Mississippi students and families can now benefit from a new program that will help bridge the digital divide. As Mississippi students prepare to return to the classroom in August, digital connectivity will play a key role in preparing students for the workplace of tomorrow. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) in partnership with the Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) are working to spread awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Program. “BEAM encourages all who are eligible to take advantage of ACP. Connectivity is such a vital part of education, healthcare, and the workforce today. We want all Mississippians to be connected and a part of today’s digital world of opportunities”, stated Sally Doty, BEAM Director. This program is for eligible households struggling to afford internet service; the long-term benefits will help lower broadband service costs for households. Those eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program can receive up to $30 off their broadband service per month and up to $75 off their service if they live on tribal lands. Benefits also include a $100 discount per household on a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes between $10 - $50 to the purchase through a participating broadband provider. A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline; Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard), Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations; Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision; Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program. “Connecting Mississippians to tangible help today to create lasting hope for tomorrow is the mission of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Internet connectivity in the home is an essential resource in preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow,” said Robert G. (Bob) Anderson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or by (1) going to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an online application or print a mail-in application and (2) contacting their preferred participating broadband provider and selecting a plan. For more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program, please visit www.fcc.gov/ACP or call 877-384-2575 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET any day of the week. Learn more about other utility assistance programs by visiting Community Services - Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov). To determine if you are eligible for SNAP benefits, please visit the Pre-Assessment Pre-Assessment | Common Web Portal (ms.gov).

By Kara Kimbrough Here’s a suggestion: don’t just drive through the Capitol City and adjacent counties in search of beaches, mountains and attractions in other states. Instead, slow down, stop and enjoy the natural beauty, scenic water views and wonderful places and sites to experience on and near the Barnett Reservoir. The 33,000-acre Reservoir, or “Rez” as it’s called, and 17,000 surrounding acres with 105 miles of shoreline offer natural beauty and opportunities for boating, fishing, camping and dining. Two of my favorite spots are scenic Lakeshore Park and Shaggy’s on the Rez, a sprawling eatery on the water featuring stunning views and outstanding food. To work up an appetite, first visit Lakeshore Park, located on the southeastern shore of the Rez in Rankin County. The area is open to the public year-round for picnicking, boating, fishing off the pier and swimming in a secure sand-filled water area with an adjacent beach. Birdwatchers are fond of the area due to its annual influx of Canadian geese, mallards and other birds. In short, it’s the Jackson area’s version of a beach. If none of those pastimes sound appealing, let your dogs run loose in the dog park or lie back and relax in one of the hammocks strung between trees and enjoy the picturesque views of the shimmering water. Admission is free Monday through Friday. A $5 parking fee is assessed on Saturday and Sunday at Lakeshore and other parks. Picnicking or grilling may not be your idea of fun, but don’t worry; Shaggy’s on the Rez is nearby and can more than adequately satisfy cravings for cool beverages, fresh seafood, juicy burgers and po’boys, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes and so much more. Driving up to the colorful restaurant hugging the shoreline, it was easy to tell the latest Shaggy’s in a lineup of five popular eateries owned by two Gulf Coast restaurateurs (three are on the Gulf Coast; one is in Pensacola) has become a central Mississippi favorite since opening in 2018. Despite an overflow crowd during a holiday weekend, there was plenty of room to dine and take in the water views courtesy of four separate areas, each one with its own purpose and vibe. An outdoor table on the deck just inches from the shimmering water provided cool breezes and an up-close view of boaters pulling up in search of a meal. My waterside table turned into an indoor table when raindrops began to fall. However, large windows continued to provide unparalleled water views that paired nicely with the numerous seafood offerings on the lengthy menu. Like its Gulf Coast sisters, the Rez restaurant is a two-story waterfront building with a bright façade. The sprawling restaurant is composed of the light and airy main dining area, spacious outdoor deck, adjacent “tiki bar” with a livelier atmosphere and an upstairs events area with spectacular water views. Water view aside, many people come to Shaggy’s for the food. Shaggy’s menu is filled with a dizzying assortment of appetizers and dishes. Everything that emerges from the kitchen is fresh, well prepared and served with a creative flair. If you have a predisposed opinion about food served in a brightly colored wooden restaurant, check your attitude at the bottom of the stairs and come on in. I promise you won’t be disappointed. As regional director Adam Gully explains, “We strive for the best possible ambiance, personal service and meal for every guest. We want every visit at every location to be an ‘experience.’ We know what our customers want because we read every review, listen to feedback and quite simply, give them what they want and have come to expect from one of our restaurants." Shaggy’s Rez location is a few hours from the Gulf Coast, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of fresh seafood prepared a multitude of ways. The restaurant is known for its sumptuous royal reds ($18.99), a half-pound of extra-large, tasty shrimp served with Country Pleasin’ sausage and red potatoes served in a white wine and seafood broth. Shaggy’s snapper ($27.99) is another favorite dish that never disappoints. Fresh red snapper is topped with shrimp and mushrooms in a sherry cream sauce with a side of coconut rice. Other offerings include seafood platters and pasta dishes, sandwiches and po’boys, fried chicken and steak and the best-selling Shaggy’s cheeseburger. After learning how the cheeseburger is made – the best strips of meat from a prime steakhouse are ground to produce the popular burger – I’m a little upset I’ve never tasted it. It’s an oversight I’ll soon correct. I perused the appetizers and realized several of my favorites from the Biloxi location have made their way north. A sample includes smoked fish dip ($10.99), fried green tomatoes topped with remoulade sauce ($7.99), seafood fries ($14.99) smothered in lobster cheese sauce and topped with blackened shrimp and my favorite, peel-n-eat royal reds ($20.99) served with homemade cocktail sauce. Choosing my entree proved difficult. Basically, I wanted to order it all. After briefly considering my go-to, a crispy fried shrimp po’boy, I perused the “World Tour” menu filled with delicacies from neighboring states and countries. Two that caught my eye were the Nashville hot chicken sandwich ($13.99) and New England style shrimp roll ($20.99). To say they were the best sandwiches I’d ever tasted would not be an overstatement. Not usually a fan of spicy food, I sampled the chicken sandwich with a bit of trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised to find the meat had been seasoned with a light hand, offering only a small “bite” perfectly balanced by the coleslaw topping and brioche bun. The flavors intermingled beautifully to form a near-perfect dish. However, the star of my “experience” was the shrimp roll. Encased inside a soft, buttery bun were generous pieces of tender shrimp pieces lightly coated with mayonnaise and lemon. The finished product is very reminiscent of a New England lobster roll and in fact, if I’d closed my eyes, I could’ve almost sworn I was sampling one. The limited time menu filled with other interesting dishes is just one of the things I love about Shaggy’s. The menu is always changing to add new and creative dishes to the lineup. Most of the entrees and sandwiches come with a side, but if they don't, or if you want more food, choose from among a variety of salads, sautéed vegetables, cole slaw and other side dishes. Children are welcome at Shaggy’s and can choose from among smaller portions of fried shrimp or fish, chicken tenders and burgers. If You Go: Shaggy’s on the Rez Where: 1733 Spillway Rd., Brandon, MS 39047 Hours: 11 a.m. –9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; until 10 p.m. on Friday & Saturday Phone: 601-724-2990 Dress: Casual Lakeshore Park Where: 1112 North Shore Parkway, Brandon, MS 39047 Hours: Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. Admission: $5 per car on Saturday and Sunday; free Monday-Friday Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Bob Garver Thor (Chris Hemsworth) hasn’t been seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” where he decapitated Thanos, got really fat, and ultimately left to go have space adventures with the Guardians of the Galaxy. I remembered the first two parts just fine, but I had to be reminded of the third prior to “Thor: Love and Thunder.” It seems like the movie had to be reminded of that as well, like it only remembered at the last minute that it needed to include the Guardians. Chris Pratt and company pop up early in this movie, but they and Thor soon part ways. If you saw this movie’s advertising and thought you were in for a 50/50 Thor/Guardians split, you are in for a letdown. Fortunately, the old-hat Guardians are replaced with something arguably even better: the return to the MCU of Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), Thor’s former lover from the Asgardian god’s first two standalone films in 2011 and 2013. Jane’s mind is as sharp as ever, but her body is failing her. She travels to the city of New Asgard, now a tourist trap run by a bored Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), to see if she can be magically be cured by the remnants of Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, which was destroyed in “Thor: Ragnarok” back in 2017. Due to a protection spell put on the hammer by Thor while he and Jane were dating, the hammer repairs itself with Jane as its new owner. Jane teams up with Thor, Valkyrie, and Korg (Taika Waititi, also the film’s director) to battle villain du jour Gorr (Christian Bale), a heartbroken former worshipper with a god-killing Necrosword and a grudge against all gods following the death of his daughter. Our heroes travel to Omnipotence City to ask Zeus (Russell Crowe, doing a Borat voice for some reason) for an army to battle the God Killer, but at met with mockery and refusal. It turns out Gorr has a point about gods caring more about indulging in hedonism than the needs of their worshippers. But he’s kidnapped a pack of New Asgardian children to use as Thor-bait, so he needs to be stopped. The writing of Gorr is probably the worst thing about the movie. Bale is acting his heart out, and the character is truly sympathetic at times, but he’s just such an afterthought for all but about three scenes. And in between those scenes he’s a sarcastic jerk, which isn’t consistent with his overall tone or motivations. The movie really dropped the ball with this character. But then there’s the best thing about the film, which is Hemsworth’s effortless chemistry with everybody, especially Portman. The ups and downs of their relationship are much more exciting than any action sequence, which are pretty much what’s to be expected from the MCU at this point. It’s thanks to them that life and death seem consequential in the MCU again, which is refreshing after a few movies where I’ve become convinced that characters can always be brought back through Infinity Stones or Multiverse shenanigans. Second to Portman is Hemsworth’s chemistry with new weapon Stormbreaker. Not since Joan Rivers has an old battle axe had this much personality. I’ll give “Thor: Love and Thunder” a mild recommendation, thanks mostly to the efforts of Hemsworth and Portman, and Bale in the few scenes where his character’s pathos really comes through. The humor can be hit-or-miss (this movie thinks there is nothing funnier than screaming goats) and the action is memorable only for being set to the music of Guns N’ Roses. This movie isn’t essential MCU viewing, but it’s okay for something on the second or third tier. Grade: B- “Thor: Love and Thunder” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, some suggestive material and partial nudity. Its running time is 118 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Museum of Art in The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Performing and Visual Arts has announced a call for entries for its 2022 Ceramics National. Artists from across the country are invited to submit entries of original works created within the past five years. Ceramic sculptures, vessel forms (both functional and sculptural), and installation works are eligible. Mixed media works are eligible only if ceramic/clay is the primary medium. The deadline for submission is August 7, 2022. This biennial exhibition began in 2016 and has since become one of the top ceramic arts exhibitions featuring a broad spectrum of contemporary ceramic works. It features a gallery exhibition, an awards ceremony, and a juror’s lecture and studio demonstration. It is presented in part by the generous support of Partners for the Arts. “This national juried biennial exhibition has gained wide attention over the years and features some of the best artists in contemporary ceramics,” said Mark Rigsby, museum director and associate professor of Art and Design. “We are especially excited to have Mexican-American artist George Rodriguez, as our juror and visiting artist for this year’s exhibition. We are hoping for another great show to maintain our momentum,” added Rigsby. This year’s juror, George Rodriquez, is a visual artist and ceramic sculptor who creates large-scale figurative works in clay. Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, Texas, Rodriguez draws inspiration from his Mexican-American upbringing. Visualized with ornament, humor and reverence for tradition, his art builds bridges between cultures as well as presents connections to the past. He earned his BFA in ceramics from the University of Texas, El Paso, and then went on to receive an MFA from the University of Washington. A recipient of the Bonderman Travel Fellowship, he traveled to 26 different countries throughout most of 2010. This travel continues to have a profound impact on Rodriguez and his work. Rodriguez was recently honored to serve as a demonstrating artist and presenter at the 2022 National Council on the Education of Ceramic Arts Conference (NCECA) in Sacramento, Calif. He is represented by Foster/White Gallery in Seattle, Wash., and is currently an adjunct professor and artist in residence at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia. This exhibition is open to all U.S. residents,18 years of age or older. Entries must have been completed within the last 5 years. All entries must be original works and available for the duration of the exhibit from Oct. 10 – Nov. 4, 2022. Accepted works cannot be substituted. For more information regarding eligibility and specifications visit the USM Museum of Art’s website.

By Bob Garver I believe the opening of “Minions: The Rise of Gru” represents an important milestone. If I’m correct, this is the last movie whose trailer I saw prior to the pandemic. I’ve made a ton of jokes about how many times I had to sit through the trailers for “Morbius” and “Top Gun: Maverick” before those movies opened, but unless I’m mistaken, this was the last holdout. Was the two-year-plus wait worth it? Not really. It’s not the disaster/punchline that “Morbius” was, but it isn’t up to the level of a crowd-pleasing smash like “Top Gun: Maverick,” either. The new film takes place long before the “Despicable Me” movies, but after 2015’s “Minions.” 11-year-old Gru (Steve Carell, whose vaguely-Eastern-European accent is even more annoying when he adds childlike affectations) dreams of one day becoming a supervillain. Luckily there’s a spot open on the legendary squad known as the Vicious 6 since they kicked out founding member Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin) right after he procured them a powerful relic. The Vicious 6, now led by Belle Bottom (Taraji P. Henson), dismiss Gru for being too young, and he retaliates by stealing the relic for himself. He’s soon abducted by Wild Knuckles, who is planning his comeback. Gru is simultaneously terrified and in awe of his favorite villain. Maybe as a side-project to the kidnapping, W.K. can mentor him on becoming a supervillain. Of course, we can’t forget about the Minions’ role in all of this. Gru keeps a hoard of the happy henchman (all voiced by Pierre Coffin) in his mother’s basement. Unbeknownst to any of the villains, Gru gave the relic to a bumbler named Otto, who traded it for a Pet Rock. An irate Gru fires the entire Minion army as a result, but they’re loyal to a fault, and immediately organize a rescue effort when they learn their master has been abducted. Standouts Kevin, Stewart, and Bob track Gru to Wild Knuckles’ hideout in San Francisco, where they become kung fu masters at the hands of Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh, my favorite cast member in this movie, even though her appeal is based on her work on “Everything Everywhere All at Once” from earlier this year). Otto works on retrieving the relic via tricycle, while the Vicious 6 track Gru and Wild Knuckles. Like a certain Jack Nicholson movie that is curiously never mentioned, the whole thing is destined to end in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The humor is exactly what you’d expect from a movie like this. The Minions live for physical comedy almost as much as they live to serve evildoers (an inexplicable morality, since they themselves don’t have an evil bone in their bodies). When the movie isn’t mining laughs from Minion mayhem, it mines laughs from the way they talk, which I think is mostly gibberish, though I definitely caught a few Spanish phrases in there. Whatever language it is, it’s high-pitched for maximum annoyance. The target audience for “Minions: The Rise of Gru” is obviously kids, or more specifically families with kids looking for a group activity over the holiday weekend. This means that older kids and adults will be “dragged” to see this movie. There’s some stuff to like, usually involving Wild Knuckles or the Vicious 6 (my favorite member is sinister sister Nun-Chuck, by the way). But at least for me, there wasn’t enough of it. I’m sorry, but a little of Gru and the Minions goes a long way, and I can’t endorse a movie whose very title contains multiple characters and not one of them doesn’t grate on me. Grade: C “Minions: The Rise of Gru” is rated PG for some action/violence and rude humor. Its running time is 87 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

While it seems that the school year just ended, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reminds parents not to wait until the last minute for back-to-school immunizations. Mississippi state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases to enter public or private school, Head Start or daycare. More than 99 percent of all students entering kindergarten in Mississippi are up to date on their immunizations, protecting them - and others who cannot be vaccinated – against potentially deadly diseases. "There are many options for where to get your vaccinations now, including private medical providers, retail pharmacies and county health departments," said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. "Regardless of where you have your child vaccinated, it's incredibly important to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. It is the best protection for your child and those around them." There are required vaccinations for first-time school entry in Mississippi as well as a requirement for 7th grade entry. Parents must provide the school with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) prior to school entry. Form 121 can be obtained from your child's immunization provider, but the MSDH now offers a convenient way for parents to check their child's immunizations record online and print out the required Form 121 or download the document to send to the school. MyIR Mobile is an online portal that gives users access to their official state immunization records based. MyIR Mobile allows users to not only see their own immunization records, but to also add family members to their profiles to see if their child is up-to-date or needs their next vaccination. If none are needed, a certified Form 121 can be downloaded or printed. MyIR Mobile requires identity verification through a phone number or email address to keep records safe and secure. Only immunization records of Mississippi residents are accessible through this program. MyIR Mobile is available at www.MyIRMobile.com. Most county health department clinics are offering special fast track immunization clinics ahead of the back-to-school rush. Call your local county health department for dates and times of these special clinics. Parents of newborns and young children see the required immunization schedule at MSDH.ms.gov/immunizations. Recommended vaccinations for adolescents and teens include those against meningococcal disease and HPV. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

As of July 1, correctional officers and case managers at Mississippi Department of Corrections are seeing a 10% percent increase in their salaries. “One of MDOC’s top priorities is offering quality candidates real opportunities to move up fast in both careers and pay scales,” Commissioner Burl Cain said. “This substantial salary increase will help us attract people who will really invest back into our vision and goal for what MDOC will become. This is the first step of many in ramping up our recruiting efforts.” The base salary for a corporal officer now starts at just over $36,000; for a sergeant it is over $40,000; for a captain it’s over $42,000; and for a major it starts over $47,000. In addition, benefits packages can range from about $17,000 to over $20,000 each year. MDOC has put a heavy focus on recruiting and training as the department continues to make improvements. The new salary increase comes on the heels of other increases at MDOC since January 1, 2022. “We’ve worked nonstop for over two years to get these increases approved,” noted Commissioner Cain, “and now we have them to the benefit of our workforce and to the public at large because as we hire and train more officers, our prisons become safer. We are focused on creating a positive work culture where honest, hardworking people want to come and be a part of a new MDOC focusing on constant improvements. Good employees are the foundation of a positive environment for everyone.” MDOC is hiring for several positions, each with different education and experience requirements. In addition to the new salaries, a retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance are available for full-time employees. Paid on-the-job training, vacation, and sick leave also are among the benefits. Interested candidates should email mdocrecruitment@mdoc.state.ms.us to learn more.

By Kara Kimbrough Don’t remember an icebox in the kitchen? Keep reading anyway If you remember when refrigerators were called iceboxes, keep reading. This column is for you. Even if you weren’t around a few decades ago, keep reading as well – most likely, you’re a millennial with no time to bake elaborate desserts from scratch. We’re now in the 21st century, but everyone can benefit from extra time in the kitchen. Along with a cooler kitchen courtesy of a no-bake recipe, icebox pies (I’m not sure they’re still called that, but that was my grandmother’s name for them) require minimal fuss and muss and taste simply divine. Whatever you call them, one common denominator is that these rich, fluffy pies have withstood the test of time. And that’s since, as I stated above, but it bears repeating – they’re delicious. If, like me, you were lucky enough to be raised on these cool, refreshing pies or are discovering them for the first time, a common denominator is that they’re perfect for summer meals and entertaining. My grandmother’s pies in flavors like lemon, chocolate and my personal favorite, the fruity, creamy Millionaire, were my first entry into the world of delicious icebox pies. When it comes to fillings, the options are endless. Pudding mixes, cream cheese, fresh fruit and many other ingredients, either alone or in combination with others, can be used to make an icebox pie. Flavors can include, but aren’t limited to strawberry, banana, lemon, lime, chocolate, vanilla, espresso, peanut butter and many more. Crushed graham cracker, vanilla wafer or cookie crumb crusts are easy to make. To save even more time, use pre-crushed graham, shortbread or Oreo chocolate cookie crumbs available in supermarket baking sections. My versatile grandmother would have been the first to admit that pies don't have to come from the oven to be impressive. We no longer have iceboxes, but we still have its namesake, the timeless icebox pie. Favorite Millionaire Pie (This resembles and tastes like fruit salad in a pie crust!) 1 prepared graham cracker crust 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut 1 can 15.25oz crushed pineapple, well drained 1 cup maraschino cherries drained & chopped ½ cup pecans chopped 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 5 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice 1 ½ cups whipped topping plus extra for garnish if desired instructions In a large bowl, combine coconut, crushed pineapple, cherries, pecans, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and cherry juice. Fold in whipped topping, then pour into crust. Top with additional whipped topping and cherries if desired. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. Easiest Lemon Icebox Pie Ever 9-inch graham cracker crust 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 can 14-ounce sweetened condensed milk ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel In large bowl, beat filling ingredients until smooth. Spread evenly in crust. Refrigerate 4 hours but no longer than 8 hours. Top with whipped cream if desired. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Andy was once approached by two of his church members, military men, who asked him to become an Army chaplain. As such, his military rank would have required them to salute him. In amusement, he mentioned that fact. Their laughing response? “Remember, Pastor, we are required to salute the uniform, not the man who wears it!” Are you one of the United States of America citizens who have, or have had, trouble holding your nation’s leaders up in respect? You feel they have let you down by conducting their authority badly? You listened to their speeches and have found yourself increasingly disappointed and shocked at how the job is/was handled, versus what was promised. As I’m sure you know, you are not the first to feel this way. Throughout the years since the birth of our beloved country, people have used their democratic right to vote as they see fit. “I believe that dude will help lead this country the way I think it should go, so yep, I’m gonna vote for that ‘un right thar!” Then, lo and behold! That politician let you down. Whether it was because of- ummm- financial persuasions, (No, say it ain’t so!”) or a change in their beliefs because the wind shifted. Or maybe you have had to hear that person loftily declare, “You people simply have not comprehended the complexity of the issues at hand.” Whatever the cause, you got stuck with that person in charge, and you detest where they are leading. In your opinion, some people wear the weight of responsibility and authority well, and conduct themselves with honesty, compassion, and wisdom. Others…well, not so much. But whether you or I admire the way a person is doing their job, or absolutely detest it, there is one basic truth that we must apply. It is this; You do not have to salute the PERSON in the office, but remember, it is imperative that the OFFICE itself be held in respect. Why? Because when we as a nation lessen our respect for the authority of the office itself - simply put, we lose. A people who has decided it is acceptable to hold contempt for their nation’s authoritative offices will too soon find itself spiraling downward. Abe Lincoln is quoted, “A nation divided against itself cannot stand.” The answer to disagreeing with leadership in our country lies in prayer for guidance, and then lawful action under direction of the Great Authority Himself, God Almighty. In Romans 13:1, the Holy Word of God says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.” Remember to respect the office. Like Andy’s friends told him; “We are required to salute the uniform - just not necessarily the person wearing that uniform.”

Fireworks are a fun way to make any celebration a spectacular event. But fireworks are not safe for children and can cause serious harm including devastating burns and other injuries. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend public fireworks displays organized by trained professionals. Here are a few tips to stay safe around fireworks. The Hard Facts About Fireworks More than 3,000 children under the age of 15 are sent to the emergency room each year in the United States because of fireworks. Sparklers, which are commonly given to children during holidays and heat up to 1,200 degrees account for one-third of the injuries to children under five. Top Tips for Fireworks Safety If possible, attend public firework displays. Leave lighting fireworks to the professionals. Give children glowsticks instead of sparklers. Sparklers can heat up to more than 1,200 degrees and are dangerous for young children. Keep fireworks away from children. Make sure children stay are a safe distance away from a lit firework.

By Mika Hartman The journey that I am on is filled with so much love, laughter and smiles that can fill you up to the brim, but not everything on this journey is easy or beautiful. Hudson is always wonderful, but the world can be ugly and hurtful. Some things bring sadness and make you feel broken. Sometimes it’s another family that is in pain and, therefore, it is painful for us all. Sometimes its poorly written laws or no laws at all to protect our children that leaves us feeling broken. Sometimes it’s an “I’m sorry” when telling someone about Hudson; even with love pouring from my mouth and, yet, they still look at me sadly. Why? I don’t understand so much on a journey that I love, why does the world need to believe that this isn’t a rewarding life? If you think like that, you are wrong. I recently read a Sun Herald article about a young boy here on the Coast. The headline said, “Child with Down syndrome scarred after altercation with teacher assistant, Coast mom said”. The headline alone is heartbreaking, but there is more to the story. I can’t write everything I know about this, as it is an ongoing investigation. I met the family and I have been helping guide them through uncharted territory, not just for them, but for me to learn, too. I hurt with what happened and I would love to change it, I would, but the best I can do now is make sure that it doesn’t happen again. It doesn’t matter all the wonderful changes we bring, a story like this cuts deep and it will be what stands out and keeps fear in hearts. Down syndrome (or any disability for that matter) should be best understood by those given the opportunity to care for our children; not another fear we have to learn to deal with. Oftentimes, the diagnosis of Down syndrome alone Is the “cause” for all unexplainable findings. Unfortunate, but true: He’s not gaining weight… well, he has Down syndrome. She isn’t crawling yet… well, she has Down syndrome. I could go on and on. Not that each child is different, but Down syndrome is the excuse given. This applies to behaviors and actions, too. Not always, but often a diagnosis will direct a caregiver outside the home, ie, a teacher, the automatic response for dealing with this individual, not the behavior alone. Let me explain; not all children with Down syndrome are verbal. Actually, many, especially the younger children, are unable to talk or talk well. Families usually understand communication best, followed by close friends. This opens the door for any wrongdoing to the child to be left undocumented, left undiscussed and left unresolved. A nonverbal child cannot tattle on another person for hurting them or bullying them. Actually, nonverbal children are often sexually assaulted, too. Unless a mom sees a bruise or another reports abuse, it can go unnoticed. Unnoticed, but life altering for the one who cannot communicate or stop the abuse they are experiencing. Here are a few examples: A little girl with Ds in Florida had an IEP (Individual Education Plan) that her parents signed along with her school administrators. It was written to allow her to attend school and not wear a mask. She had small airways and choking was an issue. It was asked by her doctor and family that she not wear one for safety and sensory issues. The little girl was nonverbal. For months, her teacher was tying the mask to the little girls face and removing before she would go to the bus. A substitute took the class one afternoon and forgot to remove it. The little girl stepped off the bus with the mask on. When investigating, it was found that her IEP was ignored and the girl was put in daily danger… AT SCHOOL! Unacceptable, right?! A friend of mine shared that his daughter was grabbed and shook by the chin over spilled paint. Her neck, like many children with Ds, is fragile and she needed medical attention. The teacher was required to go to training and it never happened. Another friend shared that her daughter was talking and being disruptive to the class and was tied to a chair in the hall for hours all alone. And nothing happened to insure it wouldn’t happen again. Recently, I read about a young boy with special needs being drug by his feet through the halls of the school by a school board member. This is still being investigated, but the video shows it very clearly. These were instances in other states; you can see it isn’t a one off, but systemic. Lets talk about Mississippi: In 2016, we didn’t have a seclusion or restraint policy in place. We were one of only 5 states remaining without one. One headline read: Mississippi’s Horrifying Trend of Punishing Students Through Restraint. In 2010, it was said that Mississippi students were forcibly restrained or secluded more than 700 times, but the actual numbers could be far larger. Remember that nonverbal students cant speak up and these cases are usually left unreported. A policy has been put in place that is a guideline to follow, but it is not a lawful order. It also says training is to be in place, but we haven’t learned of this training or if it is mandatory. I have learned that our children with special needs have been put in baskets with lids and closed boxes. I have learned that children have been placed in closets with something used to block the door to them in. Closets with supplies have many dangerous items what could make this terrible situation worse. The one place we should feel at peace with our children going to is school and this is what I am learning. To all the amazing wonderful teachers reading this, please know this is not all teachers, but one doing these things is too many. Training, understanding and mainly love is all that we ask for those who choose to teach. The Mississippi Department of Educations Seclusion and Restraint Policy is available for all to read. My trusted sources say it is a C or C+ policy. Why can’t it be an A+ policy? Why is it nit law? Why is seclusion still an option? And restraints are very broad and usually escalate a situation. When a child is a harm to themselves or to others, de-escalation is the only objective and its usually quick with a simple solution. It should all be in their IEP and that should be followed emphatically. It was found that children with disabilities were forcibly restrained or isolated when they were not physically aggressive, and by staff who were not trained in these techniques. Hudson is only four and we’ve experienced seclusion. Hudson was secluded to a room with no toys, no music, no playing and no other children all over hugging. Nothing aggressive. Nothing harmful. Yet, this was the first and only option they used, all within 30 minutes of arrival. If this can happen in a church, no telling what happens to our children. Especially the ones with no voice. No way to tell us that they need us. No words to communicate that they are hurt or hurting inside. My latest data is from 2015. This survey had 400 participants from Mississippi. Not all children had special needs in this survey (47% reported “yes” to child having special needs tho). It was asked if your child had been physically restrained in Mississippi. 13% answered “yes". 17% answered “I don’t know”. Remember, this is physically restrained. Reasons given for the restraining were (in order of highest recorded to least): misbehavior, other, did not do what the teacher asked, acting up, endangered themselves, threw an object, I don’t know, threatened a child, destroyed property. The “I don’t know” answers would likely impact these numbers. 50.84% of parents are unaware if a seclusion room is used at their child’s school. Now, has your child been secluded in school? 13% said “yes” and 15% said “I don’t know”. In same highest reported to least: misbehavior, did not do what the teacher asked, acting up, did not complete work, other, endangered themselves, I don’t know, threw and object, threatened another child. While secluded, 25% said there was a lock on the door. 6% said there was padding on the walls. 40% said that their child was hurt as a result of restraints or seclusion. 72% reported “no” to the question: Has your child experienced behavioral intervention methods that led to a positive outcome? Again, the “I don’t know” answers are alarming and make us worry, because, well, we don’t know and our children cant tell us. This data was collected for the public hearing for MDE Board Policy in 2015. It’s still very similar today. We can make this all preventable. If videocameras were allowed in the special needs classrooms, to give an extra layer of protection to our nonverbal children, it would allow for parents and advocates to see everything. If a child with special needs is in an inclusive classroom, there is no need for cameras there; plenty of voices to speak up are already in place. If training for all teachers was mandatory, it would provide all basic information to handle any situation. If the policy was lawful, it would protect the children better and have stronger consequences when broken. And if it was deemed a “hate crime” when abuse against a nonverbal child/adult or any child/adult with a disability is committed, it would deter some of these crimes. School shootings and how to prevent them are in all of our hearts. It’s a very evil world and protecting our children is a huge responsibility to us all. It is terrifying to think about and to hear the reports of how things were handled is appalling. We have to do better. We have to protect all children. There are some things that we cannot go back and change, but we can make sure they don’t reoccur. All children should have schools that protect them, teachers that love them and parents that feel safe when dropping their kids off. This applies to every level of care and will impact the future every of every child. Let’s protect them all to the best of our abilities. The system is EXTRA BROKEN. The policies are EXTRA BROKEN. Children and families who have suffered abuse are EXTRA BROKEN. Stories like these leave us feeling EXTRA BROKEN. I’m ready to take these broken pieces and glue them back better, glue them back stronger and glue them back the way God would. I am the glue. EXTRA broken makes me EXTRA determined.

The Mississippi Attorney General's Office has launched a new tool for law enforcement and courts statewide to use in reporting and updating incidents of domestic violence. MSDVR (Mississippi Domestic Violence Reporting) is a single statewide repository for domestic violence reports, utilizing existing report platforms to make integration for law enforcement as seamless as possible. The system utilizes the same platform as the Department of Public Safety’s eCrash system and was created by the same developers, the University of Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety (AL CAPS). It also includes geolocating to easily save accurate location information; injury diagrams to mark size, type, and location of injuries, as well as a function for uploading photographs; fields for utilizing the Lethality Assessment Protocol to ensure the safety of victims.