Today in Mississippi October 2025 by American MainStreet Publications

WORLD WAR II VET TURNS 100

PICTURE THIS: GIDDY UP

CATCHING TROUT AT THE TOP

EXPERIENCE THE STORIES.

MEET THE LEGEND. ONLY AT THE MAX.

Black Folklore from the Mississippi Delta to Yale University

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 AT 10 AM

Join us for an unforgettable morning in conversation with Bill Ferris at 10 am Saturday, October 25. Ferris will share insights into his pioneering work as a folklorist and discuss the importance of Mississippi Black oral traditions of music, stories, and art as an enduring part of American culture.

Lyrical steel curves, splashes of bright color, and provocative reflections on communication come together in an exhibition at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX). Cecelia Moseley: Remnants of Language transforms a gallery into an immersive, deeply personal space. Oversized metal sculptures, prints, and a vivid acrylic installation explore what remains—and what is lost—when digital communication replaces handwriting. Moseley, a Mississippi native, invites us to consider how we’re adapting and what parts of us are changing.

On view upstairs at The MAX from September 16 through November 15, The Early Films of William Ferris feature raw, riveting stories from B.B. King, preachers, inmates, quilt makers, and gospel singers—offering a rare glimpse into Black folklife. Hours: Tuesday–Saturday | 9 am–5 pm Downtown Meridian | msarts.org

High-speed internet journey began with a vote

October is National Co-op Month. It seems like the perfect time to look back on an important milestone that changed Mississippi’s cooperative history for the better.

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi board meeting on Oct. 19, 2018, may go down in cooperative history as one of the most important meetings of all time and certainly of this century. The high-speed internet bill had been drafted and presented to the board. There had been much discussion over the last several months, but now it was time to decide. It was agreed upon that the vote would be secret, so everyone would be free to vote their conscience without fear of repercussions. The ballots were handed out and a simple check of the box was all that was necessary. A “yes” meant to proceed with trying to pass the bill. A “no” and the motion would be tabled, possibly forever.

The bill would eventually become known as the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act, and it would be the vehicle that would allow Mississippi’s electric cooperatives to form broadband subsidiaries and, just as they did with electricity, bring broadband, high-speed (through ﬁber) internet, to their service territories. It was signed by Gov. Phil Bryant on Jan. 30, 2019, just 16 days after it was introduced in the public utilities committee of the Mississippi House of Representatives.

The signing of that legislation kicked o one of the largest economic development projects in the history of Mississippi. Seventeen electric cooperatives undertook a build out that would eventually include 42,210 miles of installed ﬁber and pass 489,053 Mississippi homes, most of which had no internet provider. As of the writing of this article, 222,277 Mississippi homes and businesses have subscribed to electric cooperatives internet service through one of our subsidiaries. That gives our broadband subsidiaries a take rate of approximately 49%.

successful. Feasibility studies were completed, and many co-ops were told they could expect take rates of around 30%. The statewide average of meters per mile was about 8, and those were meters, not homes, and some co-ops in the delta were less than four meters per mile. It was apparent that not all co-ops could make a business case for broadband.

It has often been said in business that timing is everything, and as fate would have it, about a year after cooperatives started ﬁber construction, a world-wide pandemic occurred. We were all locked in our homes, unable to touch the outside world. It became obvious that everyone needed a connection — for work, for school, and for their sanity. Suddenly, what was once thought of as a luxury was now a necessity, just like electricity had been nearly a century ago. The co-ops who couldn’t make a business case for broadband worked with other companies to help bring internet to their members. Some of that build out continues today.

In 2019, Mississippi was ranked last in ﬁber broadband deployment. Today we are number 35 in the nation. Also, Mississippi co-ops have led the country in electricity and member growth the last four years — no doubt a product of this ﬁber buildout.

If you were wondering about the vote on the plan, it was overwhelmingly positive. More importantly, on Nov. 14, just 26 days later, all 26 co-op leaders sat together in solidarity to present the plan to members of the Legislature and statewide o cials.

It was the beginning of an ambitious and amazing journey.

I could never have imagined in that October meeting in 2018 that this endeavor would be so

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Feasts

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SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Nov. 24. Select photos will appear in the January 2026 issue.

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 78 No. 10

OFFICERS

Brian Long - President

Shawn Edmondson - First Vice President

Brian Clark - Second Vice President

Je Bowman - Secretary/Treasurer

Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF

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Steven Ward - Editor

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Circulation of this issue: 456,006 Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

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

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Jackson hand quilter Stephany Brown during a National Folk Festival news conference. Photo by Chad Calcote.

Hood expands sawmill operations

Hood Industries, Inc., manufacturer and distributor of structural wood products, is expanding its sawmill operations in Wayne County.

The project is a $245 million corporate investment, according to a news release about the project.

The company’s strategic expansion involves the construction of a new advanced sawmill in Waynesboro. The mill will be built in multiple phases on a site adjacent to the company’s existing mill.

Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. MDA also is providing assistance for road and infrastructure improvements. Wayne County and AccelerateMS are assisting with the expansion, as well. The project is powered by Dixie Electric and Cooperative Energy.

reliably powering this state-of-the-art mill,” Dixie Electric General Manager Randy Smith said.

“For decades, Dixie Electric has proudly powered Hood Industries in Waynesboro. Together with our wholesale power provider Cooperative Energy, we are pleased to support this next phase of the company’s growth and look forward to a ordably and

“Hood Industries’ investment is critical to economic growth and vitality across our membership, especially Wayne County, and we’re proud supporters of their endeavor and look forward to more decades of growth.”

Gov. Tate Reeves called the investment “another great day for our state.”

Hood

development e orts. The things we’re

“This nearly quarter-billion-dollar investment by Hood Industries is the latest win in Mississippi’s record-breaking economic development e orts. The things we’re accomplishing in the state are truly impressive, and our momentum is real,” Reeves said.

Hood Industries has been manufacturing wood products in Mississippi for over 40 years.

The company currently operates three southern yellow pine sawmills, including two in Mississippi. The new Waynesboro mill is expected to be complete by October 2026.

NRECA president ties co-op strength to new ideas

Electric cooperatives must keep investing in people, infrastructure and new ideas to get stronger and better, NRECA President Mike Partin said at the ﬁ rst of the 2025 regional meetings.

Co-ops have a nearly century-long tradition of serving rural communities and helping each other. Progress means honoring that tradition while embracing change, according to Partin.

“We’ve got one foot back here in our history,” Partin said Sept. 4 at the meeting in Rhode Island. “But we also need to have that one foot that’s also into being a little more edgy, being a little more out there, being a little more innovative in our approach.”

Luckily, co-ops are surrounded by opportunities to innovate so they can meet both their own needs and those of consumer-members, he said.

Partin, who lives on his family’s cattle farm, compared the principles of farming to those for co-ops, where “you get out of it what you put into it.”

“Whether it’s grid modernization, whether it’s broadband expansion [or] new energy technologies, the future is ours to shape,” he told the audience. “The more we invest in our people, the more we invest in our infrastructure, the better we become. The more we invest in new ideas, the … stronger we become.”

NRECA can be a partner in that change, according to Partin, with a Beltway research ﬁ rm naming the association the most respected and e ective trade organization in Washington, D.C., for the third year in a row.

“At the end of the day, our message must be, we are stronger together,” he said. “We can’t be on an island by ourselves.”

Partin gave examples of how co-ops help each other, such as when South Pittsburg, Tennessee-based SVEC sent crews to Virginia after a winter storm.

Co-ops also help the communities they serve beyond providing electricity and broadband.

Partin highlighted SVEC’s workforce development e orts and grants for local classrooms, including a partnership with the state of Tennessee to form an after-school training program for trade jobs.

As NRECA president, Partin said he will support co-ops as they help each other and communities thrive.

“That’s what separates us from everybody else,” he said. “Those are the principles that guide us, that make us di erent.” – NRECA

Southern Gardening

Sometimes, the most powerful examples of plant resilience do not come from cultivated garden beds but from the cracks in the pavement.

Vinca, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is one of those humble garden plants that quietly earn your admiration for its beauty and sheer will to thrive. Known scientiﬁcally as Catharanthus roseus, vinca is a popular and durable summer annual.

I’ve grown and observed vincas for years, and they never fail to impress me with their tenacity to live.

I once wrote about a cluster of tiny vinca seedlings that managed to sprout from a narrow crack in the ﬂoor of my greenhouse. These seedlings dropped as seeds from last season’s plants and soon emerged with surprising vigor. Within weeks, they were covered in blooms dancing above glossy green leaves.

That wasn’t an isolated event. Vincas have a habit of showing up in the most unexpected places — wedged tightly between bricks in garden paths, nestled in gravel along driveways or popping up along the edges of sidewalks where the sun blazes and the soil is dry as dust. Despite the lack of irrigation or care, they thrive.

Their ability to thrive in such a harsh environment left a lasting impression on me.

Vincas’ tidy, mounding form remains compact, and their ﬂowers keep blooming steadily through the most brutal days of summer. Bloom color ranges from snow white and bubblegum pink to deep fuchsia, scarlet, and even bi-color varieties.

I fondly remember a lone vinca plant that appeared one summer in a crack in the concrete parking lot of my former o ce building.

This little plant stood tall with no soil in sight, exposed to the full force of the Mississippi sun and getting splashed by hot runo water during every summer storm. Its rich green foliage stayed lush, and its bright pink ﬂower glowed like a jewel against the gray pavement.

You may wonder what gives a vinca its superpower-like toughness.

Vincas show up in unexpected places, like these seeds from last season’s plants that sprouted through a narrow crack in my greenhouse ﬂoor. (Photo by MSU Extension/Eddie Smith)

It starts with those thick, leathery leaves that resist wilting and help the plant retain moisture during dry spells. Beneath the surface, a deep and e cient root system searches out water far below where many other annuals give up.

Vinca is a plant that doesn’t ask for much. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, and once established, it can handle extended periods without rain or supplemental watering.

That drought tolerance makes vincas a standout choice for Southern gardens where the summers can be relentless. They ﬁll in hot, dry areas where little else will grow. Whether tucked into containers, planted along walkways or simply allowed to reseed and surprise you in odd corners of your yard, vincas deliver both beauty and toughness in equal measure.

So, the next time you see a splash of color blooming from a crack in the pavement, take a closer look. It just might be a vinca, quietly doing what it does best: thriving where others cannot.

by Dr. Eddie Smith

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

Vincas’ drought tolerance makes them a standout choice for Southern gardens where the summers can be relentless. (Photo by MSU Extension/Eddie Smith)

Thick leaves that resist wilting and help the plant retain moisture, along with a deep and e cient root system, allow vincas to grow in extreme places. (Photo by MSU Extension/Eddie Smith)

In the fall, ﬁsh become more aggressive and “feed up” to build their energy reserves before winter.

Large speckled trout mostly eat fish. Few artificial baits consistently entice more giant trout or create more exhilarating action than floating lures.

“For big trout, I like throwing topwater baits,” Ronnie Daniels of Fisher-Man Guide Services (228-323-1115, msfisherman.com) of Pass Christian said. “Anglers can catch big trout on other lures, but topwaters tend to draw strikes from larger fish. Topwater baits have larger profiles, so smaller fish won’t hit them as much. Throwing topwater baits is not only a very e ective way to fish for big trout, but in my opinion, the most enjoyable way!”

Big trout regularly feed upon menhaden, locally called pogies, croakers, and other fish, but they particularly like mullets. Big fish want big meals. A five-pound speckled trout can easily swallow a 12-inch mullet. Mullets commonly swim on the surface with their noses protruding from the water. Many topwater baits mimic mullets.

“Mullets spend a lot of time on the surface and big trout key on that,” Daniels said. “When looking at a topwater bait, they see a proﬁle that resembles a larger prey ﬁsh like a mullet.”

Most saltwater anglers use “walk-the-dog” baits. These create a scintillating zigzag motion across the surface when retrieved. That motion imitates wounded baitﬁsh, especially mullets. Heavy walking baits sail long distances. The biggest ﬁsh generally strike the farthest from the boat. These baits also cover large tracts of water, making them excellent search baits.

“Most topwater baits, especially the walk-the-dog type baits, imitate injured baitﬁsh,” Daniels said. “An injured ﬁsh is typically going to be up near the surface swimming with an erratic motion, not in a straight line.”

Anglers can also throw poppers, which displace water with curved blades or noses. When jerked, they create surface commotion. Toss one to a good spot and let it rest a while. Then, pop it. Keep repeating this retrieve.

The Mississippi coastline provides anglers with many places to catch big trout. Even fishermen without boats can wade along the beaches and catch specks on surface lures. Beaches might look sterile, but they create pockets where big specks hide to ambush baitfish. Huge trout often drop in troughs between sandbars waiting to attack baitfish.

“One of the great things about Mississippi is that we have a lot of public beach front that anyone can access,” Daniels said. “There are many old piers with just the pilings still standing that create structure to attract fish. In some places, people can wade out from the beach and fish oyster reefs and other structures without boats. Boaters can drift along the beaches and over grass flats.”

The state also established numerous artificial reefs in Mississippi waters. Some sit close enough to shore that anglers in kayaks can easily fish them. These reefs make outstanding structures that attract trout and multiple other species. Any strike could produce the fish of a lifetime.

For information on Mississippi artiﬁcial reefs, see dmr.ms.gov/artiﬁcial-reef.

Most topwater baits, especially the walk-the-dog type baits, imitate injured baitﬁsh. An injured ﬁsh is typically going to be up near the surface swimming with an erratic motion, not in a straight line.

by John N. Felsher

is a professional

and

who

in Alabama. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,300 articles for more than 170 di erent magazines on a wide variety of outdoors topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com.

John N. Felsher

freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer,

editor

lives

Scene Around the ‘Sip

by John N. Felsher

On August 23, 2025, more than 300 people from 10 states gathered in Vaiden to honor James “Swamp Kitty” Cox, a World War II veteran who turned 100 that day. After graduating from Vaiden High School, Cox joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943, the youngest of four brothers who served during the war.

“My brother was a B-17 pilot,” Cox said. “He was shot down over Europe, but people with the resistance got him out safely. He was reported missing for about three months. My oldest brother spent 22 years in the military. Another brother was a tanker who fought from North Africa to Germany and earned a battleﬁeld commission. He was leading a tank formation when his tank got hit and blew up.”

Cox loaded bombs, rockets, and ammunition on ﬁghter aircraft as part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. In the spring of 1945, he boarded a ship for Okinawa. The United States invaded the island on April 1, 1945, kicking o the bloodiest battle of the Paciﬁc War.

Another Marine was from Lucedale. We were the only ones from Mississippi in the unit.”

During the war, Higgins Industries of New Orleans built an amphibious vehicle called a Swamp Cat for moving across soggy terrain. Cox’s fellow Marines called him Swamp Kitty. The nickname stuck.

Sgt. Leavitt and I formed a partnership to honor veterans. Whenever I have a veteran event coming up, I call Sgt. Leavitt and Steve Sweet with the American Legion Post 32 in Greenville. I’m on a mission to ﬁnd all our surviving World War II veterans and honor them. It’s a passion of mine.

“Most of my outﬁt came from the Northeast and had never been South,” Cox said. “They thought all of Mississippi was one big swamp.

After the war, Cox returned to Mississippi and eventually became a tugboat captain. He worked up and down the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers pushing barges. He fathered four daughters and one son, which led to 31 grand, greatgrand, and great-great-grandchildren.

The major celebration of Aug. 23 began as a family reunion. When word got out that a World War II Marine veteran was about to turn a century old, things mushroomed.

“I wanted to have a 99th birthday party, but people said wait until daddy’s 100,” said Lisa Cox Luckett of Greenville, Cox’s youngest daughter. “I didn’t dream it would turn into this. I was overwhelmed by all the people who came and the love that they showed. It was amazing.”

Luckett contacted the recruiting office in Greenville. The Marine recruiter works out of Grenada and only comes to Greenville when needed. Army recruiter Staff Sgt. Austin Leavitt agreed to help and enlisted his friend, “Big” Mike Jones of Big Mike Jones Enterprises and a roving internet reporter.

“Sgt. Leavitt and I formed a partnership to honor veterans,” Jones said. “Whenever I have a veteran event coming up, I call Sgt. Leavitt and Steve Sweet with the American Legion Post 32 in Greenville. I’m on a mission to find all our surviving World War II veterans and honor them. It’s a passion of mine.”

Luckett contacted Carlos Garcia with the New York Marine Corps League. He put her in touch with the Mississippi representatives who agreed to make a presentation.

At the celebration, Jones served as master of ceremonies. Dignitaries showered Cox with honors and proclamations including one from President Donald Trump. U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi helped get Cox a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Another proclamation came from Mississippi state Sen. Lydia Chassaniol.

Cox also received commemorative medallions and other honors. The Mississippi National Guard honored Cox with a Magnolia Cross, its highest honor.

“I don’t have words to express the appreciation for everything that happened,” Cox said. “It was all fantastic. I never thought I’d experience anything like that. I thank everyone who helped put this together and appreciate everyone who came.”

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by purpose POWERED

This month, electric cooperatives across the country take time to celebrate National Co-op Month and reflect on the unique advantages of being part of a cooperative. It’s also the perfect time to thank you — the members who make it all possible. For us, it’s not just a celebration. It’s a chance to reaffirm the values that guide everything we do.

We see purpose in action every single day. Unlike investorowned utilities, our co-op doesn’t exist to make profits for distant shareholders. We exist to serve you — our members, our neighbors and our communities. That purpose is what sets us apart. It’s why we were founded, and it’s what continues to drive every decision we make.

At its core, being a cooperative means we are member-owned and locally controlled. That’s not just a tagline; it’s the very heart of our business model. Members have a voice in how our co-op operates. You elect board members who live right here in our service area and understand the unique challenges and opportunities our communities face. Decisions aren’t made in corporate boardrooms hundreds of miles away; they’re made here at home, by people who care about the same things you do.

This local accountability means we can stay focused on what matters most: delivering reliable, affordable electricity, and providing real value to the people we serve.

We do that by investing in essential infrastructure upgrades and technologies that strengthen our local grid and improve electric service. We work hard to manage costs and keep rates as low as possible — because we know how much rising prices affect families

and small businesses in our area. And when storms hit or outages occur, electric cooperative crews are here and ready to respond quickly because we live here too.

But our commitment doesn’t end at the power lines.

Co-ops were built to meet community needs, and that purpose extends well beyond delivering electricity. Whether we’re supporting local schools, sponsoring youth programs, or partnering with volunteer organizations, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life in the places we serve. Community support isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of our mission.

We’re also planning for the future. As electricity demand grows due to new technologies and economic development, electric co-ops are working to ensure we continue to meet those needs with a balanced, reliable energy mix. We know our members care about affordability and dependability, and we’re committed to delivering both.

That’s the power of the cooperative difference. That’s what it means to be powered by purpose.

This National Co-op Month, I encourage you to take pride in your cooperative membership. You’re not just a customer — you’re an owner, a member, and a vital part of a larger effort to keep our community strong, connected, and energized.

Thank you for the trust you place in us. We’re proud to be your local electric cooperative.

Electric co-ops power communities in different ways

by Scott Flood

If someone asked what a local electric cooperative does for your community, you’d probably respond with the obvious: they deliver power to homes, farms, and other businesses. While that is indeed true, co-ops generate far more than electricity for the communities they serve.

October is National Co-op Month — the perfect time to recognize how co-ops stand out from other types of businesses.

Providing a reliable, affordable source of electricity has transformed co-op communities into what they are today. When investor-owned utilities refused to extend their power lines to the small communities and rural areas that stretch across much of the nation, electric co-ops stepped up so local residents could enjoy the same comfort and advantages as their city cousins.

Co-ops have a significant economic impact on the places they call home. That includes supporting nearly 623,000 jobs that deliver $51 billion in annual compensation — and those employees spend much of that at the local supermarket, diner and gas station, supporting jobs there.

In most of the counties and communities they serve, electric co-ops play leadership roles in championing local economic health by bringing new employers to the area and helping established businesses expand. In addition to working directly with growing companies, they invest in community assets like broadband networks and incubators to help local start-ups succeed.

Community members also benefit directly from their co-op’s prudent financial management. As not-for-profit utilities, co-ops return any money that’s left over after covering the cost of operations, maintenance and improvements to members through what are known as capital credits. When the co-op’s finances are strong, the directors may choose to retire some of those credits by converting a member’s share into refund checks or bill credits.

Given that Concern for Community is one of the seven cooperative principles, it comes as no surprise co-ops seek a variety of ways to support organizations and events in the communities they serve. Whether it’s presenting electrical safety demonstrations in elementary schools, helping to organize fairs and festivals, sponsoring athletic teams, or promoting food drives for local pantries, co-ops and their staff are involved in extensive outreach.

One of the biggest community priorities for many co-ops involves helping young people develop leadership skills. Their motive is more than a little selfish, because co-ops know leadership efforts help those kids and teens become informed, engaged citizens who may one day serve as the next generation of community leaders and co-op employees. Building connections with youth also increases the chances they’ll choose to live in their hometowns.

Perhaps the most familiar and long-running youth-focused effort is the annual Youth Tour, which brings teens from co-op communities throughout America to get a firsthand look at our nation’s capital, learn about the political process from the people who make and influence our laws, and better understand the impact they can have as citizens. Nearly 50,000 students have participated, and many have since gone to work for co-ops or entered government roles.

Co-ops step up to handle natural disasters as some of the community’s first responders. As rescuers comb through wreckage and treat victims, co-op lineworkers are already hard at work to restore power.

So yes, co-ops do light up communities by delivering safe and reliable electricity to residents and businesses, but their real power rests in the many other ways they deliver the other kinds of energy communities really need to thrive.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, staff and members.

Whether it’s presenting electrical safety demonstrations in elementary schools, helping to organize fairs and festivals or participating in career fairs, electric co-ops and their staff are involved in extensive youth outreach.

BEST BETS FOR EFFICIENCY

projects and upgrades

How do I calculate the return on investment when considering home upgrades?

by Miranda Boutelle

Energy efficiency upgrades are potential investments that can save money by reducing the energy used in your home and pay for themselves over time.

Using return on investment (ROI) is a common method to determine the benefit of an upgrade. It measures the gain or loss of an investment relative to the cost. ROI is calculated by dividing the net profit — the total cost of the investment subtracted from total revenue generated — by the cost of the investment and multiplying by 100 to find the ROI percentage.

Factor in the difference in efficiency of the new windows and the existing windows before scheduling an installation.

The higher the percentage, the better the investment.

If you take out a loan, home equity line of credit or use a credit card, add the borrowed money and interest rate into the investment cost.

Let’s put the calculation to work on a few home project examples. Keep in mind, the numbers used below are hypothetical. Prices will vary based on the scale of your project and the cost of labor and materials in your area.

Adding insulation and air sealing your home are some of the most cost-effective home improvement projects and can save money yearround by reducing the energy needed from your heating and cooling systems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that air sealing and insulation can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs or an average of 11% on total energy costs, with higher savings in the north and south because of more extreme temperature swings. Attics, walls, rim joists, or floors over crawlspaces should be insulated. The ROI will vary based on your location, existing insulation levels and project cost.

For many people, their home is the biggest investment and the largest purchase they make in their lives. We want to make sure that we make good decisions to protect and maximize the benefits of the investment in our homes.

Let’s say you spend $3,000 to insulate your home, saving $330 per year for the next 20 years. Your net profit is $3,600. Then, divide the net profit by the total cost of the investment, $3,000, and multiply it by 100. That’s a ROI of 120%.

The energy efficiency impact of new windows in your home depends on the difference in efficiency of the new windows and the existing windows. You will see the most improvement when you go from the least efficient — single pane with no storm windows — to the most efficient new windows. The exact ROI for your home will also depend on your location, energy costs and the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.

The EPA estimates upgrading single-pane windows to Energy Star®-rated windows can save about 12% of your annual energy use. Let’s say you replace your existing windows for $5,000, saving $360 per year for the next 20 years. The ROI is 44%. Windows and insulation upgrades have the added benefit of making your home quieter and more comfortable. They can also add value if you sell your home.

Most of us have limited funds for investing in our homes. Compare costs and potential savings to make the best decisions for your home and your bank account.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, calculate the ROI of adding insulation and air sealing your home

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Reduced in Less Than 8 Minutes?" Reduced in Less Than 8 Minutes?"

If you have knee pain, can't walk because of an old injury, or you just think it's part of getting old, you might want to read this article.

Knee pain is something that disables a lot of people every single year, but most people don't know what to do about it.

What Are Your Choices?

Some people immediately opt in for surgery, then some people watch TV and end up buying something they wrap their knee with-hoping it will help, and others just follow orders and take medications which simply block the pain signals while the underlying condition often progresses.

What Works Best?

All I'm saying is this. There are a lot of ways to TREAT your knee pain, but which one will really work?

If you've done your research, you know that there are not a lot of things that really work when it comes to actually helping align the knee, taking nerve pressure off the knee, and reducing the pain and swelling.

What if there was a "real solution" that worked from DAY ONE?

Hi, I'm Dr. Rob Acord and I'm here to tell you about a new device called the K.P.R.

I stumbled onto this one-of-a-kind machine at a recent medical conference and tried it myself. THE RESULTS: My knees have never felt so good, and that was after.... just one treatment.

It virtually reduced my knee stiffness by 95%, so I am positive it'll help your knee pain, help you walk better as soon as you get your first treatment, plus help you do some things you used to do without the help of a walker, cane, or someone else helping you

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not guaranteeing a miracle if you haven't walked in many years.... but this just may be the answer you've been looking for.

Better late than never for sure. You should entertain this option... no matter what's happened to you in the past!

Let me be very clear; I'm here to possibly help you:

Get out of pain

Walk better

Move better

Get up and down better

Get out of chairs easier

AND...

Finally you will be able to move without relying on someone or something else

"What if my knee(s) are BONE ON BONE?"

Here's all I can tell you If you’re bone on bone, and surgery is not an option for you, or surgery didn’t work, this may be the exact treatment you’ve been needing

You'll find out that K P R is an amazing machine when teamed up with our Class IV laser therapy

Will This Work for YOU?

Great questions and here's the answer: We have a reputation for getting great results, but if you're like most of our patients you know that the knee problem isn't going to just go away on its own. We're also known for our personalized care We don't promise the world, but we will do everything humanly possible to get the results you want.

"I've NEVER done this before!" I'm going to offer you a consultation, knee examination, X-Rays, and TRIAL VISIT for only

$47 $47

We'll know almost IMMEDIATELY if we can help and most importantly, YOU WILL TOO

Take Action TODAY

As you know, it's human nature to procrastinate; this is not the time to do that... WHY?

My Trial Offer goes away at the end of this month It's available as a hard deadline because I have a limited number of trial spots and we are already an extremely busy office. Pick up the phone and call the office now This one call could change the way you walk, feel, and move CALL TODAY!

Dr. Rob Acord, D.C.

by Steven Ward

Jackson hand quilter Stephany Brown was 24 when her 74-yearold grandmother — known by family as “Big Mama” — taught her the art form she practices today.

“And today I’m teaching my 11-year-old granddaughter how to quilt. I’m standing on our elders’ shoulders,” Brown, a retired schoolteacher, said recently at a National Folk Festival news conference.

Brown also said she always starts o with a traditional pattern but puts her own modern twist on it.

“I listen to the fabric and let it guide me,” she said.

Brown is one of many Mississippi artists who will be sharing the story of their art at the 82nd National Folk Festival this month in downtown Jackson.

Known as the nation’s longest running traditional arts event, the National Council for Traditional Arts (NCTA) picked Jackson from 42 U.S. cities that competed to host the festival.

“This is the ﬁrst time we’ve been in the Deep South or Mississippi,” said Blaine Waide, executive director of the NCTA.

The National Folk Festival is a free, threeday, outdoor multicultural celebration of music, dance, and traditional arts. The festival will set up a residency in the city for three years, from 2025-2027.

The dates for this year are Nov. 7-9.

Waide said the economic impact the festival will have on the city and state is estimated to be between $15 million to $30 million a year with 50,000 visitors expected the ﬁrst year and 150,000 visitors by the third year.

Blues singer Melody Angel performing at the 2023 Montana Folk Festival. Photo Credit: Remsberg, Inc., courtesy NCTA Archives.

“Being the birthplace of America’s music, tourists from all over come to Mississippi already. We want to provide a national stage, telling the story of the rich heritage of the state,” Waide said.

Jackson was picked after the NCTA put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2023 followed by a site visit in November 2023.

“The city checked o all the boxes, and their proposal was strong. We were blown away. On the plane ride home after the site visit, I knew it was going to be Jackson, and we were going to do something special,” Waide said.

Waide and Thabi Moyo, the Jackson-based local festival manager, both said the National Folk Festival has been transformative for other downtown areas following the festival’s three-year stints in those cities.

Richmond, Virginia and Lowell, Massachusetts were cited as examples. Following the three-year festival there, both cities carried on with their own local festival.

The Richmond Folk Festival has been in place for 21 years while the Lowell Folk Festival has been held for 35 years.

“The idea is, after three years, all the infrastructure and planning have been in place, so the local communities can take all that energy and move forward with their own festival,” Moyo said.

Moyo said she was exposed to impressive community building when visiting Lowell.

“There was a real sense of pride with the community around the festival,” Moyo said.

Moyo said the National Folk Festival could use many more volunteers for the November event.

“Public service and engagement are key to the ongoing success of the festival,” she said.

The origin of the festival goes back to 1934.

Mississippi artists particpated in a September news conference about the National Folk Festival’s Mississippi Folklife Area and Stage. From top to bottom. The Mighty Gospel Warriors; Robin Whitﬁeld (left) and Dr. Tammy Greer; and Jackson hand quilter Stephany Brown.

The crowd gathered at the CityStage at the 77th National Folk Festival in Greensboro, NC (2017). Photo Credit: Remsberg, Inc., courtesy NCTA Archives.

First presented in St. Louis in 1934, the festival celebrates the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the ﬁrst event of national stature to present the artistic traditions of all Americans on equal footing. It was also the ﬁrst to present to the public musical forms such as the blues, Cajun music, polka, Tex-Mex conjunto, Peking Opera, and many others.

The city checked o all the boxes, and their proposal was strong. We were blown away. On the plane ride home after the site visit, I knew it was going to be Jackson, and we were going to do something special.

Although the festival will feature musicians from all over –including Mississippi legends such as Bobby Rush and the Sonic Boom of the South — one of the highlights of the festival will be the Mississippi Folklife Area & Stage. The area celebrates and showcases the traditions held deeply in the state’s diverse communities and shines a spotlight on the distinctive music, rituals, crafts, occupations, foodways, and other traditions at the heart of Mississippi’s cultural heritage.

This year’s theme is Legacies of Empowerment. The theme pays tribute to the artistic, cultural, and social contributions of blues legend, B.B. King, and civil rights champion, Medgar Evers, on the 100th anniversaries of their births.

Kristen Brandt, the folk and traditional arts director with the Mississippi Arts Commission, said the Mississippi Folklife Area & Stage “focuses on the living traditions” of the state and “celebrates the people who keep them alive.”

For more information about the festival or to volunteer, visit nationalfolkfestival.com.

Community food vendors at the 2022 Lowell Folk Festival. Photo Credit: Remsberg, Inc., courtesy NCTA Archives.

There’s plenty to peruse in the crafts marketplace, from the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival. Photo Credit: Dave Parrish Photography, courtesy NCTA Archives.

A member of hula group Hālau ‘O Lilinoe high ﬁves an audience member after an interactive street performance at the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival.

Photo Credit: Remsberg, Inc., courtesy NCTA Archives.

BESSIE JOHNSON – TIBBEE

Bessie Johnson is a visual artist best known for her incorporation of natural materials into her signature coiled longleaf pine needle baskets.

BETTY CRAWFORD - MARKS

Betty Crawford is a mixed-media artist and quilter who draws inspiration from her family, ancestors, and the endurance of the Delta.

THE BLAND FAMILY FARM – SLEDGE

For four generations, the Bland Family has been honing traditional agricultural practices, including seed saving, composting, and seasonal, hand-tended cultivation.

BOBBY WHALEN – INDIANOLA

Bobby Whalen is one of the last remaining practitioners of handpainted signage in the Delta, whose painted works include portraits, murals, and hand-lettered signs.

CHANGE SKATEBOARD SHOP – TUPELO

Founded by Tupelo native Matt Robinson, Change Skateboard Shop serves as an oasis for a ﬂourishing skateboard community.

ELEANOR CHICKAWAY – CONEHATTA

Eleanor Chickaway of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is one of the living masters of the Choctaw basketmaking tradition.

DR. J. JANICE COLEMAN – VICKSBURG

Dr. J. Janice Coleman sews quilts, cotton sacks, and other items that tell stories about her family and community.

LUCY ISADORA & JUSTIN RANSBURG – JACKSON

Artists Lucy Isadora and Justin Ransburg are part of Jackson’s burgeoning DIY punk zine community.

MOTOR MOUSE MOTORCYCLE CLUB – INDIANOLA

With more than ﬁve decades of riding together throughout the Mississippi Delta, the Motor Mouse Motorcycle Club supports charitable work and fellowship among its members.

SEW EVERY WEDNESDAY – JACKSON

S.E.W. (Sew Every Wednesday) is a community quilting group dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditional art of quilting.

STEPHANY BROWN – JACKSON

Stephany Brown is a traditional hand quilter. Her work is inspired by history.

JAMES “SUPER CHIKAN” JOHNSON – CLARKSDALE

Mississippi Delta bluesman and visual artist James “Super Chikan” Johnson plays the guitars he makes himself, using repurposed materials from gas cans to ceiling fans.

DR. TAMMY GREER & ROBIN WHITFIELD – HATTIESBURG

Dr. Tammy Greer and Robin Whitﬁeld specialize in medicine wheel gardens, a gardening technique rooted in traditional Native American planting and healing practices.

The National Folk Festival’s Mississippi Folklife Area and Stage will feature these Mississippi artists

BIG A & THE ALLSTARS WITH THE DELTA BLUES MUSEUM STUDENTS – CLARKSDALE

Raised in Clarksdale, Anthony “Big A” Sherrod is part of a living lineage of blues legends. He will be joined in performance by the students of the Delta Blues Museum Blues Class.

BLUE MONDAY BAND – JACKSON

For nearly two decades, Blue Monday has been a staple of the live blues scene in Jackson. Hosted by legendary restaurant and musical institution Hal & Mal’s, the event is a weekly open mic.

VITAMIN CEA, DEVMACC, & PHINGAPRINT – JACKSON AND GAUTIER

Mississippi is known for its rich music scene, and its hip hop community is no exception.

JIMMY “DUCK” HOLMES – BENTONIA

Jimmy “Duck” Holmes is the greatest living proponent of the Bentonia blues, a highly localized style known for its haunting and eerie sound.

KEITH JOHNSON – GREENVILLE

Born in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Keith Johnson is a rising force in contemporary blues.

LA NUEVA GENERACION – KOSCIUSKO

La Nueva Generación (Spanish for “new generation”) brings the vibrant sounds of huapango huasteco to life, honoring the deep-rooted traditions of Mexico’s Huasteca region.

MIGHTY GOSPEL WARRIORS – BRUCE

In a career spanning four decades, the Mighty Gospel Warriors have brought together several generations of the Judon family, along with other singers and musicians.

HAMMER & TOOLS, HARTLE ROAD, & BAD ANXIETY –COLUMBUS, HATTIESBURG, AND JACKSON

Celebrating Mississippi’s boldest voices in punk rock, this showcase will highlight the region’s thriving DIY spirit and community-ﬁrst ethos.

OKA HOMMA ALLA HILHA ALHIHA – REDWATER

Wearing traditional dress and guided by a chanter’s song and percussive sticks, Oka Homma Alla Hilha Alhiha walk in the footsteps of their Choctaw ancestors.

TOUGALOO COLLEGE CHOIR – JACKSON

The Tougaloo College Choir represents the rich tradition of gospel music found in Jackson and throughout the state.

THE WILKINS SISTERS – BRUCE

The Wilkins Sisters, once backing singers for their renowned blues and gospel singer father, now honor that legacy and deep tradition of faith and family.

The Enduring Gift of Gold

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American Gold Reserve is releasing Government issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer mark-up for only $349 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. They are set for immediate public release and will sell out fast

GOVERNMENT BACKED U.S. GOLD

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1. Alex Ladner Jr. of Lumberton; Pearl River Valley Electric member.

2. Randall Bricker of Lena; Central Electric member.

3. Katie Carey of Richton; Singing River Electric member.

4. David, Ruth, and Mark Hall of Pontotoc; Pontotoc Electric member.

5. Sallie Dalton of Walnut Grove; Central Electric member.

6. Duane Ladner of Pass Christian; Coast Electric member.

7. Kathy Tynes of Poplarville; Pearl River Valley Electric member.

8. Joan Easterling of Mount Olive; Southern Pine Electric member.

9. Eyler Coates of Gulfport; Coast Electric member.

10. Susan Brown of Belden; Pontotoc Electric member.

11. Megan Hogue of Yazoo City; Yazoo Valley Electric member.

12. Brenda Ming of Caledonia; Monroe County Electric member.

13. William Cleland of Brandon; Central Electric member.

14. Stacy Turner of Union; Central Electric member.

15. Wanda Cowart of Braxton; Southern Pine Electric member.

16. Julie Broom of Lucedale; Singing River Electric member.

17. Laina Broom of Columbia; Pearl River Valley Electric member.

18. John Hardy of Columbus; 4-County Electric member.

19. Eric Peterson of Perkinston; Pearl River Valley Electric member.

20. Neal and Kit Chestnut of Morton; Southern Pine Electric member.

21. Suzanne Oltremari of Greenville; Twin County Electric member.

On the Menu

October is National Seafood Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the variety and nutritional benefits of seafood while promoting sustainable fishing practices. Seafood lovers in Mississippi are encouraged to explore new dishes utilizing their seafood favorites and learn more about responsibly sourced seafood.

You can feel good about adding lobster, clams, scallops, blue crab, and white shrimp or fish to your menu in the fall. Make a batch of crab cakes or indulge in a creamy crab bisque. Add scallops to any fall rice, potato, or pasta side dish, or seafood stew.

White shrimp are one of the two main shrimp species commercially harvested in Mississippi waters, alongside brown shrimp. White shrimp are known for their mild, sweet flavor and are in season from August to December. Shrimp offers a wide variety of culinary options. You can boil it, bake it, or barbecue it.

National Seafood Month highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of fisheries. And, while catfish is not technically seafood because it is a freshwater fish, it is often found in the seafood section. Mississippi’s farm-raised catfish industry demonstrates a

strong commitment to sustainability through innovative farming practices, responsible resource management, and a focus on environmental stewardship.

The easiest way to ensure the sustainability of the seafood you buy is to look for products with “USA” as the country of origin.

To find Mississippi seafood, visit shrimp boat marinas, piers, beaches, or seafood markets.

by Rebecca Turner

Rebecca Turner is an author, registered dietitian, radio host, television presenter, and board-certiﬁed in Lifestyle Medicine. She is A lifelong Mississippian and a member of the Central Electric Co-op in Brandon. Find her on social media @RebeccaTurnerTalks or online at RebeccaTurnerNutrition.com.

with Rebecca Turner

INGREDIENTS

6 slices thick-cut bacon cut into ½-inch pieces

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 small green onions thinly sliced, (white and green parts divided)

½ cup celery diced (about 2 stalks)

4 cloves garlic minced

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons all-purpose ﬂour

2 2⁄3 cups nonfat milk

1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, canned well rinsed)

1 can cream-style corn (15 ounces)

¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1 pound thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp (any size)

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1⁄3 cup half-and-half

Cook the bacon until crisp (to crumble). Discard all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat.

Add bacon fat and butter to a dutch oven or large, deep sauce pan on medium to low heat. Set aside the sliced green onion tops for toppings, but add the rest of the sliced onion and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Sprinkle the flour in the pot, then cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, a little a time at first, stir out any lumps. Slowly pour in remaining milk. Add the corn kernels, cream-style corn, and cayenne. Stir and bring to a low simmer. Let simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in thawed shrimp and cook until the shrimp are done, about 3-5 minutes depending on the size of shrimp. Remove from the heat. Stir in the thyme and half-and-half. Serve hot, top with crumbled bacon, green onion tops, and hot sauce (optional).

INGREDIENTS

1 pound Mississippi Farm Raised Catﬁsh ﬁllets

MARINADE

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried red pepper ﬂakes

¼ salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper

VEGETABLES

1 pound petite potatoes

1 sweet potato (large)

1 yellow onion

1 cup baby carrots

4 slices bacon Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Whisk marinade ingredients. Place catfish fillets and marinade in a zip top bag. Close tightly and shake to cover the fillets, then set aside.

Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray. Chop vegetables to a uniform size.

Spread vegetable mix onto the baking sheet evenly. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Chop bacon and disperse it evenly over the vegetables.

Bake vegetables and bacon at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven. Stir vegetable mix. Place the catfish fillets on top of the vegetables and drizzle with remaining marinade.

Place the pan back in the oven for another 20-30 minutes, or until the catfish is completely cooked, and carrots and potatoes are tender.

Events

Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Submit details at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change.

Barnyard Marketplace Merry, Grateful, and Spooky Holiday Market. Oct. 11. Poplarville. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 295 Buck Kirkland Rd. Off street parking, crafts, food trucks, woodwork, plants, jewelry, baked goods, boutiques, jams/jellies, honey, quail eggs, soaps, candles, and more. Details: 504-234-3579.

Turkey shoot. Oct. 18, Nov. 8, and Dec. 6. Vancleave. Will be held at the Daisy Masonic Lodge No. 421. Starts at 8 a.m. 2570 School House Road. Details: 228-990-3365

Barn Sale – Antiques and Collectibles. Oct. 17 and 18. Purvis. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4799 Old Highway 11. More than 85 collectors with trial loads of antiques, collectibles including advertising signs, glassware, railroad wagon wheels, bells, anvils, crocks, furniture, tools, tractor seats, bottles, doors, jewelry, coins and other unusual items. Concession stand. $2 for parking per car. Good for both days. Details: 601-818-5886 or 601-794-7462.

The Friends of Noxubee’s 5K Gator Run and Refuge Day. Oct. 18. Brooksville. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. Refuge Day is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be exhibitors from all areas of wildlife, crafts, games, and free hot dogs. Smokey the Bear will also be there. The event also features a drum circle, square dancers, and a Nature Store. The event will be held at Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd. Details: 662-769-7558.

Dancing Rabbit Festival and Superior Catfish CookOff. Oct. 18. Macon. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Macon. Food, crafts, child activities, and entertainment. Superior will be hosting Brenda Gantt as a special guest. Admission is free. We will also be hosting our annual 5K fun run/walk. Details: 662-726-4456 or email dancingrabbitfestival@gmail.com.

Ole Tyme Fall Festival at Landrum’s Homestead. Oct. 18. Laurel. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1356 Highway 15 South. Step back in time and take a walking tour of the past, working homestead, wagon rides, gem mining, antique engines, scavenger hunt, cake walk, pony rides, soldiers’ encampment, wood carving, face painting, blacksmith, games and more. Beautiful photo spots, smokehouse open, and available homemade ice cream. Admission is $12. Children 3 and under get in free. Details: 601-649-2546. landrums.com.

Pascagoula River Paddle Battle. Oct. 18. Moss Point and Pascagoula. The Pascagoula River Paddle Battle is an 11.5-mile race down the Pascagoula River for all types of human powered paddle craft. The race will begin at Little River Marina in Moss Point and end at the LaPointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula. This year’s race will begin at 8 a.m. Details: 228-471-5126.

Byrd’s Chapel Church Fall Festival. Oct. 25. Carriere. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food, fun, crafts, raffle, and a silent auction. 26 Byrd’s Chapel Rd. Details: 601-799-6606.

The Magee Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival. Oct. 25. Magee. The downtown free festival is held on Main Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will feature a 5K run and walk, arts and crafts, food vendors, an antique car show, a chicken show, activities for kids, and live entertainment featuring Vintage 601 and other acts performing from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Details: 601-849-2517.

Puckett Methodist Women’s Missions Market Place. Nov. 1. Puckett. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Puckett Methodist Church Family Life Center located at 6412 Hwy 18. Proceeds to go to help children on the autism spectrum that attend the Center Ridge Outpost summer camp, and to fund the group’s Friends in Need campaign to help those with cancer and other medical expenses. The event will include vendors with handmade items, rummage sale, raffle items, and a soup lunch café for a bargain at $5 a bowl. This year will also include a “Cruize In” car show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Frozen casseroles will also be on sale. Table space is available for $25. Details: 601-214-7834 or 601-591-5570.

Old Time Greene County Fair. Nov. 1. Leakesville. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Greene County Rural Events Center 4191 High School Rd. Artsand Crafts, car show, educational exhibits, bounce houses, livestock show, exhibit hall, live entertainment, food trucks, and a Showdeo at 6:30 p.m. Details: 601-394-7029.

Landrum’s Homestead Sugar Cane Syrup Making. Nov. 5. Laurel. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watch as syrup is made the old-fashioned way using a mulepowered cane mill and an antique syrup pan, just like in the early days. Guests can also enjoy free biscuits with fresh syrup samples, along with tasty festival favorites like corn dogs, lemonade, and homemade ice cream.1356 Highway 15 South. Admission: $12. Ages 3 and under get in free. Details: 601-649-2546. landrums.com.

Purvis Street Festival. Nov. 8. Purvis. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be vendors, singing, a pie baking contest, a car show, and good food for family fun. Details: 601-543-9815.

Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival. Nov. 8 and 9. Gulfport. Harrison County Fairgrounds, 15321 County Farm Rd. Two full days of Scottish culture, food, music, and athletics. Sanctioned Highland athletic competitions on both days and three award-winning bagpipe bands. Two stages of Celtic music and dance featuring the world famous Seven Nations, Irish singer Rory Makem, Jacobites by Name, The Jollies, Blarney Coast, Celtic Crossroads, The Crescent and Clover Celtic Band, New Orleans Celtic Harp Ensemble, Red McWilliams and MacCrossan School of Irish Dance, and the Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance. Watch jousting competitions. Try your hand at axe throwing. Savor authentic Scottish foods. Visit various Clan Tents to learn about your heritage. Buy handmade goods from our select artisans and Scottish-themed vendors. Details: 228-380-1642 or mshighlandsandislands@gmail.com.

Veterans Day Event. Nov. 9. Natchez. The recognition will be held at the Zion Hill No. 1 Baptist Church, 349 Lower Woodville Rd. Registration and slide show begin at 7:30 a.m. The veteran procession starts at 8 a.m. followed by a religious service and brunch in the fellowship hall. Gift bags and door prizes will also be available for veterans. Details: 601-443-1560 or 601-493-7724.

42nd Annual Christmas at Landrum’s Homestead. Nov. 29 and 30. Laurel. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 29. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 30. Enjoy photos with Santa, live entertainment, a Civil War re-enactment, dulcimers, clogging, wagon rides, pony rides, gem mining, and a gift shop filled with unique treasures. Stroll through acres of dazzling holiday lights, watch skilled artisans like blacksmiths, wood carvers, and broom makers, and treat yourself to holiday favorites such as kettle corn, funnel cakes, homemade ice cream, and more. 1356 Highway 15 South. Admission is $15. Ages 3 and under free. Details: 601-649-2546. landrums.com.

13th Annual Life of Christ Presentation. Dec. 5. Monticello. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Atwood Water Park. Drive through live depictions of scenes from the life of Christ. Admission is free. Details: 601-431-9317.

We are putting together this year’s “A Mississippi Carol” Christmas show for WJTV. It’s an hour of singing, stories, and maybe a recipe or two. I want to try to work one of mama’s tales into this year’s show. Her story could ﬁt Halloween as well as Christmas. She often told it at our family reunions about this time every year. I think about the reunions when the leaves start turning.

Back when mama was a child, traveling was an adventure. There were very few paved roads. The dirt roads turned to mud after a good rain. Throw in cold weather and an open-air Model-T, and the adventure grew exponentially.

Now, my memory of this is fuzzy, and sadly, there is no one still living to clarify things. So, my version of this story is the most accurate there is. One year around Thanksgiving or Christmas, mama, granddaddy, and grandmother took a day trip to visit a relative. Now today, it wouldn’t be much of a challenge. Just hop on a stretch of 4-lane and zip there in about 20 minutes. This was in the days of no lanes, so, a 20-mile drive was not for the faint of heart.

It was on the way home when the situations started popping up. Granddaddy wanted to get back before dark, so they left midafternoon. Had he not had to repair two ﬂat tires along the way and constantly coax the car out of the mud, they would have made it easily. Soon it got dark, and granddaddy didn’t want to chance going the rest of the way after nightfall.

So, they stopped at a country church for shelter. Churches rarely locked their doors back then. The family hauled in the quilts they had along for warmth, and each picked a pew and settled in. Mama said after a while she began to hear singing, a choir way o in the distance. She ﬁgured it was the wind. But the singing grew louder. Granddaddy and grandmother heard it too.

Turns out, driving that last 10 miles in the dark didn’t seem so bad after all.

What was it? My theory is our brains strive to make sense of the abstract. We see pictures in clouds. We form constellations out of random stars. I ﬁgure it probably was the wind in the trees, with the mind making patterns of the noise.

At our house we usually sleep with a fan or noisemaker at night. Before our daughter left for college, often I would hear music from what I thought was Keri’s alarm clock radio. I thought she had overslept. But when I checked, there was nothing. Just silence.

As recently as last month Miz Jo woke me up in the night asking if I had left a radio on downstairs. She heard music. I told her to roll over and go back to sleep. It’s just a family thing.

by Walt Grayson

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

Walt