Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com This middle-aged female had a calm about her, even though her face was lined and shadowed. Past years of unmistakable bitterness and disillusionment were still etched into her face. But yet, her green eyes shone with a love of life, and she carried herself with self-confidence. Intrigued with the difference between the harsh wrinkles on her face and the glowing peace she conveyed, I finally asked her what had obviously happened at some point in her life. This was what she told me. “I discovered something a long time ago. God just doesn’t care. And you know what? I was absolutely one-hundred percent correct. For years I knew that He didn’t care about me and my problems, He always ignored my pleas for help. I figured that God probably didn’t see me as important enough to answer. After all, I felt worthless, so the absolute God of this universe certainly couldn’t see me any different. And besides, living my life like I was, there was no way that God would concentrate on helping me. He was The God Almighty, and I was….just… me. No doubt about it, that deep gut feeling that I was totally unlovable and insignificant caused me to make a decision. A bad one. I decided that if I was just worthless trash, then I might as well live it out. And I did. I won’t bore you or shock you with the details. Trust me, you don’t want to hear ‘em.” After all that, I couldn’t resist. I had to find out why her face looked so haggard, but yet her face had a glow and her presence projected self-assurance. So, I put that very question to her. Granted, I worded it without “haggard” in my question, but I still asked. Her soft answer came quickly. “Finally, when I had gotten to the point of so much self-loathing that suicide was constantly on my mind, I went to see a counselor. A man who saw right thru the anger and hardness. To the real problem…that I despised me, ‘cause I knew that God hated me. After all, people who acted the way I did? They had to be hated by God. That man told me that I was totally wrong about so many things, and proceeded to show me the truth.” (The truth? Yep, I asked, you know I did. Here’s her answer.) “Oh yeah, God doesn’t care. That’s absolutely the truth. But not about what I always thought! The truth is, He doesn’t care if you are a bad person. He doesn’t care if no one on this earth likes you and the way you behave. That means nothing to Him. He simply wants to rescue you out of the old lies you always believed. Lies about Him, and therefore, lies about yourself. Made a world of difference in how I view myself now. And Him.” She’s absolutely right. God just doesn’t care about all that other. He only cares about you.

By Kara Kimbrough A replica of the Statue of Liberty, complete with a lighted torch, greets guests as they enter the lobby at the Beau Rivage, much like the original Lady Liberty greeted immigrants enroute to the U.S. in the previous centuries. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) America’s 250th birthday is next week and for those of you who, like me, are excited about this milestone in our nation’s history, I’m happy to report that July 4, 2026 lands on a Saturday. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a weekend trip to celebrate and enjoy the festivities in one convenient location. If you live in Mississippi, Louisiana or other coastal area, there’s no better place to celebrate our nation’s monumental birthday than the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Specifically, a full lineup of festivities is planned at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino for hotel guests as well as anyone looking for a place to enjoy a holiday meal, entertainment and fireworks in a festive, patriotic setting. A prior commitment on the big day will prohibit me from celebrating down south, so last weekend, I stopped by the Beau to check out what I knew would be exemplary Fourth of July décor. The resort never disappoints with its beautiful, over-the-top flower arrangements, creative holiday-themed displays and themed meals and promotions. As expected, this year’s patriotic decor has been elevated to an entirely different level, complete with a massive, lifelike bald eagle holding court overhead in the lobby, Lady Liberty with lighted torch, fireworks simulations, U. S. flags flying in every direction and red, white & blue elements throughout the property. A majestic bald eagle hovers over the lobby and atrium at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi; just one of the many patriotic symbols on display in advance of America’s 250th birthday on July 4. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) In short, there’s no shortage of patriotic spaces in which to shoot family photos and videos and create eye-catching content for social media. The weather on the Coast was dismal, so my plan was to spend the day indoors at the Beau. Once you’re inside the cocoon-like resort, there’s really no reason to leave. Everything from coffee and ice cream shops to fine dining; from people-watching to shopping or trying your luck in the casino, to relaxing by the pool or in the spa, can be found at The Beau. In short, there’s no need to leave once you arrive. I whiled away the hours enjoying the Beau’s festive decor, sampling The Buffet filled with over 200 items, including specialty dishes and Southern classics (the fried pork chops rivaled any I’d ever tasted), being entertained at Shrek the Musical in the Beau Rivage Theatre and the highlight of the day – experiencing a memorable dinner in the elegantly-appointed BR Prime Steakhouse. My first meal of the day was, as mentioned, a bounteous lunch at The Buffet. Sitting in the breezy open-air atrium adjacent to the main dining room, I was able to decompress and relax after a busy week. I enjoyed a multi-course lunch accompanied by lively music and plenty of people watching. There’s just something about the Beau’s atmosphere highlighted by beautiful decorations, music and an ever-present scent of fresh flowers that lifts one’s spirits. Besides the pork chops and accompanying Southern sides at The Buffet, finding Caribbean delicacies like Jamaican jerk chicken, Caribbean chicken salad and roasted banana pineapple upside down cake with coconut cream was a special treat. The dishes are part of The Buffet’s Global Cuisine celebration that presents “tastes from around the world” from a different country. Each month, nine dishes, including a dessert, are added at lunch and dinner to the more than 200 items normally found on The Buffet. Beginning July 1, American favorites like loaded potato salad, pulled pork, bourbon glazed grilled pork chops, grilled chicken wings, beer brats and onions and chocolate peanut butter pie will be offered in honor of the country’s 250th birthday. After lunch, I ventured over to the Beau Rivage Theatre to spend the afternoon enjoying Shrek the Musical. I didn’t see the popular Disney movie, but within the first few minutes, the professionally-produced stage version quickly illustrated the reason for the hype surrounding the green ogre, Princess Fiona, a talking donkey and a cast of nursery rhyme characters I remembered from childhood storybooks. The delightful musical is a fun, family-friendly production for theatre-goers of all ages. It didn’t seem possible after my two-hour lunch, but by dinner time, I was eager to visit one of my favorite restaurants. BR Prime is, in my opinion, the crown jewel of the Beau. The elegant eatery never disappoints in the areas of unparalleled ambiance, attentive service and innovative cuisine. Despite having been awarded numerous national awards for its food and overall dining experience, BR Prime is constantly changing and evolving, enhancing classic dishes and adding new, innovative items to the already-extensive menu. An overview of recent additions includes a delicious Baby Gem salad filled with bacon, pickled onion, cheddar cheese and peppercorn, Hen of the Woods mushroom with a truffle yogurt sauce that is smoked tableside, caviar service with traditional garnishes and poached lobster carpaccio, to name a few. My favorite new starter was a fresh, innovative take on shrimp salad courtesy of crème fraiche, dill, baby rock shrimp and baby gem lettuce stacked on a crispy pastry base. Steaks are undoubtedly the star at BR Prime and while the classics are still on the menu, new additions are quickly gaining in popularity. The Mishima Reserve Wagyu Hanger Steak with a black truffle bearnaise proved to be an excellent choice. The flavorful steak delivered intense flavor combined with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Other new additions include a double-cut Iberico pork chop and Mayura Station Wagyu brisket. A decadent dessert of crème brulee topped by berries was the perfect ending to an amazing dinner at BR Prime Steakhouse. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) A decadent but light crème brûlée decorated in patriotic colors courtesy of chopped a strawberry and blackberry topping was the perfect ending to a meal that rivaled any that I have sampled in New York City, Dallas and other large cities. To label BR Prime one of the best restaurants in the nation is not an exaggeration. Back to next week’s celebration…it wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without fireworks and the Beau has this important tradition covered. Beginning at 9 p.m. guests are invited to watch a special fireworks display from the observation deck facing the Mississippi Sound. The fireworks, which will be set off from a barge near Deer Island, will pay homage to America’s 250th birthday in a dazzling display choreographed to patriotic music. Next week I’ll share my picks for celebrating the 4th of July at home, including décor and menu ideas. In the meantime, if a trip to the Gulf Coast to celebrate at the Beau sounds appealing, check out additional information about accommodations, meals, tickets to Shrek the Musical, drawings for red, white and blue Corvettes and more Fourth of July activities on the Beau’s website: beaurivage.mgmresorts.com. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Special to The Bolton News Bolton City Hall will be closed Monday, June 29, through Friday, July 3, as town officials and staff attend the Mississippi Municipal League Annual Conference and participate in training classes. According to town officials, the conference provides elected officials and municipal employees with valuable training, updated information and professional development opportunities designed to improve services provided to residents and keep local governments informed of the latest municipal laws and regulations. Residents who need assistance during the closure are encouraged to call City Hall and leave a message. Staff members will respond as soon as possible. For emergencies, residents should contact the Bolton Police Department. In addition to attending the conference, City Hall will remain closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Regular business hours will resume Monday, July 6. Town officials thanked residents for their understanding and continued support as municipal leaders and staff participate in training opportunities aimed at better serving the community.

THE UNITED STATES – DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: Rob Buchert: Dunlap Broadside Reproduction, 2026 By Rob Buchert The Document On the night of July 4, 1776, Philadelphia printer John Dunlap set the Declaration of Independence in type and printed an estimated 200 copies. These broadsides, large single-page printed sheets, were the document that spread the news of independence across the colonies. Twenty-six copies are known to survive. The auction record was set in 2000 at Sotheby’s: $8.14 million. Why This Reproduction Is Different In February 2026, Rob Buchert received an unlikely phone call: the history interpreter then portraying George Washington at Mount Vernon was having trouble sourcing paper made in the 18th-century style. The inquiry that followed led Buchert to the Dunlap Broadside, and to the question of whether anyone had ever reproduced it not as a facsimile of the artifact’s current appearance, but as a complete recapitulation of the original creation process. The answer was no. Most Americans picture the Declaration of Independence as the calligraphed parchment with the famous signatures, the document preserved today in the National Archives, familiar from countless reproductions. That document was produced weeks after independence was declared, and the image most of us know descends from an 1823 engraving. The Dunlap Broadside, what Buchert has reproduced, is the actual first publication: the document printed the night of July 4, 1776, before the parchment existed, and read aloud to General Washington’s troops in New York on July 9. The parchment reproductions everywhere this anniversary year are of a different document entirely. As the effective Birth Certificate of the nation, the Dunlap Broadside has attracted the attention of publishers and printing offices over the years. None combines handmade period paper with a matched watermark and letter-by-letter type composition drawn from period specimens. The National Park Service’s Franklin Court Printing Office (Philadelphia) and the Printing Office of Edes & Gill (Boston) both produce respected hand-press Dunlap reproductions on machine-made cotton paper at prices around $25–30. The only previous reproduction made to a comparable standard of material fidelity, the 1970 R.R. Donnelley/Lakeside Press facsimile, is available only on the secondary market at $500–$2,000+, and is no longer in production. Unlike the Donnelley facsimile, which sought to replicate the artifact as it existed in 1970, including its aged edges, staining, and toning, Buchert’s reproduction recapitulates the original creation process, producing something far closer to what those first readers across the colonies actually held: a freshly printed broadside on new paper, ink still sharp, carrying the news of independence. It is also a tribute to what is easy to forget about Dunlap’s overnight work: that it was not merely functional but genuinely beautiful: stately letterspaced caps, a commanding six-line initial, presswork that bears the excitement of the moment in every line. Buchert has sought to honor that beauty, not improve upon it. This project drew on approximately 1,300 hours of work between February and June 2026. What Rob Buchert Made A hand-printed recreation of the Dunlap Broadside that follows the Library of Congress’s copy of the first printing: the paper made by hand, the type set letter by letter against the original, the ink blended to match 18th-century presswork. Paper: Handmade from period-appropriate flax and hemp fibers, bearing the J. Honig & Zoonen crown-and-post-horn watermark, the same Dutch papermaker whose stock Dunlap used in 1776. The watermark is visible in the Library of Congress’s high-resolution scan of its surviving copy. Type: Re-set from Caslon’s 1766 type specimen book, letter by letter and space by space against the LOC copy, replicating the letterspaced caps in the title and the stately six-line initial of the text, including the typographic irregularities and evidence of haste characteristic of Dunlap’s original composition. Ink: Hand-blended to match the deep black characteristic of 18th-century letterpress printing. Press: Printed by hand, one copy at a time, on a letterpress. Dimensions: Approximately 19.5” × 15.5” (each sheet unique; handmade paper varies slightly). Expert Validation “I have examined surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside firsthand, and the attention to detail here is remarkable. Although other credible efforts have been undertaken to produce faithful replicas of this document, I believe this to be the most accurate reprinting that has ever been produced. For the person who wishes to experience the sensation of holding a newly-printed copy of the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, there is simply no better option.” — Gove N. Allen, Ph.D., Member, American Antiquarian Society (speaking in a personal capacity) About Rob Buchert Rob Buchert is an artist, letterpress printer, type designer, and papermaker with more than thirty years of practice across crafts that the printing industry largely abandoned. He is co-founder of Tryst Press, an award-winning letterpress, papermaking, and fine arts studio established in 1993 in Utah, whose work has entered public and private collections throughout North America and around the world, with pieces exhibited at venues including The Grolier Club. He is a recipient of the Carl Hertzog Award for Excellence in Book Design. Buchert’s practice runs from raw fiber to finished page: he designs type, casts type (having trained at Monotype University), builds the wood-and-wire moulds and watermarks used in Western-style hand papermaking, and designs and illustrates books. He has been teaching letterpress printing and typography as adjunct faculty at BYU Provo for over twenty years, and collaborated for years with the Crandall Historical Printing Museum. Rob Buchert is available for interview. Process video and high-resolution photography available for download at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GWo6ACVxlvr7TH4tm2JYjQexkSsbdAQi?usp=sharing Key Facts at a Glance Document reproduced: Dunlap Broadside (first printing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4–5, 1776) Source copy followed: Library of Congress copy (LCCN 2003576546) Paper: Handmade from flax and hemp; J. Honig & Zoonen crown-and-post-horn watermark Type: Re-set from Caslon’s 1766 specimen book, letter by letter against LOC reference Printing: Hand-printed letterpress, one at a time Dimensions: ~19.5” × 15.5” Press contact: Rob Buchert / trystpress@gmail.com / +18013562579 (cell) Edition: Open Price: $76 through July 4, 2026; $150 from July 5 onward; free US shipping Available at: www.declaration250.shop

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB All-time-great director Steven Spielberg is back with a film built around one of his most popular subjects: aliens. From the man that brought us “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” comes “Disclosure Day,” a film about a small group of people deciding that it is time to let the rest of humanity know that they are not alone in the universe. After deeply personal project “The Fabelmans,” this is Spielberg’s return to blockbuster filmmaking. And I do see this movie as a blockbuster, just not much of one. The film essentially follows six characters: hacker Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) and his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson), TV newswoman Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) and her boyfriend Jackson (Wyatt Russell), organizer of key players Hugo (Colman Domingo), and shady coverup leader Scanlon (Colin Firth). Kellner has flash drives with evidence of alien activity on Earth dating back decades. Margaret suddenly has powers that are not of this world. Hugo has a full-sized replica of Margaret’s childhood home for some reason. Scanlon has alien tech that he’s ironically using against the aliens and their allies. Let the race to expose or bury the truth begin. Following a botched drop to get back a kidnapped Jane from Scanlon, Kellner goes on the run with sketchy help from Hugo in a storyline reminiscent of recent Oscar winner “One Battle After Another.” Jane is shocked to learn that her boyfriend knows the truth about aliens, and he’s shocked to learn that she once aspired to be a nun. At first, she’s a liability to Kellner because she’s blissfully ignorant, then she’s a liability because she doesn’t agree with his cause, then she’s a liability because Scanlon gets to her. Kellner knows the score with the aliens, but Margaret doesn’t. She doesn’t know why she suddenly speaks every language or knows the personal life of everyone she sees or can’t help but speak an alien tongue on air. All she knows is that some bad people are after her because of it, and the skeptical Jackson is reluctantly along for the ride. Could it have something to do with repressed childhood memories about unconvincing CGI forest animals? Kellner and Margaret meet up to have an action scene with a speeding train. We know from “The Fabelmans” that Spielberg loves speeding trains almost as much as he loves crashing them. For a movie called “Disclosure Day,” there’s a lot of suspense around whether or not the truth will be disclosed. Spoiler Alert: it will be, so don’t worry about it. If you want to worry about something, worry about the individual characters making it to the end alive, which isn’t a lock. Though these characters are so dull that I couldn’t get too invested in their survival. Spielberg usually makes good decisions about the way this film looks and sounds (Yes, frequent collaborator John Williams is doing the score), but I don’t agree with how he has the story unfold. Instead of exploring the rich potential for how humanity will respond to this mindblowing news about aliens, he focuses on the buildup to the news, which isn’t that interesting. There’s a brief mention of how people will react if their deeply-held religious beliefs are shaken, but it’s brushed aside in favor of chase antics. I would have put the disclosure at the beginning of this film and given the bulk of the runtime to the fallout. Grade: C “Disclosure Day” is rated PG-13 for action/violence, some bloody images and strong language. Its running time is 145 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Lawrence "Hot" Butler September 12, 1939 - June 14, 2026 86 Years of age Mr. Lawrence Butler was born September 12, 1939, to the late Lafayette Butler and Marie Henderson Butler Thompson in Edwards, Mississippi. Hot, as he was known, confessed Christ at an early age and united with St. Mark M.B. Church in Edwards, Mississippi, under the leadership of Rev. L. C. Pickens. He later joined Elbethel M.B. Church after moving to Bolton, Mississippi, where he served on the Finance Committee. He faithfully attended Asbury U. M. Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles Bryant; he was considered an Associate Member of Asbury. Lawrence “Hot” Butler attended Bakers Creek Elementary School, Edwards Junior High School, Hinds County Agricultural High School and Utica Junior College, where he excelled in basketball. From there, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was joined in matrimony with Velma J. Watson on October 27, 1966. To this union, one child was born, T. Alisa Butler Kidd. Lawrence worked for several years for the Mississippi Highway Department. Lawrence was sworn in as an Alderman for the Town of Bolton in June 1973. He was later elected to serve as Mayor of Bolton in June 1980, where he served until his retirement in June 2025. During his tenure as Mayor, he was known as the “HANDS-ON” Mayor and was considered the Town’s Public Works Department, as he would repair residents’ water leaks and busted pipes and clean out drains on private property, never worrying about whether he would be sent to jail for making repairs on private property. During his tenure as Mayor, he was instrumental in the development of Bolton’s Industrial Park. He served many years as the President of the Mississippi Association of Black Mayors, and he served on the Board of Merchants and Planters Bank. He campaigned for MANY candidates, known and unknown; it didn’t matter if he was with you, he was with you all the way, win or lose! Hot was the go-to person for campaign signs back in the day. If you were running for any position in Hinds County, you had to “come to Bolton.” He and a dedicated group from the Warehouse Lounge would work into the night making signs for candidates!!! One of his greatest joys was mentoring young men and women. He was insistent that you had to attend school to work with him. He taught many life skills to the youth that they carry with them today. He so loved the young people that worked for the Town; he would use his money to purchase clothes, shoes, and food as well as pick them up from classes. He would curse them down to the ground, but loved each one that came through deeply. As children to young adults, his nephews came to Bolton to work every weekend. There were three people he would fall out with, but we knew not to say one word because, in a few days, they would be back straight and would fall out with you if you said anything. His wife, Jean, always said if it’s Marty, Kris, or Dre, don’t get in it; Hot will be right back good with them!! He enjoyed spending time with his “senior friends” at their meeting spot, where he was probably the most opinionated and fiery person in the group, and boy, could he “cuss.” He was the most generous person you would meet; he would truly give you his last. He loved his granddaughter and would tell anyone listening all about Alana “Knot,” as he nicknamed her. Hot leaves behind a loving family who will have lasting memories: his wife, Velma Jean Butler; daughter, T. Alisa Butler Kidd; son-in-law, Undare (Dre) Kidd; bonus son, David Williams (Azande), Clinton, MS; granddaughter, Alana Grace Kidd; grandson, Erin Drumgoole, Chicago, IL; sisters: Annie Harper (Benjamin), who he always referred to as “my sister Ann;” Barbara Hunter, Gardena, CA; Narcissus Noriega Pena (Octavio), Desoto, TX; Dianna Lang, Desoto, TX; Rosa Lane (James), Bolton, MS; Ollie LaRue, Ridgeland, MS; Martha Mack, Gulfport, MS, and Yvette Peters (Stanley), Riverdale, GA; brothers: Denois Butler, Gulfport, MS; Ray Butler (Tabatha), Gulfport, MS; Hayes Butler, Bolton, MS; and Jarvis Butler, Jackson, MS. Additionally, his memories will also be shared with Wille Jean Wallace Byrd and Shirley Wallace Owens. Sisters-in-law: Carolyn Spiller, Bolton, MS; Vertie Dixon, Jackson, MS and Vertie M. Lamb Cheathan (Willie), Jackson, MS.; Brothers-in-law: Ray Charles Bracey, Moss Point, MS and Undray Lamb, Bolton, MS. Nieces: Teresa R. Harris, Hampton, VA; Karen Harper Reed (Warren), who he loved like a daughter; and Kerrie Spiller. Nephews: Andre T. Harris (Chenelle), Newport News, VA; Travell Harvey (Felicia), Jackson, MS; Keith Harper (Sharon) and Kristopher Harper. Many of his best friends: Preston Montgomery, Leroy Henderson, Robert Mack, Benard Robinson, Alonzo Caston, Rev. Clyde Robinson, and all of the men of Classic Convenience (Bolton Chevron). Hot was preceded in death by his father, Lafayette Butler; mother, Marie Henderson Butler Thompson; stepfather, John D. Thompson; his beloved nephew, Marty M. Bracey; mother-in-law, Ruby Lee Bracey Griffin; fathers-in-law, Clifton Watson and S. M. Griffin; and sister-in-law, Ruby Jackson. To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com The longer I live, talking and being with people, the more I realize that there is no one-way-only-lifestyle that is completely normal. For instance, my present lifestyle seems absolutely normal to me. But President Trump probably feels the same way about his lifestyle. So does the grandmother who is living in the poverty-stricken Brick Kiln District in Pakistan. Each person feels that their accustomed style of living is pretty close to normal. Anything else has a tendency to make us feel overwhelmed, awkward, anxious, or out of place. Notice I didn’t say typical, just…normal. But let yourself become exposed to a different style of living and other surroundings, where you can observe happy, contented people living their daily lives, and you can become acutely aware of something. You will see that differences in lifestyle and location, wealthier or poorer, is not the creator of happiness or discontentment. Those feelings are a choice and have to come from within. For example, I recently spent an evening on a horse farm, with a family that was so contented and happy with their lives. Lives that include sixteen hours of hard outdoor work, every day. But believe me, they loved their lifestyle. Earlier this past week I listened to a pastor and his wife speaking compassionately of the hardships several people in their church were undergoing. In spite of the emotional pain and stress as they walked through it all with these friends, they love their life and they love that they are involved and needed. You could not blast that couple out of their ministry with a cannonball. My point is this: find your own normal. Find the desire and passion that is inborn in you, and go for it. Anything different from that purpose driven lifestyle could likely be the dream of someone else...but not yours. Dream long and hard. Take the time to find that spark within you. Fan it in to a flame. Then set out to do what is necessary to put it into action. Remember folks, life here on earth is short. The average age of dying is now 73.8 years, give or take a few years in terms of male or female. And also know this, even that span of life is broken into several groups. Babyhood, elementary, teen, adult, and finally, senior citizen years. You don’t have an unbroken 73.8 years to accomplish what you are dreaming. What you could do in your teens is very likely not a viable possibility when you are a silver-haired senior. So take advantage of being the age you are right now. Because as of tonight, the age you are today is never going to roll around again. Take your courage in hand, step out and begin living your God-given dream, (just do it within the confines of your current age group.) Go live your own individual true normal.

Special to The Bolton News Funeral arrangements have been announced for Mayor Emeritus Lawrence "Hot" Butler, a longtime public servant and beloved community leader whose impact on Bolton and the surrounding area spanned more than five decades. According to family members, Butler specifically requested that his services be held at Elbethel Missionary Baptist Church, a congregation he faithfully loved and supported throughout his life. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Elbethel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 301 Raymond Bolton Road in Bolton. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the church. Visitation will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the service at 9 a.m. Family members noted that the early service time was intentional and reflected Butler's personality. "Hot was very clear that he did not want a long, drawn-out service," the family said in a statement. "In true Hot Butler fashion, he wanted everyone to come, laugh, cry if you needed to, celebrate his life, and then keep it moving. Even now, he's still trying to run things." The Butler family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support received since his passing. "Our family sincerely appreciates the many prayers, calls, visits and expressions of love shown during this difficult time," the statement said. "We ask that you continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will never be forgotten." In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Butler's memory to Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital in honor of his beloved great-nephews, Tyree and Kyree Coleman, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to any Mississippi historically Black college or university. The family said the selected organizations reflect Butler's lifelong commitment to supporting children and investing in future generations. Butler, affectionately known throughout the community as "Hot," was widely respected for his dedication to public service, his leadership and his unwavering commitment to the people of Bolton. His legacy continues to be remembered by family, friends and countless residents whose lives he touched over the years.

Special to The Bolton News Lawrence "Hot" Butler, a longtime public servant whose dedication helped shape the Town of Bolton for more than five decades, has died at the age of 86. Known throughout the community simply as "Hot," Butler devoted more than 53 years of his life to serving Bolton and its residents. He served multiple terms as mayor and spent decades working to improve the town he deeply loved. Current Bolton Mayor Alisa Butler-Kidd announced her father's passing in a statement, reflecting on a life defined by service, leadership and commitment to the community. "Everyone knew him as Hot Butler, who dedicated more than 53 years of his life to the Town of Bolton," Butler-Kidd said. "He loved Bolton deeply and devoted much of his life to serving the people of Bolton. His commitment to this town was never about recognition or titles — it was about helping others and doing what he believed was right for the community he loved." During his years in office, Butler worked to strengthen the town and create opportunities for future generations. Residents remember him as a hands-on leader who remained deeply involved in the community and always sought to put Bolton's interests first. As mayor, Butler became a familiar and trusted figure, helping the town through periods of growth and change. His influence extended beyond municipal government, touching the lives of countless residents through his dedication and willingness to serve. Mayor Butler-Kidd said many of the lessons her father taught her continue to guide her personally and professionally. "Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support we have received," she said. Friends, neighbors and community leaders have shared memories and condolences, recognizing Butler's decades of service and the impact he made on the town. "Hot's legacy will forever be a part of Bolton," Butler-Kidd said. "His fingerprints are on countless memories and lives throughout this community. We find comfort in knowing that his life's work and the impact he made will endure for generations to come." She added, "Thank you, Hot, for your sacrifice, your guidance and your unwavering dedication to Bolton. Your work here is done, but your legacy will live on forever." The family has not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements. Butler leaves behind a legacy of public service, civic leadership and a lasting commitment to the town he called home. His contributions to Bolton will be remembered for generations.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB From the fifth “Scream” movie proving a shockingly strong January release in 2022 to “Backrooms” opening to over $81 million just last weekend, the past few years have been some of the best ever for the horror genre. So it makes sense that this would be a good time to revive the “Scary Movie” franchise and spoof some contemporary classics. And not only are franchise mainstays Anna Faris and Regina Hall back for this sixth installment after missing the fifth, but originators Marlon and Shawn Wayans are back after absences from the third, fourth, and fifth. Everything is in place for this silly movie to give its audience a seriously good time, but it turns out the movie itself is an unfunny joke. Following an actually-promising opening sequence featuring recent Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor, the loose premise kicks in: a new Ghostface is terrorizing the families of Cindy Campbell (Faris) and Brenda Meeks (Hall). Cindy, now a parody of Jamie Lee Curtis in the recent “Halloween” reboot, has estranged daughters Sara (Olivia Rose Keegan) and Tuesday (Savannah Lee Nassif), based on sisters Sam and Tara from the 2022 “Scream” (with Tuesday also a spoof of Wednesday Addams, because Jenna Ortega has played both Tara and Wednesday). Brenda, a parody of Octavia Spencer in “Ma,” has son Brad (Gregg Wayans) and nonbinary child Dei (Sydney Park), based on twins Chad and Mindy from the 2022 “Scream.” Since the 2022 “Scream” is apparently the only movie being parodied that the filmmakers have watched closely, you can probably guess how Sara’s boyfriend Jack (Cameron Scott Roberts) and Brad’s girlfriend Elle (Ruby Snowber) figure in. Of course, Cindy and Brenda aren’t the only familiar faces. Brenda’s stoner brother Shorty (Marlon Wayans) still lives in town, attending the same school as his niece and nephew because he’s too stupid to graduate. Brenda’s ex-gay (though still very gay) ex-boyfriend Ray (Shawn Wayans) is also back in the picture. Other returning characters include bumbling Officer Doofy (Dave Sheridan, also the voice of Ghostface), reporter Gail Hailstorm (Cheri Oteri, here to parody Demi Moore in “The Substance”), weirdo Hanson (Chris Elliot, doing Nicolas Cage in “Longlegs”), and presumed original killer Bobby (Jon Abrahams, offering little more than a “Smile). The movie blows one opportunity after another to get in juicy gags about the recent glut of successful horror movies. “Sinners”? The movie can’t do more than set a series of sex jokes at a church and have corny white people show up uninvited at a black party. “Weapons”? This movie knows about “the run,” but can’t have its characters do anything funnier than yell “Six Seven” and get hit by a car, this franchise’s go-to lazy way of ending a scene. The only parody that really worked at my screening (and it did work – the audience was roaring) was of an animated movie that I’m not sure qualifies as “scary,” though I guess demons are in the vicinity of scary. There’s minimal heart at work in this new version of “Scary Movie,” and even less brain. I know to expect “dumb” humor from this franchise, but the people who made this movie simply didn’t do their homework. Example: a character goes over the top with emotion in one scene, and another character corrects her, “Stop trying to win an Oscar. It’ll never happen for a horror movie. Just ask Demi Moore.” Yes, Demi Moore did lose in her Oscar bid for “The Substance” (to 2022 “Scream” cast member Mikey Madison), but you know who did win an Oscar for a horror movie? Amy Madigan for “Weapons.” I could overlook that blunder – even in a movie that parodies “Weapons” – if there hadn’t been a reference in the beginning of the movie to Teyana Taylor losing the Oscar that Madigan won. How can I care about this “Scary Movie” when it doesn’t care about its own scary movies? Grade: C- “Scary Movie” is rated R for crude sexual content, graphic nudity, strong violence, and drug content and language throughout. Its running time is 96 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Think you have found your absolutely perfect dream home? Better make certain that amazing home you’ve found isn't situated near the local garbage dump. Even a 4500 square foot house, equipped with solid gold fixtures, with its own 18 hole golf course and a piano shaped pool off the pillared back patio can soon lose a lot of its allure and charm. All that glitz and glitter won’t matter very much when the wind decides to constantly blow the unbearable stench of stinky diapers, spoiled fruit, and rotted eggs your way. It won’t be just the distinctive aromas in the air - the pitter pat from the local population of mice and rats’ little feet running thru the mountains of garbage will soon begin to probably sound like non-stop cannon shots to you. Not worth it. You would be a lot better off to find a homey-feeling bungalow with a single tree in the backyard. In a simple neighborhood with good people. Far, far away from the rodent- infested garbage dump. In real estate, location is key. Any realtor with a grain of knowledge concerning home ownership will tell you that. You have to check out the neighborhood and its future demise or growth before investing your hard-earned money in a house. No matter how gorgeous and promising that mansion may look inside and out, things are not always as they seem. The exact same logic applies to the selection of your eternal home. When you have breathed your last breath of earthly air, and step out into eternity, you need to already have your new home promised, purchased and prepared for you. Thinking you don’t need to be in a hurry to find your permanent home, and waiting until the last millisecond you need it? Going to be way too late…forever. Because if you don't already have your eternal home in a fantastic location, paid for and waiting just for you, then the sad news is this: one will be already selected and waiting for you. And I promise upon the words of the Bible, you will not like what you will be given. But you will have forever to regret putting off that crucial decision regarding the location of your eternity. Because after you arrive there is no second chance, no selling your home and moving to a better location. A location that is far away from unrelenting fiery heat, rodents, worms and merciless remorse. Location, location, location. There is absolutely nothing more important to your happiness. It is definitely worth your time do start doing your research… today. Probably a great idea to pick up a home buying guide, called a Bible, and take a good long look at the two only possibilities for your future home.

Mississippi has the highest death rate in the nation for Alzheimer's, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills, according to the Alzheimer's Association. An estimated 7.4 million Americans over age 65 are currently living with the condition, a number expected to nearly double by 2050. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) wants you to know that despite the data, you may be able to stave off the disease by making intentional decisions to improve your brain health. People with one or more of these 10 symptoms should see a physician to determine the cause: 1.    Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2.    Challenges in planning or solving problems 3.    Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure 4.    Confusion with time or place 5.    Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations 6.    New problems with words in speaking or writing 7.    Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps 8.    Decreased or poor judgment 9.    Withdrawal from work or social activities 10.   Changes in mood or personality Hinds County is ranked fifth for Alzheimer's prevalence for the second consecutive year, and Black Americans are twice as likely as White Americans to develop it. In addition to seeing your doctor if you notice symptoms, we recommend taking these steps to help prevent the disease. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. For more information on recognizing and preventing brain diseases, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/dementia. You can also call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline: (800) 272-3900. Stay up to date on news 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