Special to The Bolton News A quiet morning in Bolton Cemetery, where generations of stories rest beneath the shade of old oaks—each marker a lasting tribute to the lives that helped shape the town. Tucked beneath the shade of towering oaks and pines, just beyond the well-traveled roads of Bolton, Mississippi, lies a place where time slows and memories settle. The Bolton Cemetery, established around 1860, is more than a final resting place—it is a quiet witness to generations of stories that have shaped the heart of the community. For over 160 years, the cemetery has served as a place of reflection and reverence. Families return season after season to honor loved ones, place flowers, and keep traditions alive. Worn headstones—some ornate, others plain—mark lives lived with purpose. Though the inscriptions may be brief, each name carved into stone reflects a story that contributed to the growth and spirit of Bolton. Among the cemetery’s most notable burials is Captain William F. Sims, a Confederate veteran who returned to Bolton after the Civil War and became a well-known merchant and civic leader. His role in helping rebuild the town during its early years of recovery earned him a place not only in Bolton’s economy but in its memory. Another familiar name is Mary Louise Rankin, a beloved schoolteacher whose career spanned decades. Remembered by former students for her firm but fair teaching style, Miss Rankin extended her influence beyond the classroom, leading adult literacy programs at local churches well into the 1950s. Her impact on education and community life is still felt today. Reverend Elijah Davis is also among those buried at Bolton Cemetery. He served as the pastor of one of the town’s earliest African American congregations and is remembered for his quiet strength and commitment to service. His modest grave near the edge of the cemetery reflects the humility with which he lived, but his influence endures in the families he ministered to and the spiritual foundations he helped lay. While many resting in Bolton Cemetery may not be recorded in history books, their legacies live on in the lives they touched—through businesses founded, children raised, churches nurtured, and traditions passed down. The cemetery is, in many ways, a living archive—a place where the past is not forgotten but folded into the present. Even as Bolton continues to evolve, the cemetery remains steady—a place of remembrance and gratitude. Its quiet presence offers a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper story of a town built on the strength of ordinary people living extraordinary lives. So the next time you pass by, consider stepping inside the gates. Let your footsteps echo along the worn paths, and take a moment to read the names etched in stone. They are more than just dates and initials—they are the very foundation of Bolton.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com   You can be absolutely right, have all your logical little ducks lined up perfectly in a row, with all your detailed facts ready at your fingertips to zap your opponent to smithereens… and be dead right. Because insisting on always being right can be a killer. Sure, anybody with a spine that isn’t made of green Jello enjoys proof that they have enough brain cells to be able to hold their own in discussions. And sooner or later most people find themself disagreeing with someone, about something. Like spouses. They’re great examples of my point. Watch an average marriage, you’ll see that probably no two people disagree more often than spouses.  And I promise, every spouse likes to win when they argue, that’s just human nature. But if you are married and find yourself in a fight – clean or not so clean – chances are high that when you win that verbal contest you probably gloat. If not externally then at least internally.  And if you are an external gloater, you’re probably creating a problem for yourself. Here’s the problem. For you to be proven right and be dancing triumphantly on your Victory Mountain, something else has to be taking place. Your opponent in this contest of wills has been proven wrong, and is standing quietly in Loser Valley – watching you and probably feeling some resentment of you. Not a great feeling.  And in mathematical/ spousal terms, every time a person creates a negative for their spouse, on the average it takes about seven positives to bring the relationship balance sheet back to zero. Is it worth it? Damaging a relationship that you supposedly treasure? Does winning mean that much to you, no matter the emotional cost to your mate? If you look inside yourself and answer that question with a resounding ABSOLUTELY, then I ask you, “But, why? Why does it take winning every time to make you feel good about yourself?” I can certainly understand liking to win, we all do. But at the cost of hurting your loved one? I believe there is a better way to win for yourself. One that gives you the self-esteem stroking that we all like to feel, and at the same time doesn’t slap the self-esteem of your mate. It’s called learning to argue graciously. If you are constantly shouting down your partner in an argument, you probably need to find another way to disagree. Because you are working diligently at tearing apart your relationship. Much better to stop, breathe, and then say, “Wait. Evidently , we didn’t understand each other somewhere way back there. Let’s back up and start over.” And then do it. Hard to learn to do? Sure.  But if both of you are willing to keep the volume down and really listen to the other, you will find where it all went wrong. Yes, it's difficult to learn a new way of arguing. But so much better than a divorce.

Municipal Clerk's Offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for in-person voter registration for the Municipal General Election on June 3, 2025. To be eligible to vote in the June 3 General Election, you must register in-person by May 5, 2025. All mailed voter registration applications must be postmarked by May 5, 2025. Mississippians may utilize YallVote.ms  to download a mail-in voter registration application, verify voter registration status, or update voter registration information. 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 5 - Voter Registration Deadline 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

By: Kara Kimbrough Why spend time standing over a hot stove making and then baking chicken spaghetti when you can let your trusty Crockpot do the hard work? Just fix it and forget it, then enjoy a delicious dish of cheesy, spicy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.      Just when I thought I had more than enough Crockpots, I was drawn back in. I'm blaming it on an ad proclaiming the GreenPot, a fancy name for a multi-use Crockpot, could perform 8 miraculous tasks: slow cook, sauté, grill, stir fry, steam, stew, cook rice and keep food warm. As always, I gave in to the temptation to purchase the large (6.5 quart) appliance, despite the fact that I own at least 5 additional ones. After all, hot weather’s on the horizon and in my book, that means it’s prime time for cooking most, if not all, meals in the Crockpot.     I’ve never understood why some people store their Crockpot away when summer arrives. I understand that many heavy, winter meals like stews, soups, chili, red beans and rice and other similar comfort foods are cooked in the Crockpot. As a result, it’s usually stashed away until fall, but that just doesn’t make sense to me. There’s no better way to avoid adding to the heat of an already-steamy kitchen during summer months than avoiding the oven and instead, cooking most meals in the Crockpot.     Here are two of my favorite “fix it and forget it” Crockpot meals - and yes, I consider pizza a suitable meal. Your Crockpot may not have 8 functions like the GreenPot, but any model will do. Simply throw in the ingredients, set the dial, close the lid and go outside to enjoy spring’s balmy weather while it lasts. Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti 2 chicken breasts (1 pound of chicken) 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, onion powder, parsley and paprika 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, onion powder, parsley and paprika 2 cans of cream of chicken soup 10 ounce can of Rotel (not drained) 1 tablespoon of minced garlic 2 cups of shredded cheese (I used Colby Jack) 1/4 cup sour cream 1 pound spaghetti       Line a large Crockpot with a plastic liner or spray bottom and sides with cooking spray. Add chicken breasts, seasonings, minced garlic, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel (not drained) to a slow cooker and stir.        Cook on low for about 4-6 hours. Once chicken is cooked shred chicken or cut it up into cubes and add it back to the crockpot. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheese. Cook spaghetti according to the directions on the package, drain, and add to slow cooker. Mix everything together well and serve. Crockpot Pizza…Yes, Pizza 1 pound pizza dough 1 cup pizza sauce 2 cups shredded mozzarella 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other favorite topping 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley, for garnish       Line Crockpot with liner or spray bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray. Press pizza dough into bottom of slow cooker until it reaches all edges and bottom is completely covered. Spoon over pizza sauce and spread, leaving about 1 inch of dough around edges. Top with cheeses, pepperoni, and spices.     Cover and cook on low until crust turns golden and cheese is melty, 3- 4 hours. Remove lid and let cool 5 minutes before serving.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By: Gary Pettus, UMMC Communications   The University of Mississippi Medical Center is inviting college students who are considering a career in medicine to participate in the UMMC School of Medicine Pre-Med Day, beginning at 8:15 a.m. Friday, May 16. Breakfast will be served at 8:15 a.m., with the program commencing at 9 a.m. in the UMMC School of Medicine. “Medical School: Understanding the Journey” is a chance to discover first-hand what life is like for medical students. Students who register for Pre-Med Day will be able to participate in a Q&A panel with current medical students and physicians, while learning how to apply to the School of Medicine. They will also attend a mock medical school lecture and a presentation from the associate dean of admissions. Registration is available online  here . Please note that Pre-Med Day is for college students only. Students planning to apply to medical school this cycle are asked to make an individual appointment with the Office of Admissions by calling 601-984-5010.

As the Class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage and step into the next chapter, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is inviting families and communities to join in honoring graduates from across Mississippi’s Second Congressional District. Whether it’s a proud preschooler, a high school senior, a college graduate, or someone completing a trade program, each accomplishment is a testament to hard work, resilience, and future promise. In recognition of these achievements, Congressman Thompson’s office will feature local graduates in a special Graduate Spotlight series. Submissions are currently being accepted and may be sent through the designated online form or by email. This opportunity is open to all graduates residing in the Second Congressional District, and it aims to celebrate the diverse journeys and aspirations of students throughout the region. To be featured, families or graduates should provide: A headshot of the graduate Hometown Degree or certificate earned Name of the school or program A favorite quote A sentence about what comes next for the graduate Submissions can be sent via email to Mississippi02Projects@mail.house.gov  or submitted directly through the official form here: Graduate Spotlight Submission Form . This is a meaningful way to shine a light on the achievements of students throughout Mississippi and to encourage others on their educational paths. All are encouraged to participate and help highlight the bright futures being shaped across the district.

Special to The Bolton News Community leaders from Clinton, Raymond, and Bolton came together Monday to mark a significant step forward in addressing long-standing wastewater infrastructure needs in western Hinds County. The Clinton-Raymond-Bolton Wastewater Authority (CRBWA) officially broke ground on its initial step toward progress—an essential force main sewer line that will extend roughly 5.5 miles along I-20, beginning west of Farr Road and ending at the Bolton-Brownsville Road interchange. Hemphill Construction Company, based in Florence, Mississippi, has been awarded the $14.6 million contract. Residents can expect work to begin very soon, with the project expected to wrap up before the end of September 2026. Funding is made possible through Mississippi’s Municipal and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program, made possible by a matching contribution from the state legislature. Mark Bailey, CRBWA President, underscored the project’s long-term importance: “This marks a major investment in the sustainability and future development of our region. It’s just the beginning of what will become a 40-mile pipeline connecting our cities directly to the Big Black River for wastewater discharge—eliminating a long-standing environmental bottleneck.” The origins of this project can be traced back nearly 15 years, when the Environmental Protection Agency flagged concerns over the capacity of the local streams handling treated wastewater, particularly in Clinton. Without action, the growth potential of nearby municipalities like Raymond and Bolton would also be severely restricted due to environmental constraints. In response, the cities of Clinton, Raymond, and Bolton joined forces with the South Central Water Association. Their collaboration led to the formal establishment of the CRBWA in July 2023, with the shared goal of developing a regional solution to a growing infrastructure problem. Mayor-Elect Will Purdie emphasized the project’s broader implications. “This is more than just a sewer line—it’s a foundation for future growth,” he said. “Communities throughout western Hinds County will benefit, from economic development to school funding. It’s a transformational effort that positions this region for the kind of progress we’ve long needed.” While Monday’s ceremony celebrated a single project, it signaled the launch of a broader vision. Once fully realized, the planned 40-mile system will provide not just improved environmental stewardship but also a vital platform for attracting new investment and accommodating population growth. “We’ve talked about this for years,” Purdie added. “Now, we’re doing the work. This is progress you can see—and soon, it’s progress you’ll be able to measure in real growth and opportunity.”

Lesley A. Davis By: Lesley A. Davis is a long-time advocate for women and children, an attorney, President and CEO of Mississippi Advocacy Group, Mississippi's Committeewoman to the RNC, and Vice Chair of the Mississippi Republican Party.  For a long time, it felt like the left owned the culture in America. Faith was mocked, tradition sidelined, and if you dared to talk about God or morality in a public setting, you were dismissed as backward or out of touch. But something is changing. And it’s not just in politics. It’s in the culture — the part we were told we lost for good. Case in point: American Idol’s recent “night of worship.” On Easter Sunday, one of the biggest shows in pop culture history opened with a song praising Jesus, featured multiple worship performances, and even had Carrie Underwood singing about her faith in front of millions. The whole night felt more like church than a talent competition — and it wasn’t niche or corny. It was beautiful. It was bold. And it struck a nerve. This is what cultural realignment looks like. The Leftward Drift Has Hit a Wall  🚧 For years, American culture marched steadily leftward. Entertainment, academia, big business — all seemed captured by progressive ideology. Christian values were relegated to the sidelines. Traditional families were sneered at. The faith that built this country was treated as a private eccentricity, best kept quiet in polite society. But that top-down pressure never fully reflected the values of everyday Americans. And now, after years of being told to keep quiet, people are finding their voices again. It’s not just political. It’s cultural. It’s spiritual. And it’s long overdue. What we saw on American Idol wasn’t just entertainment. It was a signal. Americans are hungry for more than the moral confusion that has dominated the culture for too long. They’re tired of being told that faith doesn’t belong in the public square. That night wasn’t angry or combative — it was joyful, reverent, and real. And it reminded people that worship isn’t just for Sunday mornings or private Facebook groups. It belongs right where people are — even on prime-time television. This is why the cultural shift matters. We’re not just defending against bad ideas anymore. We’re creating good ones. We’re building culture again — and it’s resonating. The Realignment Is Bigger Than Politics  🗳️ Some people think this “realignment” is just about politics — about voters moving from left to right, or coalitions reshuffling. But that’s only part of the story. What we’re seeing is something deeper: a rediscovery of the values that sustain a nation. Hard work. Family. Faith. Community. Patriotism. These aren’t relics of the past. They’re foundations. And for too long, they’ve been treated as obstacles to progress rather than anchors in a storm. Now, regular people — not celebrities or politicians — are reclaiming them. They’re starting classical schools. They’re homeschooling in massive numbers. They’re launching small businesses rooted in faith. They’re sharing scripture on TikTok and filling stadiums to worship. And yes, they’re watching American Idol with tears in their eyes because it’s finally speaking to something deeper than celebrity. Young People Are Leaning In  🙋‍♂️ Here’s something the media doesn’t want to admit: this isn’t just an old-person movement. A surprising number of young Americans — especially young men — are waking up to the emptiness of modern culture and looking for something more meaningful. They’re turning to faith. They’re embracing tradition. We’ve seen videos where hundreds or thousands of students at college campuses across the country are saying they can’t do it alone and are being baptized in any body of water they can find.For years, we were told the next generation would be more liberal, more secular, more “progressive.” But that forecast is starting to look more like wishful thinking than reality. This Is a Cultural Moment — Let’s Not Miss It  ⏳ So what do we do with all this? We keep going. We support artists and shows that aren’t afraid to honor faith and family. We build institutions — schools, media outlets, churches, businesses — that reflect our values. We raise our kids to love truth and beauty, not just chase likes and trends. And we stop assuming we’re losing the culture, because we’re not. If anything, we’re starting to win it back. No, this doesn’t mean we’ll win every battle. There’s still hostility. There’s still mockery. But there’s also a growing awareness — even among those outside our circles — that the old scripts aren’t working. People want more. And we have something to offer. The Easter episode of American Idol didn’t solve everything. But it reminded us what’s possible. That the sacred still moves hearts. That truth still speaks. And that maybe — just maybe — the cultural tide is turning. We’re not here to burn the culture down. We’re here to redeem it. And that work is just getting started. Let's keep going!

By: Bob Garver      Poster Credit IMDB        If “A Minecraft Movie” is the commercial hit that 2025 needed, then “Sinners” is the creative hit it needed. Writer/director Ryan Coogler has delivered a film that starts off as a compelling-enough 1930’s period piece before wildly shifting into supernatural territory. But the later developments don’t devalue the efforts made in the setup, they simply put the well-established characters on a path they didn’t anticipate. Speaking of anticipation, I’m going to be vague with story developments so readers can go into this movie anticipating little more than an unspecified good time.             Frequent Coogler collaborator Michael B. Jordan stars as twins Smoke and Stack, a pair of wannabe gangsters returning to their hometown in Mississippi after limited success in Chicago. They purchase an old sawmill and immediately set about turning it into a nightclub. They get help from old acquaintances, like Smoke’s occultist ex-wife Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) to cook and wife-pleasing field worker Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller) to work security. Entertainment in the club is important too, which is why they recruit lushy pianist Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo) and their timid cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) to play guitar. Sammie’s preacher father warns him that he’ll lose his soul at the club, but promises of music, money, and making moves on a married singer (Jayme Lawson) are too great to resist.             Word of the club spreads quickly, and soon the whole town is excited for the grand opening. Even Stack’s tough-talking ex-girlfriend Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) shows up for the occasion, barely let in by Cornbread due to her whiteness, though he relents because she’s a community staple. It’s even harder to gain entry for Irish stranger Remmick (Jack O’Connell). He’s been lured to the club by Sammie’s playing, which is so good that it has taken on supernatural powers. Though ostensibly only there to play banjo, Remmick has ulterior motives that will drastically change the course of the movie.             Again, the movie is pretty good even before Remmick shows up. Jordan has engaging chemistry with everyone, including and especially himself. Everything is top-notch technically, from the costumes to the camera work to the seamless effects that allow for two Michael B. Jordans at once. But things really get turned up a notch when Remmick arrives and the other shoe drops. And Remmick’s shoe really does drop, in a way, because… the genre shift I’ve been teasing isn’t “musical,” but there is a jig.             The rest of the movie closely follows the tropes of the kind of movie it has become. But because there was such an elaborate setup, it seems like all bets are off, even though there are actually very few surprises to those familiar with the genre after a certain point. The characters make some questionable decisions that make me want to rhetorically ask if they’ve ever seen this kind of movie before. Then I have to remind myself that this is the 1930’s and no, they probably haven’t.             “Sinners” is above average as a period piece and roughly average as what I can safely call a “thriller.” But what really makes it special is the way it combines the two genres, or at least that in combination with Coogler’s sharp creative voice. I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this film represents the kickoff of the 2025 Oscars race. It’s not like there isn’t precedent – “Get Out,” another Black-led “thriller” with a “Black Panther” connection, scored a Best Picture nomination for 2017 with a February opening, meaning that the Academy has to remember “Sinners” for two fewer months. I’m not saying that I’m ready to hand this movie the Oscar, but it’s hard to picture a race where this movie wouldn’t be a worthy contender.  Grade: B  “Sinners” is rated R for strong bloody violence, sexual content and language. Its running time is 137 minutes.  Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Central Hinds Academy is set to celebrate the hard work and achievements of its student-athletes during the annual Sports Awards Ceremony, taking place Monday, April 28, at 8:45 a.m. in the school gym. The event will recognize athletes from across all sports for their dedication, teamwork, and performance throughout the school year. From football to softball, basketball to track, each program will highlight standout moments and honor individuals for their contributions both on and off the field. Coaches will present awards for leadership, sportsmanship, most valuable players, and other team-specific honors. The ceremony is a school-wide tradition that not only spotlights athletic success, but also builds community pride and encourages younger students to pursue excellence in sports. Parents, families, and friends are invited to attend and support the athletes as they are recognized for their efforts. Central Hinds Academy encourages all attendees to arrive early to ensure seating and to show full support for this year’s honorees. The Sports Awards Ceremony is a testament to the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded students and celebrating accomplishments in every arena.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Let me give my personal baseline right here at the beginning, and then jump headlong from that starting point. God is the giver of life. He has a plan for every life He creates. And He says it is a good plan. Although, God says life is worth living, it is absolutely true that at times, it can seem to get almost unbearable. A person can suffer so much that eventually they begin to doubt whether staying alive is worth it. Hopelessness and anger can spur thoughts like, “If God is as loving as preachers like to say that He is, why has He let life be this way for me?”  They can then walk even further down that dark path; “Is there really even a God out there? And if there is, my hopeless life is definite proof that He doesn’t watch or even care about people suffering.” Craving release from their emotional or physical pain, somewhere in the midst of all that agony, they begin to entertain thoughts of taking their life. After all, if they are a believer in an eternity with the God who created them, they feel they would be much better off with Him. And if they are not a believer, they simply want The End of everything for themselves. “Not existing at all has to be better than this hell I am enduring.” But a desperate person is blinded to two real truths; No one is able to see around the corner into the future.  Life circumstances can, and often do change.  Plus, there is no way to know or understand what God has in mind using their present pain. Only later can they realize what He was accomplishing. Another truth; Suicide leaves in its wake unanswered questions, unresolved issues and hurting people . Suicide is an escape for one, but a permanent pit for those who loved them. But at this point, I offer a plea; Do not judge that person who chose to commit suicide . God alone is worthy to be their judge, not you or me. We do not know nor understand the tremendous pain that caused their decision.  Please realize there must have been enormous depression involved. We need to remember that they felt absolutely hopeless and alone. Lastly, if someone admits to you that they are thinking of suicide, there are a few important things you can do; Offer to listen without condemning or criticizing them. Acknowledge you do not have all the answers, but passionately repeat that you do care about them. Offer to help them find a qualified counselor.  If they convince you by their words and behavior that they are definitely in trouble, ask if they have a plan in place. Seek gently for details about actually carrying it out. Many who have given up on life getting any better will have spent some time seriously strategizing how they are going to die. Call 988 if you are convinced the person is truly in danger.

The Hinds County Department of Public Works is inviting residents to participate in Rural Hinds County Dumpster Day, scheduled for Friday, April 26, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This community cleanup initiative is designed to give residents the opportunity to declutter their homes and properties, dispose of unwanted items responsibly, and contribute to cleaner neighborhoods throughout the county. With a focus on encouraging civic engagement and environmental responsibility, Dumpster Day allows residents to engage in neighborhood cleanups and litter pickups while utilizing county-provided dumpsters to dispose of large or bulky waste. The initiative not only supports environmental stewardship but also strengthens the sense of community among residents who come together to improve the appearance and quality of their surroundings. Dumpsters will be available at three convenient locations across the county: 4699 St. Thomas Road in Bolton, 600 Wallace Drive in Edwards, and 1452 Bolton-Brownsville Road in Bolton. These strategic placements ensure easy access for participants throughout the rural areas of Hinds County. Officials emphasize that maintaining a clean and pleasant environment is a shared responsibility. Events like Dumpster Day play a vital role in promoting health, safety, and pride in rural communities. The Hinds County Department of Public Works encourages residents to take full advantage of this opportunity to clean up, clear out, and make a visible impact in their neighborhoods.