HATTIESBURG, Miss. - “The goal is to get kids across the stage, on time in a cap and gown after their senior year – and to be productive successful productive people in our community,” said Executive Director of the Hattiesburg Public School District Foundation, Dan Kibodeaux. Kibodeaux said the molding a firm foundation for local children essential for their success. “Because too many of our kids don’t have that foundation at home – like I did growing up, like you may have had growing up, but a lot of kids don’t always have that and you cant just take that for granted," The Foundation awards grants to a variety of Hattiesburg teachers to purchase necessary items for skill building or learni
The following press release is from the City of Hattiesburg. Hattiesburg, Mississippi – With $2.3 million appropriated for paving in Fiscal Year 2018, the City of Hattiesburg announces its paving schedule for every ward through May 2018. City administration used requests from city council members, the percentage of miles in each ward and recent paving work in previous years to create a robust list of paving projects for each area of Hattiesburg. Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker stated that a goal in his commitment to infrastructure investment is to help every neighborhood see progress each year and to also make sure neighborhoods are aware of when streets will be paved. “The City Council
(The following is a press release submitted to myfox23.com from the Laurel Police Department.) On Saturday, October 28th, the Laurel Police Department gave the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The event was very successful with 81 pounds of drugs collected. This is the 8th time that the Laurel Police Department has participated in such an event. The department has collected approximately 681 pounds of prescription drugs during these events. LPD would like to thank the DEA, our media partners (TV, Radio and Print) and the citizens whose participation made the event a huge su
(The following press release and photos were submitted to myfox23.com from the Hattiesburg Police Department.) On Saturday, October 28, 2017, the Hattiesburg Police Department participated in the National Drug Take Back Initiative in efforts to keep our community safe and drug free. Citizens took advantage and turned in approximately 115 pounds of unwanted, unused, or expired pharmaceutical drugs. HPD extends great gratitude for those that made a difference in their community by keeping drugs out of the hands of the youth and out our environment.
The initial court appearance of a Jones County man accused in the death of his girlfriend has been delayed two more days because of illness. 38-year-old Greg Burroughs was scheduled to appear in court Monday morning to face manslaughter charges. That was delayed when Circuit Court Judge, Dal Williamson became hospitalized. Burroughs will now appear in court Wednesday at 9AM. He's accused of killing 23-year-old Katherine Sinclair on June 1. She was found half naked, sitting in her car in the garage of Burroughs's home. She had been shot once in the head. Officials say it appeared Sinclair was trying to leave the house and was shot in the heat of passion.
HATTIESBURG, MISS - Cellphones could be our biggest innovation in the modern day generation. "I can tell you that for our traditional age of students... they are continuously connected to their phone," University of Southern Mississippi, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Dr. Amy Miller said. "It's the norm, so they look many, many, times an hour at their phone." It's happening everywhere, even in the classroom. That's why USM is using a new app called Pocket Points. According to statistics, the average person looks at their phone more than 100 times a day. Also, according to Apple, the average user unlocks their phone more than 80 times a day, which is something that USM believes they c
This is a press release from the City of Hattiesburg. HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Hattiesburg Fire Department is now accepting applications for the 2018 academy. Applications will be accepted through January 26, 2018 at 5 p.m. Applicants who complete the application process will be scheduled to take the physical abilities exam on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Hattiesburg Police & Fire Training Academy (53 Academy Dr.). Those who pass that exam will then be scheduled for the civil service exam on Saturday, February 10, 2018. “From medical calls and fighting fires to educating our community on fire safety practices, this job comes with a lot of demands and interaction with the public,” said Chief
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The city of Hattiesburg announced a $2 million dollar investment in ward 5's Palmer's Crossing and Irene Chapel neighborhoods Friday. “This two million dollar project will increase both pressure and volume to increase fire protection and water flow for these two neighborhoods. This project which is apart of the ComSWIP efforts that have been going on in recent years, will replace nearly twenty percent of the overall asbestos cement lines in these two neighborhoods,” said Mayor of Hattiesburg, Toby Barker. Local residents will see the project take effect in areas: Dixie Pine Road, Old Airport Road, Barkley Road, Travillion Drive, North Chancellor Avenue and others. “Durin
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker visited Hattiesburg Friday afternoon to discuss progress and setbacks in Washington D.C. Wicker shared there are still processes underway to repeal the affordable care act. “You know unfortunately we fell one vote short and we had the vice president there to break the tie, and we didn’t get it done. It was a blow to those of us who realized we need to repeal Obamacare and replace it with something that works. Obamacare is not working, these twenty percent increases per year in insurance premiums per year, it just cant work for American people," said Wicker He said currently, the Republican administration is focused on passing tax reform b
HATTIESBURG, MISS. - On Saturday, the parking lot of Pine Belt Chevrolet will be jammed pack. The grand opening of a major car dealership could bring business to this part of Lamar County. "So, we actually created twenty-four new jobs since we were in Purvis just by moving here," Pine Belt Chevrolet, general manager, Jared Waldrop said. The new dealership looks forward to becoming a big attraction to potential car buyers. "We have about two-hundred-fifty vehicles on the ground," Waldrop said. "So, that means a better selection for customers and a better chance of us having what people are looking for." Pine Belt Chevrolet plans to crush their competition, literally. "This weekend is a big
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Two Hattiesburg High School students gave one local girl a helping hand Thursday. One-year-old, Oak Grove native, Arabella Ruff was born with one arm. However, a team of three young men put their skills and minds together to give Arabella another arm. “We had two students that was involved in mainly helping clean the parts and assembly. Once I had everything printed I helped to do some assembly and I had my two students help do some assembly. I kept the whole class in the loop the whole time with what was going on, let them as questions, why am I doing this? Why am I doing that?" said Robotic Instructor, Steven Jordan. Sophomore students, Ivory Stallings and Clemon Terre
HATTIESBURG, MISS. - This month Hancock Whitney Bank celebrated over 100 years of being in the banking business by teaching kids at Petal Upper Elementary about financial responsibility on Thursday. "Our bank was founded in the month of October over one-hundred years ago, and so across our footprint [business], bankers are out in classes today giving back to those communities we serve in and are a part of," Assistant Vice President of Hancock Whitney Bank, Sam Bilbo said. "We feel like what's a better way to celebrate than to be involved with the schools and giving back to our local communities." Hancock Whitney Bank gave back by educating young minds through its Financial Cents program. T
This is a press release from the Laurel Police Department. LAUREL, Miss. - On Saturday, October 28th from 10 until 2, the Laurel Police Department in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the Laurel Police Department located at 317 South Magnolia Street. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. This event addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of pr
Things could get a little spooky tomorrow. The University of Southern Mississippi will hold its annual Halloween Carnival tomorrow starting at 4PM in Shoemaker Square. "I am a part of SMAC, and we're just a student council that puts on events for the school," USM student, Montana Eichelberger said. "This Friday we are going to be hosting a Halloween Carnival... it's going to be a lot of fun. We'll have face painting, and we will have a costume contest at five." Children of all ages are invited to attend.
Eight middle to upper level drug dealers in the Pine Belt have been arrested as a result of a three-year undercover investigation. Officials say the group is responsible for moving as much as 80 pounds of meth a month, through the Pine Belt. The early morning raid Tuesday was conducted by state narcotics, bureau agents, deputies from Forrest, Jones, and Lamar counties as well as Hattiesburg's police department, and agents from the DEA and the FBI. The eight suspects made their initial court appearance in Hattiesburg Federal Court this morning. The suspects include Dexter and Darrion Jones of Hattiesburg, Derrick Coleman and Roderick Simpson of Hattiesburg, Mitchell Jones of SOSO, Jamie Whe
The University of Southern Mississippi just keeps getting bigger. USM's Athletic Director, Jon Gilbert announced the university plans to build a new multi-purpose Wellness Center. "We announced a wellness volleyball center last week," Gilbert said. "Really excited about the project. It will host certainly our women's volleyball team both practice and competition." However, practice and competition are not the only reasons for building this facility. The building will also serve as a new way for the community to engage the public. "I anticipate it hosting university and community events," Gilbert said. The new building will hold approximately 1,000 seats, big enough to hold several commun
When the unthinkable happens, you need to be prepared. "Being prepared for a situation, in case if something were to ever happen," Class participant, Chance Morris said. "Most people don't think about if you are walking in the mall and something were to happen." An active shooter is onsight, and killing everything that stands in front of the barrel of their gun, causing many people to panic. However, Hattiesburg warns residents, panicking is the wrong reaction. "First thing, you do is be aware," Hattiesburg police officer, Lt. Allen Murray said. "Always be aware of your surroundings. Know who is coming in, know who is going out." Being aware is the first step to surviving a mass shooting
WAYNE COUNTY, Miss. - Deputies have issued arrest warrants for a 32-year-old man who left his five year old son in the woods overnight while he ran from authorities. Deputies reported Richard Dearman dropped his child off in a wooded area and told him to stand by a tree, until his return. However, he never returned. Thursday morning, the child walked to a farmhouse near Wayne-Greene county line and authorities were notified. Dearman will be charged with child endangerment and other charges. He is described as 5'4, wearing a white tee shirt, red and black gym shorts with a goatee. If anyone is aware of his whereabouts please call the Wayne County Sheriff's Department.
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - One local woman says her passion is to shape how the confidence of young people in Hattiesburg. Roma Rahaim Graham, has taught young people how to dance, converse and share. She is the Director of the National League of Junior Cotillions of the Greater Hattiesburg Chapter. " We need something, that the kids feel that they can handle their situation. We hope by teaching some manners and character education and other example of giving them self confidence – when they are put in challenged position – that’s what I really like to emphasize – that they feel confident enough to make the right choice, and not feel pressured by someone who’s trying to pull them in the wrong dire
This is a press release from The Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg. HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg (JAH) has named ARC executive director Cindy Pennington as its 2017 Humanitarian of the Year. Presented annually, this award recognizes an individual in our area who has given his or her time, talents and efforts in order to better the community and its citizens. Cindy Pennington, originally from Decatur, Miss., moved to Hattiesburg to attend the University of Southern Mississippi and fell in love with the town. At USM, she earned a degree in nursing and a master’s degree in special education, while working part-time at local schools. Her plan was to go to work at Forres
