Look Back In Yalobusha History

Fifty years ago one of the heaviest snowfalls in memory covered the area. More than 12 inches of snow fell on Dec. 22, halting traffic and interrupting commerce for days.
There was very little mention in the Herald. The snow didn’t fall until after the Christmas week paper was printed. The next week, in the New Year’s edition, Editor Edward B. Shearer said that he was returning from south Mississippi after visiting family and ran into deeper and deeper snow as he approached home.
Then on New Year’s Eve, a winter storm fueled by a “surface cyclone” dropped more snow in the area. School age youngsters, who were already out for a two-week holiday break, just knew that the additional snow would keep them out of school for at least another week.
But, it was not to be. A warm rain fell on Sunday night an into Monday morning washing away the winter wonderland.

• 5 years ago, Jan. 1, 2009 – The Herald reviewed 2008 and among the big stories was the city’s one homicide, which occurred on Nov. 9 and was described as a confrontation between Hugh E. Nicholson Jr. and Yolanda Hawkins, resulting in the death of Nicholson.
Five people were wounded after an argument resulted in gunfire in the parking lot of the Grand Palace nightclub in the early morning hours of Aug. 17.
Water Valley adopted a new city flag designed by Tommy Latham.
Repairs to the Blackmur Memorial Library – estimated in the $70,000 range – were completed for only $10,000 using city workers under the direction of Joe Newman, supervisor of the electric department.
The Mt. Moriah Union District Missionary and Educational Association building was destroyed by fire May 16.
• 10 years ago, Jan. 1, 2004 – Herald Editor Ed Shearer III was killed in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Hwy. 7 Bypass and Hwy. 315 mid-afternoon Monday, Dec. 29.
County officials taking the Oath of Office were J. Katharine Ward, county attorney; Linda Rae Shuffield, tax assessor/collector; Steve Shuffield, sheriff; Amy McMinn, Chancery Court clerk; Daryl Burney, Circuit Court clerk; Steve Riley, district two justice court judge; Gary Tippit, district one justice court judge; Randy Simmons, district two constable; and Charles Caulder, district one constable.
Supervisors taking the oath were Tommy Vaughn, beat one; Amos Sims, beat two; Butch Surrette, beat three; George Suggs, beat four; and Bubba Tillman, beat five.
Winners in the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Decorating Contest for businesses were The Little Professionals Daycare, first; Turnage Drug Store, second; H&S Signs, third. In residential Lettie Blackwood placed first; Mike and Lori Williamson, second; Margaret Higdon, third.
• 20 years ago, Dec. 30, 1993 – Enid Lake Corps of Engineers honored Bill Dance, noted angler and TV personality, for his work promoting water safety at the lake.
Chamber of Commerce Christmas Lighting Contest winners included (originality division) Turnage Drug Store and the residence of Lettie Blackwood; and (theme) Ben Horan’s office and the residence of Betty and Wallace Odom.
Presenting the Christmas program “A Peanut Butter Christmas” at Faith Christian Academy were Christi Minyard, April Standard, Timothy Latham, Luke Potts, Laura Moss, Amanda Lanier, Beth Lewis, Nathan McCachren, Carla Gordon, Jerry Newman, Linda Potts and Joseph Beard.
Paige Greer of Scobey was named a Top Ten Beauty in the 1993 Parade of Beauties at the University of Mississippi. She was chosen from among 67 entrants.
May Sanders Appleton was honored by her children on her 90th birthday.
• 30 years ago, Jan. 5, 1984 – Chancellor George Carlson administered the Oath of Office to Yalobusha County officials Buddy Webster, justice court judge; Guy Dale Shaw, tax assessor/collector; Rick Carlisle, county prosecutor; Mary Sue Stevens, Circuit Court clerk; Bobby Williams, district attorney; Bobby Clark, Chancery Court clerk; Stanley True, coroner; and Steve Riley, justice court judge.
County supervisors taking the Oath were Fred Earl Moorman, beat one; E. Doke French, beat two; L. D. Jones, beat three; Danny Barton, beat four; and H. D. Gray, beat five.
Law officials taking the Oath were Sheriff Lloyd Defer, Homer Melton, deputy; Jimmy Dollahite, deputy; and constables Phillip Gore, Bill McMinn, Dwight Tatum, Powell Jones and Larry Tritt.
Members of Girl Scout Troop 85 delivered fruit baskets and sang Christmas carols at Yalobusha Nursing Home. Members included Felcia Spearman, Tammy Walker, Shonette Morgan, Felicia Carothers, Pamela Sayles, Nicole Campbell, Audra Morgan, Dorette Tatum and Lenora Gooch. Leader of the Troop was Mrs. Emma Dora Gooch.
• 40 years ago, Jan. 3, 1974 – Jerry Hill was pictured with a 9-pointer he killed hunting in the Billy’s Creek area.
Dean Wright was named Coach of the Year in the Delta Valley Conference during his first year at Shaw High School.
Frankie Hyde and his number one son, Eddie, were pictured with a five-point buck.
Winners in the Christmas Lighting Contest sponsored by the electric department and The Garden Club of Water Valley were (door) Mrs. James Larson, first; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Parker, second; (inside tree) Mrs. E. L. McVey, first; Mr. and Mrs. Herman Smith, second; (outside tree) Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Todd, first; Jodie Burk, second; (overall) Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hayles, first; and Mr. and Mrs. Don Holloway, second.
• 50 years ago, Jan. 2, 1964 – Mott’s Incorporated of Water Valley, poultry processors, began operations under plant manager Jerry Loper. The reconditioned plant was to begin with 52 workers.
Pictured on the front page was a broadly smiling Trent Howell with a large buck he killed. It was his first.
Fred Vaughn was pictured with a four-point buck, his first of the year and Hervis Hamblet and Houston Vaughn were shown with a large buck they killed.
Kate Johnsey noted in her “Hunting & Fishing” column that fishermen and duck hunters were out of luck as Enid Lake, all ponds and old river run are frozen.
The business formerly known as “Bennie’s Place” had been purchased and would operate as Davis Cafe.
• 60 years ago, Dec. 31, 1953 – Dr. S. L. Cox died after serving the area for almost 40 years.
George Utley, former Water Valley High School star athlete, signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Utley had been living in Memphis and finished his schooling at South Side HS.
• 70 years ago, Dec. 30, 1943 – Yalobusha County officials set to begin work included C. B. Busby, a former sheriff, succeeded Frank L. Hyde; Carolyn Kennedy of Coffeeville succeeded Lee Jones as Circuit Clerk; Guy C. Shaw continued as tax collector; Herman White continued as county superintend of education and J. Roy Bennett continued as Chancery Clerk.
Two new members and three of the present members comprised the board of supervisors. E. A. Rowsey succeeded W. B. William-son, beat three; T. R. Kuykendall succeeded J. A. Massey, beat four; Dr. R. J. Criss, beat one; R. S. Oakley, beat two; and W. A. Lacook, beat five.