By seven in the morning, we are usually out for our daily walk. One day we were about halfway through our route, walking on the sidewalk of a lovely treelined neighborhood. As we approached the next house in front of us, we watched as a car pulled slowly and carefully out of the garage. Had we kept walking at our current rate, we would have found ourselves smack dab in that driver’s way as he kept backing. So, naturally we slowed down and waited on the sidewalk for him to back out onto the street. But the driver saw us as he glanced out his side window, and immediately stopped. That put his car directly across the sidewalk in front of our walking path. So, Andy politely motioned for him to continue backing on to the street, and then we would go on our way. The driver happened to be an older, silver-haired sweetheart with glasses, and was obviously being careful about driving in reverse. When Andy motioned for him to go ahead of us, the man rolled down his window and with a smile told us that “by all means pedestrians should go first.” My husband demurred and explained we would wait on him to finish backing off the sidewalk. Then this quick-witted, good-humored gentleman quipped, “I just usually back up ‘til I hear glass!” I loved it. I would call him a man who is comfortable in his own skin. He is aware everyone sees all older adults as probably having slower reflexes and diminished sight. Aware that as a senior adult, people can be very wary of his driving skills. And rightfully so in many cases. But was he defensive and prickly with us, as we cautiously waited for him to finish backing out of his driveway? Absolutely not. In fact, he had charmingly poked gentle fun at himself for being the “scary old man on the road.” But at the same time, he was able to slyly jab us, because he knew that we had him stereotyped him as the average older driver – someone to watch very carefully. But this was a guy who evidently knew his own driving skills and limitations very well, and knew how to function within them. He refused to let people’s laughing comments about older drivers’ abilities make him feel upset and less-than. He struck me as able to let the hurtful comments about old age roll harmlessly off his back. Good-natured enough to join in making cracks about his old age, and wise enough to take into consideration his lessened abilities. An older driver? Of course he was, but he sure had a great outlook on living. Wish all of us had his capacity for not taking our self too seriously. I believe we would have a lot more fun in life.

Due to unsafe field conditions, today's football game versus Carver has been canceled.

By Mika Hartman Bases are loaded, I’m up. This pitcher facing me is the best at fast curveballs. Deep breath. Focus. Believe. I can do this…. I have no choice but to knock it out of the park. As a mom to three and as a mom to a child with special needs, my own health is vital to me. I do understand that much is unforeseen, but the science of genetics and your family history can paint a picture of what’s to come for some of us. My arch nemesis’ are heart disease and breast cancer. Loaded family history. My heart issues were discovered in my early 30’s and I see Cardiology annually to stay heart healthy. As for my family history and having the ATM gene, the breast cancer part of my journey, I decided to be proactive recently. At the end of March, I went under for a preventative double mastectomy. It was an easy choice for me. Not only do I have memories of this ugly disease, but I have a lot of work to do here for Hudson’s future and my time is already stretched thin. Obviously, I was on the right track and had no idea that my preventative surgery was actually removing cancer I already had. I am 46. My mom, grandma and aunt were all 50 and over; not news we were expecting. Carcinoma: Positive. When the news came in, I already had been healing for a week and still had two drainage bulbs as my gory accessories. With the new diagnosis, it’s likely more surgery from the positive margins left behind. And my hope of not needing an oncologist, I was now hearing that I need two. This is all fresh and I still have no idea of what’s to come, but I believe that God uses us to share the message He provides during good and bad times. Here’s what I know so far: I will be fine. I will not let this slow me down. And my favorite part, I will lead by example to my children of how wonderfully God designed me and fight for me and for them. God does prepare us and I pray constantly that this isn’t a way for me to prepare for any more oncologists in our future, but no matter I will face any and all challenges ahead with the same “I WILL KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK” attitude. I have no choice. Sharing this so publicly is to encourage kindness. We all have life’s curveballs that many have no idea about. A smile can a long way. A phone call, email or even a text can brighten a day. The friends you have in your communities that have children with Down syndrome often feel alone. Uninvited to parties or playdates, discouraged from outings to not hold other friends back from fun, they are sitting alone in their cars while waiting on therapy and so on. It shouldn’t take a diagnosis of cancer to reach out, they need you now. Please know that I am crazy happy for all who have shown the greatest love and support, but my cancer I will fight and it will be gone. Hudson was born with an extra chromosome that won’t go away and he needs the love more than I do. I am accepted in society. But having a child with special needs has sadly been lonely. Let me decide what we can and can’t do…. To be invited is the game changer for all who are on my path. Down syndrome has opened a beautiful door to new friendships that I would be sad to not know now, you should get to know these wonderful people, too. Many extra big acts of kindness are found in many ways, like nominating Prom Kings and Queens with Down syndrome or cheering at the Buddy Walks in your area or getting your school or office to wear crazy socks for WDSD. We love all this, we do, but being invited to birthday parties, sleepovers, to the movies… these acts are way more inclusive and impactful on our children and us, too. Having people who see our children’s abilities in their learning environments is encouraging and provides hope. We already know that are precious children, so that is great, but as a teacher, we need you to push them as you would a typical child, like your own child. Churches, find your own “Buddy System”. See that every child has the opportunity to know God. However it works for your church, make it happen. The parents and the kids in your disability community need to be a part of your community. That OUR is capitalized for a reason. It belongs to both you and I, together. We can work with anyone who wants to learn more and do better, just ask. One thing I hear a lot is about children and their curiosity. If your child has ever embarrassed you in public by asking a question loudly about a child with a disability and you hushed them, you missed a beautiful opportunity to teach them. Maybe its because you aren’t educated in the disability to share? Or maybe you think it will upset the person or momma hearing you? Or maybe it’s that you don’t think you have the time to “get into it”? No matter the reason, your child is asking and we would love for you to teach them or ask us to help. I am not educated in all disabilities, I am well educated in kindness. A generic answer can suffice, “God made her/him, just as He made you… both very special”. Or you could say, “lets go talk them and learn together”. To hush your child is awkward for everyone. It leaves us wondering what your real thoughts are or question why you don’t want your child to learn? Be kind. Always. Let me educate you about Down syndrome: A person born with Down syndrome has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. This means that they have a total of 47 chromosomes. Most people born have 46 chromosomes total. This one extra gene causes them to develop differently. Children still look like their families. They may have almond shaped eyes, a flatter profile, larger tongues, sandal toes, sparkles in their eyes called Brushfield spots, shorter arm or legs, but they have a mom and a dad that they get their genes from. Down syndrome is not contagious. You are born with the extra chromosome, No one know how this happens, but it is a miracle that we have these wonderful people in our communities. Larger tongues can make speaking clearly harder for individual with Down syndrome. The ability to speak truly depends on the child, but friends and family have no problems communicating however is best with them. That's why learning and not hushing is so important. Most individuals have low muscle tone. This isn’t to say that they aren’t strong, it’s saying that the control to crawl, walk, run and more is often a more difficult task. But many are able to do all these hard tasks in their own time. People with Down syndrome are so loving. Hugs and acceptance go together. To be afraid is silly. You’ll miss out on this love if you shy away from them. Give them a chance to be your friend, I know they’ll give you one. Down syndrome doesn’t have a number system. You are born with it or not. Many challenges face our friends, especially their health. This varies from child to child. Some have heart defects at birth and some don’t. Some have the battle of cancer and some never do. Some have autism and many don’t. Just like everyone born, we all have our own journey, no two alike. Similar paths can be found, but none are cookie cutter. Talk to your children Teach them to not be afraid. God created us all. Period. No mistakes. Take every opportunity to raise the next generation to be more inclusive. Diversity is talked about daily, this includes my son. Kids and young adults can use “Down syndrome” as a rude comment or as a joke. This hurts. If you hear ANY child or person belittling one of God’s children, be a voice for change. We shouldn’t have to fight all the battles alone. I’m fighting for him, like my cancer, I have no choice but to knock it out of the park! My life’s EXTRA curveball can’t stop me. Bases are loaded, YOU’RE up….

By Bob Garver Last year, a longstanding tradition was bucked when the MCU’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” opened to an impressive $75 million at the domestic box office over Labor Day weekend. For some reason, maybe having to do with the kids being back in school, Labor Day weekend is typically one of the worst box office weekends of the year. Not just one of the worst holiday weekends, weekends overall. Now in 2022, things are back to relative normal, and theaters were once again nearly deserted over Labor Day weekend. The big movie was a re-release of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” from last December with $6 million, followed by “Top Gun: Maverick” from May, “DC League of Superpets” from July, “Bullet Train” from early August, and “The Invitation” from last week. I was on vacation last weekend and unable to review “The Invitation,” so it gets the dubious honor of warranting a review on this ditch on the box office calendar. The film follows Evie (Nathalie Emmanuel), a struggling caterer from New York City. She takes a DNA test and finds out she has family in England. She meets a rich cousin named Oliver (Hugh Skinner), who invites her to a family wedding at the estate of even richer family friend Walter (Thomas Doherty). Parts of the trip are like a dream come true, with luxuriousness at every turn and an extended family that welcomes her with open arms (none of the white relatives are bothered that she’s African-American, owing to an interracial affair a few generations back). Other parts are not so pleasant, like condescending butler Fields (Sean Pertwee) and standoffish bridesmaid Viktoria (Stephanie Corneilussen), though timid bridesmaid Lucy (Alana Boden) seems okay. Other parts are downright frightening, like things going bump in the night. So many things go bump in the night, as if this movie can’t think of a way to drum up scares for its first hour. It’s not hard to figure out that something is amiss with the rich weirdos, especially because the movie opens with a suicide by hanging and maids keep getting yanked offscreen, never to be seen again. I thought the villains were just into run-of-the-mill ritualistic killing, but it turns out there’s a supernatural element too. The mastermind behind it all is named Walt. Change the W in his name to the letter before it in the alphabet, the T to the similar-sounding D, and switch the A and L around, and you’ll get an idea of what the twist is. Once the secret is out, the movie is just plain goofy. A dinner scene marks a point of no return for any hope this movie had at dignity, plus it features a death that I felt had no place in a PG-13 movie (a last second cutaway from… well, a cut, is what technically saves it). The movie wasn’t great at doing horror before with its cheap jump scares, but there was potential in its “Get Out”-meets-“Ready Or Not” setup. And Evie is a likeable protagonist, struggling to keep her humility in the extravagant setting with funny video-chat help from her best friend (Courtney Taylor). But Walt is bland in every role: as a host, as a potential love interest, and as a villain. I won’t say that secondary villains Fields and Viktoria “steal the show” exactly, but I would have preferred either of them as a sort of Big Bad at the movie’s climax. It’s an easy joke to say that you should decline “The Invitation,” but judging by the lousy box office, you’ve probably been doing that anyway. Grade: C- “The Invitation” is rated PG-13 for terror, violent content, some strong language, sexual content and nudity. Its running time is 105 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) invites nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award is the highest honor the United States gives to teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Two Mississippi 7-12 teachers will be selected for the 2022-23 PAEMST award cycle. National honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, recognition at a White House ceremony, and the opportunity to provide input on policies to improve science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science education. Parents, students, fellow educators, or members of the public can nominate a 7-12 grade teacher who teaches science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the 7-12 grade level. Teachers may also nominate themselves. Eligible teachers must have at least five years of full-time employment as a K-12 teacher prior to the 2022-2023 academic school year, with science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teaching duties during each of the past five years. Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 9, 2023. Teachers must complete the application process by Feb. 6, 2023. “There are so many Mississippi 7th - 12th-grade teachers deserving of a PAEMST award for their dedication to students in the subject areas of science and mathematics,” said Dr. Kim Benton, state superintendent of education, interim. “I encourage friends, families, and colleagues to nominate a teacher who is achieving positive student outcomes and is passionate about teaching and learning. Teachers may also strongly consider nominating themselves.” Congress established the PAEMST Awards in 1983. The award recognizes teachers with deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Each year PAEMST alternates between recognizing K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers. The 2023-24 PAEMST cycle will award the nation’s top teachers who teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science in grades K-6. To nominate a teacher or apply, visit: paemst.org.

By Mika Hartman With school starting back, I started thinking about all the new; new classrooms, new teachers, new routines and, especially, new friends. We have a real opportunity at the beginning of so much new to start instilling new good habits, too. We can get a bedtime in place, a better dinner routine after a summer off, oh yeah, better teeth brushing routines and we can even encourage our kids (and ourselves) to be kinder humans with adding a routine of “family sharing”. Here’s a great way to share: If we were at a store and we saw a puppy running scared in the parking lot, appearing to be lost, we would call out with our favorite noises to let the puppy know we are nice. We would reach out and not hesitate to pick the puppy up. Would we hold the pup at a distance? No, we would give a sweet embrace of reassurance. We’d look around for anyone that might claim the lost pup and then worry about getting him/her back home or giving the fur baby a new home. We wouldn’t research on the internet what the puppy would need, we’d already know; Puppy food, water, a bed, exercise and loads of love. Simple. With my child with Down syndrome, I expect the same. While he won’t be lost, he does need your love, your encouragement and your acknowledgement of his presence. As his mom, I am responsible for his medical needs. You don’t have to worry about what medication he takes or when, you don’t need to know how a g-tube works (unless you want to, I am always happy to show anyone who is interested), you don’t even need to know about his extra chromosome. He is a beautiful boy who deserves this life and to be included. He just needs to know you love him and you can treat him like any child you would come across. He should never feel alone. I am his mom, I am a guaranteed security blanket, but we know we all need even more than our mom's can give. And when he goes to school, I can't always be there. I need peace, too. Hudson is NOT fragile. Actually, he is really strong. He likes to play, spin, swim, swing, wrestle and even breakdance. As he grows, he’s only getting more strong. He might not play the way your kids play, but having friends will encourage him to learn from them. I have placed him in a setting where kids are present. He’s using his sippy cup more often and better, too , he’s dancing to music, he’s trying to eat more and he’s learning to play with other children. Talk with your children, just like this. I promise they can learn from Hudson or any child with a disability or different ability, just as he/they can learn from your child. These life lessons will carry their whole lives, both kids benefit. It will create opportunities that will begin to mold who they will become. Extra kindness goes a long way. It’s just as easy to be kind as it is to be mean, but meanness cuts deep and is so unnecessary. Even a non-verbal child knows the difference. I am raising him to be kind, too; but he is really teaching us in a profound way. Your child should know that Hudson didn’t ask to be born with his extra chromosome, just as the puppy didn’t want to be lost and alone. However, we have a true responsibility to both. They both have a need to live their best lives. So why is it so easy for one to help the puppy, but then use the “r” word or only see my son’s disability? Honest answer: it starts at home with you. Valuing a person, the whole person, not a disability, skin color, religious view, political party or any other difference is the only way we can move forward. We ALL have purpose and value. You never know, maybe one day you’ll have a family member who is born with the same extra chromosome my son was born with, who will you be? It does not take us having this in front of our face to learn from Hudson or to want be better people or raise nicer children; it takes a step of loving no matter what… and passing it on. Again, simple. Kindness is free. Changing the words you use costs nothing. Cheering for the success of another has no dollar amount attached. Teaching your children all of this… EXTRA Priceless. EXTRA EXTRA: Hudson Jag Hartman was selected for the upcoming NDSS Times Square Video for his 4th year in a row. Over 2,400 submissions and NDSS selected 500 for the 2022 NYC Jumbotron Show. Join the NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) Facebook page on September 17th. The LIVE from NYC will begin at 8:30 am (CT). If you wish to join our team, we are “Team Hudson The Strong”. Donations can be made to: https://give.ndss.org/team/430719 Your love is EXTRA awesome. Thank you.

Everybody has heard that cliché. I am saying something a little different. Don’t use all those eggs in your basket just for you - using your gifts and abilities only for your needs and wants. “I take care of me, and eva’body else needs to take care of themselves. No way that takin’ care of them is my job!” But those eggs you are protecting so fiercely with that attitude? Well, think back to those Easter egg hunts as a child, when some of the eggs were never located. Later on, when they turned up, those things were rotted and stinking. Of if they had been there long enough, they looked like they belonged in a museum for petrified things. Unused eggs can only last just so long. Please do not misunderstand, I am not saying that you should give all your eggs to everyone else and leave none for you. Of course you need to take care of you. The Bible teaches that a person who doesn’t know how to love himself cannot really love others. But life is meant to be shared with those around us. Hoarding your eggs leads to loneliness in life. So if you aren’t a fan of loneliness, share your eggs. Spend some time with a person who has lost their one special loved one, and who now does nothing for anyone else. Most of the time, you will hear a lonely, purposeless person talking only about themselves and their problems. Self-centeredness is a deadly bullet that can kill the very heartbeat of the one who is desperately seeking to find fulfillment and happiness. Talk about focus gone awry. They are doing the very thing that is causing their problem. Folks, it’s not a wise decision to depend upon one human relationship to supply all the answers to your every dream, desire and want. To rely on that one person to make your life worth living. In the end, when for some reason they can’t be your all-in-all, you are left totally alone and hurting. No one person should hold that much sway over your happiness. That is too big of a burden for them, and they shouldn’t have to carry it for you. Plus, it gives that person waaaaay too much control over your life. For your sake and loved ones, center your life on a relationship with God. The One Person who will gladly share any heavy burden and will never use His relationship with you to manipulate and control. He always leaves your decisions up to you, even when He knows the consequences will be devastating. But at the same time, He will never desert you when you are hurting with those very consequences. Your eggs were given to you for a reason. To connect you with others. Fry them, scramble ‘em, poach or bake them, but please, pull them out of your Just For Me Basket and use ‘em.

By Kara Kimbrough If you pay attention to the calendar (not the one that says summer ends when school starts and temperature are hovering near 90), the end of summer is finally near. For those interested in such facts, summer officially begins at the June solstice and ends on the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22. But for many, the season will end as the sun descends on Sept. 5 at the end of what I hope is a leisurely Labor Day weekend for all. For me, when all-American smells of lighter fluid, glowing charcoal briquettes and sizzling meat waft gently into the night, that’s the cue that fall is on the horizon. If, also like me, you follow the axiom that in the south, fall is the perfect time of year to grill out, I have just the thing for you too help extend grilling season. It was actually one of the biggest scoops of my journalism career. I uncovered the secret to great grilled meat. It started innocently enough. Several years ago, I was invited to attend a regional barbecue cook-off. Over 30 teams from eight southern states located along the barbecue belt gathered to compete in a prestigious grilling contest. I’ll omit the name and here’s why. Wandering up to one of the cooking team sites, I met a member who’ll remain nameless. That's because he received a severe scolding when other members discovered he’d shared some of the top secret grilling recipes with me. In the spirit of anonymity, I’ll share them without divulging his identity. For great burgers, take a pound of ground sirloin or turkey, mix in a package of Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix and crushed Ritz crackers and form patties. Coat with Tony Chachere’s Seasoning and grill to desired doneness. Steak-lovers who desire something different should try hand-made filet mignons, which can be cut to order at any service meat counter. Coat with Tony’s or other favorite seasoning and grill to perfection. And the top secret of all the secret recipes? It involves great ribs, the perfect end to summer’s grilling season. Full disclosure: this is the recipe that was supposed to be a closely-guarded secret. Since several years have passed, I feel comfortable in sharing it. Trim off all fat and soak in – here’s the secret part - pineapple juice with a splash of lemon juice for about five hours. For the all-important rub, sprinkle with Tony’s, then roll in brown sugar to coat. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, shake off excess sugar and grill at a low heat. Five minutes before they’re done, coat with your favorite barbecue sauce. Yes, it’s somewhat sad that summer is almost over but I’ll be grilling and enjoying the products from others' grills until frost bites. Until then, enjoy my journalistic scoop as well as the recipe for the tastiest burgers of the summer. Best Labor Day Burgers, Buns & Sauce (makes 8 large burgers) 3 pounds ground chuck 2 large eggs 1/2 cup store-bought (or you can make your own in the food processor) bread crumbs 1/2 cup onions, finely diced (can substitute a packet of Lipton's Onion Soup Mix 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (I add more simply because I like the taste) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons each: dried oregano, salt 1 teaspoon each: smoked paprika, ground black pepper Add eggs to a bowl and whisk well. Add other ingredients and mix just until combined. Form into 8 equal patties and make a small indentation in the top of each one with a spoon so burgers will cook evenly. If you have time, let the patties chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, as chilled meat stays together better during cooking. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping only once, until burgers reach desired doneness. To cook on the stovetop, a method that creates a crispy exterior, heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes until brown, then flip once and cook to desired doneness. Better Buns: Melt two sticks of salted butter, then stir in just a dash of your favorite hot sauce, minced garlic or other seasoning. Brush inside of buns and place face down for a few minutes on a hot grill. If using the oven, toast buns in a hot skillet on a baking sheet inside a 300-degree oven. Watch buns carefully, as you don't want them to get too brown or crispy. Burger sauce: combine 2 parts mayonnaise to 1 part barbecue sauce, then add a dash of pickle relish (to taste).

On Saturday, September 3, 2022, Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center will be offering free COVID-19 vaccinations at The Mount Olive M.B. Church Fellowship Hall. This is located at 6449 West Northside Drive in Bolton, MS. The time of the event is from 9AM to 1PM. No appointments are necessary! Adults and children are welcome. Bring a friend or family member with you to get them vaccinated also.

Op-ed by Dr. Rick Gilbrech, Director, NASA's Stennis Space Center On Aug. 29, over 100,000 visitors are expected to dot Florida’s Space Coast to watch the maiden launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis I mission. The flight is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions, providing a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrating NASA’s commitment and capability to extending human presence to the Moon and eventually Mars. Through Artemis, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, establish long-term lunar science and exploration capabilities, and inspire the next generation of explorers – the Artemis Generation. As the public views this historic launch in-person and via livestreams around the world, all of Mississippi can be proud of the frontline work conducted at NASA’s Stennis Space Center to help make the moment possible. Each one of the four RS-25 engines that will help launch Artemis I was fired and proven flightworthy on the Fred Haise Test Stand at Stennis. The center also tested the engines in unison during the full-duration, 500-second Green Run test of the Artemis I SLS core stage. For Green Run, Stennis installed the 212-foot-tall core stage on the historic B-2 Test Stand and conducted a series of tests of its integrated systems. The Green Run campaign culminated with a hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines – just as during an actual launch – in March 2021. It represented the most powerful test conducted at Stennis in more than 50 years and demonstrated to all that SLS and Artemis I were ready to fly. It also continued Stennis’ historic support in helping to power this nation’s human space exploration efforts. The center tested Saturn V stages that carried humans to the Moon during the Apollo Program. It also tested every main engine that powered 135 missions during the Space Shuttle Program. As Stennis director, I feel blessed to lead such a talented and dedicated team. I am extremely proud of our workforce and the center’s continuing role in this new chapter of space exploration, which truly has been a national effort. In fact, Artemis I features contributions from all 50 states across America and will bring along commercial and international partners as it inspires the next generation of explorers. At Stennis alone, more than 120 companies, large and small, in 28 states, including the District of Columbia, contributed to our Green Run testing of the Artemis I core stage in some way. The mission also marks an exciting return of a spacecraft built for humans – the Orion spacecraft – to the Moon as we check out systems without crew before astronauts fly on Artemis II. This is a critical first step in NASA’s journey to return astronauts, including the first woman and first person of color, to the Moon’s surface and to establish a sustainable lunar presence as we prepare for crewed missions to Mars. At Stennis, we enjoy witnessing the “shake, rattle, and roar” of rocket engine tests. We also eagerly anticipate the upcoming roar of the fully integrated SLS, the most powerful rocket in the world and the only rocket capable of sending humans into deep space. With Artemis I and subsequent missions, we will do what has never been done before and ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership in exploration. I began my journey with NASA when Neil Armstrong put the first human footprints on the Moon in 1969 and have been hooked ever since. Since that day when I was all of seven years old, I have dreamed of experiencing another Moon landing during my NASA career. No longer is a return to the Moon a distant dream. That moment is now. The Artemis Generation has arrived. To watch the Artemis I launch, visit: Artemis I Launch to the Moon (Official NASA Broadcast) - YouTube For information about NASA Stennis Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/

Mississippi’s top college football player will be announced during the C Spire Conerly Trophy Presentation in Jackson, Mississippi following the conclusion of the regular football season. While a full season of surprises awaits Magnolia State football fans, the Preseason Watch List for the 2022 C Spire Conerly Trophy features a few familiar names. Last year’s winner, Ole Miss Quarterback Matt Corral, has gone on to the NFL, but five of the 2021 nominees return to their respective schools for another year of action and a shot at winning the coveted prize. The prestigious C Spire Conerly Trophy is awarded to the top college football player in the state at the end of the regular football season . C Spire has been the presenting title sponsor of the C Spire Conerly Trophy since its inception in 1996 and is proud to continue to recognize the outstanding college football student athletes in Mississippi. Previous winners of the C Spire Conerly Trophy have gone on to successful NFL careers including Eli Manning, Jerious Norwood, Dak Prescott, and Evan Engram. Two former recipients, Deuce McAllister and Patrick Willis, have been enshrined in the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. The following is a list of standout players from each football-playing university or college in the state to keep an eye on this season: Alcorn State University: Coach Fred McNair hopes to return to SWAC domination this year and will depend in part on CJ Bolar (WR), Claudin Cherelus (LB), and Niko Duffey (RB). Belhaven University: Kolbe Blunt (RB), Connor Fordham (LB), and Kendrioun Boatman (OL) are expected to play a major role for Blazer’s Head Coach Blaine McCorkle this season. Delta State University: The Statesmen will be led into the season with Cole Kirk (QB) at the helm of the offense. On the defensive side of the ball, Tim Williams (DE) is expected to be a top producer for Coach Todd Cooley. Jackson State University: Sophomore Shedeur Sanders (QB) will return to lead the Tiger offense after a record-setting freshman year earned him a spot as a 2021 C Spire Conerly finalist. He will be joined by two-way player Travis Hunter (WR/CB), the top-rated high school player in the nation last season. Millsaps College: Coach Issac Carter’s team returns Moïse Tezzo (WR), last year’s nominee from Millsaps. Tezzo, a senior out of Texas, also returns kicks for the Majors. Mississippi College: The Choctaws are expected to have a healthy ball carrier in Cole Fagan (RB), a senior transfer from the Air Force Academy. Blane Cannon (OL) will be opening holes for Fagan; and Nick Walker (DB), a transfer from Illinois, is expected to be a top defender. Mississippi State University: Will Rogers (QB) was one of the top contenders for this award last season, and head coach Mike Leach is expecting great things from his junior signal caller. Leading the “Air Raid” offense, Rogers passed for 3,722 yards and 29 touchdowns. Nathan Pickering (DT) should be an anchor on the other side of the ball for the Bulldogs. Mississippi Valley State University: Memphis native Caleb Johnson (RB) represented MVSU at the 2021 C Spire Conerly and can be found on several Preseason 1st Team Lists and Player Watch Lists for the SWAC this season. Other names to watch for this team include Ronnie Thomas (DL), Jalen Bell (DL), and Caleb Brunson (DB). University of Mississippi: The quarterback competition for the Rebels is still underway with junior Kinkead Dent joining sophomores Luke Altmyer and Jaxson Dart in the battle. Zach Evans (RB) and Jonathan Mingo (WR) are also names to watch. University of Southern Mississippi: Coach Will Hall begins his second year leading the Golden Eagles with several potential standouts including last year’s C Spire Conerly nominee Malik Shorts (DB). Other notables are Ty Keyes (QB), Frank Gore, Jr. (RB) and Tylan Knight (DB), a transfer from Ole Miss. About C Spire C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class, customer-inspired wireless communications, 1 Gigabit consumer Internet access as well as a full suite of dedicated Internet, wireless, IP Voice, data and cloud services for businesses. This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire. About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

Officials gathered at the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Administration Building in Jackson today to cut ribbon on the recently completed Interstate 20 bridge replacement project. Central Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons was joined by House Speaker Philip Gunn and other officials to celebrate the completion of this massive infrastructure improvement project. The project called for the replacement of the I-20 eastbound bridge that spanned U.S. Highway 51, Interstate 55 south and Canadian National / Illinois Central Railroad in Jackson. Work consisted of building a larger, adjacent structure and demolishing the old I-20 eastbound bridge between State Street and Gallatin Street in Jackson. “Despite starting at the beginning of the pandemic, I commend all crews for being able to complete this critical project on schedule without any complete shutdowns of I-20,” said Simmons. “The new bridge and other work items have made this vital cross country route a safer corridor for local and commercial traffic.” The project included the widening of I-20 eastbound and I-55 northbound for the new bridge and roadway alignment ramps. Other significant work included asphalt paving along I-20 eastbound and I-55 northbound, slide repairs, drainage and slope pavement improvements and upgrades to electrical and ITS components. The new bridge is composed of some of the largest concrete beams in the state. Spanning the railroad are 84 inch tall prestressed beams, approximately 170 feet long and weighing over 200,000 pounds each. This was the first project in the department’s history to utilize a self-propelled modular transport system to set the beams. An average of 114,000 vehicles travel this stretch of interstate daily, making it one of the most heavily traveled roadways in the state. The new bridge and other work items included in the project have made this vital cross country route a safer corridor for local and commercial traffic. Work began in March 2020. The $42.3 million project was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison. Stay updated on maintenance and construction projects at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.