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Hattiesburg will be filled with plenty of festivals and outdoor events over the next 8 weeks. But one of Hattiesburg's most exciting events returns to the Downtown Area this summer. The much anticipated annual Hattiesburg Food Festival "Summer Edition" is set for June 22, 2019 at Chain Park, 910 E. 8th Street sponsored in part by the City of Hattiesburg. From fried ribs to frozen chocolate dipped cheese cake on the stick, the annual event is expected to attract 1,000's of people together again this year as this year is expected to be the best year yet with live cooking shows, live entertainment, & a host of activities. Hattiesburg Management Group, the firm organizing the event this year, says its desire is to take the premier event of the summer to the next level. One of the ways it plans to do just that is by setting a diferent overall goal. This year's overall objective has nothing to do with the festival itself, but the community in which the festival takes place. The goal this year is to "End Hunger" in Hattiesburg by partnering with local restaurants, participants, and local non-profit organizations. The firm says its developed a state of the art design which divides Chain Park into 3 central areas to accommodate the 1,000's of participants expected, The Main Area located on the left side of the park, The Senior Citizen Area located in the center of the park by the pavilion, and what it calls 'Kid's Town' located on the right side of the park. So this means kids having fun in the Kid's Town, for instance, not only won't have access to acholic products on the completely opposite side of the park located in the Main Area, they won't even see it. Kid's Town is planned to be filled with lots of activities, rides, and food that kids love. The firm says its made it easier and more convenient for its vendors as well. For example, vendors are allowed to keep 100% of their profit and there is no fee to access water or eletricity, although the latter may be limited. Hattiesburg Managment Group says its planning for a massive crowd and after meeting with city officials, plans to have no more than 100 vendors at this year's event. Vendor registration ends on May 31st. Anyone can signup to become a vendor. For more information, please call 601.589.2800

FLASH FLOOD WATCH UNTIL MAY 12 AT 1:00PM FLASH FLOOD WARNING UNTIL MAY 11 AT 9:30PM Folks in the Pine Belt have been experiencing a lot of rain and thunderstorms throughout Saturday and that's sure to continue throughout the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, tonight you can expect, "Showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1am and 4am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4am." The temperature will be low around 67. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. As for Sunday, the National Weather Service predicts, "Sunday Showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm." The temperature Sunday will be a high near 83. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. However Monday through Wednesday will be mostly sunny in the low to mid 80's.

One of the most important dates of the year has been set. On Thursday, June 13, 2019, the annual Summer Job Fair returns to downtown Hattiesburg. The Summer Job Fair will be held at the Jackie Dole Community, 220 W. Front St. beginning at 9:00am. Local powerhouse firm, Hattiesburg Management Group, says the job fair will be quite different so that it's easier to accommodate the 1,000's of participants expected again this year. This year's Summer Job Fair is hosted by the honorable Senator Juan Barnett, Senate District 34, which represents the Pine Belt. This year's goal is to hire a minimum of 1,000 participants. Participants are encouraged to dress to impress as they will meet directly with hiring managers and recruiters. 100's of interviews are expected to be conducted on site. The most important thing that a participant can bring is a resume no matter what position or job they are applying for. One big change is there will be no guest speakers. Another change, the job fair will start at 9:00am allowing participants to visit all of the employers. Everyone is highly encouraged to arrive early as the line is expected to be extremely long again this year and to get a great place for parking. Last year, there was no available parking in the downtown area and near by streets experienced major traffic congestions. Around noon, Hattiesburg Management Group says it will feed all of the participants by the 1000's again this year for free. Last year's menu consisted of fried chicken, chicken tenders, sliders, wings, French fries, among other food which was sponsored by Raising Cane's, Logans RoadHouse, Shoney's, and Walmart. This year menu is expected to have even more. But perhaps the most important change this year is participants will have access to a computer room where they will be able to fill out applications on-the-spot online. Hattiesburg Management Group says this is one of the most important added features since lots of applications are online. Employers will also enjoy some added features as well. These features include reserved parking close to the building, volunteers to assist with unloading, setting up, and breaking down, a break room with a complimentary fruit and snack bar, and breakfast to start the morning. Last year participating employers included major public companies such as Forrest General Hospital, The University of Southern Mississippi, and Hattiesburg Public School District, major banks such as Trustmark Bank, Regions Bank, and the First Bank, major industrial companies such as Kohler, Berry's Global, Channel Control Merchants, and Brown Bottling Group, and major restaurants such as Purple Parrot, Logans, Cresent City, Shoney's, and Ed's Burger. Several staffing agencies such as Pride Staff also participated representing even more companies. There were many many other participating employers as well. Last year the Summer Job Fair was hosted by City of Hattiesburg Councilman Nick Brown along with his colleague Jeffrey George with the assistance of the Area Development Partnership and The Mississippi Department of Employment Security. For questions, contact Hattiesburg Management Group, 601.861.5800.

21 Savage was released from ICE last Wednesday after spending more than a week in detention. She'yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph known as 21 Savage was released on bond but reports say it's a possibility that the rapper can still be deported. The news shocked the industry over Super Bowl when 21 Savage was arrested and after those events, other Rappers and media personalities quickly came to his defense. 21 could possibly be the face of immigration as Meek Mill is the face of prison reform. The rapper said he isnt going down without a fight so one can believe that he wont be fighting alone. His team believes he was targeted by ICE because when they found him one them uttered out "We got Savage." The rapper also admitted that being deported was one of his worse nightmares and during an interview with The New York Times, Savage talked more about his experience. "It's like, I got three kids, my mama, everything that I know is here in Atlanta. I'm not leaving Atlanta without a fight. We gon' fight all the way till the last day even if that mean I sit in jail for 10 years," he told the Times.

Dear New Orleans Saints fans, it’s time to get over the NFC Championship game. Yes, it was a pass interference but there were other missed calls that led up to that moment. Even the Rams cornerback that was on the play said it was a pass interference but at the end of the day he can’t control wheather the referee should throw the flag or not. But in all honesty it was a PA, it’s obvious and even the referee knew it.  Days after the game, Saints fans wrote letters and ranted about the NFL should re-enforce a do-over.  Commissioner Roger Goodell was asked about the no call and he stated that his committee went over it and talked to Saints players about what transpired but, in the end, no game will be played over.  Besides the NBA taking over Super Bowl weekend, Saints fans til this day are still angry and want the referees to be questioned.  At the end of the day, the Saints lost and it’s time to let it go and focus on the offseason.  #NewOrleans #Saints #NFL

Hattiesburg City Councilman Nick Brown has become a model leader transforming his entire generation. Any given day, he can be seen picking up unwanted trash in his community or encouraging a group of students in his Council Chambers. Recently, early one cold morning, Hattiesburg residents were greeted by Councilman Brown picking up paper along the street corners, not waiting on the City of Hattiesburg's Public Works Department Director Ronnie Perkins, who unsuccessfully ran for District 4 Supervisor twice, to respond to his emails, return his phone calls, or organize a 'clean up'  project. On Tuesday, January 22, 2019 during is special council meeting held in the council chambers,  Councilman Brown took time out to come down from his council seat to encourage the at risk students on behalf of The City of Hattiesburg who were just as eager to meet him as he was excited to greet them.  He encouraged the youth to continue to work hard, change their lives, and strives for success. Ward 5 residents we talked to off the record says Councilman Brown is probably the hardest working councilman the city has seen in years and is "he's 10 times better than guy he replace!" Councilman Brown is also a successful entrepreneur who owns several businesses in the city. Never to busy, he's always meeting with his constituents to resolve their concerns. Just a few weeks ago, Councilman Brown met with Ann Jones, City of Hattiesburg's Chief Administrative Officer, as his frustration grew with Timerberton Park not being used for recreational and mentorship activities he wants to implement for youth within Ward 5. Ann Jones immediately updated the councilman about the federal process and hold up. This topic is a great concern to Ward 5 Citizens. Whether on the side of his road picking up paper and beer bottles or within his council chambers addressing a group of at risk kids, Councilman Nick Brown is redefining the roll of a city councilman. He's governing with love and compassion. He's the people's councilman.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday she will not authorize a State of the Union address in the House chamber during the government shutdown, rejecting plans by President Donald Trump to deliver the speech next week in front of a joint session of Congress. “The government is closed,” she told him in a letter. “Let’s work together on a mutually agreeable date we can welcome you to the Capitol.” Trump had insisted earlier in the day that he was moving ahead with the speech Tuesday in the House, the traditional forum for the event. But he said he wasn’t surprised when Pelosi derailed that plan. Democrats have become “radicalized,” he said. It was the latest round of brinkmanship between the president and Pelosi as they remain locked in an increasingly personal standoff over Trump’s demand for border wall money that has forced a partial government shutdown, now in its second month. Pelosi asked Trump last week to make other plans but stopped short of denying him the chamber for his address. She issued that denial Wednesday after the White House, in essence, called her bluff. In a letter to Pelosi earlier Wednesday, Trump dismissed her suggestion last week that the speech be postponed or delivered in writing due to security issues related to the partial government shutdown. Declaring there are “no security concerns,” Trump said he planned to fulfill his “Constitutional duty” to report to Congress on the state of the union. “It would be so very sad for our Country if the State of the Union were not delivered on time, on schedule, and very importantly, on location,” Trump’s letter said. But Pelosi made her decision final not long after. She told him the House “will not consider a concurrent resolution authorizing the President’s State of the Union address in the House Chamber until government has opened.” The president cannot speak in front of a joint session of Congress without both chambers’ explicit permission. A resolution needs to be approved by both chambers specifying the date and time for receiving an address from the president. White House officials have been working on a backup plan to have him give the speech somewhere else if Democrats blocked access to the House chamber. Trump aide Kellyanne Conway said before Pelosi’s letter was released that it would be “remarkably petty” for the speaker to deny Trump the location. Each side has been accusing the other of pettiness since Pelosi raised doubts about the speech and Trump followed up by revoking her use of a military aircraft, thereby canceling a congressional delegation visit to Afghanistan. Trump said the Homeland Security Department and the Secret Service assured him there would be “absolutely no problem regarding security” for the State of the Union and “they have since confirmed this publicly.” Officials have been considering alternative venues for the speech, including a rally-style event, an Oval Office address, a speech in the Senate chamber, and even a visit to the Mexican border. Multiple versions of the speech were being drafted to suit the final venue. The Constitution states only that the president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union,” meaning the president can speak anywhere he chooses or give his update in writing. But a joint address in the House chamber, in front of lawmakers from both parties, the Supreme Court justices and invited guests, provides the kind of grand backdrop that is hard to mimic and that this president, especially, enjoys. Still, North Carolina’s House speaker, Tim Moore, invited Trump to deliver the speech in the North Carolina House chamber. Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield has offered his state capitol. Trump spoke with both of them this week, according to Moore’s office and a tweet from Chatfield. Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Andrew Taylor, Catherine Lucey and Jonathan Lemire contributed to this report.

A historic announcement today, the Black History Executive Committee confirmed that they will roll out a new Hall of Fame on Friday, February 15, 2019 during its annual Black History Honors program. The annual Black History Honors program usually honors African Americans who have made historical, cultural, or significantly impact within, on behalf of, or for the community. For example, last year's Lifetime Achievement Award receipt was Mavis Creagh, Executive Director of R3SM, who has spent the past 10 years to present day rebuilding homes for families after natural disasters destroys them. The Black History Honor awards are also expected to increase to reflect a more diverse group of honorees such as adding a Woman of the Year Award this year among others. The Black History Honors honorees, Hall of Fame Inductees, and others will all be featured in the Black History Honors Magazine which will be distributed freely to the attendees at the Black History Honors evening. The Black History Executive Committee said the awards program will include various parts including several performances, a keynote speaker, its annual awards, its sponsors awards, and the introduction of the its Hall of Fame Class of 2019. The venue for the annual Black History Honors Program has not been announced yet according the executive committee, but once announced, they are anticipating for the program to sell out within minutes. The annual program is free but only those with tickets are guarantee seating. Tickets are also free.

Tuesday, February 22, City of Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker nominated Forrest County Justice Court Judge Gay Polk Payton to become the City of Hattiesburg Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem to the Hattiesburg City Council. Current City of Hattiesburg Municipal Court Judge Wes Curry spoke on Judge Payton's behalf and said calling her a good colleague and "friend" over the last 7 years. The council approved Judge Payton to a 5-0 vote. Immediately after the council approved Judge Payton nomination, Hattiesburg Mayor immediately swore her into office in the council chambers. Her son held the Holy Bible as she was swore in. Judge Payton said it was an honor to work for the 3rd time for the City of Hattiesburg. She said she's excited to give back to her community. She received a standing ovation. Judge Payton will replace Judge Carol Jones-Russell who was elected as The County and Youth Court Judge, the first African American to be elected to a county wide position and the first woman elected to County and Youth Court Judge.

VICKSBURG, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi city says it is temporarily suspending gas and water bills for federal workers affected by the government shutdown. The Vicksburg Post reports Alderman Alex Monsour said Monday that the area has many federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay. He says those workers can provide proof of their situation to the water and gas department and then pay their bills after the shutdown ends. Additionally, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. says the city has spent more than $27,000 to keep the Vicksburg National Military Park open as the shutdown stretches into its second month. The newspaper says keeping the park open costs about $2,000 per day. The Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign say it’s committing funds to help keep the park open. Information from: The Vicksburg Post, http://www.vicksburgpost.com #governmentshutdown

ELLISVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Bobby Shows, a former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, has died. Funeral services were held Wednesday in his hometown of Ellisville. Shows was 80 when he died Sunday at his home, according to Ellisville Funeral Home. Shows was a cattle farmer and business owner. He served in the Mississippi House from 1992 to 2016 in a district inside Jones County. He was originally elected as a Democrat and became a Republican in 2010. As chairman of the County Affairs Committee, Shows was known as an advocate for rural residents.

The Black History Celebrations Executive Committee announced the long awaited famous Black History Parade is Saturday, February 16, 2019 . The 21st Annual Black History parade kicks off at 10:00am on James Street. The parade will start at Duncan Lake and travel down James Street to Friendship (Eastside) Park, 1009 Rebecca Ave . There are several activities to take place at Friendship Park after the parade including a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Kickball games, horse shoes games, horse rides, and even a hint of a possible Battle of the Bands. There will also be plenty of food, music, and other activities to enjoy at the park. The event is free and open to the community. Tens of thousands of people are expected to overcrowd James Street to watch the long anticipated parade. This year's theme is 'One Community Standing Together.' The parade is said to feature every aspect of the community and culture, both past and present, from historical figures to organizations, businesses and churches. Receiving this year's prestigious Peggy Answorth Grand Marshal Award is Forrest County Youth and County Court Judge, the honorable Carol Jones-Russell , the first African American elected to a county wide position in Forrest County and the first woman elected as County and Youth Court Judge. The honoree, Carol Jones-Russell is the niece of the first African American elected in Forrest County, the honorable Deborah Gambrell, Chancellor of Chancery Court. The parade is free to participate in. To get in the parade, sign up by going to www.accelevents.com/events/parade2019. If you have any questions, email hattiesburgmg@gmail.com or call 601.861.8500.