By Kara Kimbrough America’s 250th birthday is finally here! This momentous milestone that only rolls around every two and one-half centuries deserves special recognition. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd at a backyard barbecue or plan to watch fireworks shows on TV, this once-in-a-lifetime occasion deserves more attention than a regular 4th of July holiday. A festive, patriotic tablescape…red, white and blue snacks…a special holiday meal of grilled classics…and of course, a flag cake made of strawberries and blueberries…these are just a few ways to pay homage to our country’s founding 250 years ago. Each of the suggestions listed above are ones I added to my trial run leading up to the 4th. I don’t mind sharing that I’ve been thinking about this special holiday for months. I’ve purchased items for my table, gathered ideas and dreamed of ways to make the holiday extra special without spending all my time in the kitchen. Here are a few of the tips and photos from my trial run; hopefully, they’ll serve as inspiration to you as you prepare for the most memorable Fourth of July many of us will experience in our lifetime. Set a table that’s patriotic, colorful and fun for guests Nothing sets the mood for a holiday meal like a festive table courtesy of colorful linens, dishes, centerpieces, candles and decorations geared to the occasion. As mentioned, I’ve been planning for this Fourth of July for quite a while; as a result, I’ve also been shopping for months. Several weeks ago, I purchased a patriotic tablecloth from TJ Maxx, a store that always stocks some of the best holiday decorations. Browsing through my local thrift store, I found four red dinner plates and patriotic salad plates that paired well with water goblets with navy stems I already had on hand. I had dreamed for a while about making a Betsy Ross cake (similar to princess and Barbie cakes at young girls’ birthday parties) and using it as my centerpiece. While I successfully made the cake and was happy with how it turned out, it lacked the height and “wow factor” I wanted for the main centerpiece. Instead, I filled an old wooden crate purchased years ago at a vintage store with red and white plants. Empty spaces were filled in with U.S. flags and an old red lantern. I painted white taper candles red and red to add to a candelabra, placed Betsy Ross in a place of prominence and just like that, I had the Fourth of July table of my dreams. Note: One final touch I’m adding to my table this week are inexpensive photo frames filled with old-fashioned patriotic scenes, a copy of the Star-Spangled banner and other assorted scenes and phrases I’ve collected over the past year. The Fourth of July tablescape of my dreams, Courtesy of red, white and blue linens and dishes; festive centerpiece of flowers, flags and a red lantern and holding court on the left, foreground, homemade Betsy Ross cake. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) Shortcuts for a special 4th of July meal While nothing’s better than grilled burgers, ribs and steaks hot off the backyard grill, the temperature will likely be in the 90’s on the big day. To keep everyone cool, why not do what I did and purchase most of the items already cooked and assembled? At Sam’s Club, I found a box of fully-cooked cheeseburger sliders that received favorable reviews online. When I stopped by Kroger, I picked up a box of Nathan’s Famous Coney Island Pretzel Dogs. A few minutes in the oven and microwave and just like that, dinner was ready. To add my own special touch, I placed U.S. flag picks on each one and served them with dipping sauces. They’re colorful, easy to walk around with and best of all, really tasty. No grilling required! Sliders and pretzel dogs that can be prepared easily indoors and decorated with patriotic touches are the perfect Fourth of July meal. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) Red, White and Blue Snacks Scrolling through Pinterest and other online sources, I became overwhelmed with the hundreds of creative ideas for red, white and blue cookies, candies, snack mixes and more. To keep things simple, I settled on white chocolate-dipped strawberries decorated with blue sugar and patriotic sprinkles. I’ve dipped hundreds of strawberries in my lifetime and never had an issue with baking chocolate. This time, the baking chocolate decided not to melt, despite repeated attempts. The closest store only stocked marshmallow crème so I took what I could get. After microwaving for a minute or two, the crème was the perfect consistency for dipping. The end result wasn’t as firm (or perfect-looking) as baking chocolate, but the taste was surprisingly good. White chocolate (or in this case, marshmallow crème) dipped strawberries decorated with sprinkles and blue sugar makes the perfect patriotic snack. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough The grand finale…a flag cake, of course The Fourth of July wouldn’t be the same without a festive flag cake made of rows of icing and strawberries and a top left pocket of blueberries for stars. While I made the original version, I also discovered a way to make a quick and surprisingly eye-catching flag cake using inexpensive dessert cups, whipped cream in a can, chopped strawberries and blueberries. Creating this shortcut version is the perfect way to allow children to help with the holiday dessert and have fun in the process. An easy way to make a Fourth of July flag cake is to fill dessert shells with chopped strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream in a can to create the stars and stripes.( Photo by Kara Kimbrough)[/caption] A traditional flag cake of a 13x9-inch yellow cake topped with frosting, then decorated with strawberries and blueberries, is the perfect ending to a special 4th of July dinner. (Photo by Kara Kimbrough) I hope you’ve been inspired by my Fourth of July trial run and most importantly, are excited about our nation’s once-in-a-lifetime milestone birthday. If all of the photos of the above-mentioned ideas aren’t published in your publication, drop me an email and I’ll send them to you, along with additional recipes and way to create a memorable meal. I hope everyone has the best Fourth of July and food, fun and fireworks aside, remembers the many sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers to ensure America would become what we are today…the best country in the world. Happy Fourth of July!

Most of the state is expected to see a heat index in the triple-digits this weekend. As we welcome July and all its sunny possibilities, we must prepare for the potential dangers that come with the hottest month of the year (a distinction it shares with August). The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is cautioning you to not only protect yourself from long days of scorching heat but to also take precautions to ensure your most vulnerable loved ones – who cannot always take care of themselves – are safe this summer. Consider these facts: A child left in a hot car can die of heat stroke within 15 minutes. The elderly are more susceptible to heat-related health problems. Heat stroke can happen to anyone, especially those working or exercising outside. During a heat stroke, the body's temperature rises quickly, its sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. If emergency help is not provided, it can cause death or permanent disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1,220 people in the United States die from extreme heat annually. Protect yourself and others from heat stroke by: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. Always checking the back seat. Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. Temperatures can soar to 125 degrees in less than 15 minutes in a hot car. Checking on seniors and vulnerable adults frequently. Warning signs of heat stroke may include the following: An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees, orally) Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) Rapid, strong pulse Throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion If heat stroke happens: Call 911 for immediate medical assistance and get the victim out of the sun or heat. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until it drops to 101-102 degrees. If emergency help is delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions. For more tips on protecting yourself from the Mississippi heat, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/heat 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

Special to The Bolton News The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) and Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) encourages fireworks safety this Independence Day. “I expect that this year, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, fireworks use will be at an all-time high. It’s up to you to implement safety standards when shooting fireworks at home. That means using common sense, never pointing fireworks at another person, and disposing of fireworks in water to prevent fire,” said State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were reports of at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries linked to fireworks misuse and malfunction in 2025. There were an estimated 1,300 injuries involving sparklers alone. To avoid injury, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips: Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework. Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place. Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready. Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. Never give fireworks to small children. Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. You should also observe local laws. Some cities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. “Standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage from accidental fires, like those caused by fireworks, but there are exceptions. If you set off fireworks where they are not allowed, your policy might not cover the damage. Check local laws to find out if fireworks are legal in your area. Your insurance company can also tell you if there are any fire restrictions in your policy,” said Comm. Chaney. Attending a public fireworks show is also a safe option if you choose not to shoot fireworks at home. The SFMO performs pyrotechnic inspections for shows that are performed on state-owned properties. Pyrotechnics companies must apply for a permit for shows. Once received, the SFMO verifies all information pertaining to insurance, technicians, and local public safety information. Deputies must be on site for the firing of the display and clean up.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Simply put, “Toy Story” is my favorite movie franchise of all time. The 1995 original about cowboy doll Woody (Tom Hanks) fighting for relevance against hi-tech spaceman action figure Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) was a groundbreaking first for computer animation – not to mention about the most fun a kid could possibly have at a theater… until three worthy sequels came along. I’ve seen the original six times in theaters – my personal record. I was disappointed that “only” the third film in the series was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. I didn’t think that 2019’s “Toy Story 4” was in any way a step down from its predecessors. And yet here I am, saying that “Toy Story 5” is the first significant misstep in the franchise (not counting 2022’s sorta-spinoff “Lightyear,” which I’d like to banish to infinity and beyond). Despite all the emphasis on the Woody/Buzz reunion in the film’s advertising, the main character of this movie is actually Jessie the Cowgirl (Joan Cusack), a doll companion of Woody’s introduced in the second movie, where she shared a tragic backstory of being abandoned by her human owner. Now owned by 8-year-old Bonnie (Scarlett Spears), along with Buzz and other familiar figures, Jessie spends her days as the youngster’s favorite plaything. But Bonnie has a hard time making human friends, despite the toys’ best efforts to add to the number of children playing in the house. Her parents decide that the best way to connect with other kids in the neighborhood is to get her on social media, which is why they present her with frog-themed tablet LilyPad (Greta Lee). Soon Bonnie is addicted to the screen, “socializing” with so-called friends that aren’t in the room, and the cowgirl has to fight for relevance against the hi-tech newcomer. The film bafflingly never really comments on the parallels to the first movie. Couldn’t Woody say, “I’ve been through this before…” or Buzz ask, “Is this what is what is was like for you?” as he’s being replaced by something flashier? For all its reliance on nostalgia, the film is missing a lot of potential for callbacks here. A sleepover for Bonnie organized by LilyPad turns disastrous for Jessie, and she finds herself rejected, abandoned, and returned to the home to the home of her original owner. There’s a bright girl named Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris) living there now, but no time for her, Jessie has to get back to Bonnie. And the only way to do that is with the help of nearly-dead electronic potty-training device Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien), even though Jessie is averse to all tech. Meanwhile, a reunited Buzz (who wants to marry Jessie) and Woody (taking a break from his life as “lost toy”) organize a rescue effort that will eventually lead them to a whole squadron of lost Buzz figures. The emphasis on helping humans make human friends is a nice touch, but too much of the movie is just a series of par-for-the-course toy rescues. Or overly-familiar jokes and bickering. Or throwaway lines given to returning characters just to remind viewers that they’re still alive (as toys go). Even heavy emotional moments are hit-and-miss, with one at a tree being suitably effective, but others (usually involving bullying) feeling like the writers just needed a “down” story beat. It’s also worth mentioning that the usually bright, agreeable, effective animation is often murky and ugly here, and not in a “haunting” way, more in a “shoddy” way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m recommending “Toy Story 5.” This franchise on its worst installment is better than a lot of franchises on their best. There’s enough heart and laughter and creativity here to save it… but just barely. And for someone like me who puts “Toy Story” on a pedestal, a movie that I can “just barely” recommend is a big disappointment. Grade: B- “Toy Story 5” is rated PG for some thematic elements and rude humor. Its running time is 102 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

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.