By Kara Kimbrough General Tso’s Chicken is a popular item on many restaurant menus. But making it at home is easier (and healthier) than you might think.. I’ve shared my favorite cuisines in the past as well as those that I can do without. Specifically, I prefer to skip over the multitude of Mexican restaurants that seem to pop up on every corner of our state. One exception:  I enjoy a sizzling plate of fajitas, but that’s often too heavy for lunch. As far as ordering heavy Mexican dishes covered in spicy sauces, heavy cream and loads of cheese…no thanks. However, I do love Asian food and recently discovered two recipes that taste as good as anything I’ve ever sampled while dining out. First, I uncovered a recipe for Vegetable Lo Mein after purchasing a package in the freezer section. A simple dish consisting of noodles, chopped vegetables like carrots, cabbage and onions and a light teriyaki sauce, it’s a healthier version of anything you can order in a restaurant and here’s why. You can control the ingredients in and the amount of sauce you use. Using the wrong sauce can transform a dish from healthy to unhealthy in no time. Second, I’ve often ordered General Tso’s Chicken when dining at Ridgeland’s P.F. Chang and other Asian restaurants.  Named for General Tso Tsung-t'ang, a Chinese military leader during the 1800’s, the dish consists of  crispy chicken pieces (often heavily breaded and fried, but you can cook them anyway you like) in a tangy sweet and sticky glaze. Once cooked, the crispy chicken pieces are served over rice. General Tso’s Chicken can be complicated to make, but I uncovered a shortcut version that was comparable to the one with more preparation time, thanks in part to a bottle of General Tso’s Sauce that I found in the condiment aisle. Try these two recipes when the desire for delicious Asian food arises and ordering takeout isn’t an option. Even when it is, your version will be much better (and healthier) than anything you’ll find at a restaurant   Vegetable Lo Mein (add 1 cup of cooked chicken or beef (sliced or shredded) or cooked shrimp if desired) 16 ounces uncooked spaghetti, small egg noodles or lo mein noodles 1 cup vegetable oil 1  onion, chopped 1 cup shredded carrots ½ cup sliced red bell peppers 2 cloves garlic, minced 2  cups grated cabbage ½  cup chopped green onions 1 cup chicken broth 1    tablespoon cornstarch ¼ cup hoisin sauce (substitute a mild barbecue sauce if you can’t find hoisin) 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1    teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon curry powder       Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.   Heat oil in a large wok or sauté pan. Stir-fry mushrooms, onion, carrots, peppers, and garlic until tender. Stir in bean sprouts and green onions; cook for 1 minute. Mix chicken broth and cornstarch in a small bowl and add to stir-fry. Stir in hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, ginger, cayenne pepper, and curry powder. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add cooked spaghetti (and cooked meat or seafood, if using), then toss to coat. Shortcut General Tso’s Chicken 1 pound chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or stir fry oil or olive oil 14.5-oz bottle General Tso's sauce (found in condiment aisle) 2  cups cooked long-grain white rice Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)       Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add oil. Add chicken cubes and quickly spread then out into a single layer. Cook about 3 minutes on this side or until browned. Cook about  more minutes or until chicken is browned on the other side and no pink remains in center.        Stir in bottle of sauce and cook 1 minute or just until thoroughly heated. Serve over cooked rice. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Merchants & Planters Bank, Bolton, MS Merchants & Planters Bank (M&P Bank) has a longstanding history of serving the Bolton, Mississippi community. Established in 1906 in Raymond, Mississippi, the bank expanded its reach by acquiring The Merchants Bank of Bolton in 1987, integrating it as M&P Bank's third location. The Bolton branch, located at 297 West Madison Street, offers convenient lobby hours from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and serves as a reliable financial partner for residents and businesses in the area. In December 2021, M&P Bank announced its acquisition of OmniBank, a community-based financial institution headquartered in Bay Springs, Mississippi, with branches in Heidelberg and Jackson. This strategic merger, completed in 2022, further expanded M&P Bank's footprint and enhanced its ability to serve a broader customer base. Throughout its history, M&P Bank has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to its communities. Notably, during the Great Depression, when many banks faced closure, M&P Bank remained steadfast, underscoring its dedication to customer service and financial stability. Today, M&P Bank continues to uphold its legacy of community-focused banking, offering personalized services to meet the diverse needs of its customers in Bolton and beyond.

David Levon Shelby, Sr. March 12, 1953 - March 22, 2025 Age: 72 David Levon Shelby, Sr., entered into this earthly world on March 12, 1953 and was born the twelth child to the late Tommy James (TJ) and the late Odessa Robinson Shelby. On March 22, 2025, a page turned, and a chapter closed in the life of David, at Delta Grande Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Monroe, LA. David entered a peaceful sleep awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to awaken him forever more and his legacy of love and faith continues through those who knew him well. David graduated from Sumner Hill High School of Clinton, MS; in 1971.  David was married to Desiree Divine, and to this union two children were born, Desiree Shelby of Bastrop, Louisiana; and David Shelby Jr., of Rockdale, California. David and Desiree, even though they were divorced, still were best friends and he never missed a beat spending time and traveling to see his grands. David was a true carpenter; he mastered the art and his craftsmanship can be seen on many jobs across the community and the area.  David was a father, grandfather, brother, and a friend. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards with his friends, and definitely enjoyed his grandchildren. David never met a stranger, he was a friendly person, always lending helping hands with a smile.   David was preceded in death by his parents, the late Tommy James (TJ) and the late Odessa Robinson, Shelby; six brothers; Willie Robinson, LeMar, John, Charlie, Tommy James, Jr., Robert and one sister, Deloris Robinson. Also preceded him were his aunts, uncles, great-nieces, and nephews. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: one son David, Jr.; a very loving and devoted Daughter that was definitely a daddy’s girl, Desiree Shelby; Siblings: Mollie Williams of Detroit, MI; Gertrude Shelby of Bolton, MS; Enixa (Shirley) Shelby of Detroit, MI; Ida (Andrew) Goodman of Detroit, MI; James (Ruth) Shelby of Southfield, MI; Regina (Kenneth) Burks of Jackson, MS; Thomas (Demetri) Shelvy, of Rochester Hill, MI; Carrie Kendrick of Detroit, MI; Agnes Davis of Detroit, MI; Frank (Brenda) of Bolton MS; grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.  To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Shelby, please visit our flower store .

Big things are happening at BEEMS! On Tuesday, April 8 , all 3rd grade students will take their ELA State Assessment , an important milestone in their academic journey. We encourage every 3rd grader to: ✅ Be present  – Attendance is essential. ⏰ Be on time  – Testing begins promptly in the morning. 💙 Be Ranger Ready  – With a positive attitude and prepared mind! This assessment gives our students the opportunity to show what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown as readers and writers. We believe in their potential and know that each of them has what it takes to succeed. Remember: "Always do your best. If you can dream it, you can do it!" Let’s support our scholars with early bedtimes, a healthy breakfast, and encouraging words. Go Rangers!

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB             Jason Statham has a new movie out. He plays with a guy who used to work in a violent profession, but he’s sworn to leave that life behind. But now some bad people have messed with his employer (the only people to help him out when he was at a low point), and he’s going to make the bad guys pay. Cue a series of investigations, interrogations, and of course, action sequences. He’ll go through several tiers of bad guys, until he’s contending with a huge crime empire that probably could have gone on unimpeded if a low-level employee hadn’t caused problems for Statham. Oh, and the whole thing is directed by David Ayer. The movie is called “The Beekeeper 2.” Okay, not really, it’s called “A Working Man,” but as similar as it is to that Statham vehicle from last year, it might as well be.             Statham plays Levon Cade, a former soldier now living out of his pickup truck and working construction under the kindly Garcia family. Daughter Jenny (Arianna Rivas) gets kidnapped by human traffickers, and father Joe (Michael Peña) offers Cade some much-needed money to get her back. Cade needs the money and stability to help in the custody battle for his daughter (Isla Gie) against his father-in-law, the Most Punchable Man in the World (Richard Heap). With a little help and encouragement from his blind comrade Gunny (David Harbour), Cade sets out on a mission to rescue Jenny.             Cade’s path of destruction will pit him against drug dealers, biker gangs, corrupt cops, and Russian gangsters, and all of that before the human traffickers. In an unusual move, Cade doesn’t spend the whole movie working his way up to the highest-ranking Russian gangster (Jason Flemyng), rather, he spends about half the movie working up to the Big Bad and the other half working his way down, since the human trafficking is just a small part of the Russian mafia’s operation. The villains he really wants are bumbling couple Viper (Emmett J. Scanlan) and Artemis (Eve Mauro), and they’re so incompetent that a deus ex machina does half the work for him.             The movie doesn’t work as straightforward excitement, the most entertainment I got was laughing at how stupid it is. There’s the staggering idiocy by most of the bad guys – it’s hard to believe they were ever smart enough to put together a criminal empire. And yes, this is the kind of movie where Cade has expert marksmanship and not a single bad guy can hit the broad side of a barn. Some of the characters just look ridiculous, especially the nephews of the Flemyng character, who are dressed like they’re going to a costume party as 80’s break dancers. There’s an actual costume party in the last act and the partygoers there don’t look half as gaudy as these schnooks. My favorite way to pass the time during “A Working Man” was pretending that the Russian gangsters were connected to the goons from “Anora.” Like maybe the Flemyng character and Anora’s Russian boyfriend had the same interior decorator or something (both houses give off the same fancy-but-the-owners-don’t-enjoy-it vibe). What I’m saying is that I checked out of this garbage movie and started thinking about a better one. That is, when I wasn’t thinking about another crummy Statham/Ayer movie in “The Beekeeper,” which this movie just lazily retreads. Sitting through “A Working Man” was real work. Grade: C- “A Working Man” is rated R for strong violence, language throughout, and drug content. Its running time is 116 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum invites the public to discover a new level of spring fun at the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board’s Easter at the Ag Museum event on Saturday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board is hosting its annual Easter at the Ag Museum event at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Saturday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. “I want to invite everyone out to the Ag Museum for our upcoming Easter at the Ag Museum event. This much-anticipated event draws crowds from across the state. Easter at the Ag Museum provides a great opportunity to spend quality time together with your family while enjoying the outdoors. I want to thank our sponsors, the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, Mississippi Beef Council, Cal-Maine Foods and Polk’s Meat Products, for their support in keeping this tradition alive,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. Experience the family fun as children follow the tracks through the museum's "Bunny Trail" to collect candy and toy-filled eggs in their baskets. Families will have the opportunity to dye and paint eggs; take a wagon, train or carousel ride; have their faces painted; visit with Mississippi Miss Hospitality Chloe Grace Weeks; and get their picture with the Easter Bunny throughout the day. The Mississippi Beef Council will also be serving complimentary hotdogs to visitors, while supplies last. Additional sponsors include Cal-Maine Foods and Polk's Meat Products. Admission is $8 per person for ages 2 and up and includes carousel, train and wagon rides. Concessions such as pulled pork sandwiches and sausage dogs will also be available for purchase. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. It is located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the museum, call 601-432-4500 or 1-800-844-8687, visit  www.msagmuseum.org , or “like” the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Facebook @msagmuseum

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Way too often finding yourself lying awake instead of getting your beauty sleep? As many know firsthand, that is an extremely common problem for a lot of people. I won’t bother boring you with the national statistics of this plague, you won’t be interested or impressed. Because the only insomnia that truly bothers you is your own night after night – right? After all, the lady in Nantucket lying awake tonight isn’t causing you much worry. And even if I bring the problem closer to home – let’s say that there is an insomniac lying next to you in your bed, it’s still not you. Their sleepless nights don’t affect you one bit – unless they choose to repeatedly kick you awake, so you can sympathize with their plight as they moan that they can’t sleep. And I would bet my last Oreo cookie that strategy doesn’t garner the true compassion your bedmate is wanting. Instead, most “I’ve-seen-every-hour-on-the-hour” sufferers usually choose wait it out alone. They lay tossing and turning while counting useless and irritating sheep, or attempt to name all their cousins – in alphabetical order no less, or just turn on the lamp and do some casual reading. Others are more purpose-driven, so they might try reciting the multiplication table or creating a ‘Tomorrow’s To Do List’ in their head. For some, this can’t-sleep issue is caused by stress or anxiety. For others it is caused by preservatives in the food they ate or meds they mistakenly took too close to bedtime. Or it can actually be a learned behavior – unwanted, but an unfortunate fact in some sufferer’s lives. For others, it can be a medical issue of the brain. But whatever the cause, it is real – and a real pain. Here’s a thought. Those nights when your eyes won’t close, you might as well do something truly constructive for yourself. Something that gives a true purpose to those lonely hours of sleeplessness. After all, those stupid sheep don’t benefit from being counted night after night – so find something else that is actually worthwhile. How about realizing that you really aren’t alone in the stillness of the night? As an insomniac, you have the opportunity to have an uninterrupted gripe session with the King of Kings. God is awake and would love to listen to you grumble about your fears, your anger or worries, or anything you want. Don’t be afraid to tell Him what you are feeling – after all, He already knows it anyway. But the conversation will help you. But if talking to your God still doesn’t take up enough of those endless hours, then find something productive to do – like writing a newspaper column titled “Dealing With 2:00-6:00 AM Insomnia” - like yours truly. Insomnia happens – probably to everyone once in a while. More often than that for others. It’s a great night when you can overcome it, close your eyes and sleep. But those times when you just can’t, make those hours count for yourself.

By: Kara Kimbrough “Almost” Starbucks Lemon Loaf is easy to make and less expensive to enjoy than the store-bought version.    Everywhere I turned last week…every internet post…every magazine cover in the supermarket checkout line…every conversation I overheard in the supermarket checkout line…you get the picture…it seemed like cakes were on the minds of many. As a result, the thought of soft, moist layer cakes covered with a thick covering of buttercream icing occupied my thoughts until I was forced to give in to a craving for homemade cake.    It started with a TikTok (please don’t come for me with warnings; I’m only there for the recipes) post listing the top 10 best chocolate cakes in New York City. One after another, luscious slices of chocolate cake, each one more decadent than the other, filled my screen and my head. As a rule, I don’t actually like chocolate cake, so the fact that these delicious versions caused my mouth to water is really saying something.     The number one slice, with layers so dark it was called “Brooklyn Blackout Cake,” is served at The Little Cupcake Bakeshop. Iced with a heavy layer of light chocolate, it’s easy to see why Food and Wine Magazine proclaimed its standing as the "best chocolate cake in the U.S."    The next day, I overheard a conversation discussing the high cost of purchasing coffee “away from home” instead of making it “at home.” This led to a discussion about other items sold at the popular Starbucks coffee chain, including its famous lemon loaf. Supposedly a slice of the moist lemon cake frosted with cream cheese icing now costs $4.         I’ve enjoyed a slice of Starbucks’ lemon loaf on more than one occasion with a coffee drink and can attest that it’s “almost” worth the price. I remembered seeing a recipe for “Copycat Starbuck’s Lemon Loaf,” online; a quick search uncovered dozens of recipes, each one increasing my desire for a piece of homemade lemony cake.     As if I needed more impetus to bake a cake, a friend showed me an Instagram page of two sisters who spend their spare time baking old recipes from their mother and grandmother’s recipe files. You guessed it, the first post I saw as I began scrolling the page was a demonstration of old-fashioned vanilla layer cake with a luscious crown of cream cheese icing.    I took the hint that I was SUPPOSED to bake and most importantly – EAT cake. I quickly gathered the ingredients for the “Almost” Starbucks Lemon Loaf and baked it before my cake obsession could get out of hand.        A hot slice straight from the oven was just the ticket to quell my craving. Even better, it was the perfect light sweet touch at the end of a hectic day. Try it…you’ll like it…and best of all, a slice of homemade costs much less than $4.   “Almost” Starbucks Lemon Loaf  Cake:  1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix 2 (2.9 ounce) packages non-instant lemon pudding mix ½ cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs 8 ounces sour cream ½ cup milk 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice  Icing:   2-½ cups confectioners' sugar 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more to taste      Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two loaf pans. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, oil, eggs, sour cream, milk and six tablespoons lemon juice into bowl of stand mixer; beat for two minutes and pour into prepared loaf pans.     Bake in preheated oven about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 20 minutes on a wire rack.     Whisk confectioners' sugar and 3 tablespoons lemon juice together in a bowl until smooth; spoon evenly over the loaves and let set before slicing.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) recently welcomed distinguished guests, including Mr. Roosevelt Hawkins from Congressman Bennie Thompson’s office and members of Mississippi Credit Unions, to its annual Reality Fair. This interactive event is designed to equip students with essential financial literacy skills, preparing them to navigate real-world financial responsibilities as they transition from high school to higher education or the workforce. The Reality Fair provides students with a hands-on learning experience, simulating real-life financial decisions and challenges. Participants are assigned hypothetical careers and salaries, requiring them to make informed choices about housing, transportation, insurance, savings, and other necessary expenses. By engaging in this simulation, students gain a deeper understanding of budgeting, the value of money, and the importance of financial planning. Mr. Hawkins and representatives from Mississippi Credit Unions played an integral role in guiding students through the process, offering expert advice on responsible money management. Their presence underscored the significance of financial literacy and its impact on long-term success. The BEEMS Reality Fair aligns with the school’s commitment to preparing students for a prosperous future by providing them with practical knowledge and decision-making skills. The event was met with enthusiasm from both students and educators, reinforcing the importance of financial education in shaping responsible and financially savvy individuals. As students continue their academic journeys or step directly into the workforce, the lessons learned at the Reality Fair will serve as a valuable foundation for their financial independence and success. See photos from the event: https://beems-reality-fair.boltonms.com/

UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute is hosting a See, Test and Treat event which aims to provide free cervical, breast, oral and lung cancer screenings for qualifying uninsured and underinsured women and men. The See, Test and Treat program seeks to reduce cancer deaths and provide health education to participants. The CCRI and the College of American Pathologists Foundation are hosting the event on Saturday, April 5 from 8a.m. to 11a.m. at the CCRI outpatient clinics at the Jackson Medical Mall. Cancer screenings and education will include age-appropriate mammograms for women ages 40-64 and cervical cancer screening with a Pap test for women ages 21-64. Additionally, oral and lung cancer screenings will be available for men and women: oral cancer screenings for those ages 21-64 and lung cancer screenings for those ages 50-80 who are current or former smokers. Eligible participants will receive a free low-dose CT screening exam.

By: Mika Hartman My Final Article This morning, as I watched  Frozen 2  with Hudson, a line from Olaf stood out to me: “One born with ‘powers’ and one born ‘powerless.’” Anna's reaction, a scowl on her face after hearing this, caught my attention. Despite lacking magical powers, Anna’s strength, courage, and perseverance were undeniable. This moment in the film made me reflect on something much deeper—society’s definition of success and how we often measure ourselves and our children by it. As children, and even as adults, we dream big. We set goals that seem larger than life: becoming astronauts, rock stars, mountaineers, or even the President of the United States. But let’s pause for a moment and consider the statistics. As of March 18, 2025, only 721 people have reached the "altitude of space" according to the USAF’s definition. Only 45 people have served as President of the United States. And climbing Mount Everest? Just 7,120 have succeeded in reaching the summit, with only half of those who attempt the climb actually making it. What does this say about "success"? It suggests that even the biggest dreams—those that seem so extraordinary—are rare. They are attainable, yes, but they are out of reach for many, and that’s okay. We don’t need to achieve the extraordinary to be worthy of celebration. As a mother to a child with special needs, I constantly find myself caught in a struggle. Society pushes us to measure our children by the same standards of achievement, success, and comparison that we apply to typical children. But my son, Hudson, does not need to fit into that mold. In fact, I’m realizing he never has to. Hudson is enough just as he is, without needing to prove anything to anyone. The world may expect children with Down syndrome, like Hudson, to do certain things, but I am learning that his worth is not tied to these expectations. He doesn’t have to be a rock star, a scientist, or climb Everest to prove his place in this world. And not all children or adults with Down syndrome will be business entrepreneurs, supermodels, Iron Man competitors, or star in movies… and THAT’S OKAY! Learning what is possible is necessary, but putting all your hopes in rare accomplishments will only fail you and your child. Take a deep breath. Live your life, not someone else’s. You just need your story. Hudson is already doing big things, right here, right now. He’s learning to recognize colors, shapes, and numbers. He’s understanding the difference between matching and pairing. He gives high-fives, fist bumps, and even started using the potty. These milestones may seem small to some, but to me, they are enormous. They’re celebrations in their own right. His learning is a journey, one rooted in consistency, repetition, and modeling. Hudson thrives through routines. This is how he learns best, but it’s important to remember that not every child learns the same way. Every child is unique, and every progress, no matter how big or small, is worthy of celebration. And so, this is my story. This is our journey. I want to share this message with other parents of children with special needs: Give yourself grace. Yes, stories of success are inspiring, but don't fall into the trap of clinging to them as the sole definition of what is possible. Your child may or may not, according to society’s standards, achieve "big things," but what we define as big is often just a matter of perspective. To me, Hudson is doing big things every single day. I didn’t know if he would walk, but he did. I didn’t know if he would communicate, but he uses a communication device to express his wants. There’s still work to be done—he’s still learning to talk, eat, and potty-train—but every step forward is a monumental victory. These achievements may not be deemed extraordinary by societal standards, but to me, they are nothing short of miraculous. The word “convincing” has been with me throughout this journey. When we first received Hudson’s diagnosis, I spent time convincing myself that everything would be okay. But as I went through the process, convincing turned into believing, and then believing became knowing. I knew from the moment Hudson arrived in my arms that he was smart, strong, and capable. I no longer feel the need to convince anyone of his worth. I’ve known it from the start. Hudson’s journey has been filled with challenges, yes, but also triumphs. He has fought for life in ways that no child should ever have to, and yet, he is here—full of determination, love, and joy. His extra chromosome doesn't define him. It makes him unique. It makes him Hudson. And I love him for exactly who he is, extra and all. Throughout this journey, I have met many incredible families—many of whom are trailblazers, inspiring others to see beyond the diagnosis. Wanting to know what is possible without comparing is a difficult, but necessary, shift in perspective. Whether Hudson is one day on billboards or simply a treasured picture on my wall, he is enough. He has always been enough. Whatever the future holds, Hudson’s extra chromosome brings with it an abundance of love, joy, fun, challenges, hurdles, and growth. All of it is mine to experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. His "extra" is more than just a label—it’s a beautiful gift that we hold close, cherish, and celebrate. And I wouldn’t change a thing. The power of Hudson’s EXTRA is more than enough. A letter of gratitude: If you have been reading my articles monthly or this is is your first one, thank you. As a military wife, new locations come with the job. We are excited for what’s to come; we will be moving this summer. As far as what’s been, Mississippi was very good to us. We have been stationed here twice now, but this time we brought Hudson. Doors of trying my hand at writing, helping change laws, and being a voice for children who don’t have one, this duty station gave me a voice I didn’t know I had. Thank you for trusting me. I love this life and I hope I have given you an insight to a walk you may have known nothing about. Thank you to Clay and Amanda for this opportunity of sharing our life with your readers. I have learned so much about myself with this platform. I am very grateful. Unsure of what the future holds, I am certain EXTRA fun will be a big part of it. As Hudson finds his voice, I am sure he will advocate with me for needed change. Thank you with love, respect and profound gratitude. Mississippi will always be home. ~ Mika

We had a successful grand reopening of the newly renovated Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton, Mississippi on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in providing expanded educational and community resources to the residents of Bolton and the surrounding areas.  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in front of the Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton MS. Photo by Jackson Hinds Library System Our grand reopening event was a resounding success, bringing together local leaders, community members, and distinguished guests to celebrate the Bolton library’s new chapter! The Jackson Hinds Library System extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making this project a reality, including District 1 Supervisor and President of the Board of Supervisors Robert Graham, District 2 Supervisor Tony Smith, Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, Mississippi Library Commission (MLC), and the Jackson Hinds Library System Board of Trustees whose unwavering support and dedication played a crucial role in the library’s revitalization. They were instrumental in advocating for the funding and resources necessary to bring this project to fruition. Their leadership, along with the collective efforts of the Jackson Hinds Library System and the local community, has resulted in a modernized space that will benefit generations to come.  Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson speaking. Photo by JHLS “I am truly honored to be a part of a community that values literacy so deeply and has supported us every step of the way to getting us back open. As we look towards newness and vibrancy, we’re thrilled to give back through exciting new programs like Story Time on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., our Pajama Movie Party on April 18 at 4 p.m., and our "chairobics" class starting on April 10 at 5 p.m. This is more than just a library - it’s a shared space for learning, laughter, and lasting connections.” said Wesley Cooper, Branch Manager. The newly renovated library's enhanced reading area, expanded book collections, and dynamic programming are designed to serve patrons of all ages. With a dedicated space for children, teens, and adults, the Annie T. Jeffers Library is poised to become a cornerstone of education and enrichment in Bolton.  District 2 Hinds County Supervisor, Tony Smith (Left) and Branch Manager, Wesley Cooper (Right). Photo by JHLS The Jackson Hinds Library System thanks all the community members, donors, and partners who have made this grand reopening possible. Their generosity and commitment to literacy have ensured that the Annie T. Jeffers Library will thrive as a valuable resource for years to come.  For more information about the Annie T. Jeffers Library and its programs, please visit www.jhlibrary.org or contact 601-866-4247.