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Continued Coverage
Laurel Police Department advocating for abuse victims
For a victim of a violent crime, the days and weeks that follow can be difficult to handle. That’s why a victim’s advocate can be helpful during a stressful time.
Lumberton honors victims, survivors of domestic violence
Lumberton city officials gathered with law enforcement officers and victims of domestic violence to raise awareness of that issue Wednesday morning.
WDAM Investigates: Increased calls for MHP SWAT team
The MHP SWAT team responds at the request of federal and local agencies, all over the state, when that agency may not be able to handle a certain situation on its own. With only two full-time members of the S.W.A.T. team, when it comes time to call the team into action, it’s a delicate balance
Mississippi Task Force III trains for public works emergency
More than 30 members of Mississippi Task Force three came out for trench refresher training on Tuesday.
Runaway Hattiesburg teen found safe
A Hattiesburg teen police said ran away from home in late September has been found.
Business owner proposes cigar bar for downtown Hattiesburg
A business owner wants to bring a premium cigar bar to downtown Hattiesburg.
American Legion celebrates 100 years of service
Allen B. Carter Post 24 of the American Legion in Hattiesburg was created on October 7, 1919, exactly 100 years ago Monday.
Pink Up: Cancer survivor preparing to host 6th “Pink Monday” in Hattiesburg
A Pine Belt breast cancer survivor and her family will gather at Hattiesburg’s Town Square Park on Monday, Oct. 14, to honor other breast cancer survivors.
Mitchell Farms hosts annual Mississippi Peanut Festival
Peanuts and pumpkins had folks in the Pine Belt show up to the annual Mississippi Peanut Festival at Mitchell Farms in Collins on Sunday.
Hattiesburg hosting 2nd annual Restaurant Week
The City of Hattiesburg is kicking off its second annual Restaurant Week this week.
Hattiesburg Zoo hosts annual “Sloth-A-Thon”
The Hattiesburg Zoo held its second annual Slothathon on Saturday night. Participants got to go around a sloth course, where there were donuts and beer along the way.
Heidelberg church holds service honoring breast cancer survivor
A Jasper County church hosted a special service Saturday night to honor the wife of a Laurel police officer.
Three Hattiesburg churches participate in “Blessing of the Pets”
Dozens of pet owners brought their furry friends to a special event at one Hattiesburg church Saturday morning.
Jones College kicks off Homecoming 2019 with traditional parade
Jones College celebrated Homecoming 2019 Saturday.
Several festivals held in the Pine Belt Saturday
Saturday was a big day for festivals across the Pine Belt.
Laurel’s Loblolly Fest celebrating 10th anniversary
There are many festivals across the Pine Belt this weekend, including one in downtown Laurel that is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Hattiesburg American Legion post to celebrate 100th anniversary next week
Members of a Hattiesburg American Legion post will be spending the month of October celebrating its 100th birthday.
4 soldiers injured in Camp Shelby training recovering in hospital
Four U.S. Army paratroopers remain in the hospital following Wednesday night's training accident at Camp Shelby.
Southern Cross Animal Shelter receives donation
Southern Cross Animal Rescue received some help in a big way on Friday.
Salvation Army accepting applications for Christmas assistance
The Salvation Army of Laurel will be accepting applications for Christmas assistance throughout the month of October.
Oak Grove receives national award for performing arts
A Pine Belt high school has been recognized for its performing arts programs.
LIST: Festivals happening around the Pine Belt
A few fall festivals are happening around the Pine Belt this weekend.
South Perry Elementary burglarized twice in one week
Sheriff Mitch Nobles said investigators believe the same man broke into the school two times last week.
Camp Shelby’s impact on the Pine Belt
Camp Shelby is a vital training base for military across the country.
Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport looks for ways to boost boardings
Air travelers in recent years have had limited options when flying out of Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport.
Hattiesburg salon owner empowers young girls
A Hattiesburg salon owner is using her “magic hands” to do more than just styling hair.
Mississippi under statewide burn ban
Conditions across south Mississippi have become incredibly dry over the past several weeks due to lack of rain, making conditions right for wildfires.
4 soldiers remain hospitalized after training mishap at Camp Shelby
The paratroopers are expected to fully recover and be able to return to active duty.
23 soldiers injured in training accident at Camp Shelby
Several soldiers were injured during a nighttime airborne training exercise Wednesday at Camp Shelby.
PRCC and local school districts team up
Pearl River Community College has teamed up with local high schools to give students a unique opportunity.
City of Petal, Jasper County issue burn bans
The City of Petal and Jasper County have issued burn bans, joining several counties throughout the state taking action during the dry spell.
City of Petal budget cuts force reduction in library hours
The cuts will include closing on a day during the week and materials being reduced.
Cleanup begins at Vikki Layne’s after vandalism
Clean up has begun at Vikki Laynes Restaurant in downtown Hattiesburg after it was vandalized.
PG Technologies donates $25K for workforce development at LHS
An Ellisville industry has stepped up to support workforce development at one local school.
2nd “Education in Industry” at JC brings together students, industry leaders
Students, teachers and business leaders met in Jones County Tuesday, to exchange ideas about workforce development.
Salvation Army in need of donations for homeless shelter
The Hattiesburg Salvation Army is ready to reopen its homeless shelter but needs donations from the community to cover the operating costs.
Miss. Forestry Commission urges Mississippians to stop outdoor burning
Outdoor burning is being discouraged in Mississippi. The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) issued a statewide Wildland Fire Alert on Tuesday.
Lawsuit filed by widow of man killed by Petal police officer dismissed
A federal lawsuit filed by the widow of a man who was shot and killed by a Petal police officer in 2017 has been dismissed.
Hattiesburg Clinic opens new family medicine facility
The new Lincoln Road Family Medicine is a merger between the previous family medicine facility and Lincoln Road Family Practice.
Chick-fil-A Hattiesburg to reopen after renovations
Chick-fil-A in Hattiesburg will reopen Tuesday in time for lunch.
Bancorp South donates to Forrest General’s Cancer Center
Bancorp South's kind gesture comes from a place of understanding.
Thames Elementary completes renovations of gym
Thames Elementary School held a ribbon cutting for its completed gymnasium renovations Monday.
City of Ellisville lifts boil water notice
The boil water notice affected around 78 customers on the North side of Ellisville.
Families of homicide victims gather at Kamper Park for Remembrance Day
Victims of homicide were remembered Saturday during a special event in Hattiesburg.
USM sells beer, light wine, for first time at Texas-El Paso game
Some of the Southern Miss fans who enjoyed their second home game of the 2019 football season Saturday night also enjoyed their first beer purchased at The Rock.
Bikers hit the road to raise funds for Laurel American Legion
Dozens of motorcyclists hit the road in Jones County Saturday to help a Laurel veterans organization.
Hattiesburg adds public wheelchair charging stations
Hattiesburg unveiled a public wheelchair charging station Thursday.
Study shows pets benefit senior citizens health
A recent study has been done that says pets can have many benefits to the health and wellbeing of senior citizens.
Petal man heading to arm wrestling world championships
A Petal man will be representing the U.S. in an international arm wrestling championship.
Website offers free legal help to low-income Mississippians
Low-income Mississippians have a new way to find legal assistance.
MDOT gives update on South Miss. road projects
Southern District Transportation Commissioner Tom King provided an updated Friday on Mississippi Department of Transportation projects in south Mississippi.
USM Foundation raising funds for new campus veterans center
University of Southern Mississippi administrators want to build a new center to serve student veterans and their families and they’re hoping you will contribute to that campaign.
Miss. Pecan Festival happening this weekend in Richton
The 32nd annual Mississippi Pecan Festival is a three-day event that has something for everyone.
Police still searching for 2 suspects in Hub City murder investigation
Hattiesburg police continue the search for two suspects wanted in connection with the murder of David Lee Boulton.
Covington 10th graders learning soft skills from Aspire Mississippi team
Tenth grade students across Covington County this week are getting a crash course in soft-skills training, thanks to a state-sponsored economic development program.
Hattiesburg pastor speaks on church vandalism
A Hattiesburg pastor is speaking out after his church was vandalized overnight this week.
Hattiesburg Zoo seeks accreditation
The Hattiesburg Zoo holds itself to a high standard when it comes to taking care of their animals as well as the enjoyment of their guests, which is why the zoo is applying for accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
USM food pantry to host open house during Parent, Family Weekend
Organizers of the annual Parent and Family Weekend at The University Mississippi are hoping you’ll take time to make a donation to USM’s Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry.
USM student leads effort to send aid to Bahamian hurricane victims
A group of University of Southern Mississippi students is hoping to encourage fellow students to help hurricane victims in the Bahamas.
Covington County Chamber hosts candidate forum
ocal and state candidates met the public face-to-face Tuesday night in Covington County during a forum at the county courthouse.
Fundraiser held in Laurel to benefit The Glory House
More than a dozen Jones County restaurants and vendors were part of a fundraiser benefiting The Glory House in Laurel.
GEICO and Wreck-A-Mended team up to gift Baptist Children’s Village
Two companies in Purvis are teaming up to donate a new car to an organization in need.