Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why the Hattiesburg Zoo’s sloth experience books out months ahead

Make time for Taste of the South Food Truck Festival 2026 on the Hattiesburg Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 8th Patch AM
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Greetings Hattiesburg! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why the Hattiesburg Zoo's sloth experience books out months ahead
  • Hattiesburg's Miss Mississippi makes a strong run at Miss America
  • What did Southern Miss prove in its dominant season-opening win?

Also on today's calendar: Pine Belt MS Chapter Banquet and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 95 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 93, low: 74.
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The Mississippi Wildlife Rescues Where You Can Meet The Animals Face-To-Face (takingthekids.com) — Hattiesburg families can get remarkably close to wildlife at the Hattiesburg Zoo, from hard-to-book sloth encounters to giraffe feedings, wallaby walkabouts, and goat petting. The zoo also offers splash pads, ropes courses, and an historic carousel, making it an easy downtown day trip. The article also spotlights several other animal rescues and parks around Mississippi for future road trips.
   

2. Miss America 2027 is crowned in Florida. How did Miss Mississippi do? (hattiesburgamerican.com) — Hattiesburg's own Jane Granberry, the current Miss Mississippi, advanced to the Miss America 2027 semifinals and earned a $3,000 scholarship for her Evening Gown preliminary win. Competing in West Palm Beach, she was one of just 11 semifinalists out of 52 delegates. Although she didn't reach the final five, her performance showcased both her talent and her pride in representing the community that raised her.
   

3. What encouraged Blake Anderson about Southern Miss football after season opener (clarionledger.com) — Southern Miss opened its season with a dominant 49-3 win over Alcorn State, powered by a 317-yard rushing attack and a defense that forced five turnovers. Coach Blake Anderson says the performance, covered by a Hattiesburg-based reporter, was the step forward they needed before a much tougher road test at Auburn on Sept. 12.
   

4. RHCJC: Mississippi lawmakers seek public input on possible redistricting (wdam.com) — Mississippi lawmakers are holding a series of redistricting hearings, including one in Hattiesburg on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., where residents can share concerns about possible changes to voting districts. Advocates are urging people to attend, arguing the process could affect minority voting strength and how fairly communities like Hattiesburg are represented in Jackson and Washington.
   

📸 Around Hattiesburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Hattiesburg

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Hattiesburg Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday September 8
  • Volleyball vs. Leaksville @ home
    Oak Grove Middle School Hattiesburg, MS 39402
    5:00 pm
  • JV/V Volleyball vs Petal
    Oak Grove High School Hattiesburg, MS 39402
    5:00 pm
    • Friday September 11
  • Varsity Football VS Hattiesburg/Stadium (Band/Dance Senior Night)
    Oak Grove High School Hattiesburg, MS 39402
    7:00 pm
    • Monday September 14
  • OGMS Choral Fall Concert/PAC
    Oak Grove High School Hattiesburg, MS 39402
    6:00 pm
  • 9th/JV Football @ Hattiesburg
    Oak Grove High School Hattiesburg, MS 39402
    6:00 pm
    • Tuesday September 15
  • JV/V Vball vs Northwest Rankin/Vball Facility
    Oak Grove High School Hattiesburg, MS 39402
    5:00 pm
    • Saturday September 19
  • The JUST BLOOM EXPERIENCE 2026 →
    HATTIESBURG TRAIN DEPOT, 308 Newman St, Hattiesburg
    1:00 pm
    • Friday October 9
  • Silent Theory →
    Brewsky's, 3818 W 4th St, Hattiesburg
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Wow, I was just now on Lincoln Rd almost to Oakgrove, and a deer ran right in front of my car and stopped.
    Thank goodness I was driving the speed limit. I stopped in time. She stood there a minute, then turned around and ran off. I was so surprised. She… (Nextdoor Oak Grove Road Lakeshore)
  • Today, I witnessed a heartwarming scene by the lake: a mother duck leading a brood of ducklings leisurely across the water.
    The ducklings followed closely behind her; the sight was serene and touching (Nextdoor Lake Thoreau)
  • William Carey University posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Hattiesburg. Apply here.
  • TPI Global - Tech Providers, Inc. posted a job opening for Vehicle Operations Logistics Specialist 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: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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