort alongside local hairstylists to create an event offering free back-to-school haircuts for kids in the community, which was held in the gym of Wesson Baptist Church. Destiny’s Delights provided free sweet treats, and Wesson Baptist Church members were on site administering free school supply signups.   Organizers said the event was such a success that many from the community requested it be turned into an annual event, with multiple inquiries on how to support the event in the future.   The PTO has a few fundraisers planned throughout the year. One is a “Rent the Rock” fundraiser. Parents, grandparents, extended family and even businesses can give a child (or children) a special shout-out for their birthday, sporting event or any special occasion. PTO representatives say the new fundraiser is already a big hit.   Visiting the PTO’s Facebook page (Wesson Cobra PTO) allows interested “renters” to sign, reserve a date and brainstorm their perfect design at the Signup Genius link.   Students are currently selling cookie dough through September 9. The fundraiser kicked off on August 26, with cookies and lemonade for all elementary students to enjoy. As an incentive, for every five boxes of cookie dough a student sells, their name will be entered into a drawing for prizes.   Every student in grades kindergarten through sixth will also get to participate in a “fun day,” with different activities being added - such as popsicles, games, music and bounce houses - depending on how many boxes of cookie dough are sold all together. As a bonus, the high sellers from each grade will have the chance to be on the first-ever Pee Wee Homecoming Court, with the overall sellers being crowned King and Queen.   Back by popular demand will be the Spring Carnival. Last year, parent representatives from each grade were tasked with coming up with games to play and manning their respective “booths.” Students reported having a blast hopping from game to game, jumping out their energy in the bounce houses and partaking in carnival-inspired concessions.   PTO fundraisers provide money for incentives, activities and treats throughout the school year, including such events as Meet the Teacher night, pumpkin painting contests, a hot chocolate cart around the holidays, incentive parties, student of the month prizes, the Accelerated Reader Store, teacher snack carts, student awards at the end of the school year, teacher appreciation gifts, and much more.   The PTO also keeps a coat closet stocked with different-sized coats for any student who forgets a coat at home - or for those that don’t have one. Their goal is to grow the closet to include other items, such as hats, gloves, socks, etc. The coat closet offers a way for the community to get involved in the school, as it is strictly donation-based.   “It can’t quite be put into words the amount of time and effort our PTO puts into our school and community,” said first-time president Leanne Mcleod Duet.   PTO membership is open to anyone with a student at Wesson Attendance Center, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other extended family welcome.   “There’s a place for everyone who truly wants to make a difference and assist in making each school year a success,” said Duet.   Those interested in volunteering time or skills to ensure WAC students have an excellent school year are encouraged to contact PTO President Leanne Duet at 601-757-6305.   “Through community and parent partnerships, the PTO will continue to grow and assist in providing the best learning environment for our student,” said Duet.

Jim sat down at his desk that morning only to be immediately summoned into his supervisor’s office. Where he was assured that while he had been doing good work, he was also told that due to the company’s economic struggles, he was part of the layoffs in one month. That evening still in shock, he slumped into the house, hugged his kids, and went into the kitchen where his wife was cooking dinner for the family. Reluctantly giving her the bad news, he saw her eyes widen in disbelief, and fill with tears. Then he watched as his normally upbeat and optimistic wife limped over to a barstool at the island, and began sobbing. When she finally could speak through her hiccups, Jim learned that the iffy brakes on her car had finally failed at a busy intersection and she had caused a three-vehicle pileup that day. Her own visit to the emergency room had revealed only strained muscles, but the drivers of the other cars weren’t quite as fortunate. Broken limbs and car repair estimates were a part of their own lives for the next few weeks. Then she looked up through red-rimmed eyes and chokingly admitted the rest. Due to their financial difficulties in the last year, their car insurance payment hadn’t been paid for the last three months, so undoubtedly their insurance company would deny coverage of the accident. Jim comforted and reassured Rhonda the best he could and then retreated to their bedroom to begin absorbing everything. And to start trying to wrap his trauma-fogged mind around unpaid bills, updating his resume, and job hunting. No other thoughts penetrated his world at that point. Not until he heard his oldest daughter scream a warning aimed at his six-year-old son. His head jerked up at the frantic sound in her voice, and then the yelp of their little dog. Leaping off the bed, he raced down the hall to the living room, where he was accustomed to seeing his son playing his strictly enforced one hour of computer games. Not today. Today Brian had decided to entertain himself by leaping from the back of the couch to chase their dog through the house. But the little dog had darted left instead of right. Brian had landed squarely onto top of Bama, who now lay moaning painfully on the floor. Their vet gravely pronounced surgery was next on the list for the day. That night his best friend, Brad, came over to the house. He listened to their horror story, then assured Jim and Rhonda of his help through it all. Reminds this writer of another Friend. “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not dismay, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41;10. Horrible times do come, but He has promised His friends that He will be there. To never abandon us.

Wesson News The Wesson Chamber of Commerce will host a special “Meet and Greet” luncheon event for current and potential members.   Set for September 17 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30p.m. at the Wesson Library, the luncheon will be catered by the newly-opened Firehouse BBQ restaurant in Wesson.   The luncheon is designed to give current and prospective members the opportunity to meet fellow members and the Chamber’s new president and board of directors, as well as for potential members to receive more information about the Wesson Chamber.   “[The luncheon] gives local business owners the chance to network and build relationships to better our city,” said Ricky Breazeale, new Wesson business owner of Grace Foam Solutions.   RSVPs are required, in order to ensure enough food is prepared. As the Chamber is in the process of getting a new phone number, those who wish to attend the free luncheon are asked to RSVP to Chamber President Teri Bath at Teri.SalmonPoint@gmail.com or by calling 775-813-6505.   The Wesson Library is located at 1012 Spring Street. Chamber plans free Meet and Greet luncheon.

Wesson News   The new, family-owned Fire House BBQ is now open in town in the former Dump’s BBQ location.      New owners Lenzie and Michelle Chambers of Wesson had a soft opening in mid-August but say they are in full-blown “restaurant mode” now.   Ken and Kris Sullivan closed Dump’s to start a new chapter in their lives. The Sullivans now serve in ministry, pastoring at Union Hill Baptist Church in Brookhaven.    The Chambers heard that Dump’s was closing, so, one day, Lenzie went by to talk with Ken. They say it was “the right place, at the right time.”   Lenzie is originally from Texas, but moved to the are thirteen years ago. He had been working in the oil field industry and felt that season had “played out” for him.   Friends convinced the Chambers to open a restaurant - so they did it – and made it a family affair.   “We have our kids working here, along with other employees,” they said.   Their daughter, Bella (age 13), runs the cash register, and son, Sawyer (age 8) “pretty much does whatever we need him to do, whether it’s bussing tables or sweeping the floors; he’s willing to get in there to do whatever we need,” said Lenzie.   Customers are already raving over the food.   “Kyle and I tried the new BBQ place, Fire House,” said Christy Michael of Wesson, in a Facebook post. “It was good. Brisket was my fav. The BBQ sauce in the small bottle on the table is super good. Go check it out!”   “We had it last weekend,” posted Jamie Hillman Wallace, “and it was delicious. Go like and follow their page to get the word out.”    The restaurant serves appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, sides, and meat offerings that include brisket, pork ribs and link sausage. Brisket is only available after 5 p.m. to ensure that it’s cooked to perfection.   “It’s great food…everything is good. We’ve had no complaints so far. It’s definitely not fast food,” said Lenzie.   He adds that the restaurant has already been completely packed several nights – and patrons report that “no seats available” means their wait will result in a mouth-watering meal.   “There’s been a few times we didn’t have a seat available. We are in the growing stage. There could be a little wait,” said Lenzie.   Michelle says she is thrilled about the new family business.   “I’m excited about what God is doing in our lives and in our community,” she said. “It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a place of ministry. We need it. The community needs it.”   Fire House BBQ is located at 1033 Church Street in Wesson and is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. They can be reached at 601-643-6000.

Atmos Energy is keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Francine as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, bringing with it substantial rain, damaging winds, and the potential for flash flooding. The company is urging customers to be aware of natural gas safety measures that will keep homes, businesses and families prepared for any type of severe weather.  "We are monitoring the storm, and our crews are preparing for the possibility of a hurricane," said Bobby Morgan, Atmos Energy vice president of public affairs. "Recent years have shown that hurricanes of any size can pose a threat to life and property, so we want everyone to remember that the best time to plan is now – before a storm arrives."  As a reminder, after any severe weather event, please do not use natural gas equipment if it is flooded or damaged without first contacting a qualified service professional to have it inspected.  Atmos Energy's highly trained service technicians are emergency responders who maintain the safe operation of our natural gas system. If any customer experiences an interruption in service, our skilled technicians will restore service after local conditions are deemed safe. Whether it is a hurricane, flooding, or other severe weather event, please observe these important safety tips:  If flooding occurs and gas appliances are underwater, do not try to operate the appliances. Instead, contact Atmos Energy or a qualified service professional to conduct a safety inspection. During a natural disaster or severe weather event, DO NOT turn off natural gas at the meter even if evacuations are issued. NEVER try to find the source of a gas leak. DO NOT use a mobile phone or anything that might cause a spark, such as a generator. If a natural gas meter is damaged or a gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area, and call the Atmos Energy 24-hour emergency response line at 866.322.8667. Know where your natural gas meter is located. Make sure it's visible and free of trash and debris. Mechanical equipment used to clean up after a storm may damage the meter if it is hidden. Natural gas distribution pipelines are mostly underground but can be damaged by uprooted trees and shifted foundations. After a storm, call 811 to have the location of underground utility lines marked, as gas service lines could become tangled. Atmos Energy customers experiencing a natural gas outage or service interruption should contact the company's customer service number at 888.286.6700. Service will be restored as quickly as possible once the area is deemed safe, and more information about this process is available on our  Service Restoration  page.  If you think you smell gas, immediately leave the affected area, and from a safe distance call 911 or Atmos Energy's 24-hour emergency response line at 866.322.8667. For more severe weather safety information, please visit  atmosenergy.com/weathersafety .

Having the right information following a disaster makes filing a claim easier and faster. Find your policy information, store it in a safe, waterproof place, and make a digital copy. Create a home inventory so that it's easier to file a claim in the event of a disaster. A free tool to do this is the NAIC Home Inventory App. It can be downloaded from the App Store  and Google Play . "Don't forget to review your insurance coverage and make sure you are familiar with your policies," said Commissioner Chaney. "Flood damage is generally not covered by a standard homeowners or renter's insurance policy. If you don't have flood insurance and are considering purchasing a policy, remember there is a 30-day waiting period if you buy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  You should call your insurance agent to see what your policy covers and what add-on coverage you may need." Pack a "Go Bag" that includes: Important documents like insurance cards and Social Security cards. Keep copies of these documents in a waterproof container or digital image saved online. Cash Medications A battery-powered radio A gallon of drinking water for every family member and pet If you need assistance with an insurance question or claim, call 601-359-3569 or1-800-562-2957, email consumer@mid.ms.gov  or visit www.mid.ms.gov

Wesson News   Local executive chef Ken Dixon and his team at Mitchell’s Special Events and Catering have answered the call to bring a steak night to the area. In addition to steaks, filet of beef, grilled porkchops, teriyaki chicken and specialty dishes such as Redfish Hannah and Seafood Julie, Dixon, who has been working at Broma’s/Mitchell’s since 2006, recently introduced a Tuesday night “Steak Night,” when, from 4 until 7 p.m., hungry patrons can order, for dine-in or takeout, their choice of a filet or a 12-ounce ribeye, which is served with vegetables, loaded mashed potatoes, a roll and dessert.    Dixon says that, being a lifetime resident of Brookhaven, he has made many friends and has a keen sense of the kind of dishes the people of Brookhaven are looking for; and that's what brought steak night into existence. He said he had so many requests for somewhere people could go to get a well-cooked steak.     Dixon, who has been in the food industry for about thirty-two years, says he started out as a bartender and oversaw the restaurant - until the chef quit, and Dixon assumed his role. The rest is history. He gives credit to many people along the way who he says have taught him so much.    "The key to success is always giving your best effort and knowing you are never too accomplished to learn from others," says Dixon.     Dixon never hesitates to give credit to his team of cooks and workers. He said there is no way steak night would be the success it is without their hard work and dedication to excellence.   His plan is to keep steak night around for a long time and eventually add some other dishes, like appetizers.     In his down time, which is not very often, Dixon says he spends time with his grandchildren; and, even though he spends so much time in food preparation, he still finds time to cook a good home-cooked meal for himself.   Local attorney Shelley Barron said " My mom and I went, and both of us enjoyed our meal. She had the ribeye; I had the pasta. The vegetable medley that comes with each meal is my favorite. It’s a one-day-a-week rare treat that is worth making time for in your weekly itinerary."   Mitchell’s Special Events and Catering is located at 1203 Hampton Drive in Brookhaven.