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The funeral of beloved Hattiesburg pastor who was killed when a plane crashed into his home is set for Monday, May 17th at 1:00pm at the Lake Terrance Convention Center. As reported by the Associated Press, a small plane crashed into a Mississippi home, killing one of the home’s four occupants and three Texas residents who were flying to a university graduation ceremony, authorities said Wednesday. A National Transportation Safety Board investigator was en route to Hattiesburg, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southeast of the Mississippi capital of Jackson, to investigate Tuesday’s crash, which caused a fire, the agency said. Authorities weren’t aware of any distress calls from the Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 but have yet to review air traffic recordings, agency spokesman Peter Knudson said. He confirmed an investigator was being sent to the scene. Police and the coroner’s office identified the dead as Gerry Standley, 55, of Hattiesburg; and two adults and a toddler from Wichita Falls, Texas: Louis Provenza, 67; Anna Calhoun, 23; and Harper Provenza, 2, news agencies reported. Standley worked full-time for a paving company and was assistant pastor at his church, according to a webpage to raise money for funeral expenses and replacement of belongings lost to the fire. Calhoun was a junior studying biology at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls said public relations director Julie Gaynor. They were on their way to see a family member graduate Wednesday from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, according to a message on the school’s website. “My heart breaks for our student and her family, and for our community members and their family,” University President Rodney D. Bennett said. The plane had flown out of Wichita Falls and was preparing to land at Bobby L. Chain Municipal Airport in Hattiesburg when it crashed at 11:22 p.m. Tuesday, starting a fire, Knudson said. Aircraft in the Mitsubishi MU2 family, including this plane, have been involved in more than 100 accidents going back to the early 1980s, according to databases of the National Transportation Safety Board. Hattiesburg police initially said two people died; later Wednesday morning, they raised the toll to four. His wife, Melinda, division manager for the police department’s 911 center, their daughter Arrianna and grandson Eli all got out of the home with minor injuries, it said. The couple had celebrated their 22nd anniversary last month. Provenza was a neurosurgeon at United Regional Physician Group and a graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. “We are so very saddened about the loss of Dr. Louis Provenza. He has touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed,” the medical group said. The plane can hold a crew of two, plus six passengers.

On Monday Governor Tate Reeves said he would end Mississippi unemployment benefits on Saturday, June 12. The governor said this is to get 1,000's of jobs filled in Mississippi. But many people are asking, "Why would I go work more hours for less pay?" This question seems to unify people from all walks of life and races. Currently, with the help of the federal government, most Mississippians are able to receive at least $400 a week. That's equivalent to $10 an hour. That brings $1600 into the household a month. $1600 covers rent, car note, electricity, water, gas, and maybe phone bill. It barely barely helps with food, wifi, cable, clothes, or any day to day things it takes to run a household. Mississippi is the most poverty stricken state in the country according to the annual US News & World Report. The national median income is $79,000 according to HUD. Even with the help of unemployment at $400 weekly, its still $2,156.75 less a month than the state's median income of $45,081, which is the lowest in the nation according to the World Population Review. According to some experts, cutting unemployment benefits means things get worse not better. That's why most people people agree ending unemployment is not the problem. However, raising the minimum wage is a solution. Many people around the state are saying ending unemployment benefits right now is a huge mistake. There are 1,000's of now hiring signs across the state as Mississippians are refusing to work and demanding better pay.

Councilman Nick Brown has been reelected to serve another 4 years on the Hattiesburg City Council representing Ward 5, the biggest Ward in the City of Hattiesburg which is predominately African Americans. However, Brown spent at least part of his election day towards helping others rather than being concerned about helping himself win a primary victory. Brown was spotted not visiting polls but donating water at the YMCA SE MS to help send water aide to Jackson, MS to those who are still in need of safe drinking water. Brown was seen unloading water out of his black sprinter that posted his reelection signs on the door. The water project was led by the CCC, Community Crisis Coalition, to send water help to Jackson, Mississippi. Brown defeated Howard Toler by 269 votes winning 72% of the votes. Toler had 173 votes. Brown had 442 votes. He is unopposed in the general election.

(Waffle House Vice President Jim Perkins donates water as YMCA Staff helps unloads) No this isn't an April Fool's prank. Waffle House kicked off the month of April by donating 100's of cases of water to send as aide to help with the ongoing water crisis in Jackson, MS. Early Thursday Morning, Waffle House Vice President Jim Perkins arrived in Hattiesburg to the YMCA to donate cases of water. In a statement, Perkins said, "Waffle House Culture has always been about taking care of people. This includes our associates, our customers and our communities." The water contribution is in partnership with the CCC, The Community Crisis Coalition, whose leading efforts to send water on behalf of Greater Hattiesburg to those desperate in need in Jackson. Last month, Pastor Carlos Wilson of the Ebenezer Baptist Church donated over 5,000 bottles of water on behalf of the church to help with the project of sending 1 million bottles of water to Jackson, MS. The CCC extended the deadline to drop-off cases of water at the YMCA. The new deadline to donate water is Friday, April 9. The deadline was extended because of Easter Weekend. Jackson Mississippi has been struggling with its water for weeks. "We all need each other," said Vice President Perkins. Everyone is encouraged to drop-off water at the YMCA, 3719 Veteran Memorial Drive, in Hattiesburg. For more info you can contact the CCC via email: communitycrisis@yahoo.com.

(YMCA Staff helps unload cases of water donated by Pastor Carlos Wilson) A local pastor known for investing in his community has made investments beyond the community in which his church serves. He's went beyond the normal helping his city. He's traveled to down highway 49 to the state capital where he's helping with its water crisis. Pastor Carlos Wilson, Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, donated a trailer full of cases of water, over 5,000 bottles, to the YMCA, who's collecting water to send to Jackson by the end of next weekend. Often times, churches are seen taking up alot of money to do the Lord's work but some rarely do anything visible or at least significant. Before the pandemic, it's part of the reason the church membership as a whole continued to decline. Once revered men of the cloth became ordinary as the church took less and less of a stance in the community it claims the Lord has called it to serve. That's not the case for this church, who has recently built a state of the art basketball and tennis court in its backyard to keep local youth entertained and healthy. The church is also neighboring to one of the biggest jewels of the city, Chain Park, in which many of the city's biggest events are held. Much of the church success comes from God's ambassador, the pastor, who receives his vision from God himself as to what the church should be doing here on earth. For Wilson's part, he's rebuilt countless of homes within his community. He's hosted national figures such as the Rev. Dr. William Barber, in which later contributed to Carol Jones Russell being elected the first county-wide African American in the history of Forrest County. But that's just a scratch of the surface. Some of the state's most powerful leaders tune in every Sunday and Wednesday Night to hear one of Hattiesburg's most powerful preachers including Rep. Percy Watson, who's a member of the thriving church. Local leaders attend as well, such as Dr. Robert Williams, the superintendent of Hattiesburg Public School District. Those are just 2 of the church thousands of members. The church has two services, both full to capacity, one at 8am and the other at 11am. The church has revamped it services due to COVID restrictions, but still have services every Sunday. The church that's known as the 'Pride of the Eastside' that brings the 'Gospel to the Goulas' is doing more than that. It is bringing help to the state's capital at a time when they need it the most. This church knows no bounds when it comes to helping others. Carlos Wilson is not just a humble servant of the Lord, he's a powerful pastor that serves the people of God literally every day.

The YMCA announced today they will host their own March Madness this weekend. The tournament will feature a 3 on 3 basketball tournament kicking off Friday Night at 6:00pm and starts back Saturday Morning, March 27 at 9:00am. Everyone is encourage to participate. There are 3 age groups: Middle School, High School, and 18+ years and older. There can be at max of 4 players on each team. Anyone is wants to sign up may call 601.583.4000. The deadline to signup is Thursday. Sports Coordinator Nancy Jones said "It's time to cut loose!" Jones said the Y has recently just been cleaning and taking care of things in light of Covid but is ready for the community to come out and have a great time. "We thought this tournament would be a good time to just have a YMCA March Madness," Jones said in anticipation of the event. Several people are expected to participate in the event.

(left to right: Jeffrey George, Deborah Delgado, Mayor Toby Barker, Carter Carroll, Mary Dryden, and Nick Brown) Hattiesburg Mississippi is the 4th biggest city in Mississippi, yet it's one of the most powerful cities and sometimes commands the biggest revenue in the state. Like any business, the business of running the city's business is ran by the mayor but guided by only a 5 member board, who together controls the purse (the money) the policy (laws) and the prestige. The council decides on granting the mayor authorization to execute contracts and agreements, pay raises, and even what events can or cannot take place within the City of Hattiesburg. The Council also decides who can build what within the city limits. Every major decision about the City of Hattiesburg comes through the city council. It's like the congress of the local city. The council is so powerful, it can literally fire any city employee at will if the council looses 'confidence' in a person. Currently, Hattiesburg City Council is lead by Carter Carroll, controlling the board for the second time (2002-07) as Board President. Other board members include Jeffrey George (Ward 1) Deborah Delgado (Ward 2) Mary Dryden (Ward 4) and Nick Brown (Ward5). Every 4 years, the city hold elections to allow the community to decide who it wants to speak for their interest in the decisions of how Hattiesburg is governed. That means all 5 seats are always up for grabs by practically anyone who wants it every 4 years. This year serves as no difference. All 5 current board members are seeking re-election. All 5 members have opponents, other community members who are seeking to take their seat beginning July 1. Hattiesburg is broken up into 5 communities. Each community is known as what's called a "Ward." Whatever person have the majority of the votes are known as that ward's councilman or councilwoman. In Ward 1, Jeffery George is seeking reelection. He was first elected in 2017. His challenger is Ken Chambers, who was recently appointed as a member of the Hattiesburg Police Review Board, to review the police and its conduct. In Ward 2, Deborah Delgado is seeking reelection. She has humbly served since 2001 as a councilwoman. Many see her as an effective leader fighting for equality. She is challenged by Cedric Dallas and Charlie Johnson. Neither of the two has ever held a public office nor served on a company's board prior to now. In Ward 3, Carter Carroll is seeking reelection. Carroll is currently the president of the board. He's the longest serving member on the board. He's been on the board since the 90's. His challenger is football Hall of Famer Picasso Nelson. Nelson is the senior pastor of 28th Ave Baptist Church, a diverse church in range of race and age. He's their first African American Pastor. He's also has an extensive business portfolio including a vast list of real estate properties. In Ward 4, Mary Dryden is seeking reelection. Dryden has served almost a decade on the board. Her challenger is former mayoral candidate Dave Ware. Ware gave up his seat to run against DuPree in which Ware was defeated. Dryden ran in Ware's position and replaced him. In Ward 5, Nick Brown is seeking reelection. Brown is currently finishing his first term on the Board. His challenger is Howard Toler. Toler has never held public office or served on a company's board before seeking to represent Ward 5. Brown owns a trucking and landscaping company. The board, officially known as Hattiesburg's City Council, is a 5 member board that has seen diversity. The honorable Charles Lawrence along with Dr. Eddie Holloway were the first African Americans elected to the board. The board currently has 2 women, Dryden and Delgado, and two blacks, Delgado and Brown. Although 52% of the citizens of Hattiesburg, Mississippi are African American and 40% are white, there has never been 3 African Americans serving on the board at the same, which would give African Americans control of the Board for the first time in the city's history, which is possible if either Picasso or Chambers wins. The city did however elect its first and only African American mayor, Dr. Johnny DuPree in 2001. For more information about The City of Hattiesburg's City Council, you may visit the city of Hattiesburg's official website: www.hattiesburgms.com or call city council office: 601.545.4551.

We have dedicated a new place on our site to be the hub of information to get the word out about new and upcoming events in our community on our community calendar platform. Whether it's a community event, new business, or church event, shoot us an email at info@thehattiesburgnews.com and let us get the word out to the 1,000's of people who visit our site everyday. We want to help make our community a better place. This is a great way. Got an upcoming project? Got an upcoming fundraiser for a good cause? Need help getting the word out? This is the right place for you. Make sure you include the 5 W's in your email to help us better inform readers about what you are doing: The What? What is the name of your event? The When? What date is your event taking place? The Where? Where is your event taking place? The Why? Why is the event taking place? What's the purpose of the event. The Who? Tell us about who's hosting the event. We can't wait to be apart of your success by helping getting the word out about your next upcoming event. Email us now. This is an absolutely free service. Just send us the info and we'll do the rest.

TORNADO WATCH NOW UNTIL 7PM| Updated March 17, 2021 2:04pm. Thursday will be a day to make sure you stay safe. There will be showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms may produce heavy rainfall. High near 81. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Later tonight, showers and thunderstorms continue, mainly before 1am. Low around 54. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Expect loud thunder and lightening. Keep phones charged and stay away from windows. Stay off the road as much as possible unless necessary.

At 5:49pm on Saturday, March 13, 22 year old Lamarcus Kidd, who according to sources is a leader of Undivided Vice Lord, a made-up criminal street gang known for shooting, robbery and drug trafficking, turned himself into Hattiesburg Police Department. He was charged with one count of shooting into an occupied dwelling. He was also charged with one count of aggravated assault with the use of a deadly weapon. His charges come from an ongoing altercation around 9pm on Friday, March 12, 2021. In a recorded video recorded by witnesses that has surfaced online from the alleged incident, Kidd allegedly shoots 14 rounds of gunfire into an apartment at the Bonhomie Apartments, 1810 Country Club Rd. Bystanders can be heard screaming "it's kids in the apartment!" and is the reason the community outraged. The altercation was originally between two teenage girls that took place earlier Friday at Hattiesburg High School. That altercation quickly escalated Friday night after school when one of the girls refused to come outside to fight the other teenager again. After unsuccessfully trying to kick the door down multiple of times, because it was being held up by a family member who possibly saved the life of the teenager and the kids within the apartment, Kidd allegedly shot into the home, shot after shot after shot after shot. Kidd hopped in a car and his gang quickly drove away from the apartment complex leaving many in shock and surprised. Sources say they were only very concerned at that moment that kids could have been hurt or worse. The unidentified male who risked his own life to save the life of the kids in the home by holding up the door refusing to allow the gang to kick it in was shot and taken to the hospital. He is reportedly in stable conditions. On Monday, March 15, Kidd first court appearance was set at 2:30pm. The judge set Kidd's bond at $150,000. The judge set the bond at $100,000 for aggravated assault with use of a deadly weapon and $50,000 for shooting into an occupied dwelling. In order to get out, he would have to come up with $15,000 by state law. However, even if he comes up with $15,000, he still won't be released regardless if he pays the bond or not. Our news agency spoke with Tate County Sheriff's Office who confirmed they have issued a capias warrant for his arrest. This warrant is known as a hold. The sheriff's office also said they have spoke with Forrest County's Sheriff's Office and are making preparations to come to Hattiesburg to pick Kidd up and transport him back to Tate County. According to sources, Kidd was involved in street gang activity with other Undivided Vice Lords in Senatobia, MS. While there, he was arrested for possession of a stolen fire arm. Kidd appeared in Tate County Circuit Court on January 29, 2020 and was sentenced to 5 years non-adjudicated. That means the charge would immediately disappear from his record. The judge also ordered Kidd to 1 year drug testing from February 8, 2020 to February 8, 2021. However, he failed one drug test and refused to take another. He also stop going and reporting. That's the reason Tate County Sheriff's Office has placed a hold on him. But more troubling is Tate County Circuit Court Judge ordered Kidd not to violate any other laws within the United States for at least 5 years. This arrest according to sources has violated that clause of the judge's order and therefore, Kidd must appear back in front of the judge where the District Attorney will officially report to the judge that Kidd has violated several parts of the judge's order. The judge will then decided whether to send Kidd to prison for violating multiple part of his previous order within the first year of his 5 year sentence or give Kidd yet another chance. First, Tate County Circuit Court Judge must choose to release him or send him to prison to serve his initial 5 year sentence in the custody of Mississippi Department of Corrections. Then once his first case in Tate County has been resolved, he can start to deal with his new gun related charge from the March 12, 2021 shooting in Hattiesburg. This story was updated on March 17, 2021 at 1:27pm.

On Friday, Former City of Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree, Ph.D and friends sent water to Jackson to help with the capital's water crisis. Mayor DuPree, along with a former NFL great and former Head Coach of Jackson State University Football Team Harold Jackson donated water to Jackson State University as students are in dire need of clean water. Others participated in organizing the efforts, including Russ Hendley of Hattiesburg Coca Cola, Gloria Tatum, and Bill Washington of New Horizon Church of Jackson. Major help came from Bishop Ronnie Crudup and Morgan Clark Schnur of Clark Beverage who actually donated the water to DuPree. DuPree, who facilitated the projects, donated the water to Jackson State University with former NFL Great Harold Jackson. As been dominating local and national news, 1,000's of people in and around Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, have not had water for weeks. For those who finally have, it's still not safe enough to drink. Many people are referring to the Flint water crisis. The news of water coming into Jackson who's desperate for help was a sign of hope for one Jackson official. Senator Sollie B. Norwood who represents District 28 sounded overwhelmed when he got the news his friends sent 1,000's of bottles of water to Jackson. "This is who we are!" said Senator Norwood when he was informed on the contribution by Hattiesburg Management Group who's working with another project on sending an additional 1 million bottles of water to Jackson on Saturday, March 27. "We come together in times of need as brothers and sisters" Norwood continued to say. Jackson water crisis reached its brink after the state's record winter storm in February destroyed the city's water pipes that others say for years has contaminated the city's water, same as with Flint. As 1,000's more wait for help to come, including senior citizens and perhaps the poorest of the entire city of whom don't have transportation to even get the water when it arrives, with the help of Dupree and others delivering to Jackson State University on Friday, it's a huge step in the right direction. The Senator who represents Hinds County filled with hope and joy simply said, "Thanks for your support during our time of need!"

Mississippi has been dominated over the past 4 weeks with the news that the capital has a water crisis. 1,000's are still without water. 1'000's more who finally do have water can't use it as the water is still not safe to use, let alone drink. Earlier this week, government officials met with the CCC, the Community Crisis Coalition, which offered to help the capital doing one of its most trying times in the city's history. The organization's goal, to send 1 Million Bottles of Water to Jackson, MS by Saturday, March 27. Here's the CCC plan. Collect as many bottles of waters from companies, organizations, churches, families, and individuals by asking them to donate cases of water. The second part is to raise awareness by hosting a Mississippi Strong virtual benefit concert sometime next week. Organizations, businesses and leaders have already stepped in pledging to help. The Family YMCA will serve as the operations drop off site. Anyone who wants to donate water can simply take it the Family Y, 3719 Memorial Drive, Hattiesburg, MS. The Hattiesburg News has volunteered to serve as the information desk. Maximum Transportation has volunteered its 18 wheeler's for transportation. Several restaurants including Waffle House and Crescent City have also pledge to help. Local community leader, Pastor Carlos Wilson, Senior Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church also pledged to help. Hattiesburg Management Group is also volunteering. Sharon Thompson, the first woman elected to the Forrest County Board of Supervisors currently serving District 2 Supervisor as well as City of Hattiesburg's Ward 5 Councilman Nick Brown both pledge to donate cases of water. Anyone who wants to contribute financially can give via clicking Donate to Capital Crisis . In 2017, the CCC lead Hattiesburg through its crisis after a EF3 tornado destroyed African American communities and a local university. Then, it served 3,500 meals a day, consisted of about 5,000 volunteers from around the world, & gave out 1,000's of cases of water and supplies, clean up and repaired 100's of homes and businesses.