🌱 Body Found At Local Guest House + Upcoming Hattiesburg StoryWalk

Morning, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Hattiesburg Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Sunshine and some clouds. High: 89 Low: 64.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and warm. High: 92 Low: 68.

Here are the top three stories today in Hattiesburg:

1. An investigation is underway after a body was discovered at a guest house in Hattiesburg. The Hattiesburg Police Department was notified of the individual at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday and was called to the 800 block of Elnora Knight Road. Forrest County Deputy Coroner Lisa Klem states the individual is a 45-year-old man, but his name is being withheld until his family is made aware. The cause of death is currently being determined at the Mississippi State Crime Lab. (WDAM)
2. Midtown Hattiesburg is growing with changes in the future. This year’s legislative session is bringing in almost $4 million to acquire land and relocate utilities, among other local projects. Christen Raanes says “We get out-of-towners all the time in the shopping, and it’s fun because you get to meet new people passing through and you get to hear what they think of Hattiesburg and the perspective of people from other places.” While no official city plans have been made yet, residents are still looking forward to the new possibilities in the Midtown Hattiesburg area. (WDAM)
3. Mark your calendar for the StoryWalk on May 20 at the Pocket Museum! Storywalk brings books to life by transforming storybook pages into signs along a trail, combining both literacy and physical activity for all who participate. This year’s featured StoryWalk book is What I Like About Me by Allia Zobel Nolen and illustrated by Miki Samamoto. The event is open to everyone, though StoryWalk is designed with younger children in mind. The event begins at 10:00 a.m and the first 300 children will also receive a free book! (HubcitySPOKES.com)

Today and tomorrow in Hattiesburg:

Saturday, May 13

• Pre-Mother's Day Cookout At Bobby Chain Park (1:00 PM)

Sunday, May 14

• Run4TheKids At Thames School (7:30 AM)
• Mother's Day Mommy and Me At Painting With A Twist (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Stop by the Hattiesburg Zoo and visit the baby alligators! You can find their habitat in front of the train station. See photos of the alligators here. (Hattiesburg Zoo via Facebook)
• The Hattiesburg Police Department was joined by the Petal Police Department for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run! Agencies participate in the event to help raise awareness for the Special Olympics. See photos from the event! (Hattiesburg Police Department via Facebook)
• Don't miss these upcoming events! Police Week in Hattiesburg begins May 14 and the Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony is May 29. See the rest of this weekend’s Top Five Things to Know in Hattiesburg here. (City of Hattiesburg-Government via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! See you soon for another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.