The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum along with the Pearl River Resort and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is pleased to announce that Hall of Fame Baseball Coach Ron Polk will be the featured speaker at the presentation of the 2022 Ferriss Trophy. The Ferriss Trophy is named in memory of the former Major League star and long-time Delta State baseball coach Dave “Bo” Ferriss and annually goes to the Most Outstanding College player in Mississippi each year. This will be the 18th presentation of the award. The winner will be announced at luncheon held at the Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson on May 23rd. Polk, the legendary coach who is a member of six Halls of Fame is best known for his two terms as the Head Baseball Coach at Mississippi State. He guided the Bulldogs from 1976 thru 1997 and returned in 2002 thru 2008. Overall, his record stands at 1373-702-2. His teams won 5 SEC Championships, 5 SEC Tournaments, played in 23 NCAA Tournaments and went to the College World Series 8X. Currently Polk resides in Starkville and serves as a Special Assistant to the Athletic Director at Mississippi State. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and was the 2017 recipient of the “Rube Award” for his service to sports in the state. Tickets for the luncheon banquet are on sale now at the Hall of Fame office or online at www.msfame.com. Individual tickets are $40 each and tables of 8 are available. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 and this year’s winner will be announced at the close of the event. Finalists for this year’s award will be announced May 16th. The list of previous winners of the Ferriss Trophy include current professional players Drew Pomeranz, Chris Stratton, Hunter Renfroe, Brent Rooker, Nick Sandlin and two-time winner Jake Mangum. This will be the first in-person presentation since 2019, the 2020 season was cancelled and the 2021 presentation was virtual.

On May 3, 2022, a special election was held in the Town of Bolton for Alderman-at-Large. This election was due to the resignation of William Woods. No candidate received a majority of the votes and no winner was declared. There will be a run-off election on May 24, 2022 between Ms Alberta Gibbs and Mr. Brady Holder. Both candidates will run as independents. The polls will be open from 7 AM until 7 PM at the Bolton Fire Station.

I started writing all about World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) and how my family and I have been able to celebrate this day the last four years. March 21st wasn’t a day we even knew to celebrate before Hudson’s diagnosis. Now we have this annual beautiful day and it has the most wonderful fun meaning, 3-21, because a baby with Down syndrome is born with a third copy of the 21st chromosome. After attending the March For Life in DC and screening the pro-life movie about adoption, “Lifemark”, I decided to scrap my original story and share something deeper with you about how I got to my first WDSD still pregnant and how I will celebrate this day for the rest of my life WITH Hudson: At 29 weeks pregnant and already having a left bundle branch block heart defect of my own, my doctor suggested an echocardiogram for me. We were living in Colorado and the altitude was much different than my other two pregnancies at sea level. As with everything, I did whatever was suggested to have a healthy pregnancy and, ultimately, a healthy baby. Remember, it was at a little over 12 weeks that Hudson was determined to have Down syndrome and a hole in his little heart; so my heart health was a priority for his safe arrival. I remember all of these events like they were yesterday. I went for my ECHO and it took forever. I was twisting and turning and the look on the man’s face was alarming. He didn’t say anything was wrong, but I could tell. I laid super still and let him concentrate. CJ, my husband, couldn’t understand what was taking so long and called me over and over. My phone was in a locker and time was becoming a blur. I finally was released to go home, and I took that as a good sign? The next day, I got a call from both my OBGYN and Cardiologist. They had concerns and wanted me to come in the following day. I was getting shorter and shorter on my breathing and super lightheaded. My normal response of “I’m fine” wasn’t cutting it for them. I was 30 weeks pregnant and being admitted for immediate delivery. I was diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy. This meant that my heart was failing, my ejection fraction was compromised and Hudson could be in danger. This was not my plan! This couldn’t be happening. It was the most devastating news. My hospital room was a revolving door of bad news after bad news. Not one person entering my room believed it was possible for me to remain pregnant; I was begging all who would listen to me, even with my most shallow of breaths. Then the NICU brought me papers on what to expect after delivery. The information was numbing. It was all so surreal. Being born at 30 weeks was going to be much harder on my baby, his lungs, his overall health, than getting to 32 weeks…. I felt like I had failed him. I failed my entire family. Please let me get to 32 weeks! Please! Please! Please! I will do anything you ask. I can’t fail this baby boy. He’s fought so hard already, I needed to fight for him. For keeping some of this private, I won’t say names. One doctor sat down and cried with me. She knew I was hurting and that this wasn’t what I wanted. She prayed with me. She had me call her by her first name. We connected. She let me explain how Hudson already had so much against him at birth, and that it was my job to do whatever I could to help him, not add more stress to him. She was the angel I needed. This doctor believed in me and she took my wishes to the team. Half agreed to let me decide how far I could go and the other half said no. It basically came down to who was working. I could only stay pregnant if the doctor on call that day believed in me. My breathing, my ECHO, my failing heart all said no to staying pregnant. My spirit, my will, my determination said I could go way farther… just give me the chance. The head of the department listened to the doctor who cried and prayed with me. She, too, came in and sat in the same chair that I was given a “little” hope in, and a little was way better than none. She let me share my same desires and fears about delivering Hudson so early with her. This was the doctor who gave me “options” at my 12 week appointment when seeing Hudson’s soft markers of Down syndrome; so she already knew my heart and my love for this baby I was carrying. She couldn’t promise that my wishes would be met at this hospital, so she moved me. This was the chance I needed. Within an hour, my room was filled with what looked like the new team of female Ghostbusters. I’m serious. The women all in astronaut like suits came in to save the day for me and Huddy. They were my ambulance escort team from Colorado Springs to Denver. Y’all, I cried happy tears and scared tears the entire way. I didn’t know what to expect. Was I moving farther away from my family to still deliver him? Was I asking for the impossible? Was this God answering my prayers? What would happen now? After we arrived, the new team came in to talk about what we needed to do. The first thing was to repeat bloodwork, get an EKG and get everyone on the Cardiac team and OBGYN team all on the same page. It was suggested that we needed a heart cath, a strong suggestion in order to keep me pregnant. My husband wasn’t all in like I was. He is medical and he questioned the safety for us. I was willing to do anything that would keep Hudson in my belly. CJ agreed to my reasoning and I was scheduled for the next day. This is so clear to me. The next morning, my room filled with so many new faces. There was so much equipment needed to travel with us, not only support my needs, but Hudson’s, too. So much that we could not all fit on the elevator. So my nurse stayed with me and we met the others on the floor. And piece by piece, we made it off the elevator and into the room for our (mine and Huddy’s) procedure. This was the make or break. This would decide the next steps. Music was playing. People were chatting and laughing. It was freezing and my teeth were chattering. I was told that I would stay awake by my nurse. The procedure began and while there was no pain, I could feel things and I could see smiles. I felt hands and pressure and I could hear the instrument going in my neck. My heart was beating on the monitor and so was Hudson’s. Then the room changed. Panic was on many faces, smiles were gone. My heart wasn’t beating near as fast, I saw the monitor and I was beating at thirteen beats per minute. My doctor was yelling at the staff, “turn off the music now and leave this room if you can’t stop talking!”, then my nurse said that I needed to go to sleep now. I can still feel the tear slowly running down my cheek. I knew we were in trouble. Now, I am asleep and my husband, who feared this exact scenario, was getting this call. “Mika is struggling. The probe hit her heart bundle three times and she is in complete heart block. The team is on its way to deliver Hudson. We are still trying to save Mika.” I am asleep and have no idea that my husband all alone is getting this news. He said he couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t talk and every call he tried to make the words couldn’t come out. My survival was in question and Hudson’s was unknown, too. I did wake up. I remember the first face I saw, my nurse, who is still today in my life and someone I treasure. But I didn’t know at the time what her job was. I assumed watching me. I assumed Hudson had been born. I assumed that my heart dictated that pregnancy was no longer my wish to remain, but that the doctors had control over this now. I connected eyes with CJ and repeated over and over how sorry I was. He asked what I was sorry for? Making Hudson’s life harder, that wasn’t why I did all of this. He then told me that I was still pregnant. You see, I had a temporary pacemaker in my neck and so many pillow propping me up, I couldn’t see my belly. I was still pregnant! All of that and I still did it. And a MIRACLE occurred even larger than my heart failing and remaining pregnant, Hudson was thriving. My heart working properly with this device gave Hudson his best chance. He went from the 35th percentile to the 67th percentile in the week I was in Cardiac ICU. The pacemaker was pumping my heart better than I was and it made a huge difference for my baby. We made it. Three weeks total was spent in the hospital and I went home STILL PREGNANT. Of course, I had to wear monitors and check in all the time, but we went all the way to 37 weeks. Funny, it was the fluid in my belly that caused me to deliver then, not my heart. I guess momma built the luxury swimming pool for her brave boy? I spent my first WSDS not only pregnant, but wearing crazy Wonder Woman socks, very appropriately chosen. Ha! You see, my first World Down Syndrome Day was very different than what would’ve been had I delivered Hudson at 30 weeks. We would have, at best, still been in the NICU with no homecoming in sight… or we wouldn’t have; that would’ve been the worst version of my story. Hudson, even born at 37 weeks, needed open heart surgery. Hudson had blast cells called transient leukemia on day one of life. He had thyroid issues and blood that clotted immediately. He spent 6 weeks of life in the NICU and failed every carseat challenge. The mountain he had to climb at 37 weeks was steep enough, can you imagine him climbing all this and more at 30 weeks? I share this to tell you that you are as strong as I am. If this wasn’t my story, I would be thinking how strong this person is. This person is me and I am much stronger than I knew I was. How could I be anything else? We forget that we were/are ALL created in His image and our strength is mighty. Hudson is mighty, too. My hero; he can do all things, because with God all things are possible. March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. Celebrate the lives that fought so hard to be here. The real life heroes. Celebrate by wearing crazy socks or walking 3.21 miles. You can donate to your local Down syndrome organizations. Wear something blue and yellow. Read a book about Down syndrome. Educate yourself or teach your child about Ds. Find out how your local areas celebrate and join in on the fun. You’ll be EXTRA happy you did. My first one was big belly dancing in super fun socks, but since then, my WDSD activities have grown way bigger than my belly and with Hudson in my arms or dancing in his own crazy socks. One day, he will be walking his own 3.21 miles… all because one doctor believed in me and my ability to carry Hudson for much longer. It is because of my determination that I get to celebrate WDSD with the EXTRA love of Hudson beside me.

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….

Extroverts. You likely wake up and crave to “just be around somebody today.” You need that in-the-same-room-with-me feeling that only real human bodies can give. Extended alone time gives you a lonely, ‘left out of the loop’ emotion within. Pure happiness for some extroverts? A video blasting away, friends talking in that same room, with food and drink available to all. Introverts. Almost the opposite needs in their life. Rather sit on a bed of angry ants with a book in hand, than have to endure crowded noisy rooms for a long time. They just need to simply be alone. For at least a little while, please! Unfortunately, as life seems to like to play cruel jokes on us, these polar opposites seem to attract and marry. And then they can end up spending years glaring at each other with one thought on their brains, “What in the heck happened to you?! I thought you knew me and what I wanted in life.” And if some open and honest conversation doesn’t begin, and real soon, a wall begins to build. And I ain’t talking about a fortress that protects their union. This wall between them gets thicker and stronger with every misunderstanding. Too many times completely blocking communication and finally causing the plaintive feeling, “I don’t really know why, but I just don’t care for my spouse any more. I think I need out.” So spouses, start talking before that bad ending. But first, begin with real soul-searching for what you are needing in your marriage, and then blurt it out to your spouse. Who does the same for you. Sounds scarey? I imagine it does. Especially if you have never done that before – just opening up and letting your true feelings fall out your mouth and into the ears of the one who has the power to hurt you. But that is exactly what needs to happen, so that the extrovert spouse can finally understand why their introvert spouse rarely agrees to have the whole gang over for a fun evening. Why natural introverts invariably find a quiet hidey hole in a side room when they are forced to suffer thru someone else’s party. And why their spouse dreads hearing the words, “Just stay home tonight and watch TV with me. For one lousy night, can’tcha?!” Folks, if you find yourself in some of this, do your relationship a big favor. Get honest, and tell your partner what you are feeling. Then listen. And try to understand their point of view. And then, gasp!! start working on a compromise that will work for both of you. Neither of you are wrong. In your need of alone time, or in your need for people. You are just made differently by your Creator. And remember, He never makes any mistakes when He creates a person. Or as the famous singer, Ethel Waters, once said, “God don’t make no junk.”

Prepare, but don’t panic. That’s the advice of experts at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and its pediatric arm, Children’s of Mississippi, concerning shortages of baby formula shortages nationally. Supply chain issues and a recall are reasons why formula is harder to find. Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Association warned families about a formula recall after Abbott Nutrition recalled powdered formula manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. The recall was sparked by an investigation for cronobacter sakazakii contamination. This can be serious or fatal for infants. "At this time of immense shortage and recalls, we encourage mothers who are medically able to breastfeed to do so, and for those who are unable to, please follow your pediatrician’s recommended alternatives,” said Dr. Mobolaji Famuyide, chief of UMMC’s Division of Newborn Medicine and professor of pediatrics. “Above all, the safety of our children is primal.” Dr. Anita Henderson, president of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a pediatrician at the Hattiesburg Clinic, said the AAP has been in touch with the Mississippi Department of Health and its WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program about the issue. “We encourage parents to contact their local WIC office if they are having trouble finding formula,” Henderson said. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents buy only a 10-day to two-week supply of formula to avoid hoarding. If favorite stores and supermarkets are short on baby formula, look in other stores and pharmacies. Store-brand formulas are generally a safe substitute, she said. “If you are not sure, please reach out to your pediatrician.” Shiloh Lancaster, a dietitian in the neonatal intensive care unit inside the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi, agrees. “Parents should discuss changing formulas or appropriate alternatives to formulas with their pediatrician or pediatric specialist, especially if an infant is on a specialized formula,” she said. Lancaster also suggests trying to purchase formula directly from manufacturers. “The major manufacturers have established service line and websites to assist in finding formula in your area.” The AAP warns parents against watering down formula as this can lead to slowed growth, nutritional and electrolyte imbalances and other serious health conditions. In extreme situations, electrolyte imbalances could lead to seizures and death. Babies younger than a year should not consume cow’s milk, toddler formulas, or milk substitutes such as almond milk or oat milk. Homemade formula recipes are dangerous, experts say, so don’t try making formula at home. Parents shouldn’t buy imported baby formula online, either, as these may have not been approved by the FDA. UMMC and Children’s of Mississippi are “currently adequately stocked for most formulas for our patients, Lancaster said. “We have certainly been impacted by the formula recall, and our stock of hypoallergenic and specialty formulas is limited.” Because of supply limitations, formula samples are not being given to providers or parents to reserve stock for hospital inpatients. “The dietitians and staff here at UMMC are keeping an eye on the supply issue and continue to provide support to help parents and providers navigate the shortage,” Lancaster said.

By Kara Kimbrough It’s a proven fact: most Southern men are happiest when warm weather arrives and they can spend quality time over a hot bed of coals. Grilling is the true southern way to cook meat - it's outdoors, it’s casual and it delivers great food. Even Southern ladies consider grilling one of, if not the best way to entertain during a hot Mississippi spring and summer. Main reason? Grilling requires very little kitchen work on their part and it's the perfect way to keep cool. Best of all, everyone wants to be a part of the grilling action, often gathering around the grill-meister as the griller performs his (or her) magic with the meat of choice. There’s no denying the lure of the coals, especially to an outdoor chef like my friend John, who has received his fair share of accolades for expertly grilled ribs, steaks and pork shoulders. John (I’ll omit his last name to keep from upsetting his Memphis in May grilling team, who closely guard their secrets) claims his grilling skills have evolved through years of perfecting his craft, not to mention a dry rub made with 16 different “secret” herbs and spices. The group of grillers annually participate in barbecuing competitions around the state, precursors to the famous Memphis event. While the group regularly takes first place and overall championship awards for their ribs and pork shoulders in Mississippi, they have never placed in Memphis. However, this fact doesn’t deter them from continuing to try their luck each May. And there’s a good reason way: they simply enjoy being part of the excitement and look forward to meeting other grilling team at the event that draws some of the nation’s top grillers. Here are a few tips from John and a national grilling expert, just in time for the start of grilling season and arrival of Memorial Day weekend: Go old school – John admits that gas grills are easier and quicker to operate, but the group prefers a charcoal grill with “about 700 square inches” of cooking surface. They are also particular about charcoal, using Kingsford brand along with an electric starter and chimney. Don’t skimp on quality – When it comes down to a perfect steak or rack of ribs, it’s all about the quality. The first rule is to select a good grade or cut of meat, as there’s “no sauce or rub that will disguise a lower grade of meat.” Sometimes, it’s worth it to drive a little extra to purchase good meat that’s on sale. Start out with the best possible meat, season it well and most likely you will end up with a great meal from the grill. Another grilling guru, Steven Raichlen, who wrote The Barbecue Bible, a comprehensive cookbook containing over 500 recipes for the grill, classified grilling as “live fire, high heat and direct cooking. Barbecuing is long, slow heat, indirect cooking, and lots of smoke. The beautiful thing about grilling is that it's outdoors and it's public,” Raichlen said. Below are more abbreviated excerpts from Raichlen's 10 commandments of perfect grilling: 1. Be organized: Gather everything you need for grilling: food, marinade, basting sauce, seasonings, equipment grill-side before you start. 2. Gauge your fuel-When using charcoal, light enough to form a bed of glowing coals three inches larger on all sides than the surface area of the food. With gas grill, make sure tank is at least one-third full. 3. Preheat the grill - High heat - at least 500 degrees - is key to great grilling. When using charcoal, hold your hand about six inches above the grate. After 3 seconds, the force of the heat should force you to snatch your hand away. When using a gas grill, preheat to high for 10-15 minutes. 4. Know when to baste - Oil, vinegar, citrus and yogurt bastes can be brushed on meat throughout cooking time. (If you baste with a marinade you used for raw meat or seafood, do not apply it during the last three minutes of cooking.) Apply sugar-based barbecue sauce toward the end of cooking time because it burns easily. 5. Keep it covered - When cooking larger cuts, such as prime rib, keep the grill tightly covered; every time you lift the lid, you add five to 10 minutes to the cooking time. The steakhouse burger recipe allows you to "see" and control what's in your burgers instead of relying on the supermarket. Next week I'll share some of my favorite homemade grilling sauces and toppings, as well as a couple of never-fail dip recipes. Tasty Steakhouse Burger 1-pound boneless chuck roast, round or short ribs 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground white pepper 4 hamburger buns Swiss cheese slices 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise 2-3 tablespoons ketchup 2-3 tablespoons pickle relish Lettuce leaves Tomato slices Preheat the grill to medium-high. Chop beef into 1-inch cubes, place on a plate, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Place half the beef in a food processor or blender. Pulse (do not continuously run the food processor) about 15 times. Season the meat with half the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper and pulse an additional 10-12 times, until meat is finely chopped but not overly fine. Remove and repeat process with remaining beef. Divide into four equal portions and shape into four patties. Place the patties on the grill and cook until brown and cooked to your liking. Place a slice of cheese on each burger during last two minutes of cooking. Place ketchup, mayonnaise and relish in a cleaned food processor or blender and pulse to combine. Spread on the buns, then add the burgers with lettuce and tomatoes. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

You actually did it. You won the election. Or in the last second, you sunk the shot that won the game. Or your business was named in the top ten in your category this year for growth. Maybe, you actually got ol’ Ms. Fussbudget to laugh during English class. Or just maybe, you lost the weight that has plagued you for so long. Whatever it was that you did – own it. It came from you, it was your own success. No one else can claim that they did what was clearly your accomplishment. There is no need for you to hang your head and deny that you succeeded. No need for you to declare that it was really someone else. Yes absolutely, thank those who helped you or guided you, and give them the acknowledgement that they deserve. But never back away from realizing and accepting that it could not have happened apart from your own decisions, desire, and work. Feels good, doesn’t it? To hold your head high and give yourself a pat on the back for succeeding. To accept that you “did good.” That you are not aways making a mistake or not trying hard enough to be a winner. In doing so, you are setting yourself up to see yourself in a good light – and that does make a person feel good. It will probably make you want to try even harder to win the next time. But let me flip that proverbial pancake to the other side. You made a major mistake, or you gave up trying and just walked away without a word. No one else is to blame. And there isn’t a valid excuse for what occurred…. simply that you are wrong. And a really big error was the result. You. Just. Goofed. What then? Accept it, own it. It was your mistake, not someone else around you. To attempt to lay blame on anyone else accomplishes a lot…and none of it good. Namely, you won’t learn to take responsibility for your own problems, and secondly, that person you are blaming will resent you for a long time. Doesn’t do much for your relationship. Another fact to consider; those around you who already know the real truth - or they find out later – will see you differently, and not in a good way. (And the Bible says the truth will always come out sooner or later. Numbers 32:23) It’s best to just honestly examine what happened– openly and clearly. Look closely at your own actions, motivations and conversations. If what you find makes you squirm, then own it. Sure, there is usually always someone’s behavior you can factor in to make you feel better about it all. But that doesn’t change what you did. Just own it, and try to make amends the best you can. And then forgive yourself. NOTHING good comes from living in guilt and shame. Because, we usually behave according to how we feel about ourself.

By Bob Garver The animated comedy “The Bad Guys” has very quietly been the #1 movie at the domestic box office for the past two weekends. The film follows a group of supposedly unlikeable animals as they do bad, do bad while they pretend to want to do good, then grapple with the decision whether or not to actually do good. Spoiler Alert for this family movie: they do not unanimously decide to remain bad. The leader is the Big Bad Wolf (Sam Rockwell), his best friend is Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), the rest of the team is Miss Tarantula (Awkwafina), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson). At the start of the movie, they lead a life of crime since no one is willing to give them a chance in life, what with the scariness and portrayals as villains and such. Seriously, the world is afraid of “these” animals? These are the most family-friendly versions of these animals imaginable. I’ve been unnerved around some of the fakest snakes you’ll ever see, and I wasn’t for a second scared of the snake in this movie. The Beast from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” could be legitimately terrifying at times, so his arc about having to overcome his image made sense. To have the characters be so adorable so early just makes the film so… over-sanitized. The Bad Guys get busted trying to rob a gala honoring saintly guinea pig Dr. Marmalade (Richard Ayode). Wolf makes a scene of bemoaning how he and his crew deserve a chance to prove they can be good. The fox governor (Zazie Beetz) relents and agrees to let them be potentially reformed by Dr. Marmalade. Wolf insists to his friends that this is all part of a long con to avoid prison and rob the next gala, but secretly he got a taste of being good when he helped out an old lady with a rubbery face just before the robbery, and he found that he liked it. Maybe the goodness should continue. Maybe the others will like goodness if they try it. Thus begins a journey of twists and turns, where we’re supposed to question who’s conning who and who’s on what side. I’ve seen enough of these movies that even if I couldn’t predict the story beat for beat, I was pretty much right about predicting where everyone would end up. Also, I correctly predicted most of the beats along the way. It's not hard to see where this movie draws its inspiration. Subverting fairy tales, that’s “Shrek.” Elaborate heists with smooth-talking explanations, that’s the “Ocean’s” movies. The villains reforming brings to mind that 2010 one-two punch of “Despicable Me” and “Megamind.” And you may as well throw in a layer of “Zootopia” while you’re at it. Okay, one thing caught me off-guard: the very first scene in the movie. I hadn’t been expecting an extended tribute to a certain favorite movie of mine. The scene features Wolf and Snake bantering in a coffee shop, and Snake is wearing an awfully familiar-looking Hawaiian shirt. That movie also had a character named Wolf, played there by Harvey Keitel. Adults will find little to surprise them about “The Bad Guys,” and even kids have probably been taken on this ride a few times before. But the characters are undeniably given a great deal of charm by the voice cast, and a lot of the jokes still land, even if they too are overly familiar at times. This isn’t a movie that you need to take your kids to see right away, but if you want to take your kids to a movie for the sake of taking them to a movie, sure, this is fine. Grade: B- “The Bad Guys” is rated PG for action and rude humor. It running time is 100 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu

The Office of Governor Tate Reeves is encouraging college students with an interest in state government to apply for the Governor’s Office Internship Program. The internships are designed to provide insight to college students, who want to learn more about the executive branch of state government. Students will experience and assist in the operations of the Governor’s Office and the legislative process. Additionally, the program offers an opportunity to gain practical real-world experience within the Governor’s Office which can allow college students to earn academic credit as established by their school. Subject to the available academic schedule for each intern, the general days/hours of the intern are within 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For additional information, please contact intern coordinator Mammie Maberry at 601-359-3150 or mammie.crowley@govreeves.ms.gov .

Governor Tate Reeves today announced the expansion of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, which focuses on finding adoptive homes for children within the Mississippi foster care system. Governor Reeves also ceremoniously signed HB 1313, which creates the “State Representative Bill Kinkade Fostering Access and Inspiring True Hope (or Faith) Scholarship Program.” This legislation provides a million dollars for foster children in Mississippi to pursue postsecondary education. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is generously providing 1.7 million dollars and their training and support program to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. This unique public-private partnership will fund ten experienced adoption professionals to serve children and youth – including teenagers, special needs children, and siblings – who are at risk of aging out of foster care without a family. To date, the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program has found adoptive homes for more than 12,000 children across the United States, including 125 youth right here in Mississippi. “There are still too many Mississippi kids who need a loving family and a forever home, especially older teens who remain in foster care. We’ll continue to do everything we can to support children in foster care, find them loving homes, and give them the opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “We have a responsibility to ensure those children growing up in foster care have the opportunity to turn their struggles into strengths.” Governor Reeves ceremoniously signed the legislation during a ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion. The event was livestreamed and can be watched here.

Today in the Hinds County Circuit Court, Nancy New and her son, Zachary New, entered a guilty plea to state charges for their involvement in one of the largest embezzlement schemes in Mississippi’s history. They both pleaded guilty to multiple counts of bribery of a public official, fraud against the government, and wire fraud. This afternoon, Nancy New and Zachary New each pleaded guilty to four counts of Bribery of a Public Official, two counts of Fraud Against the Government, and five counts of Wire Fraud. The charges are connected to a state investigation involving more than $77 million of misspent welfare funds. “Today’s plea represents a joint victory for the District Attorney’s Office, U.S Attorney’s Office and the State Auditors Office,” said Jody E. Owens II, Hinds County District Attorney. “This plea sends a message to those in positions of power, that they will be held accountable for preying on the poor and abusing government funds.” State sentencing in the case will be scheduled after Nancy New and Zachary New are sentenced in federal court. Nancy could face up to 100 years in prison and Zachary could face up to 75 years in prison. Nancy New and Zachary New have already pleaded guilty to federal charges for their involvement in multiple accounts of welfare fraud.