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R ev. Vernon Graves, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Laurel, MS was the Special Guest Speaker on Sunday Night, January14, 2024 at the 37th Annual Memorial Service themed: 'Together We Can Be The Dream'. The service was hosted at the First Allen AME Church in Laurel, MS. Rev. Graves, a very dynamic and passionate speaker, entitled his message to the Jones County Community, "Problems with Progress" in which moved the audience with shouts, screams, and a whole lot of "Amens." His message resembled that of Dr. King as he spoke about 3 main points: 1. Part of the Past 2. Panic in the Present 3. Fear of the Future These 3 things, Rev. Graves said, are the reasons the community have problems with progressing forward, something he whole heartly encouraged his community to do despite the odds stacked against them. Rev. Graves is one of the most prominent African American leaders in Jones County as he serves as the Chairman of the Minister's Alliance, an organization consisting of most of Laurel's local pastors. Another prominent African American, Rev. Jerry James, Chairman of the MLK Community Development Corporation who put on the MLK events, also addressed the audience inspiring them to keep fighting for Justice. "We have the same fight of justice in Jones County today that Dr. King fought then. We have an once in a lifetime opportunity to fight to get our first African American Judge in Jones County 200 year history. Marian Allen we are with you!" Rev. James powerfully spoke. Marian Allen has a hearing on Friday, February 9th at Jones County Circuit Court that could determine if she will become the only African American representation in Jones County justice system. Currently, there isn't a black lawyer, prosecutor, public defender, or judge in Jones County. Related Story: Supreme Court Appointee Judge Overrules Jones County & Grants Trial For Marian Allen Election Contest Both Rev. Graves & Rev. James spoke about the importance of the community coming together in support of Marian Allen. "I'm very grateful to have the support of not only our community, but two giants that I admire and respect whole heartly, Rev. Jerry James and Rev. Vernon Graves," said Marian Allen. She went on to say, " My heart is full knowing that they not only support the cause of equal representation for our community in Jones County legal system, but support what is right regardless of who's right or wrong!" Marian Allen emotionally said with tears streaming down her face. Several youth spoke at the event as well including Caleb Hobbs, Jordan Horne, and Laurel's High School Marching Band, Drum Major Malcolm Terrell, who's also a dynamic athlete, playing as a senior on the Laurel High School Basketball Team. The event also featured very prominent members of the community including Dr. Deborrah Hyde, the first black brain surgeon in the State of California and the second African American Brain Surgeon in the country, Jalen Lindsey, Vice Chair of the Jones County Democratic Party, and the City of Laurel's first African American Fire Chief, Rev. Jimmy Bunch, the current President of the Jones County NAACP.

O n Monday, January 15, we not only celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King birthday, but folks around Laurel, MS also celebrated a birthday of another soon to be great leader, Joshua Marshall. Josh just recently transferred to Laurel High School from South Jones High School and could be everything Laurel needs as Coach Earnest plans to not only return to the state championship again this fall, but this time bring home the hardware. We sat down with the new star quarterback who's confident he'll win the job as Laurel new QB1. If he had one wish for his birthday, it's simple, "Drive a scat pack!" said Josh. But for now, he'll settle for being QB1 at Laurel High School. "As of right now, I'm not sure how the system works just yet but I'm claiming to be QB1. They have a couple of QB's ahead of me already but I'm looking to come in and compete," Josh explained. But regardless of what happens in the locker room, he's already feeling very comfortable at Laurel High School since his transfer from South Jones High School. "Life at Laurel High feels like home!" Josh said excitingly. He went on to say, " It feels good knowing I'll be able to go out and compete for my city!" He's already practicing with the team spending alot of time in the weight room trying to get back fully healthy after spending most of last season on the sideline in a wheelchair at South Jones. Speaking of South Jones, he's going to really miss his friends there. Josh says it was hard leaving his friends at South Jones, but says he "promised to always stay in contact." Speaking of friendships, he says he's already building a bond with the guys on the team now. And what about the Coach? "Coach Earnest is a great coach!" Josh says it's in his heart to play for Laurel. "I've played with some of the guys coming up. It's always been in my heart to come back and I finally did." And what about the historic run to state championship led by current QB1, the very talented Kobe Pierce who regularly put on a show in the bricks? Josh responded in confidence. "I'm taking Laurel back to state. They gone get one out of me best believe me. Mark my words!" Joshua Marshall shouted.

Around 4:15pm, Memphis police started investigating a shooting taking place outside a restaurant on Saturday Afternoon. Th police has confirmed that the victim is Anthony 'Big Jook' Mims, the brother of famous music star Yo Gotti. Another man was rushed to St. Francis Hospital by private vehicle and is listed in critical condition. There is video evidence of the shooting but at this time have not been able to identify a shooter suspect. The shooting took place outside of Perignons Restaurant and Event Center on the 6300 block of Winchester Road.

A showdown in Jones County. On Friday, January 12 during a hearing set at 10:00am in the Jones County Circuit Court, special Mississippi Supreme Court Appointee Judge Lamar Pickard overruled a motion by Jones County Prosecutor Risher Caves and set Marian Allen election contest trial for Monday, February 12, 2024. Marian Allen, who's being represented by Vanessa Jones, Chief Judge Emeritus of the City of Hattiesburg, was not only granted a trial by jury, but was also granted every request they submitted to the court as the judge stated, "I want to give the plaintiff every opportunity to present whatever they'd like to the court. The supreme court takes this case very serious and has set this case as a high priority." One of the biggest take aways from today's hearing is the judge overruled the defense who did not want Concetta Brooks to testify in the case. The defensed argued there was nothing more the court could get from interviewing the former circuit clerk because she has already submitted her statement in writing to the court. They also said her testifying would interfere with her time as the chancery clerk putting Jones County business at jeopardy. The judge instead ruled in favor of Marian Allen as her attorney, Attorney Jones told the court, "She is the most important person in this entire case as she was in charge of the election. We need to depose her before trial and secure her testimony." The judge agreed. He then ordered Concetta Brooks to be deposed and testify on record to any questions from Attorney Jones before the trial on whatever day she asks. The second biggest takeaway from the hearing today was about documents. While former Jones County Circuit Clerk Concetta Brooks testified in the hearing today she had given Mrs. Allen all of the documents she requested and that there was nothing else, Attorney Jones told the court she fail to comply with the subpoena because there are several things missing from the file. The defense objected saying Mrs. Brooks is no longer the circuit court clerk, she is now the chancery court clerk and she should not have to do anything further. The judge overruled Jones County and agreed with Attorney Jones, ordering both Mrs. Brooks and the Jones County Circuit Clerk's Office to turn over the entire election file and make everything related to the November 7 general election available to Attorney Jones immediately, including all phone calls, emails, notes, and any other documents, whether electronically or not. Jones County Prosecutor had filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the case today. In the motion, Caves argued that Jones County Republican Party and Jones County Circuit Clerk did everything by the books to replace longtime Judge David Lyons on the ballot with Attorney Travis Haynes. In court at the hearing on Friday, Mrs. Brooks testified she did only what she was told to do by the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office. Marian Allen filed a complaint saying that at no time could Travis Haynes name could have been placed on the ballot because the ballot had already been printed. Jones County Prosecutor says whether the ballots were printed or not is not important, but even if that was the case, the ballots were not printed. Concetta Brooks agreed with Prosecutor Caves and submitted an affidavit to the court swearing that no ballots had ever been printed with Judge David Lyons name on it. She states, the ballots had not been printed at all. Both Brooks and Caves told the court, there is no evidence that ballots were ever printed. On Monday, September 25, 2023, Jones County residents showed up to vote at the Jones County Circuit Court to vote. September 25 is the day that absentee voting began in every county in the state of Mississippi per state law. David Lyons legally withdrew from the race on Monday, September 25. Residents were not allowed to vote on Monday, September 25 because they were told by Jones County Circuit Clerk's office that they did not have any ballots for people to vote on, but instead, took down their name and contact info so they could be notified when the ballots arrived at the courthouse so that they could come back and vote, which took place 3 days later. Mrs. Allen filed a complaint with the Jones County Circuit Court saying ballots were indeed printed with David Lyons name of it but were destroyed & replaced with new ballots with Travis Haynes name of it. Mrs. Allen said it was too late to take David Lyons name off the ballot and too late to add Travis Haynes name on the ballot. Concetta Brooks, then Jones County Circuit Clerk, Travis Haynes, the Republican Party replaced nominee, John Parker, President of the Jones County Republican Party, and Jones County Prosecutor Risher Caves all testified to the court that no ballots were ever printed with David Lyons name on it. Prosecutor Caves told the court there is no evidence that ballots were ever printed and the case should be dismissed. There is a lot a stake in the case as history is hanging in the balance. If Marian Allen wins her case, she will become the first African American Judge in the history of Jones County.

D on't let his handsome looks or angel looking smile fool you. He's an absolute beast! ESPN #10 Top Athlete in the Country, Braylon Stonka Burnside has finally decided where he's going to play college football and the decision was hard. Stonka decided made his decision live on ESPN before millions of sports fans during the Under Armor All American Game in Florida. Become a subscriber to Hattiesburg News and get all access to all news content including breaking news sent directly to your fingertips for only 4.99 a month. Try it for FREE for the next 7 days. Stonka chose to stay home and play as a Mississippi State Bulldog instead of going to Oxford and playing at Ole Miss. Stonka is also considered Starkville, MS "Hometown Hero" which impacted his decision as family means everything to him. He's not just ranked by ESPN one of the top athletes in the country, he has the hardware to prove it. He's also: Cricket Wireless MVP of the Mississippi vs Alabama Allstar Game Mississippi's Receiver of the Year '23 Mississippi's 7a Athlete of the Year Mississippi's 7a District Receiver of the Year Mississippi All-Star Team 2023 Starkville State Championship Runner-Up 2023 ESPN Ranked #10 Top Athlete in the Country ESPN Ranked #5 Top Mississippi Recruit ESPN 300 (2024) 4 Star Recruit Ranked by 247 Sports Simply put, he's dangerous whether on he's on offense or defense. On offense, he's always open 90% of the time, making impossible catches seem easy or at the least routine. He's extremely difficult to stop once the ball is in his hands, raking up yards after the catch like leaves fallen off an oak tree. He shake defenders like their his personal bag of skittles. He's extremely talented. Related Story: 2023 List of the Best Football Players In The State of Mississippi https://www.gethattiesburgnews.com/post/2023-best-football-players-in-the-state-of-mississippi On defense, he's anyone with the ball worse nightmare. He's so powerful, he leaves offensive players feeling like they've been hit by a freight train. That's if the receiver is lucky to be able to catch the ball. He's the very definition of a two way player. He's one of the most talented players in the history of high school sports. He's sure not only to go to the NFL within a year or two at most, he's also a first round ballot in the National High School Hall of Fame.

Terrence Coney, 38 and Nichole Coney, 33, were declared dead on the scene as investigators say they both were shot to death. Officers arrived on the scene in the early morning hours of January 2 to the couples home for a welfare check. Murder Story: Oak Grove Teacher 'Admitted To Her Part' in Donivan Barnes Death but No Charges https://www.gethattiesburgnews.com/post/lamar-county-school-teacher-admitted-to-her-part-in-donivan-barnes-death-but-no-charges The Coneys' lived at 504 Dobson Street in Ellisville, MS. Someone alerted Ellisville Police Department to do a welfare check by calling the local police dispatch. Welfare checks are requested when a family member or a loved one is unresponsive to other family or friends, so they send local law enforcement to check on the status of the person's welfare. Become a subscriber to Hattiesburg News and get all access to all news content including breaking news sent directly to your fingertips for only 4.99 a month. Try it for FREE for the next 7 days. Although the investigation is early, law enforcement assumes that the murder was domestic related and could possibly be a murder and suicide crime, meaning either the husband killed the wife and then killed himself or the wife killed the husband and then killed herself. There has been no autopsy completed at this time. This is a developing story.

Laurel High School Anthony Rogers has more offers than alot of 4 star recruits playing in the MS vs AL Allstar Game Nobody has defined the word show quite like Laurel's High School 2-way Allstar Shownuff, whose real name is Anthony Rogers. He can bring a stadium to their feet in seconds with one play and can instantly change any moment in any game with just pure will and effort. He plays defensive end by trade, but he's also the very dangerous punt return guy that nobody wants to see with the ball. When his team needs a score, suddenly, Shownuff is an allstar receiver. So what's in the future of the North vs South Allstar Game Star athlete? Hattiesburg News sat down with him and we've got you answers, but not long ones. As loud as he is on the field, he's actually quite shy and humble off the field. Rogers say it felt good winning the North vs South Allstar Game held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Milner Stadium. "It was a great experience!" Rogers said. So what are his thoughts about helping his team go to the state championship? "It was the best feeling in the world!" Rogers exclaimed. Rogers went on to say, "Just being in that environment... hate that we couldn't pull it off!" So what's next for Mr. Shownuff? "College ofcourse!" Rogers said proudly. And just how many offers does he have so far "16!" he said.

Late Monday afternoon, 2 of Mississippi best athletes were added to the roster of the biggest game in the state, the Mississippi vs Alabama Allstar Game. In a surprise annoucement, all-star officials announced changes after unforeseen injuries. Port Gibson High School's super talented 3 Star Recruit Damion Miller was added to fill the defensive back position, replacing Desoto Central's injured Taurean Davis. Damion has several big offers including from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and USM. Noxubee County High School's extremely gifted 3 Star Recruit DeQuadrion Welch was added to fill the receiver postion replacing Biggersville's Jathan Hatch who was injured in the state championship game. DeQuadrion too has several offers including an offer from Mississippi Valley State University. The 37th Annual Mississippi vs Alabama Allstar game is Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the University of Southern Mississippi. Kickoff starts at 12:00 Noon.

With seconds left on the clock in the 1st half and zero points on the board with his team down by two scores, Jefferson Davis County High School Allstar Dee Darby not only rocked the stadium but saved the game for Team South in the 75th Annual Benard Blackwell North vs South Allstar Game. What looked like a typical punt return kicked in the endzone before half time turned into a 90 yard punt return touchdown as allstar Dee Darby ran from one end of the endzone to the opposite end of the other endzone in less than 13 seconds, running through the entire North Team filled with several top 3 star recruits and soon to be D1 players. Needless to say the stadium went up in flames as Darby's touchdown set the entire place on fire. Fans were screaming to the top of their lungs. Darby not only saved the game, but turned the game around for the South, giving them the spark throughout the second half they needed. We asked the allstar about his game saving touchdown and his future as a football player in an exclusive interview with Hattiesburg News. Darby, needless to say, has offers from several colleges. How many is several? How about 6 offers so far. So how did Darby feel about being Cricket Wireless player of the game? We asked him. He said it was a blessing. "Player of the game was a blessing and all the hard work paid off!" Darby said. Darby went on to say, "Coming from where I come from, we have to work for everything. I'm glad God gave me the ability to showcase what I can bring to the game I love!" Darby exclaimed. We also asked Darby about that game saving touchdown that turned the entire game around along with other key plays that helped the South finally beat the North in the Allstar Game. Darby was humble. He gave all credit to his teammates. "The great blocks from my teammates on the kick return gave me the opportunity to bring a spark in the game and after half time, we came out to handle business!" Darby said excitingly. So what's next for this allstar's future. Education and the game. "My plans are to get an education and play the game I've loved since a kid at the next level!" Darby said passionately.

Petal High School Allstar Receiver Cayden Burger win Offensive Player of the Game at the 75th Annual Bernard Blackwell North vs South Allstar Game Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Milner Stadium in Gulfport, MS. All his team needed was one touchdown to win the North vs South Allstar game and late in the 4th quarter when time was running out, Cayden caught the game winning touchdown beating several elite North defenders and scored. So how hot is Cayden Burger? All of the junior colleges in Mississippi has offered him a schoalrship to play at their school. We asked Cayden about how does it feel being named the Offensive Player of the Allstar Game? Cayden says it feels great consider the amount of talent on the field at the allstar game. " Feels great to earn something like that out of so many talented people that played, but I worked hard for it and I feel like it was God's blessing for sure," Cayden said. Cayden also talked about how it felt being the reason the South finally beat the North in the Allstar game. " It feels great to know that the hard work payed off and it showed yesterday and not even the fact I helped the south win but the fact I represented Petal well and my family," he exclaimed. So what's in the young star's future? He has his sights set on the National Football League, but he'll settle for a college opportunity for now. Cayden went on to say in the Hattiesburg News exclusive interview, "My future is to play college football. My goal is to make it to the league one day and I feel like if I continue to work hard keep my head straight I can definitely achieve it!" Cayden eager about his future under the bright lights on the national stage, but he understands it's a process. He ended our interview by saying, "I like to take it day by day so the next step is college football!"

What's New? There's a new bakery in Hattiesburg that has everybody talking and it's a place you must go and see for yourself. Nearly on the University of Southern Mississippi Campus in the Mid-Town Community, visitors can find a bit of joy from Loblolly Bakery, located on Hardy Street across from Trustmark Bank. This new restaurant is the latest edition to the Robert Saint John collection of restaurants, including Midtowner, Ed's Burgers, Crescent City, and many more. The restaurant has a vibrant new feel with bright colors, a beautiful dining experience and fresh original food that you can't find nowhere else in the world. So what does Loblolly serve? "Pastries, croissants, fresh bagels everyday, loaves of bread, cinnamon rolls, danishes, and muffins," says General Manager Serena Llyod. Serena goes on to say that the store biggest seller is its "Chocolate Croissants & Blueberry Muffins." The bakery also offer alot of sandwiches, including an unbelievable Italian cold cut sandwhich. Loblolly also offers daily specials including a daily french toast special along with daily soup & salad specials in the afternoon. Grits has also been added to the breakfast menu. Loblolly also has a 'build your own sandwich' option. What makes Loblolly different than any other place in Hattiesburg? Because it has a world renown chef, none other than Martha Foose, a James Beard award winner, serving as its head baker. Martha is the author of 3 cookbooks. Loblolly is hoping to be a place where more students can come in between classes for a quick snack or enjoy a moment with fellow students and friends as most of the staff are USM students. Serena encourages the community to come out and give Loblolly a try. It's a place like no other that appears to be destined for greatness, good vibes, and a great time.

Hattiesburg's newest shopping retailer has brought excitement to the Greater Hattiesburg Community. The discount retailer, HomeGoods, is officially open and has Hattiesburg buzzing with excitement. New store manager Stephanie Hollomon says that the store is having a hard time keeping up with the demand of the shoppers. "I've had to schedule truck deliveries 3 or 4 times a week, moving them up from their regular schedule as demand right now is very high." Todd Jackson, Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership says, "I think the entire community is extremely excited about HomeGoods, my wife being number one!" Jackson, representing the Greater Hattiesburg Metropolitan area's chamber of commerce says HomeGoods is an upgrade to the community. "Kudos to Sterling Properties, the owner of that center there and for recruiting HomeGoods to that space, it's a wonderful space that was previous vacated that is honestly I feel like been upgraded with HomeGoods, a highly desired retailer in the market." New HomeGoods employees talked about the wonderful atmosphere the workspace is. "It's like family here," said Natalie Barron. Barron said customer are "happy there's a HomeGoods. That's what we get all the time." Vanessa Mitchell, a new employee discussed how she thinks customers feel. "It's exciting and brand new. Everybody is excited to shop!" Mitchell exclaimed. Jackson says that Hattiesburg retail economy alone produces billions of dollars each year revenue. Watch the full interview in the video above. Featured employees from left to right: Raven Haynes, Stephanie Hollomon, Natalie Barron, Vanessa Mitchell, & Kai Spuhleo.