By Kara Kimbrough First, the bad news: It’s hot. Even worse, the official start of summer is still days away. But things are not all gloom and doom. There are numerous recipes containing words like “frozen,” “frosted,” “cool,” “chilled” and perhaps the best one this time of year: “no bake.” In case you haven’t guessed, I’m not a hot weather person. In fact, I live for our all-too-short months of cool, sometimes cold, weather. I’m more than happy to bake, grill, slow cook, broil and fry food during the fleeting months of fall and winter. However, once the temperature reaches 80 degrees, I’ll do anything to keep from turning on the oven. Since we’ve crossed over into the dark side, aka, summer (despite what the calendar says), I’ve vowed to primarily focus on recipes containing the adjectives listed above. One of my favorites, frozen strawberry pie, is made using a simple recipe I’ve shared here before. I’ve been making this cool dessert ever since I picked up a recipe sheet from Burris Farm Market, the sprawling fruit and vegetable stand in Loxley, Ala. It’s simple to make and as the name would suggest, it's the perfect cool, no-bake dessert. Another favorite chilled treat dates back quite a bit further. Frosted cranberry salad, a longtime family favorite found in The Mississippi Cookbook published in 1972, has been a staple on our Thanksgiving dinner table for decades. It's charming story gets trotted out every year during the holidays. Inevitably, my grandmother would forget to remove the Pyrex dish filled with “pink salad” as we fondly called it due to its dusty rose hue, from the freezer before lunch to thaw. As a result, a rock-hard slice would land with a thud on a dessert plate. Because pink salad is a medley of  flavors, including raspberry, pineapple and cream cheese, among other ingredients, and is not solely cranberry-centric, this versatile chilled salad can be enjoyed all year long, not just when turkey is on the menu. If you’d like the recipe for either of these chilly dishes, email me and I’ll send them to you. In the meantime, here are the recipes for two new summer treats that require no cooking and will help you (and me) make it through what’s sure to be a long, hot summer. Frozen Cherry Ice Cream Pie 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream 20 ounce can cherry pie filling 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Hot fudge topping, whipped cream, cherries for garnish 2 graham cracker or shortbread crust pie crusts Beat the whipping cream in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Add cherry pie filling to a medium bowl. Crush slightly with a potato masher. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir. Pour into whipped cream and gently fold to combine. Divide mixture between two pie crusts. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. 3-Ingredient No-Freezer-Needed Homemade Ice Cream 2 cups heavy whipping cream 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract In a large bowl, use a mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks occur. The cream will be done when you pull the beaters out and the cream is slightly firm. Be careful not to over whip. In another large bowl, whisk the vanilla into the sweetened condensed milk. Gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula, slowly incorporating the two mixtures together. To create a fruit-based or other flavor ice cream, mix chopped fruit or ingredient of choice (chocolate syrup, crushed candy bar, etc.) directly into the cream mixture. Transfer the mixture to an insulated container and freeze for 4-6 hours. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Governor Tate Reeves’ request for Individual Assistance for counties affected by the April 8-11 severe weather and tornadoes was approved by the White House. During that time the state experienced 13 tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, and straight-line winds. Two deaths were attributed to those storms. There are six counties approved for Individual Assistance. Individual Assistance was approved for Hancock, Hinds, Humphreys, Madison, Neshoba, and Scott counties. Individual assistance is available to residents in those six counties and can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of this disaster. Residents in the approved counties who sustained losses during the April 8-11 severe weather can now apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The disaster Number is: DR-4790.

Mississippi improved its education ranking to 30th in the nation – the state’s highest ranking ever – according to the 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® Data Book released today. KIDS COUNT® Data Book ranked Mississippi 32nd in 2023 and 39th in 2022. The state was ranked 48th in education in 2014 and has experienced continued improvement. The 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book is a 50-state report of recent household data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that analyzes how children and families are faring. Each year, the Data Book presents national and state data from 16 indicators in four domains — economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors — and ranks the states according to how children are doing. Mississippi ranks 49th in overall child well-being and has shown progress in half of the 16 indicators. The 2024 report also examines the national unprecedented declines in student math and reading proficiency brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on education. KIDS COUNT® ranks education by measuring pre-K enrollment, 4th grade reading skills, 8th grade math proficiency and the high school graduation rate. “Mississippi’s momentum in education is the result of strong policies and dedicated, effective educators,” said Dr. Raymond Morgigno, interim state superintendent of education. “The progress of our students has made the state a national leader in improving academic outcomes. While the pandemic disrupted student learning, state and federal funds helped our schools provide additional academic support to help our students exceed pre-pandemic achievement levels.” The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi has released the 2024 Mississippi KIDS COUNT Factbook to determine opportunities for improving outcomes for all Mississippi children. “Despite the state’s overall ranking of 49, we are encouraged that Mississippi ranks 30th in education. This is Mississippi’s highest ranking in the education domain in decades. While there is room for improvement in specific indicators, most notably among eighth graders who are not proficient in math, we are pleased to note that the consistent increased investment in Pre-K is better preparing students for kindergarten. One notable improvement is the percentage of Mississippi’s high school students not graduating on time. In 2021-22 this was 12%, compared to 15% in the previous reporting period,” notes Linda Southward, executive director of the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi. The 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book is available at www.aecf.org. Additional information is available at www.aecf.org/databook. Journalists interested in creating maps, graphs, and rankings in stories about the Data Book can use the KIDS COUNT Data Center at datacenter.aecf.org. Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.

At one time or another, most drivers have been stuck in traffic behind a pickup truck carrying a load that isn’t tied down or secured in any way. Being in this situation doesn’t feel safe, and it isn’t. Improperly secured, or unsecured, objects in the back or on top of a vehicle can cause accidents, injuries and even death. Safety is the top priority of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), which is why MDOT recognizes June 6 as “Secure Your Load Day.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year, about 730 people are killed and 17,000 more are injured because of objects on the road. The great majority of these accidents involve unsecured loads on passenger vehicles. In addition to safety hazards, debris from unsecured loads contributes to roadside litter which costs Mississippi more than $3 million per year to remove. “Just as you protect yourself by buckling your seatbelt, protect others on the road by ensuring that everything in the back of your truck is sufficiently tied or weighted down,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “By simply taking a little extra time to secure your load, you can keep others safe, reduce roadside litter and avoid legal consequences.” Motorists responsible for debris from unsecured loads could face fines up to $500 and up to six months in prison. MDOT offers the following tips to safeguard your load: Tie down the load with rope, netting or straps. Tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer. Cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp. Don’t overload the vehicle. Always double check the load to make sure it is secure. Use safety chains when hauling trailers. “Secure Your Load Day” is part of a nationwide effort of the Governors Highway Safety Association to raise awareness about the dangers of debris falling from vehicles. It was spearheaded by Robin Abel whose daughter was blinded by a piece of particle board that flew from the back of a moving trailer on Interstate 405 in Seattle, Wash. To learn more about travel safety, visit GoMDOT.com/DriveSmartMS, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.

By Bob Garver “Garfield and Friends,” based on comic strips by Jim Davis, was one of my favorite cartoons growing up. With all due respect to the show’s talented writers and other voice actors, the best thing about the show was Lorenzo Music’s performance as the title tabby. Music’s voice, which somehow always sounded like a yawn, was the perfect fit for a character that spent every waking moment wishing he wasn’t awake. Yes, Garfield would engage in frenzied eating, especially of lasagna, but that was mostly handled with whooshing noises from the sound effects team. Otherwise, Garfield, with Music’s voice, was the personification (cat-ification?) of laziness. I take this moment to applaud Music as Garfield because I have nothing but negative things to say about Chris Pratt as the character in “The Garfield Movie.” The guy just doesn’t have it in him to sound that lazy. It’s not like he doesn’t have experience playing lazy. He was always something of slacker as Star-Lord and his “Parks and Recreation” character spent most of the first season milking an injury. But here, he always sounds like he’s up for an adventure. The movie around him isn’t much of a winner anyway, but it’s already off on the wrong paw when Garfield doesn’t sound like Garfield. The story opens with a glimpse into Garfield’s days as a kitten, when he was left in an alley by his father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson) and found his way to Jon (Nicholas Hoult), his doormat of an owner. The household soon adds loyal dog Odie (Harvey Guillen, limited to dog noises) and the pets live in sedentary luxury. Of course, something has to happen to keep Garfield from enjoying complacency, and one night he finds himself cat-napped, as opposed to indulging in a cat nap. He and Odie are brought to a hideout where they meet the long-absent Vic. But Vic isn’t their captor, he’s very much on a short leash himself. The operation is actually headed by feline crime boss Jinx (Hannah Waddingham) and her hench-cats Roland (Brett Goldstein) and Nolan (Bowen Yang). She has a vendetta against Vic for abandoning her during a milk heist at a farm (sadly not Jim Davis’s “U.S. Acres,” though I would have loved that crossover) years earlier. But Vic can repay his debt if he, Garfield, and Odie can pull off the same heist now, with the farm having stronger security. The three reluctantly take on the assignment, even though Garfield and Odie are pampered housepets and Garfield and Vic’s relationship is sorely strained. The rest of the movie is an adventure-comedy that could be filled by characters from any franchise with a spoiled lead lacking in skills and street smarts. The only thing that makes it recognizable as “Garfield” is that Odie, to the movie’s credit, is as awesome as ever with his ingenuity and unwavering friendship. A few physical gags work, and there are some scene-stealing moments from the villains and a bull voiced by Ving Rhames (I took twisted delight in the very idea of the Arby’s pitchman voicing future roast beef). But every time there’s a string of solid gags or decent action, the miscast Pratt will open his mouth and I’ll be reminded that this movie has a major flaw at a fundamental level. “The Garfield Movie” is mostly middling, brought down by how much Pratt pales in comparison to Lorenzo Music. At least it has the decency to be wholly animated, as opposed to the Bill Murray movies where the environment was live-action and Garfield was a CGI abomination. The new movie is never “that” painful, but it doesn’t strike me as anyone’s best work either. I guess what I’m saying is that this movie, while it could have been worse, is lazy – and not in a way that’s on-brand for Garfield. Grade: C- “The Garfield Movie” is rated PG for action/peril and mild thematic elements. Its running time is 101 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

When people think about fire damage, they often picture flames and burned materials. In reality, smoke can cause just as much, if not more, damage than the fire itself. Smoke travels quickly, spreading through rooms, vents, and even areas untouched by flames. It leaves behind residue, odors, and contaminants that can affect both your home and your health. What smoke is made of Smoke is a complex mixture of gases and tiny particles produced when materials burn. These particles can include: Carbon Tar Ash Chemical residues from synthetic materials Different types of fires produce different types of smoke. For example, a fire involving plastics or electronics can release more toxic compounds than one involving natural materials like wood. Effects on walls and ceilings Smoke damage on walls often appears as dark stains or discoloration. However, the impact goes deeper than surface appearance. Soot particles can embed themselves into paint and drywall. Over time, this can cause: Permanent staining Odor retention Deterioration of materials In some cases, repainting alone is not enough. Walls may need to be thoroughly cleaned and sealed before new paint is applied. Heat from the fire can also cause paint to blister or peel, even in areas not directly exposed to flames. Damage to furniture and personal items Furniture is particularly vulnerable to smoke damage because many materials are porous. Upholstery, wood, and even metal surfaces can absorb smoke particles. Common issues include: Lingering odors in fabric Discoloration of wood finishes Corrosion of metal components Contamination of electronics For example, a fabric sofa may look intact but still carry a strong smoke odor that returns even after basic cleaning. Professional restoration techniques, such as ozone treatment or specialized cleaning solutions, are often needed to fully remove these effects. Impact on air quality One of the most serious concerns after a fire is indoor air quality. Smoke particles can remain suspended in the air or settle into HVAC systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and may worsen existing respiratory conditions:https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/smoke.html Even after the fire is out, these particles can continue to circulate if not properly removed. HVAC system contamination Smoke often travels through air ducts, spreading contaminants throughout the home. This can lead to: Persistent odors Reduced air quality Recontamination of cleaned areas Cleaning the HVAC system is an important part of smoke damage restoration. This may involve duct cleaning, filter replacement, and system inspection. Hidden smoke damage Not all smoke damage is visible. In many cases, it can affect areas that appear untouched. Examples include: Inside cabinets and closets Behind walls Within insulation Inside electrical outlets These hidden areas can continue to release odors and particles if not addressed. Why smoke odor is so difficult to remove Smoke odor is caused by microscopic particles that cling to surfaces. These particles can penetrate deep into materials, making them difficult to eliminate. Simply airing out a home or using household cleaners is usually not enough. Odor removal often requires specialized equipment that neutralizes particles at a chemical level. Real-world example In a Central Mississippi home, a small electrical fire in the attic may produce minimal visible damage. However, smoke can travel through the ventilation system and settle in living areas. Homeowners may notice a persistent odor in bedrooms and living spaces, even though the fire was contained to one area. Without proper cleaning and air treatment, the smell can linger for months. Health considerations Smoke exposure can affect people differently depending on their sensitivity and overall health. Short-term effects may include: Eye irritation Coughing Headaches Long-term exposure, especially in poorly ventilated environments, can contribute to more serious respiratory issues. Children, older adults, and individuals with asthma are particularly vulnerable. Professional smoke damage restoration Addressing smoke damage requires more than surface cleaning. A comprehensive approach includes: Removing soot from all affected surfaces Cleaning and deodorizing belongings Purifying the air Inspecting hidden areas for contamination Professionals use tools like air scrubbers and thermal fogging to ensure that smoke particles are fully removed. Working with experienced teams such as Paul Davis of Central Mississippi helps ensure that both visible and hidden damage is properly handled. Preventing long-term issues If smoke damage is not addressed thoroughly, it can lead to ongoing problems such as: Persistent odors Material degradation Poor indoor air quality Taking action early helps prevent these issues and restores a safe living environment.

You may have been racing to get out of your marriage. Couldn’t hardly wait until your signature was still wet on that divorce decree. Maybe. Maybe not. Instead, maybe you were one of those spouses who fought desperately to hold on to your marriage, but lost it anyway. But now, like it or not, a divorce is in your rear-view mirror. And as you drove away from that part of your life, celebrating or sobbing, you very likely discovered something. That no matter how long and how far you drive, it’s still there. In that mirror every time you dare to raise your eyes and look. There’s a reason for that. Memories. Feelings. Reverberations of moments suddenly surfacing in your mind. Divorce doesn’t cause these to simply evaporate into thin air, to never surface in your current life again. Quite to the contrary, they’re a part of you. Just as much as your lungs, your brain, and your liver. If your memories contain happiness, then you probably experience pain. From knowing you lost the source of those memories. But if your memories that suddenly surface are angry, hurtful ones – well, you also will experience pain. From reluctantly reliving that part of your life. Whatever way that it entered your life, you know this. Divorce. Carries. Pain. And if there are children from your lost marriage, the heartache is so much deeper. One of you becomes the day-to-day hands-on parent for the child, the one who carries the heavier responsibility when childhood illnesses hit, who has to balance work/single parenting, dole out discipline, and be the constant understanding loving presence when your child is going through tough times. What about the other parent? The one who is only closely intertwined in the child’s life via scheduled visits, phone calls, texts, and letters. The parent who may feel like they lost out in a lot of ways, no matter the huge effort and hard work they may put into being an out-of-the-home Dad or Mom. And there is another genuinely difficult part of co-parenting. Where two people, who’ve decided it’s impossible get along in marriage, have to slog through their differences, work together on scheduling, smile tightly when they’d rather indulge in angry yelling, and hopefully refrain from cutting their ex-spouse down in front of Junior. Difficult act to pull off, having to play nice-nice with the very person you often wished in the grave. Then there is often remarriage in the picture. To someone who may bring their own children and heartaches from their former marriage. Also, what if a new baby comes from your new marriage? Now you are dealing with ‘yours, mine, and ours.’ And remember, that stressful twist of ‘yours, mine, and ours has two perspectives – yours and your new spouse. So much pain. If your rear-view mirror is still clear right now, work on your existing marriage and pray hard. Before this can happen to you.

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By Kara Kimbrough Disclaimer: I’m a big supporter of restaurants. I enjoy visiting and writing about them, especially family-owned ones. And on occasion, I frequent fast food places. But as you’ve likely heard from news reports on the state of the economy, fast food and some restaurant prices have risen along with most other food items. While I’m not advocating a boycott of any business that's struggling to survive, I can offer a temporary solution to the problem... Until the economy stabilizes, make your own fast-food and restaurant takeout favorites. No judgement, please: Hardee’s, Raising Cane’s and Krystal are the primary places I frequent when time is short and I need to eat something NOW. This is especially true when I’m on the road and in a hurry. Hardee’s burgers are usually hot, thick and juicy and are served on buns that don’t fall apart. Raising Cane’s combo of fried chicken tenders, fries and bread, along with its famous Cane’s sauce, is probably not the healthiest choice, but I defy anyone who says it's not absolutely delicious. And Krystal’s iconic burgers need no explanation or justification…they’re simply addictive. I stand firm on that statement. I haven’t figured out a way to replicate my favorites, but have collected a few fast-food and takeout copycat recipes that actually taste better and are probably healthier when made at home. Until prices level off (we can dream, right?), I’ll periodically share a few of my favorite copycat recipes. To get things started, here are three classics that are easy to throw together, require minimal cooking time in a hot kitchen and if I do say so myself, taste as good (in some cases, better) than the take-out version. Two Varieties of the BEST Homemade Pizza Pizza crust mix (can be found in a box or package at most supermarkets in the baking aisle or in the dairy case next to canned biscuits) OR you can use premade pizza crust 1 pound of mozzarella (can use either fresh or packaged/grated variety Olive oil Toppings: Pizza sauce (homemade or store bought), pepperoni slices, sliced ham, pesto (homemade or store bought), sundried tomatoes Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray round pizza pan with cooking spray (I like Cuisinart’s pizza pan instead of a stone). Make pizza crust according to the variety you’re using. If using a mix, most require time to rise. To make the crust extra crispy, roll dough ball in a little olive oil before rolling out. Roll out dough and place on pan, extending to edges. I brush olive oil around the edges to make it extra crispy. If the package directions say dough needs prebaking, bake accordingly. I usually don’t prebake crusts when using a mix. Pepperoni: Spread pizza sauce over top of crust, followed by mozzarella (use as much or little as you’d like). Cover top thoroughly with pepperoni, then bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully to make sure it doesn’t burn. Ham and pesto: Spread pesto over crust, followed by mozzarella. Bake in oven for a few minutes, then remove and add sliced ham pieces and sun-dried tomatoes. Return to oven and bake for remainder of time. Easy Takeout-Style Beef and Broccoli 1 pound flank steak 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3-4 cups broccoli florets, defrosted if using frozen Sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce 1/2 cup water 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 4 cloves garlic, minced Cooked rice (prepare beforehand, as the dish itself cooks quickly) Seasonings to taste: crushed red pepper flakes, ground black pepper or your favorites To prep the steak, trim off any fat and slice across the grain into thin bite-size pieces. Add sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk together thoroughly. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet over high heat. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for 4-5 minutes, tossing/stirring often. Transfer to a plate. Add the remaining tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the beef in a single layer and let cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir/flip it with cooking tongs and cook for a couple more minutes or until cooked to desired doneness. Due to its thinness, meat will cook fast and will easily overcook. Add broccoli back to the pan and pour the sauce in. Stir/toss until coated and the sauce has thickened (about 1-3 minutes). Take the skillet off the heat and serve immediately over cooked rice. Homemade Chicken Fried Rice and Vegetables 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce divided, plus additional to taste 2 tablespoons canola oil or peanut oil, divided 1-pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (bite-sized 1-inch pieces) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 cups chopped fresh vegetables of choice (if using frozen Asian-style, thaw completely) 12- ounces frozen peas and carrots, thawed 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 1/2 cups COLD cooked brown rice (make ahead and refrigerate) 4 medium green onions, chopped Seasonings: crushed pepper flakes, hot sauce of choice (optional) Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter and swirl to coat bottom of pan. Add eggs, cook without stirring, about 20 seconds. Using spatula, scramble and break the eggs into small, bite-sized pieces. Continue to cook, stirring constantly now, until eggs are just cooked through. Transfer eggs to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean. Return skillet to the heat and increase the heat to high. Let the skillet warm, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat. Add chicken and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove to the bowl with the eggs. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add the fresh vegetables and cook until they are crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter and peas and carrots. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds (do not let garlic burn!). Add the brown rice and the soy sauce. Continue cooking, stirring constantly and breaking up any rice clumps, until the mixture is heated through, about 2 minutes. Add the reserved eggs/chicken and green onions. Cook and stir until the mixture is completely heated through, about 1 minute more. Season with red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce (optional) and additional soy sauce as desired. Kara Kimbrough is a syndicated food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi Farmers Market is extending its operating hours for Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for the summer. This is in addition to its year-round operating hours of Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. While seasonal items last, shoppers can expect to find a variety of produce and herbs at the Mississippi Farmers Market along with beef, pork, mushrooms, honey, peanut/pecan brittle, bread, croissants and pastries on Thursdays this summer. In addition to produce, shoppers will find a variety of beef, poultry, pork and lamb cuts; dairy products such as milk and cheeses; eggs; honey; coffee; jams and jellies; breads and other baked goods; sauces and dressings; canned foods; flowers and plants; and much more on Saturdays. “This summer the Mississippi Farmers Market will be open to the public on Thursdays, in addition to our Saturday markets, to allow shoppers more opportunities to purchase fresh, local produce and other agricultural products direct from our Mississippi farmers,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “Stop by the Market during your lunch break on Thursdays for fresh, Mississippi grown products, and join us again on Saturdays when we have an expanded variety of locally grown and raised items as well as specialty foods and works by area artists.” The Farmers Market Café, located inside of the Mississippi Farmers Market, is open 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every weekday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday. For daily menu schedules, visit the Farmers Market Café on Facebook. The Genuine MS® Store, also located inside the Mississippi Farmers Market, is open 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday. For additional information about the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Genuine MS® program, visit www.genuinems.com or follow Genuine MS® on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The Mississippi Farmers Market, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, is open 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday. For additional information about the Mississippi Farmers Market, visit www.msfarmersmarket.com or follow the Mississippi Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Zykeria Lashay Anderson earned a 3.5 GPA or higher in the spring 2024 semester, securing a reputable position on Southern Arkansas University's Dean's List. Anderson is a senior Social Work major from Bolton. MS. A total of 532 students were honored on this semester's Dean's List. Southern Arkansas University provides students the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will host its award-winning Mississippi Pickle Fest event 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Admission is $12 for ages 3 and up. “I want to invite the public to come out for what is on track to be the largest Mississippi Pickle Fest yet at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “Bring the family to enjoy the grounds of the Museum and all things pickled!” In addition to the various exhibits on the grounds, visitors will enjoy live music, over one hundred food and craft vendors, two water slides, a dunking booth, an obstacle course, a dry combo bounce house, and a jousting arena. Competitions such as the Pickle Eating Contest and Pickle Jar Packing Contest will take place during this event. The Children’s Barnyard and Small Town, Miss., will also be open. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:· Parking at the museum will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Overflow parking is located at the North Jackson Youth Baseball Fields, and a shuttle will transport guests to and from the parking lot. Fast pass tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR code onsite to skip the line to enter the event. Once tickets are purchased, these patrons may enter at the Forestry Bridge Entrance next to the Crawdad Hole. It will be marked with a green flag. This event is sponsored by the Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum Foundation, Southern State Utility, Southern Beverage, Cathead Distillery, Cadence Bank, T-Mobile, Penn’s, Xfinity, and Visit Jackson. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Museum, call 601- 432-4500 or 1-800-844-8687, visit www.msagmuseum.org or visit the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Facebook. The Ag Museum is a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.