This weeks program is centered in the county seat of Rankin County, we are in "the city of red hills laden with golden opportunities," the town of Brandon.

The area was established in 1828 and named for Gerald C. Brandon, the first native governor of Mississippi. It has been said that Brandon has furnished the state with more governors, legislators, judges, physicians, and teachers than any other town its size in Mississippi.

In its early years Brandon became a thriving trade center for people from miles around and the town eventually developed a lively railroad business.

During the Civil War Brandon felt the full wrath of General Sherman's Army as it marched through Jackson to Vicksburg. Most of the town was burned and destroyed by the Union soldiers.

Today, a Confederate soldier monument stands in the center of the town square in Brandon, not unlike many others that can be found throughout the south.

Our first segment features Brandon residents who have trained animals to help medical patients with their recovery. These special dogs perform what some have termed as "Pet Therapy".

We introduce you to wildlife photographer Stephen Kirkpatrick. He is a resident of Madison and has recently released a new book entitled "Wilder Mississippi".

We take you inside the grounds of the Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield and discover how mental health treatment has transformed over the years.

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