20 October 2026
HATTIESBURG, MS – A $5.4 million sewer project in Hattiesburg, a coaching change at Pearl River Community College and 125 new car seats for Pine Belt officers lead this edition of Headlines Around the Pine Belt.
Here is what you need to know: Hattiesburg plans to replace aging sewer lines in the North Main Street neighborhood, PRCC football coach Seth Smith has resigned after seven seasons, and Leadership Pine Belt donated 125 car seats to local law enforcement. Sand Hill in Greene County is also now an accepted mailing city.
What happened in local government?
Hattiesburg plans North Main sewer work (Forrest County). The city plans a $5.4 million project to replace aging sewer lines in two parts of the North Main Street neighborhood, including one near Mabel Street, WDAM reported. A little over $4 million is expected to be forgiven through a state-run federal program. Leaders hope to award a contract by year’s end, with work next spring. “We’re excited to get this,” Mayor Toby Barker said.
Library to get new air system (Jones County). The Laurel-Jones County Library will replace its heating and air system, a project of about $40,000, WDAM reported. The city and county own the building equally, and Laurel will pay half. Director Karyn Walsh said the unit, last replaced in 2017, is “jury-rigged” for now. The library hopes bids go out within a month, with work done after the holidays.
Sand Hill becomes a mailing name (Greene County). The U.S. Postal Service has approved Sand Hill as an accepted mailing city for people served by the Richton Post Office, RHCJC News reported. The ZIP code stays 39476, and mail delivery and taxes do not change. A Sept. 15 letter confirmed the approval to Greene County Supervisor Efird Eubanks. “It’s a small community, but instead of when someone asks you where you’re from, you don’t tell them Richton; you tell them Sand Hill,” Eubanks said.
What happened in public safety?
125 car seats for local officers (Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Perry counties). Leadership Pine Belt’s Class of 2026 raised money for 125 car seats through its “Oh Baby, Buckle Up!” project, WDAM reported. The seats went to the Lamar, Forrest, Marion and Perry county sheriff’s offices and Hattiesburg police. Mikayla Beck said more than 400 citations were given for unbelted children in the area last year. “They save lives. That’s the bottom line,” Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel said.
Sheriff’s office seeks tipster in Abel Pryor case (Jones County). The Jones County Sheriff’s Department is asking the person who sent a crime tip on Oct. 13 about the Abel Pryor case to call Investigator Thad Windham at 601-425-7164 and leave a message with a return number, according to a department release. The department said the information will be kept confidential.
Burn bans still in place. Dry weather has several Pine Belt counties under burn bans this week. See Pine Belt Guide’s list of counties under a burn ban.
What happened around the community?
Seniors walk for breast cancer awareness (Jones County). About 40 seniors took part in the second annual Seniors in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Monday at the Dr. B.E. Murph Center in Laurel, WDAM reported. The event honored survivors, and vendors shared information on risks and resources.
New arts center in Lumberton (Lamar County). The Mill Art Haus, owned by Lamar County School District art teachers Chris and Taryn Holzinger, opened its first phase Oct. 17 during Lumberfest, WDAM reported. The owners plan theater, dance, pottery, painting and music classes. “There’s nothing for teens to do here,” Chris Holzinger said.
What is new in schools and sports?
PRCC football coach steps down (regional). Pearl River Community College announced Monday that head football coach Seth Smith has resigned after seven seasons, WDAM reported. His teams went 19-40, and this year’s team is 3-5 with two games left. Smith won South Division Coach of the Year in 2022. A search for the next coach is underway.
Lamar County school board race (Lamar County). Ben Smith and Alan Hartfield are running Nov. 3 for the open District D seat on the Lamar County school board. Read Pine Belt Guide’s look at both candidates.
What is coming up this week?
Southern Miss Homecoming Saturday (Forrest County). Southern Miss hosts Louisiana-Lafayette for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 24. Pine Belt Guide has the parade, Eagle Walk and kickoff times.
Giant pumpkin carving Thursday (Forrest County). Hattiesburg Avenues hosts a giant pumpkin carving at Keg and Barrel on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., according to the city’s October calendar.
Frequently asked questions
How much will the North Main sewer project cost?
About $5.4 million, with a little over $4 million expected to be forgiven, according to WDAM.
Who is replacing PRCC’s football coach?
A search for Seth Smith’s replacement is underway, according to WDAM.
Does Sand Hill get a new ZIP code?
No. The ZIP code stays 39476, and mail delivery and taxes do not change.
How do I reach Jones County investigators about the Abel Pryor case?
Call Investigator Thad Windham at 601-425-7164.