Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Jack's Family Restaurants raised funds for Christian Services, Inc. in Hattiesburg as part of a community event where local supporters donated to bolster essential services.

The fundraiser helped the nonprofit provide necessary assistance to residents in need.

Jody’s Bakery in Hattiesburg is filling Valentine’s Day orders during Mardi Gras as it prepares an assortment of pink and red sweets including King Cakes with a surprise baby.

The business invites locals to try King Cake favorites ahead of the holiday on Saturday.

The Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center has finished upgrades with a $300K grant from the Mississippi Arts Commissions Building Fund, adding a new clay studio, kiln and ADA accessible ramp.

New art classes will begin in March and additional programs may follow.

Staff cuts at the federal Office for Civil Rights in March 2025 reduced oversight and increased the complaint backlog; Southern Miss Title IX Coordinator Cristin Reynolds said the university’s office remains in compliance, even as students worry about lower external accountability.

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an eight-week SCUBA certification course for students — training begins in the Payne Center pool and shifts to local lakes with open water dives at Vortex Spring.

Run by Bill Powe and coach Sean Taylor, the program is open each semester and awards credit.

On Feb. 4, FLIGHT ambassadors and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Wellness informed students at the Thad Cochran Center about job, collaboration and giveaway scams and shared steps for recovery while announcing an upcoming scholarship series to support financial literacy.

Southern Miss is offering a student success coaching program for Hattiesburg bachelor candidates to help them set academic and personal goals through one-on-one support with staff and coaches; student applications close tomorrow.

The Mississippi House passed a bill on Feb.11 that will require schools to set aside time and space for prayer when legal guardians sign waivers, sending the measure to the Senate; the law will not interrupt class time and demands separate areas for different faiths.

The Mississippi Secretary of State warns residents to be on alert for romance scams this Valentine's Day as scammers use dating apps and social media to gain trust before asking for money.

The office advises verifying broker credentials online to avoid falling for these schemes — staying cautious is key.

The State Health Department is redesigning Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies for 10 counties to focus scarce resources on reducing high infant mortality.

Officials plan to use community health workers for home visits + announce county selections when planning is complete.

USM announced its starting rotation for the season-opening baseball weekend at Pete Taylor Park.

Senior Colby Allen will pitch Friday at 4 p.m. + sophomore Grayden Harris and unexpected starter McCarty English are set for Saturday at noon and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Molten Mohawk Niner and 4 Miler

7:30-9:45 a.m. — Thomley's Christmas Tree Farm — Cost varies — Challenge your endurance with a scenic run through Hattiesburg's beautiful landscape.

Mustache The Band Live

8 p.m. — Brewsky's — Tickets start at $27 — Experience an unforgettable night of live music with Mustache The Band.

Flow Tribe Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — Brewsky's — Check event page for ticket info — Experience high-energy performances blending R&B, soul, and Caribbean rhythms by the lively Flow Tribe.

Dance Gala Concert

7-9 p.m. — Mannoni Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the premiere dance event of the season amidst a vibrant atmosphere.