Central Hinds Academy senior Keith Purvis has been named STAR Student for the 2022-23 school year by the Mississippi Economic Council M.B. Swayze Foundation. The foundation selects STAR Students based on academic excellence, based on ACT scores and scholastic averages. Each STAR student selects a teacher that has significantly contributed to the his educational achievement to be a STAR Teacher. Keith has chosen English teacher Tyanne McCoy to receive this honor. Congrats to Keith and Mrs. McCoy!!!

Everyone knows how to procrastinate – including me. I decided about two months ago to write this column. Finally, today I had to force myself to sit down and begin. Why? Why do we humans put off doing what we know we need to do? From what I have observed, the animal kingdom doesn’t do that. Just us. There is no squirrel sighing, “Yeah, the winter’s coming and I know that there won’t be any nuts on the ground that I can scrounge, but I just don’t feel like hunting, carrying and storing those things this week. I’ll get to it…later.” No colony of ants is rebelling against the direct order of their queen ant to retrieve another home’s entire stash of food – crumb by crumb. “We just feel like doing something else today, Miz Queen. That last kitchen was plumb full of sugary stuff, so we wanna celebrate instead of working. A bunch of us have decided to just have our own picnic.” So, I ask again, why do we top-of-the-heap-creations procrastinate? One excuse bouncing around in our heads; “I’m just not psyched up to do that yet.” Another one; “I am afraid to try, I have no doubt I’ll just mess it up.” Or how about this; “It’s way too big, I’m completely overwhelmed by even thinking about that.” Or something along these lines; “That ain’t gonna be any fun, and I would rather go pick ticks off my dog than have to settle down and get that done.” Here’s a familiar one: “I just don’t have time, I’m way too busy for that.” Or: “It’s not due for another thirty minutes yet!” Any of those sound familiar to you? Or you may have your own favorite excuses that you use to put off hated tasks that are scary, or overwhelming in size. People will use anyone or anything to keep from beginning. Like a panic-stricken woman grabbing for a water-logged pillow when she is trying to find something to keep her afloat in the ocean, it doesn’t have to make sense. Procrastinators will look around and seize any excuse they can find to avoid a task that they dread. But why did I put off writing this column? Good question. Difficult subject? Exposure of one of my own weaknesses? Writing on the subject would make me confront myself, and my tendency to run from difficulty? Ouch. I finally made myself sit down at my desk by the fireplace with a cup of something hot, opened up my computer, and started writing. Blindly trusting that my thoughts on the ugly subject will materialize into some sort of order and make sense to you. Sometimes folks, that’s what we have to do –just bite the bullet and begin doing the very thing we need to do. Doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect down to the last word. In the words of a cowboy preacher friend of mine, “Just get ‘er done!”

The CHA Tennis Team is on FIRE! They move to 3-0 with a win over Christ Covenant! Winning for the Cougars: #1 Singles- Macie Curtis, #2 Singles- Reagan Lord, #1 Girls Doubles- Grace Barnett and Emerson Bingham, #2 Doubles- Payton Townsend and Brooke Smith #2 Singles- Luke Barlow, #2 Doubles- Matthew Bradshaw and Walker Rushing, Mixed Doubles- Chase Hankins and Kayla Houston

The IRS will open the Jackson Taxpayer Assistance Center on Saturday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 100 W. Capital St., Jackson, Mississippi 39269. The special opening is part of its efforts to improve service this tax season. During the special Saturday opening, taxpayers can receive face-to-face help from IRS employees without an appointment. Normally, these centers are open during the week and people should have appointments to receive services. But during these Saturday hours, walk-ins will be accepted for all services routinely offered at an office, except for making cash payments. Tax return preparation is not a service provided at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). Services provided The IRS’s Contact Your Local Office site lists all services provided at specific TACs. If someone has questions about a tax bill, an IRS audit or they need help resolving a tax problem, they’ll receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in those services. If these employees aren’t available, the individual will receive a referral for additional help on these services. IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to help with some issues. Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment. For more information on the special Saturday openings, visit IRS.gov/saturdayhours. For a snapshot of the most requested customer service topics, see Publication 5136, IRS Services Guide. Come prepared Individuals should bring the following documents with them: Current government-issued photo identification, Social Security cards or ITINs for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable), Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents, For identity verification services, two forms of identification and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question. During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information: A current mailing address, Proof of bank account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit. Tax return preparation options While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs, information will be shared about available local free tax preparation options. Help is also available using the following services: Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887. To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 1-888-227-7669. Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2022 can use tax software through IRS Free File at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish. MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit. Help available 24/7 at IRS.gov The IRS encourages people to explore IRS.gov before traveling to an office. It’s the fastest and easiest way for people to get the help they need. They can learn about the many self-service tools and resources available to resolve common tax concerns online. Some include IRS identity protection services, requesting Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN), refunds, transcripts and payment options. Go to www.irs.gov for more information. Available resources include: Where’s My Refund?, check refund status and estimated delivery date. Direct Pay, make tax payments or estimated tax payments for free from a checking or savings account. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, individuals or businesses can make all types of federal tax payments. Online Payment Agreement, set up installment payments to pay taxes owed. Where’s My Amended Return, track the status of an amended return. Interactive Tax Assistant and FAQs, get answers to many tax law questions. All IRS Forms and Publications, find and download current tax forms, instructions and publications. Those without access to the internet can call 800-829-3676 to order tax forms by mail.

By Kara Kimbrough After highlighting some (notice, I said "some," as there are hundreds more) of the best places to visit in Mississippi cities and towns north of the Capital City, it's only fair that I mention a few spots further south. Spring, which seems to have arrived a few weeks early, is the absolute best time to get out and explore all that Mississippi has to offer before summer's oppressive heat makes sheltering indoors under the a/c the only viable option. There’s no way I can list them all, but here are a few on my top picks to enjoy spring break with the family or for anytime the urge to take a road trip emerges. 1. Mississippi's Capital City is blessed with an outstanding lineup of museums rivaling the number and quality found in any metropolitan area. A few that come to mind are, in no particular order: Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Children's Museum, Agriculture and Forestry Museum, Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and Museum of Natural Science. Learn more about these and other museums around the city at: visitjackson.com. While each of these museums is amazing and worthy of a visit, the Old Capitol Museum holds a special place in my heart. Visiting this historic building during elementary schools field trips remains a favorite memory. This breathtakingly-beautiful structure, a National Historic Landmark and one of American's premier examples of Greek Revival architecture, has reigned supreme on State Street in downtown Jackson since 1839. Mississippi's most historically-significant building served as the first state house until 1903 and was the site of historic legislation, including crafting of the state's constitution and secession from the Union in 1859. Wander through the cavernous, newly-renovated building and enjoy viewing interesting artifacts from Mississippi's past, interactive multimedia exhibits and information on historic preservation. Admission is free; learn more about the building and hours of operation at: mdah.ms.gov. 2. Hattiesburg is a typical "college town," filled with dining and shopping opportunities, museums, nightlife and recreation. However, there are plenty of activities geared to families, including those with children. One of the best places to visit is Kamper Park featuring its crown jewel, the Hattiesburg Zoo. It's not the largest zoo but does contain a more than respectable collection of animals from around the globe. In addition to the main exhibits, there's an Australian Wallaby Walkabout offering the chance to mingle with animals from Down Under, daily giraffe feeding opportunities, petting zoo and more. Other features include an electric train, high ropes adventure course, mining for gems and stones and plenty of pavilions and picnic spots. For more information, visit: hattiesburgzoo.com. A more detailed list of all the area has to offer can be found at: visithburg.org. 3. A trip to our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast is always a good idea. Harrison, Hancock and Jackson Counties are packed with thousands of opportunities for family fun, ranging from water sports and excursions, museums, dining, shopping and much more. If I had to recommend just one Gulf Coast attraction, the spectacular Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is near the top of the list. And since many of the aquarium's exhibits are located outside, spring is the perfect time to visit before heat and humidity descend. Overlooking the gulf, the spectacular Mississippi Aquarium contains nearly 6 acres filled with an amazing collection of sea life, wildlife, birds and more. Over 200 species can be viewed in 12 habitats designed to allow visitors to safely view animals and sea creatures from a few feet away. A spectacular 30-foot, 360-degree tunnel allows up-close views of marine life - sharks, sea turtles and numerous species of exotic fish - from above and below. Outside, crocodiles and alligators are dozing in the sun and playful river otters and dolphins splash and play in open pools. Believe me when I say the adults (myself included) are every bit as entertained as the youngest visitor. Last, no trip to the Gulf Coast is complete without a delicious meal, preferably one with a water view. Weekly, I receive emails from readers asking for restaurant recommendations. To receive my top picks for a memorable Gulf Coast dining experience to fit any budget, taste or age group, drop me an email and I'll gladly send it to you. Happy spring, ya'll! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

With the federal government ending the continuous Medicaid coverage requirement on March 31, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) is notifying Medicaid members that eligibility renewals will begin on April 1. DOM urges all Medicaid members to make sure their contact information is correct by visiting www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered. During the COVID-19 public emergency, states and territories have continued to cover every person who has been eligible for Medicaid on or after March 18, 2020, even if their income or circumstances have changed and otherwise would no longer be eligible. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) passed in December, Congress has now required states to begin the process of redetermining the eligibility of all Medicaid members. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has instructed all states to begin normal redetermination operations by April 1, 2023, at the latest. To prepare for the return to annual renewals, DOM is sending notices to recipients alerting them to the change in federal requirements and to look for renewal forms in the mail in the months ahead. Members can update their information online at www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered, or by calling DOM at 1-800-421-2408 or 601-359-6050. DOM has been actively increasing its eligibility workforce through various recruitment and retention efforts, including hiring temporary staff to help with the caseload and streamlining training requirements. In January, DOM also launched a Stay Covered campaign, which includes a Coverage Champions program for community partners, advocates and providers to support Medicaid members and prepare for the end of the continuous coverage requirement. The Stay Covered webpage (www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered) includes a media toolkit, a link for members to update their contact information, and more important information about the unwinding process. Following federal guidance, renewals for all current Medicaid members must be initiated within 12 months following April 1, and all renewals must be completed within 14 months. When DOM begins redeterminations, electronic verification sources will first be used to try to renew a member’s benefits. If more information is needed to complete a renewal, the member will be mailed a renewal form, and they will have 30 days to fill it out and return it. DOM is also reaching out to members via email and text messages. Find more information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) online at www.medicaid.ms.gov/staycovered.

By Bob Garver As popular as it is to complain about Hollywood’s lazy reliance on reboots, re-imaginings, spinoffs, and legacy sequels to older properties, all evidence suggests that “Rocky” continuation “Creed” has worked out for the best. I’m not just talking about the first “Creed” from 2015, but the entire “Creed” sub-franchise, including the first sequel from 2018, and of course, new movie “Creed III.” These movies have done well creatively (all above 80% with both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes) and commercially, with the first two making over $100 million at the domestic box office, and the third almost certain to follow suit after a $58 million opening weekend. Keeping in mind that I’m calling the whole trilogy is a success, I don’t think it’s out of line to say that “Creed III” is the weakest entry. Michael B. Jordan is back as boxer Adonis “Donnie” Creed, son of the legendary Apollo Creed. He’s certainly done an excellent job of carrying on his late father’s legacy, even surpassing it in many ways. He’s retired at the top of his game and is an attentive father to Amara (Mila Davis-Kent), his daughter with his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson). Apollo wasn’t much of a father, with Donnie not even knowing about him until after his death. He lived in a group home until he was a teenager, when he was taken in by Mary Anne (Phylicia Rashad), Apollo’s wife. He mostly left his old life behind, save for maintaining a friendship with aspiring boxer Damian Anderson. An altercation a few years later saw a gun-toting Damian arrested, while Donnie fled and was allowed to continue on his path to greatness. Now “Dame” (Jonathan Majors) is out of prison and looking to make a name for himself as a boxer. The odds are against him, given his age and record, but at least he has a connection with the former champion – a connection he’s not afraid to exploit. Donnie tries to be helpful, but reasonable, getting his old friend sparring work with current champion Felix Chavez (Jose Benavidez Jr.), despite the protests of his business partner Duke (Wood Harris). But Dame isn’t satisfied with sparring. He wants a shot at the title. He even sabotages a highly-promoted upcoming fight to create an opening for a Rocky-like underdog challenge. And after he takes the belt from Felix, there’s the matter of the personal score to settle with Donnie. Let’s just say the two aren’t eager to talk it out. Cue training montages and pageantry of the big fight. The good news is that Dame is a particularly well-written and acted character. It isn’t far-fetched that Donnie has been keeping this skeleton in his closet through two films, as he’s clearly been struggling to leave various traumas behind. And I was much happier with the talented Majors as the villain in this movie than I was with him as the bland Kang in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” a few weeks ago. The scenes where he plays head games with Jordan are the film’s highlights, along with emotionally-charged scenes involving Jordan, Thompson, and Rashad. The bad news is that there aren’t a whole lot of other things that work about “Creed III.” Thompson gets an arc where she encourages nonviolence, but nothing ever comes of it. It seems like the whole world of title contenders is limited to Donnie’s circle of friends in L.A. A death scene feels wedged in because there’s an unofficial rule that these movies have to kill off one important character per entry. A gimmick used for the final fight scene is laughably heavy-handed, and I don’t mean in the good way that’s advantageous in boxing. Plus there’s no Rocky to be found, as Sylvester Stallone has had a falling-out with this franchise. Director Ryan Coogler is out as well, though Jordan himself does an admirable job of carrying the franchise to a satisfying conclusion. But I think “Creed” needs to end here before it loses the upper hand. Grade: B- “Creed III” is rated PG-13 for intense sports action, violence and some language. Its running time is 116 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Saw the movie “THE JESUS REVOLUTION” yesterday. Amazing how seeing scenes and hearing phrases from decades before can instantly transport a person back in time. I was a young teenager living in rural Oklahoma during the years of the Jesus Revolution. Very isolated and far removed from Haute Asbury, California. But I heard and saw what was reported, as we did have television. And from those televised images, I drew my conclusions about those young people. I grew up in a non-churched family, but it did have a strict moral compass and the very traditional family values of that decade. So, to see their behavior, read the signs they held, and hear the phrases coming out of their mouths shocked me to my toes. I immediately tagged the entire lot of them as ‘bad immoral people’ - lock, stock and barrel. Decades past and times changed, (not always for the better) and I hadn’t given much thought to that period of life in our country. Until I went to that movie. And I learned a lot. I learned that by labeling and dismissing that whole group of young people as ‘bad,’ I missed what else eventually happened among them. I missed the fact that a small segment of those teens came to realize hippiedom wasn’t giving them any more peace and contentment than chasing popularity, politics, financial gain, or the legalistic church world had done. They already had tried all those things, and finally realized none of them helped, so that group of young folks turned to God to see if He could make a difference in their life. Evidently, He did. The Jesus Movement then swept through California, turning around the lives of thousands of confused and hurting young people. Oh, they still had a very distinct and different way of dressing and talking from the norm of the average person around them, no doubt about it. Those things didn’t seem to change drastically. The real change was in their beliefs and their behavior. They no longer held to “Anything goes, if it makes you feel good.” But I didn’t know about that separate group of kids back then – or now in 2023. I just assumed that any young people with weird clothing, long stringy hair, with guitars slung across their backs were part of the drugged, free love, hippy movement that was always made up of troubled kids. I had them flagged, bagged and tagged. Folks, if there is anything that I would love to pass on to others from those ninety plus minutes of that movie, it is this: Never, never, never assume that if a person doesn’t look, smell, talk or behave the way you do, that they are troubled and anti-God. You could get the surprise of your life when you get to know them. There is a Southern Gospel song out right now, called “YOU LOVE, I’LL JUDGE.” Pretty accurate thought..

Each year, millions of dollars in life insurance benefits go unclaimed by beneficiaries who can’t find their loved ones’ policies or in some cases may not even know the policies exist. That’s where the Life Insurance Policy Locator comes in. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created the tool in 2016. Since it’s inception, the program has found more than $57 million for Mississippians. “The tool helps us meet our goal of protecting consumers and connecting them with lost policies and money that they’re owed,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “More than 1,300 Mississippians were helped in 2022 alone.” If you need help locating a lost policy, call the Mississippi Insurance Department at 601-359-2453 or email consumer@mid.ms.gov

By Mika Hartman Last month, I mentioned that we all deserve to have a “seat at the table”; Hudson shouldn’t need his own table because he was born with an extra chromosome. I think I can make this make a whole lot more sense: When Goldie Locks was testing chairs, beds and porridge, she found 2 of the chairs and 2 of the beds to be “too hard or too soft” and, then, she found the porridge to be “too hot and too cold”. Eventually, she was able to find the “just right” fit for her in all three. How this correlates is that we all have different needs, but the three bears still shared the same table. The bowls of porridge we not on separate tables even though they were all different. Inclusion is making sure that we all have seat at the same table. No matter the person, we are likely to all have a different experience when sitting together. When we are able to provide equal access to opportunities, we open doors so that the individual can decide what they are capable of. We have all been pushed to try harder or study more, because the opportunity is already there. We become the best versions of ourselves when we experience full lives. When you keep someone from joining your table, you’re denying them the equal chance to live their full life. I often say that healthcare is not a “one size fits all’ healthcare. Even in anesthesia, your hair color makes a difference on how the medication works. What might work for you might not for your friend. Even though my best friend and I were diagnosed with breast cancer at the same age of 46, our cancers were totally different, treatment and so on. Despite these differences, we all have a seat at the same table. To fully understand why I am bringing healthcare in this conversation, let me share the ugly truth our families face. Many countries, including the United States, encourage moms and dads to abort babies who they have performed pre-natal diagnostic testing and Down syndrome has been determined. Some countries wish to eradicate Down syndrome fully and don’t provide parents with “options” at all. Actress Patricia Heaton posted on Twitter “Iceland isn’t actually elimination Down syndrome. They’re just killing everybody that has it. Big difference.” Isn’t that sickening. CBS News found there are common trends across Europe, when it comes to women terminating pregnancies because of positive prenatal tests. Denmark: 98%, United Kingdom: 90%, France: 77%, and United States: 67%. I hear the number for the US is getting better, but until its zero, we still have a message to spread and hearts to change. As you can see, a seat at the table means to accept each person and embrace their differences. When you are trying to eradicate a group of people, you are not only saying that they don’t have a seat at your table, they don’t deserve a seat or a table. This mentality has to stop. This is from a mom on this beautiful journey, I love my life. My son loves his life. My family adores my child. If I am walking this path and I am doing the work and all you have to do is provide a seat at the table, why is this so hard for society? We are a military family and we have been blessed to travel with my husbands job. We have traveled Europe; we lived in England for three years. All our trips were before Hudson came along. We have talked about assignments and potential moves we could make; this took me down a rabbit hole. Hudson does need specialty doctors for his heart defect and HemOnc for his transient leukemia and so on. Going to a place that can provide all Hudson needs can be challenging. When we lived in England, we traveled to Germany often. It was our favorite. We always said we would love to be stationed there, until I discovered how this country sees Down syndrome. They not only abort 90% of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome, they have in their abortion laws that you can’t terminate past 12 weeks UNLESS Down syndrome is diagnosed, then it is permitted later. Technically, abortion is illegal altogether in Germany, except under certain “circumstances”. Germany, in 2022, made the non-invasive prenatal test one that will be publicly reimbursed to encourage early diagnosis. I imagine that this will only increase the abortion rate. A campaigner against the Down syndrome test said, “I am worried that there will be fewer of us”. This campaigner is correct. This early information will make it more likely that families will fear this journey. Why? Because they will believe that their child won’t have a seat at the table, that they will be pushed aside and a burden on the family and society. This is all false, but unless you recognize the problem, you might be part of it. I try to steer clear of negative people. It can be awkward looks in a store or someone hiding their child behind them in the elevator… but the internet, it is beyond ugly. It makes ugly look beautiful. Seriously, avoid if you can. When did people get so nasty? So recently I read some comments about inclusion in the classroom. Some were totally against it, saying their child shouldn’t “be forced” to stay at a slower pace or “be forced” to include people who are different and make them uncomfortable. Wow. Really? I myself have three children who are all very different and they have the same parents. They each learn differently. Each at a different pace. A seat at the table says they deserve to be here and we will try our best to teach them in a way that they learn. Only one of my children has a disability, but each has unique characteristics and different needs to succeed. I am a realist and I do believe that it’s not a “one size fits all” education system, like healthcare. There will be classrooms that better fit children and their needs. There will be teachers that teach in a way your child will learn best. Maybe a child will only thrive in a lunch or playground setting with everyone else… All of these still say you belong. It's when we forget that our children with disabilities are even present in a school or forgotten on the playground that we are sending a message to them and to everyone around that they don’t belong, but they do. Have you seen the cartoon where mom is standing behind her child and her tongue is coming out her mouth and through the back of the child’s head and ultimately through the child’s mouth? This is so true. When we say, “my child shouldn’t “be forced” to like a child” or “my child will fall behind because of your child”, we are teaching our children how to value a persons worth. We are teaching them to think that they are better than other children. When, sorry, but they aren’t. We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. We all learn by different methods. And we all want to be included. So between the countries who wish to eradicate children like my son and arguments from people on if my son belongs or not, we are creating fear in families like mine. While I will never ask for a seat at Patricia Heaton’s table (like ever), I do think we could all benefit from bringing EXTRA chairs to our tables to benefit all. Everyone is welcome at mine and Huddy's.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is hosting the annual Spring Farm Days event from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, through Saturday, March 4, 2023. Admission is $8 for ages 3 and up. “I want to invite the public to come out for the upcoming Spring Farm Days at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “With exhibits, food, animals and special rides, this event will be one the whole family will enjoy.” Visitors can explore the grounds and various exhibits to learn about farming, gardening, forestry and more. In addition to the historic tractors and implements located at the museum, AgUp Equipment will be bringing tractors that show how farmers of today use these same tools. The Children’s Barnyard will also be open, and includes a variety of animals like chickens, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats, horses and cows. Concessions will be available for purchase on Saturday. Train ride, hayride, and carousel ride tickets will be available for purchase daily for $1. 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.

By Kara Kimbrough Spring and for some, a weeklong break from school, are on the horizon. Instead of jumping ship to other states, why not stay in Mississippi, a state filled with interesting places to explore and enjoy? Here are a few of my favorite Mississippi attractions and places to visit: 1. A place that’s been on my mind recently is Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora. It's an intriguing, beautiful area filled with archaic trees and stones surrounded by plenty of natural beauty. The petrified forest is aptly named. It was formed 36 million years ago after massive logs floated down a nearby river channel to the current site, then became petrified. Fast forward to 1965 and the area earned National Natural Landmark status. The State of Mississippi even claimed its fossilized wood as our state stone. There is a lot to see, but a favorite stop along the shaded nature trail is the Caveman’s Bench. At the end of the trail is an earth science museum filled with petrified wood samples from the other 49 states. Fossils and minerals from around the world, along with dinosaur footprints, whale bones and other interesting artifacts are on display. The forest is privately-owned, but open to visitors. Before you go, check out the website for hours and admission fees: mspetrifiedforest.com. 2. Learning the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library is located at Mississippi State University in Starkville was quite a shock. After all, Grant was the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War and captured Vicksburg on July 4, 1863. Even if you’re not a MSU alumnus, put school loyalties aside and visit this interesting, professionally-designed space that's informative and educational. It's housed on the third and fourth floors on the university’s Mitchell Library. Besides the Presidential Library of the nation’s 18th president, there's also the Lincolniana Gallery to explore. The gallery contains the nation’s largest privately held research and display material on Abraham Lincoln as well as the country’s most comprehensive privately-held Lincoln and Civil War libraries. Historians, scholars, students and others from around the nation and world visit the museums to study the collections and learn more about the lives of the 16th and 18th presidents. For hours of operation and more, visit the library's website at: usgrantlibrary.org. 3. After mentioning MSU, it's only natural I'd advise anyone with a love of literature to venture further north to Oxford. Yes, there's plenty to see at the University of Mississippi and surrounding area, but a trip to Rowan Oak, home of one of Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author and native son William Faulkner, is the recommended stop. Purchased by Faulkner in 1930, the Greek Revival home sits on 29 acres filled with scenic natural beauty. A tour of the home dating back to the 1840's conjures up images of one of our state's most celebrated writers penning "A Fable." In fact, the outline of the award-winning literature is written on one of the walls in Faulkner's handwriting. Find out more about the home's hours and admission at: rowanoak.com. 4. Elvis has been in the news lately due to the hit movie chronicling his life and the death of Lisa Marie, his only child. If you have never visited the childhood home of one of our state's most famous natives, now's the perfect time to head to Tupelo. The birthplace, a humble two-room shack, draws over 80,000 tourists each year, including from every country around the globe. Today, the home is the centerpiece of the sprawling park which includes statues of Elvis at various ages and his childhood Assembly of God church, the place where he first sang gospel music. The museum, formerly a youth center built by Elvis before his death, contains his personal Bible, towels fans took from his hotel rooms and one of his Vegas costumes. A popular feature of the property, designated a historic landmark by the state, is the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel, where Elvis’ gospel recordings are played and another Presley family Bible is displayed. Throughout the well-designed garden are stone walls and walks depicting the singer’s life, statues and a picnic pavilions and lake for those desiring to continue reveling in Elvis’ memory. Before you go, check out: elvispresleybirthplace.com. 5. It's not often that I recommend a cemetery visit, but this one's exceptional. Friendship Cemetery in Columbus is the site of the first Decoration Day in 1866, an event that led to the modern Memorial Day observance and national holiday. It's a peaceful serene place despite heartbreaking images of weeping angels and stones marking the final resting place of 2,194 Confederate soldiers killed during the Civil War. Those felled in the bloody Battle of Shiloh in nearby Tennessee represent a large portion of the resting places. In 1866, a group of Columbus women decided to decorate the graves of the soldiers, including 34 from the Union Army. The story of the women tending to the final resting place of soldiers spread across the country, resulting in the publication of the poem, "The Blue and the Gray." While in Columbus, pay a visit to the birthplace of another famous Mississippi writer. Born in 1911 in an Episcopalian rectory, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Tennessee Williams wrote plays, short stories, essays and memoirs. Three of his most successful works include "The Glass Menagerie," "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Faulkner is regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in American history. The Tennessee Williams House Museum and Welcome Center hosts tourists from around the world who travel to Columbus to pay homage to the playwright born and raised in the 1875 Victorian home. Find out more about these interesting places at: visitcolumbusms.org. Next week, I'll share my favorite central Mississippi attractions, just in time for spring - or spring break - exploring. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.