Search Results

On Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 9:00am, the community will gather for it's 3rd Rally of the week in the run-off election season. The rally will be held at the Eureka School, 409 E 7th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Saturday Morning at 9:00am. The community will walk to the Forrest County Courthouse for the last day to cast an absentee vote. The walk, known as the "Vernon Dahmer Walk" will kickoff at 9:30am. Saturday, November 24 is the last day to cast an early ballot known as an absentee ballot from 8am - 12:00 Noon. Organizers say the goal is to get at least 500 absentee votes cast. To date, 436 votes have already been cast. Even if you can't vote, organizers say come out and walk anyway for support. All students, school educators, veterans, and American Red Cross responders can vote early. If you are 65 years or older, handicap, or disabled, you also can vote early. If you think you will have to work or think you will be out of town on Tuesday, Nov 27, you also can qualify. You do NOT need to bring any supporting documents as to why you are voting early. All you need is a picture I.D. Early this week, the two previous rallies drawn national attention with two prominent public figures, Senator Cory Booker, possible 2020 presidential candidate, and Rev. Dr. William Barber II, keynote speaker at both National Democratic Convention and Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin's Funeral, all opposing Cindy Hyde Smith after continued offensive language toward African Americans and democrats.

Two days after prominent national figure Senator Cory Booker visited the University of Southern Mississippi, another prominent national figure will be in Hattiesburg, MS on Wednesday, November 21, 2018. Rev. Dr. William Barber II will be the keynote National Speaker at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 900 E. 8th Street in Hattiesburg, MS beginning at 6:00pm for the 'Get Out The Vote' Rally. Dr. William Barber was also the keynote speaker at the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin's Funeral. He was also the keynote speaker at the National Democratic Convention in 2016 for Hilary Clinton.  Because 1,000's of people are expected to attend the Get Out The Vote Rally on Wednesday Evening at Ebenezer Church in Hattiesburg, MS, organizers are strongly encouraging early arrival. Dr. William Barber is the Co-Chairman of the national Poor People Campaign. He's also a national board member of the NAACP.   On Monday, Senator Cory Booker made a special visit to Mississippi, making Hattiesburg the only stop in the state. Senator Booker spoke to an overcrowded audience at The University of Southern Mississippi, stopping first to speak to the 100's hoping to get a glimpse of the possible 2020 presidential candidate, who were eagerly waiting outside that wasn't allowed in because the auditorium was already filled to capacity.  Organizers say another rally is expected Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 9:00am at Eureka School, 412 E. 6th St including a 'Vernon Dahmer Walk' kicking off at 9:30am from Eurkea School, down Mobile Street, to the Forrest County Circuit Court. Organizers say the walk to the court house is in honor of Civil Rights Icon, Vernon Dahmer, who was lynched by the Klu Klux Klan for leading the "Get Out & Vote" Movement in Forrest County, Mississippi. Mississippi has been getting a lot national attention after multiple videos of Republican United States Senator Cindy Hyde Smith went viral excitingly accepting an invitation of a public hanging; in her words, "If you'd invite me to a public hanging I'd be on the front row!" and on another video, heard talking about hoping to find ways in her words to "suppress" the vote of all liberals and young people, specifically college students while on a college campus.  Saturday, November 24, 2018 is the last day to vote early before the Tuesday, November 27, 2018 Runoff from 8:00am-12:00pm.

T he Honorable Carol Jones Russell, who is currently a Hattiesburg Municipal Court Judge says she is running for Forrest County Youth and County Court Judge despite a local newspaper saying she isn't. Over 50,000 local residents received a local newspaper that read, "Four candidates are seeking the County and Youth Court Judge Position in Forrest County." Judge Carol Jones Russell name was left out and not included.  This immediately stirred an uproar in the community outraging thousands of Judge Carol Jones Russell supporters, community organizations, and the community in general in what many believe was done intentionally as a result of her not only being the favorite to win the Youth and County Court election by some political scientists but because Carol Jones Russell, who was appointed by both a democratic and republican mayor, Hall of Fame Inductee democratic Mayor Johnny Dupree Ph.D in 2012 and recently reappointed by republican Mayor Toby Barker in 2016 (as pictured above), is the only African American Female in the race for Forrest County Youth and County Court Judge. Carol Jones Russell is also the only sitting female judge, and the only current judge of two courts, Muncipal Court and Truancy Court.  Carol Jones Russell is the niece of her mentor, the first African American ever elected in Forrest County, the Honorable Judge Deborah Gambrell, Chancellor of the 10th District Chancery Court, whom was first appointed by Republican Governor Haley Barbour on January 11, 2011.  Chancellor Gambrell, one of the most respected women in Mississippi, has been the recipient of several awards, including 2 Woman of the Year Awards plus the "Thank You" Award by the Girls Scouts of America, and has served on several Board of Directors, including President of The YMCA Board of Directors, United Way, Dubard School, and Forrest General Hospital Foundation. Chancellor Gambrell is running unopposed. Carol Jones Russell is not only a City of Hattiesburg Municipal Court Judge, she’s also the current Truancy Court Judge. As the Truancy Court Judge, she deals directly with the local kids and their parents to find out why kids have missed so many days in school. This court directly holds parents accountable which by law can lead to time in jail. However, the Judge Carol Jones Russell in most cases works with the family to help get their kids back in school and the family back on its feet. Serving as the Truancy Court Judge, dealing with kids and their parents, gives valuable experience to help serve as Youth Court Judge.  Carol Jones Russell Campaign says despite having an unfair disadvantage by the local paper, they are still focusing on the campaign's main message, "The 4 P's."  They are: Promoting Success: Success stories and support systems can encourage individuals to not only be better, but also to do better. Preventing Problems: Providing proper services helps prevent future problems.  Pursuing Trust: Establishing trust in the judicial system for children and families is key to positive change.  Partnering with the Community: Engaging our community can help provide valuable resources for children and families.  We asked 100 different youth around the community, "Who is Carol Jones Russell?" 8 out of 10 said ‘the new judge of Youth Court.’ Many are familiar with Carol Jones Russell because aside from her judicial experience as a judge, she is currently the Forrest County Youth Court Parent Representative in Youth Court and the Forrest County Chancery Court Guardian Ad Litem, fighting for families and protecting kids in the Pine Belt.  Carol Jones Russell serves on the Board of Directors of the Hattiesburg YMCA and the Hattiesburg Public School District Foundation. She's also a member of the Rotary Club of Hattiesburg, Pine Belt Leadership Steering Committee Member, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Graduate Chapter. Carol Jones Russell is also the former District Director of the Magnolia Bar Association, the Vice President of the South Central Mississippi Bar Association, Mississippi Bar Association, Women in the Profession Committee, and the Hattiesburg Area Young Lawyers Association. Carol Jones Russell, a University of Southern Mississippi Alumni, BSBA, Highest Honors 2003, is also graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, 2008, and Hattiesburg High School in which she received the highest honors in 1999. The local newspaper did say it was in accidental error and after talks with community leaders have agreed to make steps to acknowledge their mistakes each day until the election. Carol Jones Russel is running against Robert Davis, Pamela Castle, and Jim Johnson.  "I have dedicated my entire legal career to fighting for families and children, and I have worked hard to gain the knowledge and expertise to serve as your County and Youth Court Judge!" says Carol Jones Russell. She went on to say, "I will bring judicial experience, fairness, compassion and intergrity to the court. On November 6, vote Carol Jones Russell for County and Youth Court Judge. Thank you for your support!"

W almart says it will BBQ at the Get Out & Vote Celebration ‘18 event Monday at Vernon Dahmer Park, 1000 Country Club Rd at 4pm. Walmart is joining other big name organizations such as the American Red Cross, The NAACP, and the Community Crisis Coalition all coming together for the Pre Election Kickoff, motivating all citizens to get out and vote. “I’m excited that our local Walmart is a big leader in our community. We haven’t seen this much support from any business like this in years. They hosted the high school band at the store, they gave $1,000’s to the local high school, was involved with Black History, helped during the tornado, helped the football team, and so many local organizations,” said Chris Smith, a local customer. The store will BBQ hotdogs and give them out free to the community fresh off the grill Monday evening. Walmart is also donating the food it’s grilling as well which is sure to increase its sales. Other guest speakers will include the first African American students of the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, NAACP President Clarence Magee, Bishop D. Franklin Brown, USM’s Student Brandon Hue, and others. Customers like Smith said community is the main reason they shop a Walmart. "Of course Walmart has good prices and great deals. But I'm here today shopping in Walmart only because of Walmart does for our local community. It means a lot to us!" Smith exclaimed.

The Get Out To Vote Rally scheduled for Saturday November 3 at Vernon Dahmer Park has been moved to Monday, November 5, the day before the election. The event is expected to have a large turnout kicking off at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon. There are several guest speakers, live music, and food at the event. The event has been called the Pre Election Kick-off. Tuesday, November 6, 2018 is the general election day. The polls are open from 7am to 7pm. Local county clerks offices say this elections ballots are already exceeding over 1,000 cast.

Updated Story: 11/12/2018 H attiesburg's top major universities 1st African American students will be 2 of the headline speakers at the 'Get Out and Vote' event held Monday, November 5, 2018 at Vernon Dahmer Park, 1000 Country Club Rd, in Hattiesburg, MS. Vermester Bester, the first African American student admitted to William Carey University, and Lt. Col. Raylawni Branch (Ret.), the first African American student admitted to the University of Southern Mississippi, will both speak during the free event to get the community excited to get out and vote. The NAACP President Clarence Magee will also be a featured speaker along with The University of Southern Mississippi Student Democratic Party President, Brandon Rue, who is also expected to headline the event Saturday, in an effort to motivate young people, including college students, to get out and vote. USM's student Brandon Rue reportedly registered over 400 students to vote within one week just a few weeks ago before the voter's registration deadline. The Get Out and Vote event is being held at the historic Vernon Dahmer Park, named after the iconic leader who was assassinated by the Klu Klux Klan after he because led a movement to get African Americans out to vote in the Pine Belt. The Get Out and Vote event is a non-partisan event that invites the entire community to come together. Organizers say the event will consist of an iVote Rally, an opportunity to meet and greet candidates, a step show, guest speakers, food and much more. Organizers say the event will be kicked off with an iPray Challenge where the entire community comes together and say the Lord's Prayer in unity, regardless of party affiliation or political view. Partnering organizations such as the American Red Cross will be on hand making sure every home has a smoke detector, in which case they do not, they will install them for free. The NAACP, another partnering organization, will be on hand as a part of the national mission, encouraging everyone to get out to vote, regardless of party affiliation. The event which is anticipated to draw several 100's, will kick off at 4:00pm. Organizers are encouraging early arrival to avoid parking along the streets. The event is open and free to the public. For more information about this event, you may email midtermsvote2018@gmail.com. #USM #elections #TheUniversityofSouthernMississippi

The Hattiesburg Public School District will start after a two-hour delay on Thursday. Bus pick up times have also been pushed back. Forrest County Agriculture High School will delay start times by two hours on Thursday. Wayne County School District schools will start on a two-hour delay on Thursday morning. Prentiss Christian School will begin classes at 9 a.m. Thursday. Bus routes will be delayed by one hour. Schools in the Covington County School District will begin one hour later on Thursday and school will begin at 9 a.m. The Marion County School District will delay start times by two hours. The Laurel School District will delay its start time by one hour. Schools in the Jones County School District will begin after a one-hour delay on Thursday. Presbyterian Christian School will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday. CARES School-Hattiesburg will have a two-hour delayed start on Thursday. The Lamar County School District will begin class after a two-hour delay on Thursday. The Petal School District will begin after a two-hour delay on Thursday. All bus routes and school start times will be delayed 2 hours from normal times. Schools in the Forrest County School District will begin after a two-hour delay on Thursday. Bus pickup will also be delayed two hours. Columbia School District will begin at 10 a.m. after a two-hour delay on Thursday. The Jefferson Davis County School District will open one hour later than normal on Thursday. Word of Faith Christian Academy in Hattiesburg will have a two-hour delay and begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday. East Jasper School District will begin at 9: 41 a.m. on Thursday

Updated Story: 11/12/18 O n Monday, November 5, 2018, several major community organizations are coming together for a huge event aimed at getting the community fired up about voting for the midterm elections held on Tuesday, November 6. The event, "Get Out and Vote" will be held at the historic Vernon Dahmer Park on Country Club Rd. Vernon Dahmer Park is named after civil rights icon, Mr. Vernon Dahmer, who was assassinated by smoke inhalation after saving his family from their burning home when it was bombed by the terrorist group, Klu Klux Klan, was the leader of the movement encouraging his community to go vote during the height of racism in Forrest County, which is named after the first leader of the Klu Klux Klan,Nathan Bedford Forrest. Mr. Dahmer famously said, "If you don't vote you don't count!" Organizers say the event will consist of an iVote Rally, an opportunity to meet and greet candidates, a step show, guest speakers, food and much more. They say the event will be kicked off with an iPray Challenge where the entire community comes together and say the Lord's Prayer in unity, regardless of party affiliation. Partnering organizations such as the American Red Cross will be on hand making sure every home has a smoke detector, in which case they do not, they will install them for free. The NAACP, another partnering organization, will be on hand as a part of the national mission, encouraging everyone to get out to vote, regardless of party affiliation. The event which is anticipated to draw several 100's, will kick off at 4:00pm. Organizers are encouraging early arrival to avoid parking along the streets. The event is open and free to the public. For more information about this event, you may email midtermsvote2018@gmail.com.

Here are the scores for today's National Football League games (Week 8): Eagles 24 Ravens 21 Jaguars 18 Panthers 36 Broncos 23 Browns 18 Chiefs 30 Steelers 33 Seahawks 28 Buccaneers 34 Lions 14 Bengals 37 Jets 10 Redskins 20 Bears 24 Giants 13 Colts 42 49ers 15 Raiders 26 Cardinals 18 Packers 27 Saints 30 Rams 29 Vikings 20 Patriots vs Bills Oct 30, Monday Night 7:15pm

On August 19, 2017 Bj Fokakis, owner of Downtown Hattiesburg's Restaurant Coney Island, dreadfully watched his lifelong friend, Sean Hancock, world come tumbling down. Hancock, a YMCA Trainer, was performing in a tournament in Shreveport, Louisiana, thinking ahead to his next match, the state championship. But suddenly, tragedy struck. Sean's worst nightmare had come true. He broke his arm. It was over. Sean knew his career was finished. Even more, his dreams were shattered. Unfortunately, Hancock didn't even make to the Mississippi State Championship Tournament the following month in October 2017. Even more heartbreaking, Hancock's dream of winning the World Arm Wrestling League World Championship Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada quickly went rushing down the drain. Hancock injury was detrimental. It wasn't an simple fix. There was no band-aid big enough to heal his injury. Hancock discovered he had bad muscle damaged. Muscle damage so bad, he knew that no matter how hopeful he was, no matter how strong his faith, no matter how equipped he was mentally, deep down in his heart, he knew it would take a long time for his tendons and bones to heal. How long? Could it be days? Could it be a quick surgery? Perhaps he would be ready in a matter of weeks. Sports medicine is so advanced now a days, surely with today's technology, he would be back performing in no time. But Hancock was wrong. Normal procedure in arm wrestling is 12 months full rehab. A whole year. Heartbroken, disappointed, and injured, his friend Bj Fokakis had to drive him home. By now, as anyone can image and as most would had done in his position, Hancock had given up. Hancock was experiencing his lowest point in his career. He had mad up in his mind, there's no coming back from here. But that's when his life long friend Bj Fokakis stepped in and refused to allow him to give up. Fokakis, a champion in his own right, understood the concept of teammates. He understood what it meant to be even stronger when your teammate is down. He saw Hancock's future. He believed in his friend, even when it was difficult for Hancock to believe in himself. Fokakis had performed and won at the Mississippi State Championship. But he didn't feel complete or comfortable without Hancock by his side. A year full of exercising, mind boggling rehab, and a true friend in Hancock who wouldn't take no for an answer, Hancock had healed physically even better than before, although mentally, he still had a ways to go. He didn't think he was ready. He needed more time. But Fokakis refused and pushed him even further, drilling in his mind that his time was now. That time was just a few weeks ago on September 29, 2018. It was Hancock's first tournament since over a year ago in 2017. So just how emotional was Hancock? As he was standing in front of the crowd getting ready to perform, he recalls, "Here comes doubt, the fear, the wondering what will happen, the unknown. I've never been here before. What's gonna happen? Am I gonna get up there in front of my home town crowd and chicken out? Am I gonna get hurt again?" Hancock said. He went on to say, "The word scared is an understatement. I have literally worried myself sick for the past two weeks. Anyone that was at the tourney could see the nerves racking through me. The very first match meant the world to me!" Then the most heart wrenching moment finally came. The first match had ended. "Leonard Harkless pointed my way and said the word 'winner!'; a thousand pounds came off of my shoulders. All the fear was gone!" Hancock recalled. "For this whole next year I get to be a champion again! Feels great! I want to thank Bj for believing in me and getting me back out there!" exclaimed Hancock. Sean Hancock went on to become a winner. Not just any winner and not alone. Two Petal, MS natives, Bj Fokakis and Sean Hancock, not only won their matches, but are the current multiple time Mississippi State Companions. Hancock and Fokakis are now preparing for the Louisiana State championship in November followed by the Alabama State Championship in February. Then there's the Nationals in April 2019 with a bunch of smaller tournaments in between followed by the ultimate tournament, the world championships in Poland August 31- September 7, 2019. But the Pine Belt don't have to wait that long to see their state champions. Both Fakakis and Hancock will perform during Hubfest 2019 in front of Coney Island. Two friends, two champions, and a friend who saw a champion in his long life friend despite life's rumble.

With only days away from what many consider the most important election of our lifetime and an unprecedented high percentage of voters expected to turn out to the polls all across the country, the most important question for most citizens especially residents in Mississippi, is not whether if they will vote or not, but "WHERE DO I VOTE? To find out where you go and vote, including the specific address, name of building, and even a contact phone number, simply click here and enter your address. The Mississippi Secretary of State Office has provided a link on it's website to make it easier to find out where do you go vote. The election is schedule for Tuesday, November 6, 2018. However, if you think you will be out of town, a military personnel or family, a student, handicapped, a senior citizen, or if you think you have to work, you don't have to miss the November 6 election, you can go vote now. Forrest County Court House will be open Monday - Fri day, 8:00am - 5:00pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am - 12:00pm. This is called an absentee vote. All you need to vote is a simple photo i.d. It can be issued by your job, school, prison, or government. You can bring any form of photo i.d to cast your vote. With so many crucial races especially in Forrest County, from the Battle of Youth and County Court, Chancery Courts, even a special Forrest County Justice Court race to the battle over Congress, officials say it's important that everyone go out and vote.

For the rest of the month of October, it will be hot during the day and cold during the night. How hot? According to the National Weather Service, it will 82 degrees during the next few days. That's summer weather. Yet, during the night, it will be cold. How cold? According to the National Weather Service, the lows will be in the 50's almost each. If that's not crazy enough, can you guess the next day it's scheduled to rain? Halloween! Wednesday, October 31, according to the National Weather Service, there's a 60% chance of rain. For up to date weather, follow us on facebook.