🌱 Mayor Barker Becomes MML President + Hattiesburg Mural Fundraiser

Hey, everybody. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Hattiesburg Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny, hot and humid. High: 100 Low: 77.
• Sunday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 99 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories in Hattiesburg today:

1. Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker will assume the role of President of the Mississippi Municipal League, as announced during its 92nd annual conference on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Having been elected as the second vice president in June 2021, Barker is now set to lead the organization in 2023. The mayor said he plans to advocate for cities and residents by leveraging federal and state-based infrastructure funds and legislative support to move Mississippi forward. (WDAM)
2. A Pine Belt organization is actively fundraising to finalize murals in Hattiesburg, with a goal to boost growth and revitalization on Broadway Drive. Leadership Pine Belt (LPB) has secured enough money for two murals and recently partnered with Alpine Snow to raise capital for a third one. LPB says it is also actively seeking artists in the community to contribute to the mural project. (WDAM)
3. The Rowan Elementary Beta Club in Hattiesburg received national recognition for its community service efforts, securing second place in the portfolio category at the 2023 National Junior Beta Convention. The members' year-round commitment to giving back to the community, such as providing clean water during Jackson's water crisis, earned the club this prestigious honor. In addition, two other Hattiesburg Beta Clubs were recognized at this year's convention, with Woodley Elementary placing seventh in the portfolio category and N.R. Burger taking the first-place spot in poetry. (WJTV)

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Today and tomorrow in Hattiesburg:

Saturday, July 1

• Forrest County Farmer's Market At 1200 Corinne Street (7:00 AM)
• 4th Of July Bash At The Mag (6:00 PM)

Sunday, July 2

• Fourth Of July Celebration At Central Baptist Church (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Marlo Dorsey, executive director of VisitHATTIESBURG, has been elected board president of the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA). Dorsey, who is also part of the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association executive committee, will serve on the MMSA board for one year. (WDAM)
• The Hattiesburg Zoo is now offering strollers and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) rentals for patrons. Those who wish to rent a transportation vehicle must pay a fee and present their valid government-issued ID. (WJTV)
• The Fieldhouse for the Homeless in Hattiesburg is running a year-long food drive for shelter residents. The organization is seeking non-perishable food items, which can be dropped off in person at 5712 U.S. 49. (WDAM)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you soon with 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Hattiesburg Patch newsletter? Contact me at hattiesburg-ms@patch.com