Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
Picayune Item · Picayune, MS
Nearby: Picayune, MSChristmas on Canal, one of Picayune’s traditional holiday events, is returning on Friday, Dec. 4, to celebrate the season. Located in downtown Picayune, this highly anticipated event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., following a sidewalk sale earlier that day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Christmas on Canal will feature a variety of holiday festivities for the whole family, including a faux snow machine, bubbles, holiday lights, photos with Santa, live entertainment and themed snacks. In addition to Christmas on Canal, several other holiday events are happening on the same day. These include the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, which serves as a fundraiser for special needs, a Toys for Tots broadcast on WRJW Friday morning, and a local shopping raffle with a live drawing on the Picayune Main Street Facebook Page.
Picayune Item · Picayune, MS
Nearby: Picayune, MSThe Picayune City Council met at City Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to recognize the 2026 Veteran of the Year and the Employee of the Quarter The meeting began with the recognition of Ronald “Ronnie” Stogner as the 2026 Veteran of the Year. Born on Dec. 24, 1948, Stogner is a local resident of Picayune who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1971. He received multiple military honors, including a Purple Heart, awarded to veterans who are killed or injured in battle, during his service in Vietnam. Since 1972, Stogner has been involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, holding various leadership positions, including Commander. The city of Picayune commends Stogner for his service and ongoing dedication to the military, veterans, and the community. He was presented with a recognition plaque in appreciation of his contributions and sacrifices. Christmas on the Rails is scheduled for Nov. 28 at Crosby Commons and the Oaks.
Picayune Item · Picayune, MS
Nearby: Picayune, MSThe Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) and the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area (MGCNHA) have partnered to implement two downtown revitalization initiatives in Picayune and Moss Point, two designated Main Street communities in the Gulf Coast region, on Dec. 7-10. This initiative is made possible in part by a grant from the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. On Dec. 7-8, Picayune Main Street will receive a Downtown Roadmap Refresh, a detailed downtown revitalization plan, that will serve to update the last downtown plan that Picayune Main Street received from MMSA in 2008. A comprehensive report will be developed outlining key recommendations, priority projects, and implementation strategies. MMSA staff and consultants will provide guidance on façade improvements, streetscape enhancements, and economic development incentives. On Dec.
Lawrence County Press · McComb, MS
Nearby: McComb, MS, 39, of Jayess, passed away on Nov. 2, 2026. He was born in McComb on Feb. 22, 1987, to Teresa Ann White. Channing loved spending time with his children and taking family vacations to the beach and the mountains. He loved to be involved in his children’s sports. He enjoyed martial arts. Preceding him in death were his mother, Teresa Ann Smith; grandmother, Doris Nulisch; grandfather, Gerald Nulisch; and uncle, Charles White. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Salem Allen, Raven Allen, Syler Allen, and Ryleigh Nations; brother, Sterling Allen; and girlfriend, Shelby Nations.
Lawrence County Press · Hattiesburg, MS
Nearby: Hattiesburg, MSA celebration of life will be held for Jimmie H. O’Neal at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at Topeka Baptist Church with visitation from 1 until the time of the service. There will also be a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the church. Burial will be at Roberts Memorial Cemetery in Jayess. Jimmie H. O’Neal, 75, of Jayess, passed away on Nov. 8 in Hattiesburg. He was born on Feb. 22, 1951, in Sledge. Jimmie was a member of Topeka Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, Harl and Mabel O’Neal; his wife, Martha Reans O’Neal; his brother, Harl “Bud” O’Neal Jr.; and sister, Judy Hales. Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Jason O’Neal and wife Rachel, and Tyler O’Neal and wife Leslie; and his six grandchildren, Cooper, Cohen, Finn, Casen, Callen, and Fields.
Lawrence County Press · Hattiesburg, MS
Nearby: Hattiesburg, MSA celebration of life will be held for William Patrick Carr at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at Monticello Baptist Church, with visitation from 1 until the time of the service at the church and burial at New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. William Patrick Carr, 47, of Monticello, passed away on Nov. 5 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. He was born on May 1, 1979. He was a member of Monticello Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and church cantatas and played youth handbells. He worked as a chief mechanic for many international offshore drilling companies. After coming home from offshore, he started working as machinist millwright for numerous companies. Patrick was musically talented with deep bass voice. He played trumpet from fifth grade through college. He loved family outdoor activities, maintaining property and equipment, hunting and fishing with family, and helping others. His cooking specialty was fried deer steak and ribeyes.
