Spotlight on the Pine Belt 2012

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Table of Contents Welcome ................................................. Page 4

Spotlight: Communities ..........7 Hattiesburg.......................................... Page 7 City of Hattiesburg The Area Development Partnership

Lamar County.................................... Page 11 Oak Grove - Purvis Sumrall - Lumberton

Petal .................................................... Page 16 City of Petal Petal Chamber of Commerce

Camp Shelby .................................... Page 18

Spotlight: Education ................19 Public Schools .................................. Page 19 Hattiesburg Public Schools Lamar County School District Petal Public Schools

On the cover: Featured are Patrick and Meredith Maloney of Hattiesburg. Photo by April & Paul Photography

Private Schools ................................ Page 23 Sacred Heart Catholic School Lamar Christian School Presbyterian Christian School

Colleges/universities ...................... Page 26 University of Southern Mississippi William Carey University Pearl River Community College

Spotlight: Health ......................31 Forrest General Hospital ..............................

Wesley Medical Center ................................

SE Miss. Rural Health Initiative......................

Hattiesburg Clinic ........................................

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33 34 36 36

Spotlight: Living ........................39 Hattiesburg Zoo ............................................Page 41 Area Libraries ................................................Page 42 Convention Center ........................................Page 44 County Multipurpose Centers ...................... Page 45 Playing in the Pine Belt ................................ Page 46 Area golf courses.......................................... Page 47 Longleaf Trace .............................................. Page 48 Downtown Hattiesburg ..................................Page 51 Made in the Pine Belt ....................................Page 52 Shopping awaits ............................................Page 53 Retirement in the Pine Belt .......................... Page 55 Advertiser’s Index.......................................... Page 56

© 2012 Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc: The Lamar Times s The Petal News s Signature Magazine editor/publisher David Gustafson • managing editor Beth Bunch • sales manager Missy Akins • art director Bill Benge editorial: Dana Gower s Josh Mlot • advertising: Shannon Fielder s Jessica Wallace • graphics: Emily Hall • office: Sonya James 103 N. 40th Ave. s Hattiesburg, MS 39401 s (601) 268-2331 - tel s (601) 268-2965 - fax s www.HubCitySPOKES.com

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Welcome...

O n behalf of the 150,000 residents of the greater Hattiesburg area, Iʼd like to take a moment to thank you for exploring the region weʼre blessed to call home.

The Pine Belt boasts many popular activities, attractions and comforts. Youʼll find a refreshing spirit and genuine Southern hospitality which makes the Pine Belt a welcoming destination.

Whether youʼre a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, weʼre confident youʼll find that the Pine Belt is truly your complete package for culture, recreation and quality of life.

Within the area are several towns and communities, each with its own certain charm.

The Longleaf Trace is Mississippiʼs first and only Rails-to-Trails project and South Mississippiʼs premier recreational attraction.

The 10-foot wide asphalt trail winds approximately 37 miles between two points, Prentiss and Hattiesburg. The conversion of this historic railway into a recreation trail provides a beautiful setting for biking, walking, roller blading and

horseback riding.

The beauty of the trail also makes it a perfect location for other activities such as outdoor photography, bird watching and picnicking.

For horseback riding enthusiasts, a 23mile equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved trail between the historic communities of Carson and Epley. An environmental asset, the Longleaf Trace offers it users the perfect opportunity to enjoy warm Southern hospitality and the unique towns of Sumrall, Prentiss, Bassfield, Carson and Hattiesburg.

The area is home to countless eateries and memorable dining experiences. In fact, hundreds of restaurants, cafés and delis call this area home, providing a large selection of cuisine to delight every taste bud.

Whether you are hungry for Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Chinese or Cajun/New Orleans style, youʼll find a place at the table for you. World famous barbeque, steakhouses and fine dining establishments call this area of the South home.

Shopping opportunities abound in the area from up-scale boutiques to discount

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Photo courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

stores for treasure hunters. With two malls and hundreds of other retail establishments both large and small, Pine Belt residents and visitors enjoy shopping that rivals that of cities several times its size.

Itʼs truly a destination spot for people throughout southern Mississippi and the neighboring states of Louisiana and Alabama.

And as if these amenities werenʼt enough, simply throw in the addition of two major universities, two outstanding community colleges and one of the Southʼs largest military installations, and the Pine Belt has it all.

But donʼt take our word for it.

See for yourself. We know you wonʼt regret it.

David Gustafson Hattiesburg Publishing

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Photo courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

Spotlight: Communities P erhaps one of the most unique qualities of the Pine Belt is the presence of so many diverse communities.

Whether youʼre looking for a quaint little town or a bustling urban setting, the greater Hattiesburg area has something for you.

From Sumrall in the north to Camp Shelby in the south and from Petal in the east to Purvis in the west, there are more than a dozen different communities to choose from.

Hattiesburg is the educational, retail and medical center for more than a quarter of a million people who live throughout the southeast Mississippi region.

Known as the "Hub City" because it is located at the intersections of Interstate 59 and U.S. Highways 49, 98 and 11, Hattiesburg is centrally located less than 100 miles from the state capital of Jackson as well as the Gulf Coast, New Orleans and Mobile.

This growing micropolitan area that

includes Hattiesburg, Forrest and Lamar counties, was designated a Metropolitan Statistical Area in 1994 with a combined population of more than 100,000 residents.

In addition to the cities and towns that residents have to choose from, several other “communities” are proud to call the Pine Belt home including the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University, and the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, one of the largest Armed Forces training centers in the South.

The regionʼs medical community is unparalleled for an area of this size boasting nearly 500 physicians per 100,000 people, while the national average is less than 200 physicians per 100,000 people. In all, the medical industry here employs more than 8,200 people and generates nearly $400 million in labor income to area residents.

Growth is visible throughout the Pine Belt

thanks to a pro-business attitude that is deeply rooted in a strong and diverse economy. This area has a superb business climate for the small business owner as well as the corporate citizen.

Weʼre convinced that the area is booming with economic and commercial activity, because the Greater Hattiesburg Area has big city advantages with small town charm.

More and more companies are discovering that the Pine Belt is a place with the ability and the desire to make things happen.

In recent years, a California-based solar panel manufacturing firm announced plans to invest some $500 million to create a production line that will ultimately create 1,000 new jobs for area residents.

Big things are happening in the Pine Belt and weʼre excited to see what the future might hold.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc.

Hattiesburg

P

ositioned at the fork of the Leaf and Bouie Rivers – the heart of South Mississippi's rolling piney woods – greater Hattiesburg provides a unique blend of affordability and high standard of living for more than 100,000 residents.

Hattiesburg is the educational, retail and medical center for more than a quarter of a million people who live throughout the southeast Mississippi region and is also the home of the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and Camp Shelby.

Known as the "Hub City" because it is located at the intersections of Interstate 59 and U.S. Highways 49, 98 and 11, Hattiesburg is centrally located less than 100 miles from the state capital of Jackson as well as the Gulf Coast, New Orleans and Mobile.

This growing micropolitan area that includes Hattiesburg, Forrest and Lamar counties, was designated a Metropolitan Statistical Area in 1994 with a combined population of more than 100,000 residents.

Livability During the last several years, Hattiesburg has been recognized nationally for its livability including the following areas: n Healthcare n Most Popular Destinations n Retirement Communities n Business Relocation Continued economic expansion during the past few years has made Hattiesburg one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing areas in the Southeast.

With its economic beginnings in the timber industry of the late 1800s, to the mobilization of the military in 1915 and World War II at Camp Shelby, to the prosperous growth of the 1990s, Hattiesburg stands ready to move forward in the new century as a progressive, economically healthy community that nurtures a quality of life second to none.

History Hattiesburg was founded in 1882 by Captain William H. Hardy, pioneer lumberman and civil engineer. Early settlers to the area were of Scottish, Irish and English descent who came from Georgia and the Carolinas, attracted by the vast acreage of virgin pine timberlands. This was an area of rich promise at a time when renewed development of the South was getting under way.

The City of Hattiesburg was incorporated in 1884 with a population of approximately 400. Originally called Twin Forks and later Gordonville, Hardy gave the city its final name of Hattiesburg, in honor of his wife, Hattie.

Also in 1884, the railroad, known as the Southern Railway System, was built from Meridian through Hattiesburg to New Orleans. The commercial value of the great virgin timber stands was quickly recognized and, for a time, timberland was available for as little as 50 cents to $1.50 an acre. Mills sprang up; naval store plants came on the heels of the timber industry, and turpen-

Photo courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

tine stills became as numerous as the sawmills.

The completion of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad from Gulfport to Jackson, now part of the Illinois Central System, ran through Hattiesburg and ushered in the real lumber boom in 1897. Though it was 20 years in the building, the railroad more than fulfilled its promise. It gave the state a deep water harbor, more than doubled the population of towns along its route, built the City of Gulfport and made Hattiesburg a railroad center.

After World War I, Hattiesburg found a new way of life became necessary. The people of the region were able to adjust themselves and proved willing to find new and diverse ways of making a living – bringing with them further population booms.

The Area Development Partnership The Area Development Partnership (ADP) is a regional organization dedicated to providing chamber of commerce, community and economic development services to the Pine Belt area including Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties, the City of Hattiesburg and the City of Petal.

The Area Development Partnership's mission is to stimulate economic growth through the resources of its members and partners leading to an improved economic well-being and quality of life for Greater Hattiesburg Area citizens.

With more than 1,100 members, the ADP is successful in uniting businesses and individuals all focused on one goal – the betterment of the Pine Belt.

www.HubCitySPOKES.com Competitive Edge Campaign In 2011, the ADP implemented a community-wide, five-year initiative to guide and stimulate economic and community growth in Greater Hattiesburg.

The Competitive Edge Campaign, as it is known, was developed in 2010 by more than 100 key corporate and community leaders from across Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties.

This comprehensive program is a bold effort to bring corporate and community leadership together with public officials for the good of Greater Hattiesburg.

One hundred thirty investors got on board with the campaign by making annual contributions to the ADP's 501(c)(3) Partnership Foundation to fuel the initiative.

According to Campaign Leadership Council co-chairmen, Warren Hood and Lawrence W. Warren, The ADP's mission is to enhance the quality of life in the region through economic progress. This exciting five-year economic and community development program will build on

Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012 the many successes of the Partnership for a Better Tomorrow initiative and create an environment where business and community leaders can collaborate with local, state and federal officials to develop and implement dynamic new programs that will enable us to take charge of our growth and economic destiny.

Hood and Warren believe in order to be successful, the ADP needs the input, energy, ideas and financial support from everyone in the region.

The Business Action Plan calls for: • Business Retention, Expansion and Workforce Development • Business Recruitment • Site/Infrastructure Development and Advocacy for Key Transportation/Port Improvements • Community Relations and Military Affairs • Retiree Recruitment During the next five years, it is believed that Competitive Edge will stimulate the regional economy as follows:

Ongoing impact • $100,000,000 in direct capital investments projected from new and expanding companies • 1,200 direct new jobs • 570 indirect and induced jobs • 1,770 total jobs (direct, indirect and induced) • $63,000,000 in new and expanded payrolls • $9,300,000 in additional local and state tax revenues Additional Impact (Construction/Project Implementation) .

1,100 direct, indirect and induced construction/implementation jobs • $40,000,000 payroll • $7,000,000 in additional local and state tax revenues Total Impact • 2,870 jobs • $103,000,000 payroll • $16,300,000 in additional local and state tax revenues • $167,000,000 in total impact • $83 return for each dollar invested Competitive Edge will directly benefit every business in the Greater Hattiesburg area The total Competitive Edge

Page 9 Economic impact: $167,000,000; Capital Investment Economic Impact: $70,000,000; Expansion Economic Impact: $53,000,000; Recruitment Economic Impact: $44,000,000 Mike Collins serves as the Campaign's general chairman, alongside Hood and Warren.

Greg Garraway and Ted Webb are co-chairs of the Advance Division.

Every business, every professional and every citizen in the Greater Hattiesburg Area will benefit from this campaign, according to the ADP. As the old saying goes, "A rising tide lifts all boats."

They believe economic development will have a positive effect across the entire threecounty region.

Expansions of existing business and industry, new entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as new business and industry will create hundreds of new jobs, millions in new capital investments, millions in new and expanded payrolls and millions in new tax revenues.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Chamber of Commerce The ADP is focused on helping businesses grow and prosper through several regular networking and professional development opportunities.

Listed below are some of the many programs and events hosted by the ADP throughout the year that focus on bringing the ADP membership together for social, networking and educational opportunities. n Leadership Pinebelt n Business Advisory Seminars n Professional Development Series n Pine Belt Young Professionals n Pastries & Politics n First Friday n Business After Hours n SE Mississippi Community Investment Corporation n Retirement Connectors n Ambassadors n Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings n HUBFEST n The Great Pine Belt Expo n The Annual Corporate Golf Challenge n ‌and more!

Leadership Pinebelt is celebrating 23 years of nurturing emerging leaders from the area. Each year, following a competitive application process, 20 individuals are selected and participate in workshops, programs and project development to grow their leadership skills.

Pine Belt Young Professionals is an addition to the program of work of the Area Development Partnership, focused on developing and retaining young talent in the area with regular community involvement, networking and professional development opportunities specifically geared for individuals between the ages of 20 and 40.

The Area Development Partnership strives to ensure that the quality of life for the Pine Belt region is enhanced through economic progress.

HUBFEST, the Corporate Golf Challenge and the Great Pine Belt Exposition are other examples of how the Area Development Partnership is helping grow this community.

Each are annual events with a different focus. HUBFEST is a large, outdoor festival that brings thousands of individuals to downtown Hattiesburg for art, music, food and fun. The Corporate Golf Challenge is a way for business leaders in the community to spend a day with each other and celebrate existing industry.

The Great Pine Belt Exposition, celebrating 21 years in 2011, brings area businesses to one location to showcase their products and services to area citizens.

Economic/Community Development The Greater Hattiesburg Metropolitan

Photo courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

Statistical Area (MSA) has something to offer everyone – from large businesses to individuals. With a low cost of living, great business climate, complete package of quality of life, recreation and leisure activities as well as community and social services, there's nothing missing in the Greater Hattiesburg Area.

This region boasts a diverse economy with strength in a variety of industries including military, manufacturing, medical, retail and other services and education.

Facts and Figures n The population is expected to grow 5.74 percent between 2009 and 2014. n There are currently approximately 140,925 citizens residing the in the Greater Hattiesburg MSA. n Persons age 16 and older, an age group of interest to employers, consists of approximately 108,203 persons or 76.8 percent of the population. n The current MSA labor force is about 62,721 people strong with an Average Household Income (AHI) of $52,265 n The region contains more than 25,000 college students.

The Greater Hattiesburg MSA labor mar-

ket is quite competitive, but there are several hidden markets that offer recruiting potential.

One of these hidden markets is second income earners. They provide many flexible, part-time and full-time jobs to employers.

Another hidden market is college students.

There are two four-year universities in the MSA with college students available for high quality, part-time, moderate cost labor for employers.

Several institutions of higher learning, including the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and area community colleges such as Pearl River Community College and Jones County Junior College constantly provide a stream of young, bright minds into the Pine Belt region. Pearl River Community College's Advanced Technology Center continues to drive workforce development and training for individuals seeking to start or grow their career in a specific field.

Visit www.theADP.com or call 601-2967500 for more information on events, how to become a member, or any other questions regarding the Area Development Partnership.

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Lamar County

L

amar County is a diverse collection of communities and residents that includes everything from high-end retail establishments to industrial complexes and everything in between. And with a growing – and successful – school district driving positive growth throughout the county, the future looks bright.

In fact, growth in Lamar County continues to accelerate, with population estimates and projections up nearly 60 percent since 1990.

The current population figures are up nearly 25 percent from just eight years ago.

The Lamar County region maintains a cost of living level considerably lower than the national average. In fact, the area is 10 percent below the national average. Included in this index are costs associated with housing, utilities, transportation and health care, among others.

Residents in the area can enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. Little Black Creek Water Park is a 1,300-acre state operated park located between Purvis and Lumberton. Longleaf Trace, with more than 40 miles between its two points of origin, Prentiss and Hattiesburg, is a recreation trail providing a beautiful setting for biking, walking, roller blading and horseback riding.

There are also a number of public and private golf clubs in the area.

Lamar County residents are fortunate to have the conveniences of one of Mississippi's largest progressive cities, yet maintain the quiet serene surroundings and the quality of life the county offers.

The area has gained national prominence in a variety of areas, from science and technology to sports and healthcare. All facets of a community that constitute quality of life – low cost of living, a favorable business climate, recreation and leisure activities and community and social services – make Lamar County one of the most progressive communities in the state.

Home to some of the state's top schools and scholars, the area continues to build a solid education system through programs such as Tech Prep. The University of Southern Mississippi, located in Hattiesburg, is part of the state university system, which has produced the sixth highest number of Rhodes Scholars in the nation.

The Lamar County labor shed region has a labor force in excess of 104,319. Work ethic and after-work ethic is extremely high, giving a sense of pride to the area employ-

ees and employers.

State-sponsored training programs can be customized to meet the individual needs of new and expanding businesses. Training can be provided in vocational technical centers located within the region, in mobile units near business facilities, at plant sites or a combination if desired.

With the Lowery Woodall Center, Lamar County has proven to be one of the area's most recognized for workforce training.

These services are provided to qualified industry and businesses at no cost.

The Lamar County region offers direct north-south and east-west commercial rail service. Interstate 59 and U.S. Highway 49 provide four-lane north-south access, and U.S. Highway 98 provides four-lane eastwest access.

In addition, the east-west corridors of I-10 and I-20 are located to the immediate south and north of the region, respectively, and the north-south corridor of I-55 is located to the immediate west.

Water transportation is available to the east through the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and south at the deep-water ports of New Orleans, Gulfport, Pascagoula and Mobile, Ala.

Oak Grove, although not an incorporated city, has taken on many of the aspects of one in recent years, boasting modern, attractive subdivisions, state-of-the-art neighborhood schools, convenient stores and restaurants and an active library, civic center and government offices.

Known for the excellence of its schools, Oak Grove currently has the highest enrollment in the Lamar County School District.

More than 5,000 students are attending schools in Oak Grove – about 2,500 at the primary and elementary schools, 1,200 at the middle school and 1,500 at the high school.

Oak Grove schools have come a long way since the first four-month school opened in 1897, 25 years after the first homesteader arrived in Oak Grove.

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According to a history of the Oak Grove community, which was written in 1927, the homestead was purchased for $20 in 1877

by Elijah Ladner, who erected a new home soon after. That home, located off Old Highway 11, still stands to this day.

"In 1897, there were enough settlers in the community to begin a four-month school...with one teacher at a salary of $25 per month," the community history states.

"The teacher paid $5 a month for board.

The average daily attendance was 15 pupils."

The history notes that, by 1904, "all the timber was cut, leaving nothing but a few very small pines and oak bushes...You could see for miles. Today, the county has grown up in oaks – this being the source from which the community has found its name – Oak Grove."

By 1927, promoters of the area were boasting of its convenient location and "modern" roads, noting, "Good gravel roads lead to Hattiesburg, Sumrall, Columbia and Purvis, so that traveling to or from Oak Grove can be enjoyed 12 months in the year."

Growth came slowly to the area, however, accelerating after the development of the Lake Serene subdivision. The first lake of what would become Lake Serene was built around 1949 or 1950, but it wasn't until about 1964 that the area was subdivided for residential housing. By the early 1970s, the area was beginning to build up.

Efforts in the past to incorporate the area have been unsuccessful, with the most recent attempt made in 2006. Despite its status as an unincorporated area, however, Oak Grove is the most densely-settled area in Lamar County outside the Hattiesburg city limits, serving as a business and residential hub in the county.

Purvis, the county seat for Lamar County, has managed to maintain its small town charm while experiencing both residential and commercial growth. This year, Purvis welcomed a Fredʼs Super Dollar, which opened in January.

The city is home to the Lamar County Fairgrounds and Multipurpose Facility, which hosts events ranging from rodeos and fairs to truck shows. Events are scheduled at the facility almost every weekend and other days throughout the week. A Mississippi Highway Patrol driverʼs license center opened last year to better serve area residents. The office, which is currently open from 8:30-4:30 only on Mondays, is located in the extension center at the front of the multipurpose facility.

Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

The Lamar County Museum also is located in Purvis at the old train depot. The museum houses thousands of documents, photographs and other memorabilia.

One of the major events in the town's history occurred 20 years after the city incorporated in 1888 when a tornado struck the town in April of 1908. More than half of the homes in the city were destroyed and property damage was substantial.

During the storm, the hands of the courthouse clock stopped at exactly 4 p.m. The clock was left at that time as a reminder of the event until the courthouse burned in the late 1930s. A major renovation of the historic Circuit Courthouse currently is underway.

With its convenient location, city and county offices and wide variety of businesses, the city has seen continuous long-term growth. The city has seen a number of businesses and restaurants open in recent years.

Purvis also is home to such diverse facilities as the South Mississippi State Hospital and the Lamar County Vocational Technical Center.

The Purvis public schools are part of the Lamar County School District, which also has its administrative offices located in the city.

Purvis High School was recognized as the first high school in the nation to receive the Gold Award of Distinction, the highest award given, from the USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge program. Purvis Lower and Upper Elementary schools and Purvis Middle School also received the award. The HealthierUS School Challenge was estab-

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lished in 2004 to recognize schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity.

Purvis also is home to Lamar Christian School, which sits off of Highway 589 North.

Purvis also boasts of its public library, part of the county library system.

Convenient to Hattiesburg, Purvis is located just 58 miles from Gulfport and 92 miles from New Orleans. The city is the highest point between New Orleans and Meridian.

Numbers to call include: n Purvis City Hall, 601-794-2472 n Police Dept., 601-796-6512 n Public Works, 601-794-8900 n Purvis High School, 601-794-6221 n Purvis Middle School, 601-794-1068 n Purvis Upper Elem., 601-794-2959 n Purvis Elementary, 601-794-2959

Sumrall is named after Union soldier Daniel Sumrall and boasts a history of both major industry and rowdy living. Now a growing community of about 1,400, the town is a blend of old-style charm and modern convenience.

Sumrall was settled in 1874 when Dan Sumrall built a log cabin near Mill Creek. A post office was established that year with Sumrall as postmaster, and the office was named for him.

By 1901, Sumrall consisted of a water mill, gin and small store. The water mill was bought the following year by the J.J. Newman Lumber Company and a sawmill

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was erected on the site.

Sumrall celebrated its Centennial in 2003, and the town's unique and colorful history can be found at the town's museum. The nearby historic jail and courtroom, which housed the first all-woman jury in the state, has been renovated and stands nearby.

The L.R. Boyer Memorial Library, located next to Sumrall's junior high and high schools, also offers residents a stop for research or pleasure reading.

Sumrall has also been the site of Lamar County's annual Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Among other annual events held throughout the year, the town is known for its parades, including those held on the Fourth of July and during a day-long Christmas season celebration.

The town also has celebrated four consecutive state championships by Sumrall High School's baseball team, which set a state record for most consecutive wins.

Sumrall's schools are the town始s major employer, but the city also is home to a variety of retail stores and restaurants.

Locals and visitors can choose from a variety of local eateries, ranging from homegrown local establishments to popular chain restaurants.

Other businesses in the Sumrall area which provide employment include educational, health and social services, retail trade and manufacturing.

Sumrall is a rest stop on the Longleaf Trace, a walking and riding trail that extends

Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

from Prentiss to Hattiesburg. It's location near Hattiesburg provides a variety of other recreational and educational opportunities.

Sumrall also is located just 77 miles from the state capital in Jackson and 106 miles from New Orleans.

Numbers to call include: n Sumrall City Hall, 601-758-3591 n Fire and Police Depts, 601-758-3531 n Sewer Department, 601-758-4719

Lumberton, the oldest settlement in Lamar County, was once a thriving lumber town. Now a community of about 2,000 population, the city boasts a unique culture with an eclectic mix of long-time and newer residents.

The town's history is showcased at the Lumberton Museum, located in the old City Hall/Jail building on the city's main avenue.

The museum houses a wealth of photographs, books and relics from the town's past. Bass Pecan Company, whose history intertwines with the town, is also showcased at the museum.

The Lumberton Library, also located on the town's main avenue, is an active part of the community, providing not only a wealth of educational opportunities but a meeting place for a variety or organizations and groups to meet.

Lumberton is also home to what was the first agricultural high school in the state, founded in 1911. Now, Lumberton High School has a tradition of educational and

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athletic excellence, adding the 2010 football state championship to its long string of successes.

Nearby Baxterville School, part of the Lamar County School District, provides additional educational opportunities in the area.

Just a few miles north of town between Lumberton and Purvis is Bass Memorial Academy, which provides a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian education for high school students.

The Little Black Creek Water Park, also located between Lumberton and Purvis, has picnic areas, a stocked lake, campsites and cabins.

Located just 82 miles from New Orleans, Lumberton became home to a number of former residents of that city following Hurricane Katrina, bringing a new blend of culture to the community.

Lumberton is also just 49 miles from Gulfport, making it conveniently located near a plethora of shopping, entertainment and sports venues.

The Gold Coast Skydivers, an active business that provides skydiving opportunities to professionals and newcomers alike, makes its home at the Lumberton airport.

Important numbers to call include: n Lumberton City Hall, 601-796-7000 n Police Department, 601-796-7002 n Police Dispatch, 601-796-8891 n Fire Department, 601-796-8901 n Public Works, 601-796-3600

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Petal

W

hether you know Petal as "The Friendly City," "Mississippi's Most Livable Community" or a "Sports Illustrated Sportstown," you get the same great place to live. Just ask some of the more than 10,000 residents who are proud to call it home.

As the only city in the United States with the name Petal, the city got its name from Petal Polk, the daughter of the town's first postmaster. Two of the oldest churches in the county, Green's Creek Baptist and Petal Presbyterian, call Petal home.

New growth along the Evelyn Gandy Parkway, which connects Interstate 59 to Highway 42, continues to help the city thrive. The parkway is named for the late Evelyn Gandy, a former state lieutenant governor, who lived in the area.

Among the city's varied retail businesses, you'll find restaurants ranging from national fast-food chains to the popular mom-andpop diners and fish houses, which provide a wide variety of dining choices.

A bowling alley and skating rink have been a mainstay for many years and provide a recreational venue for the residents, as does the Family YMCA. Petal is also home to an active park and recreation program, which offers a variety of sports. New ballfields at the Robert E. Russell Sports Complex, which opened this year, will welcome tournaments from across the state and region.

The city also is home to the Petal Public Library, Petal Civic Center and Willie Hinton Park, formerly Relay Park, home of the annual Relay for Life fundraising effort for the American Cancer Society. This year's Relay raised in excess of $114,000 and brought together 4,000 to 6,000 supporters.

Clubs and organizations such as the LeBonte Club, Petal Children's Task Force, Heritage Club, Rotary Club and AARP also take an active role in community service.

The Petal Kiwanis Club celebrated 60 years of service this spring.

The Petal Area Chamber of Commerce believes that the city is its own "best kept secret." Known for its excellent schools, churches, recreation and quality of life, those who live in Petal know that it's the premier place to live, work and play and, of course, raise a family.

A private, voluntary, not-for-profit organization of business and professional people, the chamber is dedicated to improving the economic environment of the community and fostering the development of business-

growth.

From welcoming new businesses to working with existing businesses and organizations, the Chamber stays active throughout the year promoting the city's business climate and enhancing the overall quality of life of the Friendly City.

Whether you are a current resident, business owner or looking to relocate your family or new business to Petal, the Chamber knows that residents have the advantage of living in a big city with a small town charm.

There are many opportunities of living in Petal. A few of the many things that make the city great are: • A thriving business community with many more businesses expressing an interest to locate there. While special customer service is missing in most of your larger cities, Petal is a city that works with the chamber to instill community pride.

• Petal is known for its outstanding school system. Not only do they have some of the best schools in the state, but they also have an early childhood program that works with babies beginning at birth. As a pilot program, Excel by Five was brought to Petal, which became the first Excel By Five Certified Community in the U.S. The city also offers the very first specialized Dyslexia school in the state, with their 3-D School.

• The city is dedicated to providing the very best public service and safety. Police and fire departments are committed to the safety of the residents, while water, street and sanitation departments work to be proactive, reacting to issues 24 hours a day.

• Petal has always been known as a com-

munity full of recreational opportunities. The recreation department has ongoing activities for children, which include ballgames, a citywide Easter Egg Hunt, Night Out Against Crime cookout and Pizza with Santa.

A skateboard park and children's playground became operational in spring 2009 and a ribbon cutting was held in May for the new ballfields at the Robert E. Russell Sports Complex.

Petal is home to the state's first Dog Park. There are two city walking tracks and three within the Petal area. For those who like the indoor exercise experience, Petal is home to the Petal Family YMCA. • A Senior Center offers activities five days a week, seven hours per day. Just Over the Rainbow Theater is housed in the Cultural Center, adjacent to the senior center.

• Petal is very much a community centered around family events. The American Cancer Society's annual Relay For Life starts the year off in May, with the Christmas Parade and Lighting of Trees winding things up in December. A Fall Festival was held for the first time in 2011.

During the past year, the Chamber participated in 11 ribbon-cutting events and welcomed 13 new members.

Recent highlights range from the reality of Taco Bell, Chili's, Huddle House and Loweʼs opening their doors to the opening of the new baseball complex and football stadium at Petal High School. The city also saw the expansion and renovation of its Wal-Mart store, along with a steady growth in sales tax collections.

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Hattiesburg Publishing

Camp Shelby

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estled amongst the pines off Hwy. 49,12 miles south of Hattiesburg, Camp Shelby is the largest stateowned and operated field training site in the United States.

The post encompasses more than 134,832 acres. It is a training ground for the Abrams M1Tank, Howitzers and home to the 3rd Brigade 87th Division Training Support.

Camp Shelby was established in 1918.

The post was named in honor of Isaac Shelby, Indian fighter, Revolutionary War hero and the first governor of Kentucky, by the 38th Division, the first troops to train at the post.

In 1934, the state of Mississippi acquired the site for use as a summer camp by the National Guard. Because of its natural advantages of climate, terrain and location, it was reopened in 1940 as a federal installation.

The famous Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion trained here in preparation for World War II. Womenʼs Army Corps (WAC) units also trained here. The post contained a large convalescent hospital and had a prisoner of war camp which housed members of the German Afrika Corps.

The post closed shortly after the end of Word War II. During the Korean Conflict, Camp Shelby was established as an Emergency Railhead Facility.

In the summer of 1954, non-divisional National Guard units trained at Camp Shelby and in 1956, it was designated a permanent training site by Continental Army Command (now Forces Command). More than 5,000 troops were processed through Camp Shelby during Desert Storm Operations.

On July 6, 2006, Camp Shelby Training Site stood up as a Title 10 USC mobilization center to train deploying troops for overseas

missions supporting Operation Iraq Freedom. Now, throughout the year, more than 100,000 troops from all branches of the United States military train in South Mississippi.

Numerous non-DOD and civilian agencies also conduct activities at the site.

Mobilization Center Shelby, now known as Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, has trained tens of thousands of troops and successfully deployed the 278th Regimental Combat Team and the 155th Brigade Combat Team to areas in CENTCOMʼs area of operation.

The success of this training is the result of “Theater Immersion” training. This training concept, developed by LtG Russell Honoré of First Army immerses the soldier into a training environment that simulates the battlefield.

In April of 2005, the post reawakened with the Reveille, the first post newspaper in 60 years. With the assistance of Hattiesburg Publishing, the newspaper is published and distributed exclusively at racks around the post every two weeks.

Camp Shelbyʼs Public Affairs Office originally published the Reveille during WWII, but it had been out of publication since the end of the war. In 2010, Reveille was honored by the Mississippi Press Association for its dedication to providing news and information to soldiers.

One of the highlights of the post is the Armed Forces Museum which features more than 16,000 square feet in exhibit space, a theater, gift shop, Medal of Honor tower, a central courtyard, a library and archive and ra ow of monuments dedicated to units that trained at Camp Shelby and Mississippi veterans groups.

The museum facilities can readily accommodate groups including veteranʼs association reunions.

The museum serves as the military history museum for the state and honors the service and sacrifices of Mississippiʼs servicemen and women of all branches and those from other parts of the country that trained in Mississippi during times of war.

The museumʼs state-of-the-art exhibits tell personal stories of the heroes and heroines and serves to educate future generations about the price paid for the freedom and prosperity Americans enjoy today.

The museum, which is interactive and immersive, holds more than 17,000 artifacts in its collection ranging from large military vehicles, weapons and equipment to archival materials relating to the history of Mississippiʼs veterans and training facilities.

“You can listen to the history on some exhibits and read from others, while feeling the sensations, hearing the noise, seeing flashes of ʻgunshotʼ and even smelling the war throughout various displays,” said Museum Director Chad Daniels.

Exhibits honor 19th Century Conflicts, World War I, World War II, Cold War, Korean War, New World Order and Gulf War. Most of the items housed in the museum are property of the state of Mississippi through the willingness of friends and relatives to honor or memorialize loved ones who have fought in the various battles of our nation through their donations.

The museum library has more than 4,500 volumes relating to United States military history. The museum archives contain more than 2,000 historic documents including materials relating to German Prisoner of War Camps in Mississippi.

The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. There is no admission charge.

Camp Shelby is located 12 miles south of Hattiesburg on Hwy. 49 South.

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Spotlight: Education T Hattiesburg Public Schools

he district is located in the heart of Hattiesburg and has an enrollment of about 4,500 students.

The mission of the school district – whose hallmark is commitment to diversity, quality and continuous improvement in partnership with an engaged and supportive community – is to enable all of its students, through innovative teaching in a safe, nurturing environment, to become creative and analytical thinkers, self-directed lifelong learners and effective communicators who are productive citizens of a dynamic, global community.

James Q. Bacchus serves as superintendent for the Hattiesburg Public School District. “Our focus is always on our students. Every decision we make and every policy we create must have students at its heart,” said Bacchus on the school districtʼs website.

“I know that reaching our students at an earlier age, before Kindergarten, before Pre-K, at the earliest stages of learning is one of the most important things that we as a community can do to help them be prepared for school. Our main goals are going to be to increase student achievement and to lower the drop out rate here in Hattiesburg. To accomplish those goals we will need the support of everyone in Hattiesburg. We cannot do it alone.

“I am encouraged to see our attendance rate is around 95 percent. That means that the majority of our students are coming to school and we have an opportunity to teach them. HPSD has so much to be proud of and we continue to reach for heights of excellence. We offer an array of instructional opportunities to meet the needs of our diverse learners, including: Pre-Advanced Placement courses, Advanced Placement courses, Career & Technical Education programs and a district General Equivalency Diploma (GED) program to name a few.”

The schools are home to a championship forensic and debate team, an award-winning string orchestra program and an abundance of other extra-curricular programs and a much sought-after jazz band.

Hattiesburg also offers numerous athletic programs including powerlifting, tennis, golf, soccer, bowling, swimming and even archery.

The district and all schools are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Some of the district's accomplishments on the national, state and regional level include: n The No Child Left Behind 2005 American Star Teacher recipient n Project Assist grant recipient n A $7 million-plus technology grant from Cisco Systems Inc. n 2006 Class 5A State Baseball Championship n NASA Explorer School grant recipient n 21st Century School site Hattiesburg Public Schools James Q. Bacchus, Superintendent 301 Mamie St., Hattiesburg 601-544-0811 Lillie Burney Elementary (PreK-6) 901 Ida Avenue, Hattiesburg 601-582-5291 Grace Christian Elementary (K-6) 2207 W. 7th Street, Hattiesburg 601-583-0662

Rowan Elementary (PreK-6) 500 Martin Luther King Drive, Hattiesburg 601-583-0960 Hawkins Elementary (PreK-6) 526 Forrest Street, Hattiesburg 601-583-4311 Thames Elementary (PreK-6) 2900 Jamestown Road, Hattiesburg 601-582-6655 Woodley Elementary (PreK-6) 2006 O'Ferrall Street, Hattiesburg 601-583-8112 N.R. Burger Middle School (7-8) 174 WFS Tatum Road, Hattiesburg 601-582-0536 Mary Bethune Alternative Center 610 Dumas Avenue, Hattiesburg 601-584-6311 Hattiesburg High School (9-12) 301 Hutchinson Avenue 601-544-081

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Lamar County School District

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CSD has a distinguished tradition of pride and success, reflected in a thriving, supportive community, highachieving students, an award-winning, welltrained, devoted faculty, strong visionary leadership and an outstanding record of excellence and achievement in academics and activities.

The High Performing school district has three schools – Sumrall High School, Oak Grove High School and Oak Grove Middle School – ranked as Star Schools, the highest accreditation level in the state.

The mission of the Lamar County School District is "to provide a quality education in a safe and healthy learning environment with opportunities for all students to experience success." Itʼs vision, “Our students will be thriving, productive leaders who make a positive influence in their lives and the lives of others.”

“Itʼs a simple concept, but one that we strongly believe in,” said Dr. Ben Burnett, district superintendent To this end, curriculum and programs are developed to meet the needs of the student population: Special Services, ESL, Gifted Dyslexia/Reading, After School/In School Tutoring, Visual Arts, Theater, Music/Choir and Band, a rigorous college prep curriculum, state-of-the-art technical programs and an array of extra-curricular activities which showcase special skills and talents.

"In an effort to incorporate the tools necessary for success in the 21st Century into the curriculum, Lamar County is committed to securing additional resources which will allow each student to participate in a world class education," said Burnett.

Students complete a senior exhibition of

Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

achievement, a culminating activity to integrate overall learning experiences to connect, make meaning of and effectively use discrete knowledge and skills.

Four new elementary schools opened in the 2007-2008 school year: one each in Sumrall and Purvis and two in the Oak Grove area, providing space for about 3,000 students. Even with these additional classrooms, the district continues to be near capacity.

Last July, the district announced a new elementary school, Longleaf Elementary, would be constructed north of West Fourth Street and would house about 750 students in grades K-5. The school is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2013.

Lamar County School District Dr. Ben Burnett, Superintendent 424 Martin Luther King Drive, Purvis 601-794-1030 Baxterville School (K-8) 5331 Hwy. 13, Lumberton 601-796-4483 Purvis Lower Elementary (K-2) 5402 U.S. Hwy. 11, Purvis 601-794-3302 Purvis Upper Elementary (3-5) 310 Mitchell Ave, Purvis 601-794-2959 Purvis Middle School (6-8) 220 School Street, Purvis 601-794-1068 Purvis High School (9-12) 220 School Street, Purvis 601-794-2708

Hattiesburg Publishing

Sumrall Elementary School (K-5) 198 Todd Road, Sumrall 601-758-4935 Sumrall Middle School (6-8) Highway 42, Sumrall 601-758-4416 Sumrall High School (9-12) Center Avenue, Sumrall 601-758-4730 Oak Grove Primary (K-1) 70 Leaf Lane, Hattiesburg 601-264-9764 Oak Grove Lower Elementary (2-3) 1762 Old Hwy. 24, Hattiesburg 601-268-3862 Oak Grove Upper Elementary (4-5) 1760 Old Hwy. 24, Hattiesburg 601-264-6724 Oak Grove Middle School (6-8) 2543 Old Hwy. 24, Hattiesburg 601-264-4634 Oak Grove High School (9-12) 5198 Old Hwy. 11, Hattiesburg 601-264-7232 Lamar County Vo. Tech. Center College Drive, Purvis 601-794-8298 Alternative School 424 Martin L. King Dr, Purvis 601-794-1097

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Petal Public Schools

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uality schools, an ever-expanding business district, clubs organizations and a charming, hometown atmosphere welcome visitors and prospective residents.

Petal High School has been recognized as a Star School, as is Petal Middle School.

Petal Elementary and Petal Upper Elementary received High Performing status.

Overall, the Petal School District has a long-standing reputation for high quality schools in Mississippi and throughout the nation.

Because of the cooperation and support of the Petal community and the team spirit that exists among students, staff and parents, the school district is able to achieve academic and extra-curricular success.

The district is committed to achieving its mission: To empower all students with the attitudes, knowledge and life-long learning skills essential to thrive as responsible citizens in an ever-changing global society.

The Petal School District officially began in 1976 after community members decided they wanted to create a school district separate from the county school system.

The city of Petal was incorporated specifically to form the new school district – a step signifying how important excellent education opportunities were to the citizens of this community. Since that time school employees have worked hand-in-hand with the community to ensure the schools reflect the local values and quality of life inherent in the citizens of the Petal School District.

While retaining its positive small-town atmosphere, Petal has become state and nationally known for its quality schools and award-winning athletic and performing arts programs.

Five schools make up the Petal School District: Petal Primary School (K-2), Petal Elementary (3-4), Petal Upper Elementary (5-6), Petal Middle School (7-8) and Petal High School (9-12). Each school offers superior academic instruction as well as enrichment classes. Students at Petal Middle School and Petal High School have numerous academic courses and electives available to enhance their educational experience.

In addition to the five schools, the Petal School District also operates the Petal Education Center which functions as the alternative school and the Petal Center for Families and Children which offers educational resources and support services in coordination with other area agencies for the families of the Petal community.

New facilities have been added in recent years. In 2008 a new primary school, softball complex, performing arts building and access road were added. In 2009, a new baseball complex and a new football stadium were added with construction completed the following year.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. John Buchanan, who began his tenure in July 2009, work is progressing to further advance the instructional process by revising curriculum, conducting meaningful professional development and recruiting and retaining the best qualified teachers. These efforts along with the support of parents and the community will enable staff to meet the challenges of the advanced standards necessary for our students to remain competitive on a state and national level.

Recognizing the importance of long-range planning, school district personnel, with the involvement of community members, designed and implemented two cycles of strategic planning to guide the district through the past 12 years.

Community members, school district personnel and students meet annually to revise and update the plan to keep it current and applicable.

Because of their vision and the combined efforts of the entire Petal community, the

Petal School District has been able to achieve remarkable results in recent years.

More information about the Petal School District can be accessed at www.petalschools.com or by calling 601-545-3002.

Petal Public Schools Dr. John Buchanan, Superintendent 115 Hwy 42, Petal 601-545-3002 Petal Primary (K-2) 60 Herrington Road, Petal 601-554-7244 Petal Elementary (3-4) 1179 Hwy 42 E., Petal 601-582-7454 Petal Upper Elementary (5-6) 400 Hillcrest Loop, Petal 601-584-7660 Petal Middle School (7-8) 106 Central Ave., Petal 601-584-6301 Petal High School (9-12) 1145 Hwy 42 E., Petal 601-583-3538

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Sacred Heart Catholic School

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t all begins with a spark. Thereʼs a certain energy, an uncommon confidence, a sense of optimism and a pride of accomplishment that empowers even the youngest student at Sacred Heart. There is comfort in prayer, the strong Christian beliefs and the proud Catholic traditions. Itʼs difficult to describe and impossible to contain. Itʼs what has made our school so unique for more than 100 years.

Pre-Kindergarten: The Pre-Kindergarten program at Sacred Heart is grounded in the belief that each child possesses an inherent joy of discovery and love of learning. Their days are filled with centers for reading readiness, math, writing, science, social studies and religion.

Elementary School: The Open Court Language Arts Program provides our students with an excellent foundation for reading and writing, while the Saxon Math Program teaches math skills in small but important increments. The Scott Foresman Science program gives students a strong foundation in life, earth, natural and physical sciences. Students participate in art, music, band, computer science, Spanish, library and

physical education.

Jr. High School: The literature-based reading programs, grammar skills and creative writing prepare these students for high school and beyond. Pre-Algebra and Algebra I give students a jump in math. Environmental science, space, weather, chemical science and human biology are introduced to these students, as well as U.S. and World History. These students enjoy band, drama, physical education and computer science.

High School: Sacred Heartʼs high school is a college preparatory school. The enriched curriculum includes advanced sciences and math, accelerated English, Latin, French and Spanish. A number of Honors and A.P. classes are offered. A wide variety of electives are offered, from theater, speech, personal finance, art, polymer science and astronomy.

Religious studies offer morality and spirituality with an emphasis on moral decision-making.

During the past few years, the school has invested substantial amounts of time, energy and money in its athletic programs. Efforts have paid off with ten varsity sports – from volleyball to soccer, basketball to golf.

Lamar Christian

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he idea for Lamar Christian School came about when a young local businessman gave 25 acres of prime land to the Baptist Association for the express purpose of starting a Christian school in Purvis.

Brother Louis M. Nicolosi was asked to head a committee to do a feasibility study for the school, which took up the summer and fall of 1997. In December of 1997, the vote was taken to move ahead with the project.

The first school year began on Aug. 10, 1998. Classes were held at Good Hope Baptist Church, which had elected to make their facilities available to the new school. There were 97 students the first year in grades K-4 through eight. The school made a commitment to add a grade a year, and Grade 12 was reached in the 2002-03 school year.

In 2003, the school had its first senior class. The first graduating class had about 11 members.

This year's class graduated 18,

and three of those graduates had been at the school since their first K-4 year.

The school is uniquely Evangelical Christian-oriented, with every student in grades K412 enrolled in a daily Bible Class and attending a Chapel/Worship service each week. Ninety-five percent of the curriculum is Christian School material. The balance is either math or curriculum not printed as Christian material, such as Mississippi History.

Extracurricular activities consist of band for grades 5-12, chorus, basketball, baseball/softball, track, cheerleading for those in grades 7-12, music and P.E. for those in grade K5-6.

The school's accreditation is via the Mississippi Private School Association, which holds the school accountable for strong academic standards such as accredited teachers. Students, teachers and assistants are all uniformed with "structure" being the order of the day.

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Hattiesburg Publishing

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Presbyterian Christian School

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resbyterian Christian School was established 34 years ago with an initial enrollment of 23 students in grades K2. The primary objective was to build an elementary school in Hattiesburg that would be able to educate children from a distinctively Biblical perspective.

PCS now has students in grades pre-K through 12 who are housed on three campuses. This year they had 75 graduates. Last year, work began on a 58,000-square-foot elementary school on Tatum Road that will house up to 625 students in grades K-5 through sixth grades, and include classrooms, a computer lab and music facility, library and cafeteria.

The campus will be ready in Fall 2012.

However, the mission of the school has remained constant in that PCS strives to provide a “comprehensive college preparatory education distinguished by a Biblical worldview to equip students with the moral integrity, intellectual capacity, and social conscience to impact the world for Christ.”

The elementary curriculum features a phonics-based reading program, Saxon mathemat-

ics, Christian-based science, social studies, and language arts programs and Bible. In addition, the elementary offers opportunities in art, music, computer and physical education, with the upper elementary students also having the opportunity to participate in football and basketball.

This curriculum not only produces achievement test scores well above the national average, but also prepares students for the extensive and challenging academic programs on the secondary campus.

In addition to the normal college prep courses, the secondary curriculum features a full range of Advanced Placement (AP), dual credit and honors courses, three foreign languages, modern technology and fine arts.

PCS students have been accepted to the top colleges and universities including the Air Force Academy, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Belhaven, Brown, Duke, Emory, LSU, Millsaps, Mississippi College, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Samford, Tulane, Southern Miss, Vanderbilt and Wheaton. PCS graduates

have been offered scholarships and other financial aid of more than $14 million.

PCS is also committed to providing students with access to an excellent fine arts program that includes art, chorus and drama. In addition to an art department which teaches drawing, printmaking, painting, 3-D design and photography, PCS also has a Debate and Forensic Team.

PCS also offers a well-rounded, competitive sports program and competes in the Class AAA Division of the Mississippi Assoc. of Independent Schools. Students may participate in football, girls' and boys' soccer, crosscountry and basketball, girls' fast-pitch softball, swimming, baseball, tennis, golf and track.

Students also have the opportunity to be involved in numerous student organizations and academic teams.

The achievements of the schoolʼs students are a tribute to an outstanding faculty and staff. With enthusiasm, energy, creativity and individual attention, PCS teachers seek to ignite the spark of curiosity in every student.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Hattiesburg Publishing

University of Southern Mississippi

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t The University of Southern Mississippi the college experience is about top-flight educational opportunities where ambitious students, outstanding scholars, world-class researchers and creative artists thrive in an environment of exploration and discovery.

For more than 100 years, the University of Southern Mississippi has been educating students to become successful and productive citizens. Built upon a foundation of perseverance, loyalty and the inspired dreams of its founders, Southern Miss begins its second century emerging as the premier research university of the Gulf South.

Across the university, faculty and students are engaged in scholarly pursuits and relevant research which impacts the community and addresses challenges affecting education, the environment, health and security.

Southern Miss prepares students for leadership roles in an interdependent global society. Armed with a vision to transform its world in service to the greater good, Southern Miss is preparing graduates to make a difference wherever they are.

During 2010, The University of Southern Mississippi celebrated the 100th anniversary of its legislative founding with the theme, “A treasured past, A golden future.” In just 100 short years, Southern Miss has grown from a local teaching college into a comprehensive research institution of higher learning that educates thousands of students at multiple locations.

Academics The only dual campus university in Mississippi, Southern Miss provides educational opportunities in Hattiesburg, Long Beach and six teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is enriched by the diverse perspectives of more than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 70 countries.

Southern Miss offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students through the Colleges of Arts and Letters, Business, Education and Psychology, Health, and Science and Technology. In addition, the Honors College offers highachieving students special academic opportunities, regardless of their field of study.

Southern Miss also operates study-abroad programs in nearly 20 countries worldwide, and the British Studies program is one of the

largest summer programs for Americans in London. International Education at Southern Miss is extending its outreach by forging new partnerships with universities in Panama to support student exchanges and research collaborations in conjunction with the new Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation.

The expansion of the universityʼs mission of training teachers has not diminished the vision of its founders, as today more than half of all the stateʼs public schoolteachers hold Southern Miss degrees. In addition, other innovative programs provide education and training in a variety of unique areas.

• The Sports and High Performance Materials major educates students to create the next generation of sporting equipment.

• The Entertainment Industry program prepares students for careers in the production and promotional aspects of the music and entertainment industry.

• The Health Care Marketing program, the only one of its kind in the region, trains students for careers in the health care industry.

Research Founded simply to train Mississippiʼs teachers, Southern Miss has evolved into a comprehensive research university, reaching far beyond the Magnolia state.

Recognized as a Carnegie RU/H:

Research University (high research activity), Southern Miss generates annual research funding of more than $90 million that supports a variety of projects from homeland security to aquaculture.

Ocean research by scientists in the Department of Marine Science is focused on collecting data to help improve weather forecasting models and developing the next generation airborne coastal mapping and charting systems.

Southern Miss has taken a leadership role in safety and security awareness at major sporting events with ongoing work at the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. The first of its kind nationwide, the center has received more than $7.8 million in funding for security management processes, risk management curriculum, Web-based sports venue training curriculum and evacuation simulation systems.

One of the key research thrusts for the School of Polymers and High performance Materials is developing, testing and formulating new composites for aerospace and marine applications. A new partnership between GE Aviation and the School is focused on composites development processing for the GEnx aircraft engine.

New Campus Developments Three major campus construction projects

www.HubCitySPOKES.com in Hattiesburg came online during 2010, impacting students, programs and the community. In May of this year, the university broke ground on a new $30 million Scianna Hall, the new home to the College of Business. The building is named for its chief donor, Southern Miss graduate Charles Scianna, who gave $6 million towards the project.

The Trent Lott Center The university celebrated the completion of the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship with a dedication ceremony in 2010.

The Trent Lott Center is home to the Department of Economic and Workforce Development, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, the Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation, and the offices of University Advancement.

The 53,000-square-foot building embodies a Greek Revival style of architecture. This style contains elements of persistence and strength. The glass staircase encapsulated in the rotunda is truly the focal point of this magnificent structure.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an established leader in economic development and offers a unique combination of programs that prepares students and professionals for

Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012 success in advancing their communities. With a mission focused on global research, regional innovation, university entrepreneurship and national education, the Trent Lott Center will serve as a magnet for academic programs and practical centers that are catalysts for the new economy.

The Accelerator Opening in the spring of 2010, the Accelerator was the first building to open in The Garden, the university始s state-of-the art innovation and commercialization park, located on Classic Drive, just off U.S. 49 in Hattiesburg. At nearly 60,000 square feet, the building houses early-stage company incubator laboratory and office space, the National Formulation Science Laboratory and the Mississippi Polymer Institute.

The building is the focal point of entrepreneurship for which Southern Miss and Hattiesburg are recognized. In 2009, the city was ranked by Fortune Small Business magazine in the Top 10 best places to start a new business, and this building will further increase that capacity.

Formulation science is the foundation for all activities in the Accelerator. The model of operation for the facility begins with a discovery process where new concepts and technologies are developed, tested and refined for specific applications, then scaled up in for

Page 27 introduction into the marketplace.

An integral part of The Accelerator, the National Formulation Science Laboratory will provide researchers with the ability to conduct hundreds of experiments simultaneously, resulting in the ability to develop products in a fraction of the time.

The Mississippi Polymer Institute is a fullservice resource for polymer related industries, providing physical and analytical testing results, prototype development, and the ability to scale up to commercial development.

Century Park Residential Community In fall 2010, students were able to call this new facility home. The $40-million development, the largest in the history of the university, consists of four, four-story buildings surrounding a one-story Learning Center placed within the context of a gated community.

Century Park is an 864-bed, living-learning residential community located on the 1,090acre main Hattiesburg campus.

The project is a continuation of the University's comprehensive master plan with the goal of being a LEED certified residential complex in keeping with the university始s focus on sustainability.

Other features of the complex include double occupancy rooms with private baths; card accessible student rooms; covered bike racks; free cable and laundry services.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

William Carey University

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y blending faith and learning with living, William Carey University has secured a bright future for its students on the Hattiesburg, Biloxi and New Orleans campuses.

Designated one of “America's Best College Buys,” the ranking honors Carey for its impressive ACT scores and high-school grade point averages of incoming freshmen. Both were above the national average, while the cost of tuition was below the national average for private colleges. On May 31 of this year, the university announced that for the third straight year it would not have a tuition increase.

Other accolades include being named a “Military Friendly School” and being named to the Presidentʼs Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which recognized the university for exemplary community service.

The universityʼs new College of Osteopathic Medicine opened in the fall of 2010 with an inaugural class of 100 students working towards their doctor of osteopathy degree.

As a vital part of Hattiesburg, the university has committed itself to cleaning up and maintaining the environment. The Green Committee, organized to research ways the institution can conserve energy and help the environment, offers eco-friendly information to students, faculty and staff and organizes recycling drives.

Other initiatives include using environmentally safe cleaning products, installing additional trash cans and monitoring thermostats.

Founded in 1906, Carey continues to achieve the impossible as it faces the future. Under the leadership of Dr. Tommy King, the university plans to strengthen the relationship between the university and the churches of the Mississippi Baptist Convention as well as south Mississippi and “to honor God in all that we do.”

Kingʼs direction for the school reconfirms the mission which states in part that Carey is committed to encouraging students “to develop their potential in scholarship, leadership and service.”

Carey offers baccalaureate degrees in the areas of arts and letters, education, natural and behavioral sciences, business, religion, music, and nursing. The M.B.A., M.Ed., M.S. in psychology, M. A. in music education, and M.S.N. degrees and a specialist degree in elementary education are also offered.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Pearl River Community College

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oaring enrollment and shrinking state funding present challenges as officials at Pearl River Community College continue meeting the educational needs of students at three campuses.

For the Spring 2011 semester, PRCC始s enrollment reached its highest point ever, hovering around 4,910 students, including 4,017 full-time students on the Poplarville, Hattiesburg and Waveland campuses, as well as classes at satellite sites throughout the district.

That's a 2.5 percent increase from spring enrollment in 2010.

Enrollment at the Forrest County Center in Hattiesburg continues to show up well.

"We could not be more pleased with the solid enrollment that PRCC has experienced for the spring semester," said PRCC President William Lewis. "As our college continues to enhance its facilities, programs and services, the value and quality of a community college education continues to appeal to more and more people.

"We are delighted that so many Mississippians have entrusted their higher education needs to our institution."

PRCC is in the midst of a five-year pro-

gram to improve student services such as advisement and counseling. The program is funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant of approximately $2 million, issued under the Strengthening Institutions

Program, established in Title III of the Higher Education Act. Putting together industry-specific training is a primary function of workforce education.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Spotlight: Health T he Pine Belt is the medical hub of a 17-county area serving nearly half a million people. Healthcare as a whole is the largest employer in the area providing a major economic impact to area businesses and citizens and serving as Your Complete Package for healthy living.

Today, the Greater Hattiesburg Area has nearly 500 physicians per 100,000 people, while the national average is less than 200 physicians per 100,000 people as reported

by Sperling's Best Places.

The healthcare industry employs more than 8,000 people and generates nearly $400 million in labor income and almost $21.6 million in state general fund revenue.

Secondary employment contributes an

additional 3,800 jobs, $138.8 million in labor income and $7.6 million in state general fund revenue.

Economic activity associated with this industry accounts for about 17 percent of the total Greater Hattiesburg Area economy.

Planned construction during the next five years will result in direct and secondary investments of $375.2 million.

These investments will create approximately 5,476 jobs, with a labor income of almost $140 million and general fund revenue of $7.7 million.

Local physicians, along with area colleges and universities, who graduated 336 RN's and granted 43 graduate degrees in nursing in 2006, and many other medical profession-

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als, provide support for the healthcare industry.

The human capital found within the healthcare sector ensures that more than 800 hospital beds and nearly 150 different healthcare entities, representing nearly 200 locations, provide quality care for Pine Belt residents.

The Greater Hattiesburg Area is home to two state-of-the-art hospitals, Forrest General Hospital (www.forrestgeneral.com) and Wesley Medical Center (www.wesley.com), and a large multi-specialty clinic, Hattiesburg Clinic (www.hattiesburgclinic.com), with approximately 230 specialty physicians representing every field of medicine.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Forrest General Hospital

F

orrest General understands that a patient's experience begins from the moment they know they are coming to the campus. Forrest General has embraced a philosophy and commitment to C.A.R.E., by every employee, for every patient, every time.

The “We C.A.R.E.” philosophy is designed to create positive patient experiences, equipping each employee to focus on C.A.R.E.ing moments in their daily work.

Forrest General and its staff is committed to putting each of these concepts into action every day, in order to continue providing the best possible care for patients and their families and foster the sense of loyalty that exists between Forrest General and the communities it has served for decades.

In response to this commitment to C.A.R.E., Forrest General has also developed new Vision and Mission statements that embody the concepts found within the “We C.A.R.E.” philosophy.

This commitment to creating positive patient experiences through C.A.R.E.ing is the very heartbeat of the character and culture of Forrest General.

We C.A.R.E. stands for:

C: Communicate with Compassion and Courtesy A: Acknowledge and take Action R: Respect and Reassure the patient E: Empathize and Explain what is taking place Forrest General is a 512-bed facility providing regional health services to a 17county area. Generations of Pine Belt residents have counted on Forrest General, and today's generations continue to rely on the comprehensive care offered through the hospital's constantly expanding range of health care services.

Forrest General provides excellence in healthcare through a wide range of services including: n Emergency and Trauma Services n Heart and Vascular Services n Surgical Services n Family Birthplace & Women and Children's Services n Forrest General's Spirit of Women n Pine Grove Behavioral Health n Neuroscience and Orthopedic Services For more information about Forrest General, call FGH OnCall at 1-800-8444445 or visit forrestgeneral.com.

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Hattiesburg Publishing

Wesley Medical Center

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t's one thing to say, “We're the best..� but when you can back it up with data collected from, and rated by, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) it's just that much sweeter.

Wesley Medical Center achieved top status for providing the recommended care known to get the best results in four areas: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and prevention of surgical infection.

While the hospital is excited about its statistical accomplishments and its standing as a leader in the state, what really makes their staff proud is the outstanding care they offer the people of the Pine Belt every day.

The medical professionals at Wesley Medical Center know you have a choice when it comes to your healthcare, which is why they work tirelessly everyday to provide their patients with the utmost in quality care and compassion.

At Wesley, a commitment to excellence in advanced technology, cutting edge medical services, compassionate nursing care, a beautiful campus environment, countless wellness opportunities and health education is the standard.

In addition to acute and intensive care services, Wesley Medical Center offers diagnostic cardiac catheterization, 24-hour emergency services, pediatric and neonatal intensive care, the Institute for Wellness and Sports Medicine, rehabilitation services, the

Hip and Knee Surgery Center, Work Well (occupational health services), 24-bed subacute Transitional Care Unit, obstetrics, general surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, endoscopic surgery, lithotripsy, gynecological surgery, Women's Services, The Birth Center, Urological Services, Forever Young Senior Services, Home Health Services, neurosurgery, gastroenterology services, radiology, outpatient surgery and VA Clinic.

Wesley is at the top of its class for employee experiences. The hospital has been recognized with an Excellence through Insight award for Overall Employee Satisfaction & Engagement in the Large Hospital Category as ranked by HealthStream Research.

The nearly 1,300 employees of Wesley Medical Center employee satisfaction scores exceeded their parent company's averages as well as national averages in all categories.

The employee satisfaction survey, administered in March of 2009 by Healthstream Research, asked 23 questions, which evaluated several key areas related to employees work environment, pay and benefits, supervision, hiring and promotion practices, leadership and quality.

Wesley Medical Center offers a unique wellness aspect to the Pinebelt community.

The Institute for Wellness and Sports

Medicine (IWSM), located on the Wesley campus, is full-service fitness facility offering fitness classes, cardio equipment, weight training, full-court basketball, racquetball, swimming, biking, nutrition assistance and dance classes. IWSM is connected to the hospital so that patients can easily transition to their daily workouts or rehabilitation sessions. IWSM is open to the public and has several membership options. Wesley also reaches out to the community through health education, health screenings and health fairs.

The staff at Wesley Medical Center recognizes that a typical hospital environment can give patients and their families great apprehension, which is why the staff strives to make their time in the hospital and on the campus very pleasant.

Wesley is already planning for the future by anticipating the growing needs of Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas. The hospital is planning for a 100-bed addition, which will allow for expanded services while maintaining its quality of care for patients and their families.

As one of the fastest-growing regional medical facilities in Mississippi with more than 300 physicians on staff, Wesley offers state-of-the-art technologies, dedicated employees and specialized services while always employing its mission of Loving God, Serving Others, Excelling in Healthcare.

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Hattiesburg Publishing

SE Mississippi Rural Health Initiative

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outheast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. was organized for the purpose of improving the health status of the residents of a predominantly rural area of southeast Mississippi. A rural healthcare delivery system was established to help alleviate the lack of healthcare resources in the Pine Belt area.

The organization began delivering primary care services in 1980 at its first clinic in Sumrall. Later that year, a second clinic was opened in New Augusta, followed by a third clinic the next year in Seminary.

In 1994, SeMRHI received approval for a major expansion of services to Hattiesburg.

Services began in 1995 and new clinic sites were added in 1997 and 1998 in the Brooklyn and Lumberton.

The Hattiesburg Community Dental Center opened for business in 2000. A permanent facility became a reality in 2007 when SeMRHI announced the opening of a cutting-edge facility. The enhanced commitment to women始s health services began in 1997 with the assumption of full perinatal services.

The Women始s Health Center opened in 2000.

Hattiesburg Family Health CenterDowntown was opened during the summer of 2001. The center services the PACE Head Start Program and the general public.

Beaumont Family Health Center was opened in 2002. In 2003, SeMRHI began negotiations with the Hattiesburg Public Schools to implement a healthcare program geared toward well-student assessments. In 2004, the Hattiesburg Public School and Community Clinic was opened.

In late 2004, SeMRHI was able to implement the same programs with the Forrest and Perry County school systems.

The Pharmacy Assistance Center opened an in-house 340b pharmacy in 2004. The Hattiesburg High School and Community Clinic opened in 2005 on the campus at Hattiesburg High.

The assistance of USDA and local financial institutions has proven to be a great asset for SeMRHI, making possible the construction of permanent buildings for Brooklyn and New Augusta Family Health Centers. SeMRHI was

also able to construct permanent, up-to-date, state-of-the-art facilities for Seminary in 2005 and Sumrall in 2006.

In 2007, SeMRHI was awarded $600,000 to add staff, renovation and additional space to the Hattiesburg Family Health Center.

A Minor Care Clinic opened in 2007 in an effort to accommodate patients needing primary care services.

SeMRHI now boasts 14 community health centers that serve the Pine Belt area and the surrounding communities, providing access to much-needed healthcare. An additional 19 part-time school clinics are also listed in SeMRHI始s scope of services.

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. has provided healthcare services to more than 40,000 individuals in the past few years. Sixty-four percent of SeMRHI patients are made up by the female patient population. More than 100,000 health visits have been recorded during each of the past few years for the patient population served by SeMRHI. Full prenatal care is being provided to more than 500 women annually.

first facility in Mississippi to be considered a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and is currently one of three in the state with this designation.

The Breast Center offers digital mammography, breast ultrasounds, bone density testing, breast MRI, ultrasound and MRI guided breast biopsies, stereotactic biopsies and houses Mississippi's only accredited dedicated Breast MRI equipment.

Hattiesburg Clinic's cardiology services have been expanded to serve residents in

Richton and Waynesboro.

Hattiesburg Clinic

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n 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic was founded by 10 physicians who were passionate about providing quality healthcare to the residents of the Pine Belt. Since then, the clinic has grown to be the largest multispecialty clinic in Mississippi and one of the largest in the southeastern portion of the United States.

Today, the clinic's nearly 220 physicians and 2,000 staff members provide family medicine, pediatric and specialty services in 46 locations throughout Covington, Forrest, George, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Marion, Lamar, Pearl River, Perry, Simpson, Stone, Walthall and Wayne counties.

In recent years, Hattiesburg Clinic broke ground on a two-story, 20,000-square-foot imaging expansion. The expansion helped improve imaging efficiency and provide a more comfortable experience for patients.

The Breast Center at Hattiesburg Clinic has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, a recognition that is awarded to facilities accredited in mammography, breast ultrasound and stereotactic biopsy.

In addition, The Breast Center was the

Clinic cardiologists are available to see patients at Perry County Hospital in Richton and Wayne General Hospital in Waynesboro.

In addition to those locations, Hattiesburg Clinic cardiologists are available to treat patients in Collins, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Magee, Picayune, Seminary and Wiggins.

For more information about a location near you, call 601-268-5800.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Spotlight: Living P

ine Belt residents enjoy a program of arts events that one might expect only in much larger cities. A cultural, artistic and diverse palette of talent can be found throughout the Pine Belt, from the sounds of a university symphony to the simple brushstrokes of area artists.

Univ. of Southern Mississippi: n The University Forum series brings expert speakers on a variety of topics important to life in the U.S. n The School of Music has a year-round calendar of events that includes symphony, choral and band concerts, opera productions and solo and small ensemble recitals. Wellknow guest artists are frequently featured. n The Theatre and Dance Department presents theater productions and dance concerts throughout the year. n The Art Department showcases local and travel exhibitions in the art gallery on campus throughout the year. n The university is the proud home of the oldest symphony orchestra in the state. The group has performed with such notables as Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma, Denyce Graves, Placido Domingo, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle and Patti Austin. The 70-member group has members representing more than 13 countries who present an average eight public performances each season.

ner theatre. In January of 2011, the theatrical group was awarded the Warren McDaniel Award for best production at the Mississippi Theatre Association 2011 Festival.

The group presented the popular “Driving Miss Daisy,” which they took to competition at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Atlanta.

In 2010 the group celebrated its 26th year entertaining Hattiesburg audiences.

JORT is community theater at its best, with intimate settings and diversity. Proceeds from its childrenʼs production, presented each summer, benefit the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp. The group performs at the Petal Cultural Arts Center, South George Street, Petal. For more information call 601583-7778.

Hattiesburg Concert Band Now in its 28th year, the City of Hattiesburg Concert Band offers four free concerts throughout the season. This professional arts organization is under the direction of Dr. Sherman Hong and performs throughout the year at the Saenger Theater.

The group provides an outlet for individuals beyond their high school and college band experiences. Performances are free to the public. Call 601-729-2020 for more information.

South Mississippi Art Assn.

William Carey University: n The School of Music has a year-round program of vocal and instrumental concerts by guest artists, faculty and students. n The Carey Dinner Theater delights audiences of all ages with a full season of theatre productions augmented in the summer by a professional dinner theatre troupe. n Art exhibits by Lucile Parker and other well-known artists are shown in the Lucile Parker Art Gallery on campus.

Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera HCLO presents three musical Broadwaystyle theatre productions throughout the year. Founded as a volunteer community performing group, HCLO was instrumental in helping restore the Saenger Theater.

The association has two major exhibits each year and presents workshops by wellknown artists. The SMAA was established in 1964 by a group of Hattiesburg area artists who had a passion and a dream to further develop their talents and to display art to the public in order to increase awareness of the benefits of art and beauty around us.

They host annual juried art shows and participate in festivals and Art Walks in Downtown Hattiesburg. Their artists donate work for silent auctions for many non-profit agencies. They have helped raise funds to help restore artwork from William Carey Universityʼs Sarah Gillespie Gallery which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

For more information, write P.O. Box 15713, Hattiesburg, MS 39404 or visit www.southmsart.org.

Just Over the Rainbow Theater JORT delights audiences with a variety of theater productions, including its annual din-

Hattiesburg Arts Council The Hattiesburg Arts Council (HAC) main-

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tains a gallery featuring works of Mississippi artists in the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, 723 Main St. This gallery features a permanent collection of works by noted Mississippi artists including Walter Anderson, Marshall Bouldin, Bill Dunlap, Marie Hull, Ed McGowin, Theora Hamlett, George Thurmond, Amy Giust and others. The HAC Gallery presents periodic special exhibits.

Open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday.

For more information call 601-583-6005.

Hattiesburg Train Depot A $10 million renovation of the Hattiesburg train depot – a project that spanned three mayoral administrations – was completed in recent years.

The 2007 ribbon-cutting and gala marked the depot as a true transportation anchor for downtown Hattiesburg.

Among the highlights of the restoration project were the renovation of a grand hall that has a capacity of 400-500 people. The hall can be rented for weddings, large meetings and other major events.

A community room, which is open during regular work hours, also serves as a museum for the city's train history.

The offices of the Hub City Transit, Metropolitan Planning Office staff and the Transportation Division of Urban Development also are located at the depot.

The renovation project included 924 feet of outdoor canopy space, which covers passengers getting on and off the train and can also be used for outside gatherings. The central portion of the canopy, covering about 600 feet, is basically wood and clay tile, which also is used for the depot roof.

A fountain takes the place of the traditional goldfish pond, which served as a popular meeting place in the 1940s.

"With the resurgence of downtown development, Mayor Johnny DuPree has said that he hopes the renovated depot will serve as a meeting place for public functions and as an "intermodal transportation facility," where buses, limousines, taxis and trains may one day be centralized through the depot.

The rail junction literally served as the town's hub when Hattiesburg was incorporated in 1884 and the city limits were established at one mile in all directions except for the eastern border at the Leaf River.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Hattiesburg Zoo

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he Hattiesburg Zoo, which celebrated 62 years this spring, is nestled in Kamper Park amongst a grove of oak and pine trees. The 40-acre park has landscaped walking trails, grassy picnic areas, playgrounds (including Adam's Place, a handicap accessible playground) and a 12acre zoological garden. The zoo is home to more than 55 species of animals from five continents.

A stroll down the promenade will take one to face-to-face encounters with prairie dogs, and the African Veldt features monkeys, zebras, ostriches, servals and antelope.

The South American exhibit houses tapir, llamas, capybara, macaws, howler monkeys and a jaguar, and the Tiger Overlook affords a bird's-eye view of the largest cat on earth.

Additionally, the Tiger Boardwalk leads to an up-close view of American alligators.

Major construction projects the last several years have included a new education facility, an expansion of the gift shop, a splash pad for children and the relocation of the everpopular zoo carousel.

This year the Zoo introduced a new Petting Zoo located inside the ZooĘźs African exhibit. With this new attraction, guests will be able to touch and feed some of the domesticated animals found on the African continent, such as baby Nigerian dwarf goats and African sheep. There has also been the addition of a new Mining Sluice sponsored

by Parris Jewelers that will allow guests to pan for rubies, emeralds and other gems.

While the Hattiesburg Zoo already has a wide variety of wildlife with which to attract visitors, one exciting exhibit features three zoo family members. Three African servals joined the zoo to spend time in Hattiesburg.

Servals are medium-sized African cats with long legs for jumping and small heads with large eyes and ears. Their coats are yellowbrown with black spots and stripes. Among the most swift and agile of cats, servals can jump up to ten feet in the air. They are active and athletic animals that are beautiful to see and entertaining to watch.   Kids of all ages enjoy riding the carousel or taking a peaceful train ride around the zoo, both for the low price of $1.25 per ride.

If you find the weather a bit warm, stop by the concession stand and cool off with an Icee, slush or soft drink. Crackers, popcorn, chips, candy and other snacks can also be purchased at the concession stand.

The Hattiesburg Zoo also features picnic

areas, a train, carousel, edZOOcation center, concessions and gift shop that is stocked full with souvenirs, toys, stuffed animals, music and T-shirts. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens (62 years of age and up) and military personnel and $3 for children (2 to 12 years of age). Children under the age of two and Hattiesburg Zoological Society members get in free.

Zoo grounds and exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Parking is free. Train and carousel tickets are $2, and stroller/wheelchair rental is $5. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day. For more information or to inquire about rentals and group reservations, call 601545-4576.

Photos courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

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Hattiesburg Publishing

Photo courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

Area libraries Library of Hattiesburg, Petal & Forrest County 329 Hardy Street Hattiesburg 601-582-4461 Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fri., Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The library is home to a circular 167foot mural called “The Spirit That Builds,” which was painted by internationally-renowned artist and Hattiesburg resident William Baggett.

Petal Library 714 South Main Street Petal 601-584-7610 Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Purvis Public Library 122 Shelby Speights Drive Purvis 601-794-6291 Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.- 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thurs.-9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Closed Sat. and Sun. Donna Fite, manager

Lumberton Public Library 106 Main Street Lumberton Phone/Fax: 601-796-4227 Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Closed Sat. and Sun. Melinda Carli, manager

Oak Grove Public 4958 Old. Hwy. 11 Oak Grove 601-296-1620, 601-296-1704 Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.– 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thurs.–10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Closed Saturday, Sunday Michael DeVries, manager

Sumrall Public Library 103 Poplar Street Sumrall

601-758-4711 Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri.–8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tues.–8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Closed Sat and Sun Bridgette Broom, manager

USM Cook Library Main Library at USM USM-McCain Library, Archives Genealogical Library 601-266-4345 Mon.-Thurs., 7:30 am.-12 a.m.

Fri., 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun., noon-12 a.m.

Dumas L. Smith/ I.E. Rouse Library William Carey University 498 Tuscan Ave., Hattiesburg 601-318-6169 Mon.-Thurs., 7:30 a.m. -10 p.m.

Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 .p.m.

Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun., 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m .

DeGrummond Childrenʼs Library University of Southern Miss campus Hattiesburg Home to more than 65,000 childrenʼs books Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Terrell Tisdale Library Jones County Junior College Campus - Ellisville 601-477-4055 Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fri., 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Garvin H. Johnston Library Pearl River Community College P.O. Box 5660, 101 Hwy. 11 North Poplarville 601-403-1332 Mon.-Thurs., 7:45 a..-9 p.m.

Fri., 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Hattiesburg Publishing

Photo courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

Lake Terrace Convention Center

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ince its opening in 1998, the Lake Terrace Convention Center has been recognized as Mississippiʼs Premier Meeting Facility. It has consistently topped not only other convention centers in the state in number of events held, but also significantly out-performs like centers in similar markets elsewhere in the southeastern United States.

During the past 14 years, more than one million people have attended conventions, consumer shows, performances and special events, all contributing new dollars into the local economy and enjoying the wealth of hospitality that Hattiesburg offers. These one million new friends have spent nearly $100 million new dollars in the local economy, sampling that special place we call home.

"The success of the Convention Center shows that Hattiesburg must continue to grow,” said Andy Stetelman, chair of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. “The success also shows that we need to build all public projects with a view to the future.

These new dollars added to the Hattiesburg economy for the past eight years would not have been possible without the professional

staff and the Convention Centerʼs many customers.”

A wide range of events serving all segments of our state and community are held at the center. Some highlight events include the Mississippi Early Intervention Conference, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Convention, Mississippi Health Information Association Convention and the Mississippi Turfgrass Association Convention.

As the center moves into its 15th year of operation, the outlook is bright. For more information about the Lake Terrace Convention Center or other Hattiesburg Convention Commission facilities, please call 601-268-3220.

In the spring of 2011, the Asbury Foundation unveiled a new monument on the grounds of LTCC. A flag plaza recognizes both the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.

"It's a very patriotic city,” said Bill Ray, foundation chairman.

Hattiesburg Visitors Center Located at the intersection of I-59 and

Hwy 49 on the same campus as the Lake Terrace Convention Center, the Hattiesburg Visitors Center welcomes our visiting friends!

Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., professional and friendly Tourism Ambassadors are ready to assist with directions, lodging needs and itinerary suggestions.

Also, visitors will find that the Hattiesburg Visitors Center houses a one-of-a-kind Logo Shop featuring affordable specialty products relevant to the unique culture of South Mississippi.

Traveler conveniences: n Friendly Tourism Ambassadors n Refreshingly clean restrooms n Free official Visitors Guide n Free Mississippi highway maps n Free gourmet coffee n Hattiesburg postcards n Local art n Picnic area n Dog walking area n Free RV dump station The Hattiesburg Visitors Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday – Saturday. visithattie.com, 601-866-4Hattie or 601-296-7475.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

County Multipurpose Centers Forrest County The old saying, "time flies when you're having fun," rings true for the J. L. Cartlidge Forrest County Multipurpose Center (FCMPC). This year, the event center celebrates its 13th anniversary.

During the short time the facility has been in operation, it has proven to be one of the best entertainment and recreational facilities in the Southeast. The 160-acre complex is responsible for bringing a significant amount of new faces and new dollars to Hattiesburg, Forrest County and the surrounding Pine Belt area.

Since the FCMPC opened in 1999, the facility has hosted more than 2,000 events and has seen more than 1.5 million visitors walk through its gates. The facility has also added a 147-site RV Park and now boasts a total of 11 buildings.

The FCMPC truly does have something for everyone. From horse and livestock shows to gun shows, carnivals and fairs, the entire family can enjoy an event at the center.

Live music concerts, mixed martial arts, an outdoor rock band contest with thousands in cash and prizes, rides, games and various fundraising efforts are some of the attractions scheduled for the annual celebration.

Lamar County From horse shows and monster truck exhibitions to a variety of festivals and other events, the state-of-the-art Lamar County Fairgrounds and Multipurpose center serves as a center for family fun in Lamar County.

For equine and livestock events, there is

a building with 100 hose stalls and another designed for a variety of purposes, including livestock shows. The facility is also one of the area's largest sites equipped for recreational-vehicle activities, and includes a washroom and houses laundry services, along with a concession area and conference room.

For more information, call 601-5439590.

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Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Playing in the Pine Belt

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everal opportunities await the outdoors enthusiast in the Pine Belt – from waterparks to canoeing expeditions to hiking trails and more. n Pepʼs Point is a spring-fed lake facility and includes a waterslide, swimming and picnic areas and waterfront camping sites.

Miniature golf, basketball, volleyball courts, paddleboats, a game room with video games, ping pong and pool tables are just a few of the things you might enjoy. 382 Pepʼs Point Road, Hattiesburg, 601-582-8461. n Grand Paradise Waterpark in Collins, is a 7-acre blast of water excitement. An 850-foot lazy river winds along and there are four major slides. Thereʼs also a food court.

Located at 50 Grandview Drive in Collins, Grand Paradise is located approximately 30 minutes north of Hattiesburg and 60 min. south of Jackson, on Hwy. 49. Grand Paradise is located behind the Best Western Collins Inns & Suites For the RVʼer, sites and tent sites, laundry facilities, a fishing point, propane and pool pavilion welcome those who like to travel the open roads at the Shady Cove RV Park.

Many of the opportunities below also offer sites for campers. n Longleaf Trace – A Rails-to-Trails conservancy project spanning three counties with 42 miles of paved trailway for biking, walking, outdoor photography, bird watching and many other outdoor recreational activities. A 23-mile equestrian trail parallels the paved trail.

Hattiesburg to Prentiss, 800- 638-6877, www.longleaftrace.com n Paul B. Johnson State Park – This 744acre park provides fishing and water sports in the 296-acre spring-fed Geiger Lake, a visitors' center with game room, 16 cabin units, 108 RV sites, 25 tent sites, and a self-guided nature trail. 319 Geiger Lake Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, 601-582-7721 n Soggy Bottom Canoe & Kayak – Located in the Black Creek Wilderness Area of the Desoto National Forest, Soggy Bottom offers canoe and kayak rentals, cabins, RV sites, camping, hiking, and river trips. 1651 Hwy 29, Brooklyn, 601-598-2745, www.soggybottomcanoe. com n South Mississippi Canoe Rental – The Floating Canoe Rental offers a variety of trips on the Leaf River, Bowie River and Red Creek. There is something to suit the experienced, as well as novice paddlers. Day trips or overnight trips are available and all are within 50 miles of Hattiesburg, 23 Old Hwy 49 West, Brooklyn 39425, 601-544-4207, www.southmscanoe.com n Black Creek Canoe Rental – Designated a National Wild and Scenic River, adventure lovers can enjoy hiking and day and overnight canoe trips on the Black Creek, Off Highway 49 Brooklyn, 601-582-8817 , www.blackcreekcanoe.com n Okatoma Outdoor Post – Okatoma Outdoor Post offers canoe and kayak rentals for day and overnight trips on Mississippi's

Hattiesburg Publishing

Photo courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

only Class 1 whitewater river. If you love the outdoors, don't miss the primitive camping and cabins offered along the Okatoma, off Highway 49, Sanford, 601- 722-4297 or 888Okatoma, www.okatoma.com n Seminary Canoe Rental – Day and overnight canoe trips along Mississippi's only whitewater river are available at this popular spot, also offering a Trading Post and picnic areas. Hwy 49 North Seminary, 601-722-4301 n Little Black Creek Water Park, Pat Harrison Waterway District Waterparks. This water park offers 600 acres for swimming, fishing, hiking and boating. Scenic campsites, cabins, bungalows, a convenience store and picnic areas are available to make the most of your trip to Little Black Creek. Located between Purvis and Lumberton, 601-7942957, www.waterparkin.com n Flint Creek Water Park, Pat Harrison Waterway District Waterparks. This waterpark features four giant waterslides, as well as 600 additional acres for fishing, swimming, water skiing, hiking and boating.

Primitive camping, RV camping and cabins are also available. Highway 29, Wiggins, 601928-3051, www.waterparkin.com n Kamper Park – Home of the Hattiesburg Zoo, David Anthony Tennis Complex, Exchange Club baseball fields and a walking and exercise area, this park features a covered pavilion, playgrounds and picnic areas.

Open dawn to dusk. Free admission. Corner of Hardy Street and 17th Ave, 601-545-4576.

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Area golf Year-round golf is one of the reasons retirees move south. Low fees and available tee times are the norm at the area始s golf courses.

Other top-rated courses are located within 30 miles of Hattiesburg include Laurel, Wiggins, Collins, Prentiss, and Columbia.

Hattiesburg Country Club ............18 holes Private course - 601-264-5078 Timberton Golf Club ......................27 holes Semi-Private - 601-584-4653 Twin Pines County Club ..................9 holes Semi-Private - 601-544-8318 Dixie Golf Club .............................. 18 holes Private - 601-649-3384 Canebrake Golf Club ....................18 holes Private - 601-271-2010 Hillsdale Golf Course ....................18 holes Public course - 601-796-9005 Pine Belt National Golf Club ........18 holes Semi-Private - 601-584-6531 Pine Burr Country Club ................18 holes Public course - 601-928-4911 Pine Creek Golf Club ....................18 holes Public course - 601-794-6427 Shadow Ridge Golf Club ..............18 holes Semi-Private - 601-296-0286 Tennis is also a favorite sport of area citizens. Matches and tournaments are held year-round on over 50 public/private tennis courts around the Pine Belt.

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Photos courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURG

www.HubCitySPOKES.com

Spotlight on The Pine Belt 2012

Historic downtown

H

attiesburg was founded in 1884 by Capt. William Hardy as a railroad junction in the great virgin, yellowpine forests of South Mississippi.

The railroad brought the lumber companies and a booming economy. While "trains and timber" defined the early days, by the turn of the century, Hattiesburg had emerged as a bustling and vibrant "Hub City" for the entire region.

The city quickly became a center of business and industry, educational and medical institutions with two universities, hospitals and clinics, Army training base, and a variety of retail, work and industrial opportunities.

Hattiesburg is the county seat of Forrest County, and downtown is the center for city, county and federal government facilities. The downtown of today also is a center for arts, culture and heritage, anchored by a restored Saenger Theater for performances and Hattiesburg Cultural Center with an art gallery and historic museum.

The historic Hattiesburg Depot, renovated as the Hattiesburg Intermodal Center for transportation, includes space for public functions in its classic Grand Hall.

Downtown is a place of high-style architecture reflecting the city's past in its landmark buildings. Today, however, Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association is facilitating economic development in this unique district while preserving its heritage. Downtown is

where you can explore the past, see the present and help mold the future of Missis-sippi's Hub City.

Downtown continues to be a hot nightspot for clubs and restaurants. Live entertainment continues to attract crowds after dark. Live at Five is a free outdoor music events held at TownSquare Park every Friday evening in April and October. The Pine Belt Farmers Market, held on Thursday afternoons from April through the end October brings residents downtown for a wide variety of dairy options, delicious prepared foods of all types and nursery plants.

The downtown experience Visitors will find a treasure of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, plus unique residential choices and choices for worship.

Add to the mix government, professional services and parks and recreation. Housed in preserved architectural treasures and in new buildings are retail shops, office, studios, restaurants, galleries, cafes, a spa, salons and coffee shops. Downtown offers a blend of casual and fine dining, fine art and Mississippi crafts, antiques, entertainment and theatrical productions, special gifts, an independent bookstore and natural foods store-cafĂŠ.

Unique residential opportunities-some in upper floors of renovated buildings, others in new ones- add to the downtown mix.

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Made in the Pine Belt

S

hoppers looking for unique gifts that are available at a single convenient location have to go no farther than the Hattiesburg Visitors Center next to the Hattiesburg Convention Center.

“Our primary mission is to greet visitors to the Hattiesburg area,” Kristie Fairley, visitors center manager, said. “As an added bonus, we have some products that people may be interested in” for sale at the gift shop.

“Our mission with the gift shop is to give visitors a taste of what they can find in our community,” Fairley said. “If they see some things in the gift shop, maybe theyʼll decide to shop in Hattiesburg. Itʼs a great way to showcase whatʼs available in our area.”

Available exclusively at the gift shop are a variety of gifts bearing the official Hattiesburg logo, including such items as coffee and travel mugs, T-shirts, caps, pocket knives and key chains. Garden tote bags with garden tools and hats bearing the “Hattie” theme, unveiled in 2003, also are available, as are mugs with the logo in the shape of

flowerpots.

Hattiesburg also is well represented at the gift shop by Robert St. Johnʼs recipe books and cayenne garlic hot sauce. Hard-to-find copies of Oseola McCartyʼs book also can be found.

Christmas ornaments in the shape of historic downtown buildings are available, as well as a Hattiesburg coloring book, complete with crayons, by local cartoonist Rickey Nobile.

Unique gifts from area businesses are available at the gift shop, Fairley said.

Anyone who finds something of interest can then be directed to local stores that carry larger and more diverse inventories, she added.

One example, she said, are hand-made wood carvings by Moselle resident Roland Pimm. Ceramic gift items made by students at Ellisville State School are available at the gift shop, with proceeds going back to the schoolʼs art program. Magnolia-themed ceramics are available year-round.

Ellisville also is represented at the gift shop by Candle Creations by Melinda, which sells scented candles in various shapes and sizes, and SoapMasters, which manufactures homemade soaps in shapes ranging from magnolias to the state of Mississippi and Christmas-themed items.

A wide variety of food items also is available.

Flathauʼs Fine Foods is the creation of Heather and Jess Flathau of Petal. The companyʼs products, which are sold nationwide, are still made in a small building in Petal.

One of the gift shops most popular items is ʻsnapsʼ in such flavors as peppermint, key lime, butterscotch and raspberry.

The gift shop has gift baskets and bags available, and does complimentary gift wrapping of items purchased there.

Tourism ambassadors are available at the gift shop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday with information about restaurants, hotels and other interesting things to see and do in the city.

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Shopping awaits

N

o matter which way you turn, you wonʼt be disappointed with your choices of shopping venues throughout the Pine Belt.

From small shopping centers to large strip malls, from traditional indoor shopping complexes to the quaint shops that line the streets of downtown, youʼre bound to find what youʼre looking for and much more.

Simply put – east to west, north to south, as well as points in between and beyond – the greater Hattiesburg area provides the ultimate in shopping destinations.

Turtle Creek Mall Satisfy all your fashion and beauty needs at this regional shopping mall with more than 90 specialty stores and restaurants.

Grab a bite to eat at the mallʼs generous food court and then hit the shops including anchor stores Belk, Sears, Dillards and J.C. Penney. Stein Mart relocated to the mall during the latter part of 2011.

Outlying shops include Dickʼs Sporting Goods, Office Depot, the Monogram Hut

and Pier One. The mall is located at the corner of Weathersby Road and Hwy 98 West in Hattiesburg.

oldies as Leave It To Beaver or the Little Rascals.

Newpointe Shopping Center is located 6555 Highway 98 W. in Hattiesburg.

Newpointe Shopping Center

Old Hwy. 11/Hwy. 98 West

This upscale shopping center features stores specializing in clothing, antiques, childrenʼs items, jewelry and much more.

Shops include Newpointe Pharmacy, Forrest Paper & Bridal, Rainbow Travel, Lightʼs Jewelers and Gemologists, McBʼs, Franklin Hill Interiors, Kids Rule, Westside Studio, My Imagination Station, Giggles, and others.

Also located in the center is Rocket City Diner, an old Hattiesburg mainstay, which returned to the Hub City in the fall of 2011.

The restaurant, with its black and white checkered floors and soda fountain, offers a unique dining experience that includes a taste of poodle skirts, vinyl and icons such as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Youʼll also enjoy a jukebox, photo booth, hula hoop contests, and televisions playing such

In this area of Hattiesburg, known as Oak Grove, youʼll find everything from fitness centers and martial arts studios, to boutiques, hair salons and specialty shops such as Lovieʼs, The Edge, Ole River Fabrics, Florist & Gifts, Dragon Court Designs, De Madera, Gourmet and More, Accents, the Copper Peacock, Cork Wine Bar and Martini Spot, Edo Sushi, the Magic Tomato and Topherʼs.

Downtown Hattiesburg Downtown is the place for unique retail outlets and plenty of options for dining and live music as well as annual events celebrating arts, culture and entertainment.

In addition to the beautifully-restored Saenger Theatre, businesses include Walnut Square Pharmacy, Sacks Outdoors,

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Main Street Books, McKenzieʼs on Main, Click Boutique, Twelve Oaks, Southern Fried Comics, A Gallery, the Bottling Company, Walnut Circle Grill, Bennieʼs Boom Boom Room, Southbound Bagel, The Coffee Depot, 206 Front, Bianchiʼs Pizza and Bloomʼs.

To get downtown, simply follow Hardy Street east. For more information, contact the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association at 601-583-4329.

Cloverleaf Mall area In what was once the heart of shopping in Hattiesburg, the old Cloverleaf Mall, situated on Hwy. 49, still houses a variety of retail businesses, including Burkes, Hibbetts, Trees and Trends and Hudsons.

The old mall is surrounded by a variety of smaller businesses including florists and insurance agents, medical facilities, automobile dealerships and popular national chains such as WalMart and Dollar Tree.

Hardy Street/Hwy. 98 corridor Hattiesburgʼs main shopping corridor begins downtown and stretches west on Hardy Street towards Highway 98 West and the Bellevue community, where business continues to develop with grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities, automobile dealerships, veterinarians and other establishments.

A number of clothing and other retail outlets line the busy roadway as well as numerous restaurants representing every possible ethnic background.

Some favorites include Newkʼs Express Café, Olive Garden, Longhorn, Zaxbyʼs, OʼCharleyʼs, Red Lobster and Oscars.

Youʼll find Toys R Us, Big Lots, Catos, Best Buy, Catherineʼs, Tuesday Morning, TJ Maxx, Michaelʼs, Hobby Lobby, Shoe Carnival and Cowboy Maloneys, nestled in strip malls along this corridor.

At the busy intersection of 40th Avenue and Hardy Street is Eve Marieʼs, a fashionable clothing boutique.

Other businesses in the area include The Kitchen Table, John White Ltd., Creston City Grill, Cʼest La Vie Bakery, Qdoba, Breadsmith, Caliente Grill and Bopʼs Frozen Custard.

Turtle Creek Crossing Turtle Creek Crossing is one of Hattiesburgʼs newer shopping centers.

Here, you can find national stores such as Target, Old Navy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kirklandʼs Home, PetSmart, Ross, Dress Barn, Dollar Tree, Shoe Station, Books-A-

Million, Ashley Furniture and the newest kid on the block, Academy Sports.

Across the street youʼll find a number of other shops including Lifeway Christian Bookstore, Davidʼs Bridal, Fetiche, Material Girls, Play It Again Sports, Kohlʼs, Childrenʼs Place, Mauriceʼs and Irie.

Youʼll also whet your appetite with a variety of eating establishments in the area including Cheddars, Loganʼs, TGI Fridays, the Mellow Mushroom, Backyard Burger, Tropical Smoothie Café, Dickeyʼs and ChikFil-A. Spend a full day of shopping at the Crossing on Highway 98 West and Cross Creek Road and then stop, regroup and go again.

And then head across busy Hwy. 98 West to the Shops at Lake Forgetful, which includes Randy Price, Turkoyz, Expectations, JewelMasters, JoS A Bank and The Studio.

Neighboring communities In each direction from Hattiesburg lies communities with their own unique blend of dining and retail establishments In nearby Petal, there are a host of shops and restaurants to draw you into the Friendly City, including You Name It Monogramming, The Watermelon Patch Two, Sassy Girl, Sweet Olive, Carterʼs Jewelry, Tropical Glamour, Missy-Annaʼs, and Petal Florist. Among the restaurants youʼll find are Taco Bell, Chiliʼs, The Wharf, Foxʼs Pizza, El Mariachi Loco as well as old favorites such as Wards, McDonaldʼs, Wendyʼs and the mom-and-pops sprinkled across the city, and on out Hwy. 42 East, the Catfish Wagon.

If youʼre looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, head out to explore Petal, Sumrall, Purvis, or Lumberton and the Greater Hattiesburg area and what it has to offer.

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Retirement in the Pine Belt

T

he Greater Hattiesburg Area has distinguished itself as a retirement destination for those looking for a place to retire. Hattiesburg has been designated a “Certified Retirement Community” by Hometown Mississippi Retirement, a statesponsored program designed to recruit retirees to the State.

This program has identified the best cities and towns in Mississippi that have the necessary amenities and services retirees are looking for in a place to call home. Hattiesburg was the first city to be certified (1995) and has recruited more than 1,000 retiree households to the area since inception of the program in 1993.

Retirement living should be a colorful palette of things to see and do every day.

Greater Hattiesburg offers the perfect blend of climate, convenience and affordability with a rainbow of opportunities for yearround recreation, continuing education and community involvement. Nationally recognized for high quality of life with low cost of living, Hattiesburg is your "Dream Community."

According to “Where To Retire” magazine, Hattiesburg is one of the 100 Best Retirement Towns in America. Magazine editors traveled across the country visiting chambers of commerce, residential neighbor-

hoods, commercial districts, colleges and universities. They assessed the availability of medical care, recreational offerings, continuing education, airports, shopping and dining, and cultural and social organizations – all top priorities for todayʼs active, involved retirees.

The editors also gathered data on taxes, climate, housing and costs of living. Most importantly, they talked to retirees who had relocated from out of state and could give honest, insightful comments about their new hometowns. Hattiesburg is listed among well-known retirement destinations such as Boca Raton, Fla., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Asheville, N.C. To date, the Area Development Partnership (ADP) has identified more than 1,000 new retiree households to locate here since the ADP's Retirement Program began in 1993.

In “America's 100 Best Places to Retire,” Hattiesburg is named in the Top 10 Best Budget Towns. The 5th edition of Retirement Places Rated ranked Hattiesburg 143 out of the top 187 of 20,000 towns in America. In Where to Retire: America's Best and Most Affordable Places , Hattiesburg has been ranked among the top 150 communities in the country desirable for retirement living.

In June of 1997, Hattiesburg's retirement

program was featured on NBC's Nightly News. And the May 24, 1997, edition of The New York Times featured Hattiesburg as a place to retire touting the high quality of life, cultural opportunities, and state-of-the-art medical facilities. Hattiesburg also landed two listings in the 1997 Places Rated Almanac by David Savegeau and Richard Boyer and was one of five cities listed as "Best Cities for Retirement" as well as "Best Small Metro Areas."

Hattiesburg's retirement program was featured in the November 22, 1996, issue of the "Kiplinger Washington Letter" and was named one of the 20 Top Retirement Towns in North America by MoneyExtra , a publication of Money Magazine .

Even retirement destinations such as St. Petersburg, Florida are sitting up and taking notice. An article published by The St. Petersburg Times in April 1999 discusses the success of Hattiesburg's Retirement Development Program. Since that time, Hattiesburg has appeared in National Mature Market Magazine articles as a great place to retire. Serving as the educational, retail and medical center for more than a quarter of a million people throughout southeast Mississippi, it is easy to see why more and more retirees are deciding to call Hattiesburg home.

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Advertiser’s Index A GALLERY............................................Page 40 Animal Medical Center......................Inside Front Area Development Partnership ................Page 8 Automotive Warranty Service Ctr. ..........Page 13 Bloomʼs ..................................................Page 40 Citizens Bank ........................................Page 13 Columbia Block and Brick ........................Page 6 Eve Marieʼs ............................................Page 53 First Southern Bank................................Page 21 Forrest General Hospital ........................Page 32 Franklin Hill Interiors ..............................Page 38 Green Eye Institute ................................Page 37 Hattiesburg Publishing ..........................Page 50 Hearing Solutions of South Mississippi ..Page 15 HubCitySPOKES.com ............................Page 50 Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home ..............Page 15 Lovieʼs ......................................................Page 1 McBʼs......................................................Page 38 Mack Grubbs Hyundai..............................Page 2 Main Street Books ..................................Page 40 Magnolia State Bank ..............................Page 15 Material Girls ..........................................Page 43 Mikeʼs Tires ............................................Page 13 Moore Funeral Home ............................Page 25 Movie Star Restaurant............................Page 17 Newpointe Pharmacy ............................Page 37

Pearl River Community College ............Page 29 Pine Belt National Golf ..........................Page 25 PineBeltSPORTS.com............................Page 50 Pine Grove ............................................Page 30 Plastic Surgery Center of Hʼburg............Page 37 Premier Orthopedics ..............................Page 21 Presbyterian Christian School ................Page 24 Purvis Auto Collision ..............................Page 17 Remax-Cheryl Cranford ....................Back Cover Rocket City Diner ..................................Page 38 Rodgers Pharmacy ................................Page 21 Sacred Heart Catholic School ................Page 23 Sacks Outdoor........................................Page 40 Secret Gallery ........................................Page 38 Signature Magazine ..............................Page 50 Southern Bone & Joint ............................Page 6 State Farm Insurance ............................Page 17 The Lamar Times ..................................Page 50 The Petal News ......................................Page 50 Thomas Tax Service..........................Inside Back University of Southern Mississippi ........Page 27 Walnut Circle Grill ..................................Page 40 Wesley Medical Center ..........................Page 35 Westside Studio ....................................Page 38 William Carey University ........................Page 28