Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Hattiesburg’s new budget and higher garbage fee mean for you

Coming up: When A Woman's Fed Up Stage Play-Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, MS on the Hattiesburg Patch calendar

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
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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:

  • What Hattiesburg's new budget and higher garbage fee mean for you
  • How new analytics at Forrest General could support Hattiesburg nurses
  • How Forrest General's new name could change your next hospital visit

Also on today's calendar: PARK(ing) Day 2026 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Sunny, warm and less humid, with a high of 96 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Hot with plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 96, low: 69.
  • Saturday: Near-record temperatures, with a high of 99 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Hattiesburg's approved budget includes pay raises for city's police, fire (hattiesburgamerican.com) — Hattiesburg's newly approved 2027 budget gives all police and fire employees a $1,200 raise while avoiding a property tax hike, but your monthly garbage fee will rise from $17 to $21. City leaders say the extra revenue will fund new sanitation equipment and more reliable trash pickup, while other priorities include public safety, technology upgrades, and street lighting.
   

2. Forrest General Expands CareEffects Nursing Analytics (hrtechedge.com) — Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg is rolling out a data-driven nursing support tool called CareEffects across the entire facility after a successful pilot on several units. The system analyzes existing hospital data to flag possible nurse strain, helping leaders offer support, recognition, and schedule adjustments earlier, with the goal of improving nurse retention and sustaining strong patient care locally.
   

3. Forrest Health Rebrands, Uniting Healthcare System Under One Name (hubcityspokes.com) — Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg and its sister facilities across South Mississippi are uniting under a single brand name, Forrest, but keeping the same locations, doctors and services. Leaders say the change should make it easier for Hattiesburg-area patients to recognize connected hospitals and clinics while highlighting a long-term commitment to local care, including a new "for life" campaign with Southern Miss Athletics.
   

4. USM students network with business leaders during annual Experience Business Casually (wdam.com) — USM students in Hattiesburg just got a chance to practice real-world networking with Pine Belt business leaders at the annual Experience Business Casually event in Scianna Hall. From handshake practice to resume tips and career-path conversations, the program helps local students polish professional skills and explore options with about 45 industry volunteers from around the region.
   

5. USM coastal entrepreneurship scholarship gets 5-year extension (wjtv.com) — USM, based in Hattiesburg, has secured a five-year extension for its Coastal Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Scholarship, covering full MBA tuition and fees. The program supports Mississippi's push to grow Gulf Coast ocean science and maritime technology industries, giving qualified students a fully funded path into those high-demand fields through at least February 2031.
   

📸 Around Hattiesburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • They understand that our pets are part of our family.
    They have always been great about explaining everything. They are personable while being respectful and professional. (Nextdoor Longleaf Heights)
  • Anyone using CSpire phone serve and internet service.
    Please tell me your thoughts. I have Xfinity and it is on and off every day. (Nextdoor River Rd)
  • Hamilton Point Investments, LLC posted a job opening for Leasing Consultant in Hattiesburg. Apply here.
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store posted a job opening for Dishwasher 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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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