🌱 Hattiesburg Tourism Gets More Funds + VetFest On May 20

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Hattiesburg Patch newsletter — here to tell you all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 87 Low: 66.
• Friday: A t-storm around in the a.m. High: 90 Low: 68.

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Here are the top three stories today in Hattiesburg:

1. Governor Tate Reeves has signed House Bill 419, allocating $21 million to destination marketing organizations in the state, including VisitHATTIESBURG. The organization will receive over $3 million to promote tourism in Hattiesburg and aid in its recovery from the pandemic. CEO Margo Dorsey emphasized the importance of wisely investing the funds to showcase the city and strengthen its industry. This is the third legislative bill providing funding, with the funds expected to be available in early July. (WDAM)
2. The Hattiesburg Police Department is seeking Christopher McNair, a 27-year-old man from Petal, who has an active arrest warrant. McNair is wanted in connection with three incidents of forgery and uttering involving counterfeit checks from an auto dealership in Mobile. He deposited these checks into his own account on April 3, 2023. If anyone has information about McNair's whereabouts, they are urged to contact the Hattiesburg Police Department or Metro Crime Stoppers. (WDAM)
3. Due to its success, VetFest will be held again this year on May 20th in downtown Hattiesburg's Town Square Park, coinciding with Armed Forces Day. Alongside live music and food vendors, VetFest 2023 will also feature businesses providing information and aid for veterans. The event aims to celebrate and honor veterans while offering a fun-filled family day, and the Jackson VA's Mobile Medical Clinic will be present to offer health screenings and educate veterans about available services. (HubcitySPOKES.com)

Today and tomorrow in Hattiesburg:

Thursday, May 18

• 2023 Hattiesburg Employability Job Fair At Train Depot (9:00 AM)
• Sloth Experience At Hattiesburg Zoo (1:00 PM)

Friday, May 19

• Acoustic Night! At SwitchYard (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The University of Southern Mississippi held commencement ceremonies in Hattiesburg and Biloxi, recognizing approximately 2,000 students who were candidates for degrees in the spring 2023 semester. USM President Dr. Joseph S. Paul presented diplomas to graduates at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg, including separate ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students. (The University of Southern Mississippi)
• Looking for a new home in or around Hattiesburg? New homes have hit the market, including a 4 bed, 4 bath on Meadow Lake Circle and a 3 bed, 2 bath on Fox Terrace. (Hattiesburg Patch)
• A shop near a home in Forrest County, Mississippi, suffered significant damage due to a fire Monday. Volunteer firefighters from North Forrest and the Forrest County Fire Service responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the fire with no reported injuries. (WDAM)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! See you soon for your next 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.