Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will USM’s new $2.1M grant change student support?
Also check out Forrest County Farmer's Market on the Hattiesburg Patch calendar
Greetings Hattiesburg! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How will USM’s new $2.1M grant change student support?
- How Angel Tree gifts reached more than 500 Hattiesburg children this week
- How one Hattiesburg teacher turned her classroom into a second home
Also on today's calendar: Forrest County Farmer's Market.
Find out what's happening in Hattiesburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Hattiesburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Cloudy with a stray t-storm, with a high of 74 and low of 45 degrees.
- Friday: Sunny, cooler and less humid, temps: high: 62, low: 34.
- Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 71 and low of 54 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• USM secures $2.1M grant to boost student success (wjtv.com) — USM in Hattiesburg has landed a five-year, $2.1 million federal grant aimed at helping more students finish their degrees. The funding will expand predictive analytics, advising, faculty development, and career-readiness tools, including technology upgrades and continued access to Coursera. Local students can expect stronger support from recruitment through graduation as these initiatives roll out. 
• Hattiesburg Salvation Army's Angel Tree distribution serves hundreds of families (wdam.com) — Hundreds of Hattiesburg families just picked up food, toys, clothing and bikes through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree distribution on Highway 49, with help from local donors and Camp Shelby soldiers. More than 200 families, 100 seniors and over 500 children received Christmas gifts, easing financial strain and brightening the holidays for many in the Pine Belt.
• ‘Big, happy family': Rowan Elementary teacher's love and dedication recognized with Golden Apple Award (wdam.com) — A beloved Rowan Elementary kindergarten teacher in Hattiesburg just received the Golden Apple Award, celebrated by cheering students, colleagues, and family in a packed school gym. Myra Marshall, who calls her classroom a “big, happy family,” says she pours a mother’s love into her students and credits strong bonds and a family-like school culture for their academic and personal growth.
📸 Around Hattiesburg
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Hattiesburg
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Forrest County Farmer's Market
1200 Corinne St, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401
7:00 am
Saturday December 20
📣 Hattiesburg Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Baby + Me @ELL
Ellisville Public Library , 201 Poplar St , Ellisville
9:00 am - Juniors/Bigs Film Club — The Country Schoolhouse
The Country Schoolhouse , 70 Thames Ln , Purvis
9:00 am - Juniors/Bigs Science Fair Prep — The Country Schoolhouse
The Country Schoolhouse , 70 Thames Ln , Purvis
9:00 am - Storytime at the Library: 10 AM - 11 AM
Jones County Chamber of Commerce , 153 Base Dr , Laurel
10:00 am - Storytime @ELL
Ellisville Public Library , 201 Poplar St , Ellisville
10:00 am - Merry on the Midway Christmas in Lights
South Mississippi Fairgrounds , 1457 Ellisville Blvd. , Laurel
5:00 pm - Puckett vs Seminary
Seminary High School , 200 E Main St , Seminary
5:00 pm - Juniors/Bigs Intro to Zoology — The Country Schoolhouse
The Country Schoolhouse , 70 Thames Ln , Purvis
9:00 am - Christmas Lights at Landrum's Homestead
Landrum's Homestead & Village , 1356 MS-15 , Laurel
4:00 pm - Landrum's Homestead & Village: Candlelight Tours 25
Landrum's Homestead & Village , 1356 MS-15 , Laurel
4:00 pm - Mount Olive Attendance Center vs Stringer Red Devils
Mount Olive Attendance Center High School , 301 S 4th St , Mt Olive
5:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Earlier ,this month someone posted contact information for a groomer,who is skilled in golden retrievers.
I have lost that reference, so could someone with experience with this type of groomer please post that information? Thanks! (Nextdoor Oak Grove Road Lakeshore) - Hey Neighbors!
Anyone familiar with the owner of a large white dog with black spots around Lamar/Cox Ave or Southeast Circle? (Nextdoor Oak Grove Road Lakeshore)
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Hattiesburg. Apply here.
- University of Southern Mississippi posted a job opening for Accounts Payable Specialist in Hattiesburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hattiesburg here.
🗞 Nearby News
Petal
- Petal School District completes renovations at historic central office building (wdam.com)
- ‘He's a great young man': PHS senior Jy Moore to play in Hawaii Tiki Bowl (wdam.com)
Laurel
Ok Hattiesburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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