Daily
Hattiesburg
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Hattiesburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After opening weekend, the South Mississippi Fair remains lively with high attendance and strong security—Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin said ProTec Security and local deputies kept a watchful eye on the crowd after a brief scuffle. The fair stays open with limited hours until Saturday and offers rides, food, and a chance for local families to enjoy a long-standing tradition. WDAM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The future of the Hattiesburg Winn-Dixie at 4400 Hardy St. is in limbo after the parent company announced a change that will exit markets outside Florida—store closings are expected by year’s end with full rebranding set for early 2026. WDAM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, high school JROTC cadets from across South Mississippi gathered at William Carey University for its first JROTC Leadership Summit, where they learned leadership skills and learned about education and service opportunities. Brig. Gen. Mark Prine said the event provided professional training + aligned with the university’s mission to help military families and veterans advance their education. WDAM
- ➤ Hattiesburg Zoo will host Teacher Appreciation Night on November 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.—teachers and teacher assistants with valid IDs will enjoy free admission, unlimited rides, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, two drinks, animal encounters and education stations. Guests aged 21 or older may join for $15 each and must reserve online as no tickets will be sold at the gate. WJTV
- ➤ Southwest Mississippi Community College's stage band will perform at the White House East Room on Dec. 17 from 1-3 p.m., after band directors Joe Raymond and Lorin Lewis responded to a White House holiday post on Instagram and submitted audition videos. The directors are raising funds for travel and lodging costs, and the college will host free preview shows on campus on Dec. 6 and 7—highlighting local talent in Summit. SuperTalk Mississippi Media
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Students at the University of Southern Mississippi organized a forum to connect young voters with candidates ahead of the special election on Nov 4 — local and state candidates for State Senate Districts 44 and 45 and judicial races answered questions from the audience. The event, planned by USM students in partnership with the MVAF and USM’s NAACP student chapter — along with local high schoolers, encouraged early voter engagement. WDAM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hattiesburg business owner and father James Moore, whose son died from an opioid overdose in 2015, formed a citizens advisory group at Mayor Toby Barker’s request to guide the spending of local opioid settlement funds. The group recommended six key strategies — including wider naloxone access, medicated assisted treatment in jails, available sober housing, transportation support, job application changes and a memorial — to help prevent further overdoses and support recovery. Mississippi Today
- ➤ On Oct. 1, the Mississippi Department of Health laid off about 20 key staff members who led programs for chronic disease prevention, diabetes, heart health, cancer, and language access due to federal funding cuts. Health Officer Dan Edney (speaking Oct. 8) said the reorganization is expected to save $20 million while keeping core services like the WIC program intact. Mississippi Today
- ➤ At Hattiesburg Zoo, beloved giraffe Sue Ellen is facing age-related osteoarthritis and is on pain management, joint supplements, and hydrotherapy — zoo veterinarian Dr. Julia MacGregor said the care team monitors her mobility closely and adjusts treatment as needed — while visitors can still enjoy her daily giraffe feedings. Hattiesburg American
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The University of Southern Mississippi men’s basketball team hosted a camp Tuesday morning at Ellisville State School for Area 17 Special Olympics athletes — the team led drills in dribbling, passing, and shooting and donated 11 basketballs to help athletes prepare for the State Games in February. The event offered valuable lessons in teamwork and skill development as both institutions celebrated a shared love for basketball. WDAM
- ➤ Heidelberg and Kemper County football teams will meet Friday afternoon — the game was delayed and is now back on the schedule, with both teams preparing for a competitive contest. WDAM
- ➤ LSU sophomore Gunnlaugur Arni Sveinsson from Iceland won the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational by shooting rounds of 66, 70 and 67 for a 13-under total of 203, finishing one shot ahead of Alabama’s William Jennings. The three-day event hosted by Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss drew top college teams—highlighting the tournament’s rising stature in college golf. Mississippi Today
- ➤ Southern Miss announced its full 2026 baseball schedule on Tuesday as the team aims to extend its streak of 40 wins or more for a tenth straight season—playing 54 regular season games with 28 at home and opening with a series against UC Santa Barbara from Feb. 13–15. SuperTalk Mississippi Media
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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.
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Jeff Tweedy Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets available starting July 18 — Experience the intimate sounds of Jeff Tweedy, a respected songwriter, as he performs solo and Wilco favorites.
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