Special to The Bolton News The Bolton community is gearing up for one of the sweetest events of the season: the Annual Bolton Cookie Swap, set for Monday, December 2, at 1:15 p.m. at the Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton, Mississippi. This beloved tradition invites residents of all ages to come together to celebrate the holiday season with delicious homemade cookies, friendly conversation, and the joy of giving and sharing. Participants are asked to bring one or two dozen of their finest homemade cookies, along with the recipes used to make them. The unique twist of this event is that it’s not just about tasting cookies; attendees will have the chance to swap their baked goods and their recipes with others, creating a fun, interactive experience that encourages creativity, culinary exchange, and community connection. The library will provide a warm, festive setting where guests can enjoy refreshments while mingling with neighbors, sharing baking tips, and discovering new favorite cookie recipes. Whether you are a seasoned baker, a casual cookie enthusiast, or simply looking to soak in the holiday spirit, the cookie swap offers something for everyone. This event is more than just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a celebration of local community, seasonal traditions, and the simple joy of sharing. Attendees are encouraged to come early, bring their cookies and recipes, and get ready to kick off the holiday season with laughter, conversation, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the library. It’s a perfect way for families, friends, and neighbors to connect, enjoy festive treats, and take home new recipes to try throughout the holidays. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Bolton’s holiday tradition and make memories that will last long after the last cookie has been swapped. For those seeking more information or with questions about the event, Mrs. Alfenette Robinson can be reached by email at arobinson@jhlibrary.org  or by phone at (601) 866-4247.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit: IMDB “Predator” and I got off on the wrong foot. I’m not talking about the new movie, but rather the 1987 original, and by extension the whole franchise. I rented the film hoping to enjoy some action-movie interaction between two future governors: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura. Unfortunately, there was little to no interaction between the two, and Ventura’s character got picked off by the Predator earlier than I would have liked. I spent the rest of the movie sulking, and never really became a fan of the series. Flash forward to 2025. I wasn’t really looking forward to “Predator: Badlands” in and of itself, but after the dismal October we just had at the domestic box office, I’ll take a hit wherever I can get it. Which is probably why I liked the movie as much as I did. There’s not a lot for me here, but I needed to get excited about “something,” so the film’s greatest strength may be its good timing. The film follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), an aspiring young Predator (or “Yautja”) on the faraway planet of Yautja Prime. Dek desperately wants to go on a successful hunt to earn the approval of his father Njohrr (Reuben De Jong), as well as… living privileges, because Yautjas that don’t complete successful hunts are put to death. Njohrr wants relative runt Dek put down anyway, but he flees to the planet Genna, home to the most high-value trophy in the known universe, the Kalisk. He vows to not return without killing the Kalisk for himself. Dek doesn’t fare well on the hostile Genna, but an opportunity presents itself in the form of Thia (Elle Fanning), a synthetic human that had been part of a party trying to find and exploit the Kalisk for their corporate overlords (I won’t say which corporation, but it’s a big deal). The Kalisk overpowered Thia’s team, leaving her as the sole survivor, and she’s worse for wear, missing the entire lower half of her body. She and Dek make a deal: he’ll help her get her body back and help her reunite with her also-damaged “sister” Tessa (also Fanning) and she’ll help him take down the Kalisk. Dek and Thia start off as uneasy allies, but as they overcome obstacles together, their bond turns into friendship. All this despite Thia being half of a smart-alecky robot and Dek coming from a race that forbids emotions. Which presents kind of a huge problem for me, in that neither character is from a race that I feel is worth preserving. Thia is so artificial that there’s literally another of her, and even though we ultimately see that there’s some good in Dek, sorry, the universe would probably be better off without kill-obsessed Predators. I know I’m supposed to like “Predator: Badlands” because of the way the alien and the robot learn what it means to be human. Honestly, I was rolling my eyes at those parts. I like the movie because Thia’s jokes were hitting for me and I liked the action. The upside of all the characters being either robots or aliens is that the film can be as violent as it wants and still get a PG-13 rating as long as all the gore is in the form of either sparks or slime. “Predator: Badlands” is fine as an action movie for people who could use a half-decent action movie, but just as with Thia’s body, don’t expect it to be more than “half” decent. Grade: B- By the way, I later found another movie from 1987 with both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura. In this one, their characters do interact. They even go head-to-head with one another in a fight, where one presumably kills the other. That movie is called “The Running Man.” And wouldn’t you know it, there’s a new version of that property coming out on Friday. “Predator: Badlands” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong sci-fi violence. Its running time is 107 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     You received the phone call that buckles your knees. Or hear the police officer’s knock on the door. Or the doctor solemnly walks toward you in the hospital waiting room. And now you have just heard the worst news of your life. You’ve lost the most important person in your world. Or, maybe you opened the envelope that you assumed would be just another pay check, but found a pink slip. Or you meet with your physician to get the results of your testing, and it’s not good. It could be that you’ve just had to face the fact that your teenager is no longer your angelic cherub from childhood, and will likely be facing years in prison. So much heartbreak in our world. And way too many of us are going to receive a notification today that will break our hearts and stun our minds to the point of basically nonfunctioning. Until we can pull ourselves back together, somehow. What do you do now? What are the next steps that you take, after your world has suddenly collided with brutal reality? Lean. If you have any belief that God is a real Being. If you realize that He truly does care, and that He wants to help you with the trauma in this life, then lean on your faith. God never promised that His people wouldn’t hurt, because pain is part of living on earth for the believer, or the non-believer. But He did promise believers that He would never leave us, and He would help us when pain comes. Don’t try to be pious. Don’t be so determined to be ‘leaning on my God’ that you deeply bury that emotional wound. Determinedly smiling and showing the world a strong face doesn’t really help you. Buried wounds don’t heal very well. They can end up in anger and bitterness. Grieve openly. In your own way and for as long as you need. Grieving is natural. Let yourself experience the pain as it comes and goes in your life. So that it can eventually go. Don’t allow yourself to get stuck. Sometimes people can find themselves stuck in a certain part of healing – or nonhealing. Seek out people who will listen but will also encourage you to walk forward. Don’t allow yourself to isolate.  Dealing with this kind of pain is worse when you do it all alone. Be open to allowing others into your world of pain. Wait to make any major decisions until you are certain that you are functioning clearly. Grief and pain can cloud your ability to think things through to make good solid choices for your life. You certainly don’t want to make life altering decisions based on thoughts and emotions that are still raw. What I am saying is basically this: Give yourself time. Time to grieve, time to hurt, time to begin to heal.

Special to The Bolton News Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School will welcome parents and guardians to its upcoming Parent-Teacher Conference on Wednesday, November 12, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This annual event is an important opportunity for families to connect with teachers, celebrate student achievements, and gain a deeper understanding of each child’s progress. During the conference, parents can meet with teachers across all grade levels to discuss academic performance, classroom participation, and overall development. Detailed progress reports will be available, allowing families to see both strengths and areas where students may need additional support. Teachers will provide guidance on effective study habits, time management skills, and strategies for success in both core subjects and elective courses. Families are encouraged to ask questions about assignments, upcoming projects, and classroom expectations, ensuring that students receive consistent support at school and at home. Beyond academics, the conference offers a chance to discuss social and emotional growth, involvement in extracurricular activities, and preparation for future milestones. Teachers will share insights into each student’s unique talents and learning style, helping parents develop practical ways to encourage curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning. For many families, this interaction strengthens the vital partnership between home and school, reinforcing the shared goal of fostering student achievement. Participation in the Parent-Teacher Conference has been shown to enhance student confidence, motivation, and academic outcomes. Whether celebrating successes, addressing challenges, or planning for the months ahead, families who attend gain a clearer perspective on their child’s educational journey. Parents and guardians seeking more information or wishing to arrange specific meeting times are encouraged to contact the BEEMS office at 601-866-2522. Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School looks forward to welcoming every family and working together to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

Ginger Robbins, VP, Workforce Development Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director, AccelerateMS   and Governmental Affairs, Hinds CC   AccelerateMS, Mississippi’s lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, and Hinds Community College, on Friday, established a strategic partnership designed to set a new statewide standard for how Mississippi supports new, expanding, and existing industries. The announcement, held at the Hinds Community College Jackson Campus, was attended by local and state leaders, workforce and education professionals, and representatives from key Mississippi industries. The collaboration focuses on addressing critical workforce shortages in the construction and industrial trades — professions essential to building the infrastructure powering Mississippi’s regional and statewide growth. Through the agreement, the two organizations will jointly develop and deliver high-quality, industry-aligned training opportunities that prepare Mississippians for priority occupations identified by the State Workforce Investment Board, AccelerateMS and employer partners. “This partnership is setting the tone for how we do workforce development in Mississippi,” said Courtney Taylor, executive director of AccelerateMS. “We’re not just responding to industry demand — we’re anticipating it. By aligning resources and focusing on what truly matters to our state’s economy, we’re building the human capital infrastructure Mississippi needs to grow. The collaboration with Hinds ensures we’re filling gaps, not duplicating efforts, and that we’re ready to meet the needs of the industries driving our future.”   Under the agreement, AccelerateMS will provide labor market intelligence, recruitment support and employer engagement to ensure programs align with current and future industry needs. Hinds Community College will serve as the region’s primary educational and training partner, providing instruction, credentialing support and performance tracking for new and expanded programs. The partnership’s initial focus areas include plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC and electrical work, with an emphasis on short-term, customized and incumbent worker training. “This partnership will not only enhance personal economic mobility but also strengthen the local workforce, attract industry investment and contribute to regional economic growth,” said Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik. “By better aligning education with labor market needs, the College moves toward realizing our vision – to be a catalyst in creating a competitive economy and compelling culture for Mississippi.” Together, AccelerateMS and Hinds are demonstrating what coordinated, efficient and data-driven workforce development looks like in practice — one that reduces duplication, fills critical gaps and maximizes the return on public investment. “This partnership exemplifies how we want to do business across the state,” Taylor said. “When we combine the state’s workforce strategy engine with proven delivery partners, Mississippi becomes a model for how talent and industry grow together.”   About AccelerateMS AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that share complementary missions, AccelerateMS creates sustained individual, community and statewide economic prosperity.   About Hinds Community College With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities through academic programs that lead to seamless u niversity transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.

Special to The Bolton News It may be time to donate that ’84 Mustang that has been sitting in the driveway for ten years. Many properties have vehicles collecting dust in the front yard, but donating these vehicles can make a positive difference. Mercy House Adult and Teen Challenge (MHATC), headquartered in Georgetown, gladly accepts old, rundown vehicles through its Vehicle Donation Program (VDP).   With holidays approaching, it is the season to be thankful and give back. How do vehicle donations help? MHATC repairs and resells each donated vehicle, which then helps fund the ministry.   Many people think donating used vehicles can be a hassle, but donating through the Mercy House Vehicle Donation Program is easy. The organization offers free pickups for all donations, and each donor can receive a tax deduction of at least $500. After a quick phone call or online form, Mercy House contacts potential donors within 48 hours to arrange pick-up. From there, their team evaluates and restores each vehicle to help fund the organization’s recovery initiatives.   MHATC accepts almost any vehicle, including trucks, sedans, motorcycles, four-wheelers, and boats. While donors do not receive payment for donating their vehicles, every contribution directly supports the men striving to rebuild their lives through MHATC’s addiction recovery program.   MHATC’s residential program works to rehabilitate men struggling with addiction to ultimately reunite them with their families. This organization can potentially “restore (more) broken families one man at a time” through its faith-based recovery program. MHATC needs the community to pitch in and donate old vehicles to help more Mississippians battling addiction. The ministry that would later become Adult and Teen Challenge was founded in 1960 by David Wilkerson, an Assemblies of God pastor who left a rural Pennsylvania church to work on the street among teenage gang members and socially marginalized people in New York City. Wilkerson is also known for authoring “The Cross and the Switchblade” and founding Times Square Church. Teen Challenge started its first residential program in December 1960, in a house in Brooklyn.   MHATC of Georgetown saw Mississippi’s great need and kick-started the program. The 14-month residential program provides men with effective and comprehensive faith-based solutions to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems so they can re-assimilate into society. By applying biblical principles, the organization helps people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically healthy, and spiritually alive. MHATC property in Georgetown Mississippi  has experienced a dramatic surge in drug-related fatalities, with overdose deaths increasing by 127% from 2012 to 2023, reaching 702 deaths annually. The state faces a severe opioid crisis driven primarily by fentanyl, which caused 280 deaths in 2021, representing an 18% increase from the previous year.   The latest statistics on addiction in women show that, while men still have higher overall rates of substance use disorder, the gender gap is narrowing. Key trends include a growing need for treatment among pregnant and postpartum women, a faster progression from use to addiction, and higher rates of prescription drug misuse compared to men.    Despite the high need, Mississippi faces challenges with treatment availability. Many people needing treatment cannot receive it due to long waiting lists and low facility vacancies. This spurred Mercy House Adult and Teen Challenge in Mississippi to take action and do something to help.   Currently, the organization is seeking to grow its addiction-recovery program to include women, an expansion that vehicle donations can help make possible. This new addition will be named Sacred Grove Women’s Program, and they plan to open their doors in January 2026 in Hinds County, MS.  The organization is doing everything possible to fund this expansion, including an annual golf tournament, operating two thrift stores ( SuperThrift Pearl  and SuperThrift Byram ), selling custom-made crosses and signs called Products with a Purpose,  and an annual donor dinner.      “From the development of a new women’s facility to upcoming adventures for the men’s program, there’s so much in motion—and we’re thrilled to share it with you…” says MHATC’s Executive Director, Matt Milliman. “Every donated vehicle represents more than just a tax break or an empty space in your yard. It’s a step toward restoring families and giving people a second chance.”   With Thanksgiving approaching, there has never been a better time to show gratitude than by helping others in need. Mercy House will gladly remove each abandoned vehicle, repair it, resell it, and provide donors with a tax deduction. Mercy House can restore broken family one man at a time through one vehicle donation at a time. Make a difference today and donate.   For more information or to schedule a vehicle donation, visit vehicledonationms.com  or call 601-572-7296. Follow the organization or any of its programs on Facebook. “I had a 1997 Oldsmobile clunker that was broken down, just rusting in my driveway for years. I heard about Mercy House’s VPD program back in 2022 and thought it was a great idea to donate there as a win-win. I could donate it to a great cause while getting it out of my yard. Problem solved while feeling like I could help out in some way,” said Jennifer Burns of Sturgis, MS. “I chose to donate because I believe in the mission of Mercy House. Several family members have struggled with various addictions, and I wanted to support those taking the next steps in battling addictions by supporting Mercy House.”

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB How is it that Halloween of 2025 couldn’t give us a better horror movie than “Black Phone 2”? It’s not that I’m shocked that a Halloween horror movie is a disappointment. I’m just shocked that we got such a disappointing movie this year. 2025 has been such a banner year for horror thus far. “Sinners,” “Weapons,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” and “The Conjuring: Last Rites” were all blockbusters. There’s serious Oscar talk around those first two films, the latter two are the best box office performers of their respective franchises. We should have gotten a film that could stand alongside those giants for Halloween. Instead, we got “Black Phone 2,” a movie that has barely scrounged up an estimated $60 million at the domestic box office in its three weekends of release. With Halloween over, the film is not only highly unlikely to wind up a blockbuster, it’s highly unlikely to make more than its 2022 predecessor. It might even fall short of preventing already-notorious flop “Tron: Ares” from being the biggest release of October 2025. That covers the commercial disappointment. Creatively, the film has its defenders (it currently has a “Certified Fresh” 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but I personally found it to be similarly disappointing. The film takes place in 1982, four years after the original, where teenager Finney Blake (Mason Thames) managed to overcome and kill serial child murderer The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) by talking to the villain’s past victims with the help of the mysterious Black Phone. Now Finney and his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) are trying to move on with their lives, despite him not being able to overcome his trauma and her unable to stop having violent psychic visions. She thinks they need to go on a mission of some kind at the behest of their late mother. The kids’ journey takes them to a snowed-in Christian youth camp that their mother attended 25 years ago. Gwen’s visions start to intensify and she has increasingly severe nightmares and sleepwalking episodes. Also, despite the camp’s director (Demián Bechir) insisting that it is inoperative, Finney starts getting calls on the camp’s (Black) pay Phone. Some of the calls are from scared children that Finney has never met, though whom Gwen has seen in her dreams. But one call is from The Grabber. Somehow he can still make things happen from beyond the grave. And one of the things he wants to make happen is revenge. Early stages of the film show promise. We don’t know exactly what tools the dead Grabber has at his disposal, so we don’t know how he can affect the characters and the world around them. He could do something shocking. But as the film goes along and he shows his hand more and more, he gets less and less scary. By the end, he’s basically a less-smart Freddy Krueger, and the film has taken on the unfunny slapstick of a late-stage “Nightmare on Elm Street” sequel. Speaking of sequels with diminishing returns, “Black Phone 2” is guilty of running several halfway decent ideas into the ground. Gwen had a memorably-profane outburst in the first movie, this one has her go on about a half-dozen over-rehearsed vulgar tirades. The first movie was good at heartfelt inter-family dialogue, this movie gets so wordy that it feels about twenty minutes too long. Most overdone is the trope of showing grainy footage of murder victims in happier times, followed by “horrific” footage. This is because director Scott Derrickson employed the same trick in his two “Sinister” movies before he made “The Black Phone,” so I’ve had to put up with this device for four movies now instead of two, and Derrickson isn’t upping his game. “Black Phone 2” has had its Halloween heyday, and there’s no point in seeing it now, without the kind of big responsive horror crowd that this movie desperately needs for it to even approach being fun. Grade: C- “Black Phone 2” is rated R for strong violent content, gore, teen drug use, and language. Its running time is 114 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Have you ever tried to help someone who doesn’t actually want help? Oh, they tell you they do. They call and beg for you to give them answers to their problems. But when you stop your busy life, put your thinking cap on, get creative and give them answers, suddenly you run into excuses, reasons and downright refusals. All couched in terms like, “Oh, good grief, no!” Or, “No, I can’t do that because…” Or likely the tried and true, “You don’t understand, that won’t work because of_________” (insert whatever.) And as long as you play kamikaze and keep putting yourself out there on this suicide mission, you are going to hear this theme of self-centered negativity played out in your ears for as long as you are willing to listen. It doesn’t matter if you approach their problem from any direction - emotional, physical, or psychological. And it also doesn’t matter if your answers make excellent sense. That beloved stuck relative or friend will let you know that your solutions will not help. They won’t have to think for a while about what you have suggested. Their “No way” will be immediate, and followed by a litany of reasons and excuses that make perfect sense to them. And before long, you can find yourself frustrated and longing to find a cement floor to pound into powder and then eat that powder. Learn this before you find yourself drowning in a pool of their “But, but, buts.” THEY DO NOT TRULY WANT YOUR GOOD SOLUTIONS. They are drowning in another pool. A deep dark pool of rebellion and anger against whomever and whatever has put them in their situation. And nothing that you suggest - and I mean nothing - is going to satisfy them or be a good answer for their dilemma. The only thing they will warmly accept is for their life to rewind and become what they are wanting. To recover what they have lost. You are wasting your breath if you try to convince them there truly are answers for those problems which prompted them to call you and beg for your help. Help that down deep inside, they do not want. They only want life to return to what they had. Before they lost. Giving real answers to help them? Very likely, most of us are not trained counselors or a licensed psychologist, so I sincerely doubt you can. You can love them, be extremely patient and understanding with them, pray for them, and walk with them through their valley. But don’t be surprised if that valley is long and dark, while they finally learn to accept what has happened in their life. Patiently wait for them until they take a deep breath, lift their head, accept their new situation and walk on. Then and only then will your suggestions, your pleading, and your answers begin to make sense to the one who is stuck in that pit of negativity.

Special to The Bolton News The Mayor and Board of Aldermen convened on November 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for its first bi-monthly meeting. Following the invocation and roll call, the board confirmed a quorum and began discussions covering a range of town matters, from ordinance updates to holiday closures and upcoming community events. Public appearances were made by Chasitie and Charlton Watson and by Amia Edwards, providing residents with the opportunity to share input and engage directly with town leadership. Under unfinished business, the board reviewed proposed amendments to the transient vendor and mobile food vendor ordinances. These updates are intended to establish clearer regulations and improve consistency in oversight for temporary vendors and food truck operations within the town. In new business, the board approved a proclamation setting the official holiday schedule for the upcoming season. Town offices will close on November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving, December 25 and 26 for Christmas, and January 1 and 2 for New Year’s. The board also granted approval for the Town Clerk to attend the 2025 Winter Municipal Clerk Conference in Flowood from December 10–12, ensuring continued professional development and up-to-date knowledge of municipal procedures. Other actions included the approval of the town’s worker’s compensation plan through the Mississippi Municipal Service Company and the acceptance of the 2025 Town of Bolton Audit Report. Before adjournment, board members discussed plans for the town’s participation in the upcoming Christmas parade, including details about the community float. The first bi-monthly meeting reflected Bolton’s commitment to efficient governance, greater community involvement, and proactive planning as the town moves into the holiday season and prepares for the year ahead. Mayor and Board of Aldermen Meeting Agenda, November 4, 2025

Special to The Bolton News The Bolton Baptist Church is inviting vendors, farmers, and community members to take part in its upcoming Farmers Market and Animal Swap  on Saturday, November 15 , from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  This free event will take place on the church grounds in Bolton, Mississippi , and promises a morning filled with local flavor, creativity, and community connection. Organizers are still looking for craft vendors, bakers, and animal owners  interested in participating. Handmade goods, home-baked treats, locally grown produce, farm-fresh eggs, and unique artisan items are all welcome additions. For animal enthusiasts, the swap offers a great opportunity to trade, sell, or purchase livestock such as chickens, rabbits, goats, and other small farm animals in a friendly, small-town atmosphere. The Farmers Market and Animal Swap aims to highlight the hard work and talents of local individuals while providing a place for neighbors to meet, mingle, and support one another. Visitors can expect a wide range of goods—from handcrafted items and baked goods to farm products and animals—making it a true showcase of Bolton’s community spirit. Vendor spots are available at no cost, making this an excellent opportunity for first-time sellers and seasoned vendors alike. Those interested in setting up a booth or bringing animals to the swap are encouraged to reach out as soon as possible to reserve a space. With good food, friendly faces, and a shared love of local traditions, the Bolton Baptist Church Farmers Market and Animal Swap promises to be a memorable event for all who attend.

Governor Tate Reeves today issued Executive Order 1589 to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test for elementary, middle and high school students across Mississippi. Executive Order 1589 comes after President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order that reestablished the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and reinstituted the Presidential Fitness Test. "Students across the country are spending far too much time sitting around looking at screens and eating too much highly-processed junk food," said Governor Tate Reeves. "We know that obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition lead to more negative health outcomes. If we want more healthy adults in our society, it's important that we encourage students to be physically active and educate them on healthy eating habits. Mississippi will do its part to build a healthier America." Executive Order 1589 directs State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney to deliver a report to Governor Reeves that proposes evidence-based strategies and suggests public information/education campaigns to address deficiencies in nutrition, diet and exercise across the state. Additionally, it requests that State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans work with United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to create a report for Governor Reeves that proposes a plan for reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test. Both reports are due to Governor Reeves on June 30, 2026. The Presidential Fitness Test will be implemented in Mississippi during the 2026-2027 academic year. A copy of Executive Order 1589 can be found  here .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     It really is innocent looking, because it looks just like wet pavement. But it can be dangerous as a rattlesnake. And just like that reptile, it strikes when you least expect it, with the intent to cause you a lot of pain and destruction. Truly unseeable, hiding in plain sight.  With absolutely no redeeming value, it is only there to jangle your nerves at best, and send you careening out of control at worst. Black ice is the byproduct of snow or freezing rain, a warming-up period, and then severely dropping temperatures which refreezes that water into a smooth-as-glass, black, unseeable sheet of ice. Capable of turning your vehicle into a whirling dervish, then ending your sudden adventure upside down in the nearby ditch. Or in front of an oncoming car. Hitting your brakes when you suddenly realize, “Houston, we have a problem” doesn’t help you at all. In fact, it is the worst thing you can do. Brakes attempting to grab at that slick mess will only complicate things, and will likely cause a bigger crash than if you had just chosen to grab your ears and ride it out until it’s over. Sound familiar? If you have ever had to drive in winter time in one of our states that receives snow, rain, sleet or an ice storm, then you likely know of what I speak. You can be merrily tooling along, listening to your favorite podcast or music and suddenly find yourself on a Winter Wonderland Swirling and Whirling Adventure, worthy of a five-star rating at Disney World. Five heart-stopping seconds later, when your car settles down and coasts to a stop, you let loose of the breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. You quickly check yourself and everyone else in the car for injuries. And hopefully finding none, you proceed with the next series of necessities. You open the car door and gingerly feel your way out of the car to determine how much damage you’ve inflicted during your ride into the great unknown. Returning to your seat, you fish around for your lost cell phone which flew to the backseat and is now resting under your seven-year-old’s feet. About then, you realize that somewhere in all that excitement and terror, you had needed a bathroom break…but way too late now. If you have never been the petrified recipient of one of our ‘famous free exciting rides in wintertime’ then count yourself very fortunate. Because that free ride invariably costs you. Not only will your insurance company hit you with a higher deductible, but will also hike your annual rate for the privilege of providing you with accident coverage. And of course, there is always the likely expense of another vehicle while yours is being repaired. Never forget the old adage, “Ain’t nothin’ free.”  Especially an unexpected fun-filled whirl on black ice. Sounds exactly like life itself.