United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) recently announced that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will host its annual hiring fair webinar on August 31, 2021 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm CDT. The webinar is free and will provide students and recent grads the opportunity to learn about DHS careers and the federal hiring and application process. To register for the webinar click here. The following DHS components and offices will participate in this year’s webinar: United States Secret Service (USSS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Federal Protection Service (FPS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) The Congressman’s Bolton office is located at 107 West Madison Street, Bolton, MS 39041. Telephone: (601) 866-9003. US Representative Bennie G. Thompson Bolton MS: 107 West Madison Street Bolton, MS 39041 (601) 866-9003 (601) 866-9036 (Fax) Washington DC: 2466 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5876 (202) 225-5898 (Fax)

The 2021-22 school year is off to a great start at Bolton Edwards Elementary / Middle School. The school is excited to welcome these new teachers to BEEMS: Pictured above, are teachers who are new to Bolton Edwards Elementary/Middle School for the 2021-22 school year. Jennifer Bailey, Kindergarten. Shelia Johnson, 5th grade. Kayla Bilbo, 7th grade. Janae Mack, PreK. Abigail Parker, 4th grade. Antoinettia Wilkerson, Interventionist. Sherril Tate, 5th grade. Kourtney Bailey, 6th grade. Sharilynn McFarland, exceptional services. Bolton - Edwards Elementary / Middle School, is part of the Hinds County School District, and covers PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1 through 8. For grades 9 through 12, Bolton residents attend Raymond High School. Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School 9700 I-20 Frontage Road, Bolton MS 39041 Telephone: 601.866.2522

Yesterday, August 17, 2021, Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Faye Peterson sentenced Regina Thomas of Bolton, owner of the former Total Healthcare Network, Inc., on five counts of Medicaid Fraud, totaling $4,091,208.09 in over-billing and billing for services not rendered. “Medicaid is an important part of our social safety net, helping those who cannot afford to pay for the healthcare services they need,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “When healthcare providers defraud Medicaid, they not only cheat the taxpayers who support this program; they also violate the trust of the people who depend on it. I commend the prosecutors and investigators of our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for the work they do to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program.” Regina Thomas of Bolton, Mississippi, a Licensed Practical Nurse, operated Total Healthcare Network, Inc. in Jackson until 2019, offering respite care and personal care services. On a referral from the Division of Medicaid, the Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into suspected excessive billing, billing for services not rendered, and abandonment of an audit. The investigation resulted in uncovering more than $4 million in suspected fraud over a period of 5 years, between January 1, 2015 and December 5, 2019. Thomas pled guilty and was sentenced to serve 5 years, with five years post-release supervision, and was ordered to make restitution of the full $4,091,208.09. She was remanded to the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

By Ed McMahon, Chairman of the National Main Street Center’s Board of Directors When Erin and Ben Napier returned to her hometown of Laurel after college graduation in 2008, the community was struggling with empty storefronts and economic disinvestment. That same year, the city of Laurel became a designated Main Street program, and more than a decade later, the city of 18,000 has seen a rebirth of downtown business and an influx of tourists, many of whom have come to know and love Laurel through “Home Town,” Napier's HGTV show. Laurel’s story resonates with viewers—in large part because it showcases the power of place and the ability of a committed group of people to make a difference. Through the redevelopment efforts of the Napiers and many other community leaders, downtown Laurel has become a thriving destination. Today, the city is known for its historic Craftsman-style homes, mom-and-pop boutiques, local restaurants, enchanting murals and small-town charm. The story of Laurel also illustrates the power of the Main Street approach to economic revitalization, which creates change through small steps, small developments, and small business. That’s the strategy taken by the Mississippi Main Street Association, an economic development nonprofit that supports small towns and neighborhood commercial districts around the state. In just the last year alone—and in the midst of a global pandemic—Mississippi Main Street reported nearly 600 net new jobs and nearly 200 net new businesses in designated Main Street communities. Yet politicians love nothing better than a ribbon cutting for a big new factory or distribution center. In fact, as much as 90% of state economic development dollars in the U.S. go to large companies. Take, for example, Nissan’s Canton factory, which employs about 5,200 people. To attract the plant, the state of Mississippi provided roughly $1.3 billion in subsidies over the first decade of operation—which works out to more than $200,000 per new job. There’s no doubt projects like these have economic value. But too often, support for small businesses and small towns is overlooked in favor of elephant chasing. Contrast the amount of money the state put into the Nissan plant with the amount it allocated to Mississippi Main Street. Over the last six years, the nonprofit helped its Main Street communities create more than 8,000 net new jobs with less than $500,000 in state funding—averaging $62.50 in state investment per job created. On a dollar for dollar basis, investing in place—through small businesses and local communities—is a better use of tax dollars. When we support small businesses, their owners tend to reinvest that money back in the community, rather than funneling it to large corporate entities outside the state. Small businesses also account for the lion’s share of new U.S. jobs. In fact, small businesses have generated 65% of net new jobs since 2000, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. And finally, small businesses help create a sense of place that is essential to attracting talent—and ultimately, to attracting large employers, too. People want to live in communities with vibrant commercial districts, walkable downtowns, a variety of restaurants, and local character. Another successful Main Street example is the community of Tupelo, known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Between 1990 and 2020, Main Street investment helped reduce the downtown vacancy rate from 13 to 4 percent, as the city added live music venues, art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants. Today, visitors flock to Tupelo to attend the annual Elvis Festival or visit Fairpark, a vibrant mixed-use district built on the former site of the county’s fairgrounds. In a state where the biggest city, Jackson, has a population of just 160,000, it’s clear that small communities matter. Mississippi’s economy depends on towns like Tupelo and Laurel, and residents and tourists alike are drawn to their unique charm. By supporting places like these—and organizations like Mississippi Main Street—we can create lasting assets that will pay dividends for the long-term. Just as Ben and Erin Napier have demonstrated, investing in small, local development offers a proven return on investment—and is key to building thriving communities in the Hospitality State.

Tuesday, August 17, was a busy day for Bolton's first responders. Reginald Thompson, Assistant Chief of the Bolton Police Department says that Bolton Volunteer Fire Department was called to assist the Edwards VFD after a car flipped over into a ditch around 7 a.m. Additionally, a semi truck caught fire on the ramp, I-20 Exit 27 West, Bolton, at approximately 8 a.m. Bolton Police responded and remained at the scene until Mississippi Highway Patrol arrived. It was necessary for MHP to close the ramp for approximately two hours. Debris was removed and the area was restored to safe status around 2 p.m. In an emergency, dial 911. Non-emergency calls to Bolton Police Department: 601-866-7233.

On Monday, August 16, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors appointed Marshand Crisler to serve as interim sheriff of the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department following Sheriff Lee Vance's death. Crisler will serve in the position until a special election is held on November 2, 2021. The winner of the special election will serve the 2 ½ years remaining in Lee Vance's term. The qualifying deadline is September 3, 2021 for candidates who wish to run for Sheriff of Hinds County.

KEITH KINKADE OF KINKADE’S FINE CLOTHING TEAMS UP WITH JEFF GOOD OF BRAVO!, BROAD STREET AND SAL & MOOKIE’S TO OFFER INCENTIVES FOR CENTRAL MISSISSIPPIANS TO GET VACCINATED With the exponential growth of the Delta Variant of Covid-19 monopolizing the news, Keith Kinkade wanted to do something to help keep Mississippi moving forward and keep businesses open. He approached Jeff Good and suggested a partnership promotion where central Mississippians getting their first vaccine shot could get a treat from Jeff’s restaurants, and a great suit from Kinkade’s. “We’ve all been through a lot this past year. And we have come so far as a state... but we need to do better,” states Keith Kinkade, the owner of Kinkade’s Fine Clothing. “We are pro-business, and we are pro-Mississippi. And Mississippi is made up of the best people in the world. So, we wanted to come up with a way to do our part to help increase the vaccination rate in our community.” With Mississippi vaccination rates well below the national average, Keith and Jeff came up with the idea to incentivize those choosing to get their first vaccine shot with a $10 gift card to BRAVO!, Broad Street and Sal & Mookie’s as well as a chance to win a tailored suit from Kinkade’s! “If you got your first vaccination shot on July 23rd or thereafter, just bring your card to one of our businesses: Kinkade’s, Sal & Mookie’s in the District, BRAVO!, Broad Street or Sal & Mookie’s in Madison and we will give you a free $10 gift card!,” Jeff Good explains. “That’s not all! One lucky person out of every 100 will receive a free tailored suit from Kinkade’s! So, the more people who get vaccinated, the more suits will be given away! More gift cards, more suits, and better vaccination rates… it’s a win/win!” The promotion starts Friday, July 23rd 2021 and will run indefinitely. “We hope our efforts entices some folks who have not gotten around to getting their vaccine to doing so,” adds Keith Kinkade. “We just want to do our part to keep Mississippi open!” Participants will need to bring their official vaccination card, dated no earlier than July 23, 2021, for the first shot, to one of the host businesses: Kinkade’s, Sal & Mookie’s in the District, BRAVO!, Broad Street or Sal & Mookie’s in Madison to receive their free $10 gift card. At that time, they will be able to register for the free suit drawings. A new drawing will take place with every 100 entries. Participants can only enter once and may only receive one free gift card. Related story: Protection from COVID-19

On Saturday, August 7, fifty-three individuals received free Covid-19 vaccination shots at Mt. Olive M.B. Church. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were administered by the Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. Another free COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, starting at 9 a.m., at the church: Mt. Olive M.B. Church Fellowship Hall 6449 W. Northside Drive Bolton, MS 39041 COVID-19 vaccinations for Mississippians are available at no cost from MSDH sites around the state, and from local pharmacies and healthcare providers. Find a free vaccination near you at https://msdh.ms.gov/c19vaccination Related Story: Protection from COVID-19

With the surge in COVID-19 infections and severe shortage of hospital beds in our state, the Mississippi State Department of Health urges all Mississippians to: Be vaccinated. Vaccination is the most powerful step we can take to resume normal community life and stop unnecessary deaths. Be tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or believe you may have been exposed. If you are unvaccinated, wear a mask whenever you are indoors, away from home. If you are over 65, or have a chronic illness, avoid all large indoor gatherings, even if you are vaccinated. Vaccination benefits us even if we have already had COVID-19. Most COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are now among unvaccinated Mississippians. Free COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals age 12 and older are available at all county health departments throughout the State of Mississippi during their normal days of operations. Schedule a free vaccination ahead of time for quicker service (at www.covidvaccine.umc.edu) or make an appointment when you arrive. Same-day appointments are usually available. Vaccinations are also available from many local pharmacies and healthcare providers. Additional information is available on the MS State Dept. of Health website. A parent or guardian must accompany minors, ages 12 to 17, to their vaccination. Want to hold a vaccination event? MSDH will assist businesses, organizations, cities, groups or individuals interested in holding a COVID-19 vaccination event in their community. Call the COVID-19 Hotline for more details: 877-978-6453. A vaccination event will be held at Mt. Olive M.B. Church on Saturday, August 28. Click here for additional details. If you are homebound and need assistance getting your COVID-19 vaccination, send an e-mail to COVIDhomebound@msdh.ms.gov or call the Hotline at 877-978-6453. If you test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, ask your doctor about monoclonal antibody treatment right away. Your body naturally makes antibodies to fight infection. However, your body may not have antibodies designed to recognize a new virus like the one that causes COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies, or mAbs, are made in a laboratory to fight a particular infection, based on natural antibodies against COVID-19. mAb treatment may lower your risk for severe symptoms or hospitalization from COVID-19. A list of Contacts for mAb referral can be found on the MSDH website. Third Vaccination Doses (boosters): Certain medical conditions such as cancer treatment or organ transplants can mean that your immune system is less effective. An additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine may provide added protection if your doctor finds it necessary. If you have a medical condition that may affect your immune system, consult a physician or medical provider. They can evaluate your health and risk factors and determine whether a third vaccine dose or booster may benefit you. If your medical provider decides that you need a third vaccine dose, they will administer it to you. MSDH does not provide additional or booster vaccine doses. Who should not be vaccinated: If you have had severe reactions from previous vaccines or injectable medications, please consult with your doctor or a private medical provider about vaccination. They may advise against vaccination.

On August 10, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has awarded grant funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Hinds Community College, John Bell Williams Airport Authority. These grants provide economic relief funds for costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, debt service payments, and combating the spread of pathogens at the airport. Thompson also announced that the National Science Foundation has awarded $300,000 to Jackson State University. This project, entitled "EAGER: Pathway to Commercialization at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)," is under the direction of Almesha Campbell. This project seeks to explore the technology and technology transfer infrastructure at a subset of HBCUs with Computer Science and Engineering Departments. On July 28 Thompson announced that the United States Department of Agriculture has awarded $905,132 to Alcorn State University, an 1890 Land-grant Institution, to support research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: $413,257 for Engineering impact-resistant hydrophobic microcrystalline cellulose biocomposites using switchgrass, giant miscanthus and DDGS; and $491,875 for Integrating sustainable agricultural practices to enhance quality of poultry products and environment in Southwest Mississippi. The Congressman’s Bolton office is located at 107 West Madison Street, Bolton, MS 39041. Telephone: (601) 866-9003. US Representative Bennie G. Thompson Bolton MS: 107 West Madison Street Bolton, MS 39041 (601) 866-9003 (601) 866-9036 (Fax) Washington DC: 2466 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5876 (202) 225-5898 (Fax)

Over the years, Alfenette Robinson has witnessed many changes at the Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton, Mississippi, where she serves as Manager. In 2000, the library doubled in size after additional space was acquired. It was transformed from a single storefront building, to a wide open-spaced facility with ample room for patrons to sit and read, for clubs to hold meetings, and for children to enjoy story time and other activities in a newly-added children’s section. Robinson: “In recent years, technological advances have made it possible for all libraries in the Jackson/Hinds Library System (JHLS) to add new services and resources: computers, wi-fi, e-books and audiobooks, apps, and subscriptions to several great online resources.” Patrons can enjoy free digital options with their JHLS library card and PIN. Patrons may also print from one of the library’s public computers and send faxes for a reasonable price. The library’s name-sake is the late Annie Laura Thompson Jeffers, who served as librarian for 15 years, mother of Congressman Bennie Thompson, member of the U.S. House of Representatives. The library is part of the Jackson/Hinds Library System, website: www.JHLibrary.org. The COVID-19 pandemic forced all libraries in JHLS to make sweeping changes: some previously in-person activities have been placed on hold indefinitely; others have continued, but are virtual-only. The 2021 Summer Reading Program featured a number of virtual activities and events, with crafts, goody bags, awards and prizes being picked up at the library. “Everyone loved the crafts and goody bags, as well as the online virtual activities,” said Robinson. “Azalea Singleton was the Top Reader for Bolton, in the JHLS Summer Reading program. She won Malco movie passes, new books, a Google prize pack and Funtime Skateland passes.” As of August 1, 2021, some COVID-19 restrictions still apply. Patrons may use the computers inside the library for up to two hours, and they may browse and check out books. But club meetings, kids' group activities and so on, cannot yet be held inside the library. Robinson, “Curbside service is available as well as free wi-fi: you can park outside the library building to use the free wi-fi.” September is Library Card Sign-up Month. JHLS library cards are free to residents of Hinds County. Alfenette urges everyone to get their card today. Robinson, “Bolton Friends of the Library (FOL) is a group of citizens who love and support our library. FOL holds a fund-raiser or two each year: book sales, cookie swaps… Anyone can join Friends of the Library and the group would love to have new members! A meeting will be held at the Library on Tuesday, September 28, at 10 a.m., and everyone who is interested, is invited to attend.” When asked what she loves most about her job, Robinson said, “I love seeing children with their first library card. I enjoy meeting and talking with people, and helping them find what they need. And it means so much when parents bring their children and tell us, ‘I used to come here when I was a child. Now I am grown and bringing my kids.’ “ When asked what she misses most from pre-COVID days Robinson is quick to respond, “In-person story time with the kids. I will be very happy when we are able to resume in-person story time at the library.” 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. For more information, call 601- 866-4247 or stop by the Annie T. Jeffers Library, 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. website: www.JHLibrary.org

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 7, 2021, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: **See update below** FREE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS at Mt. Olive M.B. Church on W. Northside Drive. Drive-thru. No appointment needed. Ages 12 and older. Mt. Olive M.B. Church Fellowship Hall 6449 W. Northside Drive Bolton MS 39041 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available. They will be administered by the Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. Saturday, August 7, 2021, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. An important message from the Mississippi State Department of Health: Much younger Mississippians are being hospitalized with the delta variant. We are in a strikingly different situation from a year ago, when severe COVID-19 occurred mostly in those over 50. Now 43% of those hospitalized for COVID-19 right now are under 50 -- and more than a quarter of all COVID-19 hospitalizations are in those under 40. If you are a younger adult and unvaccinated, the Delta variant is posing a new and more serious risk to you. Seriously consider getting protected today. Find a free vaccination near you at https://msdh.ms.gov/c19vaccination COVID-19 vaccinations for Mississippians are available at no cost from MSDH sites around the state, and from local pharmacies and healthcare providers. **UPDATE: Click here to read updates