As of Monday, October 21, 2024, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of  86,525   absentee ballots  requested ,  84,636 absentee ballots  sent , and  67,802 absentee ballots  received   in the state of Mississippi for the 2024 November General Election. As a reminder, the  requested  total reflects the number of Mississippi voters who have requested an absentee ballot through their local Circuit Clerk's Office. The  sent  total reflects the number of absentee ballots sent to voters from Circuit Clerk Offices. The  received  total reflects the number of completed absentee ballots returned to Circuit Clerk Offices. Click  here  to view the absentee report. ADDITIONAL REMINDERS A sample ballot may be accessed on the  SOS website . Mississippians who have requested an absentee ballot may track their ballot utilizing the  My Election Day ballot tracker . The in-person absentee voting deadline is Saturday, November 2. All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 5). The Resolution Board can begin processing absentee ballots at the opening of the polls on Election Day (7 a.m.). County election officials can tabulate ballots at the closing of the polls on Election Day (7 p.m.). For questions regarding absentee voting, please contact our Elections Division at  ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov , call the Elections Hotline at 1-800-829-6786, or visit  YallVote.ms .

This week, October 20-26, is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and the Mississippi State Department of Health is spreading awareness about the dangers of the toxic metal and imploring parents to get their children and homes tested.   Between 2017 and 2021, 845 Mississippi children tested positive for elevated blood lead levels. Medicaid recipients were more than twice as likely to test positive, reflecting the increased risk of living in older homes. Children can be exposed to lead from several sources but are at higher risk ifs they live in older homes that contain lead in pipes and mini-blinds or have peeling paint. Other sources of lead include: Soil and dust Tap water Electrical cords Keys Garden hoses and outside water faucets Lead-based paint Batteries and metal jewelry Lead poisoning may occur without symptoms, so your child may be at risk long before you see any symptoms, which include learning problems, growth failure, behavior disorders, unexplained seizures, irritability, developmental delay and hearing loss. "Because the effects of lead exposure are irreversible, primary prevention of lead exposure before it starts is crucial," said Crystal Veazey, Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program director. "Get your child tested. Get your home tested. Get the facts." To reduce lead exposure in your children, MSDH recommends the following: Know when your home was built. Lead-based paint was used in many homes built before 1978. Have your home checked for lead before you remodel. Do not scrape or sand lead-based paint. Don't let children eat paint chips, dust or dirt; keep them away from windowsills, steps and porches in old homes. If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint. Clean floors, window frames, windowsills and other surfaces weekly. Wash children's hands, toys, pacifiers and bottles often. Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead dust. Make sure children get a diet high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C and frequent meals. To learn more about the risks of lead or to arrange a screening, contact your primary care provider or the Mississippi Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program at (601) 576-7447 or visit our website   Lead Poisoning Prevention - Mississippi State Department of Health   Stay up to date on news and updates anytime by downloading the free MSDH Healthy Mobile App, visiting our website   www.msdh.ms.gov    and on social media:   facebook.com/HealthyMS ,  twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.ms

Timothy Thompson of Bolton, MS, has been named to the Chancellor's List at Troy University for Term 1 of the 2024-2025 academic year. The Chancellor's List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of 4.0. Term 1 consists of students at TROY's campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery, Ala., along with teaching sites outside of Alabama and online.

By Bob Garver               Here’s a movie that certainly surpassed expectations. The low-budget “Terrifier” franchise is not usually one that makes big bucks. The first film from 2016 made less than $1 million. The second, in the glorious year for horror that was 2022, was lucky to pass $10 million. Now comes a third entry that not only made more than the other two movies combined in its opening weekend with $18 million, it took the #1 spot at the domestic box office. It’s not hard to see what happened here: “Terrifier 3” was sent out to capitalize on the evil clown momentum started last weekend by “Joker: Folie à Deux.” It wasn’t supposed to beat the huge blockbuster, just ride its coattails to a decent, maybe second-place showing. But audiences kicked that giant letdown to the curb (all the way to #3, behind the third weekend of “The Wild Robot”) and decided that they wanted a movie that does evil clowns right. Well, maybe “right” is the wrong word, but the villainous Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) is closer to what I expect from an evil clown than the mopey Arthur Fleck. The new film sees the previously-killed Art resurrected via literal rebirth courtesy of his disciple, Final Girl of the first movie Vic (Samantha Scaffidi). The two slip into a suicide-induced hibernation for five years, with their awakening coinciding with the release from a mental hospital of Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera), the Final Girl of the second movie. All poor Sienna wants to do is live a peaceful life with her uncle (Bryce Johnson), aunt (Margaret Anne Florence), and cousin (Antonella Rose), as well as keep in healthy contact with her brother Jonathan (Elliot Fullam), away at college. But she and Art are destined to keep fighting until one slays the other for good, so peacefulness is out the window. The film actually spends quite a bit of time on Sienna and her mental health, and I have mixed feelings on this aspect. On one hand, it’s admirable that the film wants to have some substance related to its protagonist to prove that this series is about more than a clown and his creative kills. On the other hand, it maybe overcorrects and gives Sienna too much healthy time before things inevitably fall apart. It’s a perfectly fine performance by LaVera, but she’s not the one people are here to see. Indeed it is Art the Clown and his joyful streak of terror that are selling the tickets. And oh does this movie deliver on the gore it promises and more. Art has never met a weapon he doesn’t love or a person he’s not eager to kill. He even breaks the unwritten slasher rule of not using guns or explosives - as long as people can die from it, he’ll use it. Unique to this movie is that it takes place around Christmas, so he dons a Santa suit and pulls weapons out of a sack of “toys.” He’s particularly fond of a tank of liquid nitrogen. Because it isn’t enough that he has to outdo The Joker, he also has to make a better Mr. Freeze. “Terrifier 3” is strictly for people that already know they like slasher movies. It takes a sick sense of humor to appreciate a movie like this, and frankly it also requires knowledge of the first two movies. I recommend the “Kill Count” videos on the “Dead Meat” YouTube channel as pre-film tutorials, and even those may prove to be too much for some people (including my mom… long story). My favorite moment at my screening was when the audience sat in a stunned silence after a scene of staggering violence, and someone broke said silence with a well-timed obscenity. I appreciate the plucky underdog charm of these movies to a degree, but I’m not ready to say that they actually count as good movies.   Grade: C   “Terrifier 3” is not rated by the MPAA, likely because it is too violent to qualify for an R rating. Its running time is 125 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Celebrate the Hinds County School District’s Level B rating on October 21, 2024, at Raymond High School! The "Good to Great Celebration" kicks off at 5:30 PM on the front lawn, offering a free meal to all HCSD students with tickets distributed at school sites. Guests can enjoy delicious options from food trucks while celebrating the district's success. Don't miss this evening of recognition and fun! Click here to register. Registration closes at 5:00 PM on October 18.

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com A grizzled old man observed with trained eyes and alert ears as the novice young man did his best to hold his own at a table filled with experienced, skillful gamblers and crooked card sharks.  Needless to say, things were going from bad to worse.   At the end of the long night, the elderly gentleman quietly followed the dejected fellow who now walked with much lighter pockets. He watched as the angry and humbled wannabe used his room key and then slammed his door closed behind him. Noting the room number, the old man shuffled to his own room, sat down at the room’s little desk and began to write.   Young man, Listen to me.  Yes, I know, you don’t know me, and have no reason to trust me. But I am the old man you may have glimpsed sitting quietly in the corner of the room earlier. Watching and listening.   Son, I’ve been watching you. Losing, again and again. How much longer do you think you can keep this up? How long before you lose absolutely everything that is valuable to you?  I’ve been a professional gambler for more years than you can even count. You could say I wrote the book on gambling. There is nothing new at any table that I haven’t already seen. I’ve experienced it all, and I’ve played it all. I’ve already seen every con, scam and every trick there is, from every kind of shady and crooked player.   Young friend, don’t try to take gaming shortcuts that look promising. They don’t work. Sure, they look shiny and great at first, like a sparkling diamond glittering in the sunlight. But shortcuts are fake roads and always end up putting you in the ditch…or worse.   Believe me and take this chance I am offering. Meet me downstairs in the restaurant at noon tomorrow. Don’t worry ‘bout finding me, I’ll find you. And I promise, if you will listen to me, learn what I will teach you, and mimic my methods, you will win.   Your friend, One Who Knows   The old man folded the note, and sealed it in an envelope. He then slowly and stiffly walked to the room of the foolish young gambler, leaned down with aching joints and slid it under the door. With a tired sigh that was a mixture of hope and a certain amount of resignation, he returned to his own room and fell into bed.   Now, read this story again. Only this time, substitute your Creator God for the grizzled old man in the story. And your own name instead of the foolish young man.   The game? This life that you’re trying to live. The crooked card sharks? The devil and his demons. The shortcuts? Every time you have attempted to play on your own, and lost more than you have ever won. Winning? Here… and in eternity.   A lot of truth can be found in a game of cards.

By: Chris Gray Zacchaeus' Tree Adoption Ministry's next adoption and foster care class will be on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, at Crossgates Church from 6:05-7:00p in room 207. * The class is free to attend and open to the public. * Childcare is provided for free through the church. * RSVP is not required . * Foster families will receive a  one-hour training credit  for attending the class. * Our classes are approved through the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services . * Everyone is welcome to attend no matter if one is a seasoned veteran or coming for the 1st time. * You do not have to be a member of a church to attend the classes. The keynote speakers will be Bo and Madison Bilello.  They will be sharing about their amazing adoption testimony in how God put all the pieces of the puzzle together for them in His perfect timing. The classes are offered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday nights of each month through Zacchaeus' Tree Adoption Ministry. The classes offer both adoptive and foster families a 360-degree holistic view of the adoption and foster care process. The classes are designed to inform, equip, and encourage adoptive and foster families as well as to build relationships with other families who are going through the same process through biblical perspectives. As always, bring a friend or family member with you, so that they can learn more about your adoption or foster journey. I know you are getting off work, so if you need to bring something to eat to class, you are welcome to do so. Finally, should you have any questions, please contact me at 601-876-2550 or Christopher.Gray1@yahoo.com .

By Bob Garver               Back in 2019, “Joker” managed to make over $1 billion at the global box office and earn itself 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and a Best Actor win for Joaquin Phoenix. I recall respecting the movie for Phoenix’s performance and the inspired idea to paint him as a Scorsese-style antihero, but I also recall not really “enjoying” the film in the traditional sense where I laughed or was thrilled very much. The film took a very realistic, mental-health heavy approach to the origin of the beloved Batman baddie, and I couldn’t help but feel that a movie that combined an evil clown with the world of standup comedy shouldn’t feel so grounded. In other words, “Why So Serious?”             Five years later, Phoenix and director Todd Phillips are back and have added some much-needed outrageous elements. Arthur “Joker” Fleck (Pheonix) is on trial for the crimes he committed in the first movie. His lawyer Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener) can save him from the death penalty if she can convince the court that Joker is a separate personality from Arthur that can be subdued. The prosecutor is none other than Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey), and of course fans are already licking their chops at the deliciousness of the character that is to become known as Two-Face arguing against a fellow Batman adversary having a split personality. It won’t be much of a surprise to say that Arthur isn’t going to follow his lawyer’s by-the-book counsel, and will instead use the televised trial as a forum to give the unhinged performance of a lifetime.             But Dent isn’t the only new member of Batman’s rogues gallery in the mix. The movie throws in a new take on Harley Quinn, played by the notoriously-audacious Lady Gaga. Arthur meets Harley while touring another part of Arkham Asylum, and a sadistic guard (Brendan Gleeson) lets them spend some time together, probably just so he can hurt Arthur by taking her away from him later. As if it weren’t enough for Gaga to be Phoenix’s figurative dance partner, she’s his actual dance partner too, because this movie is a musical! Over 20 song and/or dance numbers are performed throughout the film. Musical numbers still not enough? Okay, there’s also animation – a cartoon opens the movie. There shouldn’t be a single dull moment onscreen. And yet… this sequel is even more boring than the original.             How did this happen? I’ll start with the scenes of dialogue. There’s too much pausing and talking slowly. For all the talk of humor, these characters don’t have a great sense of timing. The musical numbers are all just dreary renditions of songs that make allusions to things that are comedy-related, but don’t have the energy to match. I guess Phillips thought he was onto something with that “Send in the Clowns” scene from the first movie, but that scene was only memorable because it was so unbelievable that a random stockbroker would know all the words to that song. As for action scenes, there isn’t much besides guards abusing their power, a non-fatal fire, and some admittedly good stuff toward the end that makes for too little, too late.             I get that “Joker: Folie à Deux” isn’t trying to be one of the zanier Batman movies, and it’s not like I don’t see an effort being made with the passionate performances. But to take characters as wild and chaotic as The Joker and Harley Quinn (not to mention the musical genre) and make them this lifeless is just a bad idea that should have been revised into something more palatable. The movie itself may even realize that this continuity has no future, as it seemingly passes up a perfect opportunity to set up a third installment. This film squanders so much promise… it’s laughable.   Grade: C-   “Joker: Folie à Deux” is rated R for some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality, and brief full nudity. Its running time is 138 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) are coming together to highlight this year's theme, "My Mental Health at Work," and to encourage Mississippians to make mental well-being a priority in the workplace. With more people spending a significant portion of their lives at work, this year's theme shines a spotlight on the importance of fostering a healthy work environment. Mississippi is committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their job or life circumstances, have access to the mental health resources they need. Mental health is integral to every aspect of life, including how we perform at work. The demands of modern workplaces—whether physical, mental, or emotional—are contributing to the growing need for mental health support. More than half of Mississippians will experience a mental health issue at some point, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health not only in our personal lives but also in our professional settings. DMH Executive Director Wendy Bailey emphasized the critical role that workplaces can play in supporting mental health. "Mental health is just as vital as physical health, and it's crucial that we work together to make resources accessible," said Bailey. "We want everyone to know that mental health care is available, effective, and within reach. No one should have to suffer in silence." To meet this growing need, Mississippi has expanded its mental health services through several key initiatives: Mental Health MS  ( www.mentalhealthms.com ), a 24/7 resource providing immediate support for individuals in crisis. Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) , which offer short-term, intensive care for those experiencing severe mental health issues. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , which connects individuals in emotional distress with trained professionals across the state. MDRS Executive Director Billy Taylor emphasized the importance of collaboration between rehabilitation services and mental health efforts to support workers facing mental health challenges.   "Workplaces play a critical role in an individual's mental health," said Taylor. "At MDRS, we are committed to helping Mississippians with disabilities, including mental health challenges, find and maintain meaningful employment. Together, we can foster workplaces that support everyone's mental well-being."   Dr. Daniel Edney, State Health Officer of MSDH, stressed the interconnection between mental and physical health. "We cannot separate mental health from overall health," said Edney. "This World Mental Health Day, we urge everyone to take time to know there is help out there and to not hesitate to reach out for support when needed. It's never too early—or too late—to ask for help." As part of their efforts to create a mentally healthier Mississippi, DMH, MDRS, and MSDH are reaching out to local businesses, schools, and communities to help reduce the stigma of mental illness and foster open conversations about mental health in the workplace. Resources for All Mississippians: Free mental health screenings are available at www.mentalhealthscreening.org . Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) provide counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation programs across the state. Partnerships with schools aim to integrate mental health education into the curriculum, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to prioritize their well-being. This World Mental Health Day, DMH, MDRS, and MSDH invite all Mississippians to take part in the conversation about mental health at work. Whether through starting a dialogue, seeking help, or supporting a co-worker, every action plays a part in creating a mentally healthier and more productive Mississippi.

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If there has ever been a time in my life when I feel like crawling under the bed with a blankie and lying there whimpering – it just might be now. Now, I really don’t see myself as a wimp, like a girl who has never had to face anything more unpleasant than a pimple on her nose on prom night. I’ve faced my own share of serious diseases, loss of loved ones, being stranded in blizzard conditions, job loss, and car wrecks.   But people, I have to admit, we have entered a time in this world that is causing me more than just a passing “gulp” from anxiety. I now wake up of a morning with almost the same attitude as from the tired old joke; “Instead of my usual ‘Good morning, Lord!’ it has now become ‘Oh good Lord, it’s morning.”   Forcing myself out of bed, I have a choice of things to worry about from a buffet of disasters; the people ravaged by Hurricane Helene, the entire state of Florida that, even as I am writing, face Milton the Monster, and a presidential election that is threatening to engulf our entire nation in an internal war against ourselves. As a side dish, we have the escalating inflation rate that is causing a lot of folks to think about starting a starvation diet, and others to lustfully eye Fido’s food. And don’t forget the highlight of my days – dessert. A delightfully layered dish composed of warring countries who are backed by other countries, seemingly just itching to jump into the fray and make it a free-for-all.  My feelings familiar? Do you also find yourself longing for the days when kids dreaded to come home from school because they knew they would be facing their furious Mom - because she got “the call” from the school principal. The good ol’ days when a house break-in made the local newspaper headlines in HUGE BLACK LETTERING .   I am getting tired. Exhausted from living when the whole world is turning itself into a place where hate and brutality are the norm. A time when families don’t even realize they are supposed to be a safe place for each other. Where mom and dad and the kids know that if they come home bruised and defeated by a bully in their life, the rest of the family will actually care and will try to encourage them to face another tomorrow.   But still, I do have something to hold onto…something that gives me the courage to take a deep breath each morning and step outside my home. That something? A deep conviction and real knowledge of God. That He cares, that He is watching and helping, that nothing escapes His attention, and that He will repay .   No, I am not blind, I am very aware of the horrible pain in this world. But I also know nothing worth having comes without pain. And the win at the end is worth the pain we face now.

Tomorrow, October 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the I-55 northbound exit ramp to Woodrow Wilson Drive will be temporarily closed. MDOT crews will be placing barriers to reduce the bridge to a single lane for ongoing repairs. Motorists are advised to slow down, stay alert in work zones, and find alternate routes to minimize delays. For real-time updates on this closure and other traffic news, visit MDOTtraffic.com , download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, or follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.

By Kara Kimbrough     I’ve never understood why Crockpots are used more in the fall and winter months. I understand that cooler weather signals the start of comfort food season, highlighted by hot soups, stews and chili. But not only do I use my Crockpots – emphasis on plural, as I own several – all year long, but I actually rely on it more during the summer months when I avoid turning on my oven whenever possible.     Whenever you use a Crockpot, there are a few rules that help avoid Crockpot mishaps, ranging from mushy vegetables to shrinking meat: Sear meat before adding to the pot. It’s a quick, but all-important step when preparing a meat-based Crockpot meal. Browning the meat ahead of time will help lock in flavor and seal in the meat’s delicious juices. And, this step usually helps avoid meat shrinkage, a problem I encountered recently when I failed to brown stew meat before making recipe #1 (below). Make cleanup a breeze. Always use a slow cooker liner, eliminating the need to do more than a quick rinse of the ceramic pot after the meal is done. Don’t overfill the Crockpot. Only fill to about ¾ capacity of the Crockpot to prevent overcooking and overflow.  Keep it locked. Opening the lid to stir or check on the food releases heat and can extend cooking time. Keep an eye on the clock. Allowing food to cook past the recommended time can result in a soggy or crispy dinner. Here are two new favorite Crockpot recipes that have already got my Crocktober off to a delicious start. Best (and Easiest) Crockpot Beef Stew 2 cups low-sodium beef broth 2 pounds cubed stew beef 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon beef bouillon 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes, cut into chunks 2 cups sliced carrots 1 large yellow onion, sliced 1 cup frozen sweet peas 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon oil     In a skillet over medium heat, brown meat in oil until lightly-browned and crisp. Pour the beef broth into the crockpot and add the beef. Sprinkle the beef with the garlic, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce.   Add the cut potatoes, carrots and sliced onion on top of the beef.     Place lid on crockpot and cook for 4-6 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low, until beef is fork tender. Once stew is cooked, add in the sweet peas.      To thicken the gravy, make a slurry with cornstarch and gravy. In a bowl, whisk to combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. Then slowly pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir until all combined.  Replace lid and turn the crockpot to high heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every so often, until thickened. Crockpot Salisbury Steak and Gravy 1 package Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix 1 small onion, sliced 1 ½ cups beef broth or low sodium beef broth 1 ounce brown gravy mix 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons cornstarch 4 tablespoons water To make beef patties: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef 1 egg yolk ¼ cup minced onion ⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs 3 tablespoons milk Salt and black pepper to taste    Line 6-quart Crockpot with plastic line. Sprinkle soup mix on bottom, followed by onion slices.      Combine beef patty ingredients and form 6 flat patties. Brown over medium high heat (about 3 minutes per side) to achieve a slight crisp on both sides.     Layer beef patties over onions. Combine remaining ingredients except water and cornstarch. Pour over beef and cook on low 5 hours. Once cooked, remove patties and set aside.     Turn Crockpot up to high. Combine cold water and cornstarch. Stir into the broth and let cook a few minutes until thickened. Add beef back into the sauce to coat. Serve with gravy over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .