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.

Mississippi maintained its historic gains in 4th grade reading on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), while scores nationally dropped in all four NAEP subjects and grades. The 2022 NAEP results provide the first national measure of student learning since the start of the pandemic. Known as the Nation’s Report Card, NAEP measures student performance in 4th and 8th grade reading and math in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The 2022 results show Mississippi 4th graders scored at the national average in both reading and math. Mississippi’s economically disadvantaged 4th graders achieved higher scores in reading and math than their peers nationally and in the South. This achievement holds steady among black, white and Hispanic students living in poverty. “The 2022 NAEP scores prove the resilience of Mississippi students and the ability of Mississippi educators to provide high-quality instruction despite the challenges of the pandemic,” said Dr. Kim Benton, state superintendent of education, interim. “While our state’s scores are encouraging, they also underscore the need to press forward to ensure all students achieve proficiency. In particular, we have more work to do in 8th grade reading and math to bring student performance up to the national average and then continue to improve.” In 8th grade, Mississippi scores dropped three points in reading and eight points in math, which matches the decline nationally in both subjects. Mississippi 4th graders dropped seven points in math, which is statistically equivalent to the five-point decline nationally. While pandemic disruptions are believed to have affected this year’s national decline on NAEP, scores have been falling over the past decade in most states. Despite this national trend, Mississippi is a leader among the few states that have shown improvements on one or more NAEP assessments over the past decade. Specifically: Mississippi achieved significant gains in 4th grade reading and math since 2011. Along with Washington D.C., Mississippi is the only state or jurisdiction that improved over a 10-year period in two of the four core NAEP subjects. Mississippi is one of only two states with improved 4th grade math scores over a decade and one of only three states with gains in 4th grade reading. In 8th grade, Mississippi scores remained flat in reading and math over the past decade while the average scores nationally dropped in both subjects. In short, over the past 10 years, Mississippi has improved significantly in reading and math in 4th grade and held steady in both subjects in 8th grade while scores nationally in both grades and subjects have declined. In 2019, Mississippi achieved the No. 1 spot in the nation for NAEP gains when 4th grade students made the largest score gains from 2017 to 2019 in reading and mathematics, 8th grade students outpaced the nation for growth in mathematics, and 8th grade reading held steady. Student achievement has increased significantly since 2013 after the statewide implementation of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, higher academic standards with aligned assessments, a strong accountability system, and a significant investment in professional development for educators. Pre-pandemic, student achievement steadily increased from the first administration of the state’s Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) in 2016 until 2019, when the percentage of students scoring proficient and advanced reached a record high. After a decline in MAAP scores in 2021, student achievement rebounded in 2022 to pre-pandemic levels.

By Kara Kimbrough The following two sentences by Andrew Zimmern, acclaimed TV chef and creator of many other culinary-related endeavors caused me to backtrack and reread it: “I don't think there is a more soul satisfying meal than Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes smothered in homemade beef gravy. I like to brown the meatballs in butter first, before finishing them in the oven with a little chicken stock so they stay nice and moist.” Come on…if that doesn’t immediately conjure up a vision of a plate of comfort food at its finest, nothing will. I met or at least, attended an event at which Zimmern was hosting on the Gulf Coast several years ago. All I remember is that he and his film crew set up a seafood boil on the beach as I and a group of journalists watched as he was filmed for a TV special. Afterwards, we were invited to sit under a tent and dine on the dinner he created. I think fried crabs were involved, but I can't be sure. After that one brush with the famous chef, I haven’t followed his career closely, but his statement about meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy grabbed and held my attention. Zimmern’s lengthy recipe for the meal included instructions on how to make savory beef gravy. I didn’t make the dishes, which included chicken and beef broth. However, but it did send me in another direction and that was to make my own healthy broths. This is not a new idea. I’ve often hesitated to use the cartons of chicken and beef broth sold in the supermarket due to the high sodium content of both. Not to mention, the numerous questions that always popped in my mind, mainly about the way the broths were collected in the first place. I’m sure (or at least hope) this isn’t the case, but visions of vats of broth filled with assorted chicken and cow bones always danced in my head as I pour the commercialized broth in soups, stews and other dishes requiring the addition of broth. I found several recipes for homemade broth – most of them rather lengthy. I settled on a happy medium by reducing some of the ingredients and using only those that could be recycled into other dishes. To make chicken broth, I boiled several chicken breasts (recipes call for chicken pieces with bones, but I chose not to use those) in a large stockpot along with stalks of celery, chunks of white onion and a few carrots. After seasoning the water with whole peppercorns, dried thyme and rosemary, I let it boil for 3-4 hours (you can boil longer) until the chicken was done and the vegetables were tender. Using a few cups of the broth, the now-cooked chopped chicken and vegetables and the addition of egg noodles, I had the makings of a satisfying chicken noodle soup. Even better, there was plenty of leftover chicken broth to freeze in individuals bags for later use. Beef broth was a little trickier, as most recipes call for “meaty stock bones cut to expose marrow.” My queasy stomach didn’t like the sound of that, so I substituted short ribs, which I boiled, also for 3-4 hours, with the same ingredients used for chicken broth. To season the broth, I used oregano, parsley and thyme. A rick beef stew was the end result of this endeavor. Making your own broth might seem a little extreme, but knowing the sodium content is much lower than anything you can buy in the supermarket easily makes up for the time spent making it. Plus, when you can recycle the ingredients into a hearty meal – and dispel and visions of bones and marrow – I promise it’s worth the effort. Easy Crockpot Beef Stew 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into small pieces ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt (substitute Mrs. Dash if you’d like) ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 ½ cups beef broth (make it yourself if you have time!) 4 regular carrots, roughly chopped or 8-10 baby carrots 3 medium potatoes, diced or half-bag of country-style hash browns (not shredded) 1 medium onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon minced garlic 1 bay leaf Use slow cooker liner or spray bottom with non-stick spray. Place meat in slow cooker, then mix flour, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Coat meat with flour/seasoning mixture. Add broth, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and bay leave; stir to combine. If you didn’t boil beef and vegetables to make stock, cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. If you did use the ingredients beforehand to make stock, the beef and vegetables are already cooked, so only cook on high around 1-2 hours, checking often to see if meat is completely tender and ready to eat. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

As the leaves begin to change color and we enjoy the many traditions of autumn, it can be easy to overlook the fact that winter is right around the corner. Atmos Energy reminds natural gas customers that now is the time to prepare for cold weather by performing household safety checks and implementing energy-saving measures, so you can stay warm while managing your winter heating bills. If you need natural gas service reconnected, contact us now to schedule an appointment before cold weather arrives. Atmos Energy is available at 888.286.6700 – Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time – or visit us online at www.atmosenergy.com During the appointment, you may choose to have an Atmos Energy technician enter your home or business to relight gas appliances that are accessible and are in a safe working condition. However, this is not a substitute for routine or manufacturer-recommended safety inspections and maintenance of your appliances and gas piping. Your gas piping and appliances are your responsibility and should be inspected periodically. A responsible adult 18 or older must be present during the appointment. Now is also a great opportunity to perform routine household safety checks like inspecting your home’s natural gas piping and appliances and ensuring smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in working condition. Maintain Your Natural Gas Lines Customers are responsible for the maintenance and service of natural gas appliances and natural gas lines from the meter into their homes in all states we serve, except in Kansas. Customer-owned natural gas lines include all piping that goes from your natural gas meter to the appliances on your property. This also includes a pool or spa heater, barbeque, or other natural gas appliances. Monitor for Carbon Monoxide Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas emitted when fuel is burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, natural gas ranges, or furnaces, and it can be poisonous to humans if it builds up indoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends replacing your CO detector every five years and installing a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home. The CDC also advises buying a detector with a digital readout to best detect the highest level of carbon monoxide concentration. This winter, as energy prices are elevated across the board, financial assistance is available to help customers manage costs: Budget Billing is a great tool to help manage your budget because your natural gas bill will be more predictable every month. In the winter, your bill can rise unexpectedly as the weather gets colder. However, with Budget Billing your costs are spread more evenly throughout the year, so you are not surprised by high winter bills. Visit www.atmosenergy.com/budgetbilling to learn more. Installment plans are available that spread out payments of your balance over time – with no charges or fees to do so. Call 888.286.6700 or visit www.atmosenergy.com/AccountCenter to establish a plan that meets your needs. We also offer an online tool that compares your current bill with a previous bill so you can better understand how the weather, billing days, and charges impact your bill. Log in to the Account Center and select “Billing and Usage” to use the bill comparison tool. If you need help paying your natural gas bill, financial assistance is available from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program as well as Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth funds through local assistance agencies. Visit atmosenergy.com/assistance to find an energy assistance agency near you. Colder weather directly impacts the amount of natural gas that is consumed and your monthly bill. Using energy wisely and making a few household changes can make a big difference in how much you spend on natural gas and other energy bills. Plus, you will lower your home's carbon emissions when you use less energy. Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home. Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Change or clean your heating and air conditioning unit filter regularly and according to the manufacturer's instructions. Your equipment will use less energy if it ‘breathes’ more easily. Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use. Reduce your shower and bath time. Showering and bathing can account for 40 percent of your home's hot water use. Operate your clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher only when fully loaded. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open – warm air goes right up the chimney! If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing. Atmos Energy offers rebates for high-efficiency natural gas appliances, energy-saving devices, and weatherization upgrades for customers in Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas. Visit www.atmosenergy.com/rebates for details. For home safety tips and to learn more about customer-owned natural gas piping, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/home-safety, and for more energy-saving tips visit www.atmosenergy.com/energytips.

As of Sunday, October 23, 2022, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of 17,693 absentee ballots requested, 16,884 absentee ballots sent, and 10,186 absentee ballots received in the state of Mississippi for the 2022 General Election. 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.

By Bob Garver It makes perfect sense to cast Dwayne Johnson as a superhero. Actually, it might make too much sense. Like, it’s a little too on-the-nose. Here’s a guy that is tremendously built and athletically gifted, with a seemingly unlimited arsenal of charisma, money, and fame. Heck, the guy spent years convincing arenas full of people that he could hurt his wrestling opponents just by taking off his elbow pad, doing a silly little dance, bouncing off the ropes, and falling on them elbow-first. He practically has superpowers already. So “Black Adam” has to do something special in the script department to make this movie stand out from every other Dwayne Johnson actioner. The good news is that it does. The bad news is that what it does do differently, it doesn’t do very well. In a nutshell, Teth-Adam (he isn’t called “Black” Adam until late in the movie) is an ancient warrior from the kingdom of Kahndaq, imbued with powers from the same council of wizards responsible for Shazam in the DC Extended Universe. Entombed for 5,000 years, he is awakened by Dr. Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi), under life-threatening orders from henchmen of the evil Ishmael Gregor (Marwan Kenzari). In his disoriented state, Adam doesn’t know who he can trust, but it sure isn’t the goons pointing weapons at him. He sets about on a killing spree, taking out immediate threats, then their reinforcements, then those people’s reinforcements, and so on until he’s a threat on a global scale. Adam soon attracts the attention of the Justice Society of America. A team led by Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) is dispatched to Kahndaq to neutralize the threat, even though they have little understanding of who they’re up against or how to deal with him. Other members of the team include the brainy Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell), mammoth Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), and prophetic Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan). The JSA assume they’re the white knights to Adam’s…blackness, but he operates more in a world of gray, and so do they, even if they don’t want to admit it. The real threat comes from Ishmael, who means to harm Tomaz’s son Amon (Bodhi Sabongui) if he doesn’t get what he wants. Perhaps a team-up is in order? Adam, like most superheroes, comes with a ton of emotional baggage, largely related to his son Hurut (Jalon Christian/Uli Latukefu). The movie spends an exhausting amount of time on Adam and Hurut’s backstory, and even more time on unnecessary characters. Cyclone and Atom Smasher are only in this movie to fill out the JSA’s numbers and provide some unwelcome comic relief. Johnson alone is all the comedic talent this movie needs. The same can be said for Dr. Tomaz’s electrician brother Karim (Mohammed Amer). I’ll let Amon skate (literally), but the movie could have toned down the character’s 90’s-style obnoxiousness and fanboy tendencies. Adam’s distinguishing characteristic is that he’s eager to kill people, a trait usually seen from “heroes” on the fringes of the big franchises and not from main members of the Avengers or Justice League (it is implied that the latter is in Adam’s future). For a character this homicidal to work, the movie really needs R-rated violence, not PG-13 toothlessness. I know it would cost this movie its teenage audience to go with an R rating, but fans can sniff out a neutered R-rated property a mile away, and the results are often disastrous. Johnson carrying a superhero movie makes for a surefire hit, but did it have to be this plodding, overstuffed, sterilized, frankly uninteresting take on “Black Adam”? Grade: C-