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

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB The Marvel Cinematic Universe at large got to take a break in 2024. Sure, “Deadpool & Wolverine” was one of the biggest hits of the year, but that was more about Disney showing off its newly-acquired 20th Century Fox toys than advancing the lore of its bread-and-butter franchise. But “Captain America: Brave New World” brings back the classics, invoking two characters that brought fans into the MCU in the first place: Captain America and The Incredible Hulk. Sure, it’s the Sam “Falcon” Wilson (Anthony Mackie) version of Captain America, and the Hulk connection doesn’t actually involve Bruce Banner, but a good movie can make audiences care about the evolution of these characters even without the more familiar faces. Unfortunately, this particular movie seems to be reminding people less of the glory days of the MCU and more of why it needed to take a break. It has been six years since Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers handed over his shield and moniker to protégé Sam Wilson. Before he was even comfortable calling himself Captain America, Wilson went through an adventure with the Winter Soldier on a Disney+ show I didn’t see, and now he spends his days on government-sanctioned missions with his own protégé, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), who seems to have been unofficially promoted to Falcon. The team performs so well in a mission to stop mercenary Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), that they and mentor Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) earn an invitation to the White House under old Hulk nemesis and newly-elected President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford, taking over the role from the late William Hurt). Ross is so happy with Wilson’s recent work that he offers to let him reform a sanctioned version of The Avengers. But the deal falls through when Bradley inexplicably tries to assassinate Ross, which leads to Bradley imprisoned and Cap wanting answers. Conducting an unauthorized investigation against the orders of Ross and security advisor Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas), Wilson discovers that Bradley was the victim of mind control. The goal was not to kill Ross, but to kill a peace treaty that he hoped would define his legacy. The next step is to cause a world war to kill the treaty, because the entity pulling the strings on the conspiracy just hates Ross that much. As if the possibility of war weren’t enough, the villain has another trick up their sleeve related to the Ross-turning-into-Red-Hulk imagery that’s been used in all the advertising. The popular complaints about this movie are legitimate. The evil plan at the center of the film is ridiculously complicated and requires multiple exposition dumps, and in addition to the multiple dumps about Ross’s ascension to the Presidency, there’s a whole lot of dumping going on in this movie. New characters like Torres, Bat-Seraph, and even Sidewinder add little to the story, the latter of which is especially disappointing considering how much I’ve liked Esposito in other roles. The villain is pathetic and their motivations are childish, even idiotic. And I’m not sure if this is the fault of Ford or the effects team, but Red Hulk looks silly, not threatening. All of this leads me to not recommend “Captain America: Brave New World.” There are things to like about this movie, namely the performances by Mackie and Ford (when Ross is in human form). Mackie’s passion proves that he is more than capable of carrying a Captain America movie, though hopefully he’ll get to carry better ones in the future. Ford conveys a real anguish with a character whose world is doomed to come crashing down at any moment, he just wants to achieve one goal for good before that moment comes. These two efforts, along with Lumbly as a traumatized veteran forced to live through all-new traumas, come close to saving the movie, they really do. But the MCU is the gold standard for blockbusters, and it needs to put out better complete packages than what we get here. Grade: C “Captain America: Brave New World” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some strong language. Its running time is 118 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

By: Frank Corder, Magnolia Tribune The last day to vote in-person absentee is March 29, while mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before April 1st. Absentee voting is now available for the April 1st Municipal Primary Elections. The vast majority of Mississippi’s nearly 300 cities and towns will be electing mayors, boards of aldermen, city councils and other local officials this year. Those voters in the Republican or Democratic primaries who will be unable to vote in-person on the Primary Election Day can now visit their local city clerk’s office to vote in-person absentee or contact the office to request a mail-in ballot. For those who cannot visit their municipal clerk’s office during the work week, Saturday in-person absentee voting dates for the Municipal Primary Election are Saturday, March 22 and Saturday, March 29 from 8:00 a.m. until noon. The last day to vote in-person absentee is March 29, while mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before April 1st. According to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office, to be eligible to vote in the Municipal Primary Election, all Mississippians must complete voter registration by March 3, 2025. All mail-in voter registrations must be postmarked by March 3, 2025. The candidates that win their respective primary elections will move on to the June 3rd General Election. New municipal terms begin July 1st.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com You are a caregiver. That very much over-stressed, over-worked and under-appreciated person who along with probably many others, holds the anonymous title of  WORLD’S MOST PATIENT PERSON . There are likely very few families among our population who have not experienced the sudden disruption, and even heartbreak, when a person among you goes down physically, mentally or emotionally. No longer able to function in their normal day-to-day fashion for a while, they need help. And very often, that help comes from a household member who willingly – or not – rearranges their own routine to accommodate the ill-fitting and very unexpected role of untrained caregiver. The word  stressful  doesn’t even begin to cover this new scenario. Not only are they suddenly pressed into filling a job that includes nurse, encourager, housekeeper, cook, counselor of the depressed and angry, and dodger of the occasionally flying shoe, but they also have to somehow keep up with all their own regular jobs and activities. Because so often, their own daily workload goes on, even though they are now knee-deep in caregiving. And if a caregiver happens to be one of those people who has never had to be responsible for the myriads of jobs included in keeping a home smoothly operating - because they were the bacon-bringer, while the now-incapacitated was the bacon-fryer?  Then this new role is so much harder for them. Not only are they suddenly enduring on-the-job training while having to master new skills, but are probably being taught by a hurting, cranky, and impatient teacher. I can almost hear the group sigh being exhaled among all you temporary caregivers out there. Frustrated and tired group that you are. Wondering if you can make it all the way to the end of your imprisonment. The rest of us hear you, and we can see the tired lines on your faces. We notice when some of you instinctively flinch at the sound of a little bell tinkled somewhere nearby. We can almost hear your thoughts, “Wonder how long it will be, before I no longer dread that awful sound in the distance?” Can anybody see the phrase ‘marital stress’ written on the horizon? A smidgen of advice for all you heroes of the hurting household. A warm soaking bath or relaxing shower while your charge is sleeping. Running shoes kept by the door for a ten-minute respite. A great friend, who will listen without judging. A cup of your favorite hot beverage while sitting at least a few minutes all alone. Sleeping pills if needed – you do have to rest. An anti-anxiety pill once in a while for you and your patient can help when the tension gets as thick as fog in the house. Develop the daily habit of praying for your patient, and for your own patience. And my last piece of valuable insight; develop lightning-fast reactions. Helps when dodging. If you know you know.

Next Step Innovation, a trusted leader in cybersecurity and compliance, proudly announces our selection for the State of Mississippi’s security assessment and penetration testing services contract for the third consecutive time. This achievement underscores our 12-year commitment to delivering exceptional cybersecurity solutions to the State and its public sector agencies. For over a decade, Next Step Innovation has been the State of Mississippi’s go-to partner for advanced security assessment, compliance, and penetration testing services. During this time, we’ve successfully completed over 250 security engagements, ensuring robust protection for public sector systems and sensitive data. "We are honored and excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the State of Mississippi," said President of Next Step Innovation Rachel Townsend. "Over the past 12 years, our team’s dedication and expertise have played a critical role in strengthening the State’s cybersecurity posture. This opportunity allows us to build on that foundation, ensuring Mississippi’s systems remain secure and resilient in the face of evolving threats." Led by industry veterans Dr. David O’Gwynn, an Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and Gene Patrick, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and OSCP, the Next Step Innovation team brings unparalleled expertise to every project. As a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certified by the SBA and headquartered in Mississippi, we are deeply invested in our community and the State's cybersecurity resilience. Highlights of our partnership with the State of Mississippi: • Longevity and Expertise: Providing cybersecurity services since 2012. • Unmatched Experience: The only vendor on the State’s security services contract for the last decade. • Innovative Solutions: Now offering vCISO packages for compliance management and monitoring. • Global Recognition: Trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense and ISO 9001 certified. • Security Leadership: Combining technical expertise with security R&D to stay ahead of emerging threats. "Our continued selection by the State of Mississippi demonstrates the trust and confidence placed in our team’s ability to safeguard critical systems," said O’Gwynn. "As competition increases, we remain committed to delivering tailored solutions that align with the State’s evolving cybersecurity needs." With the adoption of the newest RFP, Next Step Innovation is focused on strengthening our relationships, innovating our services, and maintaining our reputation as a cybersecurity leader within the State of Mississippi and beyond. For more information about our security services or to learn about our new vCISO packages, please visit https://www.nextstepinnovation.com , or contact us at sales@nextstepinnovation.com . About Next Step Innovation: Founded in 2007, Next Step Innovation has been a leader in cybersecurity for 18 years, specializing in penetration testing, compliance assessments, and security R&D. With a proven track record across government and private sectors, we are committed to helping organizations navigate today’s complex threat landscape.

Carpets play a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and comfort of a home or business. They provide warmth, reduce noise, and contribute to the overall decor. However, carpets also tend to accumulate dust, allergens, and bacteria over time, necessitating regular maintenance. While routine vacuuming and spot cleaning are essential, professional carpet cleaning offers a deeper, more thorough cleaning that extends the life of your carpets and ensures a healthier indoor environment. Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning 1. Improved Indoor Air Quality Carpets trap airborne pollutants, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens that can degrade indoor air quality. Professional cleaning methods, such as hot water extraction and steam cleaning, effectively remove these contaminants, leading to a fresher and healthier living or working space. 2. Prolonged Carpet Lifespan Dirt and debris embedded in carpet fibers can cause premature wear and tear. Over time, this leads to fiber deterioration and discoloration. Professional cleaners use specialized equipment and solutions designed to lift deep-seated dirt and restore the carpet’s original look, thus extending its lifespan. 3. Effective Stain Removal Household spills and foot traffic can leave unsightly stains on carpets. DIY stain removal techniques may provide temporary relief, but some stains require professional treatment. Expert cleaners have access to powerful cleaning agents and advanced techniques that can effectively eliminate even the toughest stains without damaging the carpet fibers. 4. Elimination of Bacteria and Odors Carpets can harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew, especially in humid environments. These microorganisms not only contribute to unpleasant odors but can also pose health risks. Professional carpet cleaning services utilize high-temperature cleaning processes that kill bacteria and neutralize odors, leaving carpets fresh and sanitized. 5. Time and Effort Savings Cleaning carpets thoroughly requires time, effort, and the right equipment. Professional services allow homeowners and business owners to focus on other tasks while experts handle the deep cleaning. This is particularly beneficial for large properties where carpet maintenance can be a daunting task. Common Professional Carpet Cleaning Methods Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) This method involves injecting hot water and cleaning agents deep into the carpet fibers, followed by powerful suction to extract dirt and moisture. It is one of the most effective techniques for deep cleaning and sanitizing carpets. Dry Cleaning Dry carpet cleaning uses minimal moisture and a specialized cleaning compound that attracts dirt. This method is ideal for delicate carpets and situations where fast drying is necessary. Bonnet Cleaning This technique involves using a rotating brush with a cleaning solution to remove surface dirt. It is often used in commercial settings for quick maintenance but does not provide deep cleaning. Shampooing Carpet shampooing involves applying a foamy detergent to the carpet and scrubbing it before vacuuming. While effective for stain removal, it may leave residue if not rinsed properly. Choosing a Professional Carpet Cleaning Service When selecting a carpet cleaning service, consider the following factors: Experience and Reputation : Look for companies with positive reviews and a history of quality service. Certifications and Training : Ensure that the cleaners are trained and certified by recognized industry organizations. Cleaning Methods Used : Choose a service that offers cleaning techniques suitable for your carpet type. Pricing and Transparency : Request a clear estimate upfront to avoid hidden charges. Professional carpet cleaning is an essential investment for maintaining the beauty, hygiene, and longevity of your carpets. By eliminating dirt, stains, allergens, and bacteria, expert cleaning services contribute to a healthier indoor environment and a more appealing space. Regular professional cleaning, combined with routine maintenance, ensures that carpets remain in top condition for years to come.

Severe cold weather poses a threat to your home and vehicle. Avoid an insurance claim by taking action now. Leave your faucet running with a slight drip and open the cabinet doors under your sinks. Look at the trees around your property and cut back branches or stems that are dead, dying, diseased, or broken. Clearing the debris from your gutters will help prevent ice dams by allowing meltwater to drain freely. Evaluate the insulation and ventilation (roof or soffit vents) in your attic, keeping the warm air in your home and out of your attic. Perform maintenance checks on your vehicle. Check the battery, antifreeze and wiper fluid levels. Fill up with gas, pack emergency supplies and keep a windshield scraper on-hand to remove ice. As you heat your home, keep fire safety in mind. Keep clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters. Never leave space heaters on when you are away from home. Never plug space heaters into extension cords. Plug electric space heaters directly into an outlet. All heating equipment should be UL® approved. Inspect the space heater's power cord for damage, fraying or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced. Never use space heaters while you sleep or in areas where children may be without adult supervision. Always unplug space heaters when they are not in use. The heater should also be equipped with a tip over shut-off switch. Never use a stove or oven to heat living spaces. If using a gas heater, install a carbon monoxide detector. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out and where to meet outside. Once everyone is outside a burning home, call 911 and don't go back inside the home under any circumstances.

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) is hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Raymond High School Performing Arts Center, located at 14050 Highway 18 in Raymond, Mississippi. This event, organized in collaboration with the Hinds County School District and the Good to Great (G2G) initiative, aims to connect qualified candidates with rewarding careers in education. The Job Fair will feature a range of available positions within the Hinds County School District, including openings for English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, special education (SPED) teachers, and a principal position, among others. Representatives from the district will be on-site to provide information about job requirements, benefits, and professional growth opportunities. Prospective candidates are encouraged to bring updated résumés and be prepared for discussions with hiring representatives. The event provides an excellent opportunity for educators and administrators seeking to advance their careers and contribute to the success of students in Hinds County. For more information about the BEEMS Job Fair, individuals can call 601-857-5222  or visit the Hinds County School District website at hinds.k12.ms.us .

Bo Carter, born Armenter Chatmon in Bolton, Mississippi, was a key figure in early blues music. Raised in a musical household, he learned to play from his father, Henderson Chatmon, a former slave who played the fiddle, and his mother, Eliza, who sang and played the guitar. These early influences helped shape his distinctive style, which would later make him one of the most prolific blues musicians of his era. Alongside his brothers Lonnie and Sam, Carter co-founded the Mississippi Sheiks, a renowned string band that gained widespread recognition in the 1920s and 1930s. His career began in earnest in 1928 when he recorded his first song as a backing musician for Alec Johnson. That same year, he recorded what would become one of the most enduring blues standards, "Corrine Corrina." As a solo artist, Carter became one of the dominant recording acts of the 1930s, known for his smooth vocals, masterful guitar playing, and clever, often risqué lyrics. Despite going partly blind during this period, he continued to perform and record, solidifying his place in blues history. In the 1940s, Carter relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent the rest of his life. He passed away in 1964 from a cerebral hemorrhage, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. Carter’s influence on blues music remains significant. While primarily known for his guitar playing and singing, he was also proficient in bass, banjo, violin, and clarinet. His bold use of humorous and suggestive lyrics set him apart, making his music both entertaining and innovative. Today, his work continues to inspire musicians and remains a vital part of blues history.