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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 information about their habitats, behaviors and unique characteristics. While the specific animals vary from program to program, visitors may encounter snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, hedgehogs, bugs or spiders. The Hattiesburg Zoo typically brings three animals to outreach events, creating a new and exciting experience with each visit. Presenters will provide insights into the lives of the animals and discuss wildlife conservation and animal care. Audience members will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the featured creatures as well as other animals that call the Hattiesburg Zoo home. Library officials encourage families to attend and enjoy this interactive learning experience as part of the library's summer programming. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the program or other upcoming library events, contact the Annie T. Jeffers Library.

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 matters and other issues related to the town's growth and development. Community members are welcome to attend and observe the proceedings. Public meetings serve as an important way for residents to engage with local government and remain informed about decisions impacting Bolton. The Bolton City Hall is located at 202 Bolton-Raymond Road and is open to the public for the regularly scheduled meeting beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is coming at an interesting time in the history of “Star Wars.” It is a test to see if the franchise’s recent success on the small screen can translate to blockbuster status on the big screen. I have not seen “The Mandalorian” streaming series on Disney+, though I know of its massive success. I could even imagine a world where a “Mandalorian” movie makes enough money to have a legitimate place alongside classic installments like “A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back.” That world just isn’t this one, not with this movie that nearly put me to sleep. The movie follows Din “The Mandalorian” Djarin (voiced and played in “face scenes” by Pedro Pascal), a helmeted human bounty hunter who resembles, but is not related to, beloved franchise character Boba Fett. His young apprentice is Grogu, a non-speaking alien who resembles, but is not related to, beloved franchise character Yoda. I’m sure the origin of the team-up is explained in the series, but for now all I need to know is that that they are a team. The opening moments of the movie follow The Mandalorian and Grogu as they take out a leftover Empire loyalist (Hemky Madera) running a protection racket. The sequence is filled with action, comedy, and visual spectacle on a level that the rest of the film lacks. I’ve heard some critics saying that this film could have been a few episodes of television, I’m saying that everything after this sequence could have been cut and the whole thing could have been a short that plays in front of another Disney feature. I know it’s wishful thinking, but it could have added some much-needed incentive to see a fledgling effort like… “Wish,” come to think of it. The rest of the story follows the team as they’re sent on a mission by their employer (Sigourney Weaver) to capture another Empire henchman who has thus far escaped justice. This person’s identity is known only to the deplorable Hutt family, and Jabba’s twin siblings won’t give up the information for free. Mando and Grogu first have to rescue Jabba’s son Rotta (Jeremy Allen White) and return him to his aunt and uncle. It turns out that Rotta has carved out a nice little life for himself on another planet as a gladiator of sorts fighting for unscrupulous promoter Janu Coin (Jonny… Coyne is the actor’s name), and he doesn’t want to leave. The “rescue” mission is going to have to be more of a “capture.” At first I liked the adorable, Force-enabled Grogu so much that I wondered if the movie even needed The Mandalorian. Around the two-thirds mark, I got my answer when Mando was incapacitated for a stretch. The answer is that yes, the movie very much needs The Mandalorian, because with just Grogu, this movie fell apart. Bless the writers for trying to give him a solo arc and the puppeteers for trying to make him sympathetic, but he just does not have a mode other than “cute.” He works in small, scene-stealing doses, but anything more than that is a mistake. “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is every action movie you’ve ever seen about a shady hero dealing with shadier secondary players, including, but not limited to, other “Star Wars” movies. Except it doesn’t quite have the ambition of other “Star Wars” movies. There’s too much blandness to the settings and periphery characters. I can see where Disney thinks this property is “too big” for television, but I can’t say this movie is theater-worthy, at least on the level that a “Star Wars” movie should be. It’s stuck awkwardly between the two tiers of entertainment hierarchy. I’m sure there will be another movie, and I encourage the creative team to step up their efforts (it won’t take much, just a few extra flourishes) so that film can unmistakably belong in theaters. Grade: C “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action. Its running time is 132 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Lost terribly at the family game of cards? Tear up that score card and put it out of your mind. A silly little board game is not worth thinking about and ruining your day. But you know that. Or you should. Your fiancé lets you know that after thinking about your relationship, you just aren’t the perfect one? Go ahead and sob brokenheartedly for a while, mope around the house in your pjs, eat a gallon of chocolate ice cream, get angry and tear up the picture of you two enjoying a day at the beach together… and then determinedly move on. Grief over the death of a loved one? You definitely do need to grieve. Feel the depression that comes, experience the total loss that weighs you down and makes even simple walking feel impossible. That is normal. Painful, but normal. But, after falling headfirst into that mud puddle of despair, do not let yourself lay there endlessly. There has to come a time when you sit up, look around you, wipe off your face, then sigh and begin your life again. I could cite an endless list of things that can ruin your days…or even your life for years. But I’m telling you as emphatically as I possibly can – WHAT EVER IT IS, DO NOT LET IT CONTROL YOU ENOUGH TO DESTROY YOU. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is worth that. There is a real fact in life, and that is this; a traumatic day, or week, or even years, all fall into the category of ‘the past.” And when that day comes when you get hit below the belt by life - and you will - you will have to choose to move on past that painful yesterday. After all, you can't change what has happened, and dwelling endlessly on it is depressing and paralyzing, so don’t make that mistake. Give your pain all the attention that it is due, and then pull yourself up by your bootstraps, as your grandfather would say, and determinedly choose to start over. I say this because the day after that traumatic day happens, your tomorrows will rapidly begin arriving, one after another, and you will have no choice but to make a choice. Between starting over, or laying in that mud puddle of pain. One is guaranteed to keep you hurting and depressed. The other gives you a fighting chance to create a life you can enjoy. Choose wisely. Because you are the only fighter in this war. Sure, others will want to help you, and will offer endless advice, support, and loving wisdom. But ultimately, you and you alone, will decide if that painful ‘yesterday’ wins the battle and has the power to cause you to live the rest of your life on earth, wishing you weren’t here.

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 Funeral Home, Attn: Family of Vivian Macnita Jacobs-Dotson, P.O. Box 67, Bolton, MS 39041 Funeral Service: May 30, 2026, 11:00 AM Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church, 7565 Bolton Brownsville Road, Bolton Additional viewing will place one hour prior to start of the funeral service Interment: Hill of Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 1079 Annie Fortner Road, Bolton To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vivian Macnita Jacobs-Dotson, please visit our flower store.

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 Brownsville Road, Bolton Interment: Orange Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery 4080 Cox's Ferry Road, Bolton To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alean Mack Kelly, please visit our flower store.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB With “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Michael” still ruling the domestic box office, I thought I’d give this week’s review spot to a couple of also-rans from the past two weeks. “Mortal Kombat II” The 2021 “Mortal Kombat” movie was a disaster that left fans disappointed for many reasons, not least of which was that it didn’t feature any fights from the much-hyped tournament for universal supremacy. At least in “Mortal Kombat II,” we finally get the tournament. Only the first round is done somewhat properly before the thing breaks down into cheating, sneak-attack shenanigans, but it can’t be said that we are denied the tournament entirely. A new character, outstanding-fighter-turned-action-movie-star-turned-washout-at-both Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), is the audience surrogate into the five-on-five fighting series on a distant planet that will determine the fate of our world. Cage fights alongside Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), Cole Young, (Leweis Tan), and Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) under the mentorship of Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) against the forces of the evil Shao Khan (Martyn Ford), such as his queen Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen), stepdaughter Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), her bodyguard Jade (Tati Gabrielle), and resurrected minions Kung Lao (Max Huang) and Kano (Josh Lawson). The first movie made another mistake killing off humoristic highlight Kano, fortunately this movie brings him back so he can steal the movie all over again. “Mortal Kombat II” is good at the things that fans want most from a “Mortal Kombat” movie: it’s creative with its fighting sequences and the jokes usually hit. But it’s bad at the things that audiences want from movies of any genre: it’s hard to care about many of these characters and the story is an overcomplicated mess that can’t even stick to its own ridiculous rules. Like “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” I admire the way this sequel steps up its game from an original that I didn’t enjoy, but unlike that film, I can’t say I’m now “won over” by this franchise. Grade: C “Mortal Kombat II” is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore, and language. Its running time is 116 minutes. Poster credit IMDB “Obsession” In 1992’s “Aladdin,” one of The Genie’s few rules with wishes was that he couldn’t make people fall in love. “Obsession” is a movie about what happens when a wish for love is granted. It’s a horror movie, and a nasty one. The Genie was right to have that rule. Awkward dork Bear (Michael Johnston) wishes for the romantic love of his longtime friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) on a novelty willow stick. The wish comes true, Nikki is immediately smitten with him, and Bear reaps the rewards of her vehement affection. The woman Bear loves may not have any agency in the matter, and that’s problematic if he thinks about it, so he decides not to think about it. But of course, things go south for Bear once Nikki starts inserting herself into every corner of his life and finding creepier and creepier ways to express her devotion. Her love becomes… wait for it… obsession. This movie gamely features some of the sickest scenes from a stalker thriller ever put to film, even if they borrow heavily from other stalker thrillers like “Fatal Attraction.” And Navarrette puts in a horror performance for the ages, both when her character is and isn’t under the magic spell. But the movie falters when the story has to give us something other than Nikki spinning further and further out of control. The ending (not Navarette’s contribution to the ending, which is excellent, but the ideas that go into the ending) is a lazy letdown and ends what had previously been an engaging horror film on such a down note that I can’t bring myself to recommend it as a whole. “Obsession” doesn’t lose my recommendation because of anything it “does,” but because of how much potential it leaves on the table. Grade: C “Obsession” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity. Its running time is 108 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

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 the Jackson Firefighter Association Local 87. The walk is part of a larger BAPS Charities initiative that organizers say will involve more than 50,000 participants nationwide, making it one of the country’s largest community-based charity walk events. This year’s event will also tie into the America250 commemoration celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Organizers say the Jackson program will begin with a ceremonial opening featuring the National Anthem, American flags, and appearances from local public officials and community leaders. Notable attendees expected to participate include Sollie Norwood, Brian Grizzell, Jackson Fire Chief RaSean Thomas, Jackson Fire Deputy Chief C. Sanders, Sitaram Temple President JP Budhraja, and Gujarati Samaj President Manish Patel. According to organizers, the event is designed not only as a fundraiser but also as a celebration of volunteerism, civic engagement, and community unity. “The walk brings together people from many different backgrounds with a shared purpose of helping others,” organizers said. “It’s about strengthening communities while supporting organizations that provide critical services to families and individuals in need.” Funds and awareness generated through the Jackson walk will benefit the American Cancer Society, which supports cancer research, patient advocacy, and treatment assistance programs, as well as the Jackson Firefighter Association Local 87, an organization that advocates for firefighters, first responders, and their families. BAPS Charities has conducted community service and outreach programs for more than two decades. Organizers say the nonprofit has hosted over 1,200 walks throughout North America during that time, alongside additional charitable efforts including food drives, blood donation campaigns, toy drives, disaster relief efforts, and health awareness initiatives. The Jackson walk will also provide several opportunities for community engagement and media coverage, including interviews with local organizers, participating public officials, and representatives from beneficiary organizations. Participants interested in joining the event can register online through BAPS Charities Walk-Run 2026 Jackson Registration. Additional information about the organization and its programs is available at BAPS Charities.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) today announced a $5 million investment of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) direct funds to child care assistance for low-income working families in Federal Fiscal Year 2026. The new funding will be administered through MDHS's Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) and distributed through the established Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) voucher system. These TANF direct funds are in addition to existing child care support MDHS provides through various subgrantees offering afterschool programs and workforce supports for working families. "Child care is not a luxury — it is the infrastructure that makes work possible for Mississippi families," said Robert G. "Bob" Anderson, MDHS Executive Director. "This $5 million investment is a targeted, responsible use of TANF funds to reach working parents who need help, and it reflects our commitment to deploying public resources where they make a real difference." This investment is separate from – and in addition to – MDHS's existing annual conversion of approximately $25.7 million from TANF to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), which reflects the maximum allowed under federal law. By investing these direct funds, MDHS is able to extend child care assistance to additional eligible families beyond those currently supported through the CCDF conversion, while preserving the agency's capacity to respond to other emerging program priorities. Families seeking child care assistance do not need to submit a new or separate application. Eligibility will be determined through the standard CCPP process, including income eligibility standards and work or education requirements. Approved vouchers funded through the TANF direct stream will provide the same level of assistance as those funded through CCDF. DECCD will assign each approved certificate to a single funding stream, prioritizing CCDF dollars first, followed by any applicable state funds, and then TANF direct funds. Child care providers will continue to receive payment through the established CCPP reimbursement process with no changes to their current billing or reporting requirements." Mississippi working families have always been the heart of what we do at MDHS," said Dr. Chad Allgood, Director of the Division of Early Childhood Care and Development. "This additional investment means we can say yes to more families trying to build a better future." MDHS encourages eligible families to apply through the Child Care Payment Program at mdhs.ms.gov or by contacting their local county DHS office. Additional program information is available through the MDHS DECCD hotline at 1-800-948-4060. For media inquiries or requests, contact MDHS Communications at mdhs.communications@mdhs.ms.gov.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If you are in one, it’s a scary thing. With a lot of anger, defeatism, anxiety, and damaged pride as shipmates. But, maybe you still feel that you would rather patch the holes that are rapidly taking on water, rather than just bailing out. Maybe you feel the kids deserve a home with both a mom and a dad in it. Maybe, just maybe, you believe that what you two had, at one point in time, is still worth fighting for. If so, then let’s talk about how to fight for what you want. First and foremost, determine within yourself to kill your spouse with kindness in those times when you would much rather use dynamite. That means look for tiny things to do for your spouse. Everyone of you have heard the old line, “You catch more flies with honey than, blah, blah, blah. But as irritating as that cliche is, it’s still true. For flies and for spouses. Secondly, long before you get into that first of your multi-daily arguments, decide that at least for today, you will refuse to take offense when your spouse does some of those certain things that you despise. Make the decision to simply walk away into another room, rather than indulge in your habitual "All hands and words on deck, cause I'm gonna win this round." Mr. or Mrs. Spouse, you have to firmly act on the decision that you will be the bigger man, or curvier woman, as the case may be. Resolve to give your marriage another chance to be a happy one, rather than the renowned neighborhood brawling spot. This is going to mean swallowing your pride each time you instinctively want to fire back, insult for insult, and barb for barb. It's also going to mean deliberately finding a way to give compliments. I don't care what you compliment, just find it. Whether it's how good the lawn looks after your spouse finally mowed it for the first time this summer, or how you think your spouse looks like an eighth of an ounce of flab got lost since a week ago. Just find a simple believable compliment to give. Then keep at it. Simple, believable compliments, combined with admiration. And then have the devious pleasure of watching the stunned incredulous look flash into your spouse's eyes. Lastly, work at finding something to laugh about together. Laughter is healing, and it can bring people closer together. Now, a word of warning; don't give up when your attempt at civility isn't quickly reciprocated. Stay determined to improve your home atmosphere. After all, it didn't deteriorate to frozen Alaskan tundra overnight, and it will likely take time to thaw the air. Sure, the thought of having to play nice-nice is daunting, especially in the face of your spouse’s not-so-nice actions. But think long and hard about it. Seeing your marriage saved, or seeing a divorce barreling at you? It's got to be worth a shot.

By: Kara Kimbrough The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir located in parts of Madison and Rankin Counties, is filled with numerous opportunities for boating, jet and water-skiing, swimming, fishing and picnicking. One of the most popular picnic areas is Lakeshore Park on the Rankin County side. (Photo courtesy of Pearl River Valley Water Supply District) Filling up the car with gas in advance of a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend ahead was not a problem in previous years. But this year…well, that’s a different story. Without dwelling on the pain we’re all feeling at the pump, I decided to share a few tips to celebrate the official start of summer without venturing too far from home. After all, we’re blessed to live in a state filled with scenic State Parks, hundreds of recreational lakes and a mammoth reservoir, city parks and 29 miles of sandy beaches and gulf waters at our southernmost border. Grilling burgers or hot dogs at home on the patio isn’t that exciting, but dining al fresco surrounded by natural beauty and waterfront views? Now that quickly elevates a picnic lunch from backyard boring to memorable Memorial Day in no time. Why not pack a cooler full of your family's favorite picnic foods and beverages and take a short - notice I said "short" - road trip to one of our state's outdoor areas? It's a lot cheaper than trekking across state lines to a pricey beach resort or other crowded vacation spot. A few of my ideas when considering exploring some of Mississippi's scenic outdoor spots (and yes, they're equipped with picnic areas, among other amenities) to check out this Memorial Day weekend include: 1. Visit a State Park- Mississippi is blessed with 25 State Parks encompassing 24,000 acres of public land filled with campgrounds (RV and tent campsites), picnic areas, lakes for fishing, boating and swimming, and playgrounds. A small sample of some that have been nationally-recognized for their amenities are: J.P. Coleman State Park: Located on 47,000-acre Pickwick Lake in the northeastern corner of the state in Iuka, this destination is known for its magnificent 50-foot waterfall, Cooper Falls, freshwater fishing, swimming in the lake or heated swimming pool, water recreation and plenty of places to camp, grill, spread out a picnic and soak in the area’s outstanding natural beauty. Buccaneer State Park: Located in the opposite end of the state on the Gulf Coast in Waveland, the park has a fascinating history tied to pirate Jean Lafitte and President Andrew Jackson, both of whom loved the area for its picturesque beauty and cool coastal breezes. In addition to over 250 campsites, nature trails and golf course, one of the most popular features is a popular water park, Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark that will reopen just in time for the holiday weekend. Guests can purchase a day pass to enjoy the waterpark. Lake Lincoln State Park: A favorable beach rating usually occurs on the Gulf Coast. However, one of our state parks is listed in the “Top 25 Best Park Beaches in the U.S." by Reserve America. Lake Lincoln State Park in Wesson features a sandy beach fronting its namesake 550-acre lake perfect for jet skiing, swimming, water skiing, boating or fishing. Or, simply relax on the sand and enjoy the cool breezes floating over the water. There are campsites for overnight stays, a picnic area, nature trail, playground, disk golf course and nature trail. LeFleur's Bluff State Park: Located right in the middle of the Jackson metro area just off Lakeland Drive and Interstate 55, LeFleur’s Bluff is perfect for a quick escape for the weekend or a day of picnicking and relaxing. LeFleur’s Bluff offers hiking on scenic nature trails, fishing on Mayes Lake or playing a few rounds of golf on the 9-hole course. Opportunities for picnicking, camping and bird-watching also abound in this lush oasis in the midst of busy highways and buildings. Named to several “best of” U.S. state park lists for its above-average amenities, LeFleur’s provides a tranquil green spot to decompress away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 2. Barnett Reservoir – If visiting a larger body of water is more to your liking, drive a few miles from the Jackson city limits to the 33,000-acre Reservoir, or “Rez” as it’s commonly called. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and scenic water views in all directions along 105 miles of shoreline. One of the best spots to stop and enjoy a leisurely meal is scenic Lakeshore Park located on the Rez's southeastern shore in Rankin County. The area is open to the public year-round for picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming in a secure sand-filled body of water with an adjacent beach. Admission is free Monday through Friday. A $5 parking fee is assessed on Saturday and Sunday at Lakeshore and other parks. 3. The Mighty Mississippi – Second only to the waterfront views along the Gulf Coast are those along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River. Both Natchez and Vicksburg offer scenic picnic areas near their riverfronts. Bluff Park in Natchez is the perfect place to unpack a picnic lunch and enjoy the breeze and sight of the river rolling by. Over in Vicksburg, River Front Park offers similar views and opportunities for a memorable meal. These are just a “few” of my recommendations for a fun, relatively inexpensive way to kick off summer and enjoy Memorial Day ’26. If you’d like more recommendations on ways to celebrate the holiday without busting your budget, drop me an email and I’ll send them to you. In the meantime…Happy Memorial Day! And, if you'd like menu ideas or recipes, I'll be happy to send those, too! * To find a State Park near you and to learn about admission fees and amenities, check out the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Park’s website: mdwfp.com. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Law camps that will introduce high school students to the legal profession are scheduled for June and July in Brandon, Gulfport, Indianola, Natchez, Starkville, Tupelo and Vicksburg. The Mississippi Court of Appeals also will conduct a one-day appellate law camp in Jackson. Planned programs are expected to include discussions with judges, attorneys and court staff; opportunities to watch court proceedings; and practice activities including mock trials, negotiations and oral arguments. Program dates and locations are: • June 1-5, Natchez, Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy, Adams County Courthouse, registration deadline May 15; • June 1-5, Vicksburg, All Rise Law Camp, Warren County Courthouse, registration deadline May 22; • June 8-12 Indianola, 9th Chancery Summer Law Camp, Sunflower County Courthouse, registration closed; • June 15-18, Gulfport, Gargiulo Law Camp, Harrison County Courthouse, registration closed; • June 22-25, Starkville, Golden Triangle Law Academy, Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Complex, registration deadline June 15; • June 22-25, Tupelo, Themis Law Camp, Lee County Justice Center, application deadline June 15; • July 14-15, Brandon, Rankin-Madison Future Lawyers, Rankin County Circuit Courthouse, registration deadline July 6; • July 22, Jackson, Court of Appeals Law Day Camp, Carroll Gartin Justice Building, registration deadline June 26. Registration information for programs in Natchez, Gulfport, Starkville, Tupelo and Brandon is at this link: https://www.msatjc.org/event. Registration for the All Rise Law Camp in Vicksburg is at this link: www.judgeterrett.com/camp2026. Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice Leslie King of Greenville will be among the many judges, attorneys and court staff who will speak to students from Humphreys, Sunflower and Washington counties during the 9th Chancery Court's Law Day Camp June 8 through 11 at the Sunflower County Courthouse in Indianola. Students will hear from judges at all levels of the court system, attorneys, court administrators and a court reporter. The program will conclude on June 12 with a trip to the State Capitol, the Mississippi Supreme Court and Mississippi College School of Law. Presiding Justice King said that he hopes to dispel some misconceptions about the law and encourage students to join the legal profession in the future. He said, "There is a need for trained legal professionals in Mississippi. There are many areas of our state where there are just a few lawyers, many of whom are of advanced age and are perhaps retired or semi-retired. As a part of the law camp, it is important that we help the participants to understand that the law is not just a job, but a profession which carries with it both privileges and responsibilities." Presiding Justice King said, "I have encountered too many people, both children and adults, who have a significant misconception of the law and its operation. Many of them labor under the belief that the law is a weapon to be used against them, while it protects the favored few. Those of us who are a part of the legal profession have an obligation to inform, by our words and demonstrate by our actions, that the law applies equally and fairly to every person no matter his station in life." Television programs and movies give some misconceptions. "It is amazing the number of people who believe that Judge Judy or Judge Mathis are accurate representations of how the law operates," he said. Attorney Pieter Teeuwissen of Jackson also will speak to the 9th Chancery Law Day Camp students. He said, "Due to the complexity of modern life, almost every one of us or a family member will need legal counsel in our lifetime. The legal profession is the backbone of American self-governance, impacts economic activity and interstate commerce and is essential in transferring family assets between generations. We need young people who are interested in service to consider law as a career so we can maintain our collective values of common good and order. Young people, especially those that enjoy solving problems or taking or embracing challenge, should be encouraged to pursue the law as a career that provides personal satisfaction while serving a greater good." Chancellor Vincent Davis of Fayette, who spearheaded the first Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy in Natchez in 2025, is eager to expand and reach more students this summer. Alcorn State University Chief Compliance Officer Alfred Galtney, who spoke to students last year about careers in law, joined the planning team and secured a grant that will fund the Miss-Lou program and four others, Judge Davis said. Alcorn partnered with law camp planners across the state. "The primary goal is to introduce students to the legal profession, hopefully to light a fire, to cause some of them to go into the legal profession," Judge Davis said. Judge Davis recalled that he was in college when he met a lawyer for the first time. Students at last year's program "met nearly every judge in this county." Lawyers from a variety of practice areas spoke, and stayed to watch much of the program. The Miss-Lou program also teaches students about the workings of government in their local courthouses. Judge David said, "A lot of people don't quite understand what happens in the courthouse. They buy tags and pay taxes." In last year's law camp in Natchez, students met the Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector and other officials. They saw the Election Commission at work. Students in the Natchez program will get a first-hand look at both trial court and appellate court proceedings. The Mississippi Court of Appeals' Court on the Road program scheduled a visit to Natchez during the Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy. A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in a case on appeal on June 3. The appeal will be heard at 10:30 a.m. on the Natchez campus of Alcorn State University at 15 Campus Drive. The case scheduled to be heard is the appeal of Shawnzell Lee McGee v. State of Mississippi, Appeal number 2025-KA-00161-COA. A Prentiss County Circuit Court jury convicted McGee of first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm for the Jan. 22, 2019, shooting death of Gary Price in Baldwyn. The All Rise Law Camp will be held June 1-5 at the Warren County Courthouse in Vicksburg. This will be Circuit Judge Toni Terrett's seventh year to conduct the program. "It is a fully immersive camp that includes educational components about how law intersects with the three branches of government with a special emphasis on the court system. Students will hear from motivational speakers and will travel to Jackson to visit the Civil Rights Museum and the Capitol. The week concludes with a mock trial presentation by the students," Judge Terrett said. As many as 19 students are expected to attend the Gargiulo Law Camp in Gulfport June 15-18. Harrison County Court Judge Alison Bryant Baker, who is leading the program, said. "I hope our students will not only gain a better understanding of the Mississippi court system, but will expand their desire to start a career in law. Our goal is to expose students to how varied the practice of law can be, so that they are encouraged to pursue a law degree." The program is named in honor of the late Judge John Gargiulo, who served as a Circuit Court Judge for Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties, then as U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi. The Golden Triangle Law Academy is set for June 22-25 in Starkville. Circuit Judge Michelle Easterling said, "The Golden Triangle Law Academy will provide participants with a unique opportunity to see and experience firsthand how expansive and exciting a career in the law can be. Students will not only hear from attorneys from different facets of the legal field, but will also have the opportunity to observe court proceedings, interact with judges and practitioners, and hone their own skills with exercises in negotiations, oral argument and resume building." Rankin-Madison Future Lawyers, scheduled July 14-15 in Brandon, will take participants into the courtrooms with Circuit Judges Steve Ratcliff and Dewey Arthur and Chancellors Haydn Roberts and Troy Odom. Students will watch court hearings and participate in a mock trial. The Themis Law Camp, the model for most of the other summer law camps, is scheduled for June 22-25 in Tupelo. Access to Justice Commission Co-chair Chancellor Jacqueline Mask started the Themis Law Camp in Tupelo in 2022. Judge Mask said, "It's my hope that our combined efforts to bolster this program will have a lasting, positive impact on these students, and on the future of our region. Those of us who have been blessed to be an attorney or judge can use this as a way to give back to the communities that have helped us have these careers." Encouraging young people to consider careers in law is important to providing access to the courts for all people, particularly those who have limited financial means, said Nicole H. McDowell of Tupelo, executive director of the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission. In recent years the number of people who struggle to afford legal assistance has grown as the number of attorneys has declined. McDowell said, "The decreasing number of attorneys in the state is a serious access to justice issue we are very concerned about. Targeting our Mississippi youth and introducing them to the law as a possible profession might assist in the shortage of attorneys in the state. We need our brightest to stay in Mississippi and, hopefully, practice law or become affiliated with the legal profession in some other way."