Special to Wesson News Wolves fans can now purchase 2024 Copiah-Lincoln Community College football season tickets and experience all four home games at Stone Stadium this season.   General admission season tickets are priced at $38 for all four home games, while reserved chairback seat season tickets are available for $95.   Tickets are also on sale for individual games, with general admission priced at $12, children’s tickets for $6 and reserved chairback seating for $25.   The Wolves start their season on the road with two away games before their home opener.  Co-Lin's first home game is slated for Thursday, September 12, against Hinds at Stone Stadium.  The Wolves will then play one game on the road before returning home on Thursday, September 26, for a homecoming matchup against rival Southwest.   The Wolves return to Stone Stadium in October with a matchup against Gulf Coast on Thursday, October 17.  Following another game on the road, the season will conclude on Thursday, October 31, with a sophomore night finale against Northeast Mississippi at Stone Stadium.   All home games kick off at 6:30 p.m. at Stone Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at https://colin.TicketLeap.com

By: Bob Garver I was on vacation two weekends ago, so I missed the chance to review this movie when it nearly took down “Deadpool & Wolverine” for the #1 spot at the box office. Two weeks later, the film has dropped to #3, but it still outperformed everything that opened this past weekend, not to mention racking up an impressive $120 million domestic total. It is time to officially take a look at this movie, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so.             Blake Lively stars as Lily Bloom, a woman who loves flowers. Fortunately the movie is only this annoyingly on-the-nose this one time. She meets handsome neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni, also the film’s director) on the roof of her apartment building while he’s in a furious mood over a dead child. She’s put off by his violent anger, but supposes that anyone can lash out over something so horrific. He apologizes, and the two get to talking. He discloses that he’s not one for relationships. She discloses that she had a relationship with a homeless guy named Atlas as a teenager (she is played by Isabela Ferrer and Atlas by Alex Neustaedter in flashbacks). The conversation isn’t exactly what you’d call a Meet Cute, but it does make Ryle want to see more of Lily.             The two start steadily building a relationship. Lily opens a flower shop with the help of Ryle’s sister Alyssa (Jenny Slate). They go to the finest restaurants, including one owned by the now-successful Atlas (Brandon Sklenar). Ryle still has some anger issues involving his late brother, and she has some trust issues involving her parents, but it’s nothing their love and support can’t overcome. Then a kitchen incident leads to him hitting her in the face. An enraged Atlas attacks Ryle when he sees Lily’s bruised face, which gives all three characters pause and forces them to consider the role of violence in their lives.             Going into this movie, I knew that the subject matter dealt with domestic violence. I briefly wondered if it was only going to go as far as the kitchen incident and then the feud between the men would escalate from there. Was this movie really going to build its entire conflict around a hot oven repelling Ryle’s arm into Lily’s face? Sadly, the escalation does lead to violence that is not an accident, and not just involving the men. Lily is abused in at least one scene that is bound to go down as one of the most disturbing of the year. I saw this movie the same day as “Alien: Romulus,” and the violence here was much harder to watch than Xenomorphs bursting out of people’s bodies.             With all due respect to the rest of the cast and crew, the movie is nothing without Lively’s performance. Everything about Lily in the last third of this movie is heartbreaking, from her literal pain to helplessness to anger to even understanding. With the sympathy she inspires with her anguish and eventually strength, I can understand why this property has the following it does.             “It Ends with Us” is maybe not a great movie all-around. The courtship scenes drag on too long, flashbacks are too frequent and awkwardly inserted, and certain elements probably worked better in the Colleen Hoover novel than they do onscreen (example: Lily jokingly calling herself an “unreliable narrator” and then the movie taking a second look at a scene it pretends we misread but is clearly completely different the second time). But what does work is too affecting to dismiss. It’s accurate to call this movie a tearjerker, but thanks to Lively, those tears are well-earned.   Grade: B-   “It Ends with Us” is rated PG-13 for domestic violence, sexual content and some strong language. Its running time is 130 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

By Guest Columnist Stephanie Duguid   As part of the Mississippi Health Ambassadors Initiative, Kizmet Cleveland, MA, CHW of the Mississippi Community Health Workers Association, shared information about community health workers, their historical perspective, benefits, and impacts, as well as ways to advance the role.     Community health workers (CHWs) play a pivotal role in Mississippi's healthcare landscape. As frontline public health workers, CHWs are trusted members of their communities, leveraging close relationships to bridge gaps between health services and the populations they serve. Their efforts enhance access to care, improve service delivery quality and foster cultural competence.   The concept of CHWs is not new; their roots can be traced back to various community health initiatives aimed at improving public health outcomes. Traditionally, they have been known by different titles, such as community health advisors, patient navigators, or outreach specialists, reflecting their diverse roles and the communities they serve.   CHWs engage in a wide range of activities, including outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. These activities are designed to build individual and community capacity, increase health knowledge and promote self-sufficiency.   The impact of CHWs in Mississippi is profound. Studies have shown that CHWs contribute to reduced emergency department visits, fewer hospital readmissions and decreased nursing home placements. They serve as a crucial link between healthcare providers and community members, ensuring that individuals receive timely and appropriate care.   Without CHWs, community members might miss regular appointments, face unmanaged chronic conditions or lack access to necessary support services like food assistance and transportation. Conversely, with the support of CHWs, individuals are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, attend regular check-ups and receive comprehensive support for mental health and substance use issues. This holistic approach leads to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.   On June 30, 2021, twelve CHWs and allies established the Mississippi Community Health Workers Association (MSCHWA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. MSCHWA aims to create networks at local, regional, and statewide levels, providing a platform for CHWs to share resources, meet colleagues, and promote professional development.   To further advance the role of CHWs in Mississippi, the organization identified that there is a need to advocate for policies that support and expand the role of CHWs within the healthcare system. Additionally, a scope of practice for CHWs is needed to establish clear boundaries between the roles of CHWs and other healthcare professionals, and standards for preventive care need to be developed to ensure that all health plans include preventive care benefits provided by CHWs. Finally, a state certification program for CHWs needs to be developed to standardize training and practice.   The Mississippi State Department of Health's Office of Community Health Workers has already made significant strides by aligning its education curriculum with the CHW Core Consensus Project’s recommended training activities, focusing on core competencies and roles.   The role of CHWs is crucial in building healthier communities across Mississippi. For more information or to join the community health worker registry, visit CHCAMS.org .   EDITOR’S NOTE: Stephanie Duguid is the owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).

Wisdom from the lips of a wrinkled old worm.   “Okay, listen up, ‘cuz I’m gonna tell ya’ perzactly what The World is like.    Most of the time it looks real dark and kind’a dry ‘n crumbly feelin’. But when I tunnel straight up for a little ways, then I see a bunch’a green stalks at least twenty-six times bigger’n me. And there’s these enormous feet walking ‘round in them green stalks. All kinds of feet. Some with toes, some not. The ones with no toes have huge coverings on ‘em, guess they call ‘em ‘shoes.’   And another thing. There’s this ginormous bright yellow thang up there. ‘Causes me to get so bloomin’ hot that I can’t stand it. Can’t wait to turn around and dig back down to my home, where it’s heap cooler and darker.   But, fact is, nobody in This World ever notices I am around. Unless they’re diggin’ for sumthin’ they call fish bait. Then suddenly, I’m the center of their ‘tention! Yep, they start cuttin’ into my home, lookin’ for me and my neighbors. When they find us, they throw us into a can of that dark and crumbly stuff I done talked about, and put a lid on it. Scary stuff, I’m here to tell ya!    Naw, I ain’t gonna tell ya’ the rest of the story. Ain’t nobody needs to hear details ‘bout how they thread our body on sumthin’ really sharp. And then, while we’re jest trying to breathe, they suddenly fling us into what they call ‘water.’ There we dangle, awaitin’ on a HUGE-PLUMB-FEARSOME-LOOKIN’ thing called a fish to come at us with his mouth wide open!    Nope, ain’t gonna say a-nuther word. Ya’ don’t need to hear the rest…jest might ruin your supper tonight.”   Quite a contrast to Granddad and his ten-year-old grandson’s version of that same day:   “Hey, Johnny, it’s going to be a beautiful sunny day! How about you and I go down to the pond and go fishing? I’ll grab my shovel and a bucket, and we can dig up worms for bait before we get in the boat. Now, why don’t you go ask your grandma to fix us a picnic lunch. And then you and me are going to spend the rest of this morning drowning worms and fishing for that big old catfish that lives in my pond. I promise you, son, we are going to have a good time – just me and you, out on the water fishing together. And just maybe, we can get lucky and bring home supper for your grandma to cook!”   Different perspectives of the same day. Happens to all of us. And we need to remember that fact, on the days we come face to face with someone who has a completely opposite outlook on life than yourself.   It’s a sad fact. Sometimes we’re the one with the fishing rod, and sometimes we’re the worm.

Special to Wesson News   Wesson’s American Legion Post, Drane-Prine #79, recently elected new officers for the 2024-25 term. The post will hold its next meeting for all members on August 20 at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be provided, and interested members are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held at 1014 Main Street in Wesson.

By: Jeremy Pittari, Magnolia Tribune Mississippi’s Second Amendment Sales Tax holiday will be held this weekend, from Friday, August 30 to Sunday September 1. All purchases statewide of firearms, ammunition and selected hunting supplies will be tax free during the holiday. Applicable items include ammunition such as reloading supplies, shotgun shells, cartridges, pistols, rifles, shotguns, bows, crossbows, holsters, parts for firearms, holsters, and hearing protection, to name a few. Targets, sights and suppressors are also eligible. “This weekend, Mississippi will once again be honoring the right enshrined in our cherished Second Amendment,” Governor Tate Reeves (R) told Magnolia Tribune on Tuesday. “This sales tax holiday is a great opportunity to support local businesses, exercise our right to keep and bear arms, and remain steadfast in protecting this critical freedom all across our great state.” There is no limit on the purchase price to save on sales tax during this holiday. Know before you shop: rules of the sales tax holiday Qualifying items that need to be delivered to the purchaser, whether purchased online, via phone or in-person at a brick-and-mortar business, will remain tax exempt so long as the item is purchased during the holiday window and delivery of the item is not delayed due to an action on the part of the purchaser. If the purchase involves a bundle of items, the items that still qualify for sales tax during the holiday will have to be separated from the purchase and taxed at the appropriate rate. Layaway purchases made during the holiday do not qualify for tax exemption. Purchases  returned after the holiday can still apply for tax exemption  so long as the item is traded for a similar item, even if the new item is a different style or color, such as a holster. However, purchases traded in for a new/different item after the tax holiday will be subject to the appropriate taxes. “For example, a customer purchases a $300 firearm during the MSAW holiday. After the holiday, the customer returns the firearm, receives credit for the firearm, and then buys a $300 archery bow. Sales tax is due on the $300 price of the bow since the bow was not purchased during the holiday,” the Mississippi Department of Revenue’s sales tax holiday guideline document reads. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann (R) said this is a great weekend to exercise your Second Amendment rights. Hosemann said the holiday helps Mississippians “get prepared for the upcoming hunting season (doves beware), and shop in a Mississippi small business for a new firearm.” “What a way to celebrate our freedoms and boost the economy!” Hosemann added speaking with Magnolia Tribune. Items that do not qualify for tax exemption include BB guns, air rifles, paintball guns and toy guns. Hunting supplies that do not qualify include ATVs, blinds, cameras, chairs, boots, knives, gun cabinets, trucks and tree stands. For a full listing of eligible and ineligible items,  click here .

By Kara Kimbrough    School has begun and for some, this means the end of summer adventures. However, vacation season is far from over for many and here’s an additional positive thought: decreased crowds create the perfect time for sight-seeing. In Mississippi, it’s hard to find a more magnificent site than the Mighty Mississippi River. One of the most commanding views of the river can be enjoyed from the 300-foot bluffs of the city of Vicksburg. Sweeping vistas of the rolling river aside, there’s so much else to see and do in this beautiful city rapidly approaching its 200th birthday.       Vicksburg has always been one of the favorite places to visit. It’s a love fostered by school field trips to the Vicksburg National Military Park. Ingrained in my memory are school bus rides up the rolling hills, once the battlefield for one of the longest and most notable Civil War battles. My appreciation of Vicksburg has increased in recent years through tours of the breathtakingly-beautiful Old Courthouse grounds and Museum, antebellum homes and historic downtown museums, shops and restaurants. No visit is complete without a stop by the Visitor’s Center along the breathtaking riverfront offering a birds-eye view of the two spectacular river bridges.      Back to the event that put Vicksburg on the map and cemented its permanent place in Civil War history. The 1863 Siege of Vicksburg may have occurred over 160 years ago, but its carefully-preserved remnants spread throughout the city continue to draw thousands of visitors annually from around the world.         The Vicksburg Campaign is considered one of the most decisive Civil War battles.  A 47-day battle in the city between Confederate and Union troops ultimately resulted in a surrender from the Southerners and as a result, permanent Northern control of the Mississippi.       Today, the 1,815-acre Vicksburg National Military Park commemorating the battle is comprised of a visitor’s center and USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum. Additionally, 22 designated areas along the park's scenic rolling acres contain beautiful, iconic monuments to soldiers on both sides of the battlefield. Visitors to this scenic section of the park can also drive or walk along the route on their own or schedule a guide for an informative tour.       Most notable is the Illinois monument honoring Union soldiers from the state who served and died as a result of the siege. The site of millions of photographs and quite a few marriage proposals, the monument is a grand and imposing structure of granite and marble modeled after the Roman Pantheon. Forty-seven steps lead up to the beautiful monument, one for each day of the siege. Inside, 60 unique bronze tablets line the interior walls, naming all 36,325 Illinois soldiers. Atop the memorial sits a majestic bronze bald eagle.      Visitors to Vicksburg can tour other museums offering additional insights into the city’s rich history. These include the Old Depot Museum’s historical exhibits on the Siege of Vicksburg and the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum’s exhibits on the soft drink that was first bottled in the city in 1894.      A can't-miss building is the Old Court House Museum in the heart of the city. The magnificent structure is more than a beautiful memorial to yesteryear, especially for those that know and appreciate history.      Confederate Generals Stephen D. Lee, John C. Breckinridge, and Earl Van Dorn watched from the Courthouse’s cupola as a Confederate battleship battled its way through the Union fleet to safety at Vicksburg. During the war, the building was the target of constant shelling from Union troops, but thankfully suffered only one major hit. And, it was at the Courthouse on July 4, 1863 that the Confederate flag was lowered and the U.S flag was raised as General Grant reviewed his victorious army.      Visitors who venture inside the Old Court House Museum find a plethora of exhibits that draw history buffs from around the world. This includes a large collection of Confederate memorabilia, antiques and portraits and tools used by Indians and early pioneers.       My favorite item in the Courthouse is the original teddy bear that President Theodore Roosevelt gave to a local child after a failed bear hunt in Mississippi. The bear is said to have inspired the name "Teddy Bear". The McCardle Research Library, which features more than 1,400 historical volumes, including cemetery records, business directories, marriage records and much more historical data, is also housed within and is managed by the museum.      There’s also an historic walking tour along the Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trail filled with 35 markers in the downtown and historic districts. Eleven perfectly-restored historic homes, including McRaven, built in 1797, are open for tours.       Vicksburg may be known for its Civil War history, but it was actually founded decades earlier in 1811 and incorporated as a town in 1825. In 2025, Vicksburg will celebrate its bicentennial through a variety of special events and activities to pay homage to 200 years of rich history. The bicentennial will honor individuals and organizations and spotlight its many roles and accomplishments over the past two centuries, ranging from its notable part in the Civil War to its preservation of historic sites.      The five major bicentennial events center around five themes: People, The River, Arts & Culture, Lifestyle and Government & Military. Kicking off the celebrations will be a week of events surrounding the actual anniversary on Jan. 29. 2025. Vicksburg will host a storytelling symposium, parade, banquet and other community events to commemorate the city’s incorporation in 1825. Other events scheduled throughout the year are a music and culture festival; fall family fair; Fourth of July extravaganza complete with fireworks and a commemorative New Year’s Eve celebration.       For more information about Vicksburg’s Bicentennial celebration or to plan a visit to the city, contact Visit Vicksburg at 1-800-221-3536 or check out their website at visitvicksburg.com .

Wesson News   A time-honored tradition for over five decades has opened for registration for its fall 2024 version. The Annual Wesson Flea Market, now in its fifty-third year, is set for Saturday, October 19.   Hosted by the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD), the festive day typically boasts more than one hundred fifty vendors - individuals, church groups, clubs, civic organizations and businesses -- who line the streets of downtown Wesson in their tents to offer arts and crafts items, fleas, clothing, food, snacks and refreshments, among other things, to thousands of browsers and shoppers.   The Flea Market will start at 8 a.m. on Highway 51, Factory, Spring and Beech Streets and run until 4 p.m.   Booth space is available to those who wish to participate in the sale as a vendor.  Booths are 10’ by 10’, and return vendors may reserve their same booth as last year by returning their registration by September 1. All new vendors will be assigned after that date on a first-come, first-served basis. Only civic clubs and church groups in the Wesson Trade Area will be allowed to sell food.   To reserve a booth, locate the registration form on the “WessonFleaMarket” Facebook page.  Booth cost is $50 per booth, with an additional charge of $10 if the booth requires electricity. Booths will not be held in reservation after October 1 without payment, which can be made by check or money order.         Vendors are encouraged to set up the day before the event, and streets will be open for setup after 6 p.m. on Friday, October 18. Vendors should check in at the Information Booth under the “Wesson Fire Department” banner prior to setting up. Vendors must furnish their own tables, chairs and display needs.   Only vehicles with merchandise, tents, etc. will be allowed in the flea market area for setup.   All merchandise must fit within the 10’ by 10’ booth area, and no 12’ by 12’ tents will be allowed. Booths exceeding the 10’ by 10’ booth area will incur an extra fee and/or may be moved to another location. Sidewalks behind booths must be kept open.   Vendors must be set up and ready for customers by 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 19.   Typically, vendors for the flea market come from throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas and Tennessee. While parents shop, children can enjoy a special fun zone, and a food court area will be set up for all to enjoy.   Started by a local merchants’ association, WVFD turned the event, better known today as the "Wesson Flea Market," into a major fundraiser held annually on the third Saturday in October.  The volunteer fire fighters say the booth rentals from the event helps to generate approximately $5,000 each year to purchase equipment for the fire department.     For more information, contact the fire department at 601-265-1694 or WessonFD@gmail.com .

Special to Wesson News   Wesson’s American Legion Post, Drane-Prine #79, recently won multiple awards at the state convention in Natchez at the Natchez Grand Hotel.    Awards included second place in Legion Family Award, the most prestigious statewide award that represents the post camaraderie and collaboration within the group to achieve its goals. Drane Prine won first place last year.    Other honors included the Americanism Award, presented to Post Commander Bobby Thornton by Department Commander William (Bill) Whatley and first place in “Poppy” (presentations, poster contest, etc.)   Additionally, the post received a special award for membership for reaching over one hundred percent of their goal in recruitment, resulting in over ten new members. Cathy Stroud, a local Wesson resident who also heads Socks for Heroes, won State Unit Member of the Year.  Stroud was also elected District 7 vice president.  Mary Murphy Brady, the granddaughter of Kim Whittington of Wesson, was elected state president for the auxiliary juniors, a group of dedicated young ladies who promote patriotism and helping veterans; and Dixie Thornton of Wesson was elected state historian.   Sara Lassiter of Ruth was elected 2nd vice president for state, and Janet Currie was elected District 7 president.    Post #79 will hold its next meeting for all members on August 20 at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be provided, and interested members are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held at 1014 Main Street in Wesson.

Special to Wesson News   Wolves fans can now purchase 2024 Copiah-Lincoln Community College football season tickets and experience all four home games at Stone Stadium this season.   General admission season tickets are priced at $38 for all four home games, while reserved chairback seat season tickets are available for $95.   Tickets are also on sale for individual games, with general admission priced at $12, children’s tickets for $6 and reserved chairback seating for $25.   The Wolves start their season on the road with two away games before their home opener.  Co-Lin's first home game is slated for Thursday, September 12, against Hinds at Stone Stadium.  The Wolves will then play one game on the road before returning home on Thursday, September 26, for a homecoming matchup against rival Southwest.   The Wolves return to Stone Stadium in October with a matchup against Gulf Coast on Thursday, October 17.  Following another game on the road, the season will conclude on Thursday, October 31, with a sophomore night finale against Northeast Mississippi at Stone Stadium.   All home games kick off at 6:30 p.m. at Stone Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at https://colin.TicketLeap.com

By: Bob Garver “Alien: Romulus” started out at a disadvantage with me because I haven’t liked any of the “Alien” films that came before it. I’m not just talking about the heavily-maligned third and fourth installments from the 90’s, the “Predator” crossovers from the 2000’s, or the uneven Michael Fassbender arc of the 2010’s. I mean that even the “classic” original from 1979 and beloved first sequel from 1986 have never done it for me. I find them to be little more than glorified haunted house movies with one cool creature design and some extra squishy special effects. That isn’t to say that I think they’re terrible, exactly, just not worthy of their pedestals in popular culture. Now “Alien: Romulus” is a movie that I do think is terrible, exactly. The movie follows new heroine Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and her glitchy android “brother” Andy (David Jonsson) as they try to escape a miserable mining planet owned by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. They get an invite from her friend Tyler (Archie Renaux) to join him on an unsanctioned mission to a floating research station that contains stasis chambers and is set to arrive at a desirable planet in nine years. Also along are Tyler’s pregnant sister Kara (Isabela Merced), his cousin Bjorn (Spike Fearn), and Bjorn’s girlfriend Navarro (Aileen Wu). Of course, things don’t quite go to plan. There isn’t enough fuel to run the stasis chambers, so the team has to look all over the ship for more. Another little snag, as you can probably imagine, is that the ship took an alien known as a Xenomorph onboard and now the ship is infested with everything from big, cumbersome, deadly aliens to smaller, more nimble, but still very deadly aliens. Also, the aliens have acidic bodily fluids that are capable of tearing through the ship itself, not to mention any unfortunate humans. Also, the station is owned by Weyland-Yutani, a company that never misses a chance to endanger humans for its own bottom line – and it wants that precious alien DNA. All of this is explained by the ship’s android science officer, and let’s just say that one of Weyland-Yutani’s cost-cutting measures is recycling android designs. Since the characters aren’t interesting and the action isn’t exciting, I whiled away the time waiting for cast members to get killed off. There’s a big billboard in Times Square depicting Navarro getting attacked by a face-hugging Xenomorph, she’s a goner for sure. Bjorn is rude to everybody, he’s no doubt toast. Tyler is bland even for this movie, he has “killed off somewhere in the middle” written all over him. Kara exists solely so her pregnancy can be exploited for body horror. This franchise’s affinity for heroines takes away a lot of the suspense from Rain, though Cailee Spaeny is no Sigourney Weaver. The only character whose life or death I couldn’t predict with 99% certainty was Andy, and he arguably doesn’t even have a “life” in the first place. Walt Disney World used to have an attraction called “Alien Encounter,” unrelated to the “Alien” franchise, but certainly reminiscent of it. Guests would sit strapped in a seat and be “terrorized” by an alien animatronic in the form of wind, water, and sound effects in a darkened room. Disney got complaints that the attraction wasn’t child-friendly, so they made the lighting dim instead of dark, scaled down the intensity, and generally made the whole thing less appealing to thrill-seekers. “Alien: Romulus” reminds me of a later version of that ride. While not devoid of violence by any means, the film can’t properly pull off a thrilling or scary atmosphere to save its life. Nor does it have the dramatic or comedic chops to be an interesting movie on any other level. That was what saved the first two “Alien” movies from being terrible, the human characters were likeable, even if I didn’t like their chances of survival. I think I liked this film’s five human characters less than Paul Reiser’s intentionally-detestable corporate sellout in “Aliens.”   Grade: D   “Alien: Romulus” is rated R for bloody violent content and language. Its running time is 119 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Carl S. Bozeman, Jr. “Steve” of Copiah Bank in Hazlehurst has been elected to a 3- year term on the Mississippi Bankers Association Board of Directors. He will represent his region of the state on the Board, which governs the 135-year-old association. MBA’s membership includes commercial banks and savings institutions operating in Mississippi, and the association's members hold over 95 percent of bank deposits in the state. Bozeman serves Copiah Bank as President and CEO. He has been with the bank since 2015 and prior to joining the bank he was self-employed. Bozeman earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University. He has been involved with the MBA for several years, and in addition to his new role on the Board of Directors, he is also actively involved in his community. He has served as President of the Copiah Endowment Foundation and as Vice President for the Copiah Water Association. Bozeman and his wife Becky have three children and five grandchildren.