🌱 Police And Public Works Receive Raise + Workers Strike At Maximus

Hi all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Hattiesburg Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 94 Low: 68.
• Friday: Clouds and breaks of sun. High: 91 Low: 65.

Here are the top three stories today in Hattiesburg:

1. A raise is coming for the Hattiesburg Police Department officers and sanitation drivers. The Hattiesburg City Council recently approved an increase in starting pay for patrol officers making $40,000-$50,000, an adjusted pay scale for patrol officers, sergeants, lieutenants, captains, and majors, and additional raises for meeting benchmarks! Part of the approved amendment includes a $2 an-hour raise for all sanitation drivers for Public Works, and an $18 an-hour starting wage for drivers. (WJTV)
2. The upcoming Super Regional Tournament will have a positive influence on the Hattiesburg economy. Marlo Dorsey, the Executive Director of Visit Hattiesburg is expecting to bring in between $3.5 - $5 million from the tournament alone but says millions will be earned from the media as well. The community is encouraged to wear black and gold attire from Friday to Monday in support of the Golden Eagles! Tickets for the event are now on sale and it is predicted the event will sell out. (WDAM)
3. The demand for better pay and job security has caused a worker's strike at the Maximus Call Center in Hattiesburg. Employees are protesting in hopes of a $25 an-hour salary, they currently make around $16 an-hour. Workers have expressed to the media Maximus previously laid off nearly 700 workers throughout the country with little to no notice. The Communications Workers of America has filed charges against the call center. (WJTV)

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Today and tomorrow in Hattiesburg:

Thursday, June 8

• Downtown Hattiesburg Farmers Market At Townsquare Park (3:00 PM)
• Grace Temple VBS 2023 At Grace Temple (5:30 PM)

Friday, June 9

• Family Fun Festival At Hardy Street Baptist Church (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Mark your calendar for Nueve Dias at 6:00 p.m. on Jun. 16 at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Less than 300 tickets are left for tacos and tequila! Get your tickets here. (Hattiesburg Zoo via Facebook)
• The Hattiesburg Super Regional starts Jun. 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Pete Taylor Park! Don’t miss Tennessee VS Southern Miss. (City of Hattiesburg-Government via Facebook)
• Back to school registration is now open for returning Hattiesburg Public School District students not requesting an affidavit. Register through your Active Parent Account here. (Hattiesburg Public School District via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. See you all soon 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.