Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Justin Scott of Serengeti Springs explained that the park uses filtration + a controlled chemical process to keep 170,000 gallons of water clean for visitors.

A large fire at Howard Industries in Laurel forced employees to evacuate yesterday — multiple fire departments responded while smoke was seen drifting into Hattiesburg.

Dairy Queen unveiled its Fall Treat Collection on Monday, Aug.

31 at local stores, featuring the new Toasted Marshmallow Mocha DQ Coffee Cooler + Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat and the returning Pumpkin Pie Blizzard treat, available for a limited time.

Mississippi singer Elsie appears on America's Got Talent today (with guest judge Kenan Thompson filling in for Simon Cowell) and will perform locally at The Switchyard on Friday, Oct.

23.

A study found Mississippi's black bear numbers are now between 400 and 500 in areas near the river and in southwest parts of the state—officials said it will be years before the population reaches 1,000 to start a hunting season.

Local football teams are ramping up on-field medical emergency measures by screening players and ensuring AEDs and CPR-trained staff are available.

Coaches (following guidelines from high school organizations) plan to boost player safety in the Pine Belt.