Daily
Hattiesburg
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Hattiesburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Nominations for Hattiesburg Veteran of the Year are accepted through Oct. 25 as the selection committee—led by Col. Sheila Varnado—seeks veterans who have lived in the hub city for at least five years, been honorably discharged, and positively impacted the community; the winner will be announced at the Veterans Day program on Nov. 11. WDAM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A local glass recycler in Hattiesburg is expanding its recycling options by adding new equipment—its planned upgrades will allow the company to process additional types of glass to better serve rising demand. The business expects to complete the improvements soon to support local recycling efforts. WDAM
- ➤ Toyota of Hattiesburg, a family-owned dealership, celebrated 50 years serving the Pine Belt as it grew from six employees and 21 vehicles in 1975 to over 400 new and pre-owned cars on Highway 98. General Manager Alton Pierce said long-term customer relationships—spanning generations—have driven its success, and Gulf States Toyota Vice President Sharla Lewis-Omumu called the milestone remarkable while noting multiple awards, including the Toyota President’s Award. WJTV
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ After shootings marred recent homecoming events, Mississippi Valley State and Delta State are boosting security for this weekend. Valley State will enforce curfews, ID checks and restrictions while Delta State will move a student event indoors and cancel tailgating—measures that aim to keep the celebrations safe. Mississippi Today
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Mississippi lags in tech jobs—but Innovate Mississippi is funding and training startups through a 12 week accelerator to help companies stay and grow in the state. The early-stage group will pitch ideas in November and includes products like software that improves reading skills, an AI smart watch app to track basketball workouts, and a platform for comparing prescription prices. Mississippi Today
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Petal Upper Elementary teacher Anaclair Boover won the TEC WDAM 7 Golden Apple Award—she was recognized by colleagues and a parent for creating a calm classroom that helped students feel safe. WDAM
- ➤ The Mississippi Department of Education released the 2024-25 report that showed the chronic absenteeism rate rose to 27.6% with 120,408 students missing 18 or more school days, and high school absences increasing from 30% to 39% while elementary and middle school rates declined—officials stress the need for families and schools to work together through programs like attendance officers and an awareness campaign. This report highlights significant gaps in student attendance that could impact academic success. WJTV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A report from the Commonwealth Fund showed that Medicare in Louisiana and Mississippi had high costs but lower care quality, with many older patients having trouble affording treatment and facing risky medications. More than 20% of residents in each state enrolled in Medicare and the study found shorter life spans plus more hospital visits — a sign of weak health care systems. Mississippi Today
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Sumrall volleyball team earned a spot in the state championship after a series of strong wins and will compete in the upcoming tournament — the game is expected to test the team's skills. WDAM
- ➤ Ole Miss, State and Southern Miss will host the 14-team Fallen Oak Invitational golf tournament this weekend at Fallen Oak in Saucier—an event that draws top teams from the SEC and Big 10 while featuring pro-am play and jumbotrons showing college football. Ole Miss is favored to win as it boasts strong players and a history of high finishes at fall tournaments. Mississippi Today
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Hattiesburg Zoo Boo
6-9 p.m. — Hattiesburg Zoo — Ticket information not provided — Experience a glowing Halloween wonderland filled with dazzling lanterns and fun activities.
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Day of the Dead Parade
3 PM — Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate Mexican heritage with a vibrant parade featuring costumes, music, and community spirit.
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Mississippi Esthetics and Spa Conference: 2nd Annual
10 AM – 5 PM — Thad Cochran Center — Pricing not mentioned — A day of education, hands-on training, and networking for estheticians and spa professionals.
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Blippi: Join the Band Tour
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket details available — Sing and dance along with Blippi and friends in this lively musical event for families.
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Repertory Dance Company: Fall Evening of Dance
7:00 PM — Theatre and Dance Building — Free entry — Experience an unforgettable showcase of movement and expression by talented dancers.
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Reed Timmer Meet and Greet
7:30-9 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Cost not listed — Post Show Meet and Greet with Reed Timmer includes a photo op and Team Dominator sticker.
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Ballet Magnificat: Light Has Come
7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket info unavailable — Experience a powerful dance retelling of the story of salvation from the angels' perspective.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different.
~ James Clear
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