Open enrollment through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace runs November 1, 2022 through January 15, 2023. Five health insurance companies will offer plans in Mississippi. They are Ambetter from Magnolia Health, Molina Healthcare, Vantage Health Plan of Mississippi, and UnitedHealthcare. Cigna also joined the Marketplace in 2022. "Carefully review the options available to you and in your area," Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said. "Make sure that the plan you are considering provides the coverage that you need. While low monthly costs are attractive, you also need to consider copays and deductibles that you may have to pay later. Check with the provider to see which facilities are in-network." Mississippians can see plan options, monthly premiums and more by visiting www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/ You may contact the Mississippi Insurance Department with other insurance-related questions by calling 601-359-3569 or emailing consumer@mid.ms.gov

Governor Tate Reeves today announced that the Mississippi License Tag Commission is accepting design submissions for the state’s next official car tag. The submission process opened today, November 1, 2022. Proposed designs must be submitted by the end of the business day on November 30, 2022. All designs can be emailed to licenseplatedesign@dor.ms.gov for consideration. “Mississippi is filled with talented artists and designers. We’re opening the submission process to take in inspiration from across Mississippi for our state’s next car tag,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “I look forward to seeing the range of submissions from Mississippians and finding a great-looking new plate that represents our state whether you’re going to work or taking a trip cross-country.” The following are the requirements for design submissions: Proposed designs must be submitted by end of business day on November 30, 2022. Design must be emailed to licenseplatedesign@dor.ms.gov to be considered submitted. Design must be submitted in Adobe Illustrator (Ai) format. Design must be readable with a light-colored background design with dark-colored alphanumeric characteristics for plate numbering. Design must be limited to a maximum of 3 colors. Design cannot contain expressions that are considered obscene, slandering, insulting or vulgar. Design cannot contain any copyright images. Each submission is required to provide name, address, and phone number of designer. The designer selected will not receive any compensation. Participants must be Mississippi residents. Designer of the winning design must execute a release of any rights to the design. Changes to the design may be made to meet the required specifications and may contact interested parties for further information. Plate size will be 6” exact x 12” exact as it is today. All license plates will utilize an embossed (raised) alphanumeric character set which will be positioned as referenced immediately below: The upper region of the plate between the bolt holes is reserved for the jurisdictional name to be printed (Mississippi). The lower region of the plate between the bolt holes is reserved for the county name. In this example, LAUDERDALE. The lower right corner of the plate is reserved for the validation sticker. The requirements for the submission and more information may be found here.

By Bob Garver Oh, go ahead and go for it. Depend on someone else to make you feel worthy, important and likable. Hang on to their every word and gesture as indications of whether, or not, you deserve to take another breath of air on this planet. Ignore the fact that they have their own issues in life that color their thoughts and reactions at any given time. Discount that they may simply be having a bad day and can’t give you what you are wanting. Disregard the words of the Bible that plainly tell you, ‘God made you. He loves you. He likes what He made, and He wants to help you become an even better you.’ Finito. Finished. Class over. You can bomb any relationship successfully. If you have a poor self-image, then secretly, you probably don't like you too much. If all you see is an ugly slimy toad in the mirror, then it’s difficult to believe that someone else doesn't. And anything someone says to you is likely filtered through that invisible screen of self-dislike. So what you often hear is distorted into rejection or condescension. Husband: “Do you think my dad liked his gift I gave him?” Wife: “He seemed to like it just fine, dear.” But through his filter the husband hears, “It was okay, I guess. Not “Oh, yeah!” or “He really loved it!” Anyone wanna guess what comes next in that difficult conversation? Or the same self-image issue can create neediness. Ever heard the endlessly tiring, "Do you think I did good? Do ya love it? I was good at that, don'cha think? Huh? Huh?" People tend to get just a tad frustrated with always having to feed a bottomless hungry hole, even though they truly do love that needy person. Wife: “Did you enjoy the dinner I made for us tonight, honey?” Husband: “Of course I did. You always make good meals.” Her filtered version? “Oh, sure, it was fine, like you always make. Not anything outstanding, though.” And the needy cook, who is wearing her heart on her sleeve, feels dismissed. She may angrily accuse him of taking her for granted. Because feeling criticized or neglected can lead to striking out verbally at the one you believe is rejecting you - or outright sulking. And if the cook is passive /aggressive, ‘burned-whatever’ may be served for the next meal. Whichever occurs, you can bet there will be miscommunication and arguments. Good advice? Take a different class. Named LOVE YOURSELF 101. Learn to accept you with all your weaknesses and failures, but refuse to stay where you are. Do what you need to do to become a believer in you. Find a good counselor to help you with your issues. Start reading and trusting your Bible, where you’ll read that God finds you wonderful. That He only wants to train and teach you to become an even better version of you.

By Bob Garver Good for “Ticket to Paradise,” keeping its #2 spot at the domestic box office over Halloween weekend despite the challenge of so-called “scary” movies. It really speaks to how poorly the horror slate was handled this year when every Halloween-friendly release loses out to not only the second weekend of the undeniable blockbuster “Black Adam,” but the second weekend of this innocuous romantic comedy as well. Unfortunately, “Ticket to Paradise” isn’t much better at being a rom-com than those other movies are at being horror. George Clooney and Julia Roberts respectively star as David and Georgia Cotton, the divorced parents of Lily (Kaitlyn Dever). Lily celebrates graduating from law school with a trip to Bali, where she falls in love with local seaweed farmer Gede (Maxime Bouttier). Barely a month later, Lily has decided to marry Gede and move to Bali permanently, effectively ending her legal career. David and Georgia fly to Bali, ostensibly for the wedding, but really to try to break Lily and Gede up. They both made a huge mistake rushing into marriage when they were younger, and they don’t want to see Lily fall into the same trap. In fact, their own marriage was such a disaster (aside from producing Lily) that they now hate each other and can’t stand to be around one another. This being a comedy, various circumstances will force them to be around each other for nearly the entire runtime. David/Georgia adventures include a turbulent plane ride with Georgia’s dopey pilot boyfriend Paul (Lucas Bravo), having hotel rooms right across from one another, a caper to steal Lily and Gede’s wedding rings, swimming with malicious dolphins, helping with a seaweed harvest, a night of beer pong, going back and forth on their feelings toward the wedding, and of course gradual hints that they might be right for each other after all. And they do it all while bickering with perfect chemistry. Not “perfect” as in actually funny, but in the sense that Clooney and Roberts are clearly professional actors who know how to play off their scene partners. No couple in the real world is this much in lockstep (a word David loves) even if they’re partners for life, and we’re supposed to believe these two detest one another? So many tired rom-com cliches are present: the wisecracking best friend (Billie Lourd) with no real purpose in the story, a chatty third wheel (Genevieve Lemon) on the plane, baffling-to-David language and cultural barriers, a drunken spending-the-night mixup, an embarrassing injury to Paul that makes him look less desirable, women successfully building a fire while the men fail at hunting, things going wrong in the leadup to the wedding, a potential deal-breaker at the wedding itself, and so on. I’ve been hearing people say that this modest hit has “revived” the romantic comedy, and while that isn’t quite true (“Licorice Pizza”), it has revived the kind of romantic comedy that people cite as an example of why they don’t like romantic comedies. I’ll say this for “Ticket to Paradise,” it makes Bali look really nice. I’m sure this movie will be a great boon to the island’s tourism industry. No doubt the location shoot endeared Clooney and Roberts to this project, because it sure wasn’t a sharp, challenging script. If you’re the kind of person that considers beautiful scenery to be a good reason to see a movie, this is probably a good choice for you. But if you need more than a gorgeous island and A-listers coasting on their effortless charm, get a Ticket to something else. Grade: C- “Ticket to Paradise” is rated PG-13 for some strong language and brief suggestive material. Its running time is 104 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

By Kara Kimbrough I got a little feedback – make that pushback – from last week's suggestion to make your own chicken and beef broth. I’m not sure I adequately explained how easy it is to simply let pour everything in a stockpot and let the ingredients boil while doing other things. And, the beef stew made from my homemade beef broth was delicious, although lighter in color than normal. I attribute this to the lack of brown dye most likely used to give commercial beef broth its rich brown color. But enough about broth. This is an easy sell: I want to convince you to make your own dips. Before you swear allegiance to your favorite container of French onion in the dairy case, hear me out. Making your own dip is infinitely easier and less time consuming than broth. Using a food processor or blender reduces the time to literally minutes once the ingredients of choice (and not tons of sodium and other unpronounceable powders found in commercial dip) are added. Even stirring by hand is an easy chore that results in a smooth, creamy dip filled with ingredients you actually select and about which you feel relatively good. Finding a recipe-sharing internet site on which participants regularly ask for helping in cooking almost anything caused me to start making my own dips in earnest. After someone asked for “everyone’s favorite homemade dip," literally hundreds – possibly thousands – of recipes were contributed to the post, each one sounding better than the last. Warm feta dip with artichokes, "most popular vegetable dip from the 70’s," loaded crack bacon and cheese and family favorites like, “My mama’s favorite shrimp dip” and hot crab dip from a Marylander (the crab capital of the U.S.) poured in. It was almost impossible to choose just one for an event at which I was instructed to bring “some kind of dip.” After copying and pasting the list into a document I saved in my computer files, I watching an Instagram video of someone topping a dish of hot pizza dip with slices of pepperoni cut and shaped to resemble a jack-a-lantern. The dip was the hit of her family’s pumpkin-carving party. Even better, she allowed her young children to partake of the dip since she knew the ingredients and felt good about allowing them to partake along with the adults. Halloween has passed, but fall festivals and other fall events, including tailgating, will be around at least until Thanksgiving. Making a hot baked dip makes more sense than summer's chilled ones. However, I would never shun any type or variety of dip. I sampled a few found on the recipe site and am passing on the recipes for three that stood out. Besides serving as a dip, they perform triple duty as a spread for crackers and a burger or sandwich sauce. And even better, they tasted much better than French onion in a carton. Hot Crab Dip from a Marylander 8-ounce cream cheese ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use name brand) 2 tablespoons chopped green onions 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon lemon juice Several teaspoons of Old Bay Seasoning (use more or less according to taste) ½ teaspoon dry mustard ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use more or less according to taste) 1 pound fresh lump crab meat (no substitutions or it won’t be good) Heat oven to 375 degrees. With a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until soft, then add all the other ingredients (except for crab meat and about ¼ cup of shredded cheese). Hand stirs in the crab; reserve the remaining cheese. Pour everything into a 9” skillet or baking dish, sprinkle reserved cheese on top and bake 25-30 minutes. Serve hot with sliced baguette or crackers. Best Vegetable Dip from the 70’s 1 cup sour cream 1 cup Miracle Whip or favorite mayonnaise 1 package Knorr vegetable soup mix 1 teaspoon dried parsley (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon dried parsley (adjust to taste) Mix ingredients and refrigerate for a few hours. Serve with chopped vegetables or crackers. California Party Dip 1 14-ounce can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1 cup mayonnaise ¾ cup chopped Roma tomatoes 1 teaspoon dill weed or lemon dill 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional) Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Place in shallow baking dish. Bake 35-45 minutes until heated through and lightly browned. Serve with crackers. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) has issued a Cease and Desist Order to Salvasen Holdings and parent company Triada Assurance Holdings, LLC. The insurance agency has violated Mississippi law by marketing and selling health insurance without having an insurance license. Additionally, Salvasen Holdings marketed insurance plans falsely, claiming they were major medical policies when they were in fact limited plans. “MID received a complaint from a customer who thought they bought a major medical health insurance plan from Salvasen Holdings,” Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney said. “Salvasen failed to pay claims under that policy, which turned out to be a limited plan.” Other states have also sanctioned Salvasen Holdings – including Texas and Michigan. The issue is still under investigation by the MID. Pending a final decision by Comm. Chaney, Salvasen Holdings may not collect or receive premiums or conduct any new or existing business. Anyone with questions about this may contact the Investigations Division at MID by calling 601-359-3569.

By Mika Hartman For the last year, I have been blessed to share this beautiful journey with my Huddy. Hudson is a vibe, a mood, a reminder of how precious life is and a reminder of just how resilient we’ve been created. Thank you for reading my heart over the past 12 months. My goal has always been to share a glimpse into this life to encourage everyone to embrace and support your families in your communities better. To see each person as someone who deserves more respect; give more of your time to someone who is easy to love. Mississippi is the “Hospitality State”; hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors and strangers. This is also a given for thy neighbors. Be hospitable and kind to all. A friend of mine once shared something with me, “maybe our children don’t have an extra chromosome, maybe we are missing it and we will be given it at the gates of Heaven”… that is exactly how I feel. God is love and love definitely lives on the 21st chromosome. Hudson daily (really every second) shows love in the smallest and biggest ways. I have learned so much by looking through his eyes and embracing this journey with open arms. Just because I am his mom, this doesn’t mean you can’t embrace with open arms, too. Actually, we are all called to use our strengths given to help others. Whether it be a time of need, like poor water quality or a hurricane, we should use our strength to lift others when they need us. I promise you that lifting others with different abilities will only increase the strength of who you are; help make you whole. You may already believe that what you’re is working, and likely it is, but, what if you could find a happiness you didn’t know existed? Wouldn’t you seek it? I have been very open that I didn’t embrace anyone on this journey before my Hudson was born. Given the opportunity, I believe I would have been a good friend, but my path never crossed any of these beautiful families before Hudson. Boy, did I unknowingly miss out. Each smile I have experienced on this path is so deeply stamped on my heart and I know I am a better person today. I have always been a happy person. A person who sees life as a gift. A Christian who lives life to help others. This is a new part of my life; I am a strong advocate, a wonderful caregiver and I plan to be a world changer for Hudson. October was Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I call it Down Syndrome Acceptance Month because I see a world where my son doesn’t need a month to prove he deserves a seat at the table. I see a day where he can decide, even if his decisions need support, what he can do in life and then be supported fully to achieve his dreams. I pray for a day where children aren’t tucked behind their parents in fear of them saying something that would be embarrassing, but that they are given the chance to ask whatever they wish with their curious little hearts to be able to learn. The unknown is where fear lives, so let's talk. In honor of Down Syndrome Acceptance Month, a sweet friend sent me a gift. This gift came the same day we brought Hudson home for the hospital with pneumonia. We were tired, sleep deprived and needed to learn a new routine to support his healing (as all parents experience with all sick children), and this gift was in my mailbox. I love Gods perfect timing. The gift had words that read this: “Chosen: You were chosen for this journey. You were handpicked to be the caretaker of someone who will touch the hearts and lives of many. Your eyes will open to a beautiful new world. A world that is far more innocent than the one you are familiar with. This precious world is the closest thing to Heaven here on Earth. You will become an advocate, a therapist, and a teacher. You will celebrate big for this that used to look small. You may not feel prepared, but know that you are fully equipped with everything your child will need. This journey will be part of your legacy. “You were born for such a time as this” -Esther 4:14” Here’s a recap of all the NDSS facts that were shared during October: Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. The additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. According to the CDC, approximately one in every 772 babies born in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition. About 5,100 babies with Down syndrome are born in the U.S. each year. There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, Translocation accounts for about 4%, and Mosaicism accounts for about 1%. In almost every community of the U.S. there are parent support groups and community organizations directly involved oil providing services to families of individuals with Down syndrome. You can find a list of groups on the NDSS website. The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children born with Down syndrome are born to omen under 35 years of age. In 1958, Dr. Jerome Lejeune discovered that Down syndrome was caused by having an extra chromosome on pair 21. A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are : low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. (And still increasing) People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways. All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends, and the community enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives. People “have” Down syndrome, they do not “suffer from it” and are not “afflicted by” it. “Intellectual disability” or “cognitive disability” has replaced “mental retardation” as the appropriate term. NDSS strongly condemns the use if the word “retarded” in any derogatory context. Using this word is hurtful. NDSS uses the preferred spelling, Down syndrome, rather than “Down’s syndrome.”Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition, but did not have it. Translocation, a type of Down syndrome that accounts for 3 to 4% of all cases, is the only type of Down syndrome known to have a hereditary component. Of those, one-third are hereditary. People with Down syndrome have feeling just like anyone else. They are not always happy. They experience the full range of emotions. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior. People with Down syndrome socialize and have meaningful friendships. Some choose to date, maintain ongoing relationships, and marry. World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on 3/21, representing three copies of the 21st chromosome. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children with Down syndrome have a sleep study preformed by the age of 4 because research suggests up to 76% will experience sleep apnea compares to 1-4% of the rest of the population. Approximately half of al babies born with Down syndrome have a heart condition. It is important that medical treatment is provided. People with Down syndrome actively partake in advocacy efforts that impact their lives. NDSS regularly invites individuals with Down syndrome to advocate on Capitol Hill on legislative issues beneficial to the Down syndrome community. One someone has given birth to a baby with Trisomy 21 or Translocation, it is estimated that the chance of having another baby with Trisomy 21 is 1 in 100 up until age 40. Adults with Down syndrome are not children and should not be considered children. They enjoy activities and companionship with other adults and have similar needs and feelings as their typical peers. Chromosome 21 plays a key role in the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease. Scientists have located several genes on chromosome 21 that are involved in the aging process and that contribute to the increased risk of Alzheimer’s. However, not all individuals with Down syndrome will develop Alzheimer’s. The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by NDSS to promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome. It is still the premier walk program for the Down syndrome community in the United States. Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease. Children with Down syndrome typically face delays in certain areas of development, so early intervention is highly recommended. It can begin any time after birth, but the sooner it starts, the better. Each year NDSS hosts the Times Square Video presentation, showcasing 500 individuals with Down syndrome from around the world on the big screen. Down syndrome is not contagious, you cannot catch it. Instead of saying “a Down syndrome person”, it should be “a person with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s person” and describing the condition as “Down’s” as in, “He has Down’s.” Individuals with Down syndrome are able to be independent in a wide variety of ways. Wait for someone to ask you for assistance before jumping in to do something for them. As I wrap up this amazing year of sharing all of the facts and my heart, I can say without a doubt that I was chosen for this life. That I am blessed for this gift of Hudson’s life. All children are amazing individuals who deserve a chance at life, with or without an extra chromosome. The more you educate yourself with anything unknown or feared, the more you grow as a human. You were chosen to be here, too. To be reading about my son. To be learning and teaching in your communities. To be on this journey with me. Remember that this journey will be your legacy. “You, too, were born for such a time as this”. I am not the only one who was "chosen for his EXTRA”; take my hand, I will gladly continue to share his light with all who need EXTRA love.

As of Sunday, October 30, 2022, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of 29,919 absentee ballots requested, 29,044 absentee ballots sent, and 22,221 absentee ballots received in the state of Mississippi for the 2022 General Election. At the same point during the 2020 General Election, SEMS reported a total of 169,087 absentee ballots requested, 165,846 absentee ballots sent, and 142,591 absentee ballots received. Click here to view county reports. As a reminder, the requested total reflects the number of Mississippi voters who have requested an absentee ballot through their local Circuit Clerk's Office. The sent total reflects the number of absentee ballots sent to voters from Circuit Clerk Offices. The received total reflects the number of completed absentee ballots returned to Circuit Clerk Offices. Additional Reminders All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 8) and received within five business days of Election Day in order to count. The Resolution Board can begin processing absentee ballots at the opening of the polls on Election Day (7 a.m.). County election officials can tabulate ballots at the closing of the polls on Election Day (7 p.m.). Our office will not announce unofficial election results. As always, we will only announce and post certified election results submitted to our office by the counties. Counties have ten (10) calendar days from Election Day to file certified results with our office. All certified election results from the 2022 Election Cycle will be posted here on our website. Counties may announce unofficial totals as the results come in from each precinct on Election Day and as absentee ballots are tallied on Election Night. While these results are generally reliable, it is important to remember any results reported the night of the Election are not considered official, certified election results. For questions regarding absentee voting, please contact our Elections Division at ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov, call the Elections Hotline at 1-800-829-6786, or visit YallVote.ms.

We had been traveling non-stop for three straight weeks. It had been one different bed after another – and Renie is simply not someone who deals well with that scenario. Even though the work trip had also afforded us a fun chance to visit some cousins who live in the areas where we had gone, it still meant days of driving for long hours, eating at restaurants and fast-food chains, and attempting to catch a nap while the other one drove. And after arriving, often we still had to set up equipment, set sound, and then sing and speak intelligibly to the crowd that had graciously come to be with us that evening. Then pack it all up and climb into another strange bed that night. All of this was fun and fairly easy. Until Renie hit a wall. A wall built from a couple of weeks of stress, muscles aches, lack of real sleep, little exercise, and consumption of fast-food that, umm, shall we say – doesn’t always meet the most nutritional standards. Now, don’t read me wrong. We love what we do. But folks, enough was enough. Renie knew she was beginning to slide down a slippery slope of exhaustion, but there didn’t seem to be a time to just say, “Stop, I’m just DONE.” Until, one evening at the home of Andy’s cousin, she found herself feeling like all her bones had turned to soup, and her neck wouldn’t quite support the weight of her head. That night, “Stop, I’m just done,” became a reality. Thankfully, we actually had about forty-eight hours to do absolutely nothing….so she did. But even after that brief rest, when Andy told her about a fairly heavy decision that had to be made for the future, he was met with dulled thinking, confusion, and disinterest. Not exactly the input he was needing. Now, we’ve had three straight days of a familiar-feeling mattress, healthy eating choices, daily walks in our own neighborhood and no traveling stress…we’re home. And granted, she may never be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but at least Renie can think clearly. And that decision that loomed so gigantically a few days ago? Trusting God to guide us sure seems easier. Word to the wise - and the tired - who are reading this; be vewwy, vewwy careful of attempting to force yourself too far and then trying to make big decisions. Several reasons. 1)Making life-changing choices without mental energy is not intelligent. 2)Feeling physically drained can cause you to procrastinate. 3)Discouraging your co-worker by your lack of interest can hurt your work, and your relationship. Absolutely refuse to let yourself get suckered into making big, long-reaching choices when you are too exhausted to be sharp-thinking, energetic, and enthusiastic. _________________________________________________________ ANNOUNCEMENT: Our new book, “DON’T PLANT PEAS AND EXPECT SPAGHETTI” is now available! Find it online at coffeetimewithandyandrenie, or email to andybowman839@gmail.com, or come see us speaking and singing in person!

For the first time ever, ESPN’s College GameDay is headed to Jackson on Saturday, October 29, as Jackson State University takes on Southern University. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding motorists to plan ahead, expect additional traffic and allow more travel time in the Jackson-metro area this weekend. “Saturday will be a great day for our state and we want everyone traveling to drive safe, alert and distraction-free,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “Interstates 20 and 55 are already heavily traveled corridors and we’re reminding everyone to anticipate additional traffic on these roadways, especially at Woodrow Wilson and other nearby exits.” One way to plan ahead for heavy traffic conditions is to allow yourself additional travel time. Plan to leave earlier and factor this into any plans on Saturday. If possible carpool with friends and family. Be patient and never drive distracted. Another way to plan for heavy traffic conditions is to utilize MDOT’s free travel resources. Know before you go and get live traffic and weather-related updates by visiting MDOTtraffic.com, downloading the free MDOT Traffic app, or following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter. Safety is and always will be MDOT’s top priority. To help drivers do their part in reducing the number of fatal accidents in the state, GoMDOT.com/DriveSmartMS offers videos that teach motorists how to safely navigate work zones and intersections, along with other safe driving tips. “Drivers can take safety into their own hands by following simple safety tips,” said White. “One of the most important safety steps drivers can take is by paying attention and staying off the phone, especially in work zones where road conditions can change quickly.” In addition to cutting out distracted driving, motorists should: Always buckle up. Leave a safe distance between vehicles. Obey the posted speed limit. Be patient, especially in work zones. Always designate a sober driver. Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. “Please make safety a priority and take advantage of these free travel resources this weekend,” said White. “These free resources will help Mississippians drive smarter and be more prepared so everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day.”

The Mississippi Farmers Market will host a Halloween Extravaganza on Saturday, October 29, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. In addition to the usual variety of farm fresh foods and handcrafted items, shoppers will be treated to complimentary popcorn, children’s activities including trick-or-treating and face painting, vendor giveaways, specialty food trucks and a costume contest. The City Limits Café and Genuine MS® Store, both located inside of the Mississippi Farmers Market, will also be open to the public. The Café serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every weekday; it is also open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday. The Genuine MS® Store is open Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The Mississippi Farmers Market, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. For more information about the Mississippi Farmers Market, visit www.msfarmersmarket.com and follow the Mississippi Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Starting today, appointments for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster shot are available for children 5 and older at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health department clinics. Appointments can be made online atcovidvaccine.msdh.ms.gov or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 877-978-6453. The updated COVID-19 booster offers improved protection against both the original strain of COVID-19 and the Omicron variants that are currently causing most infections (BA.4 and BA.5). The bivalent vaccine is available through both Pfizer and Moderna. Those 5 years of age and older may be eligible if: They are fully vaccinated with any previous primary vaccination series against COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna or Noravax two-shot regimen, or Johnson & Johnson/Janssen’s one-shot regimen), And it has been at least two months since the last primary dose or booster dose of the vaccine. “As we move into the winter months, we strongly encourage those eligible to get the bivalent booster now to provide the best protection against COVID-19 infection and severe complications. Don’t wait to protect yourself and your family,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. MSDH recommends vaccination against COVID-19 for anyone 6 months and older. Vaccination and boosters are especially important for adults 65 and older, children and adults who have weakened immune systems, and anyone with underlying health problems. COVID-19 vaccinations are available at no cost from county health departments. Vaccinations are also available at numerous pharmacies and private providers throughout the state. For information about eligibility and to make an appointment for COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters, visit covidvaccine.msdh.ms.gov. Please remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to your appointment, if available.