Understanding Potential Risks

Before you can create a plan, you first need to understand the potential dangers. Every event is unique, with its own risks based on the venue, audience size, and types of activities. These can range from common medical issues like dehydration or minor falls to more serious problems such as a fire, power failure, or extreme weather, all of which might require medical services for events.

Think about the specific details of your event. An outdoor summer festival faces risks like heatstroke and sun exposure, while an indoor conference might worry about how crowds move in enclosed spaces. It’s vital to conduct a thorough risk assessment to pinpoint these possibilities. This process of emergency preparedness and response involves walking through the venue and brainstorming "what if" scenarios. Spotting these risks early is the first and most crucial step toward managing them.

Components of a Solid Plan

Once you've identified potential risks, the next step is to create a clear and practical emergency plan. This document should be simple enough for your entire team to understand and use, even under pressure. A good plan isn't just paper; it’s a guide that gives your team the confidence to act decisively.

A strong emergency plan should always include several key parts:

• Clear Evacuation Routes: Maps showing main and secondary exits, leading to designated safe assembly points.
• Chain of Command: A defined hierarchy of who is in charge during an emergency and who can make critical decisions.
• Communication Strategy: How you will talk to your team (e.g., two-way radios) and attendees (e.g., public address system) during an incident.
• Emergency Contacts: A readily available list of contacts for local police, fire and ambulance services, as well as venue management and key staff.

For a step-by-step guide, consider creating an emergency preparedness plan that covers these core components in detail. The goal is to leave no room for confusion when a quick response is needed.

The Role of On-site Expertise

A plan is only as good as the people who carry it out. During a real emergency, confusion can set in quickly. That's why having trained personnel on-site is essential. Your staff and volunteers should be briefed on the emergency plan, know their roles, and understand who to report to. Drills and walkthroughs before the event can make a big difference in how prepared everyone is.

For many events, especially those with large crowds or physical activities, this expertise should include professional medical support. Relying only on local emergency services can lead to dangerous delays. Having medical staff present not only allows for a quick response to injuries or illness but also gives organisers and attendees confidence that their well-being is a top priority.

Communicating Your Safety Strategy

Clear communication before and during an event is essential for safety. Brief staff and volunteers on emergency procedures, key locations, and their specific roles before the event begins.

Attendees should also receive clear, reassuring information through:

• Visible signs for exits, first aid stations, and information desks.
• Brief safety announcements at the start.
• Emergency details and maps in event programmes or apps.

When people know where to find help, they feel more prepared and confident. Clear communication builds trust and supports a safer environment for everyone.

Post-Event Review and Learning

The work isn’t over when the last guest leaves. A post-event review helps teams assess incidents, communication, and the effectiveness of their emergency plans. Gather key staff, security personnel, and medical professionals to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what needs improvement.

Each event is a learning opportunity. Reviewing safety procedures and addressing weaknesses helps organisers strengthen plans and create safer experiences for everyone.

In His Steps Ministries is celebrating the staff, camp staff, interns, volunteers and supporters who helped make a successful summer possible.

The ministry expressed its appreciation for those who invested in the lives of students throughout the summer while also serving as part of the ministry’s mission.

“We are so grateful for the amazing group of people God has blessed us with to serve and carry out His mission at In His Steps,” the ministry said.

In His Steps Ministries also thanked everyone who participated, volunteered, prayed and invested in the ministry throughout the summer, noting that their support makes an impact in the lives of students and families.

As the organization prepares for the upcoming school year and its Afterschool S.P.A.S.E. program, ministry leaders are asking the community to continue praying for In His Steps, its staff and volunteers, as well as the students and families it serves.

The ministry said it is excited for what God has in store for the coming school year.

        The streak is over. 

        The last time I started a review with that phrase, it was to mean something bad – 2022’s “Lightyear” was the first Pixar movie that I didn’t recommend. This time, it’s something good – Zach Cregger’s new take on “Resident Evil” is the first movie based on a video game that I do recommend. Not surprisingly, the man who directed Amy Madigan to an Oscar last year for “Weapons” brings enough good ideas to the table that I actually found the movie to be worth my time. 

        Perhaps even more impressive is that the film comes from a property that has already failed me on several occasions. This isn’t based on some newer game that nobody has tried adapting before and doesn’t have a history of failure. It’s “Resident Evil,” the zombie horror franchise that had an awful six film run from 2002-2016 and an unsuccessful 2021 reboot. I was perfectly okay with saying that I’d seen more than enough of zombies from the Umbrella Corporation wreak havoc on Raccoon City. But Cregger, no doubt a fan of the games, thought the property deserved one more chance on the big screen, a stubbornness that has paid off. 

        Austin Abrams stars as Bryan, a down-on-his-luck medical courier whose day is already going pretty badly. His girlfriend may be pregnant (unwelcome news to him), nobody at a hospital will sign for a delivery, and there’s a snowstorm outside that his car is not equipped to handle. An opportunity comes along to make a high-priority delivery that pays double. A few lies about his car later and he’s off to make some extra cash and maybe get to play hero once he reaches the destination: Raccoon City General. 

        Bryan’s day goes from bad to worse when he hits a woman who runs out in front of his car. His day goes from worse to worser when a cop pulls him over with the injured, barely-responsive woman in his passenger seat (the movie earns my respect by having Bryan tell the cop the truth, where a lesser movie would have him try to “comically” B.S. his way through the situation). Things go from worser to even worser when the woman is the opposite of grateful for Bryan and the cop’s assistance. Things go from even worser to… I can’t keep doing this, things will keep getting worse for Bryan for the duration of this movie, which will eventually include a city-wide zombie riot. The scariest one does cartwheels. 

        Any time poor Bryan thinks he’s caught a break, there’s some new obstacle to threaten both his life and his ability to make the potentially-lifesaving delivery. He has to survive by keeping his cool and thinking clearly. Just kidding, nine out of ten times he only survives through a series of desperation moves mixed with luck. Since this movie is based on a video game, most of his decisions are the equivalent of mashing all of his brain’s buttons at once and hoping for the best. In fact, the movie is structured very much like a video game, with each new challenge representing a new level and a higher degree of difficulty, even though Bryan probably thinks that he can’t even repeat what he did to get to that point. 

        This version of “Resident Evil” is the first video game movie that I recommend, and it’s not a high recommendation. Bryan has few words in his vocabulary other than F-bombs, he slows down and stops at points where it doesn’t make sense (except for dramatic effect), and even with necessary urgency, the ending feels rushed. Still, this is unprecedented high quality for a video game adaptation, and Cregger’s stock in Hollywood is only going to rise because of it. I don’t see it winning any Oscars, but it doesn’t deserve to get chopped up by an Axeman either. 

Grade: B-

“Resident Evil” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore and language throughout. Its running time is 95 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.  

Shortly after midnight on the morning of July 19, 2025, Troy Waldrep was shot and killed at the Camden Park Apartments in Canton. Troy had gone to a party with his friend and his friend’s female cousin. When they returned to the female’s residence, the female’s ex-boyfriend saw her in the car with the two men and mistakenly assumed she was romantically involved with Troy. Ross got out of his vehicle, walked up to the car and fired a single shot through the passenger side window at Troy hitting him in the face. Sadly, Troy died on scene, and Ross fled. He was located two days later entering a hotel in Ridgeland. 

Ross elected to go to trial on his charges. Assistant District Attorneys Scott Rogillio and Ashley Allen tried the case for the State. The Defendant was represented by Judith Barnett and Bridgett Todd. The State presented testimony by multiple eyewitnesses and others, including John Chalk, a geolocation expert whose testimony placed Ross’s cell phone in the area of the crime scene at the time of the murder. Ross testified at trial as well, denying his involvement. 

After a very short deliberation, the jury unanimously found Ross guilty of both counts. The jury also found Ross to be a violent habitual offender as he has multiple prior felony convictions. The court imposed life sentences for both counts as requested by the prosecution and required by the habitual offender statute. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This case is heartbreaking and tragic. The senseless killing of Troy Waldrep should not have happened. James Ross had only been out of prison for a little over a year when he murdered this innocent man. He clearly cannot be rehabilitated and deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars. This case took a lot of work by law enforcement and my office. I hope the verdict and resulting sentences give the family of Troy Waldrep some sense of closure. And, as always, I want to thank all the people who showed up for jury duty this week.

Without citizens willing to honor their jury summons, our criminal justice system would fail. This case is yet another example of how the people who live in Madison and Rankin counties help ensure that we all can have a safe place to raise our families and hold those who break the law accountable.”

The University of Mississippi Medical Center has earned the No. 2 ranking on Forbes' 2026 list of America's Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals, placing Mississippi's only academic medical center among the nation's most highly regarded health care workplaces.

UMMC finished second only to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and ahead of hundreds of health care organizations considered for the annual ranking.

For Medical Center leaders, the recognition reflects something that can be difficult to capture in numbers because the workforce is united by a sense of purpose in a state where the need for skilled health professionals is particularly great.

"We often say that our most valuable resource is our dedicated workforce, and that is proven daily," said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs. "We routinely receive feedback from patients and families who report having a positive UMMC experience that paired compassionate care with a successful outcome. That's the winning combination and is only possible if we are thoughtful about recruiting and retaining high-quality physicians and care teams."

That connection between employees and mission carries particular significance in Mississippi, which continues to face substantial challenges in health outcomes and access to care.

As the state's only academic medical center, UMMC occupies a unique place in addressing those challenges. Its three-part mission combines patient care, health professions education and research, while its specialized services include Mississippi's only Level I trauma center, Level IV neonatal intensive care unit and organ transplant programs.

Leaders say the recognition also highlights the importance of creating an environment in which health professionals are supported as they care for others.

UMMC employees have access to a range of benefits and professional opportunities, including health benefits, a state-sponsored retirement program, scholarships and leadership development.

Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs, said investing in the people who deliver care ultimately strengthens UMMC's ability to fulfill its mission.

"A quality and engaged workforce that is willing to do whatever it takes to care for their patients is paramount to reach our goal to improve the health and well-being of all Mississippians," Jones said. "As the only academic medical center and safety net hospital in Mississippi, which is known for its many challenges, we have a hard and critically important job ahead of us. A quality and engaged workforce that is willing to do whatever it takes to care for their patients is paramount to reach our goal to improve the health and well-being of all Mississippians."

The Forbes recognition is especially noteworthy because employee opinions played a central role in determining the rankings.

Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 30,000 employees of U.S. health care and social services organizations with at least 1,000 workers.

Participants were asked whether they would recommend their employer and evaluated their workplaces on factors including wages, working conditions and schedules, career advancement opportunities and safety. Respondents also assessed former employers and other health care organizations they knew through professional or personal experience.

The results were combined with employer-survey data from the previous three years, weighted less heavily, to determine the 250 organizations included on the final list.

The Top 5 rankings:

 1.      St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis

2.      UMMC

3.      St. Luke's University Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

4.      Houston Methodist in Houston

5.      Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

"We're a patient-first organization and all the leaders speak the same language and align very closely with the teams that roll up to them," said Dr. Lisa Didion, associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs. "Leaders here are visible and present and engaged with the frontline regularly."

That means the work performed by employees throughout the Medical Center – from physicians, nurses and other health professionals to researchers, educators and support staff – can have an impact far beyond the walls of a hospital or clinic.

Didion said employee engagement surveys have shown a workforce that understands that connection.

 UMMC is home to an "activated group" of employees who find their work meaningful, she said.

"That runs deep here," Didion said. "It makes a big difference."

UMMC is one of Mississippi's largest employers and encompasses six health science schools, hospitals and clinics in the Jackson metropolitan area and community hospitals in Greenwood, Grenada, Lexington and Madison. Its statewide reach also includes specialty and outreach services.

For Didion, UMMC's commitment begins with a straightforward principle: No matter an employee's role or level of seniority, everyone has a stake in taking care of patients.

Sure, I am aware that there are many other truths that people don’t appreciate. But these are ten misconceptions that make a huge impact on so many lives. And because those people resent and disagree with these truths, they usually ‘just keep on, keeping on.’ And then they wonder why life can get so difficult at times. 

I have the pleasure of running the middle school library at my amazing school. It has been so much fun watching the amount of books on the shelves grow and learning what our students enjoy reading. 
With that being said, I do run into a challenge. 

Our students are high level readers, which means I have to be mindful of what books my students are bringing into the room. We have seen such an uptick in smutty books. For those that are unfamiliar with that term, it means sexually explicit. We are seeing this more and more in the young adult (YA) genre, because YA does technically go into the early years of college. 

However, because I have advanced readers in my classroom, I often struggle to find books that are appropriate for them, interest them  and challenge them all in one go. 

Imagine my excitement when I stumbled across a book that was labeled a “clean, Christian thriller.”

 Perfect! My kiddos love reading spooky books, so to read this would be spooky and I wouldn’t have to worry about sexually explicit material or obscene language had me so excited. I ordered the book immediately. When it came in, I told the kids how excited I was about finding a clean thriller, and that I was going to take it home to read so I could hype it up the following Monday. 

Man, was I in for a thriller! The premise of the story is that a woman moves to a house in Maine with her wife and baby after having a falling out at her former job as a homicide detective. While she is in this house that she bought sight unseen, she begins to experience paranormal activity, including hearing voices and seeing the ghost of a young girl. Seems great right? I wanted to know who the young girl was, why the main character was drawn to this house and how her family would be involved. 

Now, prepare yourself, because I’m going to include spoilers. I didn’t get a thriller. What I got was kidnapping, child abuse, sexual abuse and more. The whole kit and caboodle! It was an absolute mess, and, as I read the book, I basically sat with my mouth open the entire time, shocked that someone could label this a clean thriller. 

It makes it so clear that we can’t blindly trust what one person deems clean or appropriate for someone else. While this one was way way off base, it reminds me of the importance of movie and TV ratings. Even though something says it might be okay for my child, it doesn’t mean it is. 

The same goes for books and for ratings. As we continue into 2026, and soon 2027, with so many new movies, books and albums releasing, it’s a good reminder that just because one person labels one clean or appropriate, doesn’t mean it will work for others. 

I am so glad that I took a look at this book, and, while I rated it very low on the star scale, I rate it even lower on the self-representation scale, because what the heck! I wanted ghosts! Instead, I got nightmares. 

New revenues from Mississippi data centers, like Amazon’s, are a primary reason why Entergy Mississippi customers won’t see their rates increase this summer. The Mississippi Public Service Commission recently approved a rate plan that keeps Entergy Mississippi’s rates well below the national average and prevented what otherwise would have been a $4.87 per month increase in July, compared to June rates.

Eliminating this increase is an early sign of how data centers are directly benefiting customers. It also represents the first of more than $2 billion in projected savings for Mississippi customers over the next two decades, thanks to Entergy’s Fair Share Plus Pledge announced in March. 

As data center customers ramp up their operations, Entergy Mississippi expects to flow more benefits back to customers. For example, Entergy Mississippi recently filed for an additional $0.41 rate reduction that, if approved, would become effective in October. This decrease is related to the ad valorem tax adjustment and is due in part to data center revenue. Flattening rate increases helps offset increases in other areas, especially fuel that is tied to the price of natural gas.

“At a time when our company is having to replace half-century old power plants to keep up with the energy needs of our almost half-million customers, these data center revenues are providing enormous benefits by covering much of those costs that our other customers would otherwise have had to bear alone,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “And while we also work to strengthen our power grid against more extreme Mississippi weather for the long term, data center revenues are making those investments more cost-friendly for our customers, too.”

Despite the significant costs required to generate power, maintain infrastructure and provide electrical service at a time of increased residential, commercial and industrial electricity demand, Entergy Mississippi’s annual rate plan takes effect during the July billing cycle, offsetting those costs and keeping rates flat this summer, when customers’ energy use is at its highest. 

Company officials say the plan also helps them to begin delivering their Superpower Mississippi cost-saving actions that provide customers with more and better power at a lower cost, including:

Cutting outages in half: The addition of new, large customers into the company’s service area, such as Amazon, allows them to invest 50% more in reliability to help cut outages in half by 2030. These improvements come at no additional costs to customers. Approximately $18 million of the incremental $300 million for reliability projects that were announced last year was included and approved in the formula rate plan.

Modernizing their generation fleet: Entergy is building three combined cycle combustion turbine natural gas plants – in Greenville, Vicksburg and Ridgeland – with a combined capacity of over 2,100 megawatts. Accelerating the replacement of retired plants saves an estimated $1.3 billion in materials and equipment costs to build new power plants now, compared with building them on their original schedules. And modern natural gas plants are 40% more fuel efficient than older plants, allowing Entergy to bring cleaner and more cost-effective power generation to Mississippi.

Reducing projected bill impacts: The company’s diverse generation portfolio gives them flexibility to lessen the impact on customers’ bills if one fuel source spikes in price. By adding advanced power generation to their fleet, they expect to pass on to customers an estimated savings of $700 million in future fuel costs. 

Customers would have shouldered the costs to make these upgrades, but instead, expected bill increases will be lower than they otherwise would have been because Amazon and other large industrial customers are paying 100% of their own costs to be on the grid, plus bringing these added benefits for all customers.
 

As the summer heat continues to rise, customers are reminded that bills are not only impacted by rates, but also energy usage. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, cooling costs can account for more than 20% of a typical household’s electric bill during the year — and even more during Mississippi’s hottest months. For tips on how to save money and energy, customers can visit billtoolkit.entergy.com/mississippi.
 

“During these months of high temperatures, securing rate stability right now is perfect timing for our residential customers, when they need it most,” Fisackerly said.
 

“It is important to remember this has been a team effort. These benefits our customers will see on their power bills would not have been possible without Governor Reeves’ help in recruiting one of the world’s leading technology companies to our state, the Mississippi Legislature’s review and approval of it, and the guidance and oversight of the Mississippi Public Service Commission,” Fisackerly said.

Fall’s finally here and football season is in full swing. The tantalizing aroma of wings, dogs and burgers grilling in the late afternoon sun is almost sweeter than your favorite team’s victory. Colorful tables filled with sausage balls, pulled pork sandwiches, pigs in blankets, football-shaped cheese balls, dips of every description and sugar cookies iced in team-colors are surrounded by fans who enjoy dining outdoors under a tent almost as much as entering the stadium to watch the game.

It doesn’t matter if you’ll enjoy fall football action on a high school or college campus or in front on the TV in your recliner, it helps to have new recipes and tailgating ideas in your play book.

At last week’s Ole Miss-LSU matchup in Oxford, a group of “mostly Simpson County” Rebel fans created a standout tent named “Tailgater of the Day," an honor announced on the Jumbotron in the midst of the game. I was more interested in their menu, which included a feast of chicken strips, smoked and fried wings, pulled pork, chili cheese dogs, sandwiches, Rebel corn dip, cowboy caviar and decorated cookies was served. 

Rebel corn dip sounded interesting, so I quickly retrieved the recipe. If you’d like to receive it, drop me an email and I’ll send it to me. Tip: If you’re not an Ole Miss fan, simply change the name to reflect your school loyalty.

I did a little research and found the top five tailgate recipes American consistently search for on Google. They include wings, burgers and sliders, finger foods like pigs in blankets and nachos, chili and dips. I approve of this list, especially the last item. I’m a firm believer in the value of a  lineup of flavorful dips on every tailgate table. In no particular order, here are a few of my favorites:

Two-Ingredient Salsa…it simply doesn’t get any easier…or tastier.  Friends are shocked when I tell them it’s as easy as letting an eight-ounce bar of cream cheese soften for a few hours, then mixing it with a 15.5-ounce jar of medium-heat salsa. I use a food processor or hand mixer to ensure a smooth consistency, but you can stir it together by hand if time is short. If you simply must make it a little fancier, chop a small Roma tomato and sprinkle on top or a handful of chopped black olives.

As an alum, I primarily tailgate at Southern Miss. We’re close to the Gulf Coast, so shrimp prepared a myriad of ways, including in savory dips, is prevalent on Game Day. Location aside, a good shrimp dip translates well on every campus. Out of a dozen recipes, one of my favorites doubles as a dip for crackers or chips and as a sandwich spread on crusty French bread.

To make Easy Shrimp Dip, beat eight ounces of cream cheese with a quarter cup of mayonnaise, along with two tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir in a tablespoon of cocktail sauce (more to taste) or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish. Gently stir in three-fourths of a pound of small shrimp that have been cooked, shelled and finely chopped. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with chopped green onions (optional). Serve cold with chips, crackers or vegetable slices.

Looking for a lighter dip? Healthy Spinach Yogurt Dip fits the bill. Squeeze the water from a 10-ounce package of thawed frozen spinach and combine with two cups of light sour cream, a cup each of reduced-fat mayonnaise and plain yogurt, small package of Knorr’s Vegetable Recipe Mix and a sprinkle each of fresh dill and seasoning salt. Cover, chill and serve with savory crackers. 

Last, the recipe is a little lengthy, so if you’d like the recipe for one of the best dips I’ve ever tasted – Cataloochee Ranch Trout Dip – a delicious concoction served at Switchback, the signature restaurant of the amazing property in Maggie Valley, NC – drop me an email and I’ll send it your way. The base of Crème Fraiche and other seasonings is so amazing that switching out smoked trout for another more readily available seafood item won’t substantially alter the taste.

So…peruse your recipes, pick a flavor (or two) and start dipping…and above all, enjoy football season while it’s here because like our fleeting fall, it won’t last long.

Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

A Course Built for Nerve, Not Noise

Canton Country Club asks players to think before reaching for the loud club. The fairways are not tricked up yet they rarely hand over a flat stance. On hole three a drive that finishes one yard into the right rough can block the cleanest angle. A note on payments sometimes sends guests toward the fastest withdrawal online casino https://nodifference.ca/ for Canadian players who track limits, ID checks and weekend processing cutoffs. Short grass matters. The fifth brings a pond into view and that flash of water changes swings faster than any warning sign could. Members know the safer miss but pride still reaches for the flag. A retired caddie once told a visitor to aim at the brown chimney beyond the trees because the green would feed everything left. He was right. The ball rolled close enough for a tap-in and the visitor bought drinks anyway because advice that good deserves witnesses. Canton punishes greedy lines quietly with a chip through damp fringe or a downhill four-footer that refuses to sit still. After a double bogey a golfer may joke about switching plans before lunch though the group knows the real fix is a calmer swing, a shorter target and the humility to chip sideways when the lie sits down near wet clover. That advice stings after losing the safe angle on the previous shot and hearing three partners sigh in unison at once. He would play popular slots in online casino canada with bonuses instead of attacking tucked pins again.

The Skins Game Before Lunch

The best theater arrives before noon when foursomes settle small matches over coffee-stained scorecards. No one needs a giant stake. Five dollars per hole is enough to make a three-foot putt feel public. Birdies draw cheers but net pars win more arguments because handicaps turn friends into accountants. A retired teacher named Bill marks his ball with a dime from 1964 and calls out strokes before anyone asks. Fair is fair. The tension stays light because Canton leaves room for teasing. A chunked chip gets a groan. A lucky bounce off a cart path gets investigated like a crime scene then accepted with a shrug. The loser buys lemonade and gets reminded about it for exactly one week. That is golf.

Food, Lockers, and Little Rituals

Inside the clubhouse the mood shifts. Spikes click on tiles. The locker room carries the scent of leather gloves, cedar hangers and sunscreen left open too long. After nine holes some players order iced tea and split a turkey club because a full lunch ruins the back swing. The staff knows who wants extra pickles. That detail counts. A club survives on these tiny records: a preferred cart, a favorite window table, the guest who always forgets his hat in July. Canton feels personal because those records keep showing up without fuss. The ritual is simple. Play, eat, and replay every mistake.

Birdies That Change a Whole Afternoon

One good hole can rewrite the day. At Canton that hole is often a par four where the approach lands below the cup and the putter finally behaves. Suddenly the player walks taller. A partner notices. The next tee shot flies with a little more speed even if no lesson has changed and no new swing thought has appeared. Golfers love to pretend they are logical. Scorecards disagree. A birdie on seven makes the sandwich taste better, the lost ball on two seem distant and the ride home shorter. That small swing in mood keeps people coming back.

How a Guest Should Play Canton

First-timers should ask one question on every tee where the boring miss is. That answer saves strokes. On soft mornings the ball stops quickly and invites sharper approaches. By late afternoon firm greens turn safe shots into awkward chips. Guests should take one extra club on uphill shots, read putts from the low side and keep the driver covered when wind presses across the fairway. Simple advice. Bring a ball marker arrive fifteen minutes early and listen when a member points at a tree instead of the flag. That tree is probably the real target. A guest should also leave room for one slow look back down the eighteenth fairway because Canton is prettiest when a round is almost gone. Then settle bets, thank the staff and write down one shot worth trying again. If it is the tee shot on six, choose the wider line next time too.

The family of the late Jewel Williams recently presented the Jewel Williams Memorial Scholarship to La’Garius Adams, a graduate of Germantown High School, in recognition of his academic accomplishments and commitment to pursuing higher education.

Chiquita Hampton, niece of the late Jewel Williams, presented La’Garius with a $2,500 scholarship on behalf of the Williams family. The scholarship will assist La’Garius as he begins the next chapter of his educational journey at Mississippi College this fall.

La’Garius plans to pursue studies in biology and pre-medical sciences, aspiring to build a career in the medical field. His academic goals and dedication to his future exemplify the qualities the Williams family sought to recognize through this scholarship.

Jewel Williams was a trailblazer, community leader, and strong advocate for education and opportunity. She made history as the first Black woman to serve on Canton’s Board of Aldermen, breaking barriers and opening doors for others who would follow. Her commitment to public service reflected her belief in the importance of community involvement and the power of individuals to make a positive difference.

Williams was remembered as a person who believed in the power of education, the importance of community and the potential of young people to make a difference in the world. Her legacy continues through her family’s commitment to encouraging and supporting the next generation, ensuring that her spirit of service, leadership, generosity and investment in others lives on.

The Jewel Williams Memorial Scholarship was established as a way for the family to honor Williams’ legacy by investing in the education, aspiration, and future success of deserving young people. Through this scholarship, the family continues her legacy of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

“The family is extremely proud to support La’Garius as he begins this important chapter of his life,” said Chiquita Hampton. “We hope this scholarship will help him achieve his educational goals and remind him that his community and the Williams family are proud to stand behind him.”

The family of Jewel Williams says it extends its congratulations to La’Garius Adams on this significant achievement and wishes him continued success as he begins his studies at Mississippi College and pursues his academic and professional goals.

Canton Academy continued its strong response to an opening-week loss with a dominant 39-0 victory over Manchester Academy on Sept. 11.

The Panthers entered the matchup with two straight wins after defeating East Rankin Academy 20-14 and Indianola Academy 22-20. Against Manchester, Canton Academy left no doubt, scoring 39 points while recording its first shutout of the season.

The win improved Canton Academy to 3-1 and extended its winning streak to three games. The Panthers have turned things around quickly after opening the year with a 42-0 loss against Tri-County Academy.

Canton Academy was scheduled to play Winston Academy on Sept. 18, but a verified final score had not been reported in the sources available as of Sunday.

The Panthers are scheduled to return home Friday night against Kirk Academy before traveling to Leake Academy on Oct. 2.

The Canton Tigers continued their undefeated start to the season over the last two weeks, picking up victories over Murrah and Forest Hill to improve to 4-0.

Canton started the stretch with a strong defensive performance against Murrah on Sept. 11. The Tigers held the Mustangs to just six points in a 21-6 victory, giving Canton its third straight win to open the season.

The Tigers followed that performance with another win Thursday night, defeating Forest Hill 42-19 on the road. Canton’s offense got back to the high-scoring form it showed in the first two weeks of the season while the defense continued its strong stretch.

After finishing 4-6 a year ago, Canton has already matched its win total from last season through just four games.

The Tigers will look to remain undefeated Friday night when they travel to Holmes County Central. Canton enters the matchup 4-0 and has scored 166 points through its first four games.

For Ole Miss, a coaching transition has added another layer to an ambitious season. Mississippi State has generated attention through explosive quarterback play and defensive improvement. Together, those developments provide several themes worth following as the fall unfolds.

Ole Miss Opens With Signature Wins

Ole Miss first demonstrated resilience by edging No. 24 Louisville 41-38. After Louisville erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to tie the game, the Rebels responded with a late scoring drive to secure the win. For fans examining college football lines, the opener offered an early example of how Ole Miss could respond when momentum shifted. 

The stakes increased against No. 7 LSU. Ole Miss built a 24-7 halftime advantage before answering LSU’s comeback to win 32-24.

Those victories offered two different tests: surviving pressure and controlling stretches against elite opposition.

They also pushed Ole Miss to No. 4 nationally, sharpening attention around a team navigating major change.

Lane Kiffin's Return to Oxford

That change began dramatically when Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU shortly before the Rebels made their first College Football Playoff appearance. Pete Golding inherited the team as the postseason approached.

Months later, Kiffin returned to Oxford as LSU’s head coach, turning an already significant rivalry game into one of the season’s most anticipated early matchups. With No. 7 LSU facing No. 8 Ole Miss, the top-10 meeting added competitive weight to an emotionally charged reunion. 

Kiffin encountered a hostile reception as his former players built an early 17-point advantage. LSU eventually erased that deficit before Ole Miss responded.

The 32-24 result provided a natural endpoint to that reunion. More importantly, attention could turn toward the coach now leading Ole Miss forward.

Pete Golding's Head Coaching Era

Golding entered the coaching role under unusual circumstances. His first assignment involved guiding a playoff team through a coaching transition while maintaining the standards that had carried Ole Miss into the national postseason picture.

That interim period provided an immediate credibility test. His appointment as permanent head coach created a different challenge: sustaining those standards across an entire season.

Early results have strengthened his foundation, with Golding repeatedly facing ranked opponents during his first games as head coach.

Long-term continuity, however, will define this chapter. The return of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy could make that transition considerably easier. 

Heisman Aspirations in the Backfield

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy entered 2026 as complementary centerpieces. Ole Miss even launched a joint preseason campaign promoting both players for national awards, including Heisman consideration.

Chambliss supplies the passing dimension and improvisational ability. Lacy gives the offense a powerful rushing presence capable of changing how defenses approach the box.

The latest college football matchup reviews point out that, when it comes to players in these positions, their roles are different, but their impact is connected. Each can create opportunities that make the other harder to contain.

That combination keeps Ole Miss nationally relevant while another Mississippi program develops an increasingly compelling identity of its own.

Mississippi State Bulldogs' Statement Start

Mississippi State demonstrated control in a 38-13 road victory over Minnesota, producing 479 yards while limiting the Golden Gophers to just 13 rushing yards.

The next test demanded something different. Mississippi State fell 16-0 behind South Carolina before recovering to win 41-34 in its SEC opener.

One performance demonstrated control; the other required resilience when the original script disappeared. Players from the Canton Tigers will also follow Mississippi State and Ole Miss closely, with both representing natural in-state pathways from high school football toward the college game.

That versatility provides an encouraging early theme, driven significantly by the rapid development of quarterback Kamario Taylor.

Kamario Taylor's Breakout and Dual-Threat Spark

Through Mississippi State’s first two games, Taylor completed 67.9% of his passes for 581 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Those numbers immediately highlighted his efficiency as a sophomore starter.

His 145 rushing yards added another dimension, forcing defenses to account for movement beyond conventional passing situations.

Taylor then threw four more touchdown passes as Mississippi State rallied past South Carolina, further extending his strong opening stretch.His emergence raises the offensive ceiling, but the Bulldogs’ collective execution has been equally significant.

First-Half Offensive Dominance

Mississippi State’s early success has repeatedly started before halftime. Against Minnesota, the Bulldogs produced touchdown drives of 75, 75, 72 and 76 yards while building a 28-6 halftime advantage.

That reflects more than individual production. Preparation, sequencing and execution have allowed the offense to establish tempo before opponents can settle into defensive adjustments.

Early scoring also changes what comes afterward. Opponents chasing deficits may have to become more aggressive and predictable.

That dynamic becomes even more valuable when paired with a defense showing signs of substantial improvement.

Zach Arnett's Defensive Turnaround

Zach Arnett’s return as defensive coordinator brought a familiar voice back to Starkville. He previously coordinated Mississippi State’s defense from 2020 through 2022 before becoming head coach.

His earlier defenses consistently ranked among the SEC’s stronger units, giving the reunion a clear foundation rather than making it an entirely new experiment. The early results have shown encouraging signs, particularly during the controlled victory at Minnesota.

Sustaining that defensive progress would complement Taylor and the offense, giving Mississippi State more ways to handle the different challenges that conference play presents. 

Mississippi Football Provides Plenty to Follow

Ole Miss and Mississippi State have reached this point through different routes. The Rebels are establishing continuity after a dramatic coaching transition, while the Bulldogs have found early momentum behind a developing quarterback and renewed defensive direction.

Neither season will be defined solely by September. Conference schedules continually demand adjustments as opponents gather more film and weaknesses become clearer. What already appears certain is that both Mississippi programs have created compelling reasons for local fans to keep watching.

The family-friendly event is designed to bring the community together while raising awareness and support for Mission Vigilant’s work with veterans, military members, law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families. 

Participants can take part in the Mission Vigilant Ruck for $45. Admission to the remainder of the event is free. 

The day will include: 

• Mission Vigilant Ruck 
• Police vehicles
• Fire trucks 
• Helicopters 
• Kids’ activities 
• Bake sale
 • Silent auction 
• Raffle opportunities
• Grand raffle featuring a beachfront Costa Rica vacation 

The event is an opportunity for families and community members to have fun while learning more about Mission Vigilant and the resources available to those who serve. 

“We want this to be more than just a fundraiser,” said representatives of Mission Vigilant. “We want people to come out, have a good time, meet each other, learn about our mission, and understand that the people who serve our communities and country don't have to face their struggles alone."

Mission Vigilant is committed to raising awareness and connecting veterans, military members, law enforcement officers, first respsponders, and their families with support and mental health resources.

Event Details:

 What: All About the Ruck 

When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Where: 667 Bellevue Drive, Madison, MS 39110 

Ruck Registration: $45 

General Event Admission: Free 

For more information about Mission Vigilant and its mission, visit www.missionvigilant.org.

De’kyiah Handy has been named the Canton Career Center’s Advanced Manufacturing Student of the Month.

The Student of the Month program is sponsored by the Madison County Business League & Foundation and connects local businesses and industries with students while recognizing student achievement and promoting skills needed to strengthen Madison County’s future workforce.

Nissan sponsored this month’s award. The company is a member of the Madison County Business League & Foundation and supports workforce development initiatives for the next generation of Madison County workers.

Those pictured are Michael Ellis of Canton Career Center; Lindsey Fordis, Advanced Manufacturing COE teacher with Nissan; Shirley Danzy, workforce development with Nissan; Jason Derryberry, workforce development with Nissan; Clifton Goodloe III, director of operations with Nissan; and Handy.
 

        Apparently I blinked and the 1998 chick flick “Practical Magic” developed a huge cult following. The film, about witch sisters Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) Owens, came out 28 years ago, made only $40 million at the domestic box office, scored a mere 31% on Rotten Tomatoes, and I can’t recall ever hearing anyone speak affectionately about it. And yet not only was there a call for a sequel in 2026, the resulting film was the first to win a weekend over “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (okay, only “after” a six-week run of dominance, but still…). What kind of spell has this franchise cast on the moviegoing public? 

        The Owens sisters, along with their kooky aunts Franny (Stockard Channing) and Jet (Dianne Wiest), come from a long line of witches that love extending their bloodline, but hate… love. Or at least romantic love, as a jilted long-ago relative cursed the women of the family to lose their male partners. As a result, Sally’s children, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams), have lost both their father and the stepfather that Sally found for them at the end of the first movie. Sally wiped their memories as children so they would never know the temptations of practicing magic, but the curse still applies. Now Kylie has a boyfriend, Gideon (Xolo Maridueña), and Sally can’t figure out a tactful way to tell her daughter that, for his own good, she can’t love him. 

        Sally waits too long and tragedy befalls Gideon, though there’s a sliver of hope that he can be saved. Kylie finally learns of her heritage and the curse, falls out with her mother, and storms off to England, home of her ancestors, to see if she can break the curse with the help of local escort Tom (Solly McLeod). Sally tries to track her down, also travelling to England and taking Gillian along, ostensibly because she needs help but really because the movie needs Bullock and Kidman together so they can squabble for comic effect. They enlist the help of a professor (Lee Pace) who may or may not have ulterior motives and who may or may not be a potential third husband for Sally if that pesky curse can be broken for real. 

        The movie is, in its best moments, agreeable and little more. I’m not saying that the appeal of Bullock and Kidman playing witches who share the ins and outs of sisterhood is completely lost on me. The two have good chemistry and some genuinely funny and touching moments. And when they’re sharing the screen with wily veterans Channing and Wiest, those genuine moments are amplified. I get why people like the low-stakes scenes of these four just playing off one another, with magic thrown in for flavor. The problem is that these movies can’t “just” be about these women enjoying happy hour. 

        Like its predecessor, “Practical Magic 2” falters when it tries to deliver more than the laughs and tears that people expect. In other words, it doesn’t work as a thriller. The first movie really lost its balance once murder entered the picture, and this one similarly topples with all the mystery surrounding the curse and an evil scheme to burn one of the family at the stake. There’s so much lore and so many secrets that have to be uncovered that the film is over two hours long. I was chanting, “Just end already” like an incantation by the time the credits rolled. By taking up so much time, this movie offers up too much of even the stuff that does work, and goes far overboard with the stuff that doesn’t. 

Grade: C

“Practical Magic 2” is rated PG-13 for some violence, intense thematic elements and sensuality. Its running time is 130 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

So you decide to try natural supplements that are supposed to bring on sleepiness and restful nights of sleep. And you carefully begin with the recommended dosage on the back of the box or bottle, right?

But nothing changes in your sleep pattern – or should I say your lack of sleep pattern. So, you decide “The recommended dosage is probably isn’t strong enough for someone like me, I’ll double it, as I really do have a bad sleep issue.”

But instead of improving, now your nights are actually worse. In response, you hesitantly increase the dosage again and maybe add another kind of sleep aid to the mix. The problem rocks on for a few more nights, and by now you are bleary-eyed, depressed, anxiety-ridden, grouchy, mentally fuzzy, and getting desperate from existing on two to three hours of sleep each night.

In keeping with your desperation level (and your stubborn streak) you defiantly keep upping the amount of the sleep aids, “until I finally reach success, dadgummit.” Defined as “Hallelujah, I got six hours of sleep last night!”

Instead, you’re now pulling all-nighters.

Finally, you make your brain pull itself out of that black hole where it is now living, and force it to begin thinking logically about this definite downslide in life. And you finally realize, “Hmmmm, I wonder…. could I be having a bad reaction to mixing all these natural sleep remedies, PLUS an OTC med that I added?” (Remember, you are very fuzzy-brained.) 

You pull out your trusty cell phone to research the subject on medical websites.  Answer: Nope, mixing together those sleep supplements do not cause any negative reactions. Then you finally think to ask the question: “Can a person take too much of a sleep aid named “……..” and cause an adverse reaction of total sleeplessness?”  Bingo!!  The answer comes back a resounding “Of course, you idiot!” If my cell phone could laugh at me, it would have been rolling in the aisle. It would have been gasping for breath while it made fun of me for at least five minutes.

I found out the hard way that every kind of sleep-aid, whether it is a supplement, an over-the-counter, or by prescription, if you take it in too large a dose, IT CAUSES THE OPPOSITE EFFECT AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SLEEP MUCH AT ALL. For days and days.  

And, folks, you can only imagine what happens if you have over-self-prescribed a sleep aid for the issue of falling asleep, and another for staying asleep.  Each one of them can hype your brain and causes you to be able to count sheep for four hours straight and never miss a set of ears.

End of the story? I finally learned from a nutritionist that I needed to take my sleep-aid 2 to 3 hours earlier so it would have time to work.

Rough way to learn a truth.

First Baptist Church of Madison provided school supplies to students at Nichols Middle School, helping students prepare for the upcoming school year.

The donation included supplies for students as they begin classes and was made as part of the church’s effort to support the school community.

Nichols Middle School expressed appreciation to First Baptist Church of Madison for its generosity and for helping students start the school year prepared to learn and succeed.

The school thanked the church for investing in its students and supporting the Nichols Middle School community.

“Tigers on the Rise!”

At approximately 3 p.m. Sept. 15, 2026, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison Police Department issued a BOLO, or Be on the Lookout, for two males suspected of being involved in a residential burglary in Madison County.

Authorities were advised that the suspects were last seen traveling into Rankin County on Spillway Road in a Dodge Caravan with blacked-out windows.

Rankin County sheriff’s deputies, Flowood police officers, Madison police officers and Madison County sheriff’s deputies immediately began searching the area for the suspect vehicle.

A Rankin County K-9 deputy located the Dodge Caravan on Old Fannin Road and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and attempted to evade the deputy, prompting additional law enforcement units to join the pursuit.

The vehicle eventually fled into the Dogwood Festival area of Flowood, where it stopped and the occupants fled on foot.

Officers pursued the suspects and quickly took all three into custody. One suspect was apprehended near the vehicle, another was captured while attempting to enter a business, and the third was taken into custody after entering a restaurant.

All three suspects were transported to the Rankin County Jail and booked on felony fleeing charges. They were later released to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office to face burglary charges related to the Madison County investigation.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey credited cooperation among the participating law enforcement agencies for the swift arrests.

“This incident is an excellent example of the importance of communication and cooperation among law enforcement agencies,” Bailey said. “From the initial BOLO to the apprehension of all three suspects, deputies and officers from multiple jurisdictions worked together to quickly locate the suspect vehicle, pursue the suspects and safely take them into custody.”

Bailey thanked the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Flowood Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison Police Department for their response and cooperation.

The Canton Public School District High School Equivalency Program welcomed DeCedric Harvey, a Canton native who now lives in Irving, Texas, where he owns I-55 Trucking Company.

Harvey’s visit was especially meaningful to students because he is also a GED graduate. He shared his personal journey, including the challenges he faced and the determination it took to reach his goals.

Harvey encouraged students to believe in themselves, take advantage of opportunities and always strive to do their best. His message resonated with students, particularly because he had followed a path similar to the one many of them are currently on.

The HSEP program expressed appreciation to Harvey for returning to his hometown and sharing his experiences with students.

“Representation matters,” the program said in a statement. “Sometimes the most powerful motivation comes from someone who has been where you are and can show you where you can go.”

Harvey is also the father of Da’Meeria Harvey, HSEP’s math and science instructor. The program said it appreciates the continued support of families who believe in its mission and give back to the community.
The Canton Public School District HSEP program describes its mission as “Harnessing Students’ Excellence and Potential.”

The free community event, held in celebration of National Cleanup Day, will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nissan Canton Training Center, Gate 1, 300 Nissan Drive in Canton.

Nissan Canton is hosting the event in partnership with the Tennessee Environmental Council and local community organizations. Nissan staff and volunteers will be on hand to help residents responsibly recycle, donate or dispose of a variety of household items.

Items accepted during the roundup will include electronics, tires, batteries, clothing, furniture and paper for shredding. The event is designed to provide residents with a convenient, no-cost option for properly handling items that might otherwise be discarded.

Appropriate donations collected during the event will be distributed to local Nissan Neighbors grant recipients, including Habitat for Humanity ReStore and MadCAAP. The effort will allow usable items to benefit local organizations and extend the impact of the community cleanup beyond the event itself.

“The Nissan Recycling Roundup is about more than recycling. It's about bringing people together to make a positive difference in our community,” said Candi Listz, manager of Nissan Sustainability & Philanthropy. “We're excited to offer Mississippi residents a free, convenient way to recycle and donate household items while celebrating National Cleanup Day and supporting organizations that are making an impact across our region.”

The Nissan Recycling Roundup is open to Mississippi residents and will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nissan Canton Training Center, Gate 1, 300 Nissan Drive, Canton.

Mayor Tim C. Taylor and the Canton Board of Aldermen addressed municipal infrastructure projects, City investments, public safety upgrades and commercial zoning developments during their regular August meetings at Canton City Hall.

Public works and capital planning represented major focal points for City leadership. The board authorized a final payment of $154,936.67 to R&C Services for completed drainage repairs along Adeline Street and Johnson Street while approving final contract close-out documentation. To guide future projects, the City adopted a new Canton Transportation Plan created by Waggoner Engineering and DRMP Inc.. 

Alderman actions also included approving up to $150,000 across two task orders with Waggoner Engineering for planning, compliance and expansion studies at the City landfill, alongside an $8,500 agreement to update the Gateway Park concept for a state grant re-application. Interlocal agreements with Madison County were also accepted to help fund local street paving, including improvements in the King Ranch Road area and Kingston Place Subdivision.

Public safety departments received funding authorizations for key equipment and facility needs. The City awarded a $363,553 contract to Ready Power, LLC for generator installation at the Canton Fire Department. The board approved $10,251.00 from the Central Fire District Account to purchase three sets of turnout gear from Ten-8 Fire and Safety, LLC, authorized the surplus of old fire hoses and exercise equipment, and approved donating the surplus fitness gear to the Jackson Public School District Police Department. The Canton Police Department received approval to purchase a vehicle from Rogers Dabbs for $52,790.

To address city growth and blight, officials acted on numerous building and zoning matters. Resolutions were considered for the removal of dilapidated structures at 350 Cisne Avenue, 1031 Little Street and 830 Fulton Street. 

The board granted zoning approvals and special exceptions for projects including a Veritas Federal Credit Union site plan, an Airbnb,, a licensed childcare center, a veterinary hospital, campus expansion for In His Step Ministries, Inc., and multiple convenience store and gas station proposals.

Administrative decisions rounded out the agendas. The board evaluated an employment agreement for City Attorney Kimberly Banks, Esq., agreed to partner with Looped-In for fixed asset services at $20,000 initially and $15,000 annually, and approved restoring a downtown mural on Mitch Tanner’s building at Liberty and Center Street. Additionally, $1,000 municipal donations were authorized for both the 100 Black Men Annual Mentoring and Scholarship Banquet and the Canton Gospel Music Association’s 22nd Anniversary Celebration.
 

Mississippi talent is taking center stage in the inspirational faith-based drama Shield by His Grace, a Mississippi-made production featuring actors, filmmakers and creatives from across the state and now available for audiences to stream, including on Tubi and Apple TV.

While the film carries special connections to communities such as Canton and Jackson, Shield by His Grace represents something much  larger: a collaborative Mississippi production demonstrating the depth of acting, filmmaking and creative talent found throughout the Magnolia State.

The film stars Jackson native Tiffany Coleman-McGee in the lead role of Tamar, a faith-filled woman whose desire for a relationship grounded in God's will leads her through love, marriage, heartbreak and an ultimate test of faith. Coleman-McGee also contributed behind the scenes as an assistant producer, playing a role in bringing the project from production to the screen.

Written and directed by Jackson native Tamica Hudson, Shield by His Grace follows Tamar as she meets Mark, a man who appears to embody the Godly partner for whom she has prayed. Their relationship progresses to marriage, but unexpected trials, secrets and broken trust challenge the foundation of their union. Through the turmoil, Tamar is forced to examine her faith and ultimately discovers that her true protection is not found in another person, but in the unwavering grace of God.

At its heart, Shield by His Grace explores faith, love, forgiveness, relationships, perseverance and spiritual resilience, while providing a platform for Mississippi performers and filmmakers to tell their own stories.

Arius Nicholson

A CAST ROOTED IN MISSISSIPPI

The production brought together an ensemble of Mississippi actors whose performances collectively tell the story of Shield by His Grace. The credited cast includes:

● Tiffany Coleman-McGee — Tamar, lead
● Kingi Lacy — Mark
● Johnny Forrest — Pastor Aaron Royce
● Tomeka Handy-Booten (credited as Tomeka Handy) — Tabitha, supporting role
● Marquetta Perkins — Pam
● Arius Endy Nicholson — Ray Lisa
● Shauna Fields — Jasmine
● Victoria Williams — Keisha

For Canton-area audiences, the film carries an especially meaningful hometown connection through Canton natives Tomeka Handy-Booten and Arius Nicholson.

Handy-Booten, who is credited in the film as Tomeka Handy, portrays Tabitha in a supporting role, while Nicholson portrays Ray Lisa. Both  women contributed to an ensemble of Mississippi performers who worked collectively to bring the film's story to life.

Their participation gives Canton residents a direct hometown connection to a production that represents talent from communities throughout Mississippi.

While Canton can proudly celebrate its hometown talent, Shield by His Grace is ultimately a statewide Mississippi success story—one built through the combined efforts of its cast, filmmakers, producers and production professionals.

MISSISSIPPI TALENT IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE CAMERA

The Mississippi connection extends well beyond the actors audiences see on screen.

Tamica Hudson, a Jackson native, wrote and directed the film and served as executive producer. Tiffany Coleman-McGee, also a Jackson native, and Kingi Lacy served as assistant producers, while Corey Thomas served as co-producer.

The production credits also include Kevin "Kj3" Jones, who contributed music and served as co-cinematographer and co-editor, and Corey Thomas, who also served as director of photography and editor.

The film was produced through YaTouch Films.

The collaboration demonstrates what is possible when Mississippi writers, actors, producers, directors and production professionals combine their talents to create independent films capable of reaching audiences far beyond the state's borders.

"This project is special because it represents Mississippi," said Coleman-McGee. "There are so many talented actors, filmmakers and creatives throughout our state, and Shield by His Grace gave us an opportunity to come together and create something meaningful. Every person involved brought something important to this production, and I want audiences to recognize the collective work that went into bringing this story to the screen."

Coleman-McGee added that seeing the completed production reach streaming audiences makes the work invested in the project particularly meaningful.

"We worked hard on this film, and now we want Mississippi to support Mississippi," Coleman-McGee said. "When people stream Shield by His Grace, they are not simply watching a movie. They are supporting Mississippi actors, Mississippi creatives and independent
filmmaking coming out of our state."

FROM CANTON AND JACKSON TO STREAMING AUDIENCES

For Coleman-McGee, a Jackson native, portraying Tamar marked an important milestone in her work as an actress.

The film's streaming availability comes during another milestone year for Coleman-McGee. She recently received a Stellar Award at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Charlotte, North Carolina, adding to her accomplishments as an entertainer and creative
professional. During Stellar Awards week, Coleman-McGee was also honored with the Tyscot Records Legacy Award, recognizing her contributions and impact within the gospel music industry.

Coleman-McGee's work spans music, television, film, literature and other areas of entertainment. In addition to her starring role in Shield by His Grace, she has appeared in television and film productions including FOX's Empire, OWN's Queen Sugar, Hulu's The First and Breaking News in Yuba County.

In Shield by His Grace, Coleman-McGee steps into the lead role of Tamar while simultaneously contributing to the production behind the scenes as an assistant producer.

The film also gives communities such as Canton an opportunity to celebrate their own contributors while recognizing the larger statewide collaboration that made the production possible.

"Canton should absolutely be proud to have hometown talent represented in this production," Coleman-McGee said. "Tomeka and Arius are part of a much larger Mississippi story. This movie belongs to all of the people who gave their time, talent and creativity to make it happen,
and we hope communities throughout the state will embrace it."

WATCH SHIELD BY HIS GRACE

Shield by His Grace is a faith-based drama released in 2025 and is now streaming on major digital platforms, including Tubi and Apple TV.

Mississippi audiences are encouraged to watch, stream and share Shield by His Grace and help spread the word about a production created through Mississippi talent.

Supporting Shield by His Grace means supporting Mississippi actors, filmmakers, producers and independent creatives while demonstrating that compelling stories can be developed and produced right here in the Magnolia State.

Film: Shield by His Grace
Genre: Faith-Based Drama
Writer/Director: Tamica Hudson
Lead Actress: Tiffany Coleman-McGee as Tamar
Executive Producer: Tamica Hudson
Assistant Producers: Tiffany Coleman-McGee and Kingi Lacy
Co-Producer: Corey Thomas
Production Company: YaTouch Films
Release: 2025
Streaming: Tubi, Apple TV and other available digital platforms

ABOUT SHIELD BY HIS GRACE

Shield by His Grace is an inspirational faith-based drama centered on Tamar, a woman determined to trust God's plan for her life and relationships. After meeting and marrying the man she believes to be the answer to her prayers, Tamar encounters revelations and challenges that test her marriage and her faith.

Through heartbreak and spiritual struggle, she discovers that her ultimate source of protection, strength and restoration is God's grace.

The Mississippi-made production brings together actors, filmmakers and production professionals from across the state and showcases the growing creative talent within Mississippi's independent film community.

From Canton to Jackson and communities across the Magnolia State, Shield by His Grace demonstrates the power of Mississippi creatives working together to tell meaningful stories and take those stories to audiences beyond the state's borders.

Students in the Canton Career Center’s Health Science class recently welcomed two healthcare professionals from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Megan Bass-Kendrick, a certified registered nurse anesthetist who holds a Ph.D., and Megan Harris, a registered nurse and critical care unit manager, spoke with first-year Health Science students about their careers and the skills needed to succeed in the healthcare field.

The professionals emphasized the importance of medical terminology, strong academic performance and effective communication. They also discussed essential workplace skills, including professionalism, teamwork, dependability, time management, empathy and maintaining a positive attitude.

Students learned about a variety of healthcare career opportunities and were offered job-shadowing opportunities to gain firsthand experience in medical settings.

One of the presentation’s key messages was the importance of learning to “pivot.” Bass-Kendrick and Harris encouraged students to view setbacks as opportunities to adjust their plans rather than reasons to abandon their goals.

They emphasized that success requires effort, consistency, commitment and perseverance and encouraged students to continue moving forward when challenges arise.

The Canton Career Center expressed appreciation to Bass-Kendrick and Harris for taking time to educate and encourage students and provide insight into careers in healthcare.
 

After 32 years of serving as a Methodist pastor, the Rev. David Lowery is retiring.

Lowery has served as pastor of First Methodist Church and Thornton Chapel in Canton for the past 11 years. 

During his time in the community, he has been involved in numerous local ministries and has enjoyed serving alongside members of the Canton Christian community.

Lowery and his wife, Joy, are moving to their new home in Covington County, outside of Collins.
 

Nissan Canton will host its first Recycling Roundup on Saturday, September 19, offering area residents a free opportunity to dispose of a variety of hard-to-recycle household items.

The drive-thru, drop-off event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nissan Training Center, Gate 1, at 300 Nissan Drive in Canton. The event is free and open to the public.

The Recycling Roundup is being held in partnership with the Tennessee Environmental Council, which organizes events designed to keep recyclable materials out of landfills and provide communities with convenient disposal options for items that may not be accepted through regular curbside recycling programs.

A wide variety of materials will be accepted during the Canton event, including electronics, batteries, ink and toner cartridges, medications, clothing and shoes, household goods, furniture, certain appliances, scrap metal, glass bottles and jars, tires, recyclable paper, cardboard, plastics and aluminum cans. Confidential paper shredding also will be available on site until the shredding truck reaches capacity.
Residents may bring up to eight tires per household at no charge. Additional tires will be accepted for $1 each. Rims also will be accepted.

Organizers are asking participants to follow preparation guidelines for certain materials. Batteries should have their ends taped before drop-off to help prevent fires, and leaking batteries will not be accepted. Clothing and household goods intended for donation should be clean, gently used and placed in bags or boxes.

Some materials will not be accepted, including household hazardous waste, sharps such as needles and razors, gasoline and other petroleum products, propane and oxygen tanks, ammunition, explosives and radioactive materials. Restrictions vary by recycling category, so residents are encouraged to review the complete collection list before arriving.

The roundup is designed as a convenient drive-thru event, allowing participants to bring eligible materials to the Nissan Canton site for collection by participating recycling organizations.

According to the Tennessee Environmental Council, recycling roundups help reduce reliance on landfills and illegal dumping while ensuring collected materials have an appropriate recycling destination. Materials collected through the program may be refurbished, processed into new materials or reused for other purposes.

The event is intended for residents, and materials from businesses will not be accepted. While there is no general admission or drop-off fee, the Tennessee Environmental Council suggests donations of $10 to $20 to support its efforts.

For a complete list of accepted and prohibited items, preparation instructions and additional event information, visit the Nissan Canton Recycling Roundup event page.

https://tectn.org/get-involved/recycling-roundups/nissancantonrecycles/

“By Any Means” is a movie about two disparate FBI employees that can’t decide if it wants to be a “Buddy Cop” movie or not. The pair are mismatched, but are they “comically” mismatched? The pair banter, is there enough banter to qualify for the “Buddy Cop” label? There’s action, but is the action too violent and intense for a term as casual as “Buddy Cop”? The result is an uneven tone that makes the movie too dark for matinee action fans and too ridiculous for true-crime aficionados. 

The movie takes place in 1966, primarily in Mississippi. Local agent Wayne Strider (Yahya Abdul Mateen II) is eager to prove that he, as a Black man, can handle more than a desk job. He also wants to help in the investigation into the murder of civil rights activist and personal friend Vernon Dahmer (Giancarlo Esposito). His boss (David Strathairn) notices that Black neighbors of Dahmer are unwilling to talk to white agents, but maybe they’ll cooperate with Strider. The agent is given a special off-the-books assignment that requires some investigating, though he is mostly in the service of informant Gregory Scarpa (Mark Wahlberg), a New York mobster known for uncondoned methods of getting answers. For different reasons, neither Strider nor Scarpa is particularly welcome in Klan-infested 1960’s Mississippi, though it’s not like they’re conducting the investigation to make friends. 

Scarpa has certainly shown up to be one half of a pair of Buddy Cops. Everything from his hair to his sunglasses to his drinking and womanizing, indicates that he is the “wild” one of the team. And that’s just his first impression. He’s also got a mean mouth, a short fuse, and an itchy trigger finger. The man starts putting up a body count much earlier than Strider expected. He’s not much more merciful in his interrogations, with the investigation rarely moving forward without information soaked in blood. Then again, at least he’s getting the information, which Strider would never be able to get going by the book. 

Strider and Scarpa settle into a rapport, though Scarpa is casually racist and says he doesn’t care about the investigation outside of his specific assignment. Strider eventually learns to give verbal abuse as good as he gets. He even teaches Scarpa an epithet for white people that he doesn’t already know. I found it hard to believe that Scarpa wasn’t familiar with the term, or at least be able to easily guess its meaning from context. His ignorance in this scene is about as embarrassing for the movie as Dr. Don in “Green Book” being befuddled by fried chicken. 

When it comes to the investigation, there’s no learning from each other, Scarpa 100% brings Strider over to his side of using violence to get what he wants. And there is a lot of violence. Interrogation scenes see suspects begging Scarpa to kill them, but he won’t end their suffering that easily. Granted, these men are always perpetrators of horrific violence themselves, which just means that all “action” sequences in this movie are a rough watch. 

I get the point of making the violence in “By Any Means” so ugly, there are no winners in a hate-based war. I also get the point of making the character of Scarpa so unlikeable (provided it does the real-life Scarpa justice), sometimes assets to justice have to come from the dregs of society. But did this movie have to take so many cues from lighter Buddy Cop movies, as if it couldn’t sell itself as something heavier? And did it have to whiff so badly on its few attempts at levity? The film takes itself both too seriously and not seriously enough, working occasionally, but not consistently. It never quite finds the means to elicit laughs “or” screams. 

Grade: C

“By Any Means” is rated R for violence/bloody images and pervasive language. Its running time is 107 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.