No statewide issues were reported to our office during the June 7th primary and general elections. However, we received a handful of reports regarding precincts opening late due to miscommunication amongst election officials. Call volume to our Election Hotline remained steady throughout the day, with most calls relating to voter registration status or polling place locations. Additionally, we are pleased to report our Cybersecurity team detected no abnormal activity on our websites or the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS). "It's essential for my team and me to be active participants in the ongoing mission of safe and secure elections, which is why we placed state observers in more than 60 counties on Election Day," said Secretary Michael Watson. "As I traveled to precincts in all four congressional districts, I was pleased to see our laws being followed and applied by friendly poll workers. Thank you again to all who helped make Election Day a success." As of today, SEMS reported a total of 9,546 absentee ballots requested and 8,362 absentee ballots received for the June 7th Primary Election. Circuit Clerk Offices must be in receipt of all mail-in absentee ballots by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14th. Absentee ballots returned by mail must have been postmarked on or before Election Day in order to count. Any voter who cast an affidavit ballot on Election Day because the voter did not have an acceptable form of photo ID must visit their local Circuit Clerk's Office by Tuesday, June 14th, to show an acceptable form of photo identification. Voters can receive a free Mississippi Voter ID card by filling out an application at their local Circuit Clerk's Office. State executive committees have until June 17th to send certified results to our office. As always, certified results will be posted on the Elections Results tab of our website. Should certified election results prompt a runoff election, the date of the Primary Runoff Election will be Tuesday, June 28th.

Husband has had a horrible time at work that day. Feeling kicked around, unappreciated and definitely out of sorts, he pulls into the driveway, only to find that his three-year-old has left her tricycle blocking the garage door… again. He leverages his tired body out of the car and lumbers slowly into the house, ready to snap the head from the first person he sees. Wife is loading the dishwasher when he walks in the kitchen, her tension headache consuming her attention. Their six-month-old sick baby is screaming in her arms, the pot of spaghetti is boiling over on the stove behind her, the seven-year-old twins are fighting loudly, and she accidentally left the handle of the dirty mop in his way to trip over. Not exactly the calming scenario he was needing at that point. Tired, discouraged husband erupts in anger and frustration. And the harried and exhausted wife, who has also put in a hard day at work and arrived home just an hour before him, responds in kind. Can we say World War, with the twins disappearing up the stairs to play the role of Switzerland? Who is at fault? A hurting husband and dad? A depressed, tired wife and mother? More importantly, which of them is going to make the first move towards apologizing and trying to see the situation from the other person’s point of view? And worse, what happens when nobody decides to try to be the bigger person? Well, Switzerland decides to eat spaghetti up in their bedroom. The sick six-month-old feels the tension, and that causes her to fret even louder. The three-year-old reacts to the negativity surrounding her and acts out the fear she feels building within. And husband and wife add another layer of resentment and anger to the wall that lately has been building between them. If no adult in this situation suddenly realizes what is happening, and puts an abrupt halt to it all by putting their gun back in the holster, then the problem is probably only going to escalate in intensity. And when that kind of scenario happens often enough in a marriage, then those two pseudo-grownups will eventually begin to wonder if being in this union is worth it. “I am so sick of this! And my kids? Shoot, they’re acting out worse than ever before. Probably because all we ever do is fight around them. They’ll be a lot better off if one of us just gets the heck out of here. After all, they’re just kids, and everybody knows kids are flexible and adaptable. They would be just fine.” Yeah, right. That’s why we have so many depressed and angry kids who are being reared in single family homes. Kids who are either having to adjust to being shuffled back and forth between Mom and Dad’s houses, or have to live without the benefit of one of their parents in their life.

In District 2, longtime Congressman Bennie Thompson won the Democratic primary, getting 96% of the vote over challenger Jerry Kerner. Thompson, of Bolton, has been serving as District 2’s congressman since 1993 – and is currently the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and the January 6th Commission. The GOP nominee for District 2 will be decided in a runoff on June 28th.

The Mississippi Farmers Market is extending its operating hours ahead of the annual Summer Kick-Off event. Starting Thursday, June 9, the market will be open each Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. throughout the summer. This is in addition to its year-round operating hours of Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. While seasonal items last, shoppers can expect to find a variety of produce and herbs at the Mississippi Farmers Market every Thursday this summer. In addition to produce, shoppers will find a variety of beef, pork, and lamb cuts; dairy products such as milk and cheeses; eggs; honey; tea; coffee; jams and jellies; breads and other baked goods; sauces and dressings; canned foods; flowers and plants; and much more on Saturdays. In conjunction with its extended summertime hours, the Mississippi Farmers Market will host the annual Summer Kick-Off on Saturday, June 18, starting at 8:00 a.m. Shoppers will be treated to complimentary popcorn, children’s activities including face painting and games, vendor giveaways, musical entertainment, and specialty cold drink refreshers, gelati desserts and snack foods available for purchase from the Fizz Pop Soda Shop. 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 2:30 p.m. every weekday; it is also open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 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 Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. For more information about the Mississippi Farmers Market, visit www.msfarmersmarket.com or follow the Mississippi Farmers Market on Facebook.

The Annie T. Jeffers Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is back with in-person programs for 2022. For those looking for exciting activities and programs to help their preschooler, child or teen keep reading and learning this summer, the 2022 Summer Reading Program is only a click away. Adults are welcome to sign up and participate, as well. On June 8, children can join Ms. Keidra Hooks and Mr. Rex McAllister of Mississippi Public Broadcasting as they read Sammy the Seal by Syd Hoof, a book about a seal who lives in a zoo, but wants to see what’s outside the zoo. Mr. Johnson, the zookeeper, lets Sammy the Seal out of his cage so he can explore the city. He wanders the streets and observes people, jumps into a man’s bathtub, and eventually ends up in an elementary school classroom. After the story, participants can enjoy interactive ocean activities, including brown bag puppets of seals, hippos, and elephants for children to make and take home to enjoy. Prizes will be awarded! On June 9, from 10 until 11 a.m., children can enjoy learning along with Myrtle the Turtle, as she discovers the harm plastic pollution causes to sea life and the importance of recycling. Fun coloring sheets and activities will be given to everyone in attendance. On June 13, from 10 until 11 a.m., The Helmet Program will be presented by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. This program is intended to teach young children the importance of wearing a helmet while riding bikes, as well as skating and riding scooters. Children will learn the importance of using a helmet when riding in the street, along the ocean, riverfront, ponds, or on the playground. On June 16, from 10 until 10:40 a.m., the Bayou Town Mobile Classroom will be in Bolton. This event will be held at City Hall rather than the library. The Environmental Education and Outreach Mobile Classroom K-2 is a 42-minute mobile classroom that introduces water quality stewardship to kindergarten through second grade audiences through puppetry, participation, music and theater. The Environmental Education and Outreach Mobile Classroom 3-5 is a 40-minute mobile classroom that engages third through fifth grade students in an interactive water quality unit study demonstrating how the properties of water cause it to be the most powerful force for spreading non-point source pollution. Students learn how pollution impacts their local waterways while learning better habits to improve water quality. These programs are sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. On June 21, from 10 until 11 a.m., children and come out and meet Sammy Soil. Can plants grow on other planets? Come meet Sammy Soil and find out! Children can join Mrs. Wyvette from Hinds County Soil and Water Conservation and Sammy Soil to learn about fruits and vegetables, as well as get seeds to plant and enjoy. On June 22, from 10 until 11 a.m., the Teeth of the Sea Dental Program will be presented, and attendees can enjoy summer treats at the beach. Children can learn about protecting their smile this summer with Ms. Lenita Simpson of the Mississippi State Department of Health. She will read Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble by Bruce Hale and provide interactive activities, games and prizes for all in attendance. On July 6, from 10 until 11 a.m., Storytime with Senator John Horhn will be held. He will read two stories and act out the stories by changing his voice to match the story. He went to some acting classes before he became a senator, and he will tell the students about the Capitol and his job. On July 14, from 10 until 11 a.m., for the final activity of the summer, Charles “Mr. Smarty Pants” King will present “Oceans of Possibilities” with his elephant mascots and tell children about drugs, education, school and obedience. Afterward, there will be an awards program at the park, with snacks provided by The Friends of the Library. On July 26, at 10 a.m., patrons will be treated to an extra bonus. Mrs. Nicole Smith from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will bring reptiles and small animals from the museum. She will talk to children about the animals, as well as bring pictures of turtles and all types of reptiles. Young and old alike are encouraged to attend. For additional information on any of the programs, contact the Annie T. Jeffers Library at 601-866-4247. The library is located 111 West Madison Street in Bolton.

By Kara Kimbrough It’s not officially summer yet but that hasn’t stopped temperatures from breaking into the 90s on more than one recent occasion. I don’t know about you, but surviving a tortuous Mississippi summer requires an extra dose of self-care. And yes, that extends to the kitchen and my meal choices. After all, what could be better for our souls than a frosty dish of strawberry, peach or the gold standard, homemade vanilla ice cream? Yet the delicious cream & other innocent-looking ingredients pass through the lips and go directly to the hips. It doesn't get any better than a thick BLT composed of slices of crispy fried bacon and Mississippi-grown tomatoes. But who can enjoy this treat to the fullest without thick slices of bread coated with mayonnaise to add just the perfect touch? Delicious, yes. Figure-friendly...no. And then there's fried chicken. It's the one dish and accompanying cooking method Southerners love and fear the most. And that's a shame, because frying is like a best friend that can always be counted on in the kitchen. Case in point: Is there anything less appealing than a pale, cold and slippery chicken breast? But dip a floured piece into a skillet of bubbling oil and it's miraculously transformed into a golden work of art. Despite its Southern roots and my love of fried chicken, I can’t deny that it’s probably not the healthiest food choice. So, I began searching for a way to enjoy some of my favorite fried foods without all the guilt. An enlightened version of fried chicken was just the ticket to enjoy a Southern meal without all the fat, calories and yes, guilt. Buttermilk provided the tenderness normally provided by frying, while a dose of crushed cornflakes added to bread crumbs created a crispy coating and that all-important crunch similar to regular fried chicken. I haven’t totally changed my ways. But I look at it like this: cutting back on fried chicken opens the door for even more bowls of homemade ice cream in Summer 2022. Fried (OK, It’s Actually Baked) Chicken 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup Smart Balance margarine, melted (more for coating) 2 cups crushed cornflakes 1 1/2 cups plain dried bread crumbs 2 tablespoons seasoning of your choice, such as Italian or Cajun 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper Rinse chicken and pat dry; salt and pepper each piece and place in a marinating dish. Mix together buttermilk, lemon juice and lemon zest. Pour over chicken, cover and marinate at least 30 minutes or overnight. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a large baking dish with Smart Balance. In a shallow bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, bread crumbs, seasoning and paprika. Roll chicken in the mixture, pressing well to coat each piece. Place chicken in the prepared dish and drizzle lightly with melted Smart Balance. Bake for 20 minutes. Drizzle chicken again with Smart Balance and rotate the pan. Bake for 20 more minutes. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Bob Garver Since premiering in 2011, “Bob’s Burgers” has very quietly become an invaluable part of Fox’s Sunday night animation lineup. In fact, it has become the best part. By which I mean that current-era “Bob’s Burgers” is better than current-era “Family Guy” or “The Simpsons,” though 90’s “Simpsons” is something of an all-time champion. Now struggling restaurant owner Bob Belcher and his family have made the jump to the big screen, and the result is predictably funny and enjoyable. Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and his wife Linda (John Roberts) are hoping to get an extension on a bank loan so they can keep their restaurant open for its best summer ever. The extension is curtly denied, and the family has just a week to make payment or they’ll be shut down. Bob will have to sell a lot of burgers to make the payment, but the start of summer means the start of tourist season, so they might just pull it off. But then a huge sinkhole opens up in front of the restaurant, blocking its entrance, which means the family can sell zero burgers. Bob’s friend Larry (Larry Murphy) tries to set them up with a cart so they can sell burgers at the nearby boardwalk, but they don’t have a vendor’s license the local carnies aren’t exactly welcoming. Bob’s kids have their own plans for the start of summer. Teenage daughter Tina (Dan Mintz) wants to work up the courage to kiss a boy. Son Gene (Eugene Mirman) wants his band (with a pun name worthy of the series’ reputation for awesome pun names) to play in a nearby amphitheater. Youngest daughter Louise (Kristen Schaal) wants to prove she’s not a baby after another girl points out that she’s afraid to be separated from her trademark bunny ears. Louise decides that the key to proving her bravery is to explore the sinkhole, which results in the discovery of a dead body. Louise freaks out and is humiliated, the sinkhole can’t be filled in because it’s now a crime scene, and the family’s landlord Calvin Fishoeder (Kevin Kline) is arrested for murder. The kids undertake the task of proving Mr. Fishoeder’s innocence, since his incarceration will mean the end of the restaurant regardless of the situation with the bank. They suspect Mr. Fishoeder’s no-good brother Felix (Zach Galifianakis) of being the real murderer, though I had my sights on the brothers’ cousin Grover (David Wain), simply because I thought he was a character exclusive to the movie (I was wrong, he has in fact been in two episodes of the show). The way to tell the movie apart from the show is its length (of course), some more ambitious animation during driving sequences, and more elaborate musical numbers. The show is known for containing either original or parody songs in almost every episode, but they’ve never been belted out quite like they are here. It turns out that Roberts in particular has a surprisingly lovely singing voice. I found myself wondering if the opening number could somehow be dragged out for the whole movie. The murder mystery stuff isn’t all that enthralling in “The Bob’s Burgers Movie,” which is a shame because it dominates the last act and the movie takes itself too seriously for a bit. But you’ll get plenty of what you came for here, with creative wordplay and clever asides around almost every turn. I understand why “Top Gun: Maverick” has made more money than “The Bob’s Burgers Movie,” but the latter had a much more responsive audience at the screening I attended, even if there were fewer people. This was the most fun I’d had at the movies… maybe all year. Grade: B “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” is rated PG-13 for rude/suggestive material and language. Its running time is 102 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Primary Elections are tomorrow! You can check out the official sample ballots below, or click here: https://www.sos.ms.gov/.../2022%20Democratic%20Primary... https://www.sos.ms.gov/.../2022%20Republican%20Primary... . Unsure if you are registered to vote? Click here to find out: https://www.msegov.com/.../voter.../amiregistered/Search . For more voter info, click here: https://www.sos.ms.gov/yall-vote

My name is Eric Alspaugh, and I am an intern for the National Women in Agriculture Association, a nonprofit headquartered in Oklahoma City. We are hosting an event on Thursday, June 16th to provide support to historically underserved producers through our Alabama and Mississippi chapters. The event is free for everyone and is virtual. We were wondering if you offered any free community outreach services to help us spread the word about our event. I have attached the flyer for the event. We would appreciate any help helping us get the word out. We are also hosting an event in July that is in Oklahoma City the first ever Veteran Women in Agriculture conference. This event will also be free to register and attend. They may also attend in person or virtually. I have attached that flyer as well.

A new agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will protect Mississippians from balance billing. Balance billing, or surprise billing, is when consumers are billed unanticipated out-of-network medical costs. The Mississippi Legislature passed a law prohibiting balance billing in 2013. Since then, the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) has successfully protected consumers covered under health insurance plans from being billed excessive amounts beyond the amount paid by their health insurance carrier. At MID’s request, this state law was amended in 2019 granting the Commissioner enhanced enforcement powers. Additionally, the “No Surprises” Act went into effect on January 1, 2022 at the Federal level. To ensure enforcement of these laws, Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney has entered into a Collaborative Enforcement Agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). “MID will handle policy review, investigations, market conduct examinations and consumer assistance,” said Commissioner Chaney. “My office will also be responsible for compliance by air ambulance providers.” CMS will undertake formal enforcement actions against a health insurance issuer, provider, facility or provider of air ambulance services in the event that MID is unable to obtain compliance from one of these entities. Commissioner Chaney executed the agreement with CMS on May 25, 2022.

The Mississippi WIC program remains concerned about the national infant formula shortage and is taking the following action to ensure that its participants continue to receive all supplemental WIC benefits. More Options Available The WIC program has added additional infant formula products and package sizes to the approved product list. These products will be available from May 31, 2022 to August 31, 2022. Approval for Medical Formula Now Faster WIC participants who are unable to find their prescribed medical formula in stores may contact their WIC clinic to quickly change to an alternate formula that is currently available. Returning Recalled Products Participants are now able to return recalled products directly to the location of purchase for cash back, store credit, or a similar product. The Mississippi WIC Program does not have a reserve of infant formula. Jameshyia Ballard, Director of Vendor Management, says, “ Nationwide manufactures’ shortages means we, too, are experiencing constraints in our ability to order medical formula. These new options for WIC participants are being used to help meet the needs of families .” For complete information visit the WIC website at HealthyMS.com/wic Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

Mississippi's Primary Election Day is just one week away. The June 7th ballot features candidates for U.S. House of Representatives. Click here to view a Democratic sample ballot. Click here to review a Republican sample ballot. Tuesday, June 7th, is also Board of Mississippi Levee Commissioners General Election Day for Bolivar, Humphreys, Sharkey and Washington Counties. We encourage voters to contact their county Circuit Clerk's Office to view a General Election sample ballot before heading to the polls. Polls for the June 7th Primary and General Elections will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. Several counties have changed polling places since the 2020 elections, so we strongly recommend voters verify their polling place with their local Circuit Clerk before Election Day. In Mississippi, primary elections are conducted by political parties. However, our office will have observers in precincts across the state. Problems at the polls observed by State observers or otherwise reported to our Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office or the appropriate District Attorney’s Office. As a reminder, the Secretary of State’s Office has no enforcement authority over election-related issues. Primary and General Election Day Reminders In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline: The last day to absentee vote in-person is Saturday, June 4th. Circuit Clerk Offices will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline: All Primary and General Election mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 7th and received by County Circuit Clerk Offices within five business days of June 7th in order to count. Polling Place Location: Please contact your County Circuit Clerk’s Office or local Election Commissioners to verify your polling place. Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. Click here to view a list of acceptable photo IDs. Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot. For questions regarding Primary or General Election Day, please contact our Elections Division: ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov Hotline: 1-800-829-6786