🌱 Future Marketplace Subdivision Postponed + Citizenship Ceremony

Hello all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 92 Low: 69.
• Sunday: Nice with clouds and sun. High: 82 Low: 64.

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Here are the top three stories in Hattiesburg today:

1. The Hattiesburg City Council has postponed a vote on the proposed Hattiesburg Marketplace commercial subdivision located at Lamar Boulevard and U.S. 98. The council wants to ensure that the development meets all the necessary requirements and is beneficial for the city. The subdivision, spanning over 30 acres, would include commercial space, grassy common areas, and a service road, with potential tenants such as Starbucks and quick-service restaurants. Traffic studies will be conducted, and conditions may be imposed to ensure proper development. (HubcitySPOKES.com)
2. A violent repeat offender with four prior felony convictions has been sentenced to life without parole by Judge Robert Helfrich in Forrest County Circuit Court. Lonnie Nobles was convicted at trial for selling methamphetamine and was found guilty based on video evidence showing the transaction. The district attorney praised the law enforcement officers involved in combating drug trafficking and expressed satisfaction that Nobles will be imprisoned. (WDAM)
3. Twenty former immigrants were sworn in as United States citizens in a federal courtroom in Hattiesburg. The naturalization process, which takes an average of two years, culminated in an emotional ceremony where the new citizens discussed their applications and received certificates. This special day was celebrated not only by the new citizens but also by their families and friends, as only about 20 percent of green card holders who apply for citizenship are approved each year. (WDAM)

Today and tomorrow in Hattiesburg:

Saturday, May 20:

• Laurel Main Street Festival At Hattiesburg Country Club (9:00 AM)
• All Ranks Club Crawfish Boil At Kolroy's Bar & Grill (3:00 PM)

Sunday, May 21:

• Sloth Experience At Hattiesburg Zoo (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the Disabled American Veteran - DAV Hattiesburg Chapter 62 this Saturday, May 20, at 10:00 a.m. in Town Square Park for a day celebrating veterans, their families, and friends. There will be food, live music, vendors, and exciting giveaways. (Downtown Hattiesburg via Facebook)
• On Saturday, May 27, Sigma Chi Sigma Fraternity at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), will co-host the Sigma Chi Golf Classic with the fraternity's alumni chapter at Shadow Ridge Golf Course in Hattiesburg. The tournament is open to all members of the university community and the general public, with registration starting at 8:00 a.m. and tee-off at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event will support the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. (USM)
• The Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a free yoga class at Town Square Park next weekend on May 27. Mats can be provided and Shelby Harris will be leading the class. (Hattiesburg Patriot)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all 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.