The summer camping season is underway for children and youth on Co-Lin's Wesson campus, with opportunities to stretch their minds, improve their physical capacities and have fun at the same time. The twenty-four camps this year cover skills-development in sports, band and theater.  The camp timeframes range from a half-day to more than a week with fees up to $90. Sports camps started in late May and extended into June: Co-Lin Head Football Coach Glenn Davis worked with kids from five years old and 13 years old on gridiron fundamentals May 29-30,  coordinated a football tournament with seven-player teams on June 10 and focused on building skills of 14 year olds to 18-year olds as linemen on June 12. Lady Wolves Head Basketball Coach Britta Stephens worked with girls high school basketball teams on June 2-4 and June 6-8 boys and girls in first grade through sixth grades and fifth through ninth grades in June 10-11 on fundamentals and building skills on the hoops court.  Men’s Coach David Sanders worked with boys high school basketball teams June 13-16. Co-Lin Softball Coach Meleah Howard worked with kids six years old to 12 years old and prospective players in the seventh through 12th grades on diamond fundamentals and skills-building June 4-5 and June 11.  Baseball Coach Adam Chamblee also conducted a kids camp June 17-19. Soccer Coach Tom Cosgrove conducted a residential camp for high school athletes June 6-9 and coordinated a tournament including seven-player team Sixth graders and youth in seventh grade and up honed their skills on the links tutored by Co-Lin Golf Coach Allen Kent June 12-14 at the Wolf Hollow Golf Club. Aspiring cheerleaders from four years old to nine years old learned cheers and performed at a Pee Wee Cheer Camp conducted by Co-Lin Cheerleader Coach Mary Franklin June 17-18. In the midst of all the sports camps, Fine Arts instructor Bobby Helms conducted a theater camp for second through eighth graders June 10-15.   The campers will rehearse for a performance of Disney’s Moana, JR. on June 15. From June 17 to June 20, local high school students also attended the college’s Upward Bound Summer Academy, part of a program that provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Through July and August, other Co-Lin summer camp programs include: July 8-10.  Drum Camp with Buddy Gibbons conducted by Co-Lin band instructor Chad Austin. July 11-12.  Summer High School Color Guard Camp conducted by Co-Lin band instructor Cody McElwain. July 13-20.  Summer Theater Camp for sixth through 12th graders, who will rehearse for a July 20 performance of Chicago -- Teen Edition. July 16-17.  Softball Team Camp conducted by Co-Lin Coach Meleah Howard. July 29-August 1.  Percussion Guard & Colette Camp conducted by Co-Lin band instructor Chad Austin. August 4-8.  Camp for full Co-Lin band conducted by Chard Austin. For detailed information about the camps and to download registration forms, visit www.colin.edu.

The Co-Lin Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) is offering summer travel option on Friday, July 5, for dinner and a murder mystery show at Glenfield Mansion in Natchez.  The three-course meal and the comedy mystery show -- “Whodunnit Hoe Down” -- starts at 6:30 p.m.  Cost is $160 per person. If enough travelers are interested, the group can stay on following the murder mystery for a haunted candlelight tour of the Glenfield Mansion beginning at 9:30 p.m.  The tour is another $20 per person.  RSVP by June 17.  ILR needs 20 persons to make the trip.  The deluxe motorcoach with a professional driver will leave Wesson for Natchez at 4 p.m.

Gabriella (Gabby) Nuzzo, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Jackson Alliance, was  recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect. Consultant Connect is an international site location consultant coordination firm that serves more than 230 national and international economic development clients. Gabby was recognized as a top economic developer for her leadership and the work she’s doing to promote business retention and growth in the greater Jackson region. Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants, announces its 2024 list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. The economic development professionals selected for this list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development and site location consulting industries for excellent practices, innovation, and success in building the communities they serve. Beginning June 3rd, we'll be shining a spotlight on each of the Top 50 Economic Developers across our selected social media platforms, LinkedIn and Twitter. These individuals will have the chance to provide their industry expertise, leadership insights, and career advice to their peers. At Consultant Connect, we're dedicated to elevating the economic development sector by honoring outstanding professionals like these. On November 21th we'll be presenting the awards to these deserving recipients at our ECONOMIX event in Salt Lake City, UT. “At Consultant Connect, we see economic development as more than just changing communities—it's about creating jobs that touch lives. It's an honor for us to spotlight North America's top economic developers and the impact they make on the communities they serve." The complete list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2024 includes: Andrea Enders- REDI Cincinnati Ann Blair- Miller Roanoke Regional Partnership Antoine Long- City of DeSoto, TX Ashlee Chilton- Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, CEcD Ashley Busada-Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) Becky Harrington- Delaware Prosperity Partnership Benjamin Moore- Community Champion Bert Roach, B.A., MEDP- Woodlands County to be complete by January 2026 and is expected to begin operating in the months to follow. Bethany Hartley- South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership William Murphy, IOM, CEcD, EDFP- Ardmore Development Authority Brian Vasa- Nebraska Public Power District Callie Cook- Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Cathleen Flournoy- Missouri Partnership Clark Duncan- Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Daniel Clark- New York City Economic Development Corporation David Putnam, CEcD, CWD- Alamance Chamber Donna Gillespie- Kingston Economic Development Corporation Dylan Horne- Metro Atlanta Chamber Eric Icard- The Right Place Erin Farr- Economic Development Corporation of Utah Erin Silk, CEcD- Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County Gabriella Nuzzo- Greater Jackson Alliance Haley Tomlinson- Duke Energy Corporation Heather C. Smith, EDFP, CPM- Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Jennifer Lantz- Wilson Economic Development Council Jose Romano- Economic Development Professional Julie Carrier- Investissement Québec Karthik Avadhanula- JobsOhio Katie Grigar- Tulsa Regional Chamber Keith Lund- Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation Kim Wilmes- Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Kimberly Young- KC Animal Health Corridor Kimberly Rossetti- BE NKY Growth Partnership Kyle Wagner- City of Henderson Louis David- New Orleans Business Alliance Marc Valenzuela- Salt River Project Marvin Price- Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Mary Lesa Pegg- Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) Matthew McCollister- One Columbus Michael Talley McKinney- Economic Development Corporation Monique Claiborne- Greater Portland Inc Moriah Williams- Wichita Falls Chamber Peter Milano- Massachusetts Office of Business Development Ray Farley- Alliance Pickens. South Carolina. USA Russell Richardson- Baton Rouge Area Chamber Ryan Smith † -City of Las Vegas Stevie Phillips- Cooperative Energy Tamika Jenkins, CEcD- Hinds County Economic Development Authority Victoria Ross-Frost, CEcD- Indiana Municipal Power Agency William (Skip) Scaggs- North Mississippi Industrial Development Association

The Co-Lin Softball team returned to play at the NJCAA Division II World Series last month, but came up short against the Lady Aggies of Murray State, 6-2, to end their season and finish fourth overall in the nation. The Lady Wolves got on the board first scoring a pair of runs in the top of the second as Carson Hughey was hit-by-pitch with two outs to get the offense going. Bailee Goodson then reached on an error to extend the inning. Hughey and Goodson both then scored on a two-RBI triple by Madison Moak (Brookhaven) to give the Lady Wolves a 2-0 lead. After holding the Lady Wolves scoreless in the top of the third, the Lady Aggies tied the game with a pair of runs in the bottom half making the score, 2-2. After a scoreless fourth inning, the Lady Aggies added two runs in the bottom of the fifth to take their first lead of the game at 4-2. The Lady Aggies then added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth to increase their lead to 6-2. Olivia Banes (Pelahatchie) drew a leadoff walk to start the top of the seventh, but the Lady Aggies then recorded three straight outs to end the game and the Lady Wolves season. The Lady Wolves totaled three hits as Madison Moak, Taylor Efferson (Holden, LA), and Olivia Banes had one hit each. Moak led the Lady Wolves with two RBIs. Cara Biswell (Brandon) moved to 22-6 overall while pitching 4.2 inning and allowing four runs, all earned, on five hits with four walks and five strikeouts. Emily Richarde (Lakeland, TN) pitched 1.1 innings of relief allowing two earned runs on two hits with three walks and two stirkeouts. Co-Lin finishes the season 47-7 overall.

Lady Wolves softball standouts Madison Moak and Abby Grace Richardson from Brookhaven were honored for their performances on the diamond by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). NJCAA named Moak First Team All-American, and she was a NFCA Rawling Gold Glove winner.  NJCAA also named Richardson a Third Team All-American. Moak (Brookhaven) led the Lady Wolves and the MACCC in batting average this season at .503 while also leading the team in hits at 94. The University of Southern Mississippi signee was second on the team in home runs at 16, while leading the team in double, triples, RBIs, and stolen bases with 22, 12, 69 and 19 respectively. She also had the second highest on-base percentage on the team at .546 and the highest slugging percentage at 1.005 while posting a perfect fielding percentage with no errors on 69 defensive chances, 66 putouts and three assists and participating in a double play while playing centerfield. Moak also broke her team’s single season and career hits records (157) this season. Richardson (Brookhaven) was second on the Lady Wolves in batting average this season at .444. She led the team in home runs at 22 home runs while her 65 RBIs and her 14 stolen bases were second-most on the team. She led the team in on-base percentage at .604 and was second in slugging percentage at 1.000.  Her team-leading 55 walks was third in the NJCAA. This season, the Mississippi State University signee broke the career RBI and home run records as well as the single season and career walks records in addition to holding the single season home run and RBI records from her freshman year. She had a.931 fielding percentage with only 12 errors on 174 defensive chances, 99 putouts and 63 assist, while participating in seven double plays.

By Bob Garver I’m not going to go into a lot of depth about the story in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Miami detectives Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are back to have another cop adventure. They do some investigating, clash with superiors, run afoul of bad guys, the bad guys endanger their loved ones, and then there’s a big showdown with the bad guys at the end. There’s no suspense in predicting that the movie will stick to that formula. The real suspense comes from wondering what the action scenes will entail, what jokes will be cracked, and, this being a “Bad Boys” movie, how ridiculous it will all be. With that in mind, I have some thoughts… -Will Smith is back! The A-lister’s career has gone through some major ups and downs the past few years, with the pinnacle of each coming at the same Oscars ceremony. He was unofficially suspended from the limelight for a while, but this movie marks his comeback. And I’m glad to have him back, with his blockbuster presence as strong as ever, if not with a sharper edge. Fans are eager to find out if and how the film will address Smith’s real-life bad boy behavior. I’ll give you this tease: someone gets slapped in this movie. -Martin Lawrence is back too. I don’t have much to say for his star power, but I will praise his performance. Marcus suffers a heart attack early in the movie and spends much of his screentime spouting apparent nonsense about his experience in a coma. In the time since I saw this movie, I have encountered no fewer than two individuals on the New York City subway with similar tendencies. They made me appreciate Lawrence’s cadences in this movie. I don’t know if it’s research or just keen observation, but he’s really got it down. -The evil plan of bad guy McGrath (Eric Dane) involves framing Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), Marcus and Mike’s longtime superior who was killed in the last movie. The plan makes zero sense, since it draws attention and scrutiny to crimes that probably would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Howard himself has a sizeable presence in the movie, with everything from memorial photos and news footage to pre-recorded messages and appearances during near-death experiences. We know the characters miss him, but how can we miss him if he won’t go away? -Howard warns Mike and Marcus that there’s been a decades-long cartel mole in Miami. Realistically, how many characters could this be? Fellow team members played by Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig are too young. Howard’s daughter (Rhea Seehorn) is a U.S. Marshall that probably doesn’t even live in Miami. I suppose it could be new captain Secada (Paola Nuñez), but I can’t help but notice that she’s engaged to a smarmy politician (Ioan Gruffudd). Does the movie realize which of these two is the obvious suspect and who would count as subversive? -To get information on the mole, Mike and Marcus have to interview Mike’s imprisoned son Armando (Jacob Scipio) from the last movie. Eventually the three have to work together to combat the bad guys. I was skeptical about bringing Armando back, thinking that the character might not be interesting enough to span multiple movies. But I had nothing to worry about, Scipio makes a good action hero, better than he did a villain. -But Armando’s return has nothing on Reggie (Dennis McDonald), Marcus’s notoriously-bullied, seemingly-unmotivated son-in-law. Turns out Mike isn’t the only one with a family member with action chops. As I was leaving this movie, nobody was talking about Will Smith, everybody was talking about Reggie. And I’ll say that Reggie is just what the movie needs to bump it up to a recommendation. I was on the fence about where I stood on the whole “it’s dumb, but it’s supposed to be dumb” attitude that these movies embrace. But with Reggie, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” has enough heart to cover the missing brain. Grade: B- “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is rated R for strong violence, language throughout and some sexual references.

Participating in the U.S. political process isn’t easy as recent history demonstrates, but the American Legion’s Boys and Girls State programs groom select high school students across Mississippi to do the job and assume future leadership roles. Four Wesson High School (WHS) boys recently completed the Mississippi Legion’s Boys State program May 26 to June 1 at the University of Mississippi at Oxford and six WHS young ladies followed them there June 9-15 for its Girls State program. The Local American Legion Post 79 WHS contingent included Wayne Miller, Trevor McCree, Michael (Chase) Britt, Ben McKenzie, Avery Anna Watts, Lana Nhem, Cailley Duplantis, Mary Gwyn Hynum, Abbey Berch and Addison Morgan. Both Boys State and Girls State programs are run by and sponsored by The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.  Youth attendees are the elite of the elite in their respective schools and are our future leaders. In the programs, participants learn about citizenship, Americanism, national, state and local politics; teamwork; speaking in public, among other things.   Every young man and woman attending Boys State and Girls State returns with a higher respect for making the U.S. a great nation. One student from each of the programs is selected to attend Boys Nation or Girls Nation, with a trip to Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://www.msboysstate.com  or http://www.legionALA-aux.org/ala-girls-state  or follow each on Facebook. Girls State Attendees from Wesson Attendance Center (WAC) are (front row left to right) Avery Anna Watts, Lana Nhem, Cailley Duplantis and Mary Gwyn Hynum.  Not pictured are Abbey Berch and Addison Morgan.  In the back row are Auxiliary Unit 79 members Sharon Langley, Past President; Sara Lassiter, Auxiliary Department Chaplain; and Kim Whittington, current Unit 79 President. Boys State Attendees from Wesson Attendance Center (left to right) with Wesson Legion Post 79 Commander Bobby Thornton (center) are Wayne Miller, Trevor McCree, Michael (Chase) Britt and Ben McKenzie.

Father’s Day has rolled around again. Hmmm…do I write about the importance of Dad in every kid’s life? Giving every daddy-loved adult who reads this the warm fuzzies as they relive and remember how Dad was present and accounted for, as they grew up? But pour boiling oil in the gaping wound of every reader out there whose dad was in the wind during their growing-up years? Do I run the high risk of bringing back to the surface all the pain and resentment of many who were ignored, or outright physically abused? While I am attempting to bring joy and the warmth of great memories to those who were fortunate enough to have a loving, attentive dad at home and involved in their life? Because folks, my quandary is extremely real today. Way too many baby makers – I refuse to call them dads or fathers – have made their pitch, made their deposit, and made their escape. Despicable, damning behavior on the part of those particular males who invariably like to boast, “*&#@ yeah, I’m a man!” I beg to differ with every fiber in my body. No real MAN walks away from his responsibility after his ‘deposit’ has created a life. He accepts that he, and only he, has been party to that baby being brought to this earth. Therefore he - and only he - should step up, man up, and shoulder that responsibility. It is his duty to provide love, financial stability, and emotional security for that child. To be a real daddy. No excuses should be accepted. If you are scared of commitment or simply don’t know how to love, then you better start learning. I am sick of “Remember, he never could hold a job, so somebody else will have to take over,” or “It’s not his fault, he never had a role model to show him how to be a daddy,” or the tired and worn out “Ya just don’t understand, I have a drug problem, no way can I take on bein’ a daddy!” Guys, unless you are a true mental imbecile, who created a life and yet has no mental capacity to think and to love, then you are responsible for that baby. You need to be there for your child. Do you find yourself being offended while reading this article? Then I submit to you that you are part of the problem. If you can actually defend a functioning male who has deliberately walked away from his child and refused to be the daddy that child needs in life, then you are an enabler. An enabler is someone who physically, mentally, or emotionally aids someone else to shirk their responsibilities in life. Whether you are a well-meaning social worker, a relative, or a neighbor who condones this ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ type of behavior, I believe you are wrong. And your actions are helping to cause long-term emotional damage to a defenseless child.

By guest columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid In a recent presentation to the Mississippi Health Ambassadors by Dr. Chloe Kilman, MD, of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) MIND Center, critical insights into the complexities of the aging brain and dementia were revealed. As our population ages, understanding the nuances of cognitive decline becomes increasingly vital for individuals and caregivers.  Normal aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia differ.  The body processes normal aging in different ways: Normal Aging is characterized by occasional forgetfulness, but overall cognitive function remains intact. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is characterized by more noticeable cognitive decline than expected for one’s age, but it is not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life. Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing a range of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment  and is severe enough to interfere with daily life.  Dementia can result from various underlying causes, with Alzheimer’s disease the most common. Despite ongoing research, specific treatments for dementia remain elusive. While some medications offer modest benefits for Alzheimer’s related dementia, there are currently no targeted treatments for other forms of dementia. For caregivers navigating the challenges of supporting individuals with dementia, seeking out support groups and assistance is crucial. UMMC offers a caregiver university accessible at www.umc.edu/Caregiveru that provides valuable resources, guidance and a supportive community for caregivers. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, adopting healthy brain habits can help mitigate the risk and promote overall cognitive well-being. Dr. Kilman emphasizes the importance of: Exercise:  Regular physical activity has been shown to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.Healthy Diet:  Following a Mediterranean style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can benefit brain function. Avoiding Smoking and Limiting Alcohol:  These habits can negatively impact brain health and increase the risk of cognitive decline. Prioritizing Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function and overall brain health. Remaining Socially Active:  Engaging in social activities and maintaining connections with others can support cognitive health. Mental Stimulation: Activities such as puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help keep the brain sharp. Stress Relief and Mental Illness Treatment: Managing stress and seeking treatment for mental health conditions can promote brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. If you have any questions or concerns about your brain health or that of a family member or friend, consult your physician for advice. If you do not have a personal physician, contact The MIND Center at UMMC at umc.edu/mindcenter/MINDCENTER or call 601-984-1000. Understanding the complexities of the aging brain and dementia is vital for individuals and caregivers. By adopting healthy brain habits and seeking support when needed, individuals can take proactive steps to promote cognitive well-being and enhance quality of life. EDITOR'S NOTE:  Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).

By Kara Kimbrough First, the bad news: It’s hot. Even worse, the official start of summer is still days away. But things are not all gloom and doom. There are numerous recipes containing words like “frozen,” “frosted,” “cool,” “chilled” and perhaps the best one this time of year: “no bake.” In case you haven’t guessed, I’m not a hot weather person. In fact, I live for our all-too-short months of cool, sometimes cold, weather. I’m more than happy to bake, grill, slow cook, broil and fry food during the fleeting months of fall and winter. However, once the temperature reaches 80 degrees, I’ll do anything to keep from turning on the oven. Since we’ve crossed over into the dark side, aka, summer (despite what the calendar says), I’ve vowed to primarily focus on recipes containing the adjectives listed above. One of my favorites, frozen strawberry pie, is made using a simple recipe I’ve shared here before. I’ve been making this cool dessert ever since I picked up a recipe sheet from Burris Farm Market, the sprawling fruit and vegetable stand in Loxley, Ala. It’s simple to make and as the name would suggest, it's the perfect cool, no-bake dessert. Another favorite chilled treat dates back quite a bit further. Frosted cranberry salad, a longtime family favorite found in The Mississippi Cookbook published in 1972, has been a staple on our Thanksgiving dinner table for decades. It's charming story gets trotted out every year during the holidays. Inevitably, my grandmother would forget to remove the Pyrex dish filled with “pink salad” as we fondly called it due to its dusty rose hue, from the freezer before lunch to thaw. As a result, a rock-hard slice would land with a thud on a dessert plate. Because pink salad is a medley of  flavors, including raspberry, pineapple and cream cheese, among other ingredients, and is not solely cranberry-centric, this versatile chilled salad can be enjoyed all year long, not just when turkey is on the menu. If you’d like the recipe for either of these chilly dishes, email me and I’ll send them to you. In the meantime, here are the recipes for two new summer treats that require no cooking and will help you (and me) make it through what’s sure to be a long, hot summer. Frozen Cherry Ice Cream Pie 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream 20 ounce can cherry pie filling 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Hot fudge topping, whipped cream, cherries for garnish 2 graham cracker or shortbread crust pie crusts Beat the whipping cream in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Add cherry pie filling to a medium bowl. Crush slightly with a potato masher. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir. Pour into whipped cream and gently fold to combine. Divide mixture between two pie crusts. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. 3-Ingredient No-Freezer-Needed Homemade Ice Cream 2 cups heavy whipping cream 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract In a large bowl, use a mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks occur. The cream will be done when you pull the beaters out and the cream is slightly firm. Be careful not to over whip. In another large bowl, whisk the vanilla into the sweetened condensed milk. Gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula, slowly incorporating the two mixtures together. To create a fruit-based or other flavor ice cream, mix chopped fruit or ingredient of choice (chocolate syrup, crushed candy bar, etc.) directly into the cream mixture. Transfer the mixture to an insulated container and freeze for 4-6 hours. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

At a unique downtown Wesson retailer, locals can acquire fleas, arts and crafts and boutique items, support home-operated businesses around town that make many of the special gift products it sells and help victims of child sex trafficking, all at the same time. The new store marks the tangible expression of the mission of  Christy Shaw, Wesson’s first lady as the wife of Mayor Alton Shaw, at C&L Treasures -- the store front of Life View Ministries (LVM), a not-for-profit she and her husband started 12 years ago, “to help people view their lives and inform their life through Christ.” LVM started focusing on child sex trafficking after she learned about the issue at church-related conferences and the birth of her son Parker, now 11 years old, put a personal face on the disturbing data, facts and figures.  Eleven years ago, she started raising money for the cause in partnership with her mother, Linda, through yard sales, and the store grew out of them. “Five years ago, our yard sales started evolving into a store when we moved into a former salon located behind our current location,” Shaw relates.  “We grew as donors started give us items to resell; and at our store, we are now also selling items made by home-based businesses in the community -- many of them stay-at-home moms.  Our profits go to one home for child sex trafficking victims, and we hope our work can support other places where they can not only find a safe place, but get help in ongoing recovery.” C&L (commemorating founders Christy and Linda) Treasures opened September 15, 2023.  It is renovating the second floor of the two-story building it occupies on Highway 51 off Spring Street to expand retail space, and Shaw plans to link the store to two Spring Street buildings in the rear to rent rooms for classes and meetings “where church and unchurched people can mingle.” Shaw also wants to use the kitchen facility in the store to create a small coffee house where shoppers can relax and socialize.  Longer term, she envisions the blue house at the other end of Spring Street, where her mom now lives, as a larger not-for-profit coffee house that serves meals and offers entertainment. A Rankin County native, Shaw started her career in healthcare, serving as a paramedic in the military, and then for fire and police departments.  She met her husband in an orientation program for ambulance service. C&L Treasures is open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  Shaw has a volunteer staff, but her plans call for hiring paid employees.

Mississippi improved its education ranking to 30th in the nation – the state’s highest ranking ever – according to the 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® Data Book released today. KIDS COUNT® Data Book ranked Mississippi 32nd in 2023 and 39th in 2022. The state was ranked 48th in education in 2014 and has experienced continued improvement. The 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book is a 50-state report of recent household data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that analyzes how children and families are faring. Each year, the Data Book presents national and state data from 16 indicators in four domains — economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors — and ranks the states according to how children are doing. Mississippi ranks 49th in overall child well-being and has shown progress in half of the 16 indicators. The 2024 report also examines the national unprecedented declines in student math and reading proficiency brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on education. KIDS COUNT® ranks education by measuring pre-K enrollment, 4th grade reading skills, 8th grade math proficiency and the high school graduation rate. “Mississippi’s momentum in education is the result of strong policies and dedicated, effective educators,” said Dr. Raymond Morgigno, interim state superintendent of education. “The progress of our students has made the state a national leader in improving academic outcomes. While the pandemic disrupted student learning, state and federal funds helped our schools provide additional academic support to help our students exceed pre-pandemic achievement levels.” The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi has released the 2024 Mississippi KIDS COUNT Factbook to determine opportunities for improving outcomes for all Mississippi children. “Despite the state’s overall ranking of 49, we are encouraged that Mississippi ranks 30th in education. This is Mississippi’s highest ranking in the education domain in decades. While there is room for improvement in specific indicators, most notably among eighth graders who are not proficient in math, we are pleased to note that the consistent increased investment in Pre-K is better preparing students for kindergarten. One notable improvement is the percentage of Mississippi’s high school students not graduating on time. In 2021-22 this was 12%, compared to 15% in the previous reporting period,” notes Linda Southward, executive director of the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi. The 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book is available at www.aecf.org. Additional information is available at www.aecf.org/databook. Journalists interested in creating maps, graphs, and rankings in stories about the Data Book can use the KIDS COUNT Data Center at datacenter.aecf.org. Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.