Special to The Bolton News Agenda for the October 7, 2025 MBOA Bolton city leaders met Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in the Meeting Room at City Hall, located at 202 Bolton Raymond Road, to discuss matters shaping the community. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen reviewed ongoing projects, addressed city operations, and considered updates from various departments. During the meeting, officials discussed upcoming improvements to local roads, maintenance plans for public facilities, and enhancements to community services. Budget updates were also presented, highlighting the city’s efforts to allocate resources effectively while supporting essential programs. The board also addressed initiatives aimed at promoting public safety and infrastructure development, including updates on utility services and planning for future city improvements. Officials emphasized their focus on creating a safe, well-managed, and thriving environment for all residents, while encouraging the public to remain engaged with city governance. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen invited residents to attend future meetings to stay informed about ongoing projects and decisions impacting Bolton, reaffirming the city’s dedication to open communication and active community participation.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com You know you stepped in it. Big time. Didn’t really mean to do it, but it happened. Now your spouse is hurt and angry. And they are not really waiting breathlessly to hear your apology – they’re way past that. Seeing you hanging by your bleeding ears from a dead tree in the middle of the Sahara Desert more likely fits their emotional need at this point. The last things you need to do at this point is to rush into your “I am sorry. I really am. I’ll try not to ever do, or say, or behave that way again.” Whatever fits at the time. Your hurting spouse is likely to feel like spitting your words into a nearby old filthy tin can as soon as they fall from your lips. Because quick apologies, with no real thought or self-realization behind them, feel worthless and self-serving to the one you hurt. Those kinds of apologies can likely be taken by your spouse as just an escape, a rapid way for you to deescalate the dangerous situation you feel is barreling your way. And too often can result in the same old action on your part happening again. Simply because you didn’t take time to feel and think. Do your relationship a huge favor. Stop and think. Put yourself in your spouse’s shoes. Let yourself realize how your actions or words could have been taken by the one on the receiving end. Deliberately let yourself feel the likely pain that you have inadvertently – or deliberately – caused. Of course, that’s not easy. You said what you said, because at the time, you meant every word. You spewed exactly what you were feeling, and there is no way you now want to take the time to see and feel the viewpoint of the other person. Totally human and natural way to approach a quarrel. We always see ourselves as holding the high ground and our spouse as wallowing around somewhere slightly below our lofty position. Basically, our unsaid position is this:  “You caused me to cause this problem between us. If you had not done so-and-so, or said what you did, I would not have reacted the way I did.” Yep, a totally human and natural way. Of damaging your relationship. Is it worth it? Is holding your defenses shining high and dry on the battle field, so that you don’t have to feel the sting of remorse – is it really worth the long-term damage to what you should hold dear? Better to retreat for a little while and rethink your strategy to include seeing the war from your spouse’s side of things. And then approach the dry barren field between you with a true heartfelt apology. One that lets your spouse know that the words they are hearing have real meaning, instead of a cheap way for you to avoid experiencing repercussions. And then make yourself follow up your mouth with your actions.

Diwali, often referred to as the "Festival of Lights", is a celebration of joy, hope, and togetherness observed by millions around the world. Diwali holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, symbolizing the triumph of  light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is not only celebrated by Hindus, but by people of various religious and cultural backgrounds, uniting communities through vibrant traditions,  spiritual reflection, and shared festivities. This year, the Diwali celebration at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jackson MS will highlight the theme of unity, inviting communities to come together to honor shared values, cultural heritage, and spiritual reflection. BAPS welcomes the public to join in the festivities and experience the vibrant traditions of Diwali. Who:  BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Jackson MS What:  Diwali Celebration When:  Saturday Oct 25, 2025. 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Where:  BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 2390 Greenway Dr, Jackson MS 39204 Key highlights of the celebration include: Radiant Mandir Decorations: Visitors will be greeted by colorful lights, handcrafted décor, and intricate rangoli designs that reflect the rich artistic traditions of India. Annakut Offering: A central feature of Diwali, the Annakut will display hundreds of vegetarian dishes arranged as a symbol of gratitude and devotion. Exhibition on this year’s theme “Where there is unity, there is light.” Parking and Entry : Free This celebration provides an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, celebrate unity, and share in the joy and warmth of Diwali. For more inquiry, contact: Nayan Mehta, Outreach Admin, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Jackson. 630-670-8877 / legacynayan@gmail.com

Special to The Bolton News Downtown Bolton is gearing up for a night of festive fun as High Horse of Bolton presents the fourth annual Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, October 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This community event has quickly become a favorite local tradition, bringing families, friends, and neighbors together for an evening filled with Halloween spirit. Guests can look forward to an exciting mix of decorated trunks, plenty of candy, and creative costumes lining the streets of downtown. Local food and drink vendors will be on-site, offering a variety of treats to enjoy while taking in the spooky atmosphere. “Trunk or Treat is all about bringing the community together in a fun and safe way,” said Dyamone White, owner and operator of The High Horse: Bite and Beverage Barn of Bolton. “Every year it grows a little more, and it’s amazing to see how much creativity and excitement people put into it.” With its mix of ghosts, goodies, and good company, Bolton’s Trunk or Treat promises to deliver another memorable evening of Halloween fun. Families are encouraged to come out, dress up, and enjoy the magic of the season right in the heart of their town. Those who wish to participate but do not have a trunk to decorate can still be part of the fun by donating candy or other goodies to Bolton City Hall, located at 202 Bolton Raymond Road.  For more information, contact Dyamone White at 601-473-5113 or by email at dyamone@highhorsebolton.com .

By Kara Kimbrough  Apple crumb cake is the perfect fall dessert, snack or, in a pinch, quick breakfast.    Finally, it’s fall…the all-too-fleeting season that brings only a few cool days in the south in between heat spells and cold weather. Instead of thinking about ways to incorporate pumpkin spice into everything from coffee to bread, I’ve been dreaming about apples. When fall arrives, there’s nothing more satisfying that a hot apple cider doughnut, thick slice of apple strudel and my latest find, sweet, spongy apple crumb cake.     Finding out that I would be visiting a North Carolina apple orchard this week was almost more exciting than the prospect of touring the Blue Ridge Mountains. An entire afternoon on the packed itinerary was devoted to climbing ladders and picking apples. I’ll describe my trip, including the apple-picking, in next week’s column.     In the meantime, I’ll share one of favorite fall baking recipes. Apple Crumb Cake is easy to prepare and is the perfect snack to enjoy with coffee or even as a quick breakfast. If you’d like the recipes for apple strudel and doughnuts. drop me an email and I’ll send them to you.    So...I’m off to explore the mountains and of course, that apple orchard. Happy fall!   Easy Apple Crumb Cake ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup brown sugar, packed 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder ¾ cup milk 2 small apples, peeled and chopped Crumb Topping 1/2 cup butter, softened ¾ cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon     Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside. In a medium bowl combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla. Combine with a mixer until creamy. Add flour, salt and baking powder and mix to combine. The mixture might be a bit crumbly but that is alright. Add the milk all at once and combine until you have a nice cake batter. Pour half of the batter into the prepared 9×9 pan. Top with the chopped apples.      To make the crumb topping, combine the butter, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the other ingredients until you have crumbs. Do not over mix or you will have a paste. Spread half of the crumbs over the top of the apples.      Add the remaining cake batter on top of the apple and crumbs, spread in an even layer. Top with remaining crumbs. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com . It’s hard to find anything better than apple cider doughnuts fresh and hot from the oven. If you’d like the recipe, drop me an email and I’ll send it to you.

By Guest Columnist Dean Ridings, America’s Newspapers   Strong communities don’t just happen. They rely on connection - residents knowing what’s going on, businesses reaching the customers who keep them open, and citizens having the facts to make good decisions. Local newspapers provide that connection in ways no other source can. In today’s fractured media environment, trust is the rarest commodity. Confidence in “the media” is low. Only 18% of Americans say they trust news on social platforms, and fewer than one in four trust cable networks. But nearly two-thirds say they trust their local newspaper—more than double the confidence placed in most other outlets. In an era when anyone can post anything online, that clarity makes newspapers stand apart. Newspapers provide the facts that keep civic life running: City budgets, school board debates and local elections that rarely make national headlines but matter most to daily life. They also highlight the stories that make a community feel connected: high school sports, neighborhood events, new restaurants and profiles of people who make a difference. Your local newspapers have evolved to meet readers where they are - on websites, mobile apps and email newsletters. What hasn’t changed are the standards. Accuracy, ethics and accountability still guide the work. That combination of modern delivery and traditional integrity is why people continue to turn to their local paper. The same trust strengthens the local economy. Research shows consumers act on newspaper ads more than on ads delivered by TV, radio or digital platforms. People see local business advertising as part of the same reliable package as the news. For a small business competing with national chains and online platforms, no other channel delivers the same impact. When residents trust the paper, they trust the businesses that support it. The absence of a local paper leaves a mark. Voter turnout declines. Fewer residents attend public meetings. Government oversight weakens, and borrowing costs rise. Small businesses lose their most effective way to reach local customers. And, without a trusted source tying things together, misinformation and partisan spin spread faster, fueling confusion and division. The opposite is true when newspapers are strong. Residents are better informed, more engaged and more connected to each other. Businesses grow, because they can reach customers in a trusted environment. Communities share a common set of facts that helps debate happen on the issues - not on whether the information is real. But this role depends on support. Subscriptions, advertising and community engagement make it possible for newspapers to continue earning the trust that communities depend on. A strong local newspaper doesn’t solve every challenge a town faces, but it makes civic life, local culture and the local economy all work better.  Healthy communities are stronger when their local newspaper is strong. Supporting the paper is one of the most direct ways residents and businesses can invest in their own future.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Nothing wrong with relaxing.  With the right timing and amount. Being lazy? Nothing wrong with it – in moderation. After a fifteen-hour workday, certainly anyone would want a chance to just do nothing for a while. But when you decide that your thirty minutes of computer work warrants the next four hours spent in playtime…that is definitely not moderation. Why moderation? Because the last time I checked, most supervisors are not real keen on paying their workers to play Ping-Pong on the company clock. Stepping away from a project a few minutes for a breather in order to gain a new and fresher perspective? Sure.  But the outlook,  ‘One must perfectly balance their work time versus relaxation time, so that they can have a healthier outlook on life’  is not all that healthy .  Believe me, you  will  have a healthier outlook on life if you come to realize that insisting on having a 50/50 balance usually leads to 100/0 unemployment. Not too many companies are extremely worried about their employees having a perfect balance in their life – on the company dime. Bosses want and rightly expect exactly what they are paying for. And they expect productivity during work hours.  In the eyes of supervisors, your personal hours and scheduled vacations from work are the time to purse your ping-pong dreams. Want to succeed? That means keeping your priorities straight, and one of those top priorities can’t be playing Lazy LeRoy. Not if you want to be respected at work, in marriage, or at being a good parent. Sure, relaxing time is needed in your life and shouldn’t be neglected. But put it further down the priority list. A lot further than most people want it to be. Do yourself a huge favor and function from a Priority List for yourself that has the following: 1). Know God and respect Him.  2). Live like you respect yourself.  3)Live like you respect your marriage, or your potential marriage if you are still single.  4). If you are a parent, be a loving, disciplined, and creative parent.  5). Get a good education in the field you love.  6). Keep searching for a position in that field, if you’re not there yet.  7). But wherever you are working, whether it is your dream career or just putting potatoes on the table right now, respect your employer enough to DO IT WELL.  8). Then waaaaay down the page, insert the priority ‘Relax and be lazy at times, it’s good for me in small doses.’ Notice the word RESPECT seems to pop its head up a lot? Don’t be foolish and make relaxing a top priority. No need. Being lazy and relaxing is something most humans do instinctively and self-centeredly.  And I would be willing to bet you are human.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB             Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson is known as a top-tier talent without top-tier recognition. None of his movies have made more than $50 million at the domestic box office, and despite 11 nominations, he’s never won himself an Academy Award (a combined three Oscar wins have come from his films, including Daniel Day-Lewis as Best Actor for 2007’s “There Will Be Blood,” but I’m talking about Anderson personally). “One Battle After Another” seems to represent an attempt by Anderson to step up his game, both commercially and creatively. The result is a film that is highly likely to give him his first blockbuster, and yes, could very well end his losing streak at the Oscars.             The film initially follows Pat Calhoun (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor), members of a revolutionary group known as the French 75. The group frees detainees, robs banks, blows up (hopefully) abandoned buildings, and generally causes headaches for authority figures like Lt. Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn). Pat and Perfidia fall in love due to their shared thrills in their missions, but Perfidia also has an affair with Lockjaw due to their shared thrills in their cat-and-mouse game. Perfidia eventually gives birth to a daughter named Charlene, and Pat wants the three of them to settle down and have a normal life, but his wanting to give up the risk drives Perfidia away. She ultimately botches things so badly that the group is brought down by Lockjaw, Pat and Charlene have to go into hiding, and she’s basically dead to everyone who may have once cared about her.             Sixteen years later, the now-Col. Lockjaw is up for membership in a powerful white-supremacist organization. The problem is that they won’t let him join if they join if they find out about his mixed-race possible daughter Charlene. Lockjaw sets to tracking down the girl now known as “Willa Ferguson” (Chase Infinati), who is living in a sanctuary city with her father-figure “Bob.” Bob is expectedly loving and protective of Willa, but he’s a mess himself, which causes the girl to practically have to be a parent to him. She’s smart and steadfast like her mother, but she has no idea the trouble she’s about to be in with Lockjaw and associates both legitimate and unscrupulous descending on the area.             So much of the film is chase and action sequences, with the French 75’s activities in the first half of the film giving way to both Lockjaw pursuing Willa and an intoxicated Bob trying to recover Willa with the help of her karate instructor (Benicio Del Toro) in the second. Anderson has been known more for “tension” than “action” in his career, but this movie – especially with its bumpy-ride car chases – will make you think he’s been an action director this whole time. But the appeal doesn’t lie entirely in action, there are also some great emotional performances and gut-busting dry humor, as well as more outrageous humor. Bob’s frustration over being expected to remember decades-old French 75 code is arguably the highlight of the entire movie.             At this point, the question isn’t whether or not “One Battle After Another” will be nominated for Academy Awards, it’s the number of categories in which it will be nominated. DiCaprio, Penn, and surefire breakouts Taylor and Infiniti could all get into the acting categories, and Anderson himself wears so many hats in the production that he could be up for at least four awards. I do have a few quibbles, like how the film does so little with a fellow revolutionary played by Regina Hall, and Bob’s questionable usefulness to the story, and how a character seemingly only survives a consequential action sequence just so they can be used for a humorous scene later. But overall this is a very exciting, funny, enjoyable movie that I wouldn’t mind earning Paul Thomas Anderson the recognition he’s deserved for decades. Grade: B “One Battle After Another” is rated R for pervasive language, violence, sexual content and drug use. Its running time is 161 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

me Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance ( MAMA ), a free website and mobile app that connects pregnant women and mothers to private, public and faith-based resources available across the state, recently celebrated its third anniversary. Since launching the MAMA website in October 2023, over 27,000 individuals have visited the website for a total of 88,000 hits. Over 1,000 users have downloaded the mobile app since it went live January 1, 2024. “MAMA is just one of the ways that Mississippi is helping to stand in the gap to both empower women and promote life. I am grateful for this opportunity to show women that they are not alone. We care about their wellbeing and success and want to help them and their families flourish," said Attorney Lynn General Fitch. In 2023,  General Fitch worked with the Mississippi State Legislature  to establish MAMA (SB 2781). Her office was tasked with creating and administering MAMA, with the assistance of a number of state agencies, including the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, which helped to stand up the website in just three months to make the statutorily-required launch date of October 1, 2023, as well as the mobile app by the January 1, 2024, deadline. MAMA is designed with the goal of connecting mothers directly to needed resources and services in three clicks or less, which are organized by nine categories: Pregnancy: Receive a free pregnancy test or ultrasound, visit a center with baby essentials, find a diaper bank, or take a childbirth and parenting class. Health: Enroll in Medicaid, find free health services near you, connect with a mental health counselor, seek help for substance abuse/addiction, or download health/pregnancy/childbirth tips. Adoption: Learn more about adoption, locate safe haven baby boxes, or explore other life-affirming options. Food: Sign up for food benefits and assistance, locate food pantries and community kitchens, or access free formula. Goods: Find a resource center near you with car seats, strollers, cribs, diapers and wipes, maternity and infant clothing, and other household items. Safety: Find a domestic abuse shelter or rape crisis center, connect with a confidential counselor, or request legal aid. Money: Apply for financial assistance and government benefits for food, rent/mortgages, transportation, and childcare; learn more about child support enforcement; or find a financial planning and literacy class. Child Care: Locate a childcare center near you or apply for financial assistance. Jobs: Search job openings, enroll in job training courses, or apply for financial aid for college. Over 400 resources have been added to the Service Directory, and efforts continue to outreach to add additional resources. Public, private, and faith-based entities that would like to be added to the MAMA Service Directory can contact General Fitch’s office  here  or click “List Your Service” in the upper righthand corner of the MAMA website. Similarly, organizations and agencies that would like to help spread the word about MAMA to women and families can request brochures  here . For more information, visit  MAMA.MS.GOV  or download the app in the  Apple Store  or  Google Play Store . MAMA is a key component of The Empowerment Project, General Fitch’s initiative to empower women and their children. Read more about the five pillars of The Empowerment Project  here .

me Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson and other officials addressed security measures, preparations and new details ahead of the Great American Mississippi State Fair taking place October 2-13. State Fair officials have announced security measures, preparations and new details ahead of the Great American Mississippi State Fair taking place October 2-13, 2025. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson was joined by law enforcement officials partnering to provide security on the Mississippi Fairgrounds during the State Fair, as well as other officials and organizers with special fair events. Also in attendance was Willie Simmons, Central District Transportation Commissioner with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). Commissioner Simmons announced the road construction on Interstate 55 at the Pascagoula Street exit has been completed, so that the exit is now opened to assist the flow of fair traffic. "Transportation and infrastructure are absolutely key to making the State Fair run smoothly, and I want to thank Commissioner Simmons and MDOT for their tireless efforts in successfully completing the major road construction project along I-55 here by the Fairgrounds before this massive event and significantly improving the quality of our roadways. Their work will make a noticeable difference for visitors of the State Fair driving into Jackson," said Gipson. "The safety and security of fairgoers is our top priority at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds," he continued. "The annual Mississippi State Fair is one of the largest events held in our state, and we are so thankful for the support and partnerships we have with several local and state law enforcement agencies."  The Mississippi State Fairgrounds has partnered with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, including their Commercial Truck Enforcement Division, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Capitol Police Department and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; State Fire Marshal's Office; Department of Homeland Security; Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; American Medical Response; Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau; Hinds County Sheriff's Office; Jackson Police Department; Pearl Police Department; and SWETMAN Private Security Company.  Gipson also emphasized the unique significance of this year's fair. As part of the nationwide Great American State Fair initiative, the Mississippi State Fair will feature a variety of patriotic festivities and special events in celebration of America's upcoming 250th anniversary. Gipson and the fairgrounds' staff encourage all visitors to show their patriotic spirit by wearing red, white and blue, and to enjoy all the new patriotic-themed competitions, shows and attractions taking place throughout the 12-day event. "One thing that we're especially proud to add to this year's State Fair – something we've never done before – is the opportunity for fairgoers to give back to our military veterans," he said. "In keeping with the America250 celebrations, it was important to us to make special efforts to honor, recognize and support the over 200,000 veterans who call our great state home." This year, the Mississippi State Fairgrounds has partnered with the non-profit combat veterans organization 5th Squad. This organization was founded in 2018 by four Mississippi Army combat veterans to provide financial assistance for immediate life-sustaining needs to qualifying veterans in a time of crisis. During the State Fair, special signage featuring information about the 5th Squad will be displayed throughout the fairgrounds. Each sign will include a QR code that links directly to the organization's website, where visitors will have the option to make a donation through a secure online portal. "While you're enjoying the Mississippi State Fair, keep an eye out for the 5th Squad signs. Scan the QR code and give what you can to support our veterans in need. They've sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms, and they deserve our support whenever we're able to give it," continued Gipson. The 166th Mississippi State Fair will kick off this Thursday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m. Fairgoers can expect all the usual, fan-favorite entertainment, as well as several all-new events and patriotic attractions as Mississippi participates in the Great American State Fair competition. Fairgrounds Chief of Security Steve Shows also reminded fairgoers of several things to "Know Before You Go." Gate admission is $10.00 per person, and parking is free. Children ages 5 and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase admission tickets, concert tickets and ride wristbands online at  www.msstatefair.com , or purchase admission and concert tickets in-person at the Coliseum Box Office. Fair admission is free every weekday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., except on Monday, October 13, Columbus Day. Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. until close and all day Friday and Saturday, any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by an adult (21 or older). Any guest may be asked to show official proof of age. Guests are encouraged to bring identification. When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one of several security points utilizing a metal detector, and/or be subject to magnetic wanding. Only clear bags will be allowed on the Fairgrounds during the State Fair and must not exceed 12"x12"x6". Diaper bags and medically necessary bags and items are allowed after proper inspection and tagging. All bags are subject to search. No outside food or beverage allowed. No marketing, soliciting, political or vending items allowed unless and as authorized under Fairground regulations. No animals (other than service animals or as authorized by Fair management for Fair activities), banners, fireworks/explosives or laser pointers allowed. Jefferson Street will be closed between Pearl Street and Amite Street. Greymont Street will be open for Fair traffic only.  For more information about the Great American Mississippi State Fair, which runs October 2-13, 2025, visit  www.msstatefair.com  and follow the Mississippi State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and X.

By Kara Kimbrough  One Skillet Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish to throw together when time is short but an enjoyable dinner still has to be made.  Don’t ask me why…but someone, somewhere thought it was a good idea to make Hamburger Helper relevant again. Yes, you read that right…the bright red box adorned with the animated white glove character pointing to a pan of…well, I’m not exactly sure what the dish consists of…is being touted as the new “It” product.     First, I saw the contents of the familiar red box being discussed on morning news shows as a “delicious meal.” Even more unbelievable, the anchors were actually served bowls of Hamburger Helper and expected to eat it at 8 a.m. Similar videos popped up online of college students describing it as the “perfect inexpensive meal,” I realized then that Hamburger Helper’s marketing team was working overtime to resurrect the product from the “it was good in the 70’s when we didn’t know any better” product line.      I don’t remember Hamburger Helper ever being served on the family dinner table as I was growing up. I vaguely remember trying it once when I moved into my first post-college apartment. If memory serves, it only took one bite of the dish filled with tons of unpronounceable, tasteless ingredients for me to realize that taking a few minutes to make similar dishes from scratch would be well worth the time and effort.    After viewing all the fuss about Hamburger Helper in recent days, I made a special trip to the supermarket to check out the infamous red box on the shelves. I learned that what Hamburger Helper lacks in taste, it makes up for in variety. Just a few of the “flavors” that can be created courtesy of a powdered sauce mix inside the box include Cheeseburger Macaroni, Cheesy Ranch Burger, Tomato Basil Penne, Deluxe Beef Stroganoff, Deluxe Philly Cheesesteak…and the list goes on. Each one sounds delicious, but reading the ingredients on the box curbed any interest I might have felt.     I can’t in good conscience recommend Hamburger Helper as a healthy, tasty meal. However, I  can  share a couple of easy skillet meals that resemble photos on the “red box” but taste so much better. So, disregard the claims that the “red box is back” and instead, make your own delicious meals that are simple to make, better for your health and here’s the best part, don’t taste like they came from a box.   Skillet Cheeseburger 1 pound ground chuck or turkey ½ chopped onion ½ teaspoon garlic salt 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce 2 cups small rotini pasta, uncooked 1-1/2 cup water ¼ cup ketchup ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese      Add ground meat, onions and garlic salt to skillet and cook until meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain fat, then put back on heat and add tomato sauce, pasta and water; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and cook 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.    Stir in ketchup, then top with cheeses and leave skillet on low heat until cheese melts.   One Skillet Creamy Chicken Pasta 1 pound bow-tie pasta 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Salt and pepper 1 tablespoon butte r1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic ½ cup chicken broth ½ cup heavy cream 1 cup grated Parmesan 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (use tomato sauce if you can’t find this item) 1 cup baby spinach    Boil pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. Slice chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper.    Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until golden brown on both sides and completely done. Remove chicken from skillet and add onions and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes, then pour in broth. Let mixture bubble up, then reduce and cook on low for 2 minutes.     Add heavy cream and Parmesan, whisking constantly until well combined. Allow liquid to thicken for a few minutes. Remove sauce from the heat, then return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the tomatoes, spinach and pasta. Combine all ingredients and serve immediately from the skillet. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Special to The Bolton News Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church warmly invites the community to join in a meaningful celebration as they honor Pastor Darren Nichols and First Lady Nichols during a special Installation service. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the church, located at 6449 West Northside Drive in Bolton, Mississippi. This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the lives of Pastor Nichols and First Lady Nichols, recognizing their dedication and commitment to spiritual leadership and service within the congregation. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness their official installation and offer support and congratulations as they step into this new chapter of ministry. Adding to the significance of the occasion, Dr. Charles Miller will serve as the guest speaker, bringing his insight and experience to the celebration. The church extends a warm welcome to members, friends, and neighbors, encouraging all to come together for an afternoon of reflection, inspiration, and community fellowship. Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church’s invitation reflects their commitment to honoring leadership and fostering a spirit of unity, making this Installation service a truly memorable event for everyone in attendance.