Today in Mississippi September 2024 Pontotoc by American MainStreet Publications

My Opinion

Set the future course for Mississippi

Just in case you were living under a rock, this year is an election year.

This is a big one — a presidential election.

It’s not an overstatement to say the decisions made in Washington, D.C. a ect us all.

Election Day is Nov. 5, so we have a few months before we head to the polls.

But September is special because Sept. 17 is National Voter Registration Day.

If you aren’t registered to vote, this month is the perfect time to do just that.

Mississippi’s electric cooperatives want to help members register because it’s important.

Why?

Too often policy decisions made today disproportionately reﬂect the interests of large utility companies in urban areas. As members and owners of our co-ops, we understand the distinct local challenges we face, and are uniquely responsive to our communities in ways that other utilities are not.

That’s why we need to register to vote and make our voice known.

We need to make sure both our state and federal lawmakers and regulatory o cials understand our unique cooperative needs, so we can continue to provide reliable and a ordable power to our communities.

Many younger people in the state, who are hitting 18 or are a few years older, might not be registered to vote.

To that end, some of our local electrical cooperatives will be stationed at community colleges to get those folks registered. The future belongs to all of us, so we all need to vote to ensure our priorities, values, and perspectives are addressed.

The Sept. 17 voter registration drives are not the only way your electric cooperatives

want to assist members in having a say in the future course of Mississippi.

We want to help members become better informed voters.

Our Co-ops Vote MS initiative and website makes it easier for members to get informed and to participate in the democratic process.

The website — coopsvotems.com — features quick links to important voting information including where to register to vote, our current elected o cials, what elections are occurring this year, and videos of statewide elected o cials talking about the importance of voting, and what they do on a day-to-day basis.

I’ve said this before, and I’m going to say it again. Voting is a form of participation, and every qualiﬁed man and woman in Mississippi should not only cast their vote, but care enough to understand who they are voting for and why.

You have the POWER to Register. Be informed. Vote.

On another quick note, this issue is our second annual travel issue. If you’re looking for something to do on a weekend day, hop on The Natchez Trace Parkway and visit one of the many special locations or sites just o this 444-mile jewel.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Mississippi is...

Well look at you great, gorgeous Mississippi! Aren’t you significantly something special to see? Varieties of beautiful greens fill spectacular scenery. Oaks, maples, magnolias, pecans, and pines. Shelter and grace three million friends of mine! Then there’s not so cute and cute crazy critters. That Mississippians hunt with hounds, beagles, and sitters. Hogs, coons, gators, does, and deer are about. Good and bad, but not one critter you’d live without. Especially your people, friendly and fair. The best! Occupy your state north, east, south, and west. Land loaded with wandering water, lakes, and streams. Water sports and fisherperson dreams! Yes, God created this mixed combination. Making Mississippi God’s special creation. Due to heavenly Father’s grace. Designed Mississippi as a nearly perfect place. by Tom Morgan, a resident of Sumrall, and a member of Pearl River Valley Electric.

What’s Mississippi to you?

What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop or mail to P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158

Submit your beautiful digital photo of life in Mississippi to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 77 No. 9

OFFICERS

Ron Barnes - President

Brian Hughey - First Vice President

Brian Long - Secretary/Treasurer

Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF

Lydia Walters - VP, Communications

Steven Ward - Editor

Chad Calcote - Creative Director

Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer

Alan Burnitt - Graphic Designer

Courtney Warren - Graphic Designer

Chris Alexander - Member Services Coordinator

Andy Tuccio - Media Solutions Director

Steve Temple - Social Media Director

Kendle Dean - Administrative Assistant

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING

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Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s electric power associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser.

• National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181

Circulation of this issue: 489,460

Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional o ce. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. The magazine is published for members of subscribing co-ops. The magazine is a bene t of membership.

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5 college students get engineering scholarships

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation was created by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi in 2005 in an e ort to give back to the communities they serve by providing scholarships for engineering students in their junior or senior year of college.

This year, ﬁve college students were awarded $2,000 scholarships. Arden Armstrong of Jackson, an electrical engineering major at Mississippi State University; Chris Pope of Leaksville, an electrical engineering student at Mississippi State University; Shay Ramsey of Biloxi, a mechanical engineering major at Mississippi State University; Garrett Minchew of Laurel, a mechanical engineering major at Mississippi State University; and John Alliston of Gulfport, an electrical engineering major at Mississippi State University won the scholarships. Armstrong, Pope, Ramsay, and Minchew are working for Cooperative Energy, while Alliston works at Coast Electric. The students work at the electric cooperatives as part of Mississippi State University’s Co-op engineering program.

Hyde-Smith looks out for co-ops in energy bill

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) recently supported committee approval of a far-reaching bill to strengthen American energy security by reforming the federal permitting process for critical energy and mineral projects in the U.S., according to a news release.

Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that marked up the bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, a measure that would expedite permitting decisions and review of legal challenges to energy, mineral, and electricity production and distribution projects. It was approved 15 to 4.

“The reforms in this legislation are overdue. The citizens of this country and my state will be better o by cutting red tape in the permitting process, providing greater stability in oil and gas production, and enhance energy security overall. That said, I think the bill can still be improved,” Hyde-Smith said.

Of interest to Mississippi, the measure would mandate increased o shore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, permanently end the Biden administration’s so-called pause on liquiﬁed natural gas (LNG) exports, and expedite judicial reviews of federal energy and mineral project authorizations.

Hyde-Smith, in a statement for the record, indicated the need to address concerns raised by electric cooperatives in Mississippi regarding interstate electric transmission reform, speciﬁcally citing a state law enacted last year to maintain state jurisdiction over the integrity of electric transmission infrastructure.

“I want to make sure that the voices of our electric cooperatives are being heard, too. Co-ops in Mississippi have raised concerns regarding the changes to Section 401 in this bill, speciﬁcally regulatory overreach, cost allocation, and state authority,” Hyde-Smith said.

“We have to be aware of the potential setback the Energy Permitting Bill Act could cause for my state’s control of new transmission projects if FERC’s authority can supersede these state regulations. So as this measure continues to move through the legislative process, I want to ensure that our co-ops are being heard and that their concerns are being addressed,” she said. “We can’t leave our electric cooperatives out of the conversation.”

Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who negotiated the legislation, indicated a willingness to work with committee members to address a variety of remaining concerns with the bill, which could be considered by the full Senate later this year.

From left, John Alliston, Arden Armstrong, and Chris Pope. Not pictured: Shay Ramsey and Garrett Minchew.

Southern Gardening

I have always admired plants with silver color, as this unusual shade can bring some variety to garden spaces.

Dusty Miller is a traditional landscape plant and one of my favorite hardy perennials, but it is also admired for its striking silver-gray foliage. Its ﬁnely lobed leaves are covered with a dense, silvery-white, felt-like coating that gives the plant a velvety texture and a frosty appearance.

Botanically known as Senecio cineraria, Dusty Miller belongs to the Asteraceae family. It can reach up to 12-18 inches tall and spreads 10-12 inches, forming a compact and bushy growth habit.

One of the reasons I love Dusty Miller is its ability to thrive in various growing conditions.

It does well in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile addition to di erent parts of the garden. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions, which is ideal for low-maintenance gardening. Dusty Miller is also drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering once established.

Although grown as a perennial in warm climates, Dusty Miller is often treated as an annual in cooler regions. When grown as a perennial, it may produce small yellow ﬂowers in the second year. Some gardeners prefer to remove these ﬂower stalks to maintain the plant’s neat and compact appearance.

Dusty Miller pairs beautifully with a wide range of plants, o ering a striking contrast to brightly colored ﬂowers and green foliage. Its silver-gray leaves create a stunning backdrop for blooms like marigolds, petunias, and geraniums. It also works well in monochromatic gardens, adding texture and interest alongside other silver and white plants.

Sea Holly is another striking perennial that I prize for its unique, architectural appearance and silver color. Its sti , serrated leaves with a greenish hue and a distinctive silver metallic sheen add bold texture to gardens.

The plant’s foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, adding a continuous silver accent to garden beds, borders, and containers.

Sea Holly produces thistle-like ﬂowers of blue, purple and silver which sit atop tall, branching stems. These ﬂowers have a spiky, spherical form that adds an unusual and eye-catching element to gardens.

Sea Holly has sti , serrated leaves with a distinctive silver metallic sheen. Its spherical, thistle-like ﬂowers add an unusual element to gardens.

This plant also draws bees and butterﬂies with its nectar-rich blooms.

Like Dusty Miller, Sea Holly prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Licorice Plant Icicles is another popular ornamental I adore for its striking silver foliage. I appreciate how this plant adds a delicate and frosty element to a garden.

Its unique, silvery-white leaves are elongated, narrow, pointed and covered with ﬁne hairs that resemble icicles. The foliage is soft to the touch and very aromatic when crushed.

The Icicles plant is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9-11, which includes a portion of south Mississippi. In cooler climates, it is often grown as an annual or used in containers that can be brought indoors during winter.

If you’re looking to add some variety to your landscape, consider the dynamic shape and color of these silver plants.

by Dr. Eddie Smith

Southern Gardening columnist Dr. Eddie Smith, a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, is an internationally certiﬁed arborist, Produce Safety Alliance certiﬁed trainer, and one of the developers of the Mississippi Smart Landscapes program that encourages the use of native plants in the landscape.

Dusty Miller is a traditional landscape plant that is admired for its striking silver-gray foliage.

Licorice Plant Icicles is a unique, silvery-white plant grown as an annual in cooler climates or used in containers that can be brought indoors during winter.

Outdoors Today

Propelled by powerful, broad wings, massive birds are headed directly toward us at deceptively fast speeds.

Crouching in the blind, we waited for the ﬁrst wave of feathered overcast to come into range. Soon, the large boisterously honking birds cleared the golf course on the other side of our pond. Moments later, the giant birds descended lower to look over our decoys ﬂoating on the pond.

By the early 20th century, overhunting and habitat lost greatly reduced the population of the giant Canada goose subspecies. Wildlife managers thought this magniﬁcent bird became extinct in the 1950s. Fortunately, someone discovered a small ﬂock in Minnesota.

From that remanent, wildlife managers began breeding and

releasing the huge waterfowl all over the nation. Much larger than other Canada goose subspecies and raised in pens, the original o spring and their progeny did not migrate.

In the past few decades, exploding populations of gigantic resident honkers, sometimes derisively mocked as “golf course geese,” became pests in many places. The resident geese became so numerous that Mississippi now allows a special September season for these giant non-migratory birds.

In the summer, geese head to large waterbodies to molt, or shed their feathers. At this time, the ﬂightless birds become vulnerable to predators, so they look for safe havens, such as parks and golf courses. The big birds can make a mess wherever they go. They leave their droppings everywhere.

As

for

By August, they replace their flight feathers. As fall approaches, geese split into smaller groups and look for ripening grain to eat. The large, voracious birds can do serious damage to crop fields. They eat all the grain and pull the plants up by their roots. A flock of geese can strip a crop field in a short time, leaving nothing, but dirt and droppings.

Therefore, many farmers hate the geese. Traditionally, many Mississippi landowners lease out portions of their properties for hunting to clubs at expensive rates. When it comes to the geese, many landowners welcome waterfowl hunters on their properties.

fall approaches, geese split into smaller

groups and look

ripening grain to eat. The large, voracious birds can do serious damage to crop ﬁelds. They eat all the grain and pull the plants up by their roots.

Sportsmen could drive around looking for concentrations of the big birds. After ﬁnding a bunch of Canada geese, they could ask the farmer or landowner for permission to hunt the property. Many landowners will greet such a request enthusiastically and quickly grant permission.

Other goose species populate Mississippi every fall and winter. At the end of the Mississippi Flyway, the Magnolia State typically attracts large numbers of migratory ducks and geese each year. The birds frequently follow the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers from their breeding grounds in the northern Great Plains down to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River Alluvial Valley in western Mississippi provides one of the critical wintering waterfowl habitats in North America. Lakes, rivers, and agricultural ﬁelds provide more waterfowl habitat.

The 2024 Mississippi season on resident Canada geese runs from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30 with a limit of ﬁve per person, per day. Other goose seasons open later in the fall.

by John N. Felsher

John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer, and editor who lives in Alabama. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,300 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoors topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com.

Scene Around the ‘Sip

by Nick Thomas

After navigating primitive forest trails, hikers generally don’t expect to encounter a multimillion-dollar science museum at the end of their trek. However, this unique reward awaits visitors who complete the fairly easy mile-and-a-half nature trail through LeFleur’s Blu State Park and reach the state-of-the-art Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson.

“It’s a unique connection between a Mississippi State Park and a museum,” said T.J. Drummond, the museum’s visitor and volunteer services manager. “You can experience nature by walking through the park, then learn about it and much more at the museum.”

As cooler fall weather begins rolling across the Southeast, it’s the perfect season to explore the 305acre park. The nature trail guides visitors through a woodland forest, past scenic swamplands, along the Pearl River, and around Mayes Lake, where birds and other wildlife are often spotted. Trail markers help identify the diverse animals and plants found within the park.

trail from the park to the museum and begin just past the park’s campground that can be reached from the Lakeland Terrace side, o Lakeland Drive. One short trail runs parallel to the lake, but the Pearl River Trail veers o to the left toward the museum.

It’s a unique connection between a Mississippi State Park and a museum. You can experience nature by walking through the park, then learn about it and much more at the museum.

The trail ends at a series of rustic staircases where some 75 stairs lead up to a small amphitheater and, just past the open-air site, a primeval display greets visitors – six large 3D dinosaur models including a T. rex and Triceratops stationed as permanent outdoor exhibits at the museum since 2022. From there, the museum building can be accessed with more recent dinosaur additions featured in a new exhibit, ‘Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors Exhibit,’ on display until Jan. 5 next year.

Conditions can be muddy or quite saturated after heavy rain, but footbridges and simple boardwalks direct walkers over streams and low points along the park’s color-coded trails. The purple (Pearl River) and red (Old River Run) trails make up most of the nature

“Visitors will be whisked back in time on a dinosaur adventure to come face-to-face with the giants of the past!” said Angel Rohnke, the museum’s director. “In this outdoor and indoor exhibition featuring 11 animatronic dinosaurs and cutting-edge research, visitors will tour an Earth that is very di erent from the one we inhabit today and learn about dinosaurs like T. rex and the Oviraptor, tectonic plates, geological formations, and the latest paleontological research.”

Hikers should veer left o this trail alongside Mayes Lake to get on the main trail to the science museum.

In addition to the dinosaur displays, the museum features a series of permanent and temporary exhibits throughout its 73,000-square-foot space including a 100,000-gallon aquarium network, and a 1,700-square-foot swamp greenhouse. More than a museum, the facility is also an operating research center where Mississippi’s fauna and ﬂora are studied, and the state’s biological resources have been documented since the museum was ﬁrst established in 1932 at its original downtown location. Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the museum’s move to the current LeFleur’s Blu State Park site.

Displays also highlight Mississippi’s endangered species and a wall is devoted to fossil specimens. While dinosaur fossils have been unearthed in the state, their distribution is limited.

“Dinosaurs have only been recovered in northeast Mississippi, where deposits of that age are exposed at the surface,” said George Phillips, the museum’s chief paleontologist. “There are no ‘dinosaur age’ deposits exposed in central Mississippi.” Phillips and his research team made a major discovery several years ago after ﬁnding a tooth in Union County which he said is “the only horned dinosaur (Ceratopsidae) fossil ever to be recovered from Eastern North America.” He expects the tooth to be added to the museum’s fossil wall display when it’s next updated.

Visitors not wishing to hike the longer trail through the park to the museum can tackle several short trails (the Old Pond, Cypress Trails, and Overlook Loop) behind the museum or access the museum directly through the front entrance o I-55. There they will not only be greeted by the giant dinosaur structures but also a children’s museum and an elaborate playground that kids of all ages will enjoy.

“Our museum and park have inspired countless visitors to appreciate and conserve the rich biodiversity of our state,” Rohnke said. “By o ering educational programs, interactive exhibits, and a beautiful natural setting, we continue.”

Nick Thomas writes features, columns, and interviews for many magazines and newspapers. See www.getnickt.org.

The Pearl River running through the park

and White-winged Doves (Statewide)

Mergansers, and Coots**

Geese: Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross’, and Brant

Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl Days

Light Goose Conservation Order*** (Special Permit Needed)

28 – Dec. 1 Dec. 7 - Jan. 31

Nov. 11 - Nov. 24

Nov. 28 - Dec. 1

Dec. 7 - Jan. 31 Canada Geese : 5 Snow, Blue, & Ross’: 20 White-fronted: 3 Brant: 1

Feb. 8 - 9, 2025

Canada Geese : 15 Snow, Blue, & Ross’: No limit White-fronted: 9 Brant: 3

Spring Turkey

Oct. 1 - Nov. 10

Youth (Private, authorized state and federal public lands, and open public lands. Youth 15 and under)

Nov. 25 - Nov. 27

Dec. 2 - Dec. 6

Feb. 1 - Feb. 7

Feb. 10 - Mar. 31

*Sept. Canada Goose season is closed on Roebuck Lake in Leflore county.

Mar. 8 - 14

One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per Spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day, 3 per Spring season.

* Non-residents Turkey Hunting on Public Lands: Non-residents cannot hunt any public land in Mississippi before April 1 unless drawn for either a Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or WMA Draw Hunt. During youth season on public land, any non-resident accompanying adult must be permitted/ drawn.

**The duck daily bag limit is a total of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, and 2 redheads. The daily bag limit for scaup is 1

SMALL GAME

28 – Dec. 1 and Dec. 7 – 17; and is 2 scaup per day Dec. 18 – Jan. 31.

Small Game

The merganser daily bag limit is a total of 5 mergansers, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers.

The coot daily bag limit is a total of 15 coots.

The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit for ducks, mergansers, and coots.

Shooting hours for all migratory game birds are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except for the Light Goose Conservation Order (see below).

***The Light Goose Conservation Order is a special opportunity designed to reduce the population of overpopulated snow, blue, and Ross’ geese when no other waterfowl seasons are open. This order allows for expanded methods of take that are not allowed during regular waterfowl seasons. To participate in the Light Goose Conservation Order, hunters need a valid Mississippi hunting license, state waterfowl stamp, and a free Light Goose Conservation Order permit number. Hunters can obtain a permit number by visiting mdwfp.com/waterfowl.

Light Goose Conservation Order Methods: Shooting hours are from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Only snow, blue, and Ross’ geese are eligible for harvest. The use of electronic calls is allowed. The use of unplugged shotguns is allowed. There is no daily or possession limit for snow, blue, or Ross’ geese. Hunters must use non-toxic shot. Hunters must possess a valid Mississippi hunting license and a Mississippi state waterfowl stamp. Light goose conservation order hunters do not need a federal duck stamp.

DEER ZONES

BAG LIMITS

ANTLERED

BUCK DEER:

The statewide bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day and three (3) per annual season. One (1) of these three (3) may have hardened antlers that do not meet the unit legal antler requirements on private land and Holly Springs National Forest. Only one antlered buck may be harvested during the September archery velvet season (counts toward the annual bag limit). For youth hunters ﬁfteen (15) years of age and younger, hunting on private land and authorized state and federal lands, all three (3) of the three (3) buck bag limit may be any antlered deer. Antlered buck bag limit in the NorthCentral Deer Management Unit (DMU) is one (1) buck per day and four (4) per annual season. No antler restrictions apply to this DMU. All four bucks may have any sized hardened antlers.

ANTLERLESS DEER:

Private lands: Private lands: The statewide annual bag limit on antlerless deer is ﬁve (5). The antlerless bag limit for private lands in the North Central DMU is ten (10) antlerless deer per season. Antlerless deer are male or female deer which do not have hardened antler above the natural hairline. Only three (3) antlerless deer may be harvested from the Southeast Unit. There is no daily bag limit on antlerless deer in the North Central, Hills, and Delta units. Only one (1) antlerless deer per day may be harvested in the Southeast DMU.

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed ﬁve (5) per annual season except in the Southeast Unit, which is three (3) per annual season.

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed ﬁve (5) per annual season except in the Southeast Unit, which is two (2) per annual season.

DELTA UNIT

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 12 inches OR one main beam at least 15

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a

How to estimate a 12 inch inside spread:

Estimating a 12 inch spread is accomplished by observing a

To estimate a 15 inch main beam, the buck’s buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, the head must be observed from the side. If the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately 15 tip of the main beam extends between the inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam reaches the ear-tip, front of the eye and the tip of the nose, main the inside spread is approximately 12 inches. (Therefore, if the beam length is approximately 15 inches. outside of both antler beams reach the ear tips, the buck is legal).

*Due to body size differences in the Delta Unit, ear-tip to ear-tip measurements are slightly larger compared to the other units.

Legal Bucks

*Due to body size differences in the Delta Unit, ear-tip to ear-tip measurements are slightly larger compared to the other units.

WHITE-TAILED DEER

SOUTHEAST AND HILLS UNITS

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 10 inches OR one main beam at least 13 inches long. How to estimate a 10 inch inside spread: How to estimate a 13 inch main

DELTA,

NORTH

CENTRAL, AND HILLS DEER MANAGEMENT UNITS

DELTA, NORTH CENTRAL, AND HILLS DEER MANAGEMENT UNITS METHOD SEASON DATES LEGAL DEER

METHOD SEASON DATES LEGAL DEER

Archery Sept. 13 - 15

Estimating a 10 inch spread is accomplished by observing a

Archery Sept. 13 - 15

buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, head must be

Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands. Oct. 1 - Nov. 22

Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands Oct. 1 - Nov. 22

from the

If the the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately tip of the main beam extends to the front of 14 inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam is 1 inch inside the eye, main beam length is approximately the ear-tip, the inside spread is approximately 10 inches. 13 inches.

Youth Season (15 and under) Nov. 9 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands. Nov. 23 - Jan. 31

Either-Sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow below legal deer criteria.

DELTA UNIT

Either-Sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow below legal deer criteria.

Antlerless Primitive Weapon Nov. 11 - 22 Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 12

Antlerless Primitive Weapon Nov. 11 - 22

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

How to estimate a 12 inch inside spread:

Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - 15

Gun (without dogs) Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22

*Due to body size differences in the Delta Unit, ear-tip to ear-tip measurements are slightly larger compared to the other units.

Archery

Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Estimating a 12 inch spread is accomplished by observing a To estimate a 15 inch main beam, the buck’s buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, the head must be observed from the side. If the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately 15 tip of the main beam extends between the inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam reaches the ear-tip, front of the eye and the tip of the nose, main the inside spread is approximately 12 inches. (Therefore, if the beam length is approximately 15 inches. outside of both antler beams reach the ear tips, the buck is legal).

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex

SOUTHEAST UNIT

on private land with appropriate license.

DELTA, NORTH CENTRAL, AND HILLS DEER MANAGEMENT UNITS

Sept. 13 - 15

13 - 15

Oct. 15 - Nov. 22

Archery Sept. 13 - 15 Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands. Oct. 15 - Nov. 22

Oct. 1 - Nov. 22

Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands.

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Season (15 and under) Nov. 9 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands. Nov. 23 - Jan. 31

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands. Nov. 23 - Feb. 15

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Antlerless Primitive Weapon Nov. 11 - 22

2 -

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - 15

Gun (without

Either-Sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow below legal deer criteria.

Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 23 - Dec. 1 Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - 15

Gun (without dogs) Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22

Gun (without dogs) Dec. 16 - 23

Archery/Primitive Weapon Jan. 23 - 31

Gun (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22

Archery/Primitive Weapon Jan. 23 - 31

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license. Feb. 1 - 15 Legal Bucks only on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Spring NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

SPRING TURKEY

Spring Turkey

SOUTHEAST UNIT

• Rate schedule is based on your current age and is guaranteed for the life of the policy.

• Coverage is also available for your spouse and other family members.

• Benefits will NEVER be canceled or reduced for the life of the policy if premiums are paid on time.

Policy Form #SRTCV/SRTCV R13 or R17, or #SRTCV90MA in MA

CA Residents, for your consumer rights, please visit beginglobeinsurancetoday.com/privacy.

(Offer

• Rates are based on your children’s or grandchildren’s present age and never increase for any reason.

• Benefits will NEVER be reduced or canceled if premiums are paid on time.

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Policy Form #GWL2001 or GWLA001

PONTOTOC 662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156

P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR new parents

Electrical safety is important for us all, but new parents, make sure you review these tips to keep your little ones safe:

• Regularly check electrical cords for damage or exposed wires.

• Keep electrical items a safe distance away from any water source.

• Ensure GFCI electrical outlets are installed in rooms with water sources.

• Secure heavy electronics like TVs to prevent them from being pulled down or knocked over.

• Keep electrical cords away from high-tra c areas in the home.

• When they’re old enough, teach children about the importance of electrical safety.

Love of language Chunn finds path in life through

by Jennifer Johnson

PEPA member and Pontotoc High School's Joy Chunn believes her role as a teacher and advocate for children has always been God’s plan for her life. “Growing up, I knew I wanted to be a teacher of some sort and a mama. My mother always worked with children and preschoolers, and she truly was my ﬁrst teacher.”

As a student at Tupelo High School, Chunn signed up for a Spanish class. Her teacher was Joseﬁna Rayburn, a native of Aguascaliente, Mexico, who came to the U.S. to get a license to teach. Chunn said Rayburn’s background was invaluable. “Having a native Spanish speaker was a great gift.”

Another opportunity to learn Spanish came when Rayburn asked Chunn’s parents to host a student from Mexico. Chunn called it “a wonderful opportunity to build a friendship and learn from a native Spanish speaker.”

Chunn took three Spanish courses while attending THS (where she graduated valedictorian!). After high school, Chunn went on to Blue Mountain Christian University. She told her advisor her plan was to major in elementary education and Spanish. But the advisor discouraged Chunn’s plans of continuing to immerse herself in learning a foreign language, telling Chunn “you’ll never use that in Mississippi.”

After much prayer, Chunn decided to go ahead with her plan. She graduated with a major in modern languages, and to say she has used it in her career is an understatement. Her ﬁrst teaching

job was with Columbus High West and Columbus High School, where she taught Spanish I and II and co-sponsored the Spanish club and the National Spanish Honorary Society. She then taught Spanish at Shannon High School for four years, followed by a stint at Pontotoc High School teaching Spanish I – IV. Her former PHS principal Chad Chism left to oversee Pontotoc Elementary and Chunn moved there.

“He realized English as a second language was a growing population and needed someone who could communicate with those families.”

At the time, Chunn was not English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsed, but she went back to get her master’s degree in literacy education and gained that endorsement. She said she learned an important lesson there.

“There are so many little things in English that are not normal. It truly helped me understand just how hard English is to learn.”

She taught at Pontotoc Elementary for nine years, and at one point worked with 103 kids. She’s quick to point out she’s not alone in helping the ESL population. “We have a team of ESL teachers, and we are very fortunate to have a good number of teachers and paraprofessionals who are bilingual.” From there, she was the ESL for students at Pontotoc High School for two years.

Now, Chunn has taken on a new role in the Pontotoc school district as the director of English Language Services and is leading the newcomer program (housed at PHS), which targets students who

enter an English-speaking school and have fewer than two years of exposure to English.

Chunn said she believes God had her career mapped out all along. “He put so many things in my path to allow me to serve this way and help kids grow.”

And she’s not only serving in the school system. She and husband Gary have been foster parents to two Spanish-speaking sibling groups.The ﬁrst pair of boys have now gone back to their mother in Mexico, but Chunn still hears from the young men. “We’re still very close. They call me at least once a week. We text back and forth, and they send me pictures.”

The Chunns have three boys of their own, and Chunn was son Ayden’s Spanish I teacher, an opportunity she called "cool.”

Chunn said she saw another former student who had saved all the learning aids Chunn had given her class. She told Chunn she brings that binder to her job as a nurse to help her communicate with patients who do not speak English.

He realized English as a second language was a growing population and needed someone who could communicate with those families.

She said during the span of her career, she has had some wonderful interactions with former students who have told her how her teaching and mentoring have helped them into adulthood. “I had a student at Shannon High School who struggled with learning Spanish, but he had quite a gift of creating with his hands. I had encouraged him to do something with pottery. I ran into him recently, and he told me he is now an art teacher specializing in pottery.”

She's been recognized for her accomplishments, being chosen as the PHS Teacher of the Year and the District Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year.

Chunn is coming into her 30th year in teaching, and Chunn said she could never see herself leaving education completely. “Right now, my plan is to stick with it for 35 years. Then I might do something di erent, but it will probably be working with teachers in some capacity. I love teachers and the impact they have.”

And does she have any advice for those just getting started in the education ﬁeld?

“Make sure you remember that a student is more than a learner. We have a generation of kids now who don’t always have someone investing in them. Many children are growing up with an iPad or a television. Be diligent in making the time to talk to and not just teach those kids. They need a person who sees them.”

Joy Chunn enjoys helping mentor new teachers who join the Pontotoc City School System. Pictured left to right: Pontotoc Elementary Assistant Teacher Eden Caballero, Chunn, and EL Teacher Hanna Lindamood work on plans for the school year.

Alcia “Alis” Garcia Izquienda, (left) who once lived with Chunn’s family growing up poses for a photo with Chunn’s high school mentor Joseﬁna Rayburn (center).

Need

some simple ideas for dinner? 5 ingredients or fewer these winners make dinner a cinch!

dijon pork chops

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

6 boneless pork loin chops, 8 ounces each and ¾ inch thick

1⁄3 cup seasoned bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread mustard onto both sides of pork chops; place on a greased baking sheet. Mix bread crumbs with a dash of pepper and press mixture onto top and sides of chops. Bake until lightly browned. Look for thermometer reading of 145 degrees. Let stand ﬁve minutes before serving.

barbequed chicken pizza

INGREDIENTS

1 pre-baked 12-inch pizza crust

2⁄3 cup honey garlic bbq sauce

1 small purple onion, chopped

1 cup cubed cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken

2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Place crust on pizza pan. Spread bbq sauce to within a half-inch of crust edges. Sprinkle with onion, chicken, and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted.

butter parmesan corn

INGREDIENTS

6 half ears corn

2 tablespoons butter, softened

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated salt to taste pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat each ear of corn in a thin layer of butter and roll in parmesan cheese to coat. Place corn in a square baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes.

roasted tomatoes

INGREDIENTS

10 large vine tomatoes, halved

4 garlic cloves, sliced

½ bunch thyme

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle garlic and thyme on tomatoes, and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Roast for one hour. Remove and set aside to cool.

If Your Hands, Arms, Feet, or Legs Are Numb - If You Feel Shooting or Burning Pain or An Electric Sensation - You Are at Risk

Get The Help You Need - Here's What You Need to Know...

Purvis, MS - If you experience numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet or if you experience shooting or burning pain, this is important.

Please read this carefully

Peripheral Neuropathy is when small blood vessels in the hands, arms, feet or legs become diseased and tiny nerves that keep the cells and muscles working properly shrivel up and die.

Early-warning symptoms include tingling and numbness, mild loss of feeling in your hands, arms, legs or feet, inability to feel your feet, which increases your risk of foot-injury and falling

More Advanced Symptoms Include...

Loss of coordination & dexterity, which puts you at increased risk of accidents

Inability to feel clothing like socks and gloves

High risk of falling, which makes walking dangerous, and makes you more dependent on others

Burning sensations in your arms, legs, hands or feet that may start mild, but as nerves and muscles die, may feel like you're being burned by a blow torch.

Ignore the early warning signals long enough and you risk progressive nerve damage leading to muscle wasting, severe pain, loss of balance and a lot of staying at home wishing you didn't hurt

When every step is like walking on hot coals, sitting still may be the only thing you feel like doing But there's little joy in sitting still all day long

Now here's the scary part....

Nerve damage CAUSES cell damage Cell damage SPEEDS UP nerve degeneration

Without treatment this can become a DOWN-WARD SPIRAL that accelerates.

The damage can get worse fast Mild symptoms intensify Slight tingling, numbness or lack of feeling can turn into burning pain.

Before you know it, damage can become so bad you hurt all the time

Unless this downward spiral is stopped and nerves return to proper function - the damage to nerves and cells in the affected area can get so bad your muscles begin to die right along with the nerves and cells. And that sets the stage for weakness, loss of mobility, disability, and dependence on others.

If you have early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy, (tingling &/or numbness, loss of feeling or pain) it's CRITICAL you get proper treatment

It's critical, because with proper treatment the symptoms can often be reversed Without it, you are playing Russian Roulette with your health

Once your nerve loss reaches 85%, odds are there's nothing any doctor can do to help.

The most common method your doctor may recommend to treat neuropathy is prescription drugs

Drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, & Neurontin are often prescribed to manage the pain But, damaged nerves and dying cells do not heal on their own

Pain pills do not restore healthy nerve function. They just mask the pain as the nerves continue to degenerate and cells and muscle continue to die.

Taking endless drugs and suffering terrible side effects that may damage your liver & kidney and create even more problems, is not a reasonable path. You deserve better. Three things must be determined to effectively treat neuropathy 1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained? 3) How much treatment your condition will require?

With proper treatment, shriveled blood vessels grow back & nerves can return to proper function How much treatment you may need depends on your condition

At Purvis Chiropractic we do a complete neuropathy sensitivity exam to determine the extent of your nerve damage The exam includes a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, & a detailed analysis of the findings.

Dr Rob Acord, D C will be offering this complete neuropathy sensitivity exam for $47 This special offer goes away at the end of this month as we have a limited number of exam appointments available

Stop Hurting & Start Healing

Call

Photos by Chad Calcote. Additional photos provided by the Natchez Trace Compact.

Above, the Windsor Ruins in Port Gibson.

by Steven Ward

If you live near The Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi, you might avoid it for everyday trips — drives to work, home, or to run errands.

But if you are looking for a day or weekend trip to explore the state, “The Trace” is as close to perfect as anything in Mississippi.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is 444 miles that snake through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee linking Natchez to Nashville.

Established as a unit of the National Park System in 1938 and o cially completed in 2005, the Trace — headquartered in Tupelo — has been declared a National Scenic Byway, an All-American Road, and has been chosen as one of the country’s 10 best biking roads.

The Trace provides a near continuous greenway from the southern Appalachian foothills of Tennessee to the blu s of the lower

Mississippi River. Along the way, visitors can spot Indian mounds, — including the largest in the United States — four ecosystems, and eight major watersheds that provide habitat for nearly 1,500 species of plants, 33 mammal species, 134 bird species, and 70 species of reptiles and amphibians, according to the Natchez Trace Compact.

The Trace is well known for bicycling, hiking, camping, and scenic driving opportunities.

“It provides visitors the opportunity for an unhurried trip through time. In addition, there are dozens of unique communities along the route and just beyond the trees. Visitors can explore anything from one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities (Nashville) to charming historic villages,” said Kim Foster, executive director of the Natchez Trace Compact.

The Mississippi communities along the Trace include Natchez, Claiborne County, Raymond, Clinton, Jackson, Ridgeland, French Camp, Chickasaw County, Tupelo, and Tishomingo County.

The Mississippi River town of Natchez is ﬁlled with historic buildings and churches, antebellum mansions, four National Park sites, and a walkable downtown area.

• The Museum of African-American History and Culture (601-445-0728/visitnatchez.org)

• Trinity Episcopal Church (601-445-8432/ trinitynatchez.org)

• Fat Mama’s Tamales (601-304-2379/ fatmamastamales.com)

Claiborne County sits between the Mississippi River and the Big Black River and is about 44 minutes away from Vicksburg and an hour away from Natchez. The county includes the community of Port Gibson. Lorman — an unincorporated area in Je erson County — is nearby and home to the nation’s ﬁrst land-grant historically black college university.

• Alcorn State University (601-877-6100/alcorn.edu)

• Port Gibson is the location of the Windsor Ruins, a former plantation home destroyed by ﬁre in 1890 with 45-foot-tall masonry columns still standing. (mdah.ms.gov/explore-mississippi/windsor-ruins)

• Grand Gulf Military Park is a 450-acre landmark on the National Register of Historic Places with campgrounds, a museum with artifacts from the Civil War, picnic areas, and an observation tower. (601-437-5911/grandgulfpark.ms.gov).

• Rocky Springs is near Port Gibson and includes a scenic hiking trail and the remains of an old town including the Rocky Springs Methodist Church. where regular services are still held, and its neighboring cemetery. Yellow Fever hit Rocky Springs in 1878 and a icted 180 residents and killed 43 of them. (nps.gov/thingstodo/ rockyspringssection.htm)

Rocky Springs Methodist Church

Raymond is a town in Hinds County that is rich in Civil War history.

• Places to visit in the area include a walking and driving tour of downtown Raymond. (601-857-8041/raymondms.com)

• Raymond Battleﬁeld Park has a walking trail with interpretive markers and cannon placement. (natcheztracetravel.com/natchez-trace-mississippi/jacksonraymond-ms/347-raymond-military-park.html)

• The John Bell Williams Airport is in nearby Bolton. (601-857-3884/hindscc.edu/locations/john-bell-williams-airport)

The brick streets of Clinton’s olde towne feature an array of unique shops and restaurants.

• The Clinton Community Nature Center features miles of walking trails, a children’s play area, a seasonal splash pad, and historic landmarks. (601-926-1104/ clintonnaturecenter.org)

• Acclaimed artist Wyatt Waters’ art gallery is in Clinton as well. (601-925-8115/wyattwaters.com)

This area is known for French Camp Academy, a Christ-centered boarding school that is also the site of two other interesting attractions.

• French Camp Academy (662-547-9464/frenchcamp.org)

• French Camp Bed and Breakfast (662-547-6835/ frenchcamphistoricvillage.com)

• Rainwater Observatory is where visitors can experience astronomy education in a state-of-the-art planetarium and search the skies for stars and planets via the observatory’s powerful telescope. (662-547-7283/rainwaterobservatory.org)

The county’s small towns of Woodland, Houston, and Okolona o er recreation, food, o -road ATV trails, horseback riding, and plenty of history.

• The Bynum Mound, just six miles northeast of Houston and on the Trace Parkway, is where the Bynum Indians lived, hunted, and ﬁshed. The Indian mound is the oldest on the Natchez Trace. (nps.gov/places/bynum-mounds.htm)

• The Witch Dance, just outside of Houston, is famous for being a “haunted” campground. According to legend, witches once gathered there to dance, and wherever their feet hit the ground, the grass withered and died, never to grow again. (nps.gov/natr/witch-dance-bicycle-only-campground.htm)

Tupelo is the headquarters for the Natchez Trace Parkway and located in the northeast part of the state, intersected by the Trace, Highway 45, and Highway 78. Tupelo is Elvis Presley’s hometown. The King of Rock and Roll was born on Jan. 8, 1935, in a modest, two-room house that his father built with $180.

• The Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum features Presley’s home, a chapel, and a park. (662-841-1245/elvispresleybirthplace.com)

• Tupelo also is home to the Tupelo Bu alo Park, where visitors can take a tour on the “Monster Bison Bus” to see bu alo up close. (662-844-8709/ tupelobu alopark.com)

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and home to Woodall Mountain — the highest point in Mississippi — the county is ﬁlled with parks, caves, canyons, hiking trails, bridges, and streams for ﬁshing and swimming. The county is also home to the country’s only apron museum.

• The Apron Museum at Pineslab Shop in Iuka features hundreds of vintage aprons to view and purchase. (662-279 2390/ tishomingofunhere.org/PDFs/ApronMuseumFlyer.pdf)

• Visitors can also take a Bear Creek canoe trip in Tishomingo State Park. (662-438-6914/mdwfp.com)

For more information about planning a trip down the Natchez Trace Parkway, visit the Natchez Trace Compact’s website at scenictrace.com or nps.gov/natr/index.htm

Visit Today in Mississippi’s Facebook page to watch a video of the Windsor Ruins, just off the Trace in Port Gibson.

COME STAY & PLAY AT OUR

Gulfport Holiday KOA

THE BEST CAMPGROUND ON THE COAST

Whether you are exploring the coast or a local looking for a little get away, our new campground is the ideal place to stay. There’s plenty to do for all ages with pickleball, an adult pool, lazy river, hot tub, playground, doggie park, horseshoes, spa chair and more! And don’t forget to bring your pets along!

We offer premium tent sites with water and electric, 4 deluxe cabins with full baths, 4 cottages with 1/2 baths, rental campers, 8 sites with k9 playyaros, golf cart rentals, and a pavilion. All sites are equipped for 30 and 50 amp with full hookups, as well as have a firepit and patio, most also have grills. 3 Private showers and 2 bath houses.

Weekly, monthly, and holiday events

We are conveniently located 4 miles north of 1-10, just minutes from beaches, casinos, shopping, and many local attractions. Come see what all the buzz is about! 14031 Hwy 49N Gulfport, MS 39503

Join us at MOMD for Great Fall Events!

SEPTEMBER THRU OCTOBER

Mississippi coastal sculptor/painter Nina Cork shares her passion for the visual arts with an exhibition of her work over the past four decades.

JOIN US OCTOBER 4-5 for the largest Plein Air Paint Out in Mississippi. Come paint beautiful Greenwood in the heart of the Delta.

MONTH OF NOVEMBER

Enjoy fascinating work from Turkishborn DSU Assistant Professor of Art and Animation Korkut Akacik and his wife Yelda Akacik.

MONTH OF DECEMBER

Lee Harper’s Miniature Dioramas are sure to enthrall young and old alike. Doe’s Eat Place has been shrunk to ﬁt on a steak platter!

TAKE A BREAK FROM EVERYDAY LIFE

Fall is a great time for a day trip, and there’s no better place to visit than the Museum of the Mississippi Delta. Located in Greenwood, we’re just a short hop from most of north Mississippi and eastern Arkansas. Don’t pack a thing–just load up and head our way!

On the Menu

I have friends who have been counting down the days, weeks, and months until football season. Nothing else matters. In my little neck of the woods, students have moved back into dorms and Greek houses and are learning to drive around the road construction that has been unending this summer. It has been a back to school, back to routines, back to sports time for everybody I know. September signals the end of summer. Soon we’ll transition to falling leaves, pumpkin spice, and backyard ﬁre pits. Soup season might not be here yet but promises to be right around the corner. And we’ll all start counting the days, weeks, and months until the holidays hit hard and heavy.

I’ve always loved September. I have a few “rituals” that I allow myself this month — small things that bring me joy. My list includes things such as pulling out all my sweaters (I know; it’s a ludicrous task). I buy myself a new fall-fragranced candle and wait for the

“perfect” day to burn it. I buy a new set of ﬂannel sheets (they o set the ceiling fan that blows all winter), and I change the wreath on my front door. And, since my summer menus have consisted mostly of tomato sandwiches and refrigerator pickles, I go through my pantry and make lists of food that I need to get me through soup and hot tea season. And, of course, the comfort foods — I plan for comfort foods.

Do you have some “rituals” that make you happy? Are there things you look forward to? Make yourself a list and a timeline. Weave a few small things into your existence. Don’t forget to add food to your rituals — simple, easy, comfort foods. I’m sharing a couple of possibilities for you to try. They are guaranteed kid and family friendly, easy to prepare, and taste good as leftovers for extra busy days. Enjoy! I wish you a happy fall, y’all.

with Vicki Leach

INGREDIENTS

1 box yellow cake mix

Serves 9 to 12

20 ounce can crushed pineapple (or pineapple tidbits), undrained

1 can cherry pie ﬁlling, extra cherries

1 ½ sticks butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with pan spray. Pour undrained pineapple into the bottom of the casserole dish, spreading evenly across the bottom. Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading evenly into pineapple. Sprinkle cake mix across the fruits, again coating the fruit evenly. Cut butter into thin chips and sprinkle over cake mix.

Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly. Allow to cool a bit before serving to keep from scorching your mouth; but serve hot, at room temperature, or cold.

This is a dish that is as versatile as it gets. Add a 12-ounce pack of thawed frozen broccoli florets, frozen peas, or stir in some fresh spinach when you stir in the parmesan if you want to add something green to the dish. You can also top it with shredded mozzarella when it comes out of the oven. Use canned chicken if you’re in a super pinch for time.

INGREDIENTS

16 ounce package penne pasta, cooked and drained

1 package dry ranch dressing mix (or a couple tablespoons)

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or chunked

15.5 ounce jar Alfredo sauce (or homemade)

4 cups chicken broth (bouillon is ﬁne)

½ cup real bacon bits

½ cup parmesan cheese, extra for serving

Combine pasta, chicken, ranch, Alfredo, broth, and bacon bits and pour into a sprayed or oiled casserole dish. Bake in preheated 375 degrees oven for 20 minutes. Stir. Bake 10 more minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese then bake a final 10 minutes. Garnish as desired.

by Vicki Leach

Vicki Leach is a full-time chef/culinary instructor at Mississippi State University in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. She teaches Science of Food Preparation, Foodservice Organization, and Quantity Food Production. She also serves as the food service coordinator for First Baptist Church in Starkville, where she attends with her husband, Rob. She has four children and ﬁve grandchildren, and lives in a 130-year-old farmhouse that speaks to her old soul. She still has the ﬁrst cookbook she ever owned.

Makes a 9x13 dish

The South’s Most Elusive Artist: Walter Inglis Anderson. Sept. 7 to Nov. 23. Meridian. The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience hosts an exhibit of 40 works by the legendary Mississippi coast artist and a full slate of related programming. The exhibit will be on view in The MAX’s Fred & Sissie Wile Changing Exhibition Gallery. Related programs will run throughout the duration of the exhibit and will feature a wide range of Mississippi artists including the artist’s son, John G. Anderson, author of a new book on Anderson’s bicycle logs; former MSU art professor and Anderson expert Brent Funderburk; watercolorist Angi Cooper; Horn Island “resident artist” Robin Whitfield; potter Stephen Phillips; and USM ceramics professor Allen Chen. The exhibit includes rarely seen watercolors, block prints, ceramics, and sketches alongside some of Anderson’s most recognizable and iconic works. The exhibit is organized by the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs (WAMA), drawing from its Permanent Collection and that of the Estate of Walter Anderson. Details: 601-581-1550 or visit msarts.org.

Clarke County Clarke Fest. Sept. 28. Quitman. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will include a car show, live music, food, feel and touch event, arts and crafts vendors, and a kid’s zone. Archusa Water Park. Details: 601-776-5701.

Harrisville Day and Harrisville Day Car Show. Sept. 28. Harrisville. Starts at 8 a.m. Harrisville Day activities include bounce houses, kid games, music, vendors, food and more. Harrisville Community Park, 1767 Simpson Highway 469. Details: 601-927-0445 or 601-942-1480.

Picayune Writers Group’s 15th Annual Writers Symposium. Sept. 28. Picayune. From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crosby Memorial Library. Sessions will include talks on the use of similes and metaphors, poetry, humor, collaboration, and dialect to increase readers’ engagement in your writing. There will also be a roundtable of Picayune Writers Group members on how point of view might affect the emotional impact on readers of different ages and in different genres. Admission is free and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. There will also be the always popular Parade of Prizes and opportunity to browse books by local authors.

Preregistration is appreciated but not required to attend. However, you must preregister to be included in a drawing for books by PWG authors. Send your full name and email address to picayunewritersgroup@gmail.com with the subject: REGISTRATION. Details: 518-586-6843 or email bspangel@hotmail.com

Refuge Day. Oct. 5. Brooksville. The Friends of Noxubee Refuge are sponsoring the event at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Rd. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be over 30 exhibitors, games, music, and free hot dogs. Admission is free. Details: 662-769-7558 or visit friendsnoxref.org.

Dancing Rabbit Festival. Oct. 5. Macon. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food, crafts, children’s activities, 5K fun run/walk, and entertainment. Admission is free. Downtown Macon. Details: dancingrabbitfestival@gmail.com or call 662-726-4456.

Smithville Harvest Festival. Oct. 12. Smithville. The event includes a tractor pull, tractor show, live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, food vendors, pony rides, a kid’s corner, skillet chunkin, piston tossin, and peddle tractors. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Smithville Memorial Park. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details: 662-651-4411 or email smithvilleharvestfesitval@gmail.com

Barn Sale – Antiques & Collectibles. Oct. 18 and 19. Purvis. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4799 Old Highway 11, Oak Grove. Trailer loads of antiques, collectibles, advertising signs, glassware, wagon wheels, bells, primitives, anvils, crocks, furniture, tools, cast iron, tractor seats, old bottles, old windows and doors, jewelry, and coins. Concession stand. Parking is $2, good for both days. Details: 601-818-5886 or 601-794-7462.

Whitehall Church Bazaar. Oct. 26. Louisville. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crafts, outdoor yard art, patio furniture, Christmas decor, pottery, casseroles, homemade breads, soups, dips, repurposed furniture, and much more will be offered. Highway 14 West, four miles from the bypass. Seventy percent of the proceeds will go to local missions and 30% will go to the church’s building fund. Details: 662-803-8222

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s Jazzy Little Christmas Concert. Dec. 14. Hattiesburg. Christmas songs and gospel favorites. Heritage Church, 3 Baracuda Dr. Starts at 4:30 p.m. Details: 601-261-3371 or 601-270-7942 or email heritagesgconcert@gmail.com

Somewhere around here stu ed in between books on a bookshelf there is a poem I jotted down on a sheet of paper years ago about the arrival of September. I haven’t seen it in a while. I’m not even sure it made it through the last couple of moves. But the gist of it is this — the sun is just as high as it was in August. But now that September is here, it feels so much more comfortable. That was back in the days when it started cooling o by the middle of September. I don’t know if climate change is man-made or just a normal cycle of nature, but it really wasn’t this consistently hot back when I was a kid.

I did a story with my friend geologist James Starnes in a gravel pit out in west Hinds County a few years ago. He was showing me evidence of glaciers that he had discovered in the gravel.

When our school started the day after Labor Day it was still warm in the classroom, but not unbearable. By mid-September, it was comfortable, and by the end of football season, we had already started to bundle up for post-season games.

I did a story with my friend geologist James Starnes in a gravel pit out in west Hinds County a few years ago. He was showing me evidence of glaciers that he had discovered in the gravel. Some very rare rocks were scoured ﬂat on one side where glacier ice had sanded them down over the eons. Plus, there were some pretty good size boulders in with the gravel. The boulders were carried by the glacier ice close enough, so the precursor of the Mississippi River brought them here. All of this is evidence of an ancient ice age.

On top of the gravel was about a 100-foot-thick layer of loess soil. This soil was blown into this part of the country from rock dust ground up by glaciers out west. As the glaciers warmed and melted, the prevailing westerly winds picked up the rock powder, carried it across the continent in dust storms, and deposited it here in what are now the Mississippi blu s.

The far wall of the gravel pit showed a thick layer of rocks put here as one ice age was thawing. There was another layer of ﬁne spoil on top of that deposited here as a di erent ice age was thawing.

So, there before our eyes were the leftovers of two ice ages. Odds are

other ice ages have come and gone before those. So, maybe the warming we are going through right now is the earth still climbing out of the last ice age. With, logically, another to follow at some time. (So don’t get rid of your winter coat just yet)

All of this ice age stu is good fodder for day dreaming. Day dreaming is something else I remember about September and the beginning of school. I did my fair share of that in the classroom on those warm, sleepy days of early September.

by Walt Grayson

Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” Walt is also a reporter and 4 p.m. news anchor at WJTV in Jackson. He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.