I am proud to announce the appointment of Noel "Trice" McMichael III of Shannon, Mississippi, to the United States Naval Academy.

Trice is a dedicated and high-achieving student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS), where he maintains a 4.0 GPA and was a member of the 2024 NEMBDA Honors Band. Prior to attending MSMS, he attended South Pontotoc High School, where he was a member of the National Beta Club and earned several highest-grade awards.

In addition to his academic success, Trice has excelled in martial arts, earning honors including Innovative Martial Arts Systems Top Ten recognition and the title of First Martial Arts National Champion. His commitment to the sport extends beyond competition, as he has volunteered as a judge for First Martial Arts and served as an event supervisor for Spark Submission Sports.

Trice is also known for his strong work ethic and hands-on experience. He has worked several years as an assistant plumber alongside his father and has pursued research opportunities in science and technology. He served as a lab technician and research student for ARISE at the University of Mississippi and conducted research for Tales from the Crypt at MSMS.

"I am most excited about the classes," said Trice. "At MSMS, our teachers are great and so is the curriculum, but I know the Naval Academy is a completely different level. Right now, I wish to major in Foreign Area Studies, specializing in Russian."

We congratulate Trice on this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success as he prepares to serve our nation. 

Recently, our nation observed National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. We recognize the men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly each day to keep our communities safe. These officers put themselves in harm's way, serving with courage to protect families across Mississippi and our nation.

We also honor the fallen officers who gave their lives in service to our communities, state, and our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten as we remember the lives they gave to protect others.

Thank you to all members of law enforcement for your service.

We had a great community meeting in Tupelo, where I had the opportunity to visit with constituents and discuss the issues that matter most to North Mississippi families. I was proud to answer questions about our work on Capitol Hill and provide updates on the legislation and priorities impacting our communities and nation. 

Mississippi is home to scores of family farms that dot the landscape throughout our great state. Farmers and ranchers play an important role in feeding and clothing America and people around the world. It is vital that members of Congress do everything in our power to ensure our farmers have the support they need to succeed, so the next generation will want to follow in their footsteps.

Noah Carpenter is a cattle producer in Burnsville, Mississippi. He began with the purchase of three cows with a loan through the Farm Service Agency. "I enjoy it and it teaches me a lot," Noah said. "It is a hobby and a job, and it is very rewarding." As a first-generation farmer, Noah learned that operations large and small have something in common. It takes a capital investment to raise crops and livestock. "As a small-town farmer, I know it can be hard to get capital for land, fencing, and cattle," Noah said.

Noah has a full-time job working for a funeral home which helps cover expenses. He also looks to seasoned farmers for guidance. Recently, Noah was among a group of farmers who visited our Washington, D.C., office to discuss the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

The FARM Bill recently passed in the House of Representatives and is now headed to the U.S. Senate for consideration. I am confident this legislation will deliver the support our producers need to thrive. "After leaving the meeting with Congressman Kelly, I know we had a voice on Capitol Hill," Noah said.

I will continue fighting for hardworking farmers like Noah, whose dedication keeps America fed and drive Mississippi agriculture forward.

"With or without?" That is the question diners expect to hear when they walk into Bill's Hamburgers in Amory. Owner Will Pate is happy to explain this age-old question with a simple explanation. It means with or without mustard and onions on their signature dish and namesake. The popular restaurant located in Vinegar Bend has been in business since 1929.

In three years, Bill's Hamburgers will turn 100 years old. That's quite a milestone for the restaurant that was founded by Bob Hill. His secret recipe has been passed down through the years to future owners.

Amory native Will Pate bought the business in 2023. "I worked in corporate leadership for years," Will said. "I didn't see myself working in a restaurant, but I did joke about buying Bill's for 13 years. I saw this as an opportunity to buy a landmark. I have many memories coming here with my dad and brothers as little kids. We always ordered greasy cheeseburgers with chocolate milk."

Bill's Hamburgers is the cornerstone of Amory's downtown businesses, attracting locals as well as tourists. Lindsay Mitchell, Amory Main Street Director, said Will is devoted to the restaurant and to the historic downtown. "Bill's Hamburgers is not only an iconic part of downtown, but a true example of the lasting impact small businesses have on our communities," Lindsay said. "For generations, Bill's has served as a gathering place filled with history, tradition, and hometown pride. Their recognition as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Legacy Business Award from Mississippi Main Street Association is a well-deserved honor that reflects their commitment to preserving the character and spirit of Main Street America."

We are proud to have Bill's Hamburgers in Mississippi's First Congressional District. Will is hoping to open a second restaurant in downtown Tupelo and we wish him well in his next endeavor. 

Team Kelly was proud to attend Aberdeen School District's Aviation Day, which highlighted the incredible opportunities through the Aberdeen High School Aviation Program at the Monroe County Airport.

Through this unique program, students gain real-world experience while preparing for future careers in aviation. Aberdeen School District is the only school district in Mississippi to own its own planes for student training, providing students with the opportunity to develop valuable skills at an early age.

The event also featured a flight demonstration by one of the program's students, showcasing the talent of these young aviators.

We are proud of Aberdeen School District for investing in innovative programs that help set students up for success and prepare the next generation of aviation professionals.

It was an honor to welcome Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to the Mississippi State University MAFES Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station. Team Kelly attended a roundtable discussion with Mississippi agriculture and forestry industry representatives to hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing these vital industries.

During the visit, Under Secretary Hoskins toured the facility and met with MSU researchers focused on sweet potato production and plant protection. Discussions focused on the work being done to address challenges facing Mississippi agriculture and the tools and resources being developed to support the sweet potato industry.

We are proud to showcase the outstanding research taking place at this facility and the dedication of the researchers working to strengthen Mississippi agriculture.