• Newspaper
  • Community

  • History

    Founded in 1904; owned by Boone Newspapers Incorporated since November 2013.

    Our Mission

    Our mission is to be a financially successful newspaper that makes a positive difference in the lives of those we serve, provides a timely, relevant and reputable source for news content, and advertising opportunities for every spectrum of the business community.

    Circulation

    Published Tuesday through Saturday

    Daily circulation: 4,800

    Internet presence

    www.picayuneitem.com

    Awards

    The Picayune Item has won numerous state press association awards.

    Community involvement

    Staff members are involved with Rotary, Civic Woman’s Club, Community Business Advisory Council of Senior Center, Lions Club, Highland Community Hospital Advisory Council, Greater Picayune Arts Council Advisory Board, Pearl River County Tourism Board, Team Picayune, Puttin’ on the Pink Committee, Pearl River County Partners in Leadership, and Snowflakes for Seniors.

  • Market

    Pearl River County and the city of Picayune have an economic base comprised of medical, industrial and niche retail.

    Community strengths include

    • City government geared towards economic development and revitalization
    • Central geographical location to the Gulf Coast and Crescent City
    • State of the art health care provider offerings through newly constructed Highland Community Hospital
    • Local heritage
    • Low crime statistics
    • Many family and community events
    • Internationally renowned architecture such as the Pinecote Pavillion at the Crosby Arboretum/ MSU Ext.
    • Picayune is also a designated Retirement Community and Main Street Community

    Community events include

    • Christmas on the Rails / Candlelight Shopping
    • Blues’ Que and Brew Jazz Festival
    • Chamber Merchant Trick or Treat
    • Easter Egg Drop
    • Spring and Fall Street Fairs
    • Civic Woman’s Club Christmas Parade
    • Civic Woman’s Club Christmas Pilgrimage
    • Krewe of the Pearl Mardi Gras Parade
    • Piney Woods 5K
    • Run with the Pigs 5K
    • Magnolia Run 5K
    • Greater Picayune Art Council Art Works

    Population

    Pearl River County population as of 2012 was estimated at 55,295.

    City of Picayune population as of 2012 was estimated at 10,854.

    Climate

    Picayune experiences a typical coastal climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

    Major employers

    Major employers in the area are Stennis Space Center and Highland Community Hospital.

    Education

    Picayune’s educational needs are served by the Picayune Municipal Separate School District, Pearl River County School District and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School. Higher education coursework and certifications are available locally through Pearl River Community College, University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey College.

    History

    Picayune was founded in 1904. It was named by Eliza Jane Poitevent, a prominent citizen who wrote under the pen name of Pearl Rivers after the Pearl River which flowed by her childhood home The Hermitage. The original name of Picayune was Hobolochitta, after the Hobolochitta River. Poitevent went on to become publisher of the Times-Picayune in New Orleans, La. and made major contributions in the restructuring of daily news by adding female columnists and women’s interest articles.

    Culture

    There are many local artists and musicians who call Picayune home. The Greater Picayune Arts Council along with the Pearl River County Arts League show case artists of all kinds. The community is home to galleries, museums, thriving local theater groups and the Pearl River County Community Band and Chorus. The Pearl River Community College has recently opened a state of the art performing arts center which has a constant stream of orchestra, theater and lecturers from all over the state.

    Recreation

    The Picayune area offers recreational activities which include: Golf, fishing, boating and hiking. Beautiful, natural backdrops lend itself to plein aire painting for traveling artist.

    Area information

    The Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce can be reached at:
    201 U.S. 11, Picayune, MS 39466
    (601) 798-3122

    The City of Picayune can be reached at:
    203 Goodyear Blvd., Picayune, MS 39466
    Main phone number: 601-798-9770