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With a theme of cowboy boots & jeans, the first-ever Karaoke Night will be held at Bolton Nutrition this Saturday, October 2, starting at 8 p.m. Singers have the chance to win a cash prize, with the audience being the judge. It promises to be a great night of fun with friends. Everyone is invited. About Bolton Nutrition: When Shannon Williams and Gloria Harper were searching for the perfect location for their new business, they fell in love with the space at 103 W. Madison Street in Bolton. Not only does it have a great prep area, essential for blending their delicious and nutritious drinks, but the spacious "front of house" area it includes, gave them the opportunity to create a comfy and fun area for customers. Bolton Nutrition's specialties are Loaded Teas and Meal Replacement Shakes that are big on flavor and good for you, too. "Healthy never tasted so good." In the front of their store, customers have a choice of seating: bar stools, tables and comfy sofas. Relaxing, upbeat music plays on the stereo. Other amenities include Wi-Fi and games to play: solo, or with a friend. Based on feedback they've received from customers, they recently adjusted Hours of Operation. The new hours, are: Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon Bolton Nutrition is all about good health, positivity and fun. If you've not yet visited Bolton Nutrition, go check it out! It is located at 103 Madison Street in Bolton, across from Gaddis & McLaurin, next to Congressman Bennie Thompson's office and the Bolton Library. Follow on Facebook: Bolton Nutrition on Facebook Telephone: 601-667-8707

The voter registration deadline for the November 2nd general and special elections is October 4th. If registering in person, Mississippians must do so before 5 p.m. on Monday, October 4. If registering by mail, all voter registration applications must be postmarked no later than Monday, October 4. There is never a deadline to register to vote, but in order to cast a ballot in the 2021 November general and special elections, you must be registered by Monday, October 4. Below are the guidelines to register to vote in the State of Mississippi: A resident of Mississippi and the county, city, or town for 30 days prior to the election; At least 18 years old at the date of the election; Not declared mentally incompetent by a court; and, Not convicted of a disenfranchising crime. Mississippians can register to vote at any of the following locations: Circuit Clerk’s Office; Municipal Clerk’s Office; Department of Public Safety; and, Any state or federal agency offering government services. Mail-in voter registration applications are available at Circuit Clerk Offices and on the Y’all Vote website (yallvote.ms). The application may also be used to update your voter registration information if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted. To verify your voter registration information, visit the “Are You Registered To Vote?” section of the Y’all Vote website. If the information listed on the website is incorrect, please be sure to contact your local Circuit Clerk to get the information corrected as soon as possible. Upcoming deadlines are listed in the 2021 Elections Calendar. Remember, there is never a deadline to register to vote, but in order to cast a ballot in the 2021 November general and special elections, you must be registered by Monday, October 4. On Tuesday, November 2nd, voters in Hinds County will go to the polls to elect a new Sheriff to serve the time remaining in the term of Sheriff Lee Vance, who passed away in August. Voters in County Court Judge District 1 will choose their County Court Judge. Voters in County Constable District 5 will elect a new Constable. Absentee voting is going on now. Absentee balloting begins 45 days prior to an election and ends at noon on the Saturday preceding the election. The Hinds County Circuit Clerk’s offices in Raymond and Jackson will be open for absentee voting from 8 a.m. until noon on two Saturdays prior to the election.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) ​recently released statewide results from the 2020-21 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP), which provide the first statewide measure of student performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time since MAAP tests were first administered in 2016, student proficiency decreased in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). Students were last tested in 2019 and reached an all-time high for proficiency in mathematics and ELA. Statewide proficiency levels fell in all grades except grade 8 ELA, which increased 0.1% (35.6%) since 2019 (35.5%). MAAP measures students’ progress toward academic goals that equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and the workforce. Mississippi teachers helped develop MAAP tests, which align with the learning goals for Mississippi classrooms. MAAP measures student performance in ELA and mathematics in grades 3-8 and in high school English II and Algebra I. “The disruption and stress caused by COVID-19 has had an impact on student performance in every state in the country and the impact has been more marked in mathematics than in English Language Arts,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “I am proud of the way Mississippi students, families, teachers and school leaders persevered through the most challenging school year of their lives.” Students had their school year cut short in spring 2020 when the pandemic shut down school buildings in Mississippi and the United States. Though most Mississippi students had access to in-person learning most of the 2020-21 school year, hybrid learning, quarantining and numerous weather-related school building closures created obstacles to teaching and learning. The MDE provided districts pandemic-related flexibilities to administer the assessments. Schools provided safe testing environments to all students including full-time virtual learners who took assessments at schools. The overall participation rate for assessments was 96.9%, close to the 98%-99% rates of previous years. Due to COVID disruptions, grade 3 students were not required to meet a passing score on the reading assessment to be promoted to grade 4. Students still had to meet all other district requirements for promotion. Students who took required end-of-course high school assessments including Algebra I, English II, Biology and U.S. History were not required to meet a passing score. “This year’s statewide assessments provide valuable information about the impact of the pandemic on learning and will help identify where accelerated learning opportunities for students are most needed,” Wright said. Though overall statewide proficiency levels dropped, proficiency levels did not drop in every grade, subject and school. Notably, Ocean Springs School District improved its districtwide ELA proficiency level since 2019. “For our students to show continued growth and improved proficiency during such a difficult time in their lives is such an outstanding accomplishment,” said Dr. Bonita Coleman, superintendent of Ocean Spring School District (OSSD). “Continuing the learning path for all of our students and ensuring no student’s learning is negatively impacted during this unprecedented time has been of the utmost priority for OSSD. We are thankful for all of our dedicated educators and students who helped ensure a worldwide pandemic did not stand in the way of our continued progress.” Pre-pandemic, statewide student proficiency rates increased every year since MAAP tests were first administered. By 2019, Mississippi had become a national leader in education because students were making faster progress than nearly every other state. Several factors contributed to the steady rise in student achievement including the implementation of higher academic standards and statewide support to teachers to help students reach higher standards. The effective implementation of several education reform laws and policies that developed or strengthened early childhood education, literacy instruction, school and district accountability, and advanced learning opportunities for high school students. “This year establishes a new baseline for statewide assessments,” Wright said. “As the world moves to recover from the pandemic, I am confident Mississippi students will progress just as rapidly as they did before.” Click to access a copy of the full 2021 MAAP Executive Summary

Lashurn Williams, Principal at Bolton Edwards Elementary and Middle School: “Earlier this month, students participated in role playing and other activities that drove home why bullying is hurtful and unacceptable. BEEMS Rangers pledge to respect others and their property, and to exercise courtesy. We are proud to be bully-free at Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School." "Mark your calendar: BEEMS Homecoming is on Tuesday October 5th. " "The sorority sisters of the Tau Upsilon chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. Sorority began supporting our school a year ago, this month. They have been a wonderful school partner, providing items for our classrooms, school supplies for students and participating in Read Across America. Last month they delivered over 1,200 items for students: ruled paper, construction paper, glue, scissors, and much more. These items are available to students as they need to replenish their supplies. Cassandra Bishop, who teaches 6th grade social studies and science at BEEMS is a member. Thank you, ladies, for all you do!” Students at Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School received a nice surprise when they received multi-piece school supply kits. The kits, which were customized for each grade, were donated by United Way of the Capital Area, which has its offices in Jackson, MS. United Way of the Capital Area and WAPT had teamed up for a School Tools School Supply Drive in July. A kit was provided for every student in grades pre-K through 8th grade. Pictured are first grade students with their school supply kits: The Tau Upsilon chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. Sorority has partnered with Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School and provides support in a number of ways, including the provision of school supplies for students. Pictured below are 4th grade students replenishing their school supplies: Bolton-Edwards Elementary / Middle School is a pre-K through 8th grade school located at 9700 I-20 Frontage Road, Bolton, Mississippi. It is part of the Hinds County School District.

When Shannon Williams and Gloria Harper were searching for the perfect location for their new business, they fell in love with the space at 103 W. Madison Street in Bolton. Not only does it have a great prep area, essential for blending their delicious and nutritious drinks, but the spacious "front of house" area it includes, gave them the opportunity to create a comfy and fun area for customers. Bolton Nutrition's specialties are Loaded Teas and Meal Replacement Shakes that are big on flavor and good for you, too. "Healthy never tasted so good." In the front of their store, customers have a choice of seating: bar stools, tables and comfy sofas. Relaxing, upbeat music plays on the stereo. Other amenities include Wi-Fi and games to play: solo, or with a friend. Based on feedback they've received from customers, they recently adjusted Hours of Operation. The new hours, are: Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon Follow on Facebook: Bolton Nutrition on Facebook Call ahead: 601-667-8707 If you've not yet visited Bolton Nutrition, go check it out! It is located at 103 Madison Street in Bolton, across from Gaddis & McLaurin, next to Congressman Bennie Thompson's office and the Bolton Library.

Headquartered in Bolton, Mississippi, Metro Mechanical, Inc.is a full-service commercial mechanical systems provider that offers design, fabrication, installation, service, and maintenance for HVAC, plumbing, and building automation. As of June 30, 2021, Metro Mechanical has been acquired by Fidelity Building Services Group (Fidelity BSG). Fidelity BSG, headquartered in Spark, Maryland, broadened its presence in the southern US through the acquisition of Metro Mechanical. For 25 years, Metro Mechanical has specialized in commercial design/build mechanical systems and services, including HVAC, plumbing and building automation & controls to critical buildings such as commercial offices, education, government, healthcare, and churches. With locations in Mississippi and Louisiana, their services range from design, fabrication, and installation to ongoing service and maintenance. The organization includes a full team of in-house engineers, a dedicated fabrication shop and onsite training facilities. In its recently published “Metro Message,” Metro says that when they were initially approached with the opportunity to join Fidelity BSG as business partners, they knew very little about the organization. “As we did our due diligence, we found a group of people that strongly resembled the vision and culture that we have worked to build at Metro Mechanical. Fidelity BSG has assembled a group of companies that have risen to the forefront of the marketplace by treating team members like family and putting the needs of their customers as their number one goal every day,” “...Frank White, Rick White and Bryan Phillips are now operating and equity partners in the growing organization. We are excited to be part of the Fidelity BSG family.” "Metro Mechanical’s goals and values fully align with those of Fidelity BSG. They are committed to service excellence, which is reflected in their quality, safety, and technical acumen," says Dave Lanphar, CEO/Partner of Fidelity BSG. "We are thrilled to welcome the Metro Mechanical team to our growing family of companies, and we look forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring." The acquisition of Metro Mechanical is the latest move in Fidelity BSG’s strategic multi-regional growth plan, and further solidifies its presence in the South. "For over two decades, Metro Mechanical has been delivering unparalleled mechanical systems solutions to our customers. We have been recognized as the region’s ‘Contractor of Choice,’ because we have been at the forefront of industry advancements while staying true to our commitment of customer service and safety," says Frank White, President/Partner of Metro Mechanical. “Partnering with Fidelity BSG will allow us to expand on the very commitments and values that have made us a leader in this space.” The portions of Metro Mechanical’s operations that are located in the Bolton Industrial Park include corporate offices, onsite training and fabrication. This story was originally printed in the August 17, 2021 issue of The Bolton News inside The Clinton Courier.

Reginald "Reggie" Thompson, who is well known in Bolton where he serves as Assistant Chief of Police, is asking Hinds County voters for their support and their vote in the November 2nd special election when voters will elect a new Sheriff for Hinds County. Thompson's qualifications include 41 years of law enforcement experience, with 24 years in the Hinds County Sheriff's Department. Thompson, "When I served with former Sheriff Malcolm McMillan, I learned what works, what doesn't work, and have great plans for improvements. If I am elected, I will hit the ground running, to make big improvements at the Hinds County Sheriff's department." "People who live out in the County, even the most remote rural areas, deserve to feel safe and be able to live a good life. Their property and their lives are just as important as anyone else. As sheriff, I will be there, working hard for the common people of Hinds County." Thompson, "Key areas I will focus on and address, include: Problems at the Hinds Detention Center in Raymond; Increasing the visibility of deputy patrols; Developing patrol management to reduce response time; Increased collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, targeting high crime areas." "Crime in the capitol city is a major concern, of course. And we, in the Sheriff's department will support the Jackson Police 100%." "I am happy to come talk with your church, your neighborhood association -- anyone who's interested in learning more about me and why I want to be your Sheriff, to help you make an informed decision about who to vote for on November 2nd." Contact information: Reginald "Reggie" Thompson, 601.573.5912 This is a paid political announcement, paid for by the Reginald Thompson for Sheriff campaign.

The September 21st issue of The Bolton News community newspaper is available in print, inside The Clinton Courier, and a special extended edition is available online! To read the 6-page extended online edition, click here. Print copies of The Bolton News inside The Clinton Courier will be available to pick up for free (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. Home Delivery: You have the option to get the paper delivered to your home or business mailing address for only $24 per year with a Hinds County address, or outside Hinds County: for just $30 per year. That is for 24 issues delivered to your mailing address. To order home delivery: Subscribe to Home Delivery For even more Bolton news and information, visit www.BoltonMS.com. Posts are made daily. 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

PUBLIC NOTICE - SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY The following described property owned by the town of Bolton MS is hereby offered for public sale by the sealed bids process: 2008 Ford Crown Victoria, color blue, to be sold AS IS 2010 Ford Crown Victoria, color white, to be sold AS IS The vehicles may be viewed at Bolton Police Department, 200 Madison Street, Bolton, MS 39041. Any person interested in offering a bid for the purchase for one or both of these vehicles must turn in their bid (in a sealed envelope) to Bolton City Hall during normal business hours and no later than 5 p.m. on October 4, 2021. Bids must include bidder's contact information. Deliver sealed bids, to: Town of Bolton, attn: Clerk Clifton "Buddy" Henderson Municipal Building 202 Bolton Raymond Road Bolton, MS 39041

On September 17, Raymond High School Rangers varsity football played at home to an enthusiastic crowd. The match-up was a non-conference game against the Panthers of Yazoo County High School. The Panthers scored first when Tramony Little completed a 22 yard pass to Devonte Watson for the touchdown. It was YCHS 6, Raymond 0 at the end of the first quarter. The Rangers scored their first points of the night early in the second quarter when K'swaya Moffett took it into the end zone for a 17 yard rushing TD. The point after was good, putting the Rangers ahead, 7 - 6. With 6 minutes left in the second quarter, the Rangers scored again on a 4 yard rushing TD by K'swaya Moffett. The PAT kick was missed. Raymond 13, Yazoo County 6. The Rangers extended their lead when Delawerence Kency took it into the end zone for another 6 and K'swaya Moffett made the 2-point conversion. Rangers' defense kept the Panthers out of the end zone and at half-time, the score was RHS 21 to YCHS 6. Ranger Band wowed the crowd with their half-time performance. Both teams' defenses held strong throughout the 3rd quarter and neither team was able to score. In the 4th, Tyler Bunley intercepted a Yazoo County pass. Then Dontavius Mack ran it in for the score, giving Raymond a 21 point lead with about 9 minutes left in the game. They extended their lead even further with a TD pass and PAT. Yazoo got within 10 yards of the goal line and scored on a rushing TD by Devonte Watson. Then they were successful in making a 2 point conversion, which was the final score of the game. Raymond Rangers 34 - Yazoo County Panthers 14, FINAL. GO RANGERS! Next up for the Rangers: Homecoming vs North Forrest on September 24th Junior Varsity plays Terry at 6 p.m. on September 20, at home. Tailgating Rules for Homecoming And in Lady Rangers Volleyball: 9/21/21 Away, at Port Gibson, JV 5 p.m., Varsity 6 p.m. 9/23/21 Away, at Forest Hill 5:30 p.m. 9/30/21 HOME vs Terry, JV 5 p.m., Varsity 6 p.m. All photos courtesy of Ginny Barlow Price. Facebook: Ginny Barlow-Price Photography

October marks the 5th annual Make a Racket for the Kids tennis & pickleball tournament to help raise funds for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, whose work has been helping defeat child abuse for 20 years. The pickleball tournament will kick off the festivities on October 6th at The Country Club of Jackson, with all playing levels welcome. The competitive levels for this event will be both intermediate and advanced. On October 21st the tennis mixed doubles event kicks off at Parham Bridges Tennis Center in Jackson. All playing levels are welcomed, with combination levels of 6.0 and below, 7.0 and 8.0 and above. “We are thrilled to be able to host this event for the 5th consecutive year. Make a Racket for the Kids is one of those special events that allows the community to come together, have fun, and raise funds for our cause that has helped save over 44,000 children in our state.” said Liz Torricelli, the Community Outreach Coordinator for CACM. The entry fee to play either tennis or pickleball is $45, to play both tennis and pickleball $80, and $25 for non-players to participate. For additional information on Make a Racket for the Kids, contact Liz Torricelli directly via phone at 601.940.6183 ext.1005 or via e-mail at liz@mschaptercacs.org. You can also register now by following this link: HTTPS://MSCHAPTERCACS.NETWORKFORGOOD.COM/EVENTS/32954-5TH-ANNUAL-MAKE-A-RACKET-FOR-THE-KIDS. Anyone can also follow along with CACM’s journey through social media at @childadvocacyms. About Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) is the membership organization of Mississippi’s statewide Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), where children who have been victimized can receive a coordinated, victim-centered response from investigators and service providers. Over 6,000 children enter one of the 12 child advocacy centers each year to talk about the unimaginable. These child-friendly settings are designed to create a sense of safety and security for child victims. CACs also share the goal of stopping child abuse before it even starts. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2008, CACM is an accredited state chapter of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). In addition to our highly acclaimed reactive work, CACM is committed to pro-active work, fostering systemic and societal change to protect children.

Raymond High School recently announced that RHS Rangers Alumni wanting to participate in 2021 Homecoming Tailgate must complete a Tailgate Form and submit it by Tuesday, September 21. Raymond High School Rules for Tailgaiting: Tailgating is an ongoing tradition at Raymond High School and RHS looks forward to an exciting time together. Our goal is to promote a family-friendly and safe environment for everyone involved. To care for fans and the campus, please follow these guidelines in planning your tailgating event. Tailgating will be allowed only in the designated area located between the practice soccer field and the softball field. Grills are allowed. Only two vehicles per tailgating group will be allowed in the tailgating area. Other participants will need to walk to the tailgating area. In the event that the tailgating area is too wet, tailgating will be canceled. Due to school activities taking place and security concerns during school hours, no tailgating activities are allowed until 4:00 PM on game days. All tents and tailgating items must be removed from the property by 10:30 PM. Additional trash receptors will be available. Space is claimed on a first-come basis. Occupy only the space designated for your group. The RHS campus is a tobacco-free, alcohol-free and drug-free facility. These rules apply to tailgaters also. Please help us keep the grounds beautiful – Please stash your trash. Do not leave your valuables unattended. Police officers are on patrol, but you are responsible for the items that are left in your tailgating area. Restroom facilities are available near the soccer practice field. All stadium rules apply to tailgaters – once you enter the gates, you cannot leave and return without paying. No food or drink will be allowed to be taken into the stadium. If you would like to tailgate, please complete the online tailgate form by September 21, 2021. A confirmation call will come from RHS Administration by September 22, 2021, to approve tailgating. Click Here to visit the page where you can access the tailgate form. These photos were taken by Ginny Barlow Price on September 10, 2021, when the Rangers defeated Velma Jackson, 26 to 12. Go Rangers!