🌱 Top 5ive Court Hearings Continue + Tate Faces Felony Charges

Good morning, neighbors! It's Thursday in Hattiesburg and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Couple of showers, t-storms. High: 89 Low: 72.
• Friday: Thunderstorms. High: 90 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories in Hattiesburg today:

1. A court hearing in Hattiesburg is in recess as both sides, the City of Hattiesburg and Top 5ive Bar & Grill, work towards a resolution regarding the temporary closure of the establishment. If no resolution was reached by the end of Wednesday, Jun. 5, the hearing will continue today. The closure was ordered due to nuisance complaints and recent acts of violence near the bar and grill. Top 5ive's attorney disputed the claims of the business being a nuisance, stating that the events did not take place in the building and do not align with their standards. (WDAM)
2. A Hattiesburg man, Jamarquis Vasean Tate, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Tate was arrested after fleeing from a vehicle stop and throwing out a firearm during a chase. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and will be sentenced on October 4. (WDAM)
3. Nelson Haskin, owner of Bourbon on Front and several other restaurants in downtown Hattiesburg, is part of the city's growing food scene and aims to attract more people to the area. Bourbon on Front, known for its steaks, seafood, and cocktails, has become a local favorite since its opening in February. Haskin, who has been in the food business for over 30 years, remains open to new opportunities while focusing on the success of his current establishments. (Hattiesburg American)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Hattiesburg:

Thursday, July 6

• Ticolini Circus At 711 North 10th Avenue, Laurel (All Day)
• A Paschal Moon At Painting With A Twist (6:30 PM)

Friday, July 7

• Hub City Comedy 13th Anniversary Show At Brewski's (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hattiesburg is about to welcome its first cat cafe, Cattiesburg Cafe, which will offer visitors the opportunity to spend time with adoptable cats while enjoying refreshments. The cafe, founded by Nicole Legg and Hattiesburg veterinarian Brenda Sumrall, aims to provide a safe environment for cats and promote their adoption. With a cat room housing cats ready for adoption, Cattiesburg Cafe plans to open its doors this week and offer various events and activities to attract a diverse audience. (HubcitySPOKES.com)
• Seventeen-year-old artist Aubri Sparkman from Hattiesburg has been named one of the five finalists in the Dress Category of the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. Sparkman designed her own prom dress entirely made of duct tape and is competing for a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship. Community voting is open until Jul. 12, and winners will be announced on or about Jul. 19. (HubcitySPOKES.com)
• An investigation has been launched after a building in downtown Hattiesburg was vandalized with the words "Tate Reeves Stole Our Money" spray-painted on it. The building, located across from the tax collector's office, has been cleaned and repainted, and the City of Hattiesburg is now seeking information to identify the responsible individual(s). Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hattiesburg Police Department. (WDAM)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.