By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB NOTE:  Many theaters have this Japanese animated film available in both “Subbed” and “Dubbed” versions. This review is based on the “Subbed” version – Japanese spoken with English subtitles, with the Japanese voice cast credited. Ah, “Demon Slayer,” the anime franchise that comes out with a new movie about once every two years with seasons’ worth of television between the movies. I don’t keep up with the series, which admittedly puts me outside the film’s target audience of its existing fanbase. If you do follow “Demon Slayer,” you’ll almost certainly get more out of “Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle” than I did, since you won’t spend half the movie asking who most of the characters are and how much is supposed to be known about them. If you’ve never seen “Demon Slayer” before, “Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle” is not a good entry point. I at least knew about main hero Tanjiro (Natsuki Hanae), he of the green-and-black checkered kimono, as well as a few side characters like the pig-masked warrior Inosuke (Yoshitsugu Matsuoka) and Tanjiro’s formerly demon-infected sister Nezuko (Akari Kito), who is sidelined in this movie with an injury anyway. But aside from that, I was lost. Fortunately, it turned out that I didn’t need to care about as many characters as the advertising would have it seem – several presumably-popular characters are in the movie for just a few seconds – but I didn’t know that and I was overwhelmed with the prospect of having to keep track of everyone. The movie sees most of the Demon Slayer army battling demons in the Infinity Castle, a sort of cityscape/maze designed by top demon Muzan. It’s the kind of setting you’d see in “Inception” or “Doctor Strange.” Some of the demons are mindless henchmen designed to keep the Slayers busy, but there are some formidable disciples in the mix. For example, butterfly-themed Slayer Shinobu (Saori Hayami) faces off against cult-leading demon Doma (Mamoru Miyano), who killed her sister. Twin “Thunder Breathers” attempt to settle their sibling rivalry once and for all when Slayer Zenitsu (Hiro Shimono) battles demon Kaigaku (Yoshimasa Hosoya). And, in what could be considered the movie’s “main event,” Tanjiro and his mentor Giyu (Takahiro Sakurai) team up to take on regenerative demon Azaka (Akira Ishida). Just when I thought that Azaka made for a dull antagonist, the movie went into his tragic backstory, which turned out to be the highlight of the entire film. The weakest element of the movie is once again the fighting. I’m not saying that there’s no creativity to the moves and styles these characters use, I’m saying that the impact of these moves and styles don’t seem to matter much. This franchise has a style where it seems like every fifth move results in a huge explosion that should kill one, if not both of the fighters. But then it will usually turn out that both fighters survived, and then they take a few breaths and start fighting again – even in instances where the characters are physically incapable of breathing. The lack of lasting impact makes the fight scenes seem surprisingly low-stakes. I wasn’t won over by my third experience with “Demon Slayer.” I was too far behind on lore to care about most of the characters, and the action, while often impressive from a technical standpoint, was largely frustrating. This frustration was compounded by the film’s nearly three-hour runtime. That’s an awfully long time to devote to basically three fights, even with flashbacks and the Infinity Castle framing device. If you’ve liked “Demon Slayer” in the past, don’t let me stop you from seeing “Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” but I wouldn’t advise trying to become a new fan with this movie. Grade: C- “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiban – Infinity Castle” is rated R for bloody violence throughout. Its running time is 155 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If we were all childhood siblings and behaving the way we fellow citizens are acting and reacting, Mom already would have taken away every last one of our toys and privileges, restricted our food to vegetables and water only for a couple of months, and wore out our sorry tails with the bread board. And Dad? We would be praying for Mom's punishment to be the only penalty to come our way. Almost nothing would be off- limits to that angry man, who would be furiously determined to teach us a lesson. One that we kids would NEVER be able to forget. How dare we treat our fellow humans with such careless and cruel inhumanity? There are no societal issues, no belief systems, no "But, but, but, but you don’t understand, I been disrespected!"   that gives any person or any group a reason or right to murder someone. Since when did our country fall into such disgrace? Oh yes, all of us could see the rapid descent we’ve been on the last twenty years. Like we are on a runaway mountain train with nothing to stop it as it flies further down the tracks. But lately? Our train is no longer on a rapid descent, and it’s not even in a free fall. It is being pushed from behind by a two-hundred-ton locomotive engine, straight into hellish acts that defy belief. We have recently witnessed the brutal cold blooded killing of a young man, which in itself is horrendous. And even before that happened, we had already seen way too much brutality and lawlessness in our country.  But now we are having supposedly grown adults actually   celebrating  the murder of Charlie Kirk! Openly, gloatingly, and with angry malice. Simply because they did not agree with his views of God, our country, or his opinions on how to live life. What has happened in the hearts of people in the USA??? What has happened to civility? What about holding fast to your own opinions, and at the same time, courteously letting another have theirs? Without insisting- by physical force if necessary- that EVERYONE accept and agree with your view, opinions and behavior? Folks, it’s way past time this is stopped. We have no Mom and Dad to step in and make us all wish we had shut our mouths, and stopped all the viciousness. I wish there was. But we are on our own. And it is time to put a stop to this horrible treatment of each other. Or we will be looking at the Father God stepping in to put a stop to it all. And that ain't gonna be pretty. Yes, I realize that at this point, there are probably some of you that resent my reference to our Creator, the Father God, because you do not believe in Him.  Again, I repeat, that is your right to disagree with my beliefs. But it not all right for you, or me, to incite violence in order to force each other to accept our opinion. Enough is enough.

By Kara Kimbrough   Old-Fashioned Seafood Gumbo is a classic dish that almost everyone loves. If you’d like the recipe, email me and I’ll send it to you.     Visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast on the 20 th  anniversary of Hurricane Katrina proved to be an emotional journey. Highlights were moving commemorative ceremonies and candlelight vigils; riveting documentaries and personal stories from those who lost everything but never considered not rebuilding. I discovered a hidden gem hotel as well as restaurants serving delicious Coastal cuisine.     First and foremost, I found a new home at The Inn at Long Beach. It’s a well-appointed gulf front property I’ve passed hundreds of times but never slowed down enough to notice. That changed a photo of the hotel’s pool facing the gulf surfaced in an online Gulf Coast discussion. Surrounded by majestic Live Oaks with a view of the beach and gulf, the scene transported me back to my childhood and the gulf front hotel at which we always stayed. The Inn at Long Beach’s crown jewel – a beachfront pool surrounded by majestic Live Oaks, transported me back to the “old Coast “days.           I can still picture my grandfather sitting out under the oak trees beside the pool of Gulfport’s Sahara Hotel enjoying the early morning breeze wafting in from the gulf just across Highway 90. The Sahara was destroyed in Katrina and I’ve never again seen another hotel pool surrounded by Live Oaks fronting the beach.     I messaged the hotel to share my reminisces and how a simple photo in 2025 had transported me back to a simpler time on the Coast and in my life. The owner graciously invited me to experience the hotel for myself, despite the busy Labor Day weekend ahead.    The thought of seeing the pool similar to the Sahara’s was foremost in my mind when I drove up to The Inn, located just a few miles from Gulfport. Upon entering the property, I realized I was in for an enjoyable stay. In short, The Inn is that it actually does live up to its name: guests actually feel as if they’re staying in a private inn instead of an impersonal cookie cutter hotel.    As I entered the spacious, well-appointed lobby, I was greeted warmly, much like one would greet a friend entering their home. And the best part: I was offered homemade cookies and directed to help myself to beverages at the well-equipped coffee bar before heading up to my room.     Many hotel lobbies can seem impersonal and somewhat cold, but The Inn’s large, yet cozy lobby is tastefully decorated with comfortable furnishings, artwork, fresh flowers and large windows offering scenic views of the shimmering pool, Live Oaks and the beach and gulf. I immediately felt at home, perhaps because the décor resembles just that – warm touches of a home rather than a hotel.      That comforting feeling of being “at home” continued when I arrived at my spotlessly-clean, modern, yet cozy gulf front room. Once again, tasteful décor in soothing neutral shades instantly caused me to decompress. Equipped with a spacious bath, coffee bar and mini fridge and free Wi-Fi, each guest room offers everything necessary for a relaxing, comfortable stay. A ground floor fitness center and complimentary bike rentals are available for those looking for an active getaway.    As a glowing sun descended below the gulf, I would have been perfectly content to relax by the pool and enjoy evening breezes as they wafted in from the water. However, I had dinner plans with friends and made the short drive over the bridge to Bay St. Louis (more on dinner below).     The following day, I was directed to the breakfast buffet offered adjacent to the lobby. I’ve enjoyed numerous complimentary hotel breakfast in my lifetime, but this one far exceeded all the others in variety, quantity and taste.    Freshly-made biscuits, gravy, bacon, sausage, grits and eggs and hot oatmeal with a variety of toppings are offered in the hot foods area. Guests can also request made-to-order pancakes, either plain or with specialty options like blueberry, lemon ricotta and other ingredients. Also offered are cereal, fresh fruit, a variety of pastries, freshly-squeezed orange juice and specialty teas and coffees.    Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at cozy tables spread throughout the lobby and adjacent elevated dining area while enjoying a view of the pool just steps away.    Lounging by the pool or taking a leisurely bike ride through Long Beach, both crossed my mind, but I had scheduled events to attend. Following a busy morning of ceremonies, it was time for lunch.         Stopping by Harbor View Café in Long Beach for a repeat meal after dining there during a media tour had been on my agenda for some time. After such a bounteous breakfast at The Inn, I didn’t feel I could explore the menu as I’d planned, but decided to stop by for a quick bite.     Located near U.S. 90 overlooking the Long Beach Harbor (hence the name), Harbor View Cafe offers outdoor dining on wraparound porches for waterfront dining as well as plenty of indoor seating. The restaurant serves a variety of delicious appetizers, seafood dishes, salads, po’boys, steaks and desserts.    I ordered shrimp remoulade, consisting of Cajun boiled shrimp tossed in house-made remoulade sauce served over mixed greens, cucumbers and tomatoes. It was the perfect light, yet utterly delicious meal.    Speaking of shrimp, the evening before I joined friends at Cuz’s Oyster Bay in Bay St. Louis. A jumbo shrimp po’boy paired with delicately-fried onion rings with a delicious remoulade dipping sauce proved to be the perfect dinner at one of my new favorite restaurants.    Yes, being on the Coast 20 years after so much despair and destruction was an emotional experience, but one that resulted in valuable “finds” that I will definitely revisit.       The Inn, which I highly recommend for those looking for a more relaxed, quiet and personalized experience with easy beachfront access, was the undisputed highlight of my trip. Additionally, revisiting two restaurants and experiencing an above-average breakfast buffet that exceeded expectations, was the absolute icing on the cake of a memorable weekend.    Last, a Coast friend shared her family’s tried-and-true recipe for seafood gumbo; a recipe handed down by her grandmother and used by generations of Creole cooks. It’s a little lengthy, so drop me an email if you’d like to try it and I’ll send it to you. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School is inviting families and community members to an evening of discussion and school spirit with its upcoming Ranger RoundTable and Title I Meeting on Thursday, September 18. The event will be held at 9700 I-20 Frontage Road in Bolton, beginning with a PTO meeting from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., followed by the Title I and RoundTable session from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The program is designed to give parents an opportunity to connect with school leaders, learn more about important initiatives, and share input that will help guide the success of students throughout the year. Title I discussions will provide valuable information about the resources and support available to families, while the RoundTable portion will encourage open conversation between the school and its stakeholders. Adding a touch of fun to the evening, attendees are encouraged to show their Ranger pride by wearing boots and cowboy or cowgirl hats. The theme not only highlights the school’s spirit but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in attendance. BEEMS leadership stresses the importance of strong parent and community involvement in shaping the educational experience. This event highlights the school’s continued dedication to building partnerships and providing every student with the resources and support necessary for success. The school looks forward to welcoming families for an evening of information, engagement, and school pride.

(Photo credit MS Public Broadcasting) Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) will premiere  Everlasting: Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers , a powerful new documentary exploring the life, impact, and enduring legacy of civil rights icon Medgar Evers. The film debuts on MPB Television at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. An MPB original production, Everlasting features in-depth interviews with Evers’ family, including his wife Myrlie Evers-Williams, daughter Reena Evers-Everette, and colleagues who worked alongside him during the Civil Rights Movement. “This project honors Medgar Evers not only as a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights, but also as a husband, father, and deeply committed Mississippian,” said MPB Chief Content Officer Taiwo Gaynor. “We are proud to bring his story to new generations and shine a light on his enduring legacy.” In addition to the broadcast, MPB will launch a companion podcast series, Everlasting: The Legacy Podcast, releasing weekly beginning September 18. The podcast, hosted by Rita Brent, will feature extended interviews from the documentary, along with archive clips, and in-depth conversations with special guests. Everlasting  and additional digital video content will also be available to stream at  mpbonline.org  after the documentary airs on television. Educational resources including lesson plans, and curriculum guides, will be made free to educators and available at   www.mpbonline.org . MPB invites educators from around the state to register for the professional development seminar on October 9, 2025 from 8:30am – 4 p.m. Everlasting: Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers  is part of MPB’s continued mission to preserve Mississippi’s stories, elevate local voices, and educate future generations through powerful, meaningful content. For more information about the documentary, podcast, digital series, or educational materials, visit  www.mpbonline.org .

Special to The Bolton News/Alfenette Robinson Bolton is preparing for its annual holiday celebration with the Christmas Parade scheduled for Saturday, December 13, beginning at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, “Christmas in Bolton,” promises to bring festive cheer to the streets as residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the season and embrace the town’s holiday traditions. Leading the parade as Grand Marshal is Rev. Jonathan Poe, pastor of Bolton Baptist Church, who will guide the procession through the heart of the town. A variety of local organizations are expected to participate, including schools, churches, civic groups, and businesses. Floats adorned with lights, creative decorations, and holiday-themed performances will fill the streets, capturing the joyful spirit of the season. Families are also encouraged to join with decorated vehicles, wagons, and costumes, adding to the community-wide celebration. The parade route will wind through downtown Bolton, allowing spectators to enjoy a full view of the procession. Attendees can expect music, holiday cheer, and plenty of photo opportunities, making it a perfect outing for families and friends. Bolton’s Christmas Parade is more than a display of lights and decorations—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the joy of the holiday season. Residents are encouraged to line the streets early, bring chairs or blankets, and enjoy the sights and sounds as the town transforms into a winter wonderland. This year’s event promises to be a memorable highlight of the season, offering a welcoming environment where families, friends, and neighbors can come together to celebrate the holidays. Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB             A few days before I saw “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” a friend of mine asked me about my plans for the weekend. I told her that I planned to see the film, and I was excited. When she asked me why I was excited to see yet another entry in the generally-middling “Conjuring” series, I blurted out, “They make such a cute couple!” “They” of course being Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, respectively. These fictionalized tales of their cases sell themselves on demon- and possession-related horror, not charming family dynamics. Yet whether by design, by accident, or by default, the Warrens as characters are what this series does best.             Take the opening scene, set in 1964. Ed and a pregnant Lorraine investigate the usual demonic element in the basement of an antiques shop. Lorraine insists on snooping around alone, with minimal light, and of course jump scares abound. The demonic presence causes Lorraine to go into labor early, and Ed rushes her to the hospital to give birth in a room without electricity. It looks like the baby doesn’t survive, and the darkened room is full of tears. I’m not talking about the delivery room with the parents and doctors – I’m talking about the theater full of moviegoers. This scene, its characters, and its actors have been so engaging that the audience has become way more invested than they should in a movie that a few minutes earlier was easily dismissible as schlocky horror. And then the baby survives, and at my screening it made for one of the most deafening crowd reactions I’ve ever heard. Yes, I rolled my eyes a little, since daughter Judy Warren has been a character in other, later-set “Conjuring” movies, so I could guess how the scene was going to play out, but also yes, the cheering was infectious and it was an undeniable mark of a sequence well-done.             The rest of the film takes place in 1986, after the movie “Ghostbusters” has come out, and the Warrens are seen as jokes living in semi-retirement. Judy (Mia Tomlinson) is ready to take her next step in life, introducing her parents to her boyfriend Tony (Ben Hardy). Ed and Lorraine, like most parents, are conflicted about letting their baby go, but also know that she can’t be their baby forever. Tony, for his part, is sweet and dedicated, if occasionally awkward. I seriously thought about recommending this movie to my horror-averse mother just for the family scenes. But I couldn’t, because darker subject matter has to butt its way in. Unlike most parents, Ed and Lorraine also have to worry about lingering traces of demon possession in their daughter, which they aren’t eager to foist upon the unsuspecting Tony.             To add to the drama at home, the Warrens are desperately needed in small-town Pennsylvania. A family recently came into possession of the world’s creepiest mirror – the same artifact that caused problems for the Warrens in the opening scene – and are now being unsurprisingly haunted. Cue every cheap spiritual horror trope like unexplained bumping sounds and things moving when they shouldn’t, as well as every cliché surrounding old heroes taking on one last mission. Judy and Tony are willing to help for the first time ever, but Tony doesn’t know the first thing about demons and Judy may be compromised as an instrument of the mirror-demon.             “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is a tale of two conflicting tones. The loving, charming, occasionally-eccentric Warren family make for delightful “straight” scenes, but they aren’t going to sell tickets without some kind of supernatural payoff. The horror scenes, while necessary for the movie’s appeal, are often drab and even more often the result of stupidity (I know demon possession is a hard pill for non-believers to swallow, but still…). I’m swayed enough by the Warren family to give the movie a mild recommendation, but only because the main characters all make for cute couples. Grade: B- “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is rated R for bloody/violent content and terror. Its running time is 135 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Fighting fair. Not a spouse’s favorite saying when they are currently in the middle of “Who’s Gonna Win This Time” with their dreaded enemy of the moment. Face it, any married human female whose spine isn’t yellow jello, wants to come out of the latest skirmish with a feeling of “Huh! Oh, yeah, I just showed him! He’s gonna learn sooner or later that he can’t walk all over me, even if he’s does have three doctoral degrees and bulging muscles that make him look like a balloon gone berserk.” And the Intelligent Balloon? There is no way on this green earth that he’s going to allow himself to feel “less than,” by having to acknowledge defeat by that simple slip of a weakling, “who half the time can’t even open a new jar of peanut butter without my help.” Not a thought will enter either of their little minds about “I need to be careful what I say and how I say it. The last thing I need to do is wound the sensitive ego of my spouse.” Nope, when the battle lines are drawn, that sharp sword known as the tongue suddenly comes into play and eager hot words start spewing. Absolutely no holds barred. Have you ever noticed that when you get into an argument with your loved one that your ‘sword’ becomes noticeably looser and a lot sharper? The brain kicks into high gear, and every idiotic action and every hurt you’ve ever suffered at their hands suddenly is instantly accessible from your memory bank. To be retrieved at the perfect moment, locked and loaded and ready for bear. Want a ‘for instance?’ You find yourself smack in the middle of fighting to the death to win the argument of “I know good and well that it was  your  turn to ______ (fill in the blank) but it’s just like the last time, when you said “I forgot.” Well, you always ‘forget!’ When are you gonna grow up?!” Like I said, locked and loaded and ready for bear. And even if you do have a vague sense of “I think I might halfway remember something about learning a lesson from our last battle, that I was going to handle things a little differently the next time.” The next time never happens. The age-old I WANNA WIN! kicks in, and your good intentions slide quickly down the drain to Never-Never Land. If you don’t recognize and laugh at yourself when you read this column, then you are one of two things: You are not human. Or you are not married. Marriage is not easy, it is the joining of two strong-minded, self-centered people. Who are then supposed to coexist peacefully in the same household. And the only way that can ever happen – the peaceful part – is to strong arm into a dark corner that part of yourself that insists on winning the argument EVERY TIME. And if both of you will do that, your marriage stands a fighting chance. No pun intended.

By: Kara Kimbrough A football-shaped cheeseball filled with cream cheese and favorite additions is the perfect centerpiece for tailgating tables as well as watching the game at home. After sharing my favorite dip recipes last week as inspiration for fall football season, I was asked if I had any “new and different” recipes for cheeseballs. If it appeared that I was slighting cheeseballs in any way, I promise that’s not the case. I’ve never met a cheeseball I didn’t like and in fact, consider them one of my favorite party, tailgating or anytime-snacking essentials. Filled with cream cheese, shredded cheeses and additions that often include spicy seasonings, chopped vegetables, pecans and my favorite, chopped bacon, a cheeseball is versatile and delicious. A slice on a cracker is the perfect snack and here’s the best part – leftovers placed in the refrigerator taste even better the next day. I have to confess, I’ve been known to place a hearty slice of cheeseball between two pieces of bread and called it a meal. Most cheeseball-lovers have several of the tried-and-true recipes composed of ranch dressing mix, chopped bacon, chopped olives and chopped pecans or parsley in which to roll the cheese mixture to create the perfect coating. Believe it or not, there are a few “new and different” recipes out there. Here are three that I taste-tested before sharing them. I can attest that they’re definitely delicious and worthy of a place on any tailgate table or to simply enjoy in front of the TV. If you want to be particularly creative this season, shape the cheeseball into a football shape by flattening the ball, then pinching the ends to create a pigskin replica. Finish the job by place 3-4 mozzarella strips across the top for the laces. Try these recipes to liven up any fall gathering. Like me, you may just decide to save a slice to make a sandwich the following the day. Crab Dip Cheeseball 1 8-ounce cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup lump crabmeat, drained and picked 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons chopped green onions 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon dried dill 1/4 cup chopped pecans for coating In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crabmeat, mayonnaise, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into a ball and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Before serving, roll the cheeseball in chopped pecans. Pepperoni Cheeseball 1 8-ounce package cream cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 teaspoon garlic salt ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning 4-5   pepperoni slices, chopped into small pieces 15  Ritz Crackers, crushed ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese In a small bowl combine cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped pepperoni, garlic salt and Italian seasoning and mix thoroughly. Roll into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour, preferably longer. Mix the crushed Ritz crackers and the Parmesan cheese together, pour into a bowl and place the chilled cheeseball on top. Roll the cheeseball in the topping mixture until it is thoroughly coated. Taco Cheeseball 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup taco seasoning 2 tablespoons diced jalapenos, seeded 4-ounce can diced black olives, drained 4 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or Doritos In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with taco seasoning until well blended. Add in jalapenos and black olives. Line a 4-cup bowl with plastic wrap. Drop cheese ball into bowl and wrap the plastic around the cheese ball. Refrigerate for at least one hour (even longer is best to allow flavors to mingle). When ready to serve, fill a bowl with the crushed chips. Unwrap cheese ball and drop into bowl, pressing chips gently onto the ball. Place cheese ball on platter and serve with extra chips and crackers. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Special to The Bolton News Bolton, Mississippi, may be small in size, but its people give the town a spirit that reaches far beyond its borders. Tucked along the I-20 corridor between Jackson and Vicksburg, Bolton is a place where neighbors know each other by name, where families pass down traditions from one generation to the next, and where pride in community runs deep. The people of Bolton carry with them a history shaped by agriculture, hard work, and perseverance. Many families have lived in the town for decades, some tracing their roots back to the days when cotton fields stretched across the countryside. Others have come more recently, drawn to the quiet pace of life and the sense of belonging that small towns like Bolton still offer. Together, they form a community that honors the past while continuing to look toward the future. Brownville M.B. Church, Bolton, Mississippi Faith has long been at the center of life in Bolton. The town’s churches remain gathering places not just for worship but also for fellowship, support, and service. Sundays often bring the sound of hymns spilling from sanctuaries, while weekday evenings see congregations organizing food drives, youth programs, and outreach efforts that strengthen the ties among residents. Education is another cornerstone of the community. Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School is more than a place of learning; it is a hub where parents, teachers, and students come together to build the future of the town. School events fill calendars, and classrooms echo with the hope that the next generation will carry Bolton’s story forward with pride and determination. Bolton’s people also know the importance of preserving tradition. The long-standing presence of Gaddis & McLaurin, one of Mississippi’s oldest general stores, serves as both a reminder of the town’s history and a gathering place for conversation. Events like Bolton After Dark  have become opportunities to celebrate music, food, and fellowship, proving that the town’s cultural heartbeat is still strong. What stands out most about the people of Bolton is their resilience. Like many small towns, Bolton has faced economic shifts and the challenges that come with changing times. Yet its residents continue to show a determination to adapt without losing the essence of who they are. They find strength in community, whether through lending a hand to a neighbor, supporting local businesses, or passing down stories that keep the town’s heritage alive. Bolton may not be the largest town in Mississippi, but its people prove that size does not measure strength. In their daily lives—whether in the fields, in classrooms, in pews, or on front porches—they carry forward a story of unity, perseverance, and pride. It is this spirit, rooted in both history and hope, that makes the people of Bolton its greatest treasure.

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB “Caught Stealing” is one of those twisty crime thrillers where it seems like the filmmakers cast as many interesting names as they could and then wrote the movie around using them all. For example, at no point did I feel it was necessary for the film to feature Matt Smith as a character with a 60’s U.K. punk rock aesthetic in this film set in New York in 1998 (itself an inexplicable choice). All the film needed was a neighbor character who’s mixed up with some bad people. But the movie got Smith for the role, and somebody, possibly Smith himself, wanted to see the character played with the crazy getup. The result is a character that is a scene-stealer to be sure, but is the story really helped by all his quirkiness? I don’t think so. If anything, he’s a distraction from the main character, whose journey is supposed to be the focus. Though maybe it’s for the best, because I wasn’t digging the main character and was welcoming all distractions. Austin Butler stars as Hank Thompson, a disgraced former baseball prodigy barely scraping by as a bartender, and an alcoholic one at that. The one good thing in his life is his way-out-of-his-league girlfriend Yvonne (Zoë Kravitz). She’s almost ready to start taking the relationship more seriously, which he wants, but first she needs him to start taking himself more seriously, which he isn’t ready to do. Subconsciously, he’d rather just spend all his time moping around and thinking about how his life would have been better if he hadn’t crashed his car while drunk, thus ending his baseball career. Hank’s neighbor Russ (the aforementioned Smith character) hurriedly puts him in charge of his cat Buddy while he leaves town for a few days. Hank’s proximity to the shady Russ gets him into trouble with some Russian gangsters (Yuri Kolokolnikov and Nikita Kukushkin), which also leads to trouble with a Puerto Rican gangster (Benito Martínez Ocasio aka rapper Bad Bunny), and eventually a pair of really dangerous Hasidic gangsters (Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio). Hank tries with increasing desperation to stay out of trouble with all five gangsters, and at least he can expect some help from hardboiled detective Elise Roman (Regina King). But running from his problems hasn’t worked out for Hank in the past, is it a good idea here, even though for once his predicament isn’t his fault? There’s a good idea for a character arc here with Hank needing to learn to take responsibility for mistakes he’s made in both the recent and distant past. But it was just too hard for me to respect the character after his incredibly stupid decision to go on an alcohol bender the night after losing a kidney, thanks to the Russians. I can understand straying from doctors’ orders to a degree, I’m not exactly an angel myself in that department, and I know every movie hero isn’t going to be strictly by-the-book. But for the character to make a decision that stupid that quickly, sorry, I was done rooting for him. Which was a shame, because the movie is without the delightful Kravitz for a long stretch, leaving the film without a likeable protagonist. I’m giving “Caught Stealing” the mildest of recommendations, because the jokes are just funny enough, the action and suspense just exciting enough, and the overachieving cast just interesting enough for me to praise among an near-equal list of complaints. It’s hard to believe a movie this middling came from usually-ambitious director Darren Aronofsky. Since this movie likes its baseball metaphors, I’ll say that I associate Aronofsky with spectacular hits (“Requiem for a Dream,” “The Wrestler,” “Black Swan”) and the occasional spectacular strikeout (“Noah”), but “Caught Stealing” is an unimpressive single – avoiding an “out,” but just barely. Grade: B- “Caught Stealing” is rated R for strong violent content, pervasive language, some sexuality/nudity and brief drug use. Its running time is 107 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to The Bolton News In Bolton, Mississippi, there is one landmark you can’t miss. Rising above rooftops, fields, and treetops, the town’s water tower has long stood as a quiet sentinel. To some, it is simply a utility. To those who call Bolton home, it is a symbol of belonging. Painted in bold letters that proudly spell out “Bolton,” the tower is more than a piece of infrastructure—it is an introduction. Travelers passing down I-20 catch sight of it first, knowing they are approaching a small town with a big sense of identity. For longtime residents, the tower is a marker of return. Its silhouette on the horizon often stirs a sense of relief: you’re almost home. Generations of Bolton families have grown up with the water tower in the background of their lives. It has been the backdrop of parades, festivals, and school homecomings. Children have looked up at it with curiosity, and some with mischief—remembering the days when daring one another to climb its ladder was a common pastime whispered among friends. The tower also represents progress. When it was built decades ago, it brought modern water access to the community, signaling growth and stability. In a town where agriculture shaped much of daily life, the water tower was a promise that Bolton was moving forward, while still holding tight to its small-town character. Over time, it has become part of the landscape of memory. Families who moved away often mention the water tower first when reminiscing about their hometown. Its steady presence has witnessed generations come and go, quietly tying together the past and present. Though it was designed with a practical purpose, the Bolton water tower has come to mean something greater. It is a constant reminder of place, pride, and perseverance—a landmark that reflects not only the town’s history but also its heart. For Bolton, the tower isn’t just steel and paint. It’s home, standing tall against the Mississippi sky.