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Look Back In Yalobusha History

Honest Dog Returns Money In Sept. 1952


Last Monday morning (which would be Sept. 8 in 1952 time) Sammie Greenlee’s dog, Pal, a six-month-old terrier, brought to the Greenlee home a moneybag containing a large amount of money. (The amount was reported to be as much as $2297, which is roughly $19,858.56 in today’s dollars.)
The moneybag was locked with a padlock and the owner could not be determined immediately. However, soon the driver of a bread truck serving Water Valley learned of his loss and starting looking for the bag.
Sherman Greenlee (that’s Sammie’s father), speaking on the matter, said that the driver of the bread truck offered to buy the dog a steak, but that he (Mr. Greenlee) did not want the puppy to develop expensive tastes.
One of the comments on the street about the incident was: “Now that’s an honest dog.”

Through The Years From The Herald

• 5 years ago, Sept. 13, 2007 – The millage rate decreased slightly in the county, but many property owners saw an increase in their taxes because of the state-mandated reassessment that happens every four years.
County election officials verified 2312 signatures on the “beer petition” and turned it over to the Chancery Clerk’s office.
The city budget with anticipated revenue of about $2.48 million for the upcoming fiscal year was approved.
The Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic was dedicated Sunday, Sept. 9. Yalobushians Brownie Crawford and Arnold Wayne Carothers donated the land and building for the facility.
The NWCC Ranger cheerleaders included Kelsey Reed, captain, and Gretchen Harris, both of Water Valley.
Mississippi’s new vehicle license plates featuring the Biloxi Lighthouse were pictured on the front page with staff from the Tax Assessor and Collector’s office.
Danny Ross Ingram was the subject of the Talk of the Valley column.
Joe Davis won the gas grill given away by the Lions Club.
The Blue Devils lost to Holly Springs, 21-14, in a hard-fought game.
• 10 years ago, Sept. 12, 2002 – The Blue Devils rolled over cross-county rival Coffeeville, 47-0.
Mrs. Gertrude Barton celebrated her 93rd birthday with her children Quay Barton Hudson, Howard Barton and Larry Barton.
Cossar Park received some simple, but colorful improvements to the landscape by Bill and Brenda Belus.
County officials were increasing the tax millage rate from 100 to 104.55 mills.
Building Trades instructor Byron Beard received a check for $5000 from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors to replace broken or obsolete equipment used by students in the program at WVHS.
The local Compassion Food Ministries received prominent mention in an article in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
• 20 years ago, Sept. 10, 1992 – The Blue Devils got their 1992 season off to a good start with a 24-7 win over the Bruce Trojans.
Yalobusha Circuit Clerk Mary Sue Stevens was elected president of the Mississippi Circuit Clerks’ Association at their recent convention on the Gulf Coast.
The new O’Tuckolofa Baptist Church was pictured on the front page under roof and almost completely framed up.
Lailah Bruce took third place in the junior specialty division of the state 4-H Beef Cookout Contest held in Jackson.
The nine and ten-year-old All-Stars baseball team placed first in the Coffeeville Invitational Tournament. Members included Will Taylor, Michael Fonte, Brandon Sims, David Camp, Casey Telford, Justin Brewer, Joey Savage, Jeremy Baxter, Ryan Taylor, Anthony Gooch, Blake Simmons, Bo Simpson, and Michael Fondon. Coaches were Jerry Black, Bubba Brewer and Larry Gray.
• 30 years ago, Sept. 16, 1982 – Dan P. Restuccia was named new president of Mott’s Inc.
City officials received word from the Illinois Central railroad that the city’s purchase of railroad property from Blount Street to the Lafayette County line would be approved soon.
Mrs. Arthur Wilson was pictured on the front page with Yvonne Vance, President of the Yalobusha County Bank, as she walked into the new bank building as the first official customer.
The Blue Devils lost to the Lafayette Commodores, 35-0.
Mrs. Polly Holloway was awarded a Certificate of Merit at the ASC office in Coffeeville for her outstanding performance in administering farm programs.
James Henry Harris, 88, retired funeral director, died Sept. 9. He was a life-long resident and was active in business, civic and religious affairs.
Mitchell’s Drug Store was opening for business in their new location at 105 Main Street.
• 40 years ago, Sept. 14, 1972 – The Blue Devils were defeated 12-0 by a heavier, more experienced Holly Springs team.
The city decided to try a new method of garbage collection by employing plastic refuse bags. Mayor Stewart said that a careful study indicated there would be considerable savings and improvements in working conditions for the sanitation department.
Raymond (Cousin Ray) Woolfenden was honored by the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs for his assistance in promoting charitable projects here. His son, Raynee, was featured in the sixth annual edition of the “Who’s Who Among American High School Students, 1972.”
Yalobusha County Residents were receiving $212,000 a month in Social Security benefits.
Ronnie Wilson of Oakland completed recruit training at the Naval Training Center, Orlando, Fla.
The Little Devils were set to open their season Sept. 19 with only two returning starters, Mark Hollister and Marvin Hall.
• 50 years ago, Sept. 13, 1962 – Royal Court of the Yalobusha County Farm Bureau included Queen Bonnie Wilbourn, 1st Alternate Lou McCormack (Coffeeville) and 2nd Alternate Barbara Faye Hutchins (Coffeeville). Junior Royalty were King Steve Brower of Coffeeville and Queen Beverly Allen of Water Valley.
Yalobusha had a record six representatives on the NWJC Ranger football squad including Bobby Williams (QB), Jimbo Thompson (G), Jimmy Dale Dorris (FB) and Larry Person, all of Water Valley. From Oakland were Roble Tubberville (QB) and Tommy Hill (HB).
The Devils took the Houston Hilltoppers, 7-6. Meanwhile across the county, Oakland opened their season with a 18-0 shutout of Crowder.
Pictured on the front page was Mrs. Wallace Helmke on Rt. 3 with her giant lima bean stalks which were over ten feet in height.
Ed Langdon purchased Trusty Hardware, Phone 4, on South Main Street.
• 60 years ago, Sept. 11, 1952 – Services were held Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Kind Providence Church for Pfc. Melvin B. Daniel. He was 21 years old and had lived near Water Valley all his life until entering the US Army. He died of battle wounds in Korea June 28. He was the son of Fred and Gertrude Daniel.
The Water Valley Blue Devils defeated the Oakland Hornets, 42-0.
The Devils would face dreaded enemy Senatobia High the next Friday night and a highlight of the game would be a brief clash at halftime between the Little Blue Devils, coached by Lawrence Berry, and the Little White Devils, coached by Clyde Ray and Crip Tyler. The two teams were for boys between seven and 11.
David Lee Hale received his Eagle Scout award at a Boy Scout Court of Honor at First Baptist Church.
• 70 years ago, Sept. 10, 1942 – The Yalobusha County Board of Supervisors voted to abolish the food stamp program in the county. The plan proved more expensive that the county budget could stand. Discontinuance of the program also did away with the free school lunch program that provided hot lunches to hundreds of the county’s school students.
In the want ads: WANTED for immediate employment, 35 to 40 intelligent, industrious, physically fit young ladies between the ages of 18 and 26 years. Apply in person with two or three written recommendations from reputable persons. Grenada Industries.

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