Special to The Bolton News Letitia Mason-Henry, Deputy Municipal Clerk, center, completed the Certified Municipal Clerk program on June 25 at the Mississippi Municipal League conference in Biloxi. Pictured left to right: Kimberly Vaughn, Certification Chairman, Suzett Davis, president of the Mississippi Municipal Clerk’s and Collectors Association, Letitia Mason-Henry, Jason Camp, Extension Specialist of the Center for Government and Community Development, and Sumner Davis GCD Center Head. Letitia Mason-Henry, Deputy Municipal Clerk in Bolton, graduated from the Certified Municipal Clerk program July 25th in Biloxi during the annual Mississippi Municipal League conference. Developed and conducted by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the program provides municipal clerks, tax collectors, and their deputies with additional education and expertise. The three- year program covers 30 topics, including purchasing, personnel management, municipal law, and ethics of openness in government. Participants earn their certification after successfully completing topical assessments. “Municipal clerks play an essential role in local governments and communities in the state,” said Jason Camp, an instructor with the Extension Center for Government and Community Development. “Their positions require a wide range of expertise in local, state and federal laws. Graduates of this program are better prepared for the complex nature of their job.” The program is sponsored by the Center for Government and Community Development and the Mississippi Municipal Clerks and Collectors Association and accredited by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. The Extension Center for Government and Community Development has served as the designated state organization for all training accredited by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks since 1973. The institute is a professional, nonprofit association for clerks in the U.S., Canada, and 15 other countries.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     Jeannie slipped silently down the dark, cellar steps like a shadow on a mission. Certainly not a shadow, but definitely on a mission. She knew exactly where her grandmother kept her pickle-making crock. Despite the blackness that surrounded her, she headed confidently across the musty narrow room. One thing was on her eleven-year-old mind. Grandma Joan had loaded her large crock with briny cucumbers four days ago, and that meant one sure thing.  Crisp, tangy, dill pickles were just waiting for Jeannie on the second shelf at the back. One problem existed though. G’ma had threatened Jeannie with a week-long pickle ban, if she caught her stealing from the crock in her cellar. “No tellin’ where your grubby hands have been, and I won’t have you pollutin’ my pickles.” Jeannie knew she had to be quick and clean with her get-away in the next five minutes, because Grandma had just stepped next door to speak to the neighbor. No longer than that, because G’ma wasn’t one to stand around talking very long. So she needed to be in and out, and gobbling pickles in the far corner of the back yard, long before the Pickle Guardian returned and caught her down there. Reaching the back of the cellar in just a few steps, Jeannie found the second shelf, then felt along it until she felt her hand hit a large smooth, cool surface. Grinning triumphantly, she slid her small hand up the side of the crock to the top, and slipped it underneath the fermenting foam that was gathered there. She quickly found her prize, and decided ‘if one’s good, three’s a lot better.’ Loaded with her ill-gotten bounty, dripping with the salty, dill liquid that coated the pickles, she turned, crossed the floor, and started up the cellar steps. Only to stop in horror as she watched the cellar door slowly open and saw her G’ma standing at the top with a look on her face that Jeannie rarely saw. And it didn’t help to raise the little girl’s hopes, when she saw the dreaded ‘learning paddle’ in her grandmother’s hand. Oh, to only be banned from eating pickles for the next week! That would have been a punishment that Jeannie would have gladly born. Grandma was a healthy believer in children doing as they are told. And she also detested out-and-out rebellion. Unfortunately, Grandma was also a healthy, strapping woman who believed in her grandkids having their learning abilities attached to their behinds, and believed a healthy strong spanking would drive the needed information home. Needless to say, that experience was never forgotten. Sixty-one years later, Jeannie is still known to pass along her memories of that day. With a laugh, that’s true, but also with a regretful glint in her eye. “I learned a lesson that day. Never, and I mean never, steal from G’ma. She had warned me, and I found out she meant exactly what she said.” Wish today’s parents still knew to do that.

By: Kara Kimbrough Dunn's Falls Water Park in Enterprise, MS, is one of the most scenic (and coolest!) places to visit during the summer.  No matter how positively you (or the weatherman) spin it, there’s only one way to describe the south this time of year…it's hot. If you’re looking for an escape route from the omnipresent heat, picture a place shaded by massive trees swaying in cool breezes and plenty of cold water. Forget a long plane trip to a tropical island and instead, journey to a much closer haven- Dunn’s Falls Water Park in east Mississippi. The bluffs of the eastern bank of the Chunky River in Lauderdale County extend to amazing heights from which a natural majestic waterfall flows. In short, there’s no shortage of ice-cold water in which to wade or swim; a brisk wind whistling through the trees and up above, a 65-foot waterfall. Does anything sound cooler and dare I say it…more heavenly? Created in the mid-1850's by Irish immigrant John Dunn, today the scenic waterfall powering an old waterwheel and the adjacent park draw visitors who are amazed by the contrast of powerful flowing water with the otherwise peaceful, tranquil area. Being able to climb down winding steps on the steep embankment next to the falls to view the majestic sight of thousands of gallons of clear water rushing down from above is one of the park's major draws. Once visitors have cooled off in or near the water, exploring the scenic park is always a good idea. You won't want to miss the historic Carroll-Richardson Gristmill. Dating back to the 1800's, the historic building was moved from Cave Springs, Georgia and reconstructed on the site of Dunn's original mill. Other sites are a rustic homestead, mill pond filled with fish and ducks and picnic area. Additionally, the crystal-clear river offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and paddle boating. Nearby, nature trails wind through the woods and are home to wild turkey, deer, squirrels and other wildlife on display for hikers. Primitive camping sites are available for those who don’t mind roughing it in exchange for an unforgettable outdoor experience. There are nominal fees to enter the park and to fish and camp. If, after enjoying the sights and experiences at the park, the desire exists for more adventures and a memorable meal, make the 15-mile drive in to Meridian, where the state’s oldest restaurant awaits. No visit to Meridian is complete without a stop at Weidmann's, which can easily be classified as destination dining at its finest. Opened in 1870 by Swiss chef Felix Weidmann, the historic, yet comfortable restaurant is famous for individual crocks of peanut butter at each table and its signature black bottom pie. Before sitting down to a leisurely meal, here are a few can’t-miss attractions spread throughout Meridian. First, seeing (and riding, if you’d like) the world’s only two-row stationary Dentzel Menagerie Carousel in Highland Park should be on every visitor’s itinerary, regardless of age. Colorful carousel horses are also spread throughout the city (a map can be obtained online from  visitmeridian.com ). Meridian is also home to several museums, including one dedicated to the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers. Other popular attractions are The Max-Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience showcasing the state’s strong arts/entertainment history; tours of historic Temple Theatre and Merrehope, a Victorian estate and walking tours of Meridian’s downtown. After working up an appetite, walk through the heavy doors of Weidmann’s in historic downtown Meridian and be transported back in time courtesy of white-clothed tables, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and vintage photos. Once seated in either in the well-appointed main dining room or on the upstairs balcony overlooking downtown, dip a cracker into creamy peanut butter, a staple since 1940’s. During World War II, butter was short, so the owner substituted peanut butter in earthenware crocks. It was popular addition, ne that remains part of the Weidmann’s experience. Weidmann’s serves brunch on the weekend as well as lunch and dinner throughout the week. Entrees include steak, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes, but perhaps none is as popular as one of Weidmann’s specialties, shrimp and grits. Stone ground grits are slow cooked with butter and cheddar, then topped with fresh shrimp, ham, tomatoes, peppers, onion and a light cream sauce. The menu also includes soups, salads and appetizers. Felix’s Special pays homage to the founder by pairing his favorite shrimp remoulade salad with a grilled pimento cheese and applewood bacon sandwich on sour dough bread. After a Weidmann’s meal, it’s hard to imagine ordering dessert. However, you can’t leave without sampling Weidmann’s famous black bottom pie. I’m not sure about the modern-day version, but a vintage online recipe contains gingersnaps, scalded milk, layers of custard and chocolate, a dash or two or whiskey and a crown of meringue scattered with chocolate shavings. Today, Weidmann's version is a decadent, delicious and a must-try ending to a memorable meal. If You Go: Dunn’s Falls Water Park Where: 6890 Dunn's Falls Rd., Enterprise, MS Hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday; open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday Contact: 601-655-8550 to learn about admission fees and other issues; for cabin reservations, call 1-800-748-9403 Weidmann’s Where: 210 22nd Ave., Meridian Contact:  601-581-5770 for hours of operations Website:  weidmanns1870.com Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Special to The Bolton News The Clinton community once again demonstrated its generosity and commitment to service through the recent can drive held at the library. Thanks to the outstanding support from local residents, the event was a meaningful success, showing what can be accomplished when neighbors come together for a good cause. As we transition into a new school year, that same spirit of giving continues with the launch of a new initiative. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Tau Upsilon Zeta Chapter is proud to announce its 2025–2026 Adopt-a-School Initiative. This year, the chapter is focusing its efforts on supporting Bolton-Edwards Elementary Middle School and Clinton Junior High School. The goal is to provide students and teachers with much-needed classroom supplies and support. Rather than collecting items, the chapter is asking for financial contributions to allow for more flexibility in meeting specific needs. Every donation helps ensure that local educators and students are equipped for a successful school year. Donations can be made through August 16 by visiting the following secure link: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/adopt-a-school-donations–2025 . This back-to-school season is more than just a return to classrooms—it’s a chance to return to service. Let’s keep the momentum going and come together once more to make a lasting impact in our schools and community.

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.