Special to The Bolton News (Photo by Grace Cockrell) Three students from Bolton were among more than 3,500 students recognized on Mississippi State University’s Spring 2026 Graduation List. MSU President Mark E. Keenum congratulated graduates during the university’s May commencement ceremonies, highlighting the education, experiences and values students gained during their time at Mississippi State. “Integrity, strong work ethic and respect for others — that’s who we are, and

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) will make available state Education Enhancement Funds (EEF) to all public-school districts on July 15 for teachers to purchase instructional supplies for their classes throughout the school year. For the first time, EEF funds are being provided to teachers through a digital wallet platform. Each eligible teacher has been allocated $748 in EEF funds for the 2026-27 school year. Teachers will access these funds through ClassWallet,

Cleophas Henderson, Sr. April 13, 1934 - July 6, 2026 92 Years of age Mr. Cleophas Henderson, Sr. was born on April 13, 1924 in Bolton, MS to the late Eldridge and Odessa Henderson. “Little Daddy” as he was affectionately known was a lifelong resident of Bolton devoting his life to farming, barbering, and his family. He departed this life on Monday, July, 6, 2026. Funeral Arrangements: Visitation with family: Friday, July 17 from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM Bolton Funeral Home, 205 Bolto

Special to The Bolton News Levon McGraw March 12, 1966 - July 2, 2026 60 Years of age Levon McGraw was born on March 12, 1966, in Bolton, Hinds County, Mississippi, to Dorothy McGraw-Funchess and the late Allen Campbell. He transitioned from his earthly life on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Baptist Medical Center. Funeral Arrangements: Viewing: Friday, July 10, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Bolton Funeral Home, 205 Bolton Brownsville Road, Bolton Celebration of Life: Saturday, July 11,

Special to The Bolton News An 83-year-old Bolton woman died Saturday after she and her husband fell while working in their garden and were unable to get up for more than three hours in the summer heat. Martha Irene Van Egmond died after the incident at the couple's home in Bolton. Officials with the Hinds County Coroner's Office suspect she died from heat exposure. According to her husband, Rick Van Egmond, the couple had been working in their garden when they both fell and w

Most of the state is expected to see a heat index in the triple-digits this weekend. As we welcome July and all its sunny possibilities, we must prepare for the potential dangers that come with the hottest month of the year (a distinction it shares with August). The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is cautioning you to not only protect yourself from long days of scorching heat but to also take precautions to ensure your most vulnerable loved ones – who cannot alw

Special to The Bolton News The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) and Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) encourages fireworks safety this Independence Day. “I expect that this year, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, fireworks use will be at an all-time high. It’s up to you to implement safety standards when shooting fireworks at home. That means using common sense, never pointing fireworks at another person, and disposing of fireworks in water to prevent fire,

Special to The Bolton News Bolton City Hall will be closed Monday, June 29, through Friday, July 3, as town officials and staff attend the Mississippi Municipal League Annual Conference and participate in training classes. According to town officials, the conference provides elected officials and municipal employees with valuable training, updated information and professional development opportunities designed to improve services provided to residents and keep local governmen

THE UNITED STATES – DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: Rob Buchert: Dunlap Broadside Reproduction, 2026 By Rob Buchert The Document On the night of July 4, 1776, Philadelphia printer John Dunlap set the Declaration of Independence in type and printed an estimated 200 copies. These broadsides, large single-page printed sheets, were the document that spread the news of independence across the colonies. Twenty-six copies are known to survive. The auction record was set in 2000 at Soth

Lawrence "Hot" Butler September 12, 1939 - June 14, 2026 86 Years of age Mr. Lawrence Butler was born September 12, 1939, to the late Lafayette Butler and Marie Henderson Butler Thompson in Edwards, Mississippi. Hot, as he was known, confessed Christ at an early age and united with St. Mark M.B. Church in Edwards, Mississippi, under the leadership of Rev. L. C. Pickens. He later joined Elbethel M.B. Church after moving to Bolton, Mississippi, where he served on the Finance Co

Special to The Bolton News Funeral arrangements have been announced for Mayor Emeritus Lawrence "Hot" Butler, a longtime public servant and beloved community leader whose impact on Bolton and the surrounding area spanned more than five decades. According to family members, Butler specifically requested that his services be held at Elbethel Missionary Baptist Church, a congregation he faithfully loved and supported throughout his life. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m.

Special to The Bolton News Lawrence "Hot" Butler, a longtime public servant whose dedication helped shape the Town of Bolton for more than five decades, has died at the age of 86. Known throughout the community simply as "Hot," Butler devoted more than 53 years of his life to serving Bolton and its residents. He served multiple terms as mayor and spent decades working to improve the town he deeply loved. Current Bolton Mayor Alisa Butler-Kidd announced her father's passing in

Mississippi has the highest death rate in the nation for Alzheimer's, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills, according to the Alzheimer's Association. An estimated 7.4 million Americans over age 65 are currently living with the condition, a number expected to nearly double by 2050. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) wants you to know that despite the data, you may be able to stave off the disease by making intention

Photo courtesy MDHS Facebook The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announces a new mobile app and enhanced security features for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) launching June 11, 2026. The ConnectEBT app introduces a card lock feature designed to help protect benefits from theft and unauthorized use. As part of the update, all Mississippi EBT cards will automatically be set to block online and out-of-state SNAP transactions be

2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report TOWN OF BOLTON PWS ID# 0250001 May 2026 We are pleased to present to you this year’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. This report is a snapshot of last year’s water quality. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the effor

Special to The Bolton News Area children and families will have an opportunity to get up close with some fascinating animals when the Hattiesburg Zoo visits the Annie T. Jeffers Library on Wednesday, June 3. The special Summer Reading Program event will take place from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and will feature a live animal presentation designed to educate and entertain attendees of all ages. During the program, zoo educators will introduce several animal ambassadors and share inform

Special to The Bolton News Residents are encouraged to attend the next Bolton Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at 6 p.m. in the Bolton City Hall. The meeting provides an opportunity for citizens to stay informed about town business, hear updates on local projects and services, and learn about matters affecting the community. The mayor and board of aldermen regularly discuss municipal operations, infrastructure, public safety, financial matter

Vivian Macnita Jacobs-Dotson November 26, 1961 - May 21, 2026 64 Years of age Vivian Macnita Jacobs-Dotson, the seventh of ten children, was born to the late Reverend Calvin Jacobs, Sr. and the late Charlie Mae Johnson Jacobs on November 26, 1961, in Bolton, Mississippi. On May 21, 2026, God called her into eternal rest. Funeral Arrangements: Viewing: May 29, 2026, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Bolton Funeral Home, 205 Bolton Brownsville Road, Bolton Cards may be sent to : Bolton Funera

Alean Mack Kelly February 27, 1957 - May 20, 2026 69 Years of age With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Alean Mack Kelly, who departed this life on May 20, 2026. Funeral Arrangements: Viewing: May 29, 2026 from 4 PM - 6 PM Bolton Funeral Home, 205 Bolton Brownsville Road, Bolton Cards may be sent to: Bolton Funeral Home, Attn: Family of Alean Mack Kelly, P.O. Box 67, Bolton, MS 39041 Funeral Service: May 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM Bolton Baptist Church, 306 Bolton Brow

Residents from across the Jackson area are expected to gather on Saturday, May 30, 2026, for the annual BAPS Charities Walk-Run, part of a nationwide volunteer-driven event taking place simultaneously in more than 100 cities across North America. The Jackson event, scheduled at 2390 Greenway Drive in Jackson, Mississippi, is expected to bring together approximately 300 participants of all ages in support of local charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society and th