Search Results

Tommy Earl "T Dog" Kelly, Sr. May 30, 1962 - April 16, 2026 62 Years of age Mr. Tommy Earl Kelly, Sr., 62, was born on May 30, 1962 to Archie Kelly & Robbie Mae Jordan Kelly in Bolton, MS. Tommy passed April 16, 2026 in Learned, MS. Funeral Arrangements: Public Viewing: Friday, April 24, 2026, 1:00-7:00 PM, Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home (Jackson), 3580 Robinson Road, Jackson Funeral Service: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00 AM, Chapel Hill M.B. Church, 5137 N. Chapel Hill Road, Bolton Interment: Chapel Hill M.B. Church Cemetery Send flowers to the service of Tommy Earl "T Dog" Kelly, Sr.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com We humans have personality traits, that is readily apparent. And because we all have our own individual and highly weird traits, each of us also have singularly different desires. Desires for things in our life that are driven by our God-given quirks. The athlete, bookworm, the flour-on-my-hands addicted, the outdoorsman, or maybe the dancer. We all seem to come equipped with an in-born love of something. Scripture says to rear a child according to who they are individually. So if you are given the responsibility of getting a child ready for adulthood, that years-long and difficult job of training, loving, and disciplining - you better know your little one well. Granted, every child has the same basic needs for getting ready to become elementary school age, then a teen, then a young adult – needs that involve love, security, education, and discipline. But face it – each kid is really different. Some are just instinctively more independent, with bossy tendencies that could probably make them a leader, if trained correctly. Others are naturally more compliant and ready to follow a leader. Think back to your experiences around little ones. Anyone who has been around a group of toddlers have witnessed that there are some who are simply more belligerent and self-centered than others. Then there are those who are much sweeter and quieter by nature, and less self-oriented. The assertive child can easily rip a toy from their tiny hands with not too much pushback. Can you ignore those apparent differences in personality, and just treat them all the same? And then expect Sweet Submissive Sally to enter into school life, ready to defend herself against the resident Larry The Leader? Of course not. Early in life, Larry and Sally need to be taught tailored  social skill lessons.  If you want your child to be mentally, emotionally, and socially ready to take their place in the world, then a smart parent will take that into consideration. But many adults do what is tempting and seems so normal; they copy what they experienced as children. “I didn’t turn out to be an ax murderer or nuthin’. So if it was good ‘nuff for mom and dad, I guess it’s good ‘nuff for me.” Or, if they believe their parent did a lousy job at raising them, they will turn to popular parenting advice books.  Good or bad. And there is a lot of bad they can choose. Then there are the parents who remember that when they were growing up with siblings, Mom and Dad had favorites. So they attempt to treat all their own kids exactly alike. Not recognizing the need for meeting differences in personality. I beg you, get to know your kids intimately.  Some need extra cuddling and facetime. Others need you to cultivate that spark of creativity and imagination they were given at birth. Some need extra attention given to that tendency of theirs to be a bully, so that it can be later channeled into natural leadership. Don’t just copy, or react, or ignore. Do your job well.

Special to The Bolton News The Town of Bolton is pleased to announce continued improvements aimed at enhancing both infrastructure and quality of life for residents. A major upgrade is currently underway with the installation of new LED street lighting throughout the community. Crews are actively working to convert all existing streetlights to energy-efficient LED fixtures. Once completed, this upgrade will provide brighter and more consistent lighting across neighborhoods, improving nighttime visibility and overall public safety while also reducing energy costs for the town. Residents who notice any issues with newly installed lighting are encouraged to contact City Hall so concerns can be addressed as quickly as possible. The town also extends its appreciation to Entergy for its partnership and support in making this project possible. In addition to the lighting improvements, the Town of Bolton would like to update residents on recent water system maintenance. A water and sewer contractor was on site to address concerns involving cloudy water and an unusual odor reported in the Texas Street and Sharon Street areas. Crews flushed the affected lines, and the issue has since been resolved. Residents who may still notice temporary changes in water clarity are advised that it may take a short period for the system to fully clear. Running taps for a few minutes can also help restore normal flow. The town reminds residents that any future concerns related to water quality, pressure, or odor should be reported directly to City Hall so they can be handled promptly. Town officials appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents as these essential improvements and maintenance efforts continue.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Good news, grown-ups, even though most of the screens at your local theater are probably still devoted to “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” there’s a decent option for adults in one of the other houses. I’m convinced that “The Drama” has stayed in the top three at the domestic box office for the past two weekends by reeling in parents who don’t want to watch Mario with their kids, but don’t want to leave the theater. Or it could be good advertising, good word-of-mouth, good reviews, or other non-cynical reasons. The film follows Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya), a nauseatingly-cute Boston-area couple a week away from their wedding. He’s a bit of a creep and she doesn’t talk much about her military-family upbringing, but they’re sure they can learn to live with each other’s foibles, after all, they’re in love. Hopefully it’s not much of a spoiler to say that their love will be tested over the course of the film as they deal with, well, drama. That drama first rears its head at a couples’ dinner with friends Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim). Rachel has the bright idea to have everyone at the table reveal the worst thing they’ve ever done. I’m not sure what the “best” case scenario is for a game like this, but it certainly ends in one of the worst. Emma makes the grave miscalculation of thinking that she has the forum to be honest, and reveals a secret that ruins everybody’s night. I joked about spoilers earlier, but when it comes to Emma’s secret, things are more difficult. Unlike traditional spoilers, this one comes early in the movie, when she and Charlie are still in their “honeymoon phase,” so to speak. Not revealing the secret makes it hard to look at the rest of the movie, but it’s in the movie’s best interest that the audience is taken off-guard so they don’t have time to form opinions about the controversial subject matter in advance. What I can say is that once Emma’s secret is revealed, Charlie can’t look at her the same way again. He tries to put it out of his mind, but… if you’re told not to think of a red umbrella, you think of a red umbrella, and Emma’s secret might have involved some red umbrellas if people were carrying umbrellas. It is worth noting that Emma’s secret does not involve tangible victims or require tangible consequences. All it can do is affect how people think of her, which is invariably some form of “worse.” Emma’s secret drives Charlie to madness in his relationship with his friends, his assistant (Hailey Gates), and especially Emma. Eventually his insecurities drive her crazy, and by the time of the wedding, they’re quite the dysfunctional couple. They’re talking about spending the rest of their lives together, but can the relationship even survive the reception? Let’s just say that there will probably be a lot fewer fantasies about getting married to Robert Pattinson after this movie. “The Drama” really clicked with me, even though its appeal lies in a dark, awkward, cringey comedy that I don’t normally like. Probably the highlight of the film for me was a scene from the trailers, where Charlie and Emma try to pose for wedding photos like everything is okay when it definitely isn’t. It’s not hard to tell from the trailers that “something” is off, but the added context made it funnier than it ever was when being cryptic (though being cryptic was the right tone for the trailers). I recommend this film, but try to wear a beat-up shirt that you won’t mind stretching out from tugging at your collar. Grade: B “The Drama” is rated R for sexual content, some violent/bloody images, language throughout, and brief drug use. Its running time is 105 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com You want your way. And that is normal. But getting others to want to do what you are asking? Sometimes that’s just not very easy. Forcing them usually doesn’t make you a winner. In their eyes or in your own. A normal person will usually admit they don’t enjoy having to use bad tactics to win. They just can’t figure out another technique. And they are right; there are other means to get your way. For example, you may be bigger and stronger than a child in your care and can physically force them to comply, but that is just old-fashioned bullying to get your way. You are the adult, and you need to find a smarter method to be teaching and disciplining them. How? Just keep in mind, those little guys have their own personalities and their individual point of view, which means that invariably there will be a wrong way to handle them. (Think hook and GONGGG!!) A little fellow with a belligerent streak won't take kindly to bullying from you. But at the same time, that Aggressive Alan can sense a coward a quarter mile away. So hold your ground, but at the same time don't destroy his independent spirit while you do. Give him a choice from several choices that are all acceptable to you. Rather than just telling him what he has to do, which can set off a stubborn set to his little chin and a “you can’t make me” glint in his eye. Cooperation goes a long way with this kind of kid. Or, how about being the boss of your own company, and using that lofty position to demand your employees do things your way... and only your way? Usually, those tactics gain you the disdainful title of micromanager. Invariably resulting in very little creativity and energy from your employees. And those results end up in a gradually building burning resentment of you - if not outright rebellion. And possible sabotage of your position. Be smart. Learn how to command respect by respecting them. Take the easier way to getting what you are wanting. When an employee makes it clear they are disagreeing with you - and they will - do yourself a favor. Take the time to learn the "why" they are resisting you. Then work from that. Either realize they do have a good point and learn from it, or clearly and kindly communicate why you will not agree and won’t allow their idea to be utilized. But either way, thank them for their creativity and that your door is always open to them. Either way you go, accepting their point, or explaining to them why you won't...it's called good communication. I had a teacher in my past whose favorite saying was this; “We can do this the hard way or the easy way, but either way, it’s gonna be my way.”  Effective? I won’t try to interpret it for you, but I certainly remember that woman all these years later.

A small business is bringing energy, economic impact, and community connection to the Pearl community. Vintage Market Days® of Mississippi, owned and operated by past Rankin County residents Chris and Jana Fuss, returns to Pearl April 17 - 19, 2026, at the Clyde Muse Center with a three-day, vintage-inspired community market that supports small businesses and tourism. While Vintage Market Days® is nationally recognized, this event is independently owned.  “This event goes beyond shopping and has a real impact on the local community” said Jana. “As my husband and I lived in Rankin County nearly 30 years, it’s incredibly important to us that this event supports other small businesses and brings visitors into the area. The April event will feature small business vendors, many of them local to Central Mississippi, alongside select artisans traveling from across the country.  Beyond vendors, the event supports event staff, security, musicians, venue workers, and service providers, while also boosts nearby restaurants, hotels, and small businesses. “Every ticket purchased and every booth filled helps support families, creatives, and workers right here in this community,” Jana added.  The Spring 2026 event features a fun, family-friendly ”Oh Honey” theme while maintaining Vintage Market Days® signature upscale, curated feel. Vintage Market Days® events have been nationally recognized as one of Country Living’s “7 Flea Markets and Barn Sales Not To Miss,” but Jana says the heart of the show is local. “This event is about celebrating creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of shopping small, while shining a spotlight on Pearl and Rankin County.” The event runs: Friday, April 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM  Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tickets are available online and at the door, with free re-entry all weekend. Children under 12 attend free with a ticketed adult. Media outlets are invited to attend, film, and interview Jana, vendors, and attendees onsite.   Visual elements include colorful themed displays, vendor booths, live shopping moments, and behind-the-scenes looks at a locally produced large-scale event.

By Bob Garver               2023 brought audiences “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” by far the most successful cinematic adaptation of a video game ever. It was a wonder how appealing the property was with vibrant, colorful animation and respect for both its source material and its audience. I couldn’t bring myself to recommend the film, as the story, action, characters, and humor never really “came together” for me, but it was definitely a step in the right direction.             In that film, plumber brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Cox) stumbled upon the Mushroom Kingdom, led by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), who they saved from having to marry Bowser (Jack Black), king of the evil Koopas. They also aligned with headstrong ape Donkey Kong, but he’s not in play here. The brothers and Peach were hailed as heroes, while Bowser was ultimately shrunk down and imprisoned in a jar.             This film starts out by introducing some new characters. Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) rules over a planet of childlike stars in another galaxy. She’s abducted by Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), who needs to harness her powers to activate a doomsday weapon. But first, there’s the matter of rescuing his father from Peach’s castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. Meanwhile, a plumbing job leads to Mario and Luigi making the acquaintance of loveable dinosaur Yoshi (Donald Glover, apparently, though he mostly communicates in indiscernible squeaks), who is too marketable to not immediately become a lifelong companion of our heroes.             Peach and loyal mushroom-man assistant Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) go off to rescue Rosalina, leaving Mario and Luigi in charge of the Mushroom Kingdom. They barely manage to keep the place running for a day, and really drop the ball when Bowser Jr. attacks. They leave to join the rescue mission (so much for their responsibilities running the kingdom) with the still-miniature Bowser in tow.             The teams’ adventures take them to a casino galaxy, a honeybee galaxy, a dinosaur galaxy, and a hub that connects all the galaxies, where they enlist the help of stranded pilot Fox McCloud (Glen Powell). The climax takes place on a much-heralded planet that Bowser Jr. has built for his father to rule. Aside from the worlds where the characters actually live, there’s no reason for them to visit other galaxies, but this is a movie that insists on variety for the sake of variety.             And that’s the biggest problem with the film: it’s very cluttered. Fans of the video games might get a kick out of the various settings and brief character appearances and other Easter eggs (appropriate, I suppose, for the recent Easter weekend), but I don’t see a point in including all these goodies if the film can’t do anything interesting with them. It can barely do anything interesting with its main characters, let alone the obscure ones.             Sorry, but the movie is a mess from a storytelling and character development perspective. For example, Bowser laments that he wasn’t always there for Bowser Jr. as a father. But we don’t get a single scene of Bowser Jr. addressing how little his father had been there for him. Nor do we get any scenes where Mario and Luigi talk about missing their home and family in Brooklyn. Peach learns about major aspects of her identity, but I never got the sense that it was really “hitting” her. It all feels sloppy and rushed, as if the writers knew they needed to incorporate various story beats “somehow,” and “somehow” turned out to be the bare minimum.             “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” once again gets the visual aspect right, which admittedly is a big part of this franchise’s success. But the story is nonsensical, the characters are cardboard, and there’s a noticeable lack of chemistry between the voice actors, probably owing to them not recording together. It’s a minor step back for the property after “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” took such a major step forward.   Grade: C “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is rated PG for action, mild violence, and rude humor. Its running time is 98 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to The Bolton News The town of Bolton will come together in a spirit of unity and reverence for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7. Set to begin at 12:20 p.m., the gathering will take place in the parking lot of Bolton City Hall, located at 209 Raymond Bolton Road. This moment of prayer offers an opportunity for residents, families, and community leaders to pause in the middle of their day and reflect on faith, purpose, and the strength found in coming together. The National Day of Prayer has long served as a time for communities across the country to seek guidance, healing, and wisdom. In Bolton, this observance carries a special sense of connection, as neighbors stand side by side, lifting their voices and hearts with a shared intention. It is not just a tradition, but a meaningful expression of faith that continues to shape and strengthen the community across generations. This year’s theme centers on a simple but powerful call: to glorify God among the nations and to seek Him throughout all generations. The message is drawn from 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NASB), reminding those in attendance of the importance of faith not only in the present moment but as a legacy to be carried forward. It speaks to the enduring role of prayer in guiding individuals, families, and communities through both challenges and celebrations. All are invited to attend, regardless of background or denomination. The gathering is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, offering a space where people can come as they are and participate in a shared experience of reflection and hope. Whether someone attends every year or is considering joining for the first time, the Bolton National Day of Prayer provides a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with what matters most. As the date approaches, community members are encouraged to make plans to attend and be part of this important moment. In a world that often feels busy and divided, taking time to stand together in prayer serves as a reminder of the unity and strength that can be found when a community turns its focus toward faith and one another.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Living in a desert in the summertime, a real actual desert, you have to learn to make choices. Choices that can make or break how well you thrive in this rather harsh environment. You can focus your thoughts and attention on the unrelenting ‘cook your soul’ heat in the summer, or you can anticipate the six months of near perfect temperatures in winter time. You can easily resent the burning hot sand and jagged rocks, or instead, you can choose to raise your eyes to those beautiful, hazy, purple-shaded mountains in the distance that surround your city. Driving down the highways, I can watch the native scrub brush and cactus passing by that admittedly are not my favorites, or I can deliberately focus my attention on the colorful native flowers and lacy-leaved trees and bushes that are everywhere in my neighborhood. Concentrating on the oppressive heat that builds as the day progresses is easy to do. And definitely a mood destroyer. Much better to bounce yourself out of bed early in the morning and get outside while there is still a trace of desert-cool in the air. And then spend your busy day anticipating watching the lazy movement of huge gas-powered balloons floating in the beautiful evening sky while you sip on an icy drink. I can mourn the thousands of miles that now separate me from my siblings back home, or I can look forward to being a free-of-charge destination spot for vacationing relatives. My point? Deliberately make choices. Choices that are good and healthy for your mental and physical well-being. Anyone with half a functioning brain can choose to concentrate on the unfortunate and hurtful things in their life. Everyone alive has pain or worry that they can choose to be the focal point of their life. But it’s a much smarter decision to deliberately set out each day to find the positives. Too often people make the choice to view their days thru gloomy glasses, concentrating on the distressing thoughts in their life.  And then wonder why they live year after year in depression and bitterness. Decide to backburner the ugly and sad, and concentrate on choosing to look for the good stuff. Sure, I know that we can’t just ignore the bad part of our lives and make it all go away. But we can choose what we make first and foremost. And making the sad part of your life first and foremost just isn’t smart. Your deliberate choices do matter. You actually can find beauty and contentment in the middle of ugliness and difficulty. But only if you begin each day determined that you will  find some tiny bit of good in your circumstances. Then focus on that. Choices have the ability to make or break you. They can haze over the ugly, or make you blind to everything except what you resent or hate about your life. Your choice. Your days. Your life.

Special to The Bolton News The Mayor and Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 7 at 6 p.m., and the evening will include a special recognition for a Bolton native who has made a significant impact in collegiate athletics. During the meeting, the Town of Bolton will honor Ashley Robinson, a proud Bolton native who serves as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Jackson State University. Robinson has built a respected career in athletic administration and is widely recognized for his leadership, commitment to student-athletes, and dedication to advancing athletic programs at the collegiate level. Town officials will present Robinson with a proclamation and the Key to the City in recognition of his achievements and the positive example he sets for the Bolton community. Leaders say the recognition is not only a celebration of Robinson’s professional accomplishments, but also a way to highlight the success of someone who began his journey in a small town and went on to make a difference on a much larger stage. The meeting will take place at Bolton Town Hall and is open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend and be part of the special recognition as the town celebrates one of its own for his hard work, leadership, and continued commitment to excellence. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen said they are proud to recognize Robinson and hope his story will inspire young people in the Bolton community to pursue their goals and give back to their hometowns along the way.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB In 2019’s “Ready or Not,” Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving) won the deadly game of Hide and Seek that ended the lives of the entire La Domas family. It all tied into a Satanic ritual that frankly didn’t make much sense. Now she has to play another, also-deadly game of Hide and Seek against four other families that hold high standing in the Satanic cult. The twist this time is that she has her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) in tow. Following (and I mean “immediately” following) Grace’s witty one-liner from the end of the last movie, she passes out and is taken to the hospital, where Faith, never removed as her emergency contact, reluctantly comes to visit. They’re soon attacked by a player (Kevin Durand) who wants to win the game before it starts. The cheater pays a heavy price, courtesy of the game’s ghostly overseer. But the sisters are soon knocked unconscious and brought to the resort of the Danforth twins – Titus (Shawn Hatosy) and Ursula (Sarah Michelle Gellar) – to start the game properly. An unnamed lawyer (Elijah Wood) spells out the rules. Representatives from four families will be competing. Whoever kills Grace first, wins. If Grace can survive until dawn, she wins. Faith is not officially part of the game, though she’ll both help Grace and be used as leverage against her in the course of the movie. If a player dies, another family member can take their place in the game. No families can kill members of the other families, or their entire family will be killed. The winner gets a special ring that lets them rule the world (yes, familiar territory for Wood). Other players include both Danforth twins with their cousin Kip (Dan Bierne) as backup, Spanish actor Ignacio El Caido (Nestor Carbonell) with his children Francesca (Maia Jae) and Felipe (Juan Pavlo Romero), Chinese businesswoman Wan Chen Xing (Olivia Cheng) and her son Fu (Antony Hall), and Indian partyboy Viraj Rajan (Nadeem Umar-Khitab) with his younger brother Madhu (Varun Saranga) and Madhu’s wife Martina (Masa Lizdek). A movie like this wouldn’t let the players have seconds unless it had plans for them, so be prepared for a high body count, as if all the weapons in the film’s advertising weren’t enough of an indication. The game is a deadly free-for-all, with the film’s favorite method of killing once again involving people exploding like big bloody balloons. The Danforth twins, they of the homefield advantage and most star power, are particularly conniving competitors. Grace and Faith spend the movie trying to keep each other alive while practically wanting to kill each other over past decisions. Frankly, I could have done without this aspect of the story. I can appreciate the writers wanting to give these characters depth, but there’s not much interesting about their backstory, and the rekindling of their relationship throws off the movie’s pace. On the plus side, it’s nice to have newer scream queen Newton joining established scream queen Weaving. I had fun with the film’s action and banter. The deft touch of directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett was sorely missing from the recent “Scream 7” after they directed the fifth and sixth installments to surprising watchability. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long for another project of theirs. “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” isn’t going to set the cinematic or even horror world on fire, but it has enough of what I like in my horror thrillers for me to give it a recommendation. Grade: B- “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, pervasive language and brief drug use. Its running time is 108 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com A man, who had already lost his beloved wife to an illness that had taken her life a few months earlier, had only one child. An adorable blonde-haired dark-eyed baby girl they had named Leslie Raynelle. Leslie was understandably the light of her dad’s life. Everything he did, everything he worked for, was focused on what was best for his little daughter. But then a catastrophic day came. The day when the man’s entire beloved hometown, where he had lived his entire life, was put in the laser focus of certain unavoidable disaster. At the last possible moment, Little Leslie’s daddy realized that he had the solution for the safety of the townspeople at his fingertips, but to do so he undoubtedly would have to let his own baby die as a result of his actions. Suddenly he was in the unenviable position of having to make an agonizing decision; save the people of the village, or rescue her. He didn’t have the time and ability to do both and be successful. The man made his decision, and saved the lives of an entire small town. Later, after everyone in the vicinity was safe, there were those who criticized, vilified, and even hated him for leaving his nine-month-old baby girl to obvious death. Public opinion was sharply divided for and against the man. Many wanted to bring criminal neglect charges against the grieving father. Others mourned his loss with him, hailed the man as their hero, and vigorously defended him.  They recognized his sacrifice in giving up the one he loved, in order that so many could live. That man lived the rest of his life on earth dogged by his double reputation of killer and deliverer. Miserable, grieving and alone, he left his hometown and relocated several times through the years in an effort to find peace. But no matter where he lived, gossip, questioning of his real motives, and long-held grudges followed him. News stories on national television and all the other venues made the rounds and re-rounds. Even years later the sad facts of the baby’s death were dug up, investigated for potential foul play, and discussed endlessly. Again, and again.   The only peace he was able to find was in his heart. He knew that he had given up his Leslie, the center of his entire world, for the greater good of a town that misunderstood his motives and his agonizing actions. Sounds horrible. A father who loved his child deeply, but had to make the decision to deliberately let her die. So that others could live, and have the opportunity to be with their loved ones for a full life. Same thing God the Father did to His Son thousands of years ago. For you and I. And so many misunderstand His heart and His actions too.