By: Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB             I’ve never seen 1997’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” all the way through. 11-year-old me was too young to see the R-rated slasher in theaters, which was just as well because I did see a trailer and lost many nights’ sleep over the killer’s deadly fishing hook. I eventually got caught up via highlights and recaps, to the point where I feel like watching the movie now would just be a redundant bore. This is all to say that I don’t have much loyalty to the original, outside of a begrudging respect for its ability to give me nightmares with something sharp. Once again, this is probably for the best, since without loyalty to the original, I don’t have to worry about betrayal on the part of the same-titled reboot.             The premise is the same here as it was in 1997: a group of friends goof off on a secluded coastal road one fateful summer night. Their antics cause an accident and a death, and although good girl Ava (Chase Sui Wonders) thinks they should take responsibility, others, like the spoiled Danica (Madelyn Cline) just want to put the incident behind them as quickly and quietly as possible. Danica, her obnoxious fiancé Teddy (Tyriq Withers), troubled Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon), and Ava’s wannabe boyfriend Milo (Jonah Hauer-King) agree to forget what happened, and after some peer pressure, so does Ava.             A year later, the group reunites for Danica’s wedding… to newcomer Wyatt (Joshua Orpin). She and Teddy didn’t work out as a couple. Nothing worked out for anybody, likely as a result of guilt. At her bridal shower, Danica receives a mysterious note with the titular message. Nobody in the group admits to sending it. Soon after, a murder occurs, committed by someone wearing all-too-familiar fisherman’s gear and wielding… well, first an effective-but-not-terrifying harpoon, but then that traumatizing hook. The murder is clearly related to the incident a year ago, and of course is just the beginning of a string of killings targeting the group and those around them.             Who can the killer be? Someone in the group? None of them “seem” capable of deliberate murder, but someone could just be pretending. Teddy’s bigwig father (Billy Campbell) knew about his son’s involvement, and in true mayor-from-“Jaws” fashion, he wants to sweep all local violence under the rug to protect property values. The creepy local pastor (Austin Nichols) seems to have something nefarious up his sleeve. A true-crime podcaster (Gabbriette Bechtel) is snooping around town suspiciously. Why is she here? Because this is the same town where a similar string of fisherman-based murders occurred 30 years ago. Survivors Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.) still live in the area, maybe they can help the new generation of hapless protagonists. Or do their violence-filled pasts make them a current danger?             The “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot has to lean heavily into nostalgia to be appealing, because it can’t elevate itself on more creative merits like interesting new characters or well-earned scares. At least Hewitt and Prinze have important roles to play, they aren’t just cameos for the sake of cameos, not that there isn’t at least one of those. I’ll also confess that I got some laughs out of the mystery, if only because the film goes so far out of its way to make minor characters with two or three lines seem like potential killers. Still, I don’t feel like I missed much by not seeing the original “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and you won’t be missing much if you don’t see this one. Grade: C “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is rated R for bloody horror violence, language throughout, some sexual content and brief drug use. Its running time is 111 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Shaun's main goal in life is to never make a mistake. In fact, he will bend over backward in every area of his life to make certain that never happens. The FEAR OF PUNISHMENT from childhood is so engrained into him that allowing even one mistake in his world cannot be tolerated. That fear has led him into an adult prison of rigid rules, absolute perfection and arrogance. All of his own making. Tom won’t even try to begin his own business, even though he is aware that he could get the financial backing it would take. His desperate fear of failing has kept him paralyzed and working for someone else for the last twenty years. He is trapped in his panic of losing everything financially, and also his overwhelming anxiety of being ‘the family failure.’ As a result, he lives his life suspecting that he is just a coward and a loser. That suspicion itself and his FEAR OF FAILURE is tanking his self-worth. Piper lives with a secret. Her deep fear of having to deal with life alone.  That haunting anxiety is creating her sharp tongue as she picks constantly at the faults and weaknesses of her chronically ill husband. His inability to function at his former high levels constantly reminds her of terrifying possibilities, and causes her FEAR OF ABONDONMENT to stay kicked into high gear. Russell controls his kids with punishment – threatened and also real - should they make the smallest infraction of his rules. He grew up in a household that had less financially than all the other neighbors. And to make matters more difficult, he didn’t have the perfect model family of Dad/Mom/Kids like all the popular kids in school. Even though the other kids at school didn’t really deliberately embarrass or shame him, he still felt different from the others. Therefore, now as an adult, he is determined to make himself and his family absolutely perfect. SHAME is his constant, unseen, all-controlling companion. Julia is seen by everyone around her as pretty standoffish, a loner to the bone. No one suspects that every evening she walks the floor of her home, waiting for the phone to ring. So lonely, but yet too afraid of being rejected to pick up her phone and reach out to someone. Cindy works in the same office as Julia. She is the girl everyone calls…to bail them out when they need help. She is easily manipulated, and they all know Cindy will never refuse to lend a helping hand. Envious and Lonely Julia doesn’t know that Popular Cindy is struggling with resentment at being constantly used, but yet she can’t say “NO,” because of her fear of being disliked. Both ladies are dealing with the results of the FEAR OF REJECTION. You just might recognize yourself in one of these mirrors. Most likely we all can. But recognizing ourself is a good first step to healing our self.

The Bolton News The Town of Bolton has announced that City Hall will be closed for four consecutive days—from Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24—while staff attend a municipal conference and professional development training. According to the official press release, the closure is intended to allow all City Hall employees to participate in the training sessions, which are described as efforts to “better serve the community.” City Hall is scheduled to reopen with normal business hours on Friday, July 25. While professional development is widely recognized as important for effective municipal operations, the complete shutdown of City Hall for nearly a full workweek has raised some eyebrows among local residents and business owners. “I understand the need for training, but closing the entire operation without leaving even one person on staff to assist residents in person or by phone? That seems poorly planned,” said longtime Bolton resident Carolyn Jackson. “People still have business to take care of—permits, payments, records, you name it.” The move comes early in the tenure of newly elected Mayor Alisa Butler-Kidd, whose administration has promised transparency, accessibility, and modernization. Some question whether closing City Hall entirely aligns with those goals. “It sends the wrong message,” said a local business owner who asked not to be named. “There are ways to balance training and service. Other cities stagger attendance or keep a skeleton crew available. Shutting the doors for four days seems avoidable.” Residents with urgent matters are instructed to contact the Bolton Police Department, which will remain operational during the closure. The municipal conference may provide valuable insights and tools for better governance, but the lack of contingency planning or alternative access during the closure has left some residents feeling disconnected. As one town hall regular put it, “If the goal is to better serve the public, the first step might be staying open to serve them.”

By: Kara Kimbrough Nothing's better in the summertime than a scoop of homemade ice cream on top of hot blackberry cobbler fresh from the oven.  Ever wonder how Americans in the old days made it through a long, hot summer without central air conditioning? According to historical records, they made ice cream. That’s right, making homemade ice cream is one of the most popular - and oldest - ways to beat the heat. President George Washington owned a "cream machine for making ice,” according to historical records. Washington was reportedly so fond of ice cream that he spent more than $200 (several thousand dollars in today's money) making the cool treat in the summer of 1790.       Those of us who grew up eating ice cream made in laborious, hand-cranked machines filled with rock salt love the fact that homemade ice cream is now very simple to make. Basic ice cream machines (in the $50 range for no-frills models) hat do most of the work are available at major retailers. And there's also the Nina CREAMi Ice Cream Maker (retails for $169 at Walmart), which produces a smoother, creamier version of ice cream, sorbets, milkshakes and similar treats than the basic models.       Everyone reminisces about childhood experiences of turning the ice cream handle, but nobody has time now to actually do that and why should we? Today’s machines turn out a superior product in 30 minutes or less.  And, if you like a firmer ice cream, all that is required is to put it in the freezer for a few hours.     Last but not least - one of the major benefits of making your own product is the ability to become an ice cream artisan. You pick the ingredients, including quality dairy products and if desired, fresh, locally-grown fruit.     This time of year, there’s nothing quite like the sight and feeling of a chilled bowl of homemade ice cream nestled in your hand, ready to be enjoyed. Even plain vanilla melting in delicate rivers over a helping of hot blackberry cobbler is a treat to be treasured.    Here are two easy recipes that'll ensure a frosty bowl of homemade ice cream will be in your hands in under an hour.    3-Ingredient Homemade Ice Cream 2 cups heavy cream 1 can sweetened condensed milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Additions: chopped fruit, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, nuts or other toppings/flavors of your choice.           Using a stand or hand mixer, whisk whipping cream for about 2 minutes. Set aside. In a separate bowl whisk together sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Scoop out half of the whipped cream into the condensed milk bowl. Using a spatula gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk.       Fold the whipped cream and condensed milk mixture into the remaining whipped cream. Fold gently and mix. Stir in desired additions; mix well. Pour the mixture into a 5x9- inch loaf pan, cover with cling wrap and place into the freezer for 3 hours.   The Best Vanilla Ice Cream 3 eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3 cups heavy whipping cream 1 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract      Tip:  Freeze the bowl and paddle attachment to your ice cream maker for 24 hours.     Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes, until thick and pale. Mix in cream, milk and vanilla until blended. Refrigerate batter at least 4 hours or freeze 2 hours or until very cold.       To make ice cream:  Pour cold batter into the frozen ice cream maker and churn for 25-30 minutes. Ice cream will look gritty once done. Transfer ice cream into a container and freeze until firm.  Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By: Annie Oeth, UMMC Communications   Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory infection, can cause severe illness in infants and young children.   Rising cases of pertussis nationally and statewide serve as a reminder to parents to vaccinate their children against this and other highly contagious diseases, experts at the University of Mississippi Medical Center say.  Pertussis , or whooping cough, is a preventable respiratory illness that can be life-threatening to infants. Spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact, pertussis has early symptoms that resemble a common cold but can progress to severe coughing fits.   As of July 10, 80 pertussis cases had been reported to the Mississippi State Department of Health from all nine public health districts compared to 18 cases reported by the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for roughly the same period in 2024 and 49 cases in the state for all of 2024.   The increase in cases prompted the Mississippi State Department of Health to issue a statewide health alert Monday.  Although no deaths from pertussis have been reported in Mississippi this year, doctors at UMMC and its pediatric arm, Children's of Mississippi, stress that the disease can be life-threatening.     Dr. Mary Taylor "Pertussis can be especially dangerous for infants, who are most at risk of severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures or even death," said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics at UMMC.   "Vaccinations are the best line of defense against whooping cough and other diseases," she said. "These diseases are preventable through vaccination, so we advise parents to ensure their children are up to date with their  immunizations . "  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends immunizations as the safest and most cost-effective way of preventing disease, disability and death. Mississippi had a 97.4% immunization rate in the 2023-2024 school year, a drop from 98.9% in 2020-2021.  Dr. Roberto Santos, professor of pediatric infectious diseases, said the rising number of illnesses that can be prevented through immunizations is alarming.    Dr. Roberto Santos "There were six times more cases of whooping cough in 2024 in the U.S. with peak incidence last November 2024, according to the  CDC ," he said. "The best way to prevent pertussis is through timely vaccinations, which not only provide personal protection but also offer community protection if vaccination rate is above 90%."  Vaccines are effective, but not 100% effective, the  American Lung Association  reports. "Vaccinated people who get whooping cough usually have more mild symptoms such as a cough that doesn't last as long and coughing fits that are less common and severe."  With decreasing vaccination rates, medical providers need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of pertussis, he said.  "We should not let our guard down since pertussis can be associated with severe pneumonia with pulmonary hypertension or severe coughing spells  complicated  with hernia, hypoxia or lack of oxygen and conjunctival hemorrhage."  According to the  AAP , the duration of pertussis can be up to six to eight weeks. About a third of babies 12 months and younger who catch pertussis will require hospitalization.   Dr. Sue Phillips, a pediatric hospitalist at Children's of Mississippi, said it's important to visit a health care provider if exposed to pertussis.    Dr. Sue Phillips "There are ways to test for pertussis and also ways to treat it," she said. "High-risk populations – infants, unimmunized, the elderly – especially need to be evaluated if there is concern and tested in the event that antibiotics are needed."  Since protection from pertussis vaccinations can wane over time, it is important for adults to update their immunizations, according to the  CDC . The two types of pertussis vaccines, DTaP and Tdap, also protect against  diphtheria  and  tetanus.    DTaP protects nearly all children within a year of their last shot and about 7 in 10 within five years of their last shot. Tdap protects against illness in about seven in 10 people in the first year after getting it and about three to four in 10 people four years after.  DTaP is recommended for younger children, while Tdap is recommended for older children, pregnant women and adults. Infants should receive DTaP vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months followed by two booster doses at 15 to 18 months and at 4 to 6 years. Pre-teens should receive a single dose of Tdap at 11 to 12 years to boost their immunity. Pregnant women should receive a single dose of Tdap during each pregnancy in the 27th to 36th week of pregnancy to help protect their newborns from pertussis during their first few months of life. The CDC also recommends a single dose of Tdap for adults who have never received Tdap.  MSDH recommends that grandparents and others who may come in close contact with infants get booster shots to ensure they don't unknowingly pass pertussis to the child.  Vaccinations are  available  through primary care physicians, pharmacies, community health centers and county departments of health.   Parents who have questions about vaccinations should talk with their children's pediatrician or primary care provider, said Dr. Bryant McCrary, a pediatrician at Children's of Mississippi's Bridgewater pediatric clinic in Gulfport.   "Trust is at the heart of pediatric medicine," he said. "Immunizations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect our children and our communities. The vaccines we recommend are grounded in rigorous science and decades of research. One has to believe that the American Academy of Pediatrics, dedicated to the well-being of all children and made up of devoted doctors and researchers, would never make recommendations that were not in the best interest of all children."   Watch video  here .

Nominations for the 2025 List of Mississippi’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places are now open, and the Mississippi Heritage Trust is calling on citizens across the state to help identify and protect the places that matter most. This annual list shines a spotlight on sites that are historically or architecturally significant but face serious threats—from neglect and disrepair to development pressure, natural disasters, or a lack of funding. Since 1999, the Endangered Places List has featured 130 sites across Mississippi. Some of these places have been restored and revitalized through public awareness and community action. Others have been lost forever. Many remain in limbo, waiting for someone to step forward and advocate for their future. This year marks the 15th edition of the list, and your nomination could help save a vital piece of Mississippi’s heritage. Whether it’s a schoolhouse that served generations, a historic church that still anchors a small-town main street, a once-vibrant commercial building, or a forgotten bridge that tells the story of local industry—every nomination helps tell the larger story of who we are as Mississippians. To nominate a site, you don’t need to be an expert in preservation. You just need to care. The Mississippi Heritage Trust is looking for places that are both significant and endangered—structures with historical value that are in danger of being lost due to deterioration, neglect, or external threats. Is there a building in Bolton that deserves attention before it disappears? This is your chance to speak up and help protect Mississippi’s shared history. The deadline to submit nominations is August 15. For more information and to access the nomination form, visit https://www.mississippiheritage.com/ .

Anyone looking for a way to get in on the ground floor of Amazon Web Services data centers career opportunities can start with a four-week paid training program at Hinds Community College’s Jackson Campus. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is investing $10 billion to build two data center complexes in two Madison County industrial parks, which is projected to create at least 1,000 new jobs in the Magnolia State, according to the AWS website. The I2PA AWS Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship program at Hinds’ Jackson Campus will not only train participants to enter careers at those data centers but will also pay them for 30 hours’ worth of work each week for the four weeks of training. “Since data centers are new to our area, people may not understand the opportunities for high-wage, high-demand jobs the data centers bring with them,” said Dr. Ginger Robbins, Vice President of Workforce Development and Governmental Affairs. “The I2PA training program exposes participants to skills needed to build, connect, power and operate data centers – and provides pathways to further training and employment." All supplies – including protective gear and a laptop computer – are included in the hands-on training program. The training begins on Aug. 18 and ends on Sept. 16 with a graduation ceremony at Hinds’ Jackson Campus at 3925 Sunset Dr. Participants can earn several industry-required certificates, including AWS I2PA and OSHA 10. To qualify, participants need a high school diploma or equivalent, ability to perform basic math functions (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, and fractions and percentages) and basic written and verbal communication skills in English. For more information, contact Angela Hayes at the WIN Job Center.  Angela.Hayes@hindscc.edu To apply, go to the website at:  https://aws-workforce.pearson.com/i2pa-2025-08-jackson-ms/

Online volunteer registration opens today for the 82nd National Folk Festival, a FREE, three-day event, launching in downtown Jackson, November 7-9, 2025. This year marks the first of the festival’s three-year residency in Jackson. With over 800 volunteers needed for the festival to run smoothly, volunteer recruitment is key to the event’s success. Projected attendance is 60,000-80,000 for the 2025 festival. “I’m incredibly excited to engage the Jackson community through our volunteer program, which will play a vital role in building the kind of civic pride that we want to see,” says Local Festival Manager Thabi Moyo. “This inaugural cohort of volunteers will help shape the tone and spirit of the festival, creating an experience that reflects the warmth and hospitality Mississippi is known for—and I couldn’t be more thrilled to help build a team that understands and embodies that.” There are dozens of opportunities for all ages to get involved, from Backstage Support to Beverage Sales, Participant Transportation, Bucket Brigade, Merchandise, and more. People may choose what positions they’re interested in as well as their preferred time slots when registering online. Average volunteer shifts are three to four hours, and volunteers may sign up for more than one shift over the course of the weekend. All volunteers will be asked to attend a rally and orientation session; some volunteers will also participate in an additional training session. Volunteers may sign up individually or with groups of friends or coworkers. The festival is a wonderful place for your family, school, office, church, or community organization to volunteer as a group. "Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to pull back the curtain and contribute to all the moving parts that make a large-scale national event possible,” continues Moyo. “My hope is that folks come back year after year to be part of it.” Each volunteer will get a National Folk Festival volunteer t-shirt, receive service hours, and gain a wonderful sense of community pride—PLUS, make new friends and create unforgettable memories! To learn more and to register, prospective volunteers can visit nationalfolkfestival.com/volunteer , or email Festival Volunteer Coordinators Macy Russell and Courtney Jones at volunteers@nationalfolkfestival.com  with any questions. For more information on the Festival, visit nationalfolkfestival.com . To engage on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/NFFJackson Instagram: instagram.com/NFFJackson The National Folk Festival is a partnership of the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the City of Jackson, Visit Jackson, Downtown Jackson Partners, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, the Community Foundation for Mississippi, the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi Humanities Council, Visit Mississippi, and the National Park Service. The festival is FREE to the public.

By: Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB       With Zack Snyder’s version of the DC Universe having officially fizzled out, Warner Bros. is trying a hard reboot of the multi-faceted superhero franchise under the direction of James Gunn. First up for Gunn is “Superman,” with actor David Corenswet stepping into the role of space alien Kal-El/mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent/blue-suited metahuman Superman. Corenswet is a good fit for the role, as he unflinchingly nails the character’s strength and stoicism, as well as his unrelenting moral dedication and occasionally-naïve optimism. His mere casting is the first good decision by Gunn, getting the movie (and thus, the series) off on the right foot.             The film forgoes its main character’s origin story and picks up three years after the Superman persona has become known to the public. He’s ready to help out wherever he’s needed, whether it’s a collapsing skyscraper in the American city of Metropolis or a hostile military invasion by the far-off dictatorship of Boravia. He’s a selfless force for good in the world, which of course means that many, many people have a problem with him. In particular, evil industrialist Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult, another solid casting choice with a good balance of smugness and intensity) wants to stop Superman, ostensibly so he can carry out grand schemes without interference, but really because he’s jealous that the hero’s many good deeds keep eating up the headlines.             Speaking of headlines, “Clark” works, as always, at the “Daily Planet” newspaper alongside intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan, yet another good casting choice with a sharp wit and excellent chemistry with Corenswet). At first it seems like these two have a bit of a cute crush on one another, but all is not as innocent as it seems. Lois has a tendency to make Clark feel insecure about the godlike, above-reproach identity he’s set up for himself, but maybe it’s good that he feels insecure so he can think about the consequences of his actions. Or maybe she’s wrong and he shouldn’t be worried about backlash or second-guessing himself. It’s a complicated issue without a straightforward answer, but they’re determined to work through it together.             Surprisingly, Superman isn’t the only metahuman in Metropolis. The city is also served by Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawk Girl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi, who contributes so much to the movie’s heroics that he may as well be a co-lead). But Superman is more powerful than all of them because powers from the planet Krypton are in his DNA. Kal-El’s Kryptonian parents were able to send him to Earth from their dying planet with some advanced technology, which developed over the years into the Fortress of Solitude in Antarctica, complete with robot servants and Krypto the Superdog. They also threw in a message of encouragement via hologram. Kal-El doesn’t know what they were encouraging, exactly, but probably just a reminder to always be good, right?             This version of “Superman” has all the makings of a great superhero movie, but I can’t say that it ever really becomes one. I recommend it overall, but for every well-realized character or interesting plot point, there are several others that just come off as unnecessary. For example, I may care about Lois and Clark’s co-workers at the “Daily Planet” down the line, but here I wonder why the movie needs to go to their offices at all when there’s already so much new information to take in. The same overcrowding problem applies to this franchise’s rivals over at the MCU, which is why so many of their movies have seemed like mush lately. Gunn has to opportunity here to not just bring the DCU back from the dead, but pull it ahead of the MCU while that once-great cinematic universe is mired in its mid-2020’s doldrums. This movie is not going to cause the DCU to overtake the MCU in a single bound, but for the first time in a long time, the DCU feels like a worthy contender for superhero supremacy. Grade: B- “Superman” is rated PG-13 for violence, action and language. Its running time is 129 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is making a resurgence in Mississippi. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has issued a health alert warning the public about an increase in pertussis cases in the state. As of July 10, 80 cases have been reported so far this year, up from 49 for all of 2024. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported. Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughs that make it hard to breathe. It most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies under 1 year old. Most (76%) of this year's cases have occurred in children less than 18 years of age, including seven cases in infants less than 2 months old. Of the 73 cases that were age-eligible for pertussis vaccination, 28 were not vaccinated. Among those unvaccinated, 23 were less than 18 years old. Of the 10 hospitalized, seven were children less than 2 years old. While cases have been reported statewide, 40% were identified in Northeast Mississippi. Vaccination, one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against pertussis, is recommended for everyone. There are two types of combination vaccines that include protection against pertussis, as well as diphtheria and tetanus: DTaP and Tdap. DTaP is recommended for younger children, while Tdap is recommended for older children, pregnant women and adults. Infants should receive DTaP vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months followed by two booster doses at 15 to 18 months and at 4 to 6 years. Pre-teens should receive Tdap at 11 to 12 years to boost their immunity. Pregnant women should receive a single dose of Tdap in the 27th – 36th week of pregnancy to help protect their newborns from pertussis during their first few months of life. Also, grandparents and other extended family/friends who may come in close contact with the infant should get booster shots to ensure they don't unknowingly pass the disease on to the child. Although there is no routine recommendation for pertussis boosters, immunity wanes over time. Pertussis is transmitted person-to-person through respiratory droplets or contact with airborne droplets. Patients are considered infectious from the onset of symptoms until three weeks after the start of high-pitched coughing fits, or until completing five days of antibiotics. Recommended treatment includes antibiotics within three weeks of cough onset in people 1 year of age and older, and within six weeks of cough onset in infants younger than 1 year old and pregnant women. MSDH offers vaccinations to children and uninsured adults at county health departments. To make an appointment, visit  https://msdh.ms.gov/pertussis  or call (855) 767-0170. If you're not sure about your child's vaccination history, you can find their records by creating an account with the MyIR service, checking with your pediatrician or contacting the MSDH Immunization Office at (601) 576‑7751. Download the new MSDH Healthy App for free in Apple and Android stores. Get up to date news and updates at:  www.msdh.ms.gov .  and on social media:  facebook.com/HealthyMS ,  twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.ms\

Special to The Bolton News In a continued effort to promote cleaner neighborhoods and reduce illegal dumping, Waste Management has partnered with Hinds County District 2 Supervisor Tony Smith to provide a free roll-off dumpster for public use. This initiative offers residents a convenient and responsible way to dispose of household waste at no cost. Beginning June 30, 2025, the dumpster will be located at the Hinds County Public Works North Maintenance Satellite Building, situated at 10000 I-20 Frontage Road in Bolton, Mississippi. It will be accessible to the public during normal hours of operation, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This service is intended strictly for residential use. Commercial businesses, contractors, and construction-related disposal are not permitted to use this dumpster. Items that can be properly disposed of include bagged household trash, old furniture, non-recyclable bulk items, yard clippings, and general non-hazardous waste. Certain materials are prohibited and must not be placed in the dumpster. These include tires, paint, chemicals, hazardous waste, electronics such as televisions and computers, batteries, motor oil, construction materials like brick, concrete, sheetrock, or roofing, and large appliances including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners. Improper dumping or misuse of this service could result in citations and may jeopardize the availability of the dumpster for the community. Residents are encouraged to follow the guidelines and help maintain the integrity of the program. “This is our community,” said Supervisor Tony Smith. “Let’s take pride in it and work together to keep it clean.” For more information about acceptable items or any other questions, residents are encouraged to contact Waste Management at 601-932-5132 or the District 2 Supervisor’s Office at 601-968-6690.

By: Kara Kimbrough Shortcut versions are out there, but nothing beats an utterly delicious homemade version of Shoney's Famous Strawberry Pie in the summertime. If you don't have the recipe, email me and I'll send it to you.  We’ve all done it…scrolled the internet late at night and watched videos of chefs of all skill levels cooking dishes that look SO delicious that we wanted to taste them at that exact moment. Obviously, that’s not always possible due to a number of factors. 1. We don’t have the items on hand and 2. The nearest supermarket is usually a few miles (or more) away and venturing out late at night probably isn’t the smartest idea. To solve this ongoing problem, I searched for a few shortcut versions of some of the most appetizing-looking dishes that contain ingredients that most of us have on hand. First, I watched with fascination as someone stirred together a version of Shoney’s famous strawberry pie. It’s a simple recipe, but I didn’t have fresh strawberries, Jell-O and a pie crust on hand to make the delicious dessert. However, I DID have three items that I strive to keep in my freezer at all times: frozen strawberries in sugar, a container of Cool Whip and Sara Lee All-Butter Pound Cake. Topping a slice of defrosted pound cake with the remaining two ingredients created the perfect late-night snack. My version wasn’t as good as Shoney’s, but it sufficed until I could buy the ingredients for Shoney's pie the following day. Watching another home cook make an intricate Korean beef and noodles dish piqued my interest and taste buds. But spending 1-1/2 hours working on the dish in a hot kitchen wasn’t the best use of my time or patience. Using a bottle of Korean marinade, pre-sliced beef and ramen noodles (something I literally hadn’t tasted since college), the end result was surprisingly delicious and filling. Last, I’m not a huge fan of Mexican food, but after running out of ideas on ways to use a large package of chicken, I watched another video of a chef creating Salsa Verde chicken.  He made the sauce from scratch, but I decided to substitute a cup of jarred sauce, which is often used as a dip. While it won’t replace my favorite chicken parmigiano, it was tasty and here’s the best part, only took 15 minutes to make. Try these two shortcut dishes to help make the most of summer days filled with lots of fun things to do while continuing to get dinner on the table. Since you’ll save time on dinner prep, spend a little time making Shoney’s most famous dessert. If you don’t have the recipe, drop me an email and I’ll send it to you. Enjoy the remaining days of summer! Shortcut Korean Beef Noodles 15.52-ounce package instant Ramen noodles 1 pound thinly cut ribeye steak or another cut ½ pound baby Bok choy, ends trimmed and washed (can use cole slaw mix if Bok choy is not available or to save time) 1 green onion finely chopped ½ small onion sliced 1 ½ cup Korean barbecue sauce or marinade (found next to regular barbecue sauce/marinades or in ethnic section )½ tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional Place ramen noodles in sauce pan of boiling water and begin loosening with tongs. Once they are loosened, strain and rinse under cold water. Do not boil noodles too long; set aside. In sauce pan over medium high heat, add oil, then yellow onion; cook until softened and slightly browned on edges. Next add green onions. Add beef and stir fry until beef is partially cooked. Toss in Bok choy or cole slaw and stir fry with beef. Cook until juices in the wok have evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Add in strained ramen and Korean sauce. Mix everything together. Once everything is mixed, remove off heat to serve over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice 4 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup jarred thick Salsa Verde (found in condiment aisle or ethnic section) 1 cup pepper Jack cheese, shredded Package of Knorr Spanish rice (or other instant rice brand) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange a rack in the center of the oven. Season the chicken evenly with pepper. Place the chicken in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet or 3-quart baking dish. Drizzle with the oil. Pour Salsa Verde over the chicken. Bake until salsa is bubbly and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 140 degrees, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn the oven to broil. Sprinkle the chicken with the cheese and return to the oven. Broil until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees and the cheese is melted and browned in spots, about four minutes. Serve over Spanish rice or with other favorite side dish. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .