Hotline

A: Rick Youngblood of Jones Junior College about a new program aimed at having students at both the high school and college level better informed and prepared to enter the work force. B: Miranda Williams of the Petal Police Department talking about the problem and an upcoming event participating in the “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day,” lessening the supply of unused prescription drugs, which often end up being abused b... Read more

Dr. Ronald Kent, pediatrician, about ADHD and its effect on children and their families, and an upcoming ADHD Conference dealing with those issues.

Ashley Johnson of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi about one of Mississippi’s most wide-spread diseases, diabetes, its causes, treatment and prevention.

Dr. Diego Alcivar, who deals with cardiology issues about heart health issues, particularly atrial fibrillation.

A: Donna Boutwell of the South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis about issues relating to mental illness. B: Jason Scott, Director of Information and Outreach for the Mississippi Forestry Commission about the burn ban which has recently been put into effect over much of Mississippi and what can and can’t be done outdoors during this ban.

Sandy Holifield of the Economic Development Authority of Jones County talking about unemployment in the area and an upcoming job fair.

A: Brittney Dykes of the Dubard School for Language Disorders talking about language disorders among area children and methods of treating them. B: Judi Holifield of the Laurel Main Street organization talking about the upcoming Loblolly Festival with its acknowledgement of the importance of the loblolly pine in the area.

Grant Staples of The Glory House talking about the food pantry, summer and after school activities for kids, educational classes and other ministries offered by this organization.

Sally Crane of the Hub City Humane Society about pet overpopulation, animal cruelty situation and pet adoption in the area.

J.D. Simpson of First Priority of South Mississippi talking about this student-led group that meets on many school campuses in this area is addressing the need of spiritual connection for young people in the midst of their school lives.

Akwete Muhammad of the Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity talking about how this group assists in the need for adequate housing for those in need in the area through their use of “sweat equity” from the prospective homeowner.

P.J. Weeks of Rain Down Ministries, talking about this group and their various upcoming outdoor trips and other activities of the group, all with a strong religious message.

Kari Besing & Cindy Pennington of The Arc of Southeast Mississippi talking about the numerous outlets provided by this group, and their upcoming fundraiser for their “Sensory Therapy” space on their Hattiesburg campus.

Charitable groups involved with the United Way of the Pine Belt Region and services they offer.

Sandy Middleton, Executive Director of the Pine Belt Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, represents one of several agencies working together to combat human trafficking.

John O’Hara of the Better Business Bureau Serving Mississippi about Memorial Day scams and other scams, as well as other business and consumer issues dealt with by the Better Business Bureau.

Ann McCullen of Edwards Street Fellowship Center about resources available for those in need, including food, medical care and items that can be provided by a thrift store.

Dr. Christy Barnett of the Mississippi Department of Health about public health issues affecting our community, such as recent cases of West Nile virus, and the governmental agency directly concerned with that.

Kim Townsend, who deals with homelessness with the city of Hattiesburg, talking about homelessness in our area and new laws recently enacted to address this issue, and new ordinances that deal with helping in this matter and also addressing panhandling restrictions.