🌱 Hattiesburg Fire Department New Grads + Summer Splash Days Event

Hello, neighbors! It's Thursday in Hattiesburg and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

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Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 90 Low: 70.
• Friday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 93 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories in Hattiesburg today:

1. Earlier this week, the Hattiesburg Fire Department celebrated the graduation of the department's 2023 recruits. Five recruits completed the department's training program and are now ready to begin their careers. Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker attended the ceremony and congratulated the city's newest firefighters, saying, "Because of you, the public will be in good hands." (WDAM)
2. The University of Southern Mississippi is kicking off a three-year humanities project that examines how emancipated slaves during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras found pathways to freedom and citizenship. The project is called "Mapping Freedom," and will involve undergraduate students conducting research in a way that combines STEM disciplines and techniques with a humanities-based endeavor. One student in the program, rising junior Jaylin Jones, is examining how enslaved peoples' labor was used to build Mississippi's infrastructure. (Magee News)
3. The City of Hattiesburg has shared its "5 Things to Know This Week," with some helpful tips and reminders. Applications are now available for residents who would like to apply for lead abatement for their homes. Today, Jun. 22, Summer Splash Days will be taking place at Vernon Dahmer Park from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. This Saturday, Jun. 24, the June Art Market will be taking place at Hattiesburg Community Arts Center from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (City of Hattiesburg - Government via Facebook)

Today and tomorrow in Hattiesburg:

Thursday, June 22

• Blue Jean Baby Featuring Lauren Cate Leake At T-Bones Records And Cafe (9:00 AM)
• Afton Wolfe Featuring Mike Stokes & Mark Mann At Grill & Grocery (3:00 PM)

Friday, June 23

• Fidget Popper Cactus Kids Summer Workshop At Painting With A Twist (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Hattiesburg is seeking volunteers for its upcoming Star Spangled Celebration on the River on Jul. 3. Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift. (Star Spangled Celebration on the River via Facebook)
• Several officers with the Hattiesburg Police Department recently participated in a "Stop the Bleed" course. This training provides first responders with knowledge and tools to address emergency situations. (Hattiesburg Police Department (Official) via Facebook)
• Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation has announced that the Jul. 5 Wine Down Wednesday will include a candle-making class! This event will be held at the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Click here to learn more or buy tickets. (Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— 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.