Like Many In The Business, The Ink Is A Strong Lure For Smith

Like Many In The Business, The Ink Is A Strong Lure For Smith

For some people, a particular job grabs your professional life and just will not let go. 

The Outsider

By Justin Geurin

A new Water Vallian sits down with the people that make this town special. Geurin and his wife, Robin, and twin daughters moved to town last July

The newspaper industry seems especially ripe for this type of scenario and our own North Mississippi Herald is no different. For Melody Smith, working for a newspaper is in her blood and all she knows, but by the sound of it, she is perfectly fine with that. 

While some other staffers at the Herald may be more widely known (let’s face it…everyone knows David and Mrs. Betty), Melody Smith plays an integral part in making sure each of you receives a copy of the Herald each week. To label Smith’s job description at the newspaper is somewhat difficult. After all, she pretty much does, “Whatever needs to be done!” She is in charge of sales, graphics, billing, collections, layout, the website…are you starting to get the picture? But let’s back up for a few minutes and explain how she got here. 

Smith was born in Memphis, but has lived all throughout Panola and Yalobusha counties as a child, spending time in Pope, Tillatoba, Coffeeville, and Courtland, where she finished her high school career at South Panola High. From there, she began working at the Panolian in Batesville selling advertisements. As she learned more and gained some experience, she eventually became the production manager for the newspaper. 

After 10 years, she temporarily left the newspaper business after she trained her niece to take her position at the Panolian. That’s when David Howell called her, looking for someone to help the North Mississippi Herald transition into the digital age. Smith, who was experiencing some difficult times in her personal life, decided this was a perfect opportunity to begin a new chapter in her life, and it is a decision she has never second-guessed. 

Smith describes working at a newspaper with fondness, especially the personal interactions it provides. 

“I love getting to meet new people, and I really like the job,” she says. She particularly enjoys the work here in Water Valley, as she says, “It has a homey, natural feel,” that has made her feel right at home from the beginning. 

Of course, as with any profession, newspaper work comes with its own set of challenges. “It is a great field if you love it, but don’t do it for the money!” she jokes. For Smith, the toughest part of transitioning to the Herald was being the new person on staff, while also trying to facilitate a massive transition away from the way things had always been done to a modernized and updated operation to compete in the digital age. 

“We made a lot of changes, and it was difficult at times,” Smith explains, but her efforts seem to have paid off. 

For Smith, the role of the local newspaper is critical in a small town. She believes the paper should strive to promote local businesses, school events, civic activities, and countless other events in the community. She also believes the newspaper plays a vital role to help businesses promote themselves.

Even though technology has changed the way businesses advertise their services, Smith still believes local print advertising is critical in a small town.

Smith also has a unique perspective on the economic growth of Water Valley after spending the last 11 years on Main Street and watching all of the changes taking place around the Herald office. “

I have seen a lot of growth, and some businesses that have come and gone,” she explains. She is proud and excited by all of the improvement to the buildings of Main Street and thinks a clothing store and a bakery or coffee shop would still be a great addition to the downtown area. 

One of Smith’s most rewarding experiences in her time at the Herald is getting to play a role in this great community. Water Valley is, “Like a look back in time,” she says, citing the classic look of downtown and the friendly people who smile and wave everywhere you go around town. 

“There are so many great people around here, it is a really unique place to work.” She has so many great memories of her eleven years working here, and specifically tells the story of “Brother Jimmy” who would walk around town with a makeshift podium, preaching vigorously to anyone (or anything) that would listen. 

When I asked Smith how she would describe Water Valley to someone on the other side of the world, she responded without hesitation, “It’s a peaceful town in the hills with an old-timey appeal and great people. Smith hopes the community continues to grow and be open to new opportunities. “You can’t just want change, you have to accept the changes that are necessary,” she states. 

Melody Smith refers to herself as a “background person” on the Herald staff, but even as someone who is new to this business, I can tell you first-hand that she plays a critical role in the work done here at the Herald. So for everyone in town, the next time you stop by the office to check out the newly remodeled store-front, pay a bill, or just say hello, be sure to peek in to the office on the left side of the hallway and thank Melody for her outstanding work and service to this newspaper and this community!