2017

January 21

 * An early morning tornado passed through the Hattiesburg and Petal area, causing damage, injuries, and 4 deaths

March 1

 * Moran Pope, mayor of Hattiesburg from 1953 to 1957, died at age 94

June 29

 * Toby Barker was sworn in as mayor of Hattiesburg

August 2

 * William Carey University held a groundbreaking ceremony for two new buildings, Tatum Court and the Asbury Academic Building

August 28

 * A car cause some damage to the old Polk house on River Avenue after driving into it

August 30

 * An EF1 tornado caused damage in Petal as the outer bands of Tropical Storm Harvey passed over the area

Other
These are events that don't have a specific known date
 * Planet Fitness opened in January at 6128 Highway 49
 * Johnson Hall on the campus of William Carey University was demolished in early February after being damaged by the January tornado