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On a recent Sunday, the Jimmie Lewis Pavilion in Bolton was filled with the sounds of Gospel music and celebration during the 26th anniversary celebration of Brother Albert "The Country Boy" Lewis. Performers included John T. Lewis and the new Gospel Keystones, Bishop Isaac Lindsey, Sr., The Utica Southernnaires, Greg Flowers, and others. The 67-year old host, emcee, radio personality and promoter of gospel music received many accolades and a certificate of appreciation for his contributions throughout the State over the past twenty-six years. The passing of his wife Fannie David Lewis in January 2020, after forty-one years of marriage, was a major blow. “I have been lost without her,” Lewis said. “My children, grandchildren and many friends have kept me going. And as we are able to resume some of our in-person church services and gospel performances, that helps, too. I would love to provide my services for the gospel performers, and they may reach me at 601.665.2069.” Lewis’s radio shows can be heard on Monday nights from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on radio station WMPR 90.1. This article was originally printed in the December 7, 2021 issue of The Bolton News.

Raymond High School, which serves Bolton, Utica, Edwards, Raymond and the surrounding area, has recently begun making use of the new facility that includes a beautiful new gym and performing arts complex. The Rangers and Lady Rangers basketball teams were victorious when they played Terry High in the first-ever basketball games played in the new gym. Ranger fans packed the stands. Here is a short video clip shared on the school's Facebook page: The Lady Rangers won their game by 23 points. Final score: RHS 55 - Terry 32. The Rangers boys won by 9. Final: RHS 59 - THS 50. The above photos are courtesy of Ginny Barlow Price Photography. Here is a look inside the new auditorium. Photos courtesy of Magnolia Images photography. Fans are asked to note: the Hinds County School District has a "Clear Bag Policy" for all events and gatherings on school property. The following rules will be observed and enforced: MASK POLICY: Masks must be worn, except when eating or drinking.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will once again bring some extra holiday spirit to Mississippi’s highways this Christmas season. Starting Tuesday, December 14, MDOT will use its digital message signs (DMS), to remind the public to drive safely during this holiday season, for MDOT’s 12 Days of Christmas. Drivers will see a new holiday-themed safety message each day with the final one posted on December 25; many of the messages were submitted by the public. “Drivers can expect to see an increase of traffic during the holiday season. ‘MDOT’s 12 Days of Christmas’ campaign was created as a clever way of engaging the public, reminding motorists of safe driving tips,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “At the end of the day our goal remains the same--keep the traveling public safe and an engaged public is a safe public.” Traffic safety messages appear on DMS boards along highways and interstates throughout Mississippi. These 12 days of messages revolve around Christmas-themed movies, songs, and characters. However, any local emergency messages and traffic updates automatically override scheduled messages already on the DMS boards. One of MDOT’s favorite holiday messages from 2020: EVEN SANTA HAS TO BUCKLE UP IN MS IT’S THE LAW And here’s a preview of MDOT’s Christmas messages for 2021 which will begin on December 14: JINGLE BELL ROCK A SEAT BELT SLOW SLEIGH? JINGLE TO THE RIGHT LANE

The 2021 Bolton Christmas Parade drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Groups lined up all along Bolton-Brownsville Road. Adults and children alike were delighted by the procession of colorful floats, flashy vehicles, prancing steeds, Santa and the Grinch. The Bolton News staff had a wonderful time covering the event. Originally scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 11, the forecast for severe weather conditions that morning, led the Parade Committee to reschedule the event for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The theme for this year's parade was "A Joyous Noel." The color guard (Jefferson County ROTC) provided a professional and inspiring kick-off. Danny Lurk served as the Grand Marshall. Santa Claus rode on the B-Town Steakhouse float and the Grinch followed behind on the float of Gaddis and McLaurin, also known as "The Store" in and around Bolton. Gaddis and McLaurin is celebrating 150 years in business this year. Their float included hundreds of colorful balloons and a giant birthday cake. When Dem Drummer Boys drum corps passed by playing rousing cadences, it was nearly impossible to remain seated or to stand still in one spot. Every group and individual participating in the parade contributed to the spectacle and filled spectators' hearts with joy and cheer. A listing of the parade entrants is provided below. Following are three slideshows of photographs we shot before and during the parade. Slideshow 1 of 3: Slideshow 2 of 3: Slideshow 3 of 3 All photos by Susalyn Bennett of The Bolton News. Following is a list of entrants who appeared in the Parade: Grand Marshall, Danny Lurk Color Guard, ROTC of Jefferson County Hinds County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Tyree Jones Hinds County Emergency Management Bolton Volunteer Fire Department Congressman Bennie Thompson Judge Tabitha Britton-Porter Supervisor Vern Gavin Supervisor David Archie Bolton Chevron Taylor Aircraft Mt. Olive Church MS Outreach Foundation Merchants and Planters Bank B-Town Steakhouse, including Santa Claus Bolton Funeral Home Bolton Veterans Black Men and Women United Dem Drummer Boys Farr Animal Hospital Bolton Outreach Book Club Gaddis & McLaurin, Inc., including the Grinch Taylor's Flying Service Hinds County Saints Youth Football Bolton Men's Club Champion Hill Church ElBethel Church Gaddis Farms Lifelode Group / Ashley King Jessica Williams, Miss Plus America Boy Scouts LOL: Living Out Loud Mt. Elizabeth M.B. Church RGB and Sons Construction 4-Wheelers of Bolton and Hinds County Classic Cars Riders and Ropers on Horseback including Jerry Mayberry, Cowboy Robinson and Willie Stinson The 2021 Bolton Christmas Parade Committee members are: Ms. Alfenette Robinson, Mrs. BendaLonne Thompson-Griffith, Mr. Eddie Gaines, Mrs. Rochella Sanders, Ms. Jean Butler, Mrs. Johnie Thompson, Mrs. Bobbie Hobson and Ms. Susie Carter. The committee wishes to thank the parade entrants, Town of Bolton, Chief Williams and the Bolton Police Department, and all the volunteers who worked to make the 2021 Bolton Christmas Parade a success. ​

The Bolton Christmas Parade has been rescheduled. The parade was originally scheduled for Saturday morning, but the weather forecast calls for heavy rains on Saturday. The Parade will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12.

Donors will receive a $15 Visa gift card when they donate blood during the Bolton Blood Drive on Tuesday, December 21. The Mississippi Blood Services donor coach will be parked near the Bolton Library for the event which is scheduled to last from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on that day. The library is located at 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. Look for the MBS coach, near that address. You can use this link to make your appointment for the drive. https://www.mbsonline.us/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/17433 You can now complete the donor history portion before your donation! (It must be completed on the same day, however.) This will help speed things up on the day of the blood drive! Scan the QR code on the flyer below, or use this link to to do the Donor History form the day of the drive (December 21) before your appointment. https://www.donorhistory.com/mbs/dhq.htm MBS suggests that all donors eat at least four hours within giving blood, and drink plenty of fluids prior to and after making a donation.

**UPDATE: The Parade has been rescheduled for SUNDAY December 12 at 2:00 p.m. This is on account of the forecast calling for heavy rains on Saturday. ** The Christmas Parade Committee is pleased to announce that the Town of Bolton Christmas Parade is to be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. This year's theme is "A Joyous Noel." ​ The Committee encourages all local elected officials, businesses, churches, schools, civic and social organizations to participate. The entry fee is $10.00. The fee is waived for area bands participating in the parade. ​ Please complete an Official Entry Form and submit it along with the $10 entrance fee by Friday, December 1, 2021. You may obtain an entry form by clicking the "Entry Form" button below, or at the library during normal business hours. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays. The Annie T. Jeffers Library is located at 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. ​ For questions, you may contact any member of the Christmas Parade Committee: ​ Ms. Alfenette Robinson, 601-866-4247 or 601-383-2407 Mrs. BendaLonne Thompson-Griffith, 601-942-8694 Mr. Eddie Gaines, 601-953-8044 Mrs. Rochella Sanders, 601-866-7960 Ms. Jean Butler, 601-866-7317 Mrs. Johnie Thompson, 601-291-0087 Mrs. Bobbie Hobson, 601-866-7505 Ms. Susie Carter, 601-866-7125 ​ Thank you for helping to make this year's parade a success! **UPDATE: The Parade has been rescheduled for SUNDAY December 12 at 2:00 p.m. This is on account of the forecast calling for heavy rains on Saturday. ** Photos from the 2015 Parade:

By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu Note: This article originally appeared in the Fall 2021 issue of Under the Rainbow, the semi-annual magazine for Children’s of Mississippi. Aug. 16 was a big day for Jordan Morgan. “It’s my first day of class at Hinds Community College and when I’ll start to focus on music instead of it being something I enjoy in my free time,” he said. “It’s when my music career starts.” A 2021 Clinton High graduate and scholar, Morgan not only knows how to chase dreams but how to catch them. Born 11 weeks early, and weighing just 3 pounds, Jordan was given a dire prediction when his cerebral palsy was diagnosed. “I was told he wouldn’t be able to walk, feed himself or write his name,” said his mother, Deborah Morgan. Since then, Jordan’s been proving those predictions wrong. Morgan, a 2021 graduate of Clinton High, received one of Hinds’ highest honors, a Luckyday Foundation Scholarship covering more than half of his tuition each semester. A classically trained pianist, Morgan is majoring in music industry and production at Hinds. “There were three things I wanted to achieve by the end of high school: be accepted at Hinds, be awarded at least one scholarship and graduate with an A average,” he said. “I did them all, and I’m excited to move forward.” This summer, Morgan’s working on his motor skills and hoping to learn to drive with hand controls. He’s already gotten his learner’s permit. “I’m going to stay home this summer and work on my music-reading skills and driving,” he said. “I’m also reading an AP music theory book since I took music theory my junior year of high school. I want to be prepared.” Those aren’t the only summer activities Morgan has. He’s working at the Goodwill Industries shop in Clinton and has started a YouTube channel for his music business, Stars & Skaters Entertainment. “Its name includes one of my other passions,” he said, “roller-skating.” Morgan plans to produce his own music and others through Stars & Skaters, getting his inspiration from the production duo of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, The Neptunes. “When I first learned about them and heard their music, I was in junior high, and they were around my age when they started,” Morgan said. “I thought, if they could create music at a young age, I could, too. As producers, they’ve worked with so many artists.” Morgan also hopes to host music festivals through Stars & Skaters. “I want to bring people together through music.” The future producer has eclectic tastes, enjoying hip-hop, heavy metal, classical music and classic rock such as the Beatles as well as Broadway hits. Morgan was interested in music when, as a seventh-grader, he was named Children’s Miracle Hospitals Champion for the state. Back then, he was singing in the school choir, playing the piano and interested in one day producing music and music videos. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions share their health care journey and represent Children’s of Mississippi and its patients at events such as the Mississippi Miracles Radiothon and other fundraisers like RebelTHON at the University of Mississippi. “Jordan has been one of the best ambassadors for Children’s of Mississippi,” said Andrew Russell, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals specialist at UMMC. “People gravitate toward Jordan. He can talk to anyone. He’s always willing to share his experiences with others so they have a better understanding of the children’s hospital and its patients.” Jordan’s care, aimed at giving him greater mobility and improved motor skills, has included the expertise of UMMC and Children’s of Mississippi neurologists, surgeons and physical therapists. Dr. Amanda Witt, neuromuscular division chief at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, has treated Morgan throughout his childhood. “Jordan has always been charming and a delight to have in clinic,” she said. “He is quite precocious and started to advocate for himself at a young age to help direct his own medical care. It has been a privilege to watch him grow from a curious and intelligent child to a thoughtful, kind and talented young man.” Kathryn Cole, dean of enrollment services at Hinds Community College, said she’s proud to add Morgan to this fall’s freshman class. “He is creative, talented, and driven,” she said. “After having overcome barriers and accomplished so much by his high school graduation, I know he’ll be an inspiration to both Hinds employees and his fellow students.” All that Morgan’s achieved as an incoming college freshman doesn’t surprise his brother, Dexter. “Jordan doesn’t let his condition stop him,” he said. “He likes to tell people about his disabilities, so people are aware, and that the world is more accessible for everyone.”

On December 6, 2021, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported the first case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the state. The case is in a fully vaccinated individual who recently traveled to New York. The patient was not hospitalized. Mississippi joins 16 other states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Washington) in the U.S. that have reported cases of Omicron. “We were prepared for the appearance of this variant in Mississippi, and we need to remember that Delta is still a very active variant of COVID-19 currently in the state, as well,” said MSDH State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. While information on the infection rate and severity of the Omicron variant is still unknown, Dobbs said the best protection at this point is the COVID-19 vaccinations and booster. “Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow the transmission rate, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death,” he said. MSDH is also experiencing a minimal increase in the number of COVID patients in the hospital and a minimal increase of COVID patients in the ICU and on ventilators. Vaccinations for all Mississippians 5 and older can be found from healthcare providers, FQHCs, independent and retail pharmacies, and county health departments. Appointments at county health departments can be scheduled online at covidvaccine.umc.edu, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 866-498-4948 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

The December 7, 2021 issue of The Bolton News community newspaper is available in print, inside The Clinton Courier. Print copies of The Bolton News inside The Clinton Courier will be available to pick up for free (starting on Wednesday, while they last) in newsstands at these locations in Bolton: Bolton Chevron Gaddis & McLaurin Annie T. Jeffers Public Library L & K Grocery Bolton Town Hall It is also available at 8 locations in Raymond and more than 100 locations in Clinton. For even more Bolton news and information, visit www.BoltonMS.com and sign up for the Bolton Newsletter. To share press releases, photos and story ideas, or to advertise in The Bolton News, contact Susalyn Bennett, 601.594.2250, susalyn@theclintoncourier.net. Archives: Past issues of the paper are available online: www.boltonms.com/archives

Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, one of the nation’s leading dual-purpose quarterbacks and one of only two quarterbacks in Division 1 college football to throw for at least 15 touchdowns and run for at least 10 TDs, won the 2021 C Spire Conerly Trophy Tuesday night as the Magnolia state’s top college football player. Corral, a redshirt junior from Ventura, California, was the third leading passer in the SEC with 3,334 yards, completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns and only four interceptions, including 26 of 34 passes for 234 yards in a thrilling 31-21 victory for the Rebels against Mississippi State in the 94th annual Battle for the Golden Egg rivalry game. The Ole Miss quarterback topped two other finalists for the award, including Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers and Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Corral also is the 12th leading rusher in the SEC with 597 yards and 11 touchdowns and led the Rebels to their first 10-win regular season in school history. The trophy was presented during a sold-out Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) awards banquet, which also featured special remarks from CBS NFL football analyst Charles Davis. The award is named after Charlie Conerly, a Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer, college All-American, an NFL rookie of the year and NFL All-Pro who quarterbacked the New York Giants to a world championship. The other seven award nominees from Mississippi’s 10 public universities and colleges were Delta State linebacker Marvin Terry, Alcorn State defensive back Juwan Taylor, Belhaven running back Brad Foley, Millsaps wide receiver Moïse Tezzo, Mississippi College linebacker Jonathan Jones, Mississippi Valley State running back Caleb Johnson and Southern Miss defensive back Malik Shorts. Mississippi State left offensive tackle and redshirt sophomore Charles Cross won the 8th annual Entergy Kent Hull Trophy as Mississippi’s top college offensive lineman in 2021. Cross is the fifth Bulldog to receive the award, which is named for the late Kent Hull, a Mississippi State standout and Buffalo Bills pro football star. All seven previous award winners play or have played in the NFL. Corral is semi-finalist or finalist for virtually every major award in college football this year, including the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Davey O’Brien Award. His name has also prominently been mentioned as a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. He is one of five finalists for the 2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Previous winners of the C Spire Conerly Trophy include former and current NFL players such as Dak Prescott, Eli Manning, Anthony Dixon, Patrick Willis, Deuce McAllister, Jerious Norwood, Michael Boley, Evan Engram, A. J. Brown, Jeffrey Simmons and last season’s winner, Elijah Moore. Prescott and Manning are the only two-time winners in the award’s 26-year history. C Spire has sponsored the outstanding player awards program for football since 1998. The trophy is awarded to the nominee selected as the top player by news media covering college football in the state. “We’re very pleased with the caliber of players selected as nominees and finalists for the C Spire Conerly Trophy this year,” said Jim Richmond, vice president of Marketing for C Spire. “Our winner is not only a great football player, but an outstanding young man with good character, a leader with a positive attitude and a terrific work ethic.” About C Spire: C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class, customer-inspired wireless communications, 1 Gigabit consumer Internet access as well as a full suite of dedicated Internet, wireless, IP Voice, data and cloud services for businesses. This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire. About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame: The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating the 66th Anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey around the globe! The NORAD Santa Tracker launches December 1, and features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, movie theater, holiday music, webstore, and more. Starting at 3 a.m. CST on December 24, website visitors can see updates as Santa makes preparations for his flight. Then, at 5 a.m. CST, trackers worldwide can call to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) where they will either speak with a live phone operator or hear a recorded update. Due to COVID concerns, the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center will have fewer phone operators, so callers who do not reach a volunteer will hear a regularly updated recording as to Santa’s current location. Anytime on December 24, Amazon Alexa users can ask for Santa’s location through the NORAD Tracks Santa skill for Amazon Alexa, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa. Santa Trackers can also use the Bing search engine to learn of Santa’s location. Tracking Santa has been a tradition since 1955 when a local newspaper advertisement informed children they could call Santa directly – only the contact number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the crew commander on duty, U.S. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center, the predecessor to NORAD. Col. Shoup was quick to realize a mistake had been made, and assured the child he was Santa. Shoup then assigned a duty officer to continue answering calls. Thus, a holiday tradition was born, which NORAD has carried on since it was created in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has reported Santa’s location on December 24 to millions of children and families around the world. NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors. Click here to Visit the Santa Tracker!