Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How many Hattiesburg kitchens failed health inspections this year?

Spotted on the Hattiesburg calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Sunday October 4th Patch AM
Sunday October 4th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Hattiesburg! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How many Hattiesburg kitchens failed health inspections this year?
  • Ready to register for Southern Miss's 2027 Children's Book Festival?
  • What Hattiesburg women should know about breast cancer warning signs now

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)


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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 79 and low of 72 degrees.
  • Monday: An afternoon thunderstorm, temps: high: 81, low: 68.
  • Tuesday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 84 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. This Hattiesburg business had six violations in one health inspection (sunherald.com) — One Hattiesburg-area restaurant, school, or food facility received a failing health inspection grade in September, continuing a pattern of periodic failures across Forrest and Lamar counties. State data show fluctuating numbers of failed inspections this year, giving local diners a snapshot of how often area kitchens fall short of Mississippi's safety standards.
   

2. Children's Book Festival Registration (usm.edu) — Registration is now open for the 2027 Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival hosted by Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, with discounted early-bird rates before regular pricing begins January 1. Local educators, librarians, and students can choose from several registration tiers, including special USM community pricing and optional ticketed luncheons spread across the three-day event.
   

3. Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights early detection (wjtv.com) — In Hattiesburg, a Forrest General diagnostic radiologist and a local breast cancer survivor are urging women to prioritize regular screenings and self-exams during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They explain common warning signs, why mammograms typically start at age 40, and how earlier screening may be recommended for those with a strong family history.
   

4. Community packs the patches of Mitchell Farms for 16th Annual MS Peanut Festival (wdam.com) — Families from across the region are spending the weekend at Mitchell Farms in Collins for the 16th Annual Mississippi Peanut Festival, which continues today. Organizers say many visitors make a full trip of it by staying in Laurel and touring historic Laurel, Hattiesburg, and Collins, turning the festival into a broader Pine Belt getaway.
   

5. Shad White Says Delta 'Deserves Better' Than Bennie Thompson (mississippifreepress.org) — Mississippi lawmakers are weighing new legislative and congressional maps after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakened Voting Rights Act protections, sparking tense debate over Rep. Bennie Thompson's Delta district. During a statewide listening tour that included a stop at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, residents and civic leaders warned that early redistricting could roll back recent gains in Black representation.
   


📸 Around Hattiesburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Hattiesburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • RPG in HBURG?
    Looking for some groups who love playing or hosting modern RPG card/board strategy games. Groups of 4-6? (Nextdoor Kamper Ave)
  • 1 bedroom 1 bathroom // 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom at 2501 W 7th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
    Laundry; shared Appliances: washer, dryer, Cooling: central air conditioning Pets: dogs and cats accepted For application or tour Text:… (Nextdoor Glendale)
  • KFC posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Hattiesburg. Apply here.
  • Gap posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate, Full Time - Turtle Creek T/C in Hattiesburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hattiesburg here.

Ok Hattiesburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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