Mayor Appointed to Nat Comm & Economic Dev Steering Ctm

Press Release
Monday, January 14, 2013,
For Immediate Release:

Mayor Johnny DuPree Appointed to National League of Cities
Community and Economic Development Steering Committee

Hattiesburg-Mayor Johnny DuPree was recently appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2013 Community and Economic Development Steering Committee.

The Committee plays a key role in developing NLC federal policy positions on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation, and international competitiveness.  As a member of the committee, Mayor DuPree will help shape NLC’s policy positions, while advocating on behalf of America’s cities and towns on Capitol Hill, with the Administration, and at home.

“My selection to the committee is a tremendous honor and could not have happened quite honestly if it were not for the unwavering support of my community. If your community does not trust your judgment, then it would be hard to expect a national panel to do so” said Mayor DuPree.

“It’s great to see the NLC taking notice of the many, exciting frontiers of the city: we’ve earned prestigious awards for our commitment to economic development; we’re among the fastest growing cities in the nation; the economic boom is affording us opportunities to restore landmarks and garner respect from leaders visiting from other countries; our mass transit system is at the top of its class, earning the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Mississippi Public Transit Association; we rank among top 20 best places for successful aging and the list continues,” said DuPree. 

DuPree said he views each day as an opportunity to improve, “and if sharing what is working for us can help other cities flourish, then it’s a win-win situation for the overall state of the country.”

The chair of this year’s Community and Economic Development Committee is Frank (Tony) Thomas, Council Chair, Savannah, Ga.  Serving as this year’s vice chairs are Ronald Garcia, Council Member, Brea, Calif., and Priscilla Tyson, Council Member, Columbus, Ohio.

For more information on NLC’s other committees and councils, please visit http://www.nlc.org/influence-federal-policy/policy-committees.  The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance.  NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

Coming Soon: 2nd Annual Soul Food Event Honoring Black History Month

Press Release
Tuesday, January 15, 2013,
For Immediate Release:

 All Aboard: City of Hattiesburg Preps for
Black History Month Celebration 

Hattiesburg-The City of Hattiesburg is gearing up for it's second annual Soul Food Event in honor of African American History Month. The celebration of African American culture is set for Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., at the Hattiesburg Train Depot, located at 308 Newman St. The only request is that you bring your favorite soul food dish (recommended dishes) along with a hearty appetite.

Local musician, T-Bone Pruitt, will perform during the event and attendees will have an opportunity to share or acquire recipes from several of the area's best soul food chefs. Click here for more information, or contact 225.921.0656.

City to Provide Drop-off Sites for Live Christmas Trees

Press Release
Friday, December 21, 2012,
For Immediate Release:

City Offers to Collect Live Christmas Trees after Holidays

Hattiesburg-The City of Hattiesburg’s Urban Forestry Division is gearing up for its Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program.  The public is invited to recycle their Christmas trees from January 2 to February 28.

The City will provide four drop-off points for the disposal of live Christmas trees.  Designated drop-off sites include: Duncan Lake on James Street, Kamper Park next to the recycling bins, Highland Cemetery, located behind the office on W. 7th Street,  and #8 Fire Station on Lamar Blvd near Petro Nissan.  All trees collected will be chipped into mulch and placed at Highland Cemetery for public pick up.  This mulch is free to the citizens of Hattiesburg on a first come, first serve basis, for as long as the mulch lasts. 

Recycled tree mulch can be used for landscaping, gardening and compost. Mulch not only is decorative, it helps to retain moisture, it also insulates plant roots-cooling in the summer and holding heat in the winter.  It is recommended that fresh mulch be allowed time to go through a “heat” breakdown cycle, before placing around young plants.  Recycling trees saves valuable landfill space and reduces illegal dumping.  Citizens are being asked to remove Christmas tree stands, decorations, lights and any other foreign material that may damage the chipper.  No artificial or frocked trees will be accepted.  For more information, please contact the Urban Forestry Division at 601.545.1541 or 601.596.6649.

Remembering the Homeless and Newtown Conn. Shooting Victims

Press Release
Thursday, December 20, 2012,
For Immediate Release:

Remembering the Homeless this Holiday Season

Hattiesburg-The City of Hattiesburg and the Pine Belt Coalition on Homelessness invite the community to join them in remembering the homeless individuals who have died this year.  A candlelight vigil to commemorate National Homeless Persons’ Day will be held on Friday, Dec. 21 at 5:15 p.m., at City Hall Civic Center Plaza (water fountain area). 

There’s a significant reason behind the date chosen to bring attention to the plight of the homeless; December 21 is the first day of winter and traditionally the coldest day of the year.

“It’s very easy to dwell on our own problems, and while they might prove overwhelming at times, a lot of us have a place to call home, clean clothes on our backs, and food to eat.  Some members of our community can’t say the same,” said Mayor Johnny DuPree.

“It is my hope that people will pause and attend the vigil.  The ceremony is a moment where we can reflect on those who have passed away and renew our commitment towards helping a person or family who needs assistance.” DuPree said.

During the vigil, the City will also remember the victims of the recent school massacre in Newtown, Conn.  Friday will mark one week to the day when a gunman murdered 20 children and 6 adults before fatally shooting himself.

At the conclusion of the event, the Pine Belt Coalition on Homelessness plans to distribute fruit bags, toiletries and coats.  For more information on how you can help, please call 601.554.1005.

Mortgage Foreclosure Consortium Seminar

Press Release
Friday, December 7, 2012,
For Immediate Release:

  City to Host Mortgage Foreclosure Consortium Informational Meeting

Hattiesburg-The Mortgage Foreclosure Consortium will host a  legal clinic and informational meeting at the City of Hattiesburg Train Depot on Monday, Dec. 10 from 3- 6 p.m. The event is free to the public. 

The consortium was created by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood to assist homeowners who are struggling as a result of the foreclosure crisis. It is funded through monies provided under the National Mortgage Settlement, entered into with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers over foreclosure abuses, fraud and unacceptable mortgage practices.

In addition to the Attorney General’s Office, the consortium partnership includes Money Management International, Mississippi Home Corporation, Mississippi Center for Justice, Mississippi Center for Legal Services, North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, and the Mississippi Military Department. These groups will be on hand to offer help to individuals.