Amber Helsel | Stories | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

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Amber Helsel

Stories by Amber

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Being the 'Best of Enemies'

"Right now, we’re in a time in our history where we’re so polarized as groups of people. We need to remember that people can come together and find common ground.”

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Ariel Boggess

Ariel Boggess has always created art in mediums such as painting and drawing, so she says makeup was a natural fit.

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Verge in the Wild Wild West

Verge is a new community-oriented art project that evolved from FIGMENT Jackson. The website for FIGMENT says the mission of the events, which happen in multiple cities across the United …

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A Bunch of Wiseacres

The word "wiseacre" is slang for "smartass." And it fits the origins of the Wireacre Brewing Co. in Memphis, Teen. Its journey began in 1997 in Boston, Mass., when brothers …

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Happiness in Cupcake Form

Treats are my personal favorite part of Valentine's Day. It's one of the only days of the year where it's acceptable to eat tons of candy and chocolate. This year, …

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A New Executive (Chef) in Town

Though chef Nicole Medrano has only been in Jackson for a year, she is making waves in the local culinary scene. After Jesse Houston stepped down as executive chef at …

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Jillian Smart

When Jillian Smart, owner of Jackson Education Support, was growing up, she says her parents wanted their children to be productive.

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Debora Wenger

NewsPro magazine recently honored Debora Wenger, who is an associate professor at the University of Mississippi's Meek School of Journalism and New Media and head of its journalism department, in …

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Can’t-Miss Food Events

On Jan. 30, Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint is hosting a Wiseacre Brewing Beer Dinner.

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A Space for Experimental Art

A large geometric shield sits in a corner, the word "SUBMIND" projected on it. Local artist daniel johnson, who does not capitalize his name, stands in front of a crowd …

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Running the Blues

We're at the beginning of the year, so besides making resolutions, that means another thing: It's time for the Mississippi Blues Marathon. This year's event is Saturday, Jan. 7.

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Forging a New Path: Foot Print Farms

On a frigid day in December, the slightly warm air inside one of the high tunnels, also known as natural greenhouses, at Foot Print Farms in Jackson contrasts the chilly …

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Bring in the New Year, Jackson Style

On Thursday, Dec. 29, Deep South Pops and Blazewalker Pictures will host the After-Mas Music Festival in the Highland Village courtyard (4500 Interstate 55 N.).

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Dorothy Stewart

Dorothy Stewart says that when she was growing up, someone once asked her, "Dorothy, what do you want to be?" "I want to be a doctor," Stewart replied.

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Last-Minute Fun

Christmas has been approaching ever so slowly, but now it seems to be coming in at warp speed. If you're still trying to find last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers, here …

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Emmi Sprayberry

Nine years ago, when Swell-o-Phonic was in the space where Fondren Public is currently located, it wasn't just a skate shop and clothing store. It also housed an art exhibition …

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Local Holiday Eats

Check out this list of restaurants and businesses that have holiday specials.

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Give Local

'Tis the season for giving gifts, so why not shop local during this holiday season? Here are some fun ideas from local businesses.

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Community Through Song

Jerry Jenkins wouldn't call himself a percussionist. The owner of Jackson-based Hasan Drums does play West African drums, including the djembe, and other instruments such as the 21-stringed kora, but …

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Pretty Holidays

This Christmas, don't forget that your loved ones should feel beautiful and pampered, too. Here are some items from local stores that can help.

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Leslie Puckett

When Leslie Puckett began her business, BearCreek Herbals, in 2000, she was at a crossroads in her life.

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Try This at Home

While it's nice to get a facial or a blow-out sometimes, taking care of your skin or hair or nails doesn't always have to be a big deal.

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A Festive, Local Holiday

The impending holiday season means stuffing our faces with tons of food and congregating with family and friends, but it also means something else: The shopping season is about to …

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Emily Summerlin

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum has organized the annual Harvest Festival for a few years, but marketing and events specialist Emily Summerlin says the museum's staff is changing things …

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Shandricka Sessom

Last season was a disappointment for the University of Mississippi women's basketball team. The Rebels went 10-20 overall and 2-14 in SEC play, posting their fourth losing record in the …

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How to Make Sugar Skulls

Sugar skulls, which can be made using ingredients such as clay, sugar or even chocolate, represent someone who has died. They often have departed soul's names on them and are …

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Treat Yo’ Self This Halloween

This year, Campbell's will have Halloween cookies and iced teacakes, and customers can also order pumpkin cheesecake for fall events and parties.

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LaShonda Katrice Barnett

For her first historical-fiction novel, African American playwright, professor and author LaShonda Katrice Barnett decided to take a different path than many of her predecessors and tell a new story …

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Marco Moran

Marco Moran has been an entrepreneur since childhood. He grew up in Columbia, La., a small town south of Monroe. As a child, his family was poor and on welfare, …

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Blissful Brides

Stressed brides may find needed help on the third floor of Banner Hall. There they'll find Bliss Bride, the newest endeavor of Bliss Gift & Home.

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Keep Calm, Gumbo On

Each year, Jackson area restaurants and foodies gather together for two reasons: to celebrate Hal White's legacy and to see who makes the best gumbo.

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Patrick Kelly

Vicksburg-native fashion designer Patrick Kelly's mission was to make people smile. His designs were whimsical and playful, often including elements such as multi-colored buttons and bows.

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Don’t Go Fair-Food Crazy

Like most state fairs, the Mississippi State Fair isn't exactly the place where you can always find the healthiest food. But why would you want to? Most people go for …

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Interesting Foods to Try at the Mississippi State Fair

Fairs tend to attract people from all over the nation, and many of them have interesting foods to try.

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Susan Olmsted

Cathead Distillery Marketing Manager Susan Olmsted says one of the reasons she has always been drawn to small business is because the people in it have to rely on each …

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Margaret Walker

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Margaret Walker's book "Jubilee," the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University is hosting a symposium and reception on Friday, Sept. 16.

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LaDaryl Watkins

LaDaryl Watkins says she's always been active and loves people, and wanted to combine the two. She is currently a co-coordinator in The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi's health and …

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Plan Your Meals

For many people, part of eating healthy means doing a lot of planning, which can seem daunting. Luckily, many apps on the market can help. Here are a few.

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Giving Hope With Hats and Wigs

Just a little ways from the entrance to the Cancer Center at Merit Health Central in Jackson is the Magnolia Garden, a boutique that gives cancer patients a chance to …

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Mississippi Book Festival Comes to Jackson Again

For the second year in a row, the Mississippi Book Festival will be at the Mississippi State Capitol on Saturday, Aug. 20.