ASK HERALD
In an effort to keep the public informed about matters that effect our area, the Herald encourages readers to submit questions via e-mail, U.S. mail or written questions can be dropped off at the office. E-mail your questions to askherald@bellsouth.net or mail them to P.O. Box 648. Each week, questions will be published in the newspaper and will also be posted online at www.yalnews.com.
The first question for this week:
Why does the Post Office close at lunch from 12:30 until 1:30?
Water Valley Postmaster Sherman Hillhouse explained that the local post office is only allocated a certain number of work hours per week based on revenue and volume.
When the decision was made to remain open until 4:30 each day of the week instead of closing on Wednesday afternoon, the hours had be made up by cutting time from each work day.
Post Office data collected over six months revealed the time period between 12:30 and 1:30 was the slowest.
Question two:
Can the city/county/state place signs on our law enforcement agencies? We have no street signs directing people to either the police department nor the sheriffs office.
That very topic was covered in the recent First Impressions report done by a team representing Mississippi State University. The report said that “larger signs” were needed for local police/fire protection/emergency medical services facilities.
Both Mayor Bill Norris and Sheriff Lance Humphreys have said they will look into getting additional signage.
Question three:
What has happened to the city cemetery? While visiting my deceased husband’s grave, I noticed what bad shape the place is in. Markers are broken, the grass looks like it hasn’t been cut, flowers are strewn everywhere. I have heard complaints from some of the others who have loved ones buried there.
City officials are aware of the problem and apparently have discussed the issues. At the February 5 city board meeting, aldermen returned from executive session and voted to hire a firm to open and close graves.
They also voted to advertise for for a lawn care firm to handle grass cutting chores all over the city.
Question four:
What are the distance requirements for liquour stores in Water Valley? Aren’t both of the local stores located too close to churches?
This question has been raised by several readers.
According to State Law,: No person shall sell or offer for sale any alcoholic beverages within four hundred (400) feet of any church, school, kindergarten, or funeral home, provided, however, within an area in which both the premises and the church, school, kindergarten, or funeral home are zoned commercial or industrial such minimum distance shall not be less than one hundred (100) feet.
Both stores are located in areas which are zoned commercial.
