Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Babies. Tiny and adorable. Helplessly trusting you to feed, diaper and love them. They tend to bring out the best in us adults. Ladies find themselves wanting to hold an infant, just to feel it’s solid weight in their arms, and touch the incredible softness of the tender skin. A baby’s smallest whimper makes most females immediately began searching for answers to the problem. Men find babies equally attention-getting. But in different ways, many times. A certain male sense of protectiveness surfaces when they are around a little baby. Most men will go to extreme lengths to provide shelter, safety and food when it comes to little ones in their care. But time marches on. And that sweet face with its pink rosebud mouth will most definitely morph into a teenager’s less-than-sweet-little-face. (Not to mention the mouth.) Those innocent little lips will have learned to spew out hurt and anger, because unfortunately, that is just part of the process of becoming an independent adult. Hormone swings, with mountaintop-to-crater proportions, attack the average teen leaving them reeling with euphoria one minute and blue, anxious thoughts the next. And speaking of mouths. The male teen mouth is the opening to a large cavern called the stomach. A place that has no bottom. Huge amounts of food are consumed in one sitting and thirty minutes later, that teen will have his head inside the refrigerator, yelling “Mom, I’m gonna eat that other pan of lasagna, okay? I’m starving!” And baby girls? They become long-legged, shiny-haired, bathroom-time consuming, extremely weight-conscious teen females. Usually, avid aficionados of any and every kind of makeup known to be invented by mankind. So, you need to be absolutely certain you want kids, before you say “Why, yes, of course I do!” Realize and accept the inevitable.  They are not going to transform from being tiny fluffs of wonderfulness straight into being kind, strong, considerate and emotionally well-balanced young adults who love you and may even want to please you with their life. Babies have to go thru stages of growth before adulthood happens. A seemingly interminable time that involves growing out of their clothes every five minutes, eating whatever stands still, and being incredibly self-centered as they are trying to become ‘me.’ Finally, to emerge hopefully unscathed into young adulthood. Ready to love you, join the working world, marry, and begin that scary journey of being a parent themselves one day. I repeat, be absolutely certain you are ready for this, before you let Mr. Sperm meet Ms. Egg. It’s not for the faint-hearted or the self-centered. A parent must be braced for various seasons of doubting themself as a parent. Of doubting they are a thinking human being. And remember, once the process has begun, there is no turning back, no changing your mind. Sweet lovable babies  will  grow quickly into messy toddlers, who  will  become energetic kids, then mouthy teens, and finally independent young adults. But it does take time and patience. Lots of patience.

Special to The Bolton News Bolton, Mississippi, may be a small dot along the I-20 corridor between Jackson and Vicksburg, but it carries a presence larger than its size suggests. To many drivers, it is a town they pass by. To those who pause and explore, however, Bolton reveals itself as a place of history, resilience, and surprising treasures that are often overlooked. At the center of Bolton’s story is Gaddis & McLaurin, one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the state. Established in 1871, the store has weathered decades of change, surviving when so many small-town businesses closed their doors. Step inside and the past greets you immediately: wooden floors that creak with every step, shelves that seem to hold a little of everything, and walls lined with reminders of the store’s long legacy. Locals stop in for supplies, but more importantly, for conversation. It is the kind of place where commerce and community remain inseparable. Just a short distance away stands another reminder of Bolton’s agricultural heritage: the cotton gin owned and preserved by Ted Kendall III. For decades, cotton was the backbone of the town’s economy, and the gin kept the rhythm of life for generations of farmers. Today, Kendall opens its doors for tours, giving visitors an inside look at the machinery that once powered the region’s livelihood. The gin not only preserves an essential piece of Southern history but also tells a broader story of resilience and change in rural Mississippi. Bolton’s hidden gems are not confined to its past. The town continues to find ways to bring people together in the present. Bolton After Dark, a community event that features live music, local vendors, and tours of historic sites, has quickly become a highlight for residents and visitors alike. What began as a small gathering has grown into a celebration of the town’s identity, spotlighting local talent while supporting small businesses. On those evenings, Bolton’s streets fill with laughter, music, and the kind of neighborly connection that is harder to find in larger cities. Beyond its businesses and events, Bolton offers quiet beauty in the form of scenic backroads and historic churches. Drive just a few minutes from downtown and you’ll find rolling farmland, weathered barns, and places where time seems to move more slowly. These landscapes speak to the endurance of families who have lived here for generations, keeping traditions alive while adapting to modern realities. For many communities, growth is measured in numbers—population, businesses, or new developments. In Bolton, the story is different. Its value lies not in expansion but in preservation, in the steady heartbeat of a town that knows its worth even if it is often overlooked by outsiders. The hidden gems of Bolton, whether historic institutions like Gaddis & McLaurin, cultural touchstones like the cotton gin, or newer traditions like Bolton After Dark, are proof that the richest stories can be found off the beaten path. For those willing to stop and look beyond the highway, Bolton offers more than just a glimpse of small-town Mississippi—it offers a reminder of the power of community, heritage, and pride in place.

By: Kara Kimbrough A copycat version of the famous Blooming Onion Sauce also doubles as a delicious dip for onion rings, fries and chips. It’s officially football season – time for tailgating, attending watch parties and relaxing at home in front of the television to cheer on our favorite teams. As exciting as the game may be, simultaneously munching favorite snacks is part of the fun. Last weekend as football season kicked off, friends began asking for “new snack ideas” on social media. From the lack of responses, it was evident that very few “new” snack recipes are ever developed. This is especially true of dips, which, as far as I'm concerned, deserve their own food group. I did a little research and learned these are the top 5 most-searched-for and downloaded dip recipes on comprehensive recipe collection, Allrecipes.com : 1.     Buffalo Chicken 2.     Hot Spinach Artichoke 3.     Cold Knorr Spinach 4.     Seven-Layer Taco 5.     BLT While I certainly agree these dips are delicious, they’ve been around for quite a while. I began searching for different recipes and found a few that, while still containing elements of other dips, possessed enough slightly-different ingredients to qualify as a “new snack.” And after sampling each of them, I highly recommend them as football-worthy (or any occasion, really) dip for chips, crackers and vegetables. If you’d like a few more, simply drop me an email and I’ll send them to you. Enjoy football - and dip - season! Million Dollar Dip 8 ounces cream cheese softened ¼ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup sour cream 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon granulated garlic ¾ cup shredded cheese cheddar or Colby 7 slices cooked and crumbled bacon ¾ cup smoked almonds, finely chopped or pulsed in food processor 1-½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Place cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and garlic in a mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Fold in shredded cheese, 6 slices of cooked/crumbled bacon, 1/2 cup of the almonds and 1 tablespoon of parsley. Pour into a serving bowl and top with remaining almonds, parsley and additional slice of cooked/crumbled bacon. Serve with chips, crackers or vegetables. Blooming Onion Sauce and/or Dip ½ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish sauce ½ teaspoon granulated garlic ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1  teaspoon black pepper In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Can be used as a sauce for fries or onion rings or as a dip for chips and crackers. Creamy Pickle Dip 1 cup bread and butter pickles 1 cup dill pickles 8 ounces cream cheese softened ¼ cup ranch dressing mix 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 1 teaspoon dried dill Place pickles in food processor or blender and pulse lightly until finely chopped. Add softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic and dried dill in same bowl; pulse until well combined. Spoon mixture into a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Top with additional chopped pickles for garnish. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By Guest Writer Brittany Dillard Hurricane Katrina makes landfall - Newspaper headlines from August 29th, 2005. Image courtesy of NASA via public domain satellite imagery. Shoes, check. Uniform, check. School supplies, Check. Booksack, Check. A storm that felt like the end all be all......no comment. One thing almost every grade school student had in common that fourth week in August of 2005 was that we were planning our 2nd week of school, being kids and having fun. No one expected to  run. No one expected what was coming. “Last week I wore these shoes, so next week Imma hop out with these shoes.” I laid them out that Friday night with care. Fashion was on my mind as a 14 year old High School Freshman. Books weren't important until that first threat of a test. Friday I was planning my fit and Saturday I was saying Goodbye. “Stop. Step back and look at the house because it might be the last time you see it as it is,” said Gwen Sanford, my mom. That woke me up. I looked down at my suitcase in my hand, Big eyed with shock, but then I brushed off the alarming feeling. “ We'll be back, we always do.” I reassured myself. I looked at my  brother who was two years younger than me. He seemed to be thinking the same. “For me it wasn't a big deal. I was thinking we were bout to go to Mississippi and cool out and then come back home like we always did. It was just like the yearly vacay to our cousin’s house,” says my brother, Silas Sanford, 33.  Sanford, from Marrero ‘The Westbank of New Orleans’ was 12 years old at the time. We pulled out of the neighborhood, merged onto LAPALCO BLVD, then the Westbank Expressway, then the Crescent City Connection bridge, which at the time was named the Greater New  Orleans bridge. I believe we all took for granted the feeling of a smooth traffic flow until we hit the mighty traffic jam of thousands of other evacuees, which caused us to inch across the bridge for  almost the entire duration of the trip. A trip that usually took 3 and a half hours took us a tedious 11 hours. We left our home August 28th at 10 AM and arrived in Jackson, MS at 11 PM. For hours, when the traffic wasn’t at a standstill, we were going 5 to 10 miles per hour. No birds were in the sky, no wind was blowing, no tree limbs swaying. There was only stillness in the air. We  were watching the weather change. We were watching the water beat up against the bridge. As night was falling and the city was inching away, there was seriousness in the air. A very pronounced  quiet. In those The Big Easy didn't feel like the Big Easy anymore. We were detoured. The usual route we took out of the city was closed, so we didn't know where we were going, we just followed the flow of the traffic. All we knew when we got to the state of Mississippi very late in the day was that we were on Highway 49. We were anxious, worried and more than anything, exhausted. Amongst those thousands of evacuees was Christian Favorite, a teen from the Eastbank. We, unknowingly, would later meet in Richland, MS. Favorite and his family, like us, had no idea where they were headed. Our usual route to MS was closed and they too had to take a detour. We were all traveling up MS HWY 49. “I most definitely felt like it was going to be a turn around trip; like it was just an extended weekend. I don't think anyone thought it would be life altering.” Says Christian Favorite.37, He is from The Upper 9th Ward. He was 17 years old at the time. “I took a weekend bag, lol. I told my brother ‘It's not like we not coming back.’ I fully expected to go back home.” Not everyone evacuated. 16 year old Sonnisha Amos from the 7th ward and her family waited out the storm at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans with her mom, two sisters, cousin, aunt and uncle. “For every hurricane we would get a hotel because our house and our grandmother's house sat high off the ground( was raised). We just thought it would be a normal little bad weather situation  like it normally was when officials say’ hurricane,’" says Amos, now 36. Amos had a grand view of the happenings on the street below her during and after the destruction of the storm. “Before the storm hit I saw people packing, evacuating, after the storm I saw people  looting for fun but also for things they needed. They didn't have power. They didn’t have food. People were doing any and everything to survive. It also made me think about my classmates that  couldn't evacuate.” Amos says one of the most important things she felt was safety. “ I was with family and we were in a safe environment. They provided us with food and they provided my mom with milk and formula for my baby sister. I felt safe and secure.” As soon as we received clearance to re enter the city of New Orleans. That's exactly what we did. We went home. We went to see if this nightmare flooding the news was real or if it was all just a bad dream. A bad joke. The city looked as if it hadn't had any sun for months. Certain streets were closed because of blocked roads from death and devastation. The scenes were horrific. Homes were  completely uprooted or demolished, cars and boats were in trees. In our neighborhood, most houses were still standing but were ruined by flood water. Ours was one of them. The neighborhood  looked defeated. “Our neighborhood had a type of ‘life’ to it. You had certain people you saw every day, people at the corner store, the types of cars going up and down the street... but.. from what I can remember when we returned, is that it felt..dead,” says Sanford. “You come back to your neighborhood thinking it’s going to be the same thing that you left, (people walking up and down the street, cars,) but it was really lifeless and gloomy.” Our house depicted that picture well, fitting in like a piece of the neighborhood puzzle. It looked like it was just a frame, a bookmark, holding a spot for something that once was but now wasn't anymore. “It looked like our house...it looked like our house but lifeless.” Sanford says. We were amongst thousands of New Orleanians trying to pick up the pieces. Heartbroken and heavy and amazed because although devastating it was captivating. We had never seen sights like this before and we knew this was a mark in history. And we were the lucky ones. We were still breathing. “Entering the city you saw the (code) markings on the houses, cars turned over, debris, just disarray,” recalls, Favorite. “ You saw people trying to salvage. Our house was there but there were code markings on it. “What stood out to me was the mold line. It was there...just chillin. The water rose to probably 6’8 on the wall.” There wasn't much Favorite and his family could salvage, but there was 3 interesting pairs of survivors that Christian found. “I had just gotten hired at 6 Flags and with my first check I had bought 3 pairs of shoes. Before the storm I had left my shoes on my bed. When I went back home my mattress and my 3 pairs of shoes had floated to another room but they were still there, untouched in their boxes.. They had survived.” Favorite’s family was able to rebuild their home. His mother still lives there today. We spent 3 months going back home trying to salvage what we could. We were Blessed. Some people had nothing after the storm, while we were able to continuously salvage something almost every week. We could take a part of home back to MS with us. We were saving items and items were saving us. “ It was therapeutic to go home,” Says Gwen Sanford. My mom. “ We left some things in the house on purpose. We had the mindset that ‘ If I didn’t get everything, if I left something there, we’d  still have something at home” After months, mold took over the home and we were no longer able to salvage anything. But we had so much and even more to be thankful for. However, one factor lingered in our minds; The mental toll Katrina had on us weeks, months and even years after. Sanford recalls the initial shock and his struggle with acceptance. “Ok, so we’re never going back. And it took me a while to understand, I was like, wait, so, we’re never going back? Are we going to wait a while to fix up everything or what? But no, we were never  going back to live there. Never see the house again. Never heard from some of the friends I had again. It was like life flipped in one night.” Life did flip in one night. Favorite recalls the day before evacuating the storm as a sunny, chill day with his brothers and sister, playing on the Playstation and playing Spades. Amos reflection the week before and how she was just a normal teen, excited about a new school year, going to block parties and catching the RTA bus with friends from one event to the other. Sanford remembers chilling with neighborhood friends, the girlfriend he had just made and getting the shoes he really wanted, a crispy white pair of Nike Air Force Ones, which, in New Orleans are referred to as ‘G-Nikes’. And I recall my last visit to my favorite mall, pausing at the Cafe Du Monde, eating an order of Beignets in the food court. We were enjoying our youth, making our plans heedlessly through our innocence, and the weather was making its own. If we would have known, doubtlessly, that we would have caught our final bead at Mardi Gras, our final Second Line Sunday, last walk along the River Walk, heard our last drum or horn on Bourbon Streel, took our last stroll on Canal, spent our last dollar at the Jackson Square as New Orleans residents, we would have slowed our step, looked at the sky, breathed in the air and taken it all in. “I kinda took New Orleans for granted.” says Favorite. “I wondered why people made a big fuss and ‘broke their necks’ to get here. Because you know everything that happens in New Orleans is  normal to us. But then you realize, there's no other place like New Orleans. New Orleans is actually super magical. You realize that what's normal to us is magical to other people. Then you become  one of those people on the outside looking in and you’re like ‘Dang, that's a one of a kind type of place.” What we couldn't quite comprehend as children has, overtime, through closure, healing and prayer, become clear to us as adults. There were lessons in Hurricane Katrina. Amos says “Katrina taught us how to survive. If you could survive that and get out of that, you can survive anything. It also taught us that we are some strong individuals. We different. New Orleans is different.” Sanford says “ Nothing lasts forever. Your life can change in the blink of an eye.” Favorite says “ The wind can blow either way, always be prepared and listen to your parents. It definitely taught us to take all experiences as individual experiences. Never let one experience define another. It taught us to take all weather concerns seriously.” Favorite added another lesson: “Even in the most unexpected situations, you can find the best in it.” This speaks true for all four of us. In the past 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, Each of us continued our education, completing High School as scheduled, earning Degrees, starting careers and  businesses. I completed High School in Mississippi and earned my BA in Mass Communications from Belhaven University. I have worked for publications and have also worked in the school system in  Mississippi. I am a proud wife and a proud mother to two sons, ages 9 and 6., My oldest son was born in August 2015, almost to the day of the 10 year anniversary of our evacuation. Sanford completed High School in Mississippi and earned his BA from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. He is a proud father to his 11 year old son. Sanford has a talent and passion for  music. He is a Digital Marketing Manager and Crypto Day Trader. Amos was able to continue her High School education at her school in New Orleans. She also attended High School while living in MS. She earned many Degrees from Jackson State University.  She has worked for the Federal Government for the past 13 years. She is a Credential Specialist. She is a mom to a daughter, an 18 Year old MSU Freshman who will be attending school on a  $30,000 scholarship and was Valedictorian of her 2025 class at her High School. Favorite completed High School then continued into Barber School where he earned his Barbers License. He is a proud co business owner of his barbershop / Salon. It was voted #1 Barbershop/ Salon in 2024 by The Clarion Ledger and made top 3 in 2025. He plays the guitar for youth ministries at his church. He is a father of two, a boy and a girl, ages 6 and 8, and a devoted husband. Gwen Sanford has lived in Richland for the past 20 years .She was an educator in New Orleans and continued her career in Mississippi public schools following hurricane Katrina. She is now retired. She is an outstanding lifelong artist and is currently in the process of publishing her memoir. So why should people care about Hurricane Katrina 20 years later? Amazing things have happened in the lives of the survivors and of the city. There have been many devastating storms and natural disasters since. Well, let's not forget the darkest side of the storm. It is important to remember the terror and unjust treatment some residents went through. It is important to remember how we were labeled and abandoned. Innocent people died on the street  covered up by only a sheet, bodies left wet and bloating. People died in the Superdome, in their homes, in hospitals, in jail, on their rooftops awaiting help. It's important not to forget that we were  labeled as refugees and animals because of the views of some of our countries’ leaders. People trusted the news and therefore did not trust us. We were outcasts in our own country due to bad  leadership and prejudgment. Those innocent lives should never be forgotten, no matter how much time has passed. We will never forget. Those people counted. They will forever matter. Currently, there are several Hurricane Katrina memorials in New Orleans and other affected areas. Favorite, Amos, Sanford and myself reflect on the strength of the city and its impact around the US and the world. We have untamed pride in the city that is a huge part of who we are. Like the city, we are still standing. We celebrate the city’s resilience, the great people, culture And the goodness of God. New Orleans is our heart. Katrina was a scar, but it was just a part of the story. We tend to share a bit of culture everywhere we go. “The culture of the people of New Orleans is so strong that if we go somewhere else, people tend to gravitate toward it because it's new and it's fun, it's lively.” Says Sanford. “For example, I see how it's influenced music in Florida, culture in Houston, culture in Georgia.. There’s a lot of mixture of New Orleans culture in a lot of states and communities that would have never gotten there if  Katrina wouldn’t have happened.” “There was nothing like Katrina.” Says Amos. “It made some people. It made some people think about their life. It's relevant because the city is still standing. It couldn't break the people. The people are still there, the community is still there. The food is still there, the POBOYS is still there. The seafood is still there. It ain't going nowhere. We have been through it… and its a part of us.” -By Brittany Dillard August 2025   Brittany Dillard is from New Orleans LA. She developed a passion for writing at age 9.  She is a graduate of Belhaven University with a degree in Mass Communication. She is a proud mom and wife.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB           This past weekend’s biggest big-screen hit didn’t go straight to the big screen. Animated actioner “KPop Demon Hunters” premiered in June on Netflix, reportedly racking up over 180 million views in its first eight weeks. A special one-weekend-only “Sing-Along” version of the film was released to select theaters this past Saturday and Sunday, taking in an estimated $18 million. A haul like that warrants a review, even though the theatrical “Sing-Along” version is not scheduled to play beyond its specified engagement (plans could always change, of course). This review is based on the Netflix version of the film, which is how it will be available for the foreseeable future. Sorry, but I just can’t take “it gives the sold-out theater a raucous party atmosphere” into account on this one.             The premise is that demons once had run of the Earth, sucking out people’s souls whenever they wanted. A team of fierce Korean warriors found a way to banish the demons to the underworld using their voices, creating a shield called a Honmoon through which most of them could never pass, and the few that could get in could be fought off by the warriors and the people they inspired with their singing. The tradition of singing warriors passed down through the generations with the current incarnation being a KPop girl group called Huntrix.             The members of Huntrix, leader Rumi (Arden Cho), hardened Mira (May Hong), and cutesy Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), split their time between being the biggest popstars in the world and fighting the occasional demons that make it through the Honmoon. With the rise in population and social media in recent years, their music may soon be heard by a wide enough audience to permanently fortify the Honmoon and keep demons away forever. Rumi looks forward to the day when demons are no longer a threat to humanity, because then she won’t have to worry about the world freaking out upon learning that she’s half-demon. Until then, it has to remain her shameful secret, even to her best friends.             Demon leader Gwi-Ma (Lee Byung-hun), having gotten nowhere for centuries by sending up occasional vicious demons to battle the hunters, takes a suggestion from long-suffering musician demon Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop) to send up seemingly-benevolent Kpop boy band Saja Boys. The group, led by Jinu himself, is tasked with stealing fans away from Huntrix so Gwi-Ma can greedily feast on their souls. A professional rivalry ensues, eventually evolving into a battle for the universe.              The film is very much setting itself up as the first chapter in a long series. Future installments will no doubt flesh out the backstories of the members of Huntrix, especially Rumi and her half-demon heritage. Normally I’d complain about the film getting too cocky in assuming that there will be future installments, but its success is already established and it was probably a safe bet that a property with this wide-appealing subject matter was going to be a hit anyway.             How was my introduction to “KPop Demon Hunters”? Okay, I guess. The human vs demon action isn’t particularly memorable, and while I know I’m going to get in trouble for saying this, I wasn’t crazy about the songs. It’s not unusual for a good KPop song to turn me into a zombie fanboy before it’s through the first chorus, but something, maybe the wordiness, kept these songs from having that effect on me. But I did like the personalities of the main characters and the way they played off each other and the Saja Boys. Plus there are some good visual gags courtesy of some of the animation team behind those inspired “Spider-verse” movies. I don’t like the property enough to stay with it if its success drops off, but as long as it stays successful, I’ll enjoy its success. Grade: B- “KPop Demon Hunters” is rated PG for action/violence, scary images, thematic elements, some suggestive material and brief language. Its running time is 95 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com If you have ever watched the old movie “Conagher,” a western based on a rough ‘n tough cowboy with a gigantic sense of right and wrong, then you might well remember the story line’s leading lady. An attractive young widow with two children, left in a lonely shack out in the boonies after the supposed death of her husband. To put food on the table, she finally agreed to make her small home the way station for the stage coach that came thru once a week. Her new job meant that she was paid to provide a hot meal for the stagecoach passengers and also water, feed and a change of horses, before it left for another way station farther down the trail. This arrangement caused her to meet quite a few passengers, coming from quite a few different walks of life. One afternoon a specific passenger alighted from the stagecoach, a lady with…. shall I say, a less than a stellar background. Earlier in life, she had evidently come from back East to find her fortune, and instead found heartache, broken dreams, and poverty. Obviously all alone in the world, she had finally decided that the only path left for her to was keep moving West. To whatever awaited her. Given her own unfortunate current station in life, bells went off in that lady’s head and heart to the tune of “YOU GOT IT ALL, AND I AIN’T GOT NOTHIN’ when she climbed out of that stagecoach and met the young widow. All she could see was a beautiful woman living in her own home on her own land, who also had two beautiful children at her side. But the widow had a completely different perspective of her own life. She lived with a heart aching from losing the love of her life. And a back that ached from being the only adult planting the gardens, chopping wood, cleaning the shack, handwashing their clothes, cooking their meals and caring for the animals. The abject loneliness, and the fear that came with it, plus not knowing what had really happened to her husband, ate at her constantly. The actual truth was far different than the female passenger’s view of her life on that prairie. So typical of us. We look over the fence between us and our neighbor and only see their bright green grass. We immediately begin feeling, “That cow who lives behind that fence has it made, and I have nothing.” Never stopping ourselves in mid-thought long enough to realize a few things. Things like, ‘Where there’s grass there’s usually weeds, I just can’t see them from this angle.’ Things like, ‘I need to take a good look around my own life and recognize the grass, not just the weeds.’ If you aren’t careful, you can be duped into living in envy, always comparing your patch of grass and weeds to your neighbor’s. Not a great way to live the only life you have been given.

By: Kara Kimbrough If you’re not a seafood-lover (or even if you are) a dressed ribeye po’boy encased in French bread at Taranto’s in Biloxi’s Woolmarket area is always the perfect choice. It can’t possibly be 10 years since I wrote about the revival of Gulf Coast restaurants on the 10 th  anniversary of the worst natural disaster ever experienced in Mississippi and neighboring states- Hurricane Katrina. I was trying to put a positive spin on the state of the Coast’s culinary scene after interviewing then-Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes in his office and witnessing his optimism about the rebirth of his city and the rest of the Coast. However, as the 20 th  anniversary on Aug. 29 nears, residents as well as tourists and frequent visitors like myself are  still  reminiscing about restaurants that never returned.     My list of “Gulf Coast restaurants I still miss” contains a few locally-owned places and a couple of above-average chains. In no particular order, here are a few of the places that I still remember fondly:   1.        Bombay Bicycle Club – Located across from Biloxi Beach, this lively restaurant may have been better known for its lively “happy hour,” but my friends and I stopped by for dinner after witnessing the annual “Blessing of the Fleet.” I’m not positive, but I think I ordered a Monte Cristo sandwich. I dined there other times, but since I possess photos of our group posing in front of the restaurant, it’s the occasion I most remember.   2.        Landry’s Seafood – I realize it’s part of a Texas-based chain, but there’s no denying that Landry’s food was really, really good. I distinctly remember the shrimp po’boy I ordered while visiting the Coast for a work-related trip. While the Gulfport restaurant was never rebuilt after being destroyed by Katrina, locations still remain throughout Louisiana and Texas; hopefully one day I’ll get the change to visit.   3.        Chappy’s in Long Beach – This popular locally-owned restaurant was a favorite of friends who lived in the area. Every time I visited, a visit to Chappy’s was on the menu. My only memory of Chappy’s is the large platters piled high with mounds of fried and broiled shrimp that everyone at the table shared. I wish I’d sampled one of Chappy’s grilled steaks, something friends still rave about today.   4.    Vrazel’s in Gulfport - Being treated to lunch at this elegant beachfront restaurant by the President of Jitney Jungle Stores, Henry Holman, following a work conference on the remains one of my fondest memories. I’m so glad I had the chance to experience the famous restaurant in 1997, just 8 years before it was decimated by Katrina. Vrazel’s was known for French, Italian, Creole and Cajun dishes. I remember ordering a chilled green salad topped with shrimp remoulade sauce. After perusing an old menu, I’m almost positive my entree was Shrimp Bordelaise – a sumptuous dish of fresh gulf shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce over spaghetti. A small sample of new favorites that emerged post-Katrina include fine dining spot BR Prime in the Beau Rivage; Taranto’s in the Woolmarket area of Biloxi;  Gulfport’s Murky Waters BBQ and in Bay St. Louis, Cuz’s and the Silver Slipper’s Jubilee Buffet. My Coast friends still reminisce about the shrimp and gumbo at Annie’s in Pass Christian; tasty appetizers at Bay St. Louis’ Dock of the Bay and Mary Mahoney’s separate 24-hour Café, which supplied gumbo, beignets and biscuits to the late-night crowd. None of these popular restaurants returned after Katrina. After 20 years, I accept that our beloved Mississippi Gulf Coast will never quite resurrect its pre-Katrina quaintness and charm as well as many restaurants. But fortunately, the area has come back – in some ways, bigger and better than ever. And of course, we'll always have our memories of a spectacular era of Gulf Coast dining. To read my article written on the 10th anniversary of Katrina, simply click on the link or copy/paste into your browser:  https://www.clarionledger.com/story/life/2015/08/25/coast-restaurants-serving-reviving-region/32347803/ . Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Eddie "Junior" Devine, Jr. Bolton, MS October 18, 1946 - August 12, 2025 78 years of age Eddie Devine, Jr., the third of twelve children born to sharecroppers, Eddie Devine, Sr. and Irene Singleton Devine, was born on October 18, 1946 in Bolton, MS. He was a unique blessing in the family having a quiet, unassuming and humble spirit. The normal farm chores, plowing, picking cotton, plucking corn, harvesting vegetables, chopping fire wood and the like were all dutifully taken in stride and without complaints. Junior, as he was known by family and friends, not only existed in a family of faith, he himself accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior July 1958, during the annual revival under Evangelist, R. G. Summers. He was subsequently baptized August 1958 by the renowned pastor/preacher, Reverend Silas Smith. He not only carried out the Christian virtues, he demonstrated the Christian values of faith, love and generosity toward his fellowman throughout his lifetime. Eddie Junior’s education was obtained from the Hinds County and Madison County School Systems, respectfully. Initially, he attended Johnsonline School, among others, and graduated from East Flora High, May 1965. After graduation he was employed with CM and I Industries in Jackson, MS. After one year he was drafted into the United States Army, June 1, 1966. He was initially stationed at Fort Benning, GA. Other tours of duty were Korea, Germany, Texas and Washington. He loved and married Mi Cha of South Korea on October 10, 1968. Their infant son, Marvin, died shortly after birth. His beloved wife, also known as Judy, died on October 4, 2008. For twenty years, this soldier served his country in the United States Army with distinction, wearing the uniform with pride and representing the best of what it means to be a soldier. He served as an Army chef, but more than that, he was a provider of comfort through food. His meals were not only nourishment, they were a reminder of home, of care and of humanity. He not only fed the body, he fed the soul. His daily chef duties were no doubt reminders of the delicious meals provided by his grandparents, Thomas (Dude) and Estella Singleton. Anyone in the community was made welcome at their table at meal times. Junior carried himself with the quiet humility of a man who recognized that honor is found in doing your work well, even when no one is watching. Our soldier retired June 1, 1986 after 20 years of honorable service as Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) at Fort Lewis Washington. Eddie Devine, Jr. transitioned to his heavenly home, Tuesday, August 12, 2025. This transition was exactly thirty-five years to the date of his grandmother Estella’s death. This humble loving soul has not only gained milk and honey in fellowship with his Savior. As chef he has more than likely introduced new food items to the normal menu, RED ROSE SAUSAGES and BLACKBURN SYRUP. Joining Eddie Junior in that great caravan of those gone before include his parents, Eddie Devine, Sr. and Irene Devine; infant son, Marvin; brother, Earnest; sister, Doretha; nieces, Yvette and Stephanie and nephew, Andrew, Jr. Eddie Devine, Jr. leaves the legacy of love and respect of his family and others who knew him: his sons, Calvin and Walter; daughters, Teresa and Florence Marie, all of Tacoma, WA; grandsons, Darren (aka Slick) and wife Tiffany, Jarrod, Jason, and Marcel; one great grandson, Darren (Slick, Jr.). Other beloved family members honoring his life include: brothers, Austin Devine, Haughton, LA and Rev. Silas (Everlean) Devine, Jackson, MS; seven sisters: Cloella (Melvin) Thompson, Chicago, IL; Dr. Lou Helen Sanders, Jackson, MS; Eula Gibson, Jackson, MS; Shirley (Andrew, Sr.) Lee, Jackson, MS; Joyce Louise Harper, Jackson, MS; Linda Devine, Jackson, MS; and Pastor Katie (Robert) Chandler, Clinton, MS. Our deceased also leaves a beloved sister/cousin, Elnora Hughes, Pacoima, CA and her sister, Bernice Love, Chicago, IL. He leaves two sisters-in-law, Minnie Devine, Detroit, MI and Delborah Devine, Bossier City, LA; also nieces and nephews, cousins, many former church members, classmates and friends. REST WELL SOLDIER. YOUR DUTY IS DONE. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eddie Devine, Jr., please visit our flower store .

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB            I remember being a big fan of the 1976 “Freaky Friday” with Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris. Granted, I saw it when I was young enough to not know the tropes of the body-swap comedy, but I still have fond memories. I got a few laughs out of the 2003 update with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, and I have some fond memories of watching it with my mom and cousins, though those are more about spending quality time with family. I mostly just squirmed impatiently through new follow-up “Freakier Friday,” and the fondest memory I’ll take away is that Manny Jacinto from “The Good Place” has a prominent role, and I have fond memories of that show.             Over 20 years have passed since teenager Anna (Lohan) switched bodies for a day with her mother Tess (Curtis). The two had some wacky fun before developing newfound respect for one another and coming out of the experience with a stronger bond. Anna has since become a mother herself to teenager Harper (Julia Butters), with grandmother Tess always eager to help, occasionally overstepping boundaries that Anna wishes she’s recognize, while Harper would like both adults to give her some space. At a parent-teacher conference, single mom Anna falls for Eric (Jacinto), the widowed father of Harper’s British classmate Lilly (Sophia Hammons), and the two are soon engaged to be wed, even though the teens can’t stand one another. All four women are in mopey moods the night of Anna’s bachelorette party, where they get readings from psychic Jen (Vanessa Bayer), who sets them on the course to change their hearts, which of course means more body-swap shenanigans.             The next morning, Anna has switched bodies with Harper and Tess has switched with Lilly. Fortunately, not much time is wasted on the shock or acceptance of the arrangement, since Anna and Tess have been through this before. As such, it doesn’t take long for everybody to start going about each other’s days. Anna-as-Harper and Tess-as-Lilly have to go to school, where they have detention as the result of a food fight. But since they figure that they won’t have to worry about getting more detention themselves, they sneak off and eat junk food in bodies with higher metabolism.             It’s Harper-as-Anna and Lilly-as-Tess who get most of the screen time, which is to be expected given the advertising’s focus on Lohan and Curtis. Jokes about Curtis’s senior citizen body, especially when it comes to having to use the bathroom, abound. The girls dislike each other enough to want the wedding to be called off, so they agree to use the body-swap to break up Eric and Anna. This involves dragging Anna’s old boyfriend Jake (Chad Michael Murray) into the couple’s wedding plans, even though he still carries something of a torch for Tess following the first movie. As if that weren’t enough, they get a chance to bond with Ella (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), a pop star managed by Anna, who invites “Anna” to play at one of her shows with her old band Pink Slip. Harper never knew her mom was such an awesome musician and neither girl really understands how much their parents love each other and them. Hijinks in the first half give way to lessons (but also more hijinks) in the second half.               Maybe I wasn’t digging “Freakier Friday” because I’ve seen enough body-swap comedies since the 1976 “Freaky Friday” to know exactly what to expect from these movies. Or maybe it was because I was a male watching a movie with not two, but four female leads and I wasn’t the target audience. Or maybe the movie just isn’t that sharp (I definitely found the food fight to be lazy and unfunny). I laughed at a scant few jokes, but not enough to give the movie a recommendation. I’m glad “Weapons” won the last two weekends at the domestic box office instead of this over-pushed mess. Grade: C- “Freakier Friday” is rated PG for thematic elements, rude humor, language and some suggestive references. Its running time is 110 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

By: Kara Kimbrough Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the perfect antidote to a chilly winter night when time is short but dinner must still be served. Call me strange, but I don’t despair during the short period of time in which we experience a rare phenomenon: winter. Chilly temperatures and early nightfall provide permission to take our lives down a notch and spend cozy evenings indoors. And the other reason to savor cold weather? Savory, hearty and yes, delicious winter food. What’s not to like about thick soups, chili, jambalaya, red beans and rice and the other heavy foods that are typically too heavy to enjoy when warm weather arrives? And one other reason I don’t abhor cooler weather? Winter's dishes provide warmth and comfort, and who could hate that when the thought of sky-rocketing electrical bills causes us to set the thermostat "just a little" lower than we’d like? Last week, I was excited to discover recipes for new winter dishes. The best part? They contained elements of my favorite things: pasta and soup. Anytime I can partake of either one is a good day…or night. Learning that the recipes could easily be cooked in a Crockpot was the icing on the cake. If, unlike me, you dread winter, remember there’s no better prescription for a gray day than one of these hearty dishes. I’m hoping they’ll chase away the worst case of winter blues and create a meal that will warm body and soul until spring. 4-Ingredient Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna 1 pound ground chuck 1 jar pasta sauce 1 package (25-ounce) frozen cheese ravioli 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or your favorite combination of cheeses) Optional: Seasonings to taste: garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper Brown ground chuck until no longer pink; drain excess grease. Stir in pasta sauce and any seasonings (if adding). In a 4-quart (or larger) lined Crockpot, layer half of ingredients in this order: meat sauce, frozen ravioli, cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until ravioli is tender. Meaty Pasta e Fagioli (Traditional Italian versions of this soup don’t usually include meat, but I added it to mine. If you prefer a meatless version, just omit the meat) 1 pound lean ground chuck 3-4 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups chopped celery 2 tablespoons minced garlic (adjust amount more or less to your taste) 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 4 cups low-sodium beef broth (add more broth or water if mixture is too heavy at end of cooking) 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 2 cups ditalini pasta (or your favorite shape) (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed Seasonings to taste: dried thyme, basil, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink. Drain grease and set aside. In the same pot, heat olive oil. Cook onion, celery, garlic and black pepper until vegetables are tender, 10 minutes. Stir in beef broth, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with favorite seasonings. Pour into lined Crockpot and cook for low for 6-8 hours. 30 minutes prior to end of cooking: stir in cooked beef, pasta and beans; cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until pasta is tender. Increase heat to high if needed to finish cooking pasta. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

The Mississippi Department of Education urges all education stakeholders to recognize Attendance Awareness Month in September. Schools, districts and local organizations are encouraged to promote the benefits of students maintaining regular attendance at school and reducing chronic absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% (18 days) of the school year for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences and suspensions. Students who miss two days of school each month of a school year are considered chronically absent. Research shows that students who are absent 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school. Anyone interested in raising awareness about the importance of regular school attendance may utilize MDE's online Attendance Awareness Toolkit, which includes resources from the agency's Every School Day Counts – Attend to Achieve campaign. "We all have a role in combatting chronic absenteeism in schools and preventing students from dropping out," said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. "MDE offers professional training and resources to districts, but we ask that local communities and service organizations join in as well. Regular attendance is essential for a student's success in school." Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann is supporting MDE's attendance awareness efforts. His office has created resource materials available to the public that have been added to MDE's Attendance Awareness Toolkit. "Students' attendance is a key indicator for success not only in the classroom but in life," Hosemann said. "It is imperative for the long-term success of our children and our state that our communities focus on keeping our students in the classroom." MDE began reporting chronic absence data in 2016. The lowest rate of 13% was in 2018-19. The COVID-19 pandemic is believed to be the major factor that led to higher state and national rates in 2021-22 when Mississippi's was 28%. The state's 2023-24 rate was 24.4%. MDE will soon release the 2024-25 Chronic Absenteeism Report. MDE's Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement and Dropout Prevention is tasked with ensuring all Mississippi public school students attend school. School attendance officers work out of this office to connect with families and help them eliminate barriers to school attendance. The office collaborated with the North Mississippi Education Consortium earlier this year to offer Attendance Improvement Institutes for school districts from Feb. 24 – May 16 across the state. The professional development event helped school teams create research-based and effective attendance improvement strategies to increase attendance rates. MDE will host the Statewide Chronic Absenteeism and Dropout Prevention Conference Sept. 8–9, at the Hilton Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi. The conference will offer expert-led presentations and breakout sessions focused on innovative strategies to boost student engagement and reduce dropout rates. Additionally, it will provide a platform for sharing best practices and deepening understanding of how to effectively address chronic absenteeism. Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news .

Volunteers at the Mississippi Food Network pack kits for the Backpack Program, ensuring students across the state have healthy meals to take home. Soul City Solar, a project by Apex Clean Energy, is now accepting applications for its Fall 2025 Community Grant Program, offering $1,000 to $10,000 in funding for grassroots organizations, schools, law enforcement agencies, and nonprofits working to make life better in Hinds County. Since launching, the program has invested more than $200,000 into over 20 organizations across Bolton, Clinton, Jackson, Raymond, Utica, and Edwards. The Program has supported initiatives from STEM education and youth programs to public safety, and community beautification. “Real progress happens when we invest in the communities we serve,” said Quita Bride, Public Engagement Manager for Soul City Solar. “We’re proud to stand alongside those who are creating lasting change and building a stronger future right here at home.” The Fall 2025 funding cycle is open through August 29, with awards announced in October. Grants will be considered for initiatives in four focus areas: • Safe and Healthy Communities • Economic Development • Environmental Sustainability • Education Past grantees say the impact is tangible. Dr. Heather Denne, Community Engagement Director, with student at Jackson State University/Blackburn Middle School Learning Garden.  “With the support of Soul City Solar, the JSU/Blackburn Garden is able to grow fresh food, strengthen community ties in West Jackson, and give our students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences,” said a representative from Jackson State University. “Thanks to Soul City Solar's unwavering commitment to the community, this grant will allow us to provide meals, engaging activities, and educational resources for children ages 7 to 12 in the Bolton area. This grant is a powerful example of what’s possible when businesses and communities come together for a greater purpose,” Lisa Nelson, Founder and Director of Sowing Seeds for Success. Summer participants in the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation’s Young Futurists Project The full list of past recipients includes Hinds County Public School District Foundation, the Bean Path, Operation Shoestring, Central Hinds Academy, Raymond Fire Department, and community organizations across the county. “We’re not just building a solar project. We’re investing in the people who make this place what it is,” said Bride. “If your project is making a difference in Hinds County, we want to hear from you.” To apply or learn more, visit: https://www.soulcitysolarpower.com/grant