10 November 2026
HATTIESBURG, MS – Perry County supervisors open bids today on a countywide paving program, and the Hattiesburg and Petal school boards meet tonight. That leads this edition of Headlines Around the Pine Belt, which also covers a Veterans Day program at Petal High, Petal’s sewer plans, Thanksgiving and Angel Tree drives, a humanitarian award, free studio nights in Lumberton and Southern Miss and Jones College sports.
What is happening in local government and schools?
Perry County opens paving bids (Perry County). Perry County supervisors set 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, to open sealed bids for the 2026 County-Wide Roadway Paving and Maintenance Program at the courthouse, 103 Front Street West, in New Augusta, according to the county’s bid notice. The bids are to be opened and read in public. The notice does not list the roads or a cost estimate. Pine Belt Guide is seeking the bid results.
Two school boards meet tonight (Forrest County). The Hattiesburg Public School District board meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the administrative offices boardroom, according to the district’s board page. The Petal School District board also meets at 6 p.m. at 115 East Central Avenue in Petal, according to the district’s website. Neither district had posted an agenda by Tuesday morning.
Petal High salutes veterans (Forrest County). Petal High School’s JROTC will honor veterans Wednesday, Nov. 11, starting with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria, the district said. The program then moves to the new multipurpose center, with the band, show choir and other student groups. All current and former service members and their guests are invited. Call 601-554-7277 to learn more.
Petal mayor outlines the year ahead (Forrest County). Petal Mayor Tony Ducker told WDAM the city plans a multimillion-dollar sewer project. He did not give a cost or a start date. Ducker also said a walking trail more than a mile long, linking the sportsplex to South Main Street, is now finished.
What is happening in Pine Belt communities?
Turkeys wanted in Petal (Forrest County). The Petal Children’s Task Force is asking for $15 donations to buy turkeys for 350 Thanksgiving food boxes, WDAM reported. Each box also holds stuffing, yams, flour, sugar and cornmeal. Donations can be dropped off at 314 South George Street in Petal.
Kids Hub founder honored (Forrest County). The Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg named DiDi Ellis, founder and CEO of Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center, its Humanitarian of the Year on Monday, WDAM reported. The honor comes with $500 for Ellis and a $500 scholarship in her name for a local high school senior. “This is truly a representation of what it looks like to live in community,” Ellis said.
Angel Tree deadline nears in Laurel (Jones County). The Salvation Army of Laurel is taking Angel Tree adoptions through Sunday, Nov. 15, the Leader-Call reported. Trees are at Sawmill Square Mall, several local shops and the Salvation Army at 205 N. 13th Ave. The number is 601-428-4232. “We are asking everyone to consider adopting an angel this year so that no child in need gets left out,” Capt. Karen Felton said.
Free studio nights in Lumberton (Lamar County). The Mill Art Haus on Main Street in Lumberton is now open and offers a free open studio for all ages from 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays in November, WDAM reported. Owners Chris and Taryn Holzinger both teach in Lumberton schools. An open mic night is set for Nov. 20. Pine Belt Guide first reported the soft opening in October.
What is going on in local sports?
Free Southern Miss basketball tickets for groups (Forrest County). Southern Miss has started the Golden Eagle Community Corner, which gives free group tickets to nonprofits and youth groups for men’s and women’s home games this season, the school said. Groups can apply at App.southernmiss.com/CommunityCorner. Tickets depend on space, and not every request will be approved.
Lady Eagles roll; soccer season ends (Forrest County). The Southern Miss women beat Mississippi Valley State 75-55 Monday at Reed Green Coliseum behind 18 points from Kylie Marshall, Southern Miss On SI reported. They host Jackson State at 6 p.m. Thursday. Southern Miss soccer’s season ended Monday with a 2-0 loss to top-seeded James Madison in the Sun Belt quarterfinals, JMU Athletics reported.
Bobcats put perfect start on the line (Jones County). The Jones College men, 3-0, host South Arkansas College at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Ellisville, according to the team schedule.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Hattiesburg and Petal school boards meet?
Both meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. Petal’s board meets at 115 East Central Avenue.
How long can I adopt a Salvation Army angel in Laurel?
Through Sunday, Nov. 15. Call 601-428-4232 for details.
How can a nonprofit get free Southern Miss basketball tickets?
Apply at App.southernmiss.com/CommunityCorner. Requests are reviewed, and tickets depend on space.