Children and adults gathered in Canton recently for a hands-on 4-H learning experience focused on gardening and beekeeping.

Participants learned from Mr. and Mrs. Boutwell, who shared their knowledge and expertise in planting, growing, and caring for gardens, as well as the basics of beekeeping and the important role bees play in agriculture and the environment.

The educational event gave attendees an opportunity to engage directly with nature-based skills while gaining a better understanding of sustainability and agricultural practices.

Organizers thanked Cheyenne Stewart Weaver for coordinating the 4-H experience and providing the community with an interactive learning opportunity for all ages.

Scholarship presentations for the Madison County Youth Leadership Class of 2025-2026 have concluded, marking the end of a program year recognizing outstanding student leaders from across the county.

Canton Academy expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the program, which highlights students who demonstrate leadership, service and academic achievement.

School officials also thanked the Madison County Business League & Foundation for its continued support and investment in developing future community leaders, noting the organization’s role in encouraging and supporting students as they prepare for their futures.

William Woods was recognized through the program, earning congratulations from Canton Academy for his achievement and involvement in the leadership initiative.
 

Canton High School recognized seven members of the Class of 2026 who completed their graduation requirements during the summer, marking an important milestone in their academic journeys.

School officials congratulated the graduates for their perseverance and dedication, wishing them success as they pursue college, careers and other future opportunities.

The Canton High School Class of 2026 summer graduates are:
   •    Jason Berduo-Aguilon
   •    Bernardo Cortes-Zarate
   •    A’landriyah Ousley
   •    Jermerion Shields
   •    Nikolas Smith
   •    Deydin Tomas-Temaj
   •    Kylah Washington 

        Three charcuterie boards are on a six-foot table with crunchy chicken wings, three wing sauces, cauliflower bites, creamy blue cheese dressing, and ranch dressing. Charcuterie boards are the most popular food trend these days for causal and formal dining. Chicken is custom for Sunday dinners in the south, but now there is a new twist for Sunday dinners that all can enjoy the sweet and tangy palate to one’s liking. The key to a charcuterie board are the right ingredients, love, and bringing people together.

        Traditionally, Sunday is a special day to attend Sunday School, Worship Services, and Children’s church. Afterwords, it is time to load up the children and head to your in-law’s home to have Sunday dinner. I can remember growing up I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ home eating and playing with my cousins. Sunday was and still is my favorite day of the week. As I got older, I had to do my chores and homework when I left my grandparents’ home. Now, I keep the tradition of eating at my parents’ home, and everyone comes by and to relax. I have started a new tradition at my home in Canton, MS my parents and family members come over once a month on a Sunday to eat, chill and talk about church. At my home we always have an activity such as as painting with watercolors of landscapes on a canvas.

        A recipe that I found out of the America’s Test Kitchen Book, title “Boards Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings” by Food Styling & Expert advice by Elle Simone Scott found on pages 90-95

Fried Chicken Wings

2 quarts peanut or vegetable for frying

1 and half cups water

1 cup all- purpose flour

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon table salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 pounds chicken wings cut at joints, wingtips discarded 

¾ cup wing sauce

Buffalo Wing Sauce

Classic Buffalo Wing Sauce is made with Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce. 

½ cup hot sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon molasses

Smoky Barbecue Wing Sauce

¼ cup chicken broth

¼ cup ketchup

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 tablespoon minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce

¼ teaspoon liquid smoke

Mango Chutney Wing Sauce

¾ cup mango chutney

1 shallot, minced

3 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon grated lime zest

Whisk all the ingredients for each sauce in a bowl.

Cauliflower Bites

2 quarts peanut or vegetable oil

¾ cup cornstarch

¼ cup cornmeal

½ teaspoon table salt

¼  teaspoon pepper

1 pound cauliflower florets, cut into 1 ½- inch pieces

2/3  cup canned coconut milk

¾ cup wing sauce of your choice

Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

2 ½ ounces blue cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)

3 tablespoons buttermilk

3 tablespoons sour cream

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

Ranch dressing

2/3 cup sour cream

¼ cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro, dill, tarragon, and/or parsley

1 tablespoon minced shallot

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

¼ teaspoon table salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

All ingredients can be found at a market locally in the town of Canton, MS. The cookbook can be found at Canton Library. Enjoy your charcuterie board on a laid-back Sunday afternoon in Canton, MS. 

Creativity was on full display as children participated in Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty’s (MadCAAP) annual Love for Lacey Arts & Crafts Camp, a weeklong program dedicated to fostering artistic expression while honoring the memory of a beloved community member.

The camp is held each year in memory of Lacey, a cherished friend of MadCAAP whose legacy continues to inspire creativity, learning and joy among local children.

Throughout the week, campers explored a variety of hands-on art projects designed to encourage imagination and self-expression. Activities included painting canvases, creating paper bead jewelry, decorating pottery, painting story stones, designing birdhouses and completing several other arts and crafts projects.

Organizers said the camp provided participants with opportunities to develop new skills, make friends and express their creativity in a supportive environment.

The week was filled with smiles, enthusiasm and artistic achievements as children proudly showcased their creations. Camp leaders expressed gratitude to participants, families and volunteers who helped make the event a success.

MadCAAP officials said the annual camp remains a meaningful way to celebrate Lacey’s memory while creating lasting memories for a new generation of young artists.

The 41st annual Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest filled the skies over Canton with color and excitement as thousands of visitors gathered to celebrate one of the state’s most anticipated summer traditions while commemorating America’s 250th birthday.

Throughout the three-day festival, dozens of brightly colored hot air balloons took flight above Canton, creating breathtaking views for spectators of all ages. As evening fell, the popular balloon glows illuminated the grounds, providing a dazzling display that became a highlight of the weekend.

Guests enjoyed live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food vendors, and attractions that offered something for everyone. Whether attendees were experiencing hot air balloons up close for the first time or returning to continue a cherished family tradition, the festival provided a memorable experience that blended Canton’s small-town hospitality with large-scale entertainment.

This year’s event carried special significance as it joined communities across the country in celebrating America250, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The patriotic theme was woven throughout the festival, reminding visitors of the nation’s rich history while celebrating the community spirit that has made the Balloon Fest a beloved Mississippi tradition for more than four decades.

As the final balloons descended and the festivities came to a close, another successful Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest left families with lasting memories and reinforced Canton’s reputation as home to one of Mississippi’s premier summer events.

I am well aware of the case against Disney’s live-action remake of its 2016 animated hit “Moana,” namely that the original film is less than ten years old and doesn’t need a remake, and also that  Disney live-action remakes are lazy cash-grabs in general. And I agree with a lot about that argument. I’d rather see Disney put its resources into developing new ideas instead of rehashing old ones, especially when it means trading the magic of Disney animation for the limitations of live-action. At the same time, no amount of discouragement – of which I offer a lot – can stop Disney from making and releasing this movie, and the movie they’ve made and released isn’t terrible. 

The story remains the same. Moana (Catherine Laga’aia), teenage daughter of Chief Tui (John Tui) and his wife Sina (Frankie Adams), is destined to one day take over her island home, but is told she must never go out on open water. Her wise grandmother Tala (Rena Owen) encourages her to take her duties seriously, but also to think for herself if strict adherence to tradition isn’t working. The island comes to be in trouble, and only returning the heart of petrified goddess Te Fiti will save it. Fortunately Moana has had the heart since childhood (she earned it as a reward for compassion toward the ocean and its creatures), so she sets out on an unprecedented seafaring expedition to return it. 

Moana’s mission requires her to team up with exiled demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role from the original, but now in live-action), who isn’t keen on crossing paths with old enemy Te Fiti. Together they have to keep other parties from stealing the powerful heart for themselves, such as coconut-like pirates the Kakamora and greedy crab Tamatoa (Jemaine Clement, also reprising his role in voice only). Then there’s Te Fiti herself, who is so mistrustful of humans and demigods that she fights our heroes even when they’re trying to do something as helpful as returning her own heart. 

It’s when the action kicks into gear that the movie doesn’t fare well. For most movies I’d say the opposite, that I prefer it when the first act stops plodding along and we get to the action. But the second and third acts in this film differ so little from the original that it’s just a matter of waiting for the same beats from 2016. I know “I’ve seen this all before” is a cliché for critics, but in this case it’s especially accurate and appropriate. 

While I’m talking about the movie’s lesser points, I need to bring up Dwayne Johnson. In 2016, I was thrilled that the pro wrestler known as The Rock had a juicy part (and even a song!) in the Disney canon. But he’s really lost a step since then. His jokes sound forced (not helped by, again, being carbon copies of jokes from ten years ago) and his body is unnaturally puffy, a result of the effects team going overboard in giving him sentient tattoos. Speaking of unnatural special effects, animal sidekicks Pua the pig and Heihei the chicken also look terrible, and even the water isn’t as… fluid as it should be. 

With all of these problems that I can completely understand being deal-breakers for other critics, why am I recommending this version of “Moana”? The answer is simple: Moana. Or, less simply, Moana and her family dynamic back on the island. The first act of the movie gives us four good characters with passion and motivation. The remake really steps up its game in fleshing out these characters now that they have actual flesh. Of course, the standout is Laga’aia, matching the charm of original Moana Auli’i Cravalho every step of the way. Laga’aia and Cravalho combine their spirited voices for a song that plays over the credits, which is just enough to earn this film a recommendation by the hair of a coconut. 

Grade: B-

“Moana” is rated PG for action/peril, some scary images, rude humor and brief thematic elements. Its running time is 115 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

PryorMorrow has welcomed Canton native John Hollis Hutchinson as a summer intern, providing him the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of architecture.

Hutchinson will work alongside the firm’s architects and design professionals, contributing to projects while learning how concepts and designs are developed and implemented in real-world settings.

According to PryorMorrow, Hutchinson is eager to immerse himself in architectural projects, learn from experienced professionals and see how designs come to life beyond the drawing board.

His interest in architecture began at an early age through drawing and building, activities that sparked a passion for design and creativity. He now brings that same enthusiasm and curiosity to the firm’s team as he explores a future career in architecture.

Before pursuing architecture, Hutchinson competed as a Division I junior college baseball player at Hinds Community College, demonstrating the dedication and discipline that he now applies to his academic and professional pursuits.

A graduate of Canton Academy, Hutchinson is a lifelong Canton resident. PryorMorrow officials said they are excited to have him on board this summer and look forward to helping him develop his skills and gain valuable industry experience.

The internship provides Hutchinson with an opportunity to learn firsthand from professionals in the field while gaining exposure to the architectural design process from concept to construction.

I know, I know, no one wants to just give up and acknowledge their body has decided to leave the beaten path of pure health, that it has taken a sharp left turn and is now broken and spiraling downward. But look at it this way. Because we are the stubborn creatures that we are, it just may take everything falling apart in your life to make you actually get help you need.  

So, from that point of view, things falling apart can be a good thing. Because that’s when everything can begin falling back into place. You finally go to Urgent Care, or call for an appointment with the ‘dreaded human being.’ You submit yourself to an exam, take some tests, and voila, you find out why you have been feeling like your train has run off the tracks and is wallowing around in the desert somewhere.

But are you like so many of us? That when it happens to you, your reaction is always, “This stinks! Why is this happening to me?”

C’mon, honestly, do you really think that you are The Chosen One? That your gorgeous body is so wonderful that no disease or accident should be allowed to touch it? That God has designated you as His poster child for absolute health until the day you breathe your last breath and He whisks you off to paradise? 

No, of course not. If you are breathing, you know that is not the way life treats you. Fact; in this broken world, things break. And people hurt. And everyone needs help from someone else when we get broken. 

So, the best thing you can do is to simply acknowledge a few things. Life hurts humans. You are not super-human, so you are going to get hurt by life. And when that happens, you need someone to help you. People do not have ESP. That means you are going to have to pick up the phone, or confide in a friend, or yell down the street. But you are going to need to let someone help you. To let someone in. And that can be a definite good thing in your life.

Sickness and sadness. It's going to happen to you. So best thing you can do is to change your perspective. That when things break in your life, decide to keep your eyes open for the eventual good that can result. 

Jesus, have mercy on some of the books that have been hitting the shelves lately! 

Now, I am not one to yuck anyone’s yum, but let this be a public service announcement to all parents out there about the importance of vetting what their children are reading. 

There have been so many times where I have seen parents buy any books for their children simply because they are so excited their child is reading. Me, too! However, it’s important for us to realize that “Young Adult” does not mean what it once did. 

Young Adult has begun to include “new adult” style content, from explicit language to open door sexual content. There have been several times where I have had parents reach out and ask for help in finding appropriate books for their children. Oftentimes, I ask them what their main concerns are and then go from there. 

With the recent Amazon Prime series hit about hockey romance, we’ve seen an uptick in those book sales. Now, I have read them all and can assure you they are not for teenagers by any means. 

Firstly, the main characters are in college, and secondly, the language and spicy content could make a sailor ask for a wholesome alternative. However, these books have gotten super popular and, due to the covers depicting a cutesy romance, people pick it up unaware. Again, I am not here to yuck your yum—I will slightly judge you if you are handing these books to anyone younger than 21, but that’s content for a different column. With the love of a beach read and the need for something that you can read without hiding the cover, here are some fun alternatives. 

Summer of Yes – Courtney Walsh
This one is so fun! I am a big Courtney Walsh fan, because she has a great way of writing romance that will make you get super excited for the characters, but it’s clean at the same time.  

A carefully-planned summer takes an unexpected turn when saying “yes” becomes a way to step out of grief, control and fear. What starts as a list of small risks slowly grows into something much bigger, like healing, courage and a second chance at joy. It’s a story about learning that sometimes the best moments come when life stops going according to plan.

The Summer of You and Me – Denise Hunter
Needing more mystery and less smooching? This one might be for you. 

Two people with complicated pasts find themselves tied together during a summer that forces both honesty and vulnerability. As old wounds surface and new feelings grow, they must decide whether protecting their hearts is worth missing out on something real. It’s a tender, emotional romance about timing, trust and the risk of love.

If All Else Sails – Emma St. Clair
I am a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers story, PLUS this one has a cute dog sidekick. 

A reluctant partnership on the water turns into something neither of them expected as forced proximity leads to plenty of sparks and even more chaos. Between misadventures, humor and heart, they discover that running from the past doesn’t work nearly as well as facing it together. 

It’s a light, witty romance about surrendering control and letting love steer the course.

The conventional explanation for the subprime crash is that home prices fell in 2006 and borrowers defaulted. It’s wrong. Home prices rose in 2006 — but not as fast as they had been rising. Speculators who had borrowed to flip houses couldn’t flip them in the softer market. They defaulted. The effect snowballed and triggered the crash a year later.

Michael Lewis told that story in The Big Short. Andrew Ross Sorkin’s sequel was Too Big to Fail. Mississippi’s story may be Too Big to Default.

A July 2 essay at Groundbreaker argues the AI data-center boom is a subprime lookalike. If it is, the Entergy-Amazon secret deal brokered by the Governor and the Mississippi Development Authority rests on a false premise: Amazon is too big to default. 

Entergy’s uncontrolled expenses for Amazon may be socialized on residential customers. A study this spring found that’s already happening. The average Entergy Mississippi household already pays about $10.60 a month for the Amazon build-out — roughly $38 million by March, on track for $74 million by year-end.

Data centers are financed with debt based on long-term contracts with AI customers. Amazon’s AWS has the most data centers. Its two biggest AI customers are Anthropic (maker of Claude), contracted to pay Amazon more than $100 billion, and OpenAI (maker of ChatGPT), contracted for $38 billion with $100 billion optional. Amazon is also Anthropic’s biggest investor. If Anthropic falters, Amazon takes a double hit. If Anthropic defaults, Amazon’s data-center value falls. And its ability to pay for electricity falls too.

OpenAI and Anthropic both lose money. OpenAI loses roughly $5 billion a year on $13 billion in revenue. Anthropic losses are similar.  Both stay in business by raising more money — the way home flippers did by refinancing before the 2007 reset. That’s getting harder for them to do. A year ago each new fundraising round was valued at roughly twice the last one. Now it’s closer to one-and-a-quarter times. The market is getting cautious. 

The market still likes their high equity valuations. But those valuations are rising at a slower rate every quarter.  That’s a concern. That’s what triggered the subprime bubble burst.

In 2024, the Mississippi Legislature passed Senate Bill 2001 for Amazon. That law sidelined the Public Service Commission, waived the four-percent cap on residential rate increases, and granted automatic approvals for whatever Entergy spent — with a guaranteed return. It put Entergy’s other customers on the hook for spending Entergy said was for them.  Does Amazon have a take-or-pay obligation under Senate Bill 2001. If it doesn’t or can’t honor it, do Entergy’s residential customers pay more?  How much wiggle room does Amazon have?

The AI world has changed dramatically since Senate Bill 2001 passed in January, 2024.

A ChatGPT-level query paid twenty dollars per million words then. It pays seven cents now — a 280-fold drop. There were no serious Chinese frontier AI models then.  Today they do half the searches from the largest independent AI routing platform. They work cheap.  Their low prices depress data center prices and values. 

When SB 2001 passed, CoreWeave was private little-known company.  Today it is a $42 billion AWS competitor. It offers contract features AWS doesn’t.  It just signed a $21 billion contract with Meta for data-center capacity through 2032 — a contract  Amazon would probably have won in 2024.

When SB 2001 passed, data center developers were buying and developing.  Now many are selling. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that they are lining up to sell tens of billions of their data center holdings. Smart money leaving the party while the music is still playing?

In 2024 it seems that Mississippi’s central planners planned for the future to be like 2024. It’s not. AI technology has changed. The market has changed. Amazon has changed. Its free cash flow decreased 95% in the first quarter this year as capital spending hit $44 billion. It’s borrowing like its AI customers. Borrowing is getting more expensive.

Goldman Sachs projects Amazon and its peers will issue more than $500 billion of new debt in 2026 to fund data-center buildouts. Their borrowing cost has increased. Oracle is one of Amazon’s data-center peers. Its debt default insurance has doubled to 2009 levels. Its investment-grade bonds trade like junk. Same thing happened before the subprime crash.

It’s déjà vu all over again. In 2007 the cost of insuring subprime bonds tripled while housing prices were still setting records. Wall Street’s largest bond investors bought protection against a collapse the equity market said couldn’t happen. Rating agencies said the debt was AAA investment quality. But it turned to junk. Investors who read credit signals and sold early were Big Short winners. Late sellers were losers. 

Too Big to Fail is a metaphor about ignoring or misjudging credit risks. In 2024, the Governor and the Legislature decided Amazon was too big to fail. They picked a winner, wrote a secret deal into statute, and waived PSC rules that could have limited residential customers’ exposure. Hindsight is 20-20. You can’t think of everything. Central Planning Economic Developers didn’t. They didn’t have skin in the game either. They may have been blinded by jobs.

I’m not predicting Amazon’s default. But it’s possible. What’s Plan B if it happens? Can the state clean up the mess that will be?  Can it do anything now?

One thing is don’t do another secret deal. There is a better way for Mississippi to play the data-center game and attract more investments. It does not involve central planners or secret deals. It does not saddle monopoly-utility customers with higher rates. It takes advantage of Mississippi’s competitive advantages — and lets the market work.  

Stay tuned.

---

Kelley Williams, Chair Bigger Pie Forum

July 15, 2026

The Knights of Pillar Nurses Association celebrated its 11th Annual Joyce Conway-Adams Scholarship Banquet on May 29 at Golden Paradise Venue on the Canton Square.

The event recognized nursing students from area colleges and honored the legacy of Joyce Conway-Adams through scholarship awards that support future nurses.

The guest speaker was Angela Brown, a respected nurse in the Canton area. Brown was introduced by her mother, Gladys Hughes, a retired nurse. Speaking on the theme, “Healing Hands, Rising Stars,” Brown encouraged attendees, particularly new graduates, to view nursing as a calling rather than simply a job or profession.

Scholarship recipients included Bracey Granderson of Hinds Community College, Deuana McGee of the Hinds Allied Health Center, Tynoka Lewis of Holmes Community College and Briana Johnson.

Recipients are nominated by the nursing dean at their respective colleges. Following nomination, students submit applications to the association for review. Applicants must meet established criteria, complete a notarized application and participate in an interview with the Knights of Pillar Nurses Association board before final selections are made.

Since establishing the scholarship program in 2016, the association has awarded 30 scholarships totaling more than $12,000 to help students pursue careers in nursing.

Association leaders expressed appreciation to the Conway family for allowing the organization to continue honoring Joyce Conway-Adams’ legacy by supporting and inspiring future nurses.

The Knights of Pillar Nurses Association announced that scholarship applications for 2027 will be available in January. The organization also thanked the community for its continued support of the scholarship program.

Bertha McGruder is the founder of the Knights of Pillar Nurses Association, and Barbara Frazier serves as president.

The 2nd Quarter rally was an earnings growth story. Analysts expected S&P 500 earnings for the 1st quarter to grow 13% but reported numbers coming out after 3/31 shocked to the upside +27%. The quarter’s best sectors were Technology +49% and Industrials +18.3%. This corroborates the historic capex boom now underway building AI data centers and related power plants – over $650 billion this year with another $trillion expected in 2027. Those numbers will make it the biggest capex boom in U.S. history. For fifty years the footprint of computing has been shrinking from giant rooms to what fits in your pocket. Now it is exploding to 150 acre plots.

The promoters of AI promise a radical transformation of the U.S. and global economies and are putting up billions to make it happen. But the urgency of the race is challenged by capacity differentials between sectors across the economy. The industrial and utility sectors are designed for 3 to 5% growth and are hard pressed to meet the demand for 30% more electricity by 2028. Such conditions stress supply chains creating bottlenecks where scarce critical components can command premium pricing power.   The biggest winner has been the semiconductor (chip) industry which saw 52% year over year growth in revenue. But the boom also extends deep into the industrial sector which is experiencing a huge revival supplying everything from turbines, to generators, to transformers and HVAC systems. The six month stock gains are impressive: Generac +107%, Comfort Systems USA +97%, Caterpillar +78%, and GE Vernova +73%. 

Another bottleneck to the hyper-scaler ambitions is the complex 50 state regulatory regimes that oversee electricity production, transmission and distribution. That will be a tough fix. But it must be fixed before rising resistance at the local and state levels derails the AI locomotive. Some intriguing policy ideas are being floated by think tanks across the country. Stay tuned on that important issue. 

But the most astounding bottleneck in the AI supply chain is memory chips, which are critical to load and manipulate the complex AI models. The top performing stocks in the S&P 500 for the year ending 6/30/26 were all memory companies, SanDisk +4,913%, Western Digital +900%, Micron Technology +838% and Seagate Technology +574%. 

Trailing way behind in this technology ticker tape parade has been software. A decade ago the tagline, “infinitely scalable at zero marginal cost” made software the darling of many institutional investors. Now investors fear AI’s coding capability will disrupt ‘Software as a Service’ (SAAS) business models. The software ETF (IGV) dropped 18.8% for the 12 months ending 6/30/26. 

This is a unique and dynamic period in American history, but then really, that’s been the case for 250 years. Is this a great country or what?

Ashby Foote

14 July 2026

Students at Reuben B. Myers CSAS received books and bookmarks before the start of summer break to encourage continued reading throughout the summer months.

School officials said summer reading helps students strengthen vocabulary, improve comprehension skills and maintain academic growth between school years. Research has shown that regular reading during the summer can help students retain skills and prepare for academic success when classes resume in the fall.

Students were encouraged to read independently and share stories with family and friends throughout the summer. School leaders expressed hope that the books and bookmarks will inspire students to make reading a part of their daily routine.

Educators noted that even a few minutes of reading each day can have a positive impact on student learning and help build a lifelong love of reading.
 

During a recent Monday evening work session at City Hall, Mayor Tim Taylor recommended Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody, a memoir that offers a firsthand account of growing up in Mississippi during the era of segregation and the Civil Rights Movement.

First published in 1968, the autobiography follows Moody’s life from childhood through her activism, including her involvement in key moments of the Civil Rights Movement across Mississippi.

Moody, born Essie Mae Moody in 1940 in Centreville, Mississippi, later became known as “Anne” due to a clerical error on her birth certificate. When she requested a copy as a teenager, the incorrect name remained, and she chose to keep it.

The memoir provides a detailed and unflinching look at life for Black Mississippians in the 1940s and 1950s. Moody later became a civil rights activist and participated in the sit-in at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Jackson.

She also worked extensively in Canton in 1963 on voting rights efforts at the Freedom House, which served as the Mississippi headquarters of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). The final sections of her book focus heavily on her experiences in Canton and the local Civil Rights Movement.

Moody passed away on February 5, 2015, in Gloster, Mississippi. Today, visitors to Centreville can find both a civil rights marker honoring her legacy and a literary marker recognizing the historical significance of her work.

Earlier this year, Canton’s Freedom House was also honored with a Freedom Trail marker, recognizing its role in the Civil Rights Movement and its place as the last surviving CORE Freedom House in Mississippi.
 

        “Minions & Monsters” is the seventh cinematic outing for the Minions, and the third where they take center stage, as opposed to playing backup for former supervillain Gru. The jellybean-like animated gibberish-spewers all voiced by Pierre Coffin are once again taking the prequel route, as their story is told by a modern-day movie studio tour guide (Allison Janney), though a further framing device modifies even that context. 

        At the beginning of the story, the Minions are once again searching the world for a new home in their inexplicable quest to serve the most despicable master possible despite not having an evil bone (or possibly any bones) in their bodies. A hulking cyclops seems like a good candidate (let’s see if this movie and “The Odyssey” in two weeks lead to a rise of cyclopes in pop culture), but a creative, ambitious Minion named James screws everything up for everyone. He also screws things up with a mummy, a pirate, and a wizard with a book of spells. Most of the Minions despise James’s antics, but friends Henry and Ed think he’s funny and stick by him. 

        Washing up on American shores sometime in the 1920’s, the Minions see an outlaw train robber and think he’ll make a great master. They destroy half a town just to track him down to offer their services, then they find out that he’s no outlaw at all. He’s an actor, the town is Hollywood, the train robbery was part of a movie from short-tempered director Max (Christoph Waltz), and the Minions ruined the take. Having used the last of his film, Max is forced to present the picture, Minions and all, to a pair of finicky studio executives (both voiced by Jeff Bridges). Surprisingly, the execs love the Minions and order them to be put into more films. The whole tribe becomes movie stars overnight. 

        To be clear, I love this portion of the film. The obvious love of – and constant references to – the golden age of Hollywood should earn admiration from any red-blooded cinema lover. I’m just not crazy about the parts that come before the Hollywood invasion and after the Minions fall from grace because they have a hard time transitioning to talkies (an appearance in “Citizen Kane” had me cracking up). 

        Eventually, the Minions again need to find a new master. Most of them settle on metallic space alien Dort (Jesse Eisenberg), who is either planning to invade Earth along with his home planet, or is just another actor in a clunky suit. The Minions help Dort in a cute romance with suffragette Debbie (Zoey Deutch), who is willing to spend time with him as long as he doesn’t kick children (it’s sweeter than it sounds)

        Meanwhile, James and his cohorts, trying to stay in the movie business by turning to directing, crack open their old wizard master’s spellbook to summon a monster for their sci-fi movie. They can only manage the puny Goomi (Trey Parker), but he can summon other monsters, including insatiable blob Irene, who tries to consume Hollywood. Can the Minions clean up the mess they created? Can James complete his movie and win an Oscar? Can this franchise finally give us an installment where the Minions and/or Gru’s family go up against Will Arnett’s evil banker from the first “Despicable Me”? It’s been 16 years and it really bugs me that they’ve never seriously revisited that character. 

        The movie, as always, depends on your tolerance for the Minions’ lowbrow schtick. Here they’re most effective when the movie is actively celebrating the art of schtick. But that’s just part of the movie, and the rest of the time I feel that they miss more gags than they hit. Plus the last act drags as it tries to work in too many sci-fi elements. “Minions & Monsters” comes close to getting my recommendation, but it falls short by a margin thinner than a 1920’s mustache. 

Grade: C

“Minions & Monsters” is rated PG for violence/action, language and rude/macabre humor. Its running time is 90 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

As summer begins across Mississippi, state health leaders are encouraging families to take basic precautions to prevent common seasonal injuries and illnesses linked to heat, water activities, travel and outdoor exposure.

In a recent episode of “Health Talk Mississippi,” hosted by Greg Flynn and produced by the Mississippi State Department of Health, experts across multiple public health fields outlined key safety concerns as children leave school and outdoor activity increases.

Tick bites, heat, and insect risks
State epidemiologist Dr. Renee Dodson warned that tick bites are rising nationally and can transmit illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. She recommended long sleeves, EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, and thorough body checks after outdoor activity.

Officials also emphasized the growing risk of heat illness, noting that symptoms like heavy sweating, fatigue and confusion can quickly progress to heat stroke. Immediate cooling and medical attention are critical if symptoms worsen.

Water safety remains a top concern
Child health expert Claire Mazingo stressed that drowning is often silent and can happen in seconds. She urged constant supervision around all water sources, use of designated “water watchers,” and properly fenced pools with secure gates.

Families were also reminded to remove pool toys when not in use and to ensure children never access pools unsupervised.

Food safety, heat, and household hazards
Experts reminded residents to follow basic food safety rules: keep cold foods cold, hot foods hot, and discard perishables left out too long. Cross-contamination during grilling and outdoor gatherings remains a major risk.

Lead prevention specialist Crystal Vzy warned that older playground equipment, contaminated soil and even garden hoses can expose children to lead. Frequent handwashing and awareness of home environments were strongly encouraged.

Vehicles, water recreation, and coastal risks
Officials reiterated the dangers of leaving children or vulnerable individuals in hot vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly.

They also highlighted Vibrio bacteria risks in warm Gulf waters, especially for people with open wounds or weakened immune systems, and advised avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish.

Additional warnings included snake bites, ATV injuries, and the importance of proper protective gear and emergency response readiness.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility”
Across all topics, the panel emphasized prevention and awareness as the most effective tools for avoiding summer emergencies.

For more information, visit the Mississippi State Department of Health at MSDH.ms.gov.

Darren spent an hour or so tentatively getting to know the horses that looked like giants to the tiny boy on the ground beside them. But every offer from the owners of the farm to let him ride one of the older gentler horses was meant with a shy smile and a quick negative shake of his blond head.

But yet, he couldn’t be persuaded to leave the horse corrals, and ignored all their suggestions to go see the pigs, cows, and the rest of the animal clan. Intimidated as he was, Darren still was fascinated with the size and height of those huge animals.

Finally, the lady of the farm had an idea. Murmuring to her husband, she then turned and smiled down at Darren and said she would be right back. That she had to go to the barn for something.

Darren watched her retreating back as she headed directly to one of the outbuildings that housed the horse tack. When she disappeared inside, he turned to the farmer with a disappointed look on his little sunburned face.  So naturally, the farmer asked him what was the problem.

There was definite disbelief and a faint tinge of disgust in his voice when he answered, "Oh man, she can't be going to no barn! Barns are always red and white. That building ain’t red, an there ain’t no white trim. "

It took the farmer a little while to make the little boy understand that barns are barns, no matter the color. It is only the contents that matter.
My point: Are we going to be like that six-year-old all our lives – believing that truth can only be from our point of view? Understandable coming from a six-year-old, but not from you or me.

There is one truth that I believe we can stand upon, and that is this; 

I am not always going to be one-hundred per cent correct. And most likely, neither are you. None of us have cornered the market on knowing what is right in every situation. And most of our quarrels and disputes are centered on that very fact. Be it countries, siblings, friends, denominations, or neighbors.

Somehow, we let ourself believe that what we have learned in life has to be the only reality.  Like a favorite friend of mine has been known to say, “My way, or the highway.” Seems logical, until you run into someone just as mule-headed. Unfortunately, it can be the highway way too often, if that’s how we live. A lot of good relationships can get tossed to the garbage heap with that philosophy.

Just remember. I’m not God, and neither are you.

Community leaders gathered recently to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for CantonTown.

Canton Mayor Tim Taylor joined Canton Tourism President Ed Hutchison, Executive Director Jo Ann Gordon and representatives from the Madison County Chamber of Commerce to officially welcome the new business to the community.

The ceremony recognized owner David Murrell as he celebrated the opening of CantonTown. Community members and local officials gathered to mark the occasion and show their support for the city’s newest business.

The ribbon cutting highlighted Canton’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses and encouraging economic growth within the community.

Canton was once home to the largest high school for Black students in Mississippi.

In 1958, Canton dedicated A.M. Rogers Senior–Junior High School, a modern campus designed to serve 1,500 students.

Nearly seventy years later, that same campus continues to educate local children as Nichols Middle School, located at 529 Mace Street in Canton.

According to the school’s online profile, Nichols Middle School currently serves approximately 388 students in grades 6–8.

Built at a cost of approximately $500,000, A. M. Rogers replaced numerous overcrowded one- and two-teacher schools throughout Madison County and represented one of the largest educational investments ever made for Black students in Mississippi during the era of legally segregated public schools.

The campus included 32 classrooms, two libraries, three science laboratories, two vocational shops, a home economics department, a cafeteria, and a combined gymnasium-auditorium with seating for approximately 2,000 people.

The school was named in honor of A. M. Rogers, who served for nearly twenty-five years as supervising principal of Canton’s Black schools.

The campus today retains much of its 1958 layout. While new entrances, walkways, parking areas, and other improvements have modernized the school over the decades, its historic footprint remains intact.
The school was built as part of Mississippi’s school equalization program, an effort to improve educational facilities for Black students while preserving segregated public education in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s desegregation rulings.

The Canton Mayor and Board of Aldermen advanced several infrastructure upgrades, facility renovations and public safety measures during their regular bi-weekly meetings this June. Led by Mayor Tim C. Taylor, City officials approved an array of municipal investments, heavily utilizing both American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations and state Modernization Funds to update City infrastructure and public properties.

At the June 2 meeting, the Board prioritized substantial facility and infrastructure maintenance. Officials authorized $46,923.53 in ARPA funds to paint the interior sections of the Multipurpose Complex and an additional $10,649.68 for exterior painting. The Canton Community Center received approvals for $14,810 in electrical and lighting upgrades, alongside $3,720 for critical roof repairs. Major infrastructure developments included ratifying a contract and approving a $173,800 payment to Southeastern Pipeline for the Crisco Ditch project, as well as authorizing Canton Municipal Utilities to perform up to $43,711 in water and gas utility work for the Adeline and Johnson Street Project.

The Board also utilized Modernization Funds during their first June session to heavily upgrade the City’s operational fleet. Purchases included a 16-foot dump trailer for $11,999, a lawn trailer for $6,691.40, two Cushman haulers for $13,467.95 each, a bush cutter for $6,895, and a Kubota tractor equipped with a loader and bucket for $46,503.64. Additionally, Drew’s Design & Construction was awarded a $21,565 contract to renovate Court Services, and the City entered a partnership with Revive to offer health benefits services to municipal employees.
During the June 16 meeting, City leaders shifted their focus toward local policy updates and community safety. The Board enacted an Emergency Proclamation ratifying a City ordinance for a juvenile curfew and approved an amended ordinance targeting nuisance properties and inspections. To increase accessibility for residents, the Board also passed a resolution establishing a policy to reduce facility and equipment rental fees for both the Canton Multipurpose Complex and the Canton Community Center.

Renovations continued mid-month as officials approved a $99,342 ARPA expenditure for GCE Glass Company to install new doors and windows at the Community Center, plus $52,634 for new tables and chairs to be shared between the center and the Multipurpose Complex. Ahead of local holiday celebrations, the Board approved an inclement weather plan for the Juneteenth usage agreement, allowing for the temporary closure of a portion of Center Street if event grounds become too wet. Final operational updates included appointing Tedmond Whitehead to the Architecture Review Board, while the Canton Historical Society was tapped to provide architectural and engineering services for the Train Depot.

As July temperatures settle across Mississippi, Canton residents are finding plenty of opportunities to stay cool, stay active and enjoy everything the City has to offer this summer.

From downtown dining and local attractions to parks, pools and reading programs, city leaders are encouraging residents to make the most of the season while keeping safety, health and community involvement at the forefront.

Mayor Tim Taylor recently shared a summer message with residents, highlighting both seasonal reminders and the progress made during his first year in office.

“Summer should be a season of fun, family and community,” Taylor said. “I encourage everyone to stay cool, stay hydrated and take advantage of the many opportunities available throughout our city.”

One of the most popular summer destinations is the City of Canton swimming pool, which is now open for the season. Families can also cool off at the city’s public splash pad and local parks, where children can enjoy outdoor recreation while escaping the summer heat.

For those looking for indoor activities, Canton offers several air-conditioned options. Downtown restaurants and shops provide a welcoming escape from the heat while allowing residents to support local businesses. The library continues to serve as a favorite summer destination, offering reading programs, educational resources and a comfortable place for students and adults alike.

Taylor emphasized the importance of summer learning, encouraging parents and caregivers to make reading part of their daily routine.

“Whether it’s a library book, a newspaper or an educational magazine, even 20 to 30 minutes of reading each day can make a tremendous difference,” Taylor said.

Local churches are also contributing to summer enrichment through Vacation Bible School programs, providing children with opportunities to learn, build friendships and stay engaged during summer break.
As residents enjoy summer activities, City officials are reminding everyone to take precautions against extreme heat by drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, wearing sunscreen and checking on elderly neighbors and vulnerable family members.

The mayor also encouraged residents to remain mindful of community safety. Canton’s citywide juvenile curfew remains in effect, requiring anyone under age 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

“Community safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Taylor said. “If you see something, say something.”
In addition to promoting a safe and enjoyable summer, Taylor reflected on the accomplishments achieved during his first year as mayor.

Among the year’s highlights, the city implemented a 5% salary increase for municipal employees, expanded professional development opportunities and partnered with G.A. Carmichael to provide health services and workforce training programs for City workers.

Infrastructure improvements have included reopening the Public Works Department, hiring a new Public Works director, improving major thoroughfares, beginning sidewalk repairs and launching efforts to address longstanding flooding concerns. The City also secured funding for watershed improvements and flood mitigation projects.

One of the administration’s most notable initiatives was reestablishing a City-operated sanitation department. The transition to municipal garbage collection expanded service from once per week to twice weekly while creating a projected annual revenue stream for the City.

The City also strengthened code enforcement through its “Fight the Blight” initiative, hiring additional personnel, purchasing vehicles and approving the demolition of properties that failed to meet code standards.

Economic development has remained a key focus as well. City officials approved two new residential subdivisions, Wood Creek and Park View, which are expected to bring approximately 150 new homes to Canton. Nearly 30 new businesses have opened during the past year, contributing to an estimated $15.8 million in economic growth.

Public safety investments included hiring five new police officers, purchasing 10 police vehicles and securing $600,000 for the development of a Canton Crime Center.

Taylor also highlighted progress in addressing longstanding financial challenges. The City completed its 2020 audit after it had remained unfinished for more than five years and has established timelines for completing subsequent audits.

Beyond infrastructure and economic development, the city launched the Mayor’s Health Council and Mayor’s Youth Council, both designed to invest in the future well-being and leadership development of Canton residents.

The mayor credited these accomplishments to collaboration among City employees, the Board of Aldermen, community partners and residents.

“The strength of our city has always been found in its people,” Taylor said. “Together, we can continue building a community that is safe, welcoming, prosperous and full of pride.”

As Canton residents settle into the heart of summer, City leaders hope citizens will take advantage of local amenities, support community programs and continue working together to keep Canton a place families are proud to call home.

Canton native Cameron Hill continues to make his mark on the national baseball stage after being selected for the second consecutive year to participate in the HBCU Swingman Classic, one of the premier events celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities baseball talent.

The 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic will be held during Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bringing together many of the nation’s top HBCU baseball players for a nationally televised showcase.

Hill, a standout outfielder at Grambling State University, has established himself as one of the most accomplished players in HBCU baseball. His repeat selection to the prestigious event highlights his continued excellence on the field and his growing reputation as one of the top players in the game.

This season alone, Hill earned recognition as Southwestern Athletic Conference Hitter of the Week and was named Golden Spikes Award Player of the Week, honors that reflect his exceptional offensive performance and impact at the plate. These accolades further solidify his standing among the nation’s top collegiate baseball players.

Before transferring to Grambling State, Hill attended Hinds Community College (Raymond, MS), where he made history by breaking the school’s home run record during the BBCOR era. He launched 17 home runs during the regular season, setting a new benchmark for the program and cementing his place among the college’s most prolific power hitters.

A 2022 graduate of Germantown High School, Hill’s baseball journey has been defined by hard work, determination and consistent achievement. From his standout high school career to his record-breaking performance at Hinds and continued success at Grambling State, Hill has represented the Canton community with pride at every level.

The HBCU Swingman Classic was created by Major League Baseball and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. to honor the rich tradition of HBCU baseball while providing student-athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents before professional scouts, coaches and baseball fans from across the country. Selection to the event is considered one of the highest honors in HBCU baseball.

His accomplishments continue to serve as an inspiration to young athletes throughout Canton and Madison County, demonstrating that dedication, perseverance and excellence can open doors to opportunities on baseball’s biggest stages. Through his achievements, Hill is not only building an impressive baseball résumé but also making his hometown proud on a national stage.

Canton residents will soon have a new place to gather, connect and grab their favorite cup of coffee, as Canton Coffee Station prepares to open on the Square.

The new business is bringing fresh energy to one of Canton’s historic spaces, with renovations now underway inside the city’s former fire station. The project marks another step in continued investment and revitalization efforts around downtown Canton.

Once complete, Canton Coffee Station is expected to offer residents and visitors a fresh place to meet friends, study, work or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in the heart of Canton.

As renovations continue, anticipation is already brewing for what could soon become Canton’s newest favorite gathering spot.

    America’s 250th birthday is finally here! This momentous milestone that only rolls around every two and one-half centuries deserves special recognition. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd at a backyard barbecue or plan to watch fireworks shows on TV, this once-in-a-lifetime occasion deserves more attention than a regular 4th of July holiday. A festive, patriotic tablescape…red, white and blue snacks…a special holiday meal of grilled classics…and of course, a flag cake made of strawberries and blueberries…these are just a few ways to pay homage to our country’s founding 250 years ago. 

    Each of the suggestions listed above are ones I added to my trial run leading up to the 4th. I don’t mind sharing that I’ve been thinking about this special holiday for months. I’ve purchased items for my table, gathered ideas and dreamed of ways to make the holiday extra special without spending all my time in the kitchen. Here are a few of the tips and photos from my trial run; hopefully, they’ll serve as inspiration to you as you prepare for the most memorable Fourth of July many of us will experience in our lifetime.

Set a table that’s patriotic, colorful and fun for guests

    Nothing sets the mood for a holiday meal like a festive table courtesy of colorful linens, dishes, centerpieces, candles and decorations geared to the occasion. As mentioned, I’ve been planning for this Fourth of July for quite a while; as a result, I’ve also been shopping for months. Several weeks ago, I purchased a patriotic tablecloth from TJ Maxx, a store that always stocks some of the best holiday decorations. Browsing through my local thrift store, I found four red dinner plates and patriotic salad plates that paired well with water goblets with navy stems I already had on hand. I had dreamed for a while about making a Betsy Ross cake (similar to princess and Barbie cakes at young girls’ birthday parties) and using it as my centerpiece. While I successfully made the cake and was happy with how it turned out, it lacked the height and “wow factor” I wanted for the main centerpiece. 

     Instead, I filled an old wooden crate purchased years ago at a vintage store with red and white plants. Empty spaces were filled in with U.S. flags and an old red lantern. I painted white taper candles red and red to add to a candelabra, placed Betsy Ross in a place of prominence and just like that, I had the Fourth of July table of my dreams. 

      Note: One final touch I’m adding to my table this week are inexpensive photo frames filled with old-fashioned patriotic scenes, a copy of the Star-Spangled banner and other assorted scenes and phrases I’ve collected over the past year.

Shortcuts for a special 4th of July meal 

    While nothing’s better than grilled burgers, ribs and steaks hot off the backyard grill, the temperature will likely be in the 90’s on the big day. To keep everyone cool, why not do what I did and purchase most of the items already cooked and assembled? At Sam’s Club, I found a box of fully-cooked cheeseburger sliders that received favorable reviews online. When I stopped by Kroger, I picked up a box of Nathan’s Famous Coney Island Pretzel Dogs. A few minutes in the oven and microwave and just like that, dinner was ready. To add my own special touch, I placed U.S. flag picks on each one and served them with dipping sauces. They’re colorful, easy to walk around with and best of all, really tasty. No grilling required!

Red, White and Blue Snacks

     Scrolling through Pinterest and other online sources, I became overwhelmed with the hundreds of creative ideas for red, white and blue cookies, candies, snack mixes and more. To keep things simple, I settled on white chocolate-dipped strawberries decorated with blue sugar and patriotic sprinkles. I’ve dipped hundreds of strawberries in my lifetime and never had an issue with baking chocolate. This time, the baking chocolate decided not to melt, despite repeated attempts. The closest store only stocked marshmallow crème so I took what I could get. After microwaving for a minute or two, the crème was the perfect consistency for dipping. The end result wasn’t as firm (or perfect-looking) as baking chocolate, but the taste was surprisingly good. 

White chocolate (or in this case, marshmallow crème) dipped strawberries decorated with sprinkles and blue sugar makes the perfect patriotic  snack.       Photo by Kara Kimbrough 

The grand finale…a flag cake, of course

    The Fourth of July wouldn’t be the same without a festive flag cake made of rows of icing and strawberries and a top left pocket of blueberries for stars. While I made the original version, I also discovered a way to make a quick and surprisingly eye-catching flag cake using inexpensive dessert cups, whipped cream in a can, chopped strawberries and blueberries. Creating this shortcut version is the perfect way to allow children to help with the holiday dessert and have fun in the process.

An easy way to make a Fourth of July flag cake is to fill dessert shells with chopped strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream in a can to create the stars and stripes. 

                                                                                                                 Photo by Kaa Kimbrough

A traditional flag cake of a 13x9-inch yellow cake topped with frosting, then decorated with strawberries and blueberries, is the perfect ending to a special 4th of July dinner. 

                                                                                                               Photo by Kara Kimbrough                            

     I hope you’ve been inspired by my Fourth of July trial run and most importantly, are excited about our nation’s once-in-a-lifetime milestone birthday. If all of the photos of the above-mentioned ideas aren’t published in your publication, drop me an email and I’ll send them to you, along with additional recipes and way to create a memorable meal. 

   I hope everyone has the best Fourth of July and food, fun and fireworks aside, remembers the many sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers to ensure America would become what we are today…the best country in the world. 

     Happy Fourth of July!

        Krypto the Superdog isn’t very cute in “Supergirl.” I understand that the way the pup was rendered for this film involved taking a real dog (who probably was very cute) and slathering CGI all over his likeness. The result is a dog whose face looks unnatural and with whom I couldn’t connect during emotional scenes. You know your Super-whatever movie is in trouble when you can’t make a character like Krypto loveable. 

        Krypto’s owner is more bearable, but just barely. Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El aka Supergirl, a cousin of Superman’s who was raised on a sort of Kryptonian bunker after the planet’s destruction. Eventually the bunker couldn’t sustain life and Kara had to be sent alone to Earth as well, but unlike Superman, she knew a home and a family on Krypton only to have it all taken away. As a result, she doesn’t take to Earth like Superman did and now mostly spends her days moping around with no friends, save for Krypto. 

        For this film, Supergirl finds herself teaming up with Ruthye (Eve Ridley), a teenager looking to avenge her family’s death at the hands of space pirate Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts). Krem needs to be defeated (for the murders, for child trafficking, and for poisoning Krypto and tauntingly carrying around an antidote), but Supergirl also wants to teach Ruthye that revenge through murder will not bring her the closure she seeks. On the other hand, Krem and his crew are perfectly willing to kill Supergirl, Ruthye, and anyone else they see fit. Killing him may save the lives of others, does that make it right to kill him? The Supergirl/Ruthye dynamic is based on “True Grit,” and grit-ting is what I had to do with my teeth every time the stiff, overly-formal-yet-too-immature Ruthye had a line in this movie. 

        On their quest, Supergirl and Ruthye cross paths with what the film thinks is a colorful gallery of otherworldly background characters. But this isn’t Mos Eisley where the alien designs are so interesting that viewers will instantly wanf to know the backstory of every character in the room. They’re all basically indistinguishable rubbery space-takers. The exception is space biker/bounty hunter Lobo (Jason Momoa), who gets to steal some scenes. One of the few downsides of the DCEU folding a few years ago was losing Momoa’s Aquaman, but now fans can rest easy knowing that he’s landed on his feet in a more fitting role. 

        Speaking of the larger DC Universe, it’s worth mentioning that yes, Superman (David Corenswet) is in this movie. He gets one of the few gags that actually works when he tries to welcome Kara to Earth, even though he only speaks English and she only speaks Kryptonian. It’s good to see that Superman is still reliable, because while I don’t dislike this version of Supergirl, this movie is clearly going to bomb and she isn’t going to be allowed another standalone movie anytime soon. If she, Krypto, and Lobo want to have any future in film, it’ll have to be as part of a Superman or Justice League movie. 

        Choppy action, a disjointed story, a muddied moral, a bland villain, an annoying second banana in Ruthye, and an overall ugly aesthetic all conspire to make “Supergirl” one of the worst big-budget movies of the summer. Even Superman can’t save it and saving things is his whole reason for being. But what do you expect from a movie that can’t even get the beloved, iconic, usually-adorable Krypto right? 

Grade: C-

“Supergirl” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action, language, and smoking. Its running time is 107 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

As Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year, it’s the perfect time to remember that Canton has its own unique place in our nation’s story.

Did you know that when the United States declared independence in 1776, the land that would one day become Canton wasn’t even part of the United States yet? According to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s “A Bicentennial History of Mississippi,” much of present-day Mississippi remained under Spanish control until the late 1700s, and the Mississippi Territory wasn’t established until 1798.

Madison County itself was created in 1828 and named after the nation’s fourth president, James Madison, according to the Mississippi Encyclopedia. Just a few years later, surveyor John B. Peyton selected the geographic center of the county as the site for a new county seat. Forty acres were purchased in 1834, laying the foundation for what would become Canton. 

Canton was officially incorporated in 1836—only 60 years after the United States became an independent nation. According to Canton Tourism, the city’s historic courthouse square remains one of Mississippi’s best-preserved historic districts and continues to serve as the heart of the community nearly two centuries later. 

As America marks 250 years of independence, Canton can proudly celebrate being part of a young nation whose history continues to grow. From its historic square to its community traditions, our city’s story is another chapter in the larger American journey—one that began with the pursuit of liberty and continues with each new generation.

We have wrapped up another school year! It was an absolute blast. What a blessing it is to wake up every morning excited to go to school. I definitely feel like I’m not a normal teacher in that most of the time we are asked how excited we are for summer – I am rarely ever counting down the days until summer. It’s nice to have a break, but I truly miss being at school. I miss the students, my coworkers, the everyday chaos, and the happiness that permeates the walls of our middle school. 
 

With all of that being said, as many know, the end of the year means gifts - graduation gifts, recital gifts, class gifts, teacher gifts. I love gift giving! I have a section in my notes app dedicated to gift ideas. Any time someone mentions liking something, I open my app and make that note. When it comes time to gift them something, it helps me come up with something I know they’re going to enjoy. 
 

My students ask me all of the time what kinds of gifts I like, and I tell them I literally just love that they have thought of me. They write me notes and bring me trinkets as if they were tiny middle school crows with shiny objects in their beaks, proud to present them to me. It’s no secret that I love dinosaurs, so, this year, I received several homemade dinosaur gifts and Jellycats. However, one of my favorite gifts was, of course, a book. 
 

Our sweet First Lady of school stopped by my room during the book fair, and we had the chance to catch up. As we were talking, we began recommending books to one another. Sidebar – at Christmas, I gift each teacher on my hall a book that reminds me of them and that I think they will enjoy. With the books, I include a note about why I chose that particular book for them. 
 

As we were talking, she recommended Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. I excitedly told her I had been recommended the book so many times, but I was on the waitlist for it at the library and that wait was over seventeen weeks! She said I simply must read it and that I would truly love the story. I told her I’d have to see if I could get my hands on a copy. 

That was on Friday. On Monday, her sweet husband delivered a package to me. It was beautifully wrapped in blue paper with a big satin bow. I tore open the paper to find a hardback copy of Theo of Golden inside with a note that read “Dear Courtney, I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Like Theo, you have a beautiful way of lifting others up and making them feel important.” 
 

Cue. The. Tears. 
 

How sweet was this!? My own favorite way of gift-giving was turned around on me. I got Uno reverse card gifted! It was the sweetest thing, and a reminder that while a gift card is easy, thinking of someone makes all the difference. In a world where we are constantly busy, rushed and moving onto the next, I encourage you to take the time to write the note, find the gift and wrap it with a bow. Because the kindest gesture is when you think of someone else. 
Oh, and she was right – Theo of Golden was absolutely wonderful. 

I have always believed that a true passion for serving extends far beyond traditional protocol. As a born-again, God-called and ordained preacher, I strive every day to exemplify the true meaning of a faithful servant of God. My mission for the world is simple yet profound: to bring spiritual enlightenment, encouragement and empowerment so that others may live an abundant life through Jesus Christ.

This mission is the heartbeat of The Church of Empowerment, which I founded alongside my high school sweetheart and wife of twenty-five years, Lady Dr. Matilda Gee Fleming. Our church began its journey at the family center in Camden, Mississippi. After much prayer, God led us to move our ministry to Canton. He specifically guided us to ask Rev. Bacon of In His Steps Ministries to allow us to use his facility. Rev. Bacon and In His Steps have truly been a magnificent blessing to The Church of Empowerment, giving us a welcoming space to gather. Currently, we are praying in faith that God will provide a permanent building and campus for our growing church family.

The Church of Empowerment is built firmly on the promise of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” We are a Word church that deeply loves God and His people. We believe wholeheartedly in the “E3 Factor”—Empowerment, Enlightenment, and Encouragement through the Word of God. Most importantly, we do not merely teach the Word; we strive to live the Word every single day.

My deep roots in this community and my calling to serve were planted by my parents, retired Pastor-Emeritus Carl E. Fleming and First Lady Savanah Fleming. In fact, my very existence is a testimony of God’s divine providence. Years ago, my father was living in California, and my mother was living in Chicago with her three children. My father traveled to Mississippi to preach a revival for his uncle. During that same time, my mother was visiting her grandmother in Mississippi and was invited to hear this visiting preacher from California. They met, a beautiful long-distance relationship blossomed, and one year later, they were married.

Early in their marriage, a doctor delivered devastating news, informing them that my father would never be able to have children. But God had another plan. One day, while my father was at home alone, an angel appeared to him holding a baby. The angel instructed him to name the child Paul. Just a few months later, my mother fell ill. When she went to the doctor- the very same doctor who had given them the initial prognosis- they received the miraculous news: she was pregnant with me.

My father went on to set a profound example of dedication, pastoring Mary Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 42 years, serving as the local barber at Soul Set Barber Shop, and dedicating numerous years to the East Madison Water Board. My mother, Savanah, is a retired nurse from the VA Medical Center who served our veterans with immense pride and honor. Throughout her life, she has worked tirelessly with non-profit organizations and currently leads the Local Prayer Walk Team. Watching her organize local pastors and community members to walk the halls and pray for the students and staff across Northern Madison County schools and the Canton Public School District, continues to inspire me Daily.

Education and continuous growth have also been the bedrock of my journey, a journey I proudly share with my wife. Lady Matilda and I have enjoyed 25 beautiful years of marriage. As high school sweethearts, we grew up together and are proud graduates of both Velma Jackson High School and Alcorn State University. Today, we are a dynamic partnership— both of us are published authors and Certified Life Coaches—and together, we are the blessed parents of two wonderful children, Makyla and Joel. Building upon our shared educational foundation from Alcorn State, my personal pursuit of continuous growth led me to graduate from New Foundation Theological Seminary and later obtain my Doctor of Theology degree in Christian Education from the Grace through Faith School of Ministry. 

My commitment to service extends from the pulpit into the workplace. Since 2002, I have had the profound honor of working as a Senior Veteran Service Representative at the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Jackson. In this vital role, I adjudicate and analyze claims, conduct personal interviews, and build positive relationships with veterans and their dependents. Navigating challenging situations requires emotional stability, tact, and diplomacy, and I take pride in supporting the agency’s mission while ensuring our veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.

This dedication naturally flows into my work as an advocate for workers’ rights. I currently serve as the Chief Negotiator of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Veterans Benefits Administration Mid-Term Bargaining Team and the Local President of AFGE Local 1037 in Jackson. In these roles, I have the privilege of mentoring newly-elected AFGE presidents and acting as a trainer for the “Train the Trainer” program. Driven by a vision of a revitalized community, I founded the A Better Tomorrow Foundation. This 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to transforming inner-city and rural communities, bringing forth unity, and equipping individuals for social and economic advancement. We are building stronger families and stronger communities, regardless of social background, economic status, race or gender.

Our Community Impact: A Better Tomorrow
Through the foundation, my team and I have spearheaded numerous high-impact initiatives to uplift our region:
• Annual High School Senior Scholarship Awards: We award scholarships to two deserving high school seniors chosen based on their exceptional academic achievement, leadership traits, community service, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Back-to-School Giveaway: Served over 15,000 children with essential school supplies.
• Turkey Drive: Organized an annual drive to provide warm meals to families in need across the metro area.
• Health Fairs: Hosted multiple events offering free health screenings and vital resources.
• School Adoption Program: Adopted several local schools to provide direct support to students.
• Teacher Appreciation: Organized TV giveaways for rural schools to honor our hardworking educators.

If you are looking a community of faith, everyone is welcome to join us at The Church of Empowerment!

Join Us in Fellowship

Sunday Worship: Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Location: 3528 North Liberty, Street, Canton, MS 39046
Virtual Bible Study: Every Wednesday via Zoom. Zoom Access Code: 739 362 9642
Contact: 769-289-8121 or thechurchofempowerment4u@gmail.com

“I expect that this year, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, fireworks use will be at an all-time high. It’s up to you to implement safety standards when shooting fireworks at home. That means using common sense, never pointing fireworks at another person, and disposing of fireworks in water to prevent fire,” said State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were reports of at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries linked to fireworks misuse and malfunction in 2025. There were an estimated 1,300 injuries involving sparklers alone.

To avoid injury, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips:

• Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Buy from reliable fireworks sellers.
• Store them in a cool, dry place.
• Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.
• Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready.
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.
• Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance.
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

You should also observe local laws. Some cities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits.

“Standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage from accidental fires, like those caused by fireworks, but there are exceptions. If you set off fireworks where they are not allowed, your policy might not cover the damage. Check local laws to find out if fireworks are legal in your area. Your insurance company can also tell you if there are any fire restrictions in your policy,” said Comm. Chaney.

Attending a public fireworks show is also a safe option if you choose not to shoot fireworks at home. The SFMO performs pyrotechnic inspections for shows that are performed on state-owned properties. Pyrotechnics companies must apply for a permit for shows. Once received, the SFMO verifies all information pertaining to insurance, technicians, and local public safety information. Deputies must be on site for the firing of the display and clean up.