5 November 2026
HATTIESBURG, MS – The U.S. Senate race is still too close to call, two Pine Belt judge races are settled or headed to a runoff, and Wayne County investigators have more to say about remains found off U.S. 45. Here is what is happening around the Pine Belt on Thursday.
The short answer: Votes are still being counted in Mississippi’s Senate race. A chancery judge race in Forrest, Perry and Stone counties goes to a Dec. 1 runoff. And there is plenty to celebrate, from Columbia’s band to two Oak Grove football stars.
What is the latest on Tuesday’s election?
Senate race still too close to call (Forrest County and statewide). Democrat Scott Colom led Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith 464,926 to 463,788 Wednesday evening, with about 95.6% of the expected vote in, WDAM reported. That is a gap of 1,138 votes. Colom carried Forrest County, one of seven counties Hyde-Smith won in 2020 that now favor him, the station said. About 3,600 mail ballots were still uncounted, plus affidavit ballots. Counties must certify their results by Nov. 13, Mississippi Independent reported. All figures are unofficial.
Chancery judge race heads to a runoff (Forrest and Perry counties). George Schmidt and John Smallwood will meet Tuesday, Dec. 1, for Chancery Court District 13, Place 2, WDAM reported. The district covers Forrest, Perry and Stone counties. Schmidt has been a municipal judge for 18 years. “What sets me apart is I have the experience not only as a judge,” he said. Smallwood pointed to “32 years of practicing law in Mississippi.” Covington County also has a Dec. 1 runoff, Pine Belt Guide reported.
Thompson takes the bench Jan. 1 (Jones, Wayne and Greene counties). Jones County District Attorney Brad Thompson won the new circuit judge seat in the four-county 18th District, WDAM reported. He replaces retiring Judge Dal Williamson on Jan. 1. Thompson said he expects Gov. Tate Reeves to appoint someone to finish his term as DA. “I’m extremely excited. I’m grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to it,” he said. Pine Belt Guide is seeking details on the appointment. Read our earlier election roundup.
What is new in Wayne County?
More details on remains found near Shubuta (Wayne County). Timber cruisers found the remains Monday about a quarter mile into the woods past the Shubuta exit on U.S. 45, the Wayne County News reported. Clothing and a suitcase were also found. Chief Deputy Geoffery Clark said the suitcase looked “several years old,” but it is not known if the items are tied to the remains. The state Crime Lab is running DNA tests, which may take time. No name will be released until family is told.
School district selling old buses (Wayne County). The Wayne County Board of Education is taking sealed bids on 15 used vehicles, none of them running, according to a public notice. Most are school buses from 2005 to 2016. Bids are due by 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at the superintendent’s office, 1523A Sullivan Drive in Waynesboro. Call Michael Hall at 601-735-4581.
Fall festival set for Nov. 14 (Wayne County). The Northeast Wayne County Fire District and Matherville Volunteer Fire Department will host a fall festival starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, the Wayne County News reported.
Who is celebrating around the Pine Belt?
Columbia band wins fifth straight state title (Marion County). The Columbia High School band won its fifth straight Class 4A state championship and its 12th title overall, the Columbian-Progress reported. “It’s still exciting because a new group of kids, you know, every year,” band director Leslie Fortenberry said.
Two Oak Grove players picked for All-American Bowl (Lamar County). Senior defensive tackle Deven Robertson, an Oklahoma commit, and senior offensive tackle DJ Dotson, a Georgia commit, will play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, WDAM reported. “It’s a big blessing to have this opportunity to play in the game,” Robertson said.
Lumberton seniors honor veterans with quilts (Lamar County). The Lumberton Senior Center presented Quilts of Valor to two veterans Oct. 27, the Mississippi Free Press reported. One was Marion Turlich, who served more than 15 years in the Navy and Army. “I appreciate it very much that the people have recognized my time and service,” he said.
Museum honors Dr. Clarence Magee (Forrest County). The African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg gave Dr. Clarence Magee its Alvin Eaton Award on Wednesday, WJTV reported. He is the third person to receive it.
What else should you know this week?
“Great Comet” musical opens Friday (Forrest County). Southern Miss stages “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, according to the university calendar.
Jones College soccer falls in overtime (Jones County). Meridian beat No. 9 Jones College 1-0 in overtime Wednesday in the Region 23 semifinals, the college reported. The 16-2-2 Bobcats are waiting to learn if they get an at-large bid to nationals.
Burn bans still in place (several counties). Forrest County’s burn ban runs through Nov. 14 and Jones County’s through Nov. 16, WDAM reported. Sources disagree on end dates in Wayne and Marion counties. Check the Mississippi Forestry Commission before you burn.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Mississippi’s Senate race?
No winner had been declared as of Wednesday evening. Colom led by 1,138 votes in unofficial results.
When are the Pine Belt runoffs?
Tuesday, Dec. 1, for Chancery District 13, Place 2, and Covington County District 2 supervisor.
Can I burn outside this week?
Not in counties under a ban. Check the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s list first.