Look Back In Yalobusha History

• 5 years ago, June 5, 2008 – Private First Class Pierre E. Allen was laid to rest with full military honors Sunday afternoon, May 24, at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Allen, 21, had drowned at Panama City Beach, Fla., while trying to rescue several teenagers who were being dragged out to sea by strong currents.
Thieves seeking electronics and audio equipment worth thousands of dollars had hit eight churches in Yalobusha County, mostly small community churches near the county line.
Fire destroyed the Oakland Tire Center near the I-55 and Hwy. 32 intersection.
The Sheriff’s Department received a $15,000 amendment to their fuel budget to cover the high price of gasoline.
The Town and County Garden Club celebrated their 50th year anniversary May 27.
Attending baseball camp under coach Doug Robbins were youngsters Sean Patrick Trusty, Ian Caine, Brandon Potts, Jalen Southern, Eli Hodge, Chapel Hyde, Duncan Anderson, Jack Burns, Keldric McIntosh, Anderson Wilder, Thomas Few, Easton Robbins, Mason Ward, Hogan Linzy, Skyler Defer, Cooper Clement, and McKenzie Gordon.
• 10 years ago, June 5, 2003 – The late Dr. D. C. French was honored when a portion of Highway 315 South just east of Water Valley was dedicated as the Dr. DeWitt Clinton French Memorial Highway.
Saqueta Henderson won the Yalobusha Resource Center’s Future Leaders Scholarship.
First Baptist Kindergarten students were pictured with teachers Allison Larson and Heather Bynum: Mackenzie Gordon, Kane Kimzey, Austin King, Richie Keel, Hayden Aston, Brandon Smith, Kyle Spence, Austin McCluskey, Hunter Ashford, Allyson Avant, John Thomas Stanford, Carson Sharp, Mimi Kinniburgh, Breeanna Baker, Angel Leah Dickey, Alyssa Humphreys, Nicole Hall, Bailey Odom, Tori Beth Jenkins, Segan Prince, Bailey Higdon, Sierra Williams, Austin Rutledge, Jacob Spence, Lexi Fowler and Brenna Pullen.
• 20 years ago, June 3, 1993 – Michelle Anthony, Valedictorian of the WVHS Class of 1993, was pictured presenting a plaque to Principal Jerry Holt in recognition of his years of service. Holt had resigned as principal.
The Garden Club of Water Valley installed new officers including Mrs. H. C. Moxley, president; Mrs. Harold Williams, vice-president; Mrs. John Alexander, secretary; Mrs. J. L. Reid, treasurer; Mrs. J. W. Burns, historian; Mrs. Robert Kolb, parliamentarian.
David Joiner was named as Holley Employee of the Month for May.
James Carr, a WVES 5th grade student, has the Reserve Champion European Commercial Heifer at the Northwest District Livestock Show held at Batesville.
WVES Principal Sammie Higdon was pictured kissing Spanky, Tom Hill’s Vietnamese potbellied pig. Higdon was challenged by first graders to smooch the porker if they read 3000 books during the year. They did and he did.
• 30 years ago, June 9, 1983 – Graduation was held for the Keith Play School at the Jeff Davis Auditorium. Youngsters three and older entertained including a group of dancing poodles: Candi Harris, Amy Hodge, Margaret Keith, Stephanie Marshall, Tiffanie Butts, Chasity Hollister, Renee Holland, Stephanie Butts, Paige Surrette, Channing Martin, Nicole Hughes, Christy Rosamond, Misty King, Kristy Jones and Christie Randall. A group of baseball players sang and danced to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” including Eric Summers, Brent Hollister, Brent Lofton, Brian Percell, Chris Lewis, Chris Russell, Jason Greer, Jason Moss, Bobby Reeves, Benny Reeves and Darrell Surrette. Brookstick Buckaroo was performed by these cowboys: Jason Russell, Randy Surrette, Bennett Crow, John Walker, Beau Nelson, Michael Rhyne, Jeff Dickey and Paul Lassen.
Kim Herring, a rising junior at WVHS and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Herring, was named to attend the 1983 Governor’s School at the Mississippi University of Women.
Charles Rakestaw, VFW Post 4100 Commander, presented an American Flag to the local Girl Scouts: Shenail Cox, Margaret Hill, Twinkle VanWinkle, Elaine Elliott, Braden VanWinkle, Tracey Norris, Linda Covington, Tash Hall, Latonya Burgess, Leslie Vance and leader Mary VanWinkle.
• 40 years ago, June 7, 1973 – Dr. Andy Myrick Jr. received his doctor of medicine degree at the UM Medical Center in Jackson.
Rodney Doyle Childress, Jr. received his doctor of veterinary medicine from Auburn University.
Toxey T. Fortinberry was presented a plaque in recognition of his service as president of the Northwest Mississippi Board of Realtors.
• 50 years ago, June 6, 1963 – Two city men, Billy Mitchell and Clarence Smith were burned in an accident at the Riley Lumber Company.
Boy Scout Troop No. 22 was being organized at the North Main Methodist Church. Jimmy Walker was Scoutmaster and Larry Cox, assistant.
The “new” fire truck purchased in 1953 was paid for after ten years of payment on the $15,000 cost.
In the want ads, Gay Barnes and Elaine Nelson were looking for work as baby sitters. “We work together” was their motto.
• 60 years ago, June 4, 1953 – Ruby Lee Mays was pictured on the front page as she was the state champion in girls singles tennis.
A 40’ by 125’ skating rink was about to be constructed in the community park. The structure would contain dressing rooms underneath.
• 70 years ago, June 3, 1943 – Rev. W. C. Howard  of First Baptist Church was recovering from a tonsillectomy.
Among the military promotions noted in the Herald were Eugene Hughes promoted to private first class, William Carter promoted to Sergeant and William E. Dalton promoted to Chief.