Browsing: Community Picks

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) celebrated the completion of the historic Friendship Oak Beautification Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 21 at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The event marked a significant milestone in preserving and enhancing one of the university’s most cherished landmarks.

Did you know that Mississippi has its very own Cherry Blossom Festival?

Yes, you read that right. The 2025 Northeast Mississippi Cherry Blossom Festival will take place this Saturday, March 29, at Ballard Park in Tupelo, Mississippi. 

In the United States, approximately 1 in 4 children live in homes without a biological, step, or adoptive father, with nearly 18.5 million children experiencing fatherlessness. This statistic is associated with various adverse outcomes, including higher rates of poverty, behavioral problems, and involvement in the juvenile justice system, especially for young men. However, one administrator at Brandon Middle School provides a helping hand with the assistance of community volunteers to young men as they enter adolescence.

Mississippi is called The Hospitality State with good reason. Honestly, I have lived in several states and traveled to a lot of places, but I have never experienced true hospitality like we share here in our state. And this past week here in Tupelo and the surrounding areas, that spirit of hospitality has been on display during a tough situation.

A new grocery store is filling a long-standing gap in downtown Hattiesburg. Sincerely Grocery, a boutique grocery store specializing in locally sourced and specialty goods, held its grand opening on Feb. 1 at The Prospect on Main. 

Over 40,000 people in Mississippi have an intellectual or developmental disability, but only 11.5% are employed. Employment opportunities are critical…

FestivalSouth, Mississippi’s premier multi-genre arts festival, is thrilled to announce its season lineup for 2025, taking place from May 31 to June 21, 2025. This year’s theme, “Celebration,” honors its Sweet 16th season with four incredible weekends packed with music, art, theater, and dance, offering over 50 unique cultural experiences designed for all ages, from children to senior adults. The festival features many Southern Miss faculty, staff, alumni, and students in venues on and off campus. A complete schedule and more information is available at festivalsouth.org.

Mississippi State University administration, faculty and students are planting 225 trees at the Partnership Middle School today [Feb. 21] in celebration of Arbor Day.

As we welcome the vibrant month of March, we invite you to join us in celebrating Mardi Gras, Women’s History Month, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday/Read Across America Day, and the arrival of spring at your local Jackson-George Regional Library System branch! Our libraries have planned an exciting lineup of events for all ages, and we would love for you to be part of the fun.

“Well, it’s a long way from Star, Mississippi,” for some. However, the small town is home to some notable people, and the town’s history is rich with stories of resilience and community. Star continues to be a place of significance in Mississippi’s cultural landscape.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and the City of Hattiesburg are thrilled to announce the return of Eaglepalooza to downtown Hattiesburg for the first time since 2019. This highly anticipated free live music event will take place on Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m., marking an exciting start to HUBFEST weekend.

The Ocean Springs Municipal Library proudly marks a century of service in 2025, celebrating 100 years of literacy, learning, and community connection. Additionally, the current library building will celebrate its 30th anniversary this May, making this year a truly momentous occasion for the city and its residents. 

Since operations at the refinery began in 1963, Chevron has continued to invest in its Pascagoula facility, and in Mississippi. Over the years, the refinery has evolved; it’s added facilities and upgrades to manufacture the products that supply energy to a growing world.  The refinery manufactures nearly 7 million gallons of gasoline every day and in recent years, has reduced its carbon intensity and continues to work toward lower carbon solutions. 

Finally, the rain and cold, gloomy air are gone, and the sun is shining pretty bright in Belhaven District. The…

The 37th annual Arbor Day 5K-1 Mile-1/4 Mile Run/Walk/Roll for disability awareness is Saturday, February 22nd at the Biloxi Town Green. About 500 individuals participate annually.

This February, the Jackson-George Regional Library System is proud to honor Black History Month with special programs, displays, books, and movies at all its branches. Visit your local library to explore curated collections and learn about the rich contributions of African Americans to our history and culture. All programs are free and open to the public.