By: Mika Hartman Planning for the future is filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The future holds many variables that complicate the planning process, some within our control and others completely out of it. Hindsight may be 20/20, but when trying to predict the future, you’ll likely encounter numerous forks in the road. Depending on the choices you make, your course can change multiple times. Adulting is hard. This applies to everyone; however, when you have a disabled child living at home, the necessity of "getting all your ducks in a row" turns every plan upside down. As older parents, we don’t have the luxury of unlimited time, and with the rising cost of living eroding our savings, it's nearly impossible to feel optimistic about the future. How much money will Hudson need to live a good life after we are gone? Who will step up to be his guardian when we can’t, especially if that situation arises sooner than we expect? How can we ensure that he won’t be placed in a nursing home at 40? Will the government take away his benefits if he inherits too much? What constitutes "too much"? Will his sister be able to live the life she dreams of before she becomes responsible for him? Will she have a better support system than we’ve had? The questions linger on endlessly. I recently read a heartbreaking article about a mother diagnosed with terminal cancer who took her own life and her disabled son’s life as well. She must have felt utterly unsupported on their journey. Her husband had already passed, and she saw no other option. As a Christian, I understand what the Bible says, but I also empathize with how that mother must have felt. Living in a bubble, it’s clear who truly cares. The harsh reality is that those who show up in person are far fewer than those who simply make a donation or post on social media for awareness. While I am grateful for both, it is not a balanced scale. When you have only a few friends willing to be present in your life, you start to feel guilty for asking for anything. The fear of driving them away is palpable. Thoughts run through your mind: “Oh gosh, what do they need now?” “Is there another fundraiser?” “Another walk?” “Is there something else they want me to buy?” “Hudson is only six; how much more will they ask?” As mentioned, Hudson is six. My husband and I have become very skilled at "tag teaming" everything we need or want to do that isn’t for Hudson. We’ve even tasked our 17-year-old with some babysitting responsibilities. Unfortunately, we rarely receive offers to get away. Recently, I asked my best friend to save a future date so my husband and I could attend a wedding out of town. This requires planning, and it’s just for one overnight stay. The thought of planning Hudson’s entire future and well-being is, to say the least, daunting. All of this is true: - Down syndrome is beautiful. - Down syndrome is a gift. - My son with Down syndrome and autism is a real-life hero. - Hudson has made me a better person. - I look forward to seeing everything Hudson accomplishes in life, both big and small. - We feel honored and blessed to be his parents. - We laugh every day. All of this is also true: - Some days are hard. - Sometimes we feel lonely and forgotten. - The future is scary. - My death is the scariest part. - No one wants to hear about our challenges. - Not everyone on this journey is kind. - We have to ask for help but don’t always receive it. - The tears aren’t always from joy. If you’re reading this, I want to say that I love my life and face every challenge with hopeful enthusiasm. My life carries the pressure of needing to succeed because I have no alternative—I must get it right. Hudson depends on me. Some days are easy and well-executed, while others are challenging. Some days are a mix of both. I approach every day with my “momma tried” motto. Whether I meet all challenges with a five-star rating is determined by Hudson, and I would guess the answer is “yes” because of his love for life. Loving this life doesn’t mean I don’t second-guess or overthink everything. I need to do a better job of taking breaks; an occasional day off would be nice. Preparing for the future we wish for Hudson is our responsibility, but his future can improve if his circle is larger—all it takes is EXTRA planning.

Congressman Bennie G, Thompson Bolton, MS — Congressman Bennie Thompson has responded to ongoing mail delays at the Jackson Processing Facility, which serves as the main postal hub for the region, including the Town of Bolton. In a recent statement, Congressman Thompson acknowledged the significant inconvenience these delays have caused for residents and businesses. "I understand the frustrations these delays have caused, and I want to assure my constituents that I am actively engaged in addressing this issue," he said. According to information provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS), senior postal officials — including the Regional Processing Vice President and the new Senior Division Processing Director for Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Oklahoma — have been onsite in Jackson this week. They are working closely with local management to resolve the delays and bring the plant's operations up to date. The USPS has also committed to increasing overtime and focusing on mail and packages destined for ZIP codes served by the Jackson facility. Despite these efforts, Congressman Thompson expressed ongoing concern about the impact of the delayed mail service. "Timely mail delivery is critical for families, businesses, and those who rely on essential correspondence, including Social Security checks, prescription medications, and time-sensitive documents," he emphasized. Thompson assured the public that his office will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure USPS officials take the necessary steps to restore reliable service. He also encouraged residents experiencing mail delays to report their concerns either directly to his office or to the U.S. Postal Service. Residents can rest assured that Congressman Thompson remains committed to advocating for improvements at the Jackson Processing Facility and ensuring accountability within the postal system.

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit: IMDB “The Monkey” is a movie on the sillier end of the horror spectrum. It’s so silly that the catalyst for the many, many deaths that occur throughout its runtime is a literal toy. Granted, it’s a toy that I’ve never known anyone to actually like, and come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one referenced in popular culture without accompanying commentary about its creepiness. I’m speaking, of course, about the eponymous monkey: a wind-up primate that plays a drum. The monkey in this movie is indeed creepy, but it’s far from the scariest I’ve ever seen. In fact, I’d say this hard-R horror movie has a less freaky monkey than the one in the G-rated “Toy Story 3.” But the scares here don’t come from the monkey itself so much as the horrific (but again, very silly) violence that accompanies the monkey everywhere. The film follows twins Hal and Bill Shelburn, both played by Christian Covery as children and by Theo James as an adult. I’m a sucker for actors giving multi-character performances (I’ve always been nuts about Mike Myers in “Austin Powers”) and this movie gives us not one, but two solid entries into the tradition. As kids, Hal and Bill stumble across a toy monkey abandoned by their absentee father (Adam Scott). The bullying Bill is quick to dismiss the toy, but the meek Hal sees potential in it. He winds up the toy, it bashes its drum, and later that night someone in the vicinity of the boys dies. Following one of the silliest funerals in movie history, Hal figures out that winding the monkey gives him power over life and death. He knows he shouldn’t use the power for evil, but maybe just one more time to fix a problem. The problem doesn’t get fixed as planned, and the boys’ dynamic with their jaded-but-loving mother (Tatiana Maslany) is changed forever. Hal confides with Bill about the monkey’s power, and the two try to destroy it to no avail. They imprison the monkey at the bottom of a well, and that works for a few decades, but this being a horror movie of course it’s going to come back to haunt them as adults. Adult Hal is a mess, feeling guilt over the deaths he caused and allowing himself very little contact with his son Petey (Colin O’Brien) out of fear that the monkey may strike again. The two go on a road trip for some rare quality time, but monkey-influenced killings start up almost immediately. Hal wants answers, which can only be found at the site where the monkey was exiled. It turns out that the monkey has been on a sort of killing spree throughout the town, but of course the townspeople just chalk everything up to a series of accidents. The answers must lie with Bill, from whom Hal is estranged, having never even introduced him to Petey. In order to stop the killings, Hal and Bill are going to have to reconcile and face their past, at which time they can hopefully think of something to do about the killer monkey. The story description of “The Monkey” doesn’t sound all that funny, but trust me, this is a movie with humor at almost every turn. I say “almost” because there are just enough serious scenes for the movie to suffer from tonal whiplash, especially in later stages. I know director Osgood Perkins wants us to enjoy the film while still considering the deep themes about the responsibilities one has to their family. It’s not that I mind the film attempting to balance the heavy with the light (to the extent that over-the-top violence can be considered “light”), but it never manages to pull off the balancing act as seamlessly as it wants. Still, I’m giving the movie a recommendation because its appeal lies in its dark humor, and on that front it manages to be roughly as fun as a barrel of monkeys. Grade: B- “The Monkey” is rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, language throughout and some sexual references. Its running time is 98 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Howell Trophy, presented annually to the state’s top men’s college basketball player, and the 2025 Gillom Trophy, honoring the top women’s college basketball player in Mississippi. This year’s finalists were selected by a panel of media members from across the state and represent the state’s best basketball talent from  Mississippi’s four-year colleges and universities: Howell Trophy Finalists (Men’s Basketball): Josh Hubbard – Mississippi State University Sean Pedulla – University of Mississippi Daeshun Ruffin – Jackson State University Gillom Trophy Finalists (Women’s Basketball): Jerkaila Jordan – Mississippi State University Madison Scott – University of Mississippi Taleah Dilworth – Jackson State University Mississippi’s basketball landscape has been filled with exciting performances this season. Josh Hubbard has led Mississippi State with his scoring prowess, while Sean Pedulla has been a key playmaker for Ole Miss,  helping the Rebels compete at the highest level in the SEC. Over at Jackson State, Daeshun Ruffin has been a dominant force in the SWAC, showcasing his dynamic scoring ability.On the women’s side, Jerkaila  Jordan has been a leader for Mississippi State, guiding the Bulldogs through a tough SEC slate. Madison Scott has been a defensive and offensive powerhouse for Ole Miss, while Taleah Dilworth has made a major  impact at Jackson State, helping the Tigers contend for a SWAC championship. The winners will be revealed during the Trophy Presentation Luncheon on Monday, March 10, at the Pearl River Resort, sponsored by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort. The luncheon  will feature special guest Victoria Vivians, a four-time Gillom Trophy winner and Mississippi State legend. She will take part in a Q&A session with Hall of Fame sportswriter Rick Cleveland. Tickets for the event  are available for purchase online at www.msfame.com  or at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame business office. All proceeds from the event benefit the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Howell and Gillom Trophies are a part of the Outstanding Player Awards Series which also recognizes the top college athlete in football with the C Spire Conerly Trophy and the top college baseball player with the Ferriss Trophy presented by MBCI and Pearl River Resort.

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) is set to host a special Black History Program on Friday, February 28, at 9 AM in the BEEMS Gym. This annual event will serve as a powerful tribute to the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans, inspiring students and the community to embrace diversity and unity. With a focus on empowering voices and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, the program will feature a dynamic lineup of student performances, historical reflections, and special presentations. Through music, spoken word, and storytelling, attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Black leaders who have shaped history and continue to influence the world today. BEEMS remains committed to creating a learning environment that recognizes the significance of cultural heritage. The Black History Program is not just a reflection on the past but a call to action for the future—encouraging students to lead with courage, empathy, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Parents, community members, and supporters are invited to join BEEMS in this meaningful celebration. Through education and reflection, the event aims to inspire a future where equality and respect are at the forefront of every community.

By: Kara Kimbrough One-Pan Jambalaya is filled with meat, seafood, vegetables and rice. It's the perfect hearty winter (and Mardi Gras!) dinner. A sure sign that Mardi Gras season is near are the stacks of packaged King Cakes in supermarkets. Decorated with a thick purple, green and gold sugary icing and filled with fruit or cream fillings, they’re as close as many will come to actually celebrating Mardi Gras. Lucky for me, the highlight last week at an otherwise serious business meeting was a variety of freshly-baked King Cakes delivered from a Biloxi bakery. Filled with strawberry, praline and Bavarian cream fillings and lightly brushed with sugar, they were some of the best King Cakes I’d ever tasted. The only thing missing were my favorite Cajun and Creole dishes. That'll be an easy fix this weekend. But first, a little more about King Cakes and where to find them. No offense to supermarkets, but I can’t in good conscience recommend the boxed versions as the place to sample an “authentic” King Cake. Paul’s Pastry Shop in Picayune is famous for its original fruit and cream cheese fillings added to the thousands of King Cakes sold from the south Mississippi shop and shipped around the world year-round. I can also recommend Le Bakery in Biloxi after sampling their cakes last week. And, there are numerous other bakeries throughout the Gulf Coast area and beyond that serve up innovative (and delicious) versions. King Cakes were brought to New Orleans by French and Spanish settlers when they settled in the area during the 12th century. I enjoy a slice (or two) of a good King Cake, but it’s the main dishes brought by the French, Acadian, Spanish and West African settlers to the region that are at the top of my favorites list. After all, most are composed of some of the best ingredients in the world: fresh seafood, including shrimp prepared at least 100 ways; fresh tomatoes and other vegetables; smoked sausage, roasted chicken and fragrant rice, to name a few. And a side of crusty, garlic and butter-laden French bread is definitely the crowning touch to any meal. A few of my favorite Cajun/Creole (I won’t attempt to describe the differences between the two; it only leads to arguments) dishes are: seafood gumbo, shrimp Creole (and etouffee); jambalaya; fried shrimp po’boy with remoulade sauce; muffaletta; grillades and grits; shrimp remoulade salad; shrimp and corn bisque and as mentioned, New Orleans-style French bread. My list is a small sample of the hundreds, possibly thousands of Cajun/Creole dishes that've withstood the test of time and remain staples on restaurant menus and dinner tables since they entered the U.S. centuries ago. New Orleans and Gulf Coast region cooks then put their own spin on the original recipes, adding American ingredients and cooking methods while maintaining the delicious flavors and ideas brought to America from a number of different countries. Here are two of my favorite Cajun/Creole recipes; email me and I’ll send you a few more you’ll enjoy during Mardi Gras season – and well beyond. Easy Shrimp Etouffee   1 stick butter 1 onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 medium bell pepper, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and cleaned Salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste 1 cup water mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for color) Cooked rice Melt butter in large skillet, then add next 4 ingredients until limp. Stir in tomato paste, then shrimp; simmer, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Stir in water/cornstarch mixture; simmer, stirring for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and mixture is thickened. Season to taste and serve over hot rice. One-Pan Jambalaya 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup chopped celery 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 onion, chopped ½ pound cubed cooked ham ½ pound cubed cooked chicken ½ pound cubed smoked sausage 2 (14.5 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes, with liquid 2 cups beef broth 2 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried thyme 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning 2 cups uncooked white rice ½ pound small shrimp Shrimp boil or seasoning Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, and set aside. Add celery, bell pepper, and onion to the bacon drippings, and cook until tender. Add the ham, chicken and sausage to the pot, and pour in the tomatoes, beef broth and chicken broth. Season with thyme and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and add the rice. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender. While mixture is cooking, boil shrimp separately in water and 1 teaspoon of shrimp boil or Cajun seasoning until shrimp is pink; about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. Stir in the shrimp and bacon just before serving and heat through. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

True Way Holiness Church True Way Holiness Church is making a profound impact in the Bolton community, providing spiritual guidance, encouragement, and a welcoming place for all seeking a deeper connection with God. Located at 10258 Hwy 22 W in Bolton, Mississippi, the church is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive congregation committed to following God’s path and transforming lives through faith. Under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Logan, True Way Holiness Church is steadfast in its mission to make Disciples of Jesus Christ and to bring positive change to Bolton and beyond. Through inspiring worship services, community engagement, and discipleship, the church creates an atmosphere where individuals can grow spiritually and embrace a life-changing journey. The church offers multiple opportunities for worship and learning, including Sunday School at 10 AM, Sunday Service at 12 PM, and a Worship Service on Thursdays at 7 PM. These gatherings provide a space for fellowship, prayer, and encouragement, strengthening the faith of both longtime members and newcomers alike. True Way Holiness Church continues to shine as a beacon of hope in Bolton, dedicated to serving the community and leading others in their walk with Christ. Pastor and First Lady Logan

Mississippi now has a fully handicapped accessible camp facility designed to meet the needs of children and adults with special needs.  Located on 426 acres in Copiah County, this beautiful, multi-million-dollar campground is now welcoming campers to enjoy fishing, boating, basketball, tennis, baseball, and campfires.  Our multi-purpose activity building offers ceramics, woodworking, music, arts and crafts, hands-on kitchen, dance hall, and library.  The sensory room, designed by Beyond Therapy, is a very special part of the building.   Please join us April 4, 2025, 2:00-4:00 for the Grand Opening .  There will be a short video showing our progress since we started building in 2018 and a welcome from our Director Andrew Vincent. You’ll hear brief talks on the importance of Camp Kamassa by Bridgette Iupe the camp director of the RAD (Radically Against Dystrophy) camp, and a parent, JT Cooper whose child Arlie will be a camper.  After the dedication of an American flag donated by Woodman of the World, you’ll be invited to tour the facilities which includes duplex and family cabins, a cafeteria, an infirmary, a chapel, a maintenance barn, a lakeside building, an open-air recreation building, and probably, best of all, a large zero entry swimming pool. We are located at 4002 Sumrall Road, Crystal Springs, MS.  You can call our office at 601-892-1117 for more information.

By: Daniel H. Sparks, MS State Senator, District 5 State Sen. Daniel Sparks speaks in the Chamber at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Trying to solve problems is a large part of the job of being the Mississippi Legislature. Sometimes we overthink it and the product we produce isn’t what is needed or at least reasonable people can disagree if the choice is the best path forward. I serve as a public defender in Tishomingo County and witness the absolute devastation the scourge of methamphetamine inflicts on our communities, families, schools and public safety. No one uses methamphetamine socially or occasionally; any belief otherwise is a lie. I have listened to the meth lies from hundreds of clients who are addicted and hopeless, but they will hold on to the lie. The truth is if you use meth, you will eventually lose everything. You will steal from anyone, including your families and friends and you will ultimately ravage your body and brain to the point of death or a zombie like existence. Your life will be lonely and bleak; but lie of meth will still be with you. Arrests for small felony amounts of meth legally require a crime lab report which can take over a year to secure before a presentation to the grand jury for indictment, stretching the limited resources of the law enforcement agency, crime lab and district attorney’s office. While the meth user awaits their day in court, the lie of meth is still with them and they continue to use, steal and live in a manner that no one can envision for themselves. This life most likely includes additional arrests for possession or property crimes as the lie of meth continues its domination of a once reasonable citizen. After witnessing this routine repeat itself for years and following numerous conversations with judges, law enforcement, prosecutors and recovery specialists I dropped a bill in 2020 to try something different. We did not pass the bill that year, but I continued these conversations and this year I dropped SB 2347. This bill was publicly available for many days, assigned to the Judiciary B Committee, taken up for discussion in committee and passed to be considered on the floor. Two weeks later the bill was taken up on the floor and passed with 45 votes. Up to this point, I had not heard a single objection from anyone on the merits of the bill and what we were trying to accomplish. For those who might have actually read the bill they would see it addresses the smallest amount of methamphetamine possession (.1 to 2 grams) a felony that currently carries a maximum three-year sentence. The bill we passed  INCREASED  the felony penalty for possession of over 1 gram to 2 grams to a five-year sentence and  DECREASED  the felony to a misdemeanor for amounts from .1 gram to 1 gram. The purpose of the legislation is to get the meth user and his life of lies in front of a judge  FASTER  than the current two-year pace. Our justice and municipal courts meet at least monthly and do not require an indictment to proceed. A first-time offender is subject to a fine, 30 days in jail and is required to have an assessment to combat the meth use and lies. A second offense within 5 years subjects the offender to no less than 5 days and up to 6 months in jail and requires a minimum of 30 days of treatment. A third offense in 5 years would be a felony and subject to the 5-year maximum sentence. This approach is untested and may not be the best way to proceed, therefore we put a three-year repealer in the bill so the law will go back to what it is today if these changes do not help improve the outcomes. A couple days ago, for the first time, members of the law enforcement community began to comment on the bill and how stupid it is. I’ll take responsibility for the bill and if it is stupid; I own it, not my colleagues. They put faith in me that I am trying to do what is best for the State of Mississippi in this bill. I respect my friends in law enforcement and my voting record reflects my commitment to combating illegal drugs and supporting public safety. Each year I draft and carry bills at the request of law enforcement, including this year’s SB 2314 that removes the intoxicating Hemp products currently available to children directly from our convenience stores shelves. The future of SB 2347 may be one of defeat and if so, that is the will of the legislature and their respective constituency.  The intent of the legislation is faster delivery to the court of a defendant for judgment, assessment, and potential treatment to try and break the cycle of methamphetamine addiction and re-arrest. If there are better ideas, I am willing to listen, bring them forward. Doing nothing is letting the lie of methamphetamine continue to live and that is not an option I am willing to accept. Senator Daniel H. Sparks

The Hinds County School District (HCSD) will host a community meeting on Sunday, February 23, at Terry High School from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Themed “Bridging the Gap,” the event aims to foster dialogue and provide key information about the district’s role and responsibilities in supporting students, schools, parents, educators, and the broader community. The discussion will focus on college and career readiness for HCSD students, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support needed for future success. Dr. Robert Sanders, Superintendent of Education for HCSD, will serve as the event’s moderator, guiding the conversation and addressing questions from attendees. This meeting serves as an opportunity for participants to engage directly with district leadership, gain insight into HCSD’s educational priorities, and collaborate on ways to enhance student outcomes. Parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to attend and take part in this important conversation. Refreshments will be served, and all interested individuals are welcome to participate in this collaborative effort to strengthen the educational experience for HCSD students.

Exciting News from Congressman Bennie G. Thompson! The 2025 Congressional Art Competition is officially OPEN! This is your chance to showcase your talent and have your artwork recognized on a national stage. If you are interested in participating, please contact his Greenville District Office at 662-335-9003 for more details. He can't wait to see the incredible creativity MS District 02 has to offer!

Flu numbers in Mississippi remain high and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) wants you to know you can get tested and treated at your local County Health Department. Statewide, the latest surveillance numbers show a 7.9% rate of patients presenting at medical facilities with flu-like symptoms. That number is down from 9.1% the week prior. MSDH District III, which covers the Delta region, was the highest at 32.2%. District V, which includes the Jackson Metro, was second highest at 17.1%. Among age groups, the highest reports are in the 5-24 age range. You can see the full weekly respiratory report at Flu Surveillance Reports 2024-2025 - Mississippi State Department of Health. MSDH provides Test and Treat services for the Flu and Covid testing for those 13-years-old and up: You can make an appointment by calling the MSDH scheduling line at (855) 767-0170. Walk-Ins are also welcome. If you test positive for Flu within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, you can receive Tamiflu when clinically eligible. Vaccinations for Flu and COVID are available for ages 6 months to adults. RSV immunizations are available for infants. To find your nearest County Health Department, please visit County Health Departments - Mississippi State Department of Health. You can make an appointment on the new MSDH mobile app. Download it for free in Apple and Android stores under MSDH Healthy App. Stay up to date on news and updates on the MSDH Healthy Mobile App, on our website   www.msdh.ms.gov . , and on social media facebook.com/healthyms , twitter.com/msdh  and Instagram.com/healthy.ms