🌱 U.S. 11 Gas Station Fire + Concert Honors Hattiesburg POW

Hi Hattiesburg! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: Clouds and sun with a t-storm. High: 86 Low: 60.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 85 Low: 60.
• Monday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 86 Low: 58.

Here are the top three stories in Hattiesburg today:

1. The Hattiesburg Police Department is seeking 22-year-old David LeKevin Richardson on an active warrant for domestic violence - aggravated assault. The incident occurred on Wednesday on West 4th Street. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the Hattiesburg Police Department or Metro Crime Stoppers. (WDAM)
2. The Hattiesburg Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire at a gas station on U.S. Highway 11. The firefighters arrived on the scene and evacuated the area, containing the fire. Although there was some damage to the building, no injuries were reported. The Hattiesburg Police Department also assisted with traffic control during the incident. (Picayune Item)
3. A Memorial Day concert will honor a Gold Star family and a former prisoner of war from Hattiesburg. The concert organizers reached out to Patricia and Tony Davis, parents of Army Sgt. Anthony Magee, who was killed in Iraq. The program will feature a segment on Magee's story and the family's experience. The concert will be broadcast live and will commemorate the sacrifices of American service members throughout history. (Hattiesburg American)

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This weekend in Hattiesburg:

Saturday, May 27

• Yoga In The Park At Town Square Park (8:00 AM)
• Saturday Market At Town Square Park (8:00 AM)

Sunday, May 28

• May Community Cookout At MpV (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Pine Belt Foundation and the Payne Foundation are partnering to build an all-inclusive park called Midtown Green in the Midtown District of Hattiesburg. The park will feature wheelchair-accessible fixtures and grass, providing a new space for children to learn through play and interact with their friends in the community. (WDAM)
• A Hattiesburg man named Nicholas Walker has been sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Walker was charged with selling 223.5 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential source. (WDAM)
• The Hattiesburg Zoo is hosting its annual Tacos & Tequila party on Jun. 16 from 6:00-9:30 p.m., offering attendees an all-inclusive experience with savory and sweet dishes paired with tequila-based beverages, along with various activities such as animal encounters, games, and "Piñata Pummeling." A limited number of tickets, priced at $65 + tax, are available for purchase online. (HubcitySPOKES.com)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all next week 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.