Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com I can vividly imagine the reactions of most who just read that title. “Are you nuts, Renie B?! Of course, being rich would be better for me than having to drive this old rattletrap of a car, that breaks down every time a wind any stronger than a baby’s breath blows through. I’ll have you know that paying my A/C and heating bill usually costs me more that I bring in every month. That’s why my spouse has to work. It sure ain’t becuz she hates the thought of staying home all day! Even though our house is tiny, ugly, and drafty as all get out, she’d rather be at home with our baby.” But hear me out before you crumple your newspaper into a ball and throw it at the dog in anger. Empathy and sympathy for someone else’s troubles usually comes from our own personal struggles. Our own pain is how we learn to feel the pain of others. If we don’t hurt, we don’t have a clue how it feels when others are hurting. We would be a self-absorbed Me/Mine person. Wealth can bring with it a certain amount of self-centeredness, if we are not careful and very aware of the trap laid for us. Just imagine you are extremely wealthy: After all, having to take care of your expensive home, and the furnishings in it takes real attention and time. And it is absolutely irresponsible and foolish to spend good money on a house, grounds, and furniture, and then neglect their care. Really, hiring professionals to handle it all the right way, just makes a lot of sense. And who in their right mind lets their body go downhill by ignoring its need for correct exercise and honest-to-goodness health-conscious food? Even though you do try really hard to take care of yourself viruses and bacteria are everywhere, so you know it just makes sense to find only the best doctors when you get sick. Speaking of making sense, it’s really not an intelligent move to drive a vehicle that can break down at a moment’s notice. You really DO have to make certain you can get to where you are going without getting stranded somewhere, making you miss that important meeting. And honestly, image projection in your chosen career is terribly important. You can’t afford to drive anything less than a luxury car. And God forbid that your teenager or your wife’s car is dangerous for them. You remember that God wrote in the Bible that a man who doesn’t take care of his family is worse than an infidel.  Maybe in the long run, a better way to protect them is by just providing them all with new cars. A whole lot less to worry about when it comes to their safety. See what I mean? Wealth brings a trap of self-centeredness with it, without you even realizing it has happened. Not that I have first-hand knowledge, that’s for sure.

Mississippi's 2025 Municipal General Election Day is less than one week away. The June 3 ballot features municipal offices across the state. Polls for the Municipal General Election will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Any voter in line at 7:00 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. To familiarize yourself with the upcoming election, visit the  My Election Day portal  to receive election information tailored to your specific address, including a sample ballot. As you type your address into the system, similar addresses should populate. Simply click on yours to get started. Mississippians are encouraged to educate themselves on all races prior to heading to the polls. Problems at the polls observed by state observers or otherwise reported to our Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General's Office or the appropriate District Attorney's Office. As a reminder, the Secretary of State's Office has no enforcement authority over election-related issues. Utilizing smart technology, Mississippi voters may now access important election information and report issues via text message. Text "HI" to (601) 586-7600 to initiate a conversation with the Secretary of State's Office to solicit guidance on a variety of topics. To receive election reminders in preparation for Election Day, text "MS ELECTIONS" to 80946.  Click here  to learn more about the new "TextMyGov" resource. For questions, please contact the Elections Division at 1-800-829-6786, email  ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov , or visit  YallVote.ms . ELECTION DAY REMINDERS In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline:  The last day to vote absentee vote in-person is Saturday, May 31.  Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline:  All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 3 and received by Municipal Clerk's Offices by June 10. Voter ID Affidavit Ballot Deadline:  Voters who cast an affidavit ballot because they forgot their voter ID must present an acceptable form of photo ID to their Municipal Clerk's Office by June 10. Polling Place Location:  Contact your Municipal Clerk's Office to verify your polling place. Voter Photo ID:  Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. Click here to view a list of acceptable photo IDs. Campaigning:  It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering:  The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except election officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones:  Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.

By: Kara Kimbrough Smoked corn tartar sauce and tangy cocktail sauce, pictured top right, nearly stole the thunder from the delicious fried shrimp served at The Fish House in Pensacola, FL.   I’m stealing this phrase…” Secret’s in the sauce”  from an old TV commercial and claiming it as the motto for Summer ’25. More specifically, I’ll use it anytime I’m serving burgers, steaks, pork chops or basically any type of grilled meat that need a “little something extra.” I’ll also utter it when preparing a crudité   platter of sliced vegetables and need “a little something” in which to dip the otherwise-plain green things. And I’ll even trot it out when pouring a bag of chips and crackers onto a platter and dipping is a requirement.    The necessity of having an arsenal of homemade dipping sauces for summer dining emerged during a recent visit to a popular Pensacola restaurant. To check the box of enjoying "at least one fried shrimp dinner" while at the beach, I selected this meal at The Fish House a few minutes after arriving in Florida. To set the scene, read and revel in this mouth-watering menu description of “Crispy Gulf Shrimp.”       “Cornmeal-dusted jumbo Gulf shrimp, served with crispy fries, sweet corn hushpuppies, creamy coleslaw, cocktail sauce and smoked corn tartar.”  If that doesn’t activate your taste buds, I’m not sure if anything will. I soon learned I’d made the right menu selection and here’s why…    Not only were the large, succulent shrimp lightly dusted in cornmeal, but they were fried so delicately and with such skill, it was difficult to determine they were actually, well, fried. Yes, they  were  crispy, but lacking the heavy breading and greasy taste of many fried items. Also delicious were the hushpuppies filled with bits of sweet corn and a vinegar-based cole slaw instead of the usual mayonnaise-laden versions offered at most restaurants.    But here’s the most notable thing about this unforgettable meal. A tangy cocktail sauce accompanying the shrimp contained just the right amount of flavor and the star of the show – a flavorful tartar sauce infused with a smoky corn flavor – almost outshone the food. Both sauces – especially the unbelievably-delicious tartar sauce (which has never been on my favorite condiments list) - were simply outstanding. In short, they elevated the meal from above-average to 10 stars.    I’m still trying to get the tartar sauce recipe (or a reasonably-close version) to share with you. Until then, here are a few of my favorite sauces to get your summer off to a great start. They can be made in a matter of minutes courtesy of a food processor or even a blender. Like me, you’ll soon be saying…    “The secret’s in the sauce!” Best Combo BBQ/Ketchup Sauce (Great for burgers or any grilled meat as well as fries) 1/2 cup ketchup  2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon molasses teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)  2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce  2 teaspoons of favorite barbecue rub 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard  1/4 teaspoon onion powder  1/4 teaspoon garlic powder      Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, molasses, hot sauce, Worcestershire, barbecue rub, mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to a month. Vegetable Dipping Sauce 1 cup sour cream ½ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning powder 1 tablespoon grated onion ¼ teaspoon dried dill or 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt     Whisk together all the ingredients. Serve with fresh vegetables and/or chips. Favorite Burger Sauce   1 cup mayonnaise½ cup ketchup 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard 2 teaspoons dried minced onion ¼ teaspoon dried minced garlic ⅛ teaspoon white vinegar Hot sauce to taste Cracked black pepper to taste     Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion, garlic, and vinegar in a bowl. Season with hot sauce and seasoned pepper. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Located in the heart of downtown Bolton, Mississippi, the Annie Thompson Jeffers Library stands as a cornerstone of education, culture, and community connection. Situated on historic Madison Street, the library is named in honor of Annie Thompson Jeffers, a respected community leader and educator whose legacy continues to inspire learning and literacy throughout the region. More than just a place to check out books, the Jeffers Library serves as a welcoming hub for residents of all ages. Whether you're a student completing a research project, a professional seeking quiet workspace, or a lifelong reader exploring new genres, the library offers a space to grow, discover, and connect. Inside, visitors will find a carefully curated collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources, along with public access computers, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable reading areas. In addition to its traditional services, the library regularly hosts programs such as children’s story time, literacy workshops, and community events aimed at encouraging civic engagement and lifelong learning. The staff at Annie Thompson Jeffers Library are known for their warm hospitality and deep knowledge. They provide personalized assistance with everything from research help to digital literacy training, ensuring that every visitor feels supported and empowered. As a central part of downtown Bolton’s cultural landscape, the library not only preserves the past but also embraces the future by adapting to the evolving needs of the community. Its commitment to accessibility, education, and enrichment makes it a treasured resource for the town and surrounding areas. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning as a regular, the Annie Thompson Jeffers Library welcomes all with open doors and a mission rooted in service, knowledge, and community spirit.

As a reminder, Mississippians need to be aware of upcoming important dates and deadlines. In-Person Absentee Voting Municipal Clerk's Offices will be open this Saturday, May 24, from 8:00 a.m. until noon for in-person absentee voting for the Municipal General Election. The last day to vote in-person absentee is Saturday, May 31. Municipal Clerk's Offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. until noon. All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, June 3 (Election Day). To track your mail-in absentee ballot, visit the My Election Day portal. To learn more about absentee voting requirements, visit the Secretary of State's Absentee Voting Information webpage. UOCAVA Voter Registration Deadline For non-registered UOCAVA voters to vote in the Municipal General Election, Circuit Clerk or Municipal Clerk's Offices must be in actual receipt of a completed Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) from a UOCAVA voter by Saturday, May 24. For more information regarding how to cast a UOCAVA ballot, please contact your local election officials or email UOCAVA@sos.ms.gov. Campaign Finance Deadline All opposed Municipal General Election candidates seeking election this year, and political committees which have received contributions or made expenditures in support of or in opposition to candidates must file the General Pre-Election Report with the Municipal Clerk's Office by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27. The Secretary of State's Office is your primary and trusted source for election information. For questions, please contact the Elections Division at 1-800-829-6786, email ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov, or visit YallVote.ms. 2025 Municipal General Election Dates • May 24 - Saturday In-Person Absentee Voting Begins for the Municipal General Election • May 31 - In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline for the Municipal General Election • June 3 - • Municipal General Election Day • Deadline for the postmark of mail-in absentee ballots

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com The angry and resentful young man sat sullenly on the edge of his narrow cot in the cell.  He had no idea how long he had been sitting there, body motionless but with his brain racing in high gear. Ben’s pulse rate and stress level had shot through the roof when he heard the cell door clang shut, and they showed no signs of leveling off any time soon. He was a minor, so he knew his parents would be receiving a phone call, if they hadn’t already. A call that they had experienced many times before. A call they dreaded receiving again. What he didn’t know? The police chief of that small town had a plan in mind. Just like before, Ben had been placed in a holding cell. But this time, the chief specifically told the jailer to leave the cell door unlocked – “Clang it shut, but leave it unlocked and then leave.” He was going to have young Ben sitting in dejection and anger for a few hours in what was supposedly a tiny hopeless locked cell. Then he intended to stand in front of that cell, sharply call out Ben’s name to make certain that the kid looked up, and then slowly and deliberately swing the unlocked door wide open. Sitting on the cot near Ben, his ensuing lecture would go something along these lines. “Yep, just as you saw, all this time it was unlocked. You could have walked out any time you wanted. You just didn’t know it, so you sat there, sulking, cussing and blaming the police and everyone you could think of who got you into this place. And all the while, you could have opened the door and gone free. Ben, I deliberately instructed that they leave your cell door locked, so you just might understand what I am now gonna try to tell you. Son, you are doing this to yourself, keeping yourself in this hellhole of a life. But if you’ll want it, there is a way out your rotten way of living. That cell door on your life ain’t permanently locked. All you gotta do is decide you want out. The judge, the cops, your mom and dad, they all want it for you. But nobody can force you to walk out of that unlocked cell that you call Your Life.” Then he walked out. That story of a wasted, supposedly trapped, teenage life perfectly describes every person living. We do things wrong in life. We know when we die we will have to pay a heavy penalty for what we’ve done. The Heavenly Judge offers us an unlocked door, if we will just take Him up on His offer. But just like the teen and the police chief, God’s offer is valid only if we quit insisting that we can live our life exactly as we choose. Your choice. Walk out of an open door that only looks locked, or live in your prison cell forever.

By: Kara Kimbrough This delicious, easy-to-make dish filled with chicken, pasta, tomatoes, spinach and cheese is the perfect make-ahead dish to throw in the cooler and take to the beach for reheating for a quick meal.       Counting the days until it’s time to pack the car and head to the beach? Nothing’s quite as therapeutic as a vacation of sun, sand, shimmering water and seafood. As much as I enjoy dining at restaurants while on vacation, taking a few ready-made meals to bake in the condo, beach house or RV for at least one meal each day is not only cost-efficient, but a time-saver. There are always times when a quick meal is in order after a long day of beach activities and the thought of getting dressed for dinner is not appealing.      To keep from having to actually cook on vacation (never an appealing thought) why not plan to throw a few dishes together before leaving home, popping them into the refrigerator (or freezer), then transporting them to your destination in a cooler. Once there, the refrigerator can be stocked with a few essentials that can be pulled out and baked or reheated for lunch or dinner when the thought of having to actually get dressed and drive to a restaurant is not appealing.     And, plenty of sweet treats to snack on is essential to keeping everyone happy when a case of the munchies emerges and the nearest supermarket is a few miles away.     Here are two of my favorite easy-to-make-and-transport beach vacation recipes. There are more where these came from, so feel free to drop me an email if you’re looking for something specific. In the meantime, I’m off to a short beach trip. When I return, I’ll share a new place to stay, dine and experience new adventures this summer. Beach Condo Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni or other shaped pasta 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 10-ounce pack frozen spinach, thawed 2 cups cubed, cooked chicken breasts 14-ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained 8-ounce container Philadelphia chive & onion cream cheese Salt and pepper to taste 1-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese     Prepare rigatoni according to package directions for al dente. Spread oil on bottom of 9 x 13 in baking dish; add onion in a single layer. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to large bowl, set aside.     Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between paper towels. Stir in rigatoni, spinach, chicken and next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl.     Spoon mixture into dish and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. (If baking later, cover with foil and refrigerate until time to bake. Then remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking while oven is preheating.)   Bake covered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 10-15 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving. Moistest (and Easiest) Pineapple Cake You’ll Ever Eat 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow or butter cake mix* (I recommend Pillsbury, as their box size has not been reduced) 3/4 cup vegetable oil 3/4 cup pineapple juice 4 large eggs For the glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar 3/4 cup pineapple juice 4      tablespoons unsalted butter     Preheat oven to 325 degrees and grease and flour a 10 to 12-cup Bundt pan. Use an electric mixer to combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, pineapple juice, and eggs in a large bowl.  Beat about 2 minutes.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan.    Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is just starting to pull away from the sides.  Allow the cake to cool in the pan while you make the glaze.     In a small pan, combine the powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and butter. Cook over medium-low heat until the butter has melted, stirring frequently. Use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes in the cake. Pour the warm glaze over the cake while it is still in the cake pan.    Allow to cool for 15-20 more minutes, or until the cake is cool and most of the glaze has been absorbed, then invert cake onto a serving platter. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

MAY IS NATIONAL WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH Although wildfires seem more common in other parts of the United States, Mississippi is not immune to the disaster. Wildfires can happen anywhere. They can spread quickly, traveling up to 14 mph. In their wake, wildfires cause erosion and loss of vegetation, which can lead to other problems, like flooding.  Homeowners can reduce their wildfire and flooding risks by retrofitting their homes, clearing debris from their properties, and creating defensible spaces. Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home or a building and the grass, trees, shrubs, and any wildland area surrounding it. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommends these steps to create a defensible space around your home:  • Install hard surfaces close to your home, such as a concrete walkway or rock mulch. • Regularly water your lawn and plants to prevent dry vegetation.  • Remove dead plants and tree branches and trim low-hanging tree branches.   • Find more tips here, https://disastersafety.org/wildfire/d-space/ "Homeowners policies usually cover the repair or replacement of the built structure of your home and items damaged by flames, smoke, soot, and ash. However, you should check with your insurance agent to ensure your policy covers wildfires and whether there is a separate wildfire deductible," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. "Homeowners insurance is not designed to cover damages to your car. A comprehensive car insurance policy may insure a car against fire damage. Check with your agent to find out what your policy covers." If your property is damaged by fire, your insurance company may ask for an inventory of the items in your home at the time of the loss. Use the NAIC's Home Inventory App as an easy way to prepare. Most homeowners and renters policies help with recovery expenses through additional living expense coverage, known as ALE. While a homeowners policy may provide a benefit during a mandatory evacuation, some insurance companies impose conditions such as waiting periods or actual damage to your property. ALE coverage typically includes things like extra food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, transportation expenses, etc. Be sure to keep all receipts so you can submit them to your insurance company.

Special to The Bolton News Tucked away in the quiet town of Bolton, Mississippi, lies a modest dirt path with a story far grander than its appearance suggests. Old Bridgeport Road, a narrow stretch of unpaved road less than half a mile long, is one of the state's most significant—and best-preserved—historic thoroughfares. Though it may not receive the same attention as the famed Natchez Trace Parkway, its legacy is no less remarkable. Designated a Mississippi Landmark, Old Bridgeport Road stands as a physical reminder of the early development of the state’s transportation system. It dates back to 1822, when the Mississippi legislature authorized its construction as the first official route through what was then frontier land—territory acquired in the Choctaw Session. Its primary purpose was to connect the state capital, Jackson, with Vicksburg on the Mississippi River. By the 1840s, the road had evolved into a vital artery of communication and commerce. It became a designated Post Road, with stagecoaches running regular service between Jackson and Vicksburg, making two trips daily. These wagons carried passengers, mail, and goods, playing a crucial role in the region’s growth and development. Old Bridgeport Road also bore witness to a darker chapter of American history. During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate troops traversed its rugged path. In 1865, the road saw a surge of movement as Union soldiers made their way to board the Sultana—a steamboat whose tragic explosion would become one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history. Named after the now-extinct community of Bridgeport, the road’s significance extends beyond its own boundaries. It runs adjacent to a recognized Native American site, a former Union Army encampment, and the historic Holly Grove Plantation. This convergence of historical landmarks underscores the area’s cultural and archaeological value. Despite its importance, Old Bridgeport Road faced an uncertain future in the early 2000s. Proposals to bulldoze and widen the road in 2005 sparked concern among preservationists and local historians. The threat led to the road being listed among Mississippi’s “top 10 most endangered historic properties.” The outcry prompted state and local authorities to reconsider, and eventually, the Mississippi Heritage Trust secured the road’s designation as a protected landmark. Today, Old Bridgeport Road remains untouched by modern development. It has never been paved, widened, or rerouted—an increasingly rare condition in a world that constantly favors expansion over preservation. As a result, it offers an authentic glimpse into the state’s early infrastructure and stands as a tribute to the people and events that shaped Mississippi's past. For those interested in experiencing this piece of history firsthand, Old Bridgeport Road can still be explored in its original form. It may not stretch far, but every inch is rich with the echoes of Mississippi’s journey through time.

In an effort to enhance the Secretary of State's accessibility and efficiency, Secretary Michael Watson has announced the launch of a new elections resource "TextMyGov." Utilizing smart technology, Mississippi voters may now access important election information and report issues via text message. By texting "HI" to (601) 586-7600, users can initiate a conversation with the Secretary of State's Office to solicit guidance on a variety of topics. The system utilizes keywords to categorize inquiries, directing users to appropriate responses or information sources. Residents can text the relevant keyword to receive an automated response or a link to the Secretary of State's website for more detailed information. For example, texting "Precinct" will provide voters with a link to the polling place locator. Additionally, our office has instituted a new text alert system. You may receive a text notification from the number 80946. This is a legitimate text from the Secretary of State's Office. Residents who receive the initial text message and opt-in will benefit from election alerts, which will provide important election information. Users may opt-out at any time by texting STOP. If you DO NOT receive the initial text message, you may opt-in by texting "MS ELECTIONS" to the number 80946. You will be prompted to reply with "YES" to complete the opt-in process. The Secretary of State's Office will utilize this service to distribute important reminders in preparation for Election Day.

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB             “Thunderbolts*” certainly scared off the competition in its second weekend at the domestic box office. This sometimes happens the weekend after the opening of a huge blockbuster. Other studios will know that they can’t compete against the powerhouse, so they hold off on releasing anything that they think has the potential to be a big or even midsize hit. When that happens, I have to review either a holdover or a newcomer that can only hope to become, at most, a tiny hit. “Clown in a Cornfield” definitely falls into the latter category. This thing is cheap even by horror movie standards, yet in a minor victory, it managed to open in fifth place for the weekend. I’d admire its pluck, but there’s no sleeper hit here, just a movie that didn’t fail too badly when it was sent out to die.             The film follows Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas), a teenager moving to the rural town of Kettle Springs with her doctor father Glenn (Aaron Abrams). Sullen and supposedly shy, Quinn is expectedly standoffish toward her unsophisticated classmate Rust (Vincent Muller). But she’s able to make surprisingly fast friends with the cool clique: jock Matt (Alexandre Martin Deakin), joker Tucker (Ayo Solanke), friendly Ronnie (Verity Marks), mean Janet (Cassandra Potenza), and leader Cole (Carson MacCormac). Cole is the son of wealthy corn syrup magnate Arthur Hill (Kevin Durand), who chews scenery so viciously in straight scenes that it’s hard not to picture him delivering villainous exposition by the movie’s end.             It soon becomes apparent that the adults in the town don’t much care for teenagers, especially Cole’s group. Teachers, shopkeepers, and the local sheriff (Will Sasso) seem to have a vendetta against the kids, punishing them for pranks that they only sometimes pull. Quinn knows that it’s normal for kids to “think” authority figures are out to get them, and it’s not like the teens completely abstain from mischief, but something seems off about the dynamic. Cole explains that it’s because the group is being unfairly blamed for a recent fire at the corn syrup factory that had a devastating economic effect on the town. Quinn takes him at his word that the fire was an unrelated accident, but should she trust him? Can any teenager ever be trusted?             Never mind filling in blanks about the town’s past, there’s a killer on the loose! Somebody dressed as Frendo the Clown, the mascot of the corn syrup company, is killing off teens that have upset the establishment. As a matter of fact, their master plan seems to be to attack a group gathering for a booze/drugs/sex/music party set in a barn. And the barn is right next to… that’s right, a high-end golf course. Just kidding, it’s a cornfield. Get ready for some deaths by pitchfork.             I wasn’t digging “Clown in a Cornfield,” and not just because it doesn’t do scares and violence well. It doesn’t, but I think the bigger problem is with the characters. These are some of the least-likeable protagonists I’ve seen in a while. The “broken family getting set up in a new town” trope has been done to death in every genre, but especially horror (and don’t think I’ve forgotten about you, “adult is barely able to keep custody of a child and scary happenings are the last thing they need”). Quinn and her father just seem like they’re this movie’s plug-in for character types, not characters of their own, and nothing about their chemistry with one another seems natural. And this is to say nothing of the collection of one-dimensional clown fodder that make up the circle of friends or shady townspeople. I live in New York City, and I’m about as likely to see this movie again as I am to see an actual cornfield outside my window. Grade: D “Clown in a Cornfield” is rated R for bloody horror violence, language throughout, and teen drinking. Ita running time is 96 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Cureton Industries LLC, a minority- and woman-owned business headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, is making significant strides in Bolton, Mississippi. Since launching its sand and gravel division in 2023, the company has become a vital contributor to the local economy, providing essential materials for infrastructure and landscaping projects across the Southeast. Located at 6800 I-20 Frontage Road, Cureton Industries offers a range of services, including bulk and bagged aggregates such as sand, gravel, shells, limestone, paver base, and river rock. These products are available for purchase in retail stores or by the truckload, catering to both commercial and residential needs. The company's commitment to quality and customer service has set it apart in the industry. In 2024, Cureton Industries expanded its operations by introducing a bagged line of rocks for distribution to retail stores and landscaping companies. This move not only broadened their product offerings but also created new employment opportunities in the region. The company's Bolton facility is undergoing further enhancements, with plans to implement advanced equipment such as conveyors, a robotic arm, and an automated palletizer. These upgrades aim to improve efficiency and increase production capacity in 2025, necessitating the hiring of additional employees.  Beyond its core operations, Cureton Industries has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement. In response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the company's Georgia-based team provided storm cleanup services to affected Florida communities. Additionally, through its nonprofit, The Art of Refinement Foundation, Cureton Industries has collaborated on various park, community, and education projects, further solidifying its role as a community partner.  Cureton Industries' presence in Bolton not only strengthens the local economy but also exemplifies the positive impact of businesses that prioritize quality, innovation, and community involvement. For more information about Cureton Industries and its services, visit their website or call 888-779-6600.