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Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If you are in one, it’s a scary thing. With a lot of anger, defeatism, anxiety, and damaged pride as shipmates. But, maybe you still feel that you would rather patch the holes that are rapidly taking on water, rather than just bailing out. Maybe you feel the kids deserve a home with both a mom and a dad in it. Maybe, just maybe, you believe that what you two had, at one point in time, is still worth fighting for. If so, then let’s talk about how to fight for what you want. First and foremost, determine within yourself to kill your spouse with kindness in those times when you would much rather use dynamite. That means look for tiny things to do for your spouse. Everyone of you have heard the old line, “You catch more flies with honey than, blah, blah, blah. But as irritating as that cliche is, it’s still true. For flies and for spouses. Secondly, long before you get into that first of your multi-daily arguments, decide that at least for today, you will refuse to take offense when your spouse does some of those certain things that you despise. Make the decision to simply walk away into another room, rather than indulge in your habitual "All hands and words on deck, cause I'm gonna win this round." Mr. or Mrs. Spouse, you have to firmly act on the decision that you will be the bigger man, or curvier woman, as the case may be. Resolve to give your marriage another chance to be a happy one, rather than the renowned neighborhood brawling spot. This is going to mean swallowing your pride each time you instinctively want to fire back, insult for insult, and barb for barb. It's also going to mean deliberately finding a way to give compliments. I don't care what you compliment, just find it. Whether it's how good the lawn looks after your spouse finally mowed it for the first time this summer, or how you think your spouse looks like an eighth of an ounce of flab got lost since a week ago. Just find a simple believable compliment to give. Then keep at it. Simple, believable compliments, combined with admiration. And then have the devious pleasure of watching the stunned incredulous look flash into your spouse's eyes. Lastly, work at finding something to laugh about together. Laughter is healing, and it can bring people closer together. Now, a word of warning; don't give up when your attempt at civility isn't quickly reciprocated. Stay determined to improve your home atmosphere. After all, it didn't deteriorate to frozen Alaskan tundra overnight, and it will likely take time to thaw the air. Sure, the thought of having to play nice-nice is daunting, especially in the face of your spouse’s not-so-nice actions. But think long and hard about it. Seeing your marriage saved, or seeing a divorce barreling at you? It's got to be worth a shot.

By: Kara Kimbrough The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir located in parts of Madison and Rankin Counties, is filled with numerous opportunities for boating, jet and water-skiing, swimming, fishing and picnicking. One of the most popular picnic areas is Lakeshore Park on the Rankin County side. (Photo courtesy of Pearl River Valley Water Supply District) Filling up the car with gas in advance of a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend ahead was not a problem in previous years. But this year…well, that’s a different story. Without dwelling on the pain we’re all feeling at the pump, I decided to share a few tips to celebrate the official start of summer without venturing too far from home. After all, we’re blessed to live in a state filled with scenic State Parks, hundreds of recreational lakes and a mammoth reservoir, city parks and 29 miles of sandy beaches and gulf waters at our southernmost border. Grilling burgers or hot dogs at home on the patio isn’t that exciting, but dining al fresco surrounded by natural beauty and waterfront views? Now that quickly elevates a picnic lunch from backyard boring to memorable Memorial Day in no time. Why not pack a cooler full of your family's favorite picnic foods and beverages and take a short - notice I said "short" - road trip to one of our state's outdoor areas? It's a lot cheaper than trekking across state lines to a pricey beach resort or other crowded vacation spot. A few of my ideas when considering exploring some of Mississippi's scenic outdoor spots (and yes, they're equipped with picnic areas, among other amenities) to check out this Memorial Day weekend include: 1. Visit a State Park- Mississippi is blessed with 25 State Parks encompassing 24,000 acres of public land filled with campgrounds (RV and tent campsites), picnic areas, lakes for fishing, boating and swimming, and playgrounds. A small sample of some that have been nationally-recognized for their amenities are: J.P. Coleman State Park: Located on 47,000-acre Pickwick Lake in the northeastern corner of the state in Iuka, this destination is known for its magnificent 50-foot waterfall, Cooper Falls, freshwater fishing, swimming in the lake or heated swimming pool, water recreation and plenty of places to camp, grill, spread out a picnic and soak in the area’s outstanding natural beauty. Buccaneer State Park: Located in the opposite end of the state on the Gulf Coast in Waveland, the park has a fascinating history tied to pirate Jean Lafitte and President Andrew Jackson, both of whom loved the area for its picturesque beauty and cool coastal breezes. In addition to over 250 campsites, nature trails and golf course, one of the most popular features is a popular water park, Buccaneer Bay, a 4.5-acre waterpark that will reopen just in time for the holiday weekend. Guests can purchase a day pass to enjoy the waterpark. Lake Lincoln State Park: A favorable beach rating usually occurs on the Gulf Coast. However, one of our state parks is listed in the “Top 25 Best Park Beaches in the U.S." by Reserve America. Lake Lincoln State Park in Wesson features a sandy beach fronting its namesake 550-acre lake perfect for jet skiing, swimming, water skiing, boating or fishing. Or, simply relax on the sand and enjoy the cool breezes floating over the water. There are campsites for overnight stays, a picnic area, nature trail, playground, disk golf course and nature trail. LeFleur's Bluff State Park: Located right in the middle of the Jackson metro area just off Lakeland Drive and Interstate 55, LeFleur’s Bluff is perfect for a quick escape for the weekend or a day of picnicking and relaxing. LeFleur’s Bluff offers hiking on scenic nature trails, fishing on Mayes Lake or playing a few rounds of golf on the 9-hole course. Opportunities for picnicking, camping and bird-watching also abound in this lush oasis in the midst of busy highways and buildings. Named to several “best of” U.S. state park lists for its above-average amenities, LeFleur’s provides a tranquil green spot to decompress away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 2. Barnett Reservoir – If visiting a larger body of water is more to your liking, drive a few miles from the Jackson city limits to the 33,000-acre Reservoir, or “Rez” as it’s commonly called. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and scenic water views in all directions along 105 miles of shoreline. One of the best spots to stop and enjoy a leisurely meal is scenic Lakeshore Park located on the Rez's southeastern shore in Rankin County. The area is open to the public year-round for picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming in a secure sand-filled body of water with an adjacent beach. Admission is free Monday through Friday. A $5 parking fee is assessed on Saturday and Sunday at Lakeshore and other parks. 3. The Mighty Mississippi – Second only to the waterfront views along the Gulf Coast are those along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River. Both Natchez and Vicksburg offer scenic picnic areas near their riverfronts. Bluff Park in Natchez is the perfect place to unpack a picnic lunch and enjoy the breeze and sight of the river rolling by. Over in Vicksburg, River Front Park offers similar views and opportunities for a memorable meal. These are just a “few” of my recommendations for a fun, relatively inexpensive way to kick off summer and enjoy Memorial Day ’26. If you’d like more recommendations on ways to celebrate the holiday without busting your budget, drop me an email and I’ll send them to you. In the meantime…Happy Memorial Day! And, if you'd like menu ideas or recipes, I'll be happy to send those, too! * To find a State Park near you and to learn about admission fees and amenities, check out the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Park’s website: mdwfp.com. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Law camps that will introduce high school students to the legal profession are scheduled for June and July in Brandon, Gulfport, Indianola, Natchez, Starkville, Tupelo and Vicksburg. The Mississippi Court of Appeals also will conduct a one-day appellate law camp in Jackson. Planned programs are expected to include discussions with judges, attorneys and court staff; opportunities to watch court proceedings; and practice activities including mock trials, negotiations and oral arguments. Program dates and locations are: • June 1-5, Natchez, Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy, Adams County Courthouse, registration deadline May 15; • June 1-5, Vicksburg, All Rise Law Camp, Warren County Courthouse, registration deadline May 22; • June 8-12 Indianola, 9th Chancery Summer Law Camp, Sunflower County Courthouse, registration closed; • June 15-18, Gulfport, Gargiulo Law Camp, Harrison County Courthouse, registration closed; • June 22-25, Starkville, Golden Triangle Law Academy, Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Complex, registration deadline June 15; • June 22-25, Tupelo, Themis Law Camp, Lee County Justice Center, application deadline June 15; • July 14-15, Brandon, Rankin-Madison Future Lawyers, Rankin County Circuit Courthouse, registration deadline July 6; • July 22, Jackson, Court of Appeals Law Day Camp, Carroll Gartin Justice Building, registration deadline June 26. Registration information for programs in Natchez, Gulfport, Starkville, Tupelo and Brandon is at this link: https://www.msatjc.org/event. Registration for the All Rise Law Camp in Vicksburg is at this link: www.judgeterrett.com/camp2026. Mississippi Supreme Court Presiding Justice Leslie King of Greenville will be among the many judges, attorneys and court staff who will speak to students from Humphreys, Sunflower and Washington counties during the 9th Chancery Court's Law Day Camp June 8 through 11 at the Sunflower County Courthouse in Indianola. Students will hear from judges at all levels of the court system, attorneys, court administrators and a court reporter. The program will conclude on June 12 with a trip to the State Capitol, the Mississippi Supreme Court and Mississippi College School of Law. Presiding Justice King said that he hopes to dispel some misconceptions about the law and encourage students to join the legal profession in the future. He said, "There is a need for trained legal professionals in Mississippi. There are many areas of our state where there are just a few lawyers, many of whom are of advanced age and are perhaps retired or semi-retired. As a part of the law camp, it is important that we help the participants to understand that the law is not just a job, but a profession which carries with it both privileges and responsibilities." Presiding Justice King said, "I have encountered too many people, both children and adults, who have a significant misconception of the law and its operation. Many of them labor under the belief that the law is a weapon to be used against them, while it protects the favored few. Those of us who are a part of the legal profession have an obligation to inform, by our words and demonstrate by our actions, that the law applies equally and fairly to every person no matter his station in life." Television programs and movies give some misconceptions. "It is amazing the number of people who believe that Judge Judy or Judge Mathis are accurate representations of how the law operates," he said. Attorney Pieter Teeuwissen of Jackson also will speak to the 9th Chancery Law Day Camp students. He said, "Due to the complexity of modern life, almost every one of us or a family member will need legal counsel in our lifetime. The legal profession is the backbone of American self-governance, impacts economic activity and interstate commerce and is essential in transferring family assets between generations. We need young people who are interested in service to consider law as a career so we can maintain our collective values of common good and order. Young people, especially those that enjoy solving problems or taking or embracing challenge, should be encouraged to pursue the law as a career that provides personal satisfaction while serving a greater good." Chancellor Vincent Davis of Fayette, who spearheaded the first Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy in Natchez in 2025, is eager to expand and reach more students this summer. Alcorn State University Chief Compliance Officer Alfred Galtney, who spoke to students last year about careers in law, joined the planning team and secured a grant that will fund the Miss-Lou program and four others, Judge Davis said. Alcorn partnered with law camp planners across the state. "The primary goal is to introduce students to the legal profession, hopefully to light a fire, to cause some of them to go into the legal profession," Judge Davis said. Judge Davis recalled that he was in college when he met a lawyer for the first time. Students at last year's program "met nearly every judge in this county." Lawyers from a variety of practice areas spoke, and stayed to watch much of the program. The Miss-Lou program also teaches students about the workings of government in their local courthouses. Judge David said, "A lot of people don't quite understand what happens in the courthouse. They buy tags and pay taxes." In last year's law camp in Natchez, students met the Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector and other officials. They saw the Election Commission at work. Students in the Natchez program will get a first-hand look at both trial court and appellate court proceedings. The Mississippi Court of Appeals' Court on the Road program scheduled a visit to Natchez during the Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy. A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in a case on appeal on June 3. The appeal will be heard at 10:30 a.m. on the Natchez campus of Alcorn State University at 15 Campus Drive. The case scheduled to be heard is the appeal of Shawnzell Lee McGee v. State of Mississippi, Appeal number 2025-KA-00161-COA. A Prentiss County Circuit Court jury convicted McGee of first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm for the Jan. 22, 2019, shooting death of Gary Price in Baldwyn. The All Rise Law Camp will be held June 1-5 at the Warren County Courthouse in Vicksburg. This will be Circuit Judge Toni Terrett's seventh year to conduct the program. "It is a fully immersive camp that includes educational components about how law intersects with the three branches of government with a special emphasis on the court system. Students will hear from motivational speakers and will travel to Jackson to visit the Civil Rights Museum and the Capitol. The week concludes with a mock trial presentation by the students," Judge Terrett said. As many as 19 students are expected to attend the Gargiulo Law Camp in Gulfport June 15-18. Harrison County Court Judge Alison Bryant Baker, who is leading the program, said. "I hope our students will not only gain a better understanding of the Mississippi court system, but will expand their desire to start a career in law. Our goal is to expose students to how varied the practice of law can be, so that they are encouraged to pursue a law degree." The program is named in honor of the late Judge John Gargiulo, who served as a Circuit Court Judge for Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties, then as U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi. The Golden Triangle Law Academy is set for June 22-25 in Starkville. Circuit Judge Michelle Easterling said, "The Golden Triangle Law Academy will provide participants with a unique opportunity to see and experience firsthand how expansive and exciting a career in the law can be. Students will not only hear from attorneys from different facets of the legal field, but will also have the opportunity to observe court proceedings, interact with judges and practitioners, and hone their own skills with exercises in negotiations, oral argument and resume building." Rankin-Madison Future Lawyers, scheduled July 14-15 in Brandon, will take participants into the courtrooms with Circuit Judges Steve Ratcliff and Dewey Arthur and Chancellors Haydn Roberts and Troy Odom. Students will watch court hearings and participate in a mock trial. The Themis Law Camp, the model for most of the other summer law camps, is scheduled for June 22-25 in Tupelo. Access to Justice Commission Co-chair Chancellor Jacqueline Mask started the Themis Law Camp in Tupelo in 2022. Judge Mask said, "It's my hope that our combined efforts to bolster this program will have a lasting, positive impact on these students, and on the future of our region. Those of us who have been blessed to be an attorney or judge can use this as a way to give back to the communities that have helped us have these careers." Encouraging young people to consider careers in law is important to providing access to the courts for all people, particularly those who have limited financial means, said Nicole H. McDowell of Tupelo, executive director of the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission. In recent years the number of people who struggle to afford legal assistance has grown as the number of attorneys has declined. McDowell said, "The decreasing number of attorneys in the state is a serious access to justice issue we are very concerned about. Targeting our Mississippi youth and introducing them to the law as a possible profession might assist in the shortage of attorneys in the state. We need our brightest to stay in Mississippi and, hopefully, practice law or become affiliated with the legal profession in some other way."

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB I had never seen 2006’s “The Devil Wears Prada” until a few weeks ago when I watched it in preparation for the sequel. I didn’t care for it, mainly due to the off-putting character of Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). I knew going in that the fashion magazine editor’s dialogue was filled with verbal put-downs that were supposedly eccentrically charming, but I mostly just found unfunny, unprofessional, and rude. Such constant negative energy from a person that I didn’t see bringing enough positives to the workplace to balance it out. The Miranda character was written to spend more time making demands and throwing shade than acting like she belonged in a position to be so demanding. There was basically only one scene (and granted, it’s arguably her most famous scene) where she came off as someone who had truly mastered the ins and outs of the fashion and editorial industries, and the rest of the time I saw little more than a spoiled child. The main character, Miranda’s second assistant Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), and her supervisor, first assistant Emily (Emily Blunt) had their off-putting qualities as well, but at least their misery at working for Miranda was understandable and relatable. Okay, enough ranting against a movie from 20 years ago. The new film opens with Andy and Miranda, having gone their separate ways at the end of the first movie, both in trouble. Andy has just been fired from her job as a news journalist and Miranda is in hot water over her association with an unscrupulous label. The mutual solution is that Andy will go to work as a features editor for Miranda’s magazine, trying to restore the maven’s reputation. Miranda has some of her trademark resentment toward Andy for not being her choice to hire, and of course Andy has some resentment toward Miranda for being a bully. It’s not all bad for Andy. Her stories get some of the best reviews of her career, and she’s able to reconnect with old friends like mentor and fashion editor Nigel (Stanley Tucci). Even Emily is back in the picture, in a high position with magazine ally Chanel, thanks largely to influence from her rich boyfriend, tech-bro Benji (Justin Theroux). But at the end of the day, Andy’s life is still a nightmare because Miranda is still Miranda. Or is she? She’s as condescending as ever, she hasn’t let up on that. But this movie is more eager to show a side to her that isn’t “just” condescending. She leads the magazine through a series of crises, from accusations of human rights violations (real ones in overseas factories, not her being snippy in the office), to worries of the brand’s future under its new, not-fashion-conscious owner (B.J. Novak), to having to make sure that humans still have a voice in the fashion industry under the looming threat of A.I. She even proves to be a laudable journalist, earning compliments from a rich divorcee (Lucy Liu) who thanks Miranda for focusing an exclusive interview on her and not her notorious ex-husband. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” shows Miranda doing the work of someone at the top better than the first movie, where the character seemed to take unfair advantage of simply “being” at the top. The whole movie is better for it. Okay, maybe not the “whole” movie. Andy’s romantic subplot with a contractor (Patrick Brammall) is a slog and it’s annoying to see her fall back into her old habit of craving validation and needing another stop-feeling-sorry-for-yourself pep talk from Nigel, which is basically a cut-and-paste from the first movie. Still, there’s plenty to like here, from a fairer share of funny lines to a grander celebration of all things fashionable and luxurious, if that’s your thing. But it’s the more-detailed development of the character of Miranda Priestly that I think is worth celebrating. Grade: B- “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is rated PG-13 for strong language and some suggestive references. Its running time is 119 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com The office was in its usual Monday morning subdued chaos, nothing new about the muffled exclamations, one-on-one conversations, and general hubbub. But still, there was a decidedly different element in the air. The reason? The new chief-of-staff was beginning his first day in the office, and everyone was feeling slightly jittery with quite a few unanswered questions about him. Micromanager or Mr. Can’t Be Bothered? Looks the other way or will examine everyone’s time card himself? Will he want to be one of us, or just talk to us as simply underlings? If he even notices us. A few were confident that he would be easy to work for, because after all, “He is from down South, and we all know how laid back and friendly those Southerners are!” But there were also some who had heard rumors to the contrary, that the new Big Boss expected things to be done as of yesterday, and they had better be in perfect order. Others wisely were voicing no expectations, content to keep their head down with computers clicking until they actually could see the lay of the land. One or two less-than-brave souls silently contemplated hiding under their desks, updating their resumes, just in case. The first few hours rolled by, and nothing was heard from inside the glassed-in walls of the supervisor’s office. No one was called into that private sanctum, and no inner-office memos appeared on their computer screens from the new supervisor. More than a few anxious glances were thrown toward the man’s closed door, but otherwise they finally began to settle down and attempt to throw together a semblance of a normal Monday morning’s work. Then it happened. No one had seen the new chief of staff squeeze his head with both hands in total frustration. No one knew when he abruptly shoved his office chair away from his desk and agitatedly leaped to his feet. And his office assistant was certainly not prepared when he stomped to her office and threw the door open so violently that it thudded against the wall. As her head jerked up in surprise, she heard his angry bellow as it filled the room, “The durn thang just won’t cooperate!” Finding her voice, she anxiously asked, “Wha—wh- what thing won’t cooperate, sir?” “That !&(@^% stupid computer! I can’t get it to do anything that I need done!” Following into his office as she listened to his complaints, she quickly realized the problem. Her new boss was a Windows man, and the entire company ran Macs. So which would be correctly identified as ‘uncooperative’ – Mr. Mac or Mr. Chief of Staff? Who was going to have to swallow his irritation and pride, and concede to the other’s insistence that the job be done only their way? Mr. Mac just stood his ground – no change necessary, or even capable, on his part. Sometimes you just have to own up to the problem being totally yours, and be the one who has to learn to cooperate. Or fight it out until one of you yells, “UNCLE!” Guess who that will be.

Special to The Bolton News The Hinds County Congress of Christian Education will host its 134th Annual Session June 29 through July 1 at Belmont M.B. Church in Raymond. Nightly sessions will begin at 6 p.m. at the church, located at 14011 Highway 18. The event will bring together churches and community members from Bolton, Edwards, Raymond, Terry and Utica for three evenings focused on spiritual growth, leadership development and Christian education. The annual session will feature four leadership classes designed to strengthen faith and equip participants for service within their churches and communities. Organizers say the theme, “Empowering Faith and Leadership,” reflects the Congress’ ongoing mission to inspire and develop Christian leaders throughout Hinds County. Rev. Tonie Crisler will serve as host pastor for the event. Shirley Burns will oversee the annual session as dean of Congress. Organizers said attendees can expect engaging instruction from experienced teachers and leaders who will provide practical and spiritual guidance during the classes and nightly sessions. The Congress of Christian Education has served churches throughout the region for more than a century, continuing its mission of equipping believers through biblical teaching, fellowship and leadership training. The public is invited to attend all sessions.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com You have natural abilities and inclinations. You love doing certain things. That's normal and good. But what you love in life was never intended to be all that is important in your world. Family, friends, co-workers, church family, strangers, and even supervisors, they are all supposed to be important to you. Granted, holding importance in varying degrees, but definitely holding a place in that tight little circle that some of you seem to believe should be all-consuming…The Orb of Me. Don’t agree with me that others really should be important to you? Okay, look at it this way… if you happen to be having a little trouble seeing outside The Orb of Me. If you neglect being there for others when they need you, you may find them hard-of-hearing when your turn comes and you need their help. Oh yes, I know, that still smacks of catering to the Orb of Me, but at least it has you paying attention to the needs of others, if only for the wrong reason. But I would much rather that we all realize this ill-fated reality. Basically, we have become a selfish and self-consuming people, who have a lot of trouble looking through our Me And Mine Only stained glasses, and seeing others who are suffering and need help. We all seem to be living in our own Orb of Me. If it doesn’t directly affect us, then the issue can be relegated to the back burner. To likely stay there until it burns up. And our world is reaping the results. Very unfortunate results. You can click on the local and national news at any minute of the day and witness this. But how do we stop the mayhem? I really have no idea. I am not a world leader with a miracle plan to whip out of my back pocket. And I personally do not believe in a man or woman leader coming anywhere on the near horizon who does have that pocket. But I do know this. Like the old saying says, “No, you can’t save every fish in the sea. But you can make a world of difference to that one little fish you find washed up on the beach. Pick him up and toss him back into the water.” Miracle in your back pocket for that little guy. Think of someone you know who is struggling, and then spend some mental time living life in their shoes. In other words, try to envision what life for them is probably like. Then step back into your world and reach out, as only you can. Your involvement and help could be enough encouragement to give them hope. Hope that just might energize and spark determination in them. Because success always has to have hope, energy, and a determined spirit at its very core. Folks, step out of your "Me Only" orb. It is very true that you are your Creator's prized possession, but you are not the only one.

Special to The Bolton News The Town of Bolton is receiving new support for community improvement efforts after being selected as a recipient in the latest round of the Soul City Solar Community Grant Program funded by Apex Clean Energy. Bolton was awarded $2,500 for its “Clean & Green Community Clean-up” initiative, a project aimed at improving the appearance of the town while encouraging community pride and beautification efforts. The grant is part of more than $30,000 distributed by Apex Clean Energy to eight organizations across Hinds County. This round of funding focused heavily on STEM education, workforce development and projects designed to strengthen local communities. Town leaders said the funding will help support ongoing efforts to keep Bolton clean, attractive and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. “We are so excited about the work that these grant recipients are doing throughout Hinds County,” said Brian O'Shea, director of public engagement at Apex Clean Energy. “They are taking the initiative to seize workforce development opportunities, support Hinds County students, and make meaningful improvements to their communities.” The Bolton project was one of several selected for funding through the Soul City Solar Community Grant Program, which was created to invest in local initiatives that improve quality of life and create long-term opportunities for area residents. In addition to community improvement projects, the program also supports educational and workforce development initiatives throughout Hinds County. “We are grateful for the continued support of Soul City Solar and Apex Clean Energy,” said Matthew Jones, vice president of advancement and executive director of the Hinds Community College Foundation. “Their financial commitment ensures that students studying STEM-related fields have access to scholarships throughout their academic journeys.” Bolton’s Clean & Green initiative is expected to help enhance public spaces and encourage residents to take an active role in keeping the community clean and beautiful.

Special to The Bolton News The Bolton Mayor and Board of Aldermen convened for their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, May 5, at Town Hall, addressing community concerns, infrastructure updates and municipal business. During the meeting, town officials presented a proclamation to the Jackson Association of Black Social Workers in recognition of Social Workers Month. The proclamation was accepted by Ms. Cindy Henry. Several residents addressed the board during the public appearances portion of the meeting. Robert Brister spoke regarding residential development within the town, outlining a proposal to construct homes ranging from approximately 1,500 to 1,600 square feet, as well as options near 2,000 square feet with carports. Ms. Antionette Kimple raised concerns about traffic safety on Church Street. She cited issues with speeding vehicles in areas where children are frequently at play, as well as vehicles parking on both sides of the street, creating difficulties for navigation. Braylon Williams of the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department also addressed the Board. Williams expressed concern about vehicles parking in front of the fire station bay, which can delay emergency response by obstructing the exit of fire equipment. He also discussed the department’s need for Wi-Fi service to assist with timely entry of call reports. Additionally, Williams proposed the purchase of a brush truck to improve response capabilities in situations where the use of a full-sized fire engine may not be practical. Mayor Butler-Kidd reported that installation of new fire hydrants in Bolton is expected to begin soon. In other business, the board approved updates to several municipal ordinances, including those governing use of the town pavilion, regulations concerning junk and inoperable vehicles without current tags, and animal control measures. The board also approved travel and training requests, including authorization for Town Attorney Shundra Baldwin to attend the 2026 Mississippi Municipal Attorneys Conference in Gulfport in June. The town’s court clerk was also approved to attend training at BBI related to the implementation of a new court system. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Willie Cornelia Johnson Harvey February 3, 1942 - April 28, 2026 84 Years of age Willie Cornelia Johnson Harvey was born on February 3, 1942, to the late Lacey Allen Johnson and Willie Mae Marshall Johnson. She was the eleventh and youngest child born to this union. She answered the Master’s call and entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Funeral Arrangements: Visitation: May 6, 2026, 4:00-6:00 PM Bolton Funeral Home, 205 Bolton Brownsville Road, Bolton Cards may be sent to: Bolton Funeral Home, Attn: Family of Willie Cornelia Johnson Harvey, P.O. Box 67, Bolton, MS 39041 Funeral Service: May 7, 2026, 11:00 AM Mt. Center Missionary Baptist Church, 3789 Sam Herring Road, Bolton Additional viewing will take place one hour prior to the start of the funeral service Interment: Orange Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery 4080 Cox's Ferry Road, Bolton To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Willie Cornelia Johnson Harvey, please visit our flower store.

Ben Albert Flowers October 22, 1964 - April 26, 2026 61 Years of age Ben Albert Flowers was born on October 22, 1964, in Bolton, Mississippi, to Albert Flowers and Fannie Thomas, both of whom preceded him in death. Ben departed this earthly life on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Funeral Arrangements: Visitation: May 8, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM Bolton Funeral Home, 205 Bolton Brownsville Road, Bolton, MS Cards may be sent to: Bolton Funeral Home, Attn: Family of Ben Albert Flowers, P.O. Box 67, Bolton, MS 39041 Funeral Service: May 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5131 N. Chapel Hill Road, Edwards, MS Additional viewing will take place one hour prior to the start of the funeral service. Interment: Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ben Albert Flowers, please visit our flower store.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB The big problem with “Michael,” the new Michael Jackson biopic, is that it has the approval of the Jackson family. As such, we are going to get a very flattering portrait of possibly the single most controversial personality in the history of the music industry. The scandals that plagued his later years are an unignorable part of his legacy, no matter how much this movie tries to ignore them. Simply put: a movie with this much love for Michael Jackson, made by people who unconditionally love and want to protect Michael Jackson, is not going to be an interesting portrait of Michael Jackson. The film follows Michael from his youth until 1988 – basically the first 30 years of his life. Growing up in Gary, Indiana, young Michael (Juliano Valdi) was essentially robbed of his childhood by his father Joe (Colman Domingo), who demanded that his musician children pursue fame at the expense of their happiness, and some would argue, sanity. The real Jackson family – so protective of Michael’s image - apparently has no problem with Joe being portrayed as a monster. Valdi does an excellent job singing, dancing, emoting, and overall playing a young Michael. Maybe if the whole movie was built around Michael when he was this young, it wouldn’t need to bother giving us a shortchanged version of his adult years. Of course, Michael does grow up to be played by Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson and Michael’s real-life nephew. Well, you can’t say the resemblance isn’t there, even if Michael stopped resembling himself after a certain point. Seriously though, Jaafar is fine. He’s obviously putting every effort into what he surely knows is the role of a lifetime. Is he as talented a musician as his uncle? No, but then Michael wouldn’t be the one-of-a-kind performer he was if he could be easily emulated – even by members of his own family. The movie knows it can’t get a musical performance to match Michael’s stage presence, so it keeps the musical sequences… not exactly “to a minimum,” but they’re never as thorough as fans probably want them to be. I’ll put it this way: I never thought that Michael could take the pop world by storm based on the songs and dances we get in this movie. Nor do I see audiences demanding “cult” screenings of this movie that emphasize the music in the years to come. Come to think of it, the dull musical sequences are as big a problem with “Michael” as the toothless storytelling. I’m just less mad about them because I can see that people – namely Jaafar – are really trying. They just fall short because of their choppiness. But the musical numbers are the selling point of this movie, since I think audiences know in advance that the biography stuff is hardly hard-hitting. Maybe this movie should have taken the “jukebox musical” route of just being a glorified concert of epic performances to celebrate Michael’s style. Jaafar probably couldn’t have carried the whole thing himself, but taking on a few numbers could have lent authenticity to compliment a necessary cast of career professionals. But no, “Michael” had to take the dialogue-heavy biopic route and it falls flat on its face. Not only does the movie cut out Michael’s crazy, scandalous later years, but it doesn’t handle the years we do see particularly well. Surely Michael had more going on than just being a man-child who liked toys and animals and whose worst deed was failing to stand up to his tyrannical father. I’d have a hard time believing that anybody is this wholesome, let alone the obviously-disturbed Michael Jackson. This movie would have you believe that Michael lived like an angel to match having the voice of one. It’s bad, but ironically not the cool Michael Jackson brand of “Bad.” Grade: C- “Michael” is rated PG-13 for some thematic material, language, and smoking. Its running time is 127 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.