Special to The Bolton News The Annie Thompson Jeffers Library in Bolton brought neighbors together on December 2 for its annual holiday cookie swap, turning a quiet Tuesday afternoon into a warm celebration of community spirit. Guests arrived with plates of homemade cookies, each one representing a family tradition or a favorite seasonal recipe. The library’s meeting space quickly filled with the scent of sugar, spice and fresh-baked treats, creating an atmosphere that felt b

Special to The Bolton News The Mississippi Outreach Foundation, Inc. is extending an open invitation to its 32nd Annual 90-Above Senior Citizens Basket Giveaway, a longstanding tradition dedicated to honoring some of the community’s most treasured residents. The event will be held Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Mt. Olive M.B. Church Family Life Center, located at 6449 W. Northside Drive in Bolton. For more than three decades, the foundation has gath

Special to The Bolton News Bolton is preparing for a heartwarming celebration of the Christmas season on December 21, offering the community two meaningful opportunities to come together. The afternoon will begin at 3:30 PM at Bolton Baptist Church, where participants will gather before heading out for house-to-house Christmas caroling. This tradition has long been cherished in small towns, and organizers hope to revive the joy of sharing music, encouraging words, and holiday

A stage photo of a large group of women and girls dressed in colorful traditional attire, posing together in front of a backdrop that reads “Jackson Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav.” This image shows cultural richness, youth involvement, and unity. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jackson, Mississippi, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a three-day Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav filled with devotion, culture, and community spirit. The milestone marked a quarter century of spiritual guid

Thelma Louise Thompson August 11, 1947 - November 22, 2025 78 years of age Ms. Thelma Louise Thompson was born on August 11, 1947 to the late Ms. Ida Mae Hill and the late Mr. Jessie James Thompson in Edwards, Hinds County, Mississippi.  She departed this life on Saturday, November 22, 2025.    Visitation & Service Information: Visitation Friday, November 28, 2025 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Bolton Funeral Home 205 Bolton Brownsville Road, Bolton, MS Funeral Service Saturday, Novembe

Ms. Ceolia Graves March 7, 1940 - November 19, 2025 85 Years of Age Ms. Ceolia Graves passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at home in Clinton, Mississippi. She was born on March 7, 1940 in Bolton, Mississippi to the late Cleveland "Buddy" Graves and the late Sarah Howard Graves. Services: Viewing: Friday, November 28, 2025/ 1:00 - 6:00 pm Bolton Funeral Home 205 Bolton Brownsville Rd, Bolton, MS Visitation With Family: Friday, November 28, 2025/ 5:00 - 6

by Tyler Teresa, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration     Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. It is an important part of the busiest shopping season for small businesses.  Last Small Business Saturday in 2024, the reported projected spending in the United States from those who shopped small on Small Business Saturday was around  $22

By: Kelley Williams, Chair Bigger Pie Forum   Backwater flooding happens when the Mississippi River is higher (about 43’ at Vicksburg) than the Yazoo River and blocks its discharge.  It takes less rain to raise and keep the Mississippi above 43’ than it used to. ( See More Flood for Less Rain .) So backwater flooding and batture flooding inside the levees are more frequent and longer — over three times longer since 2015.  Why? What happened to cause a step change in flooding

At last check, there have been 60 fire deaths statewide in 2025. Cooking or the misuse of cooking equipment led to four of those deaths. “Many people have family and friends over for the holiday. Don’t let distractions put you and your guests in danger. Make your home safer by installing multiple smoke alarms. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short amount of time, turn off the stove,” said State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. Use these safety

Special to The Bolton News The Bolton community is gearing up for one of the sweetest events of the season: the Annual Bolton Cookie Swap, set for Monday, December 2, at 1:15 p.m. at the Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton, Mississippi. This beloved tradition invites residents of all ages to come together to celebrate the holiday season with delicious homemade cookies, friendly conversation, and the joy of giving and sharing. Participants are asked to bring one or two dozen of

Special to The Bolton News Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School will welcome parents and guardians to its upcoming Parent-Teacher Conference on Wednesday, November 12, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This annual event is an important opportunity for families to connect with teachers, celebrate student achievements, and gain a deeper understanding of each child’s progress. During the conference, parents can meet with teachers across all grade levels to discuss academic performa

Ginger Robbins, VP, Workforce Development Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director, AccelerateMS   and Governmental Affairs, Hinds CC   AccelerateMS, Mississippi’s lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, and Hinds Community College, on Friday, established a strategic partnership designed to set a new statewide standard for how Mississippi supports new, expanding, and existing industries. The announcement, held at the Hinds

Special to The Bolton News It may be time to donate that ’84 Mustang that has been sitting in the driveway for ten years. Many properties have vehicles collecting dust in the front yard, but donating these vehicles can make a positive difference. Mercy House Adult and Teen Challenge (MHATC), headquartered in Georgetown, gladly accepts old, rundown vehicles through its Vehicle Donation Program (VDP).   With holidays approaching, it is the season to be thankful and give back. H

Special to The Bolton News The Bolton Baptist Church is inviting vendors, farmers, and community members to take part in its upcoming Farmers Market and Animal Swap  on Saturday, November 15 , from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  This free event will take place on the church grounds in Bolton, Mississippi , and promises a morning filled with local flavor, creativity, and community connection. Organizers are still looking for craft vendors, bakers, and animal owners  interested i

Governor Tate Reeves today issued Executive Order 1589 to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test for elementary, middle and high school students across Mississippi. Executive Order 1589 comes after President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order that reestablished the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and reinstituted the Presidential Fitness Test. "Students across the country are spending far too much time sitting around looking at screens and eatin

By: Michael Watson, MS Secretary of State Mississippi's next Election Day on Tuesday, November 4, is one week away. Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Any voter in line at 7:00 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. To view the list of counties that may have an election on November 4,  click here . Visit the  My Election Day portal  to receive election information tailored to your specific address, including a sample ballot. As you type your address into

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jackson, MS hosted a grand Diwali celebration, inviting the community to experience the traditions and joy of the Festival of Lights. Observed by millions of Hindus worldwide,  Diwali is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration with family and community. This year’s celebrations highlighted the theme of unity, emphasizing the values of harmony, compassion, and togetherness that Diwali inspires. The festival served as a reminder that

Special to The Bolton News The Town of Bolton is pleased to announce its annual Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025. This festive event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season. The town extends a warm invitation to all local elected officials, business owners, churches, schools, and civic and school associations to participate in the parade. Entry fees are set at $10 for industrial entries and $30

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announced today that due to the ongoing federal shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of November will not be issued. This pause in benefits is a direct result of the federal shutdown and is not a state-level decision. The United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has directed states not to transmit the EBT issuances files to EBT vendors until f

Special to The Bolton News Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church, located at 5137 North Chapel Hill Road in Bolton, Mississippi, will celebrate its 155th anniversary on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The celebration will take place under the leadership of Reverend Darryl Smothers, who has faithfully guided the church for the past 18 years. The history of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church is one of faith, perseverance, and community. In 1870, the church’s founding