By Matthew Pike UM Journalism Student WATER VALLEY – A smoke-colored Blue Heeler named Boots leaps and barks as a stranger approaches, colliding with owner Doni Burt’s glass front door, rattling the pane to protect his turf.     Burt, an animal lover who works part-time to curb the behaviors of other owners’ dogs, appears from…

By Will Strickland UM Journalism Story WATER VALLEY– When it comes to running a hardware store, Joey Hastings, owner of Sartain’s True Value, provides residents the kind of service they don’t always find at large building supply stores.     “I try to provide my customers with service that they couldn’t get from stores like Home…

By Jeannie Clement RFL Publicity Chairman    WATER VALLEY – As part of this year’s annual Yalobusha County’s Relay For Life, citizens will have the opportunity to remember loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer and to honor those loved ones who are now battling cancer or who have won their fight against…

By David Howell Editor WATER VALLEY– The June Primary Election is just over a month away and Circuit Clerk Daryl Burney is reminding voters that May 3 is the last day to register to vote for the election.     That’s 30 days before the June 3 election in which voters will select either the Democratic…

Staff Report     Water Valley High School senior Peyton Hill was crowned Watermelon Queen during the annual Junior Auxiliary Watermelon Pageant last month. She is the daughter of Ricky and Bonnie Hill and a high school cheerleader.     As queen, Hill is requested to perform at least eight hours of community service during the next…

By Jack Gurner Reporter WATER VALLEY – They came for the big show, but the main act didn’t make an appearance. Walmart executives – or at least some individuals representing the retail giant – were initially scheduled to appear at the planning commission meeting Monday night, but asked to be removed from the agenda Monday…

By Jack Gurner Reporter WATER VALLEY – Three decades have passed since the devastating 1984 twin tornados and while memories have faded for some, the events of the day are still vivid to many who experienced the storm.     The twisters focused a good deal of fury on Central Street where six businesses were demolished…

By Christina Sallis UM Journalism Student WATER VALLEY – Week-ends for retired auto factory worker Bill McGoodwin mean jail time – not for criminal behavior, but for spiritual intentions, to spread God’s word to inmates of the Mississippi State Prison.     For eight years now, McGoodwin, who attends First Baptist in Water Valley, participates in…

Chamber Will Mark Anniversary At Banquet WATER VALLEY–It’s been 50 years since the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce was chartered, a milestone that will be commemorated during the annual banquet on April 24.     Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Director of Tourism Malcolm White will be the speaker at the event, which gets underway at…

By David Howell Editor WATER VALLEY – Although budgeting time is months away and jail construction has not started, county officials worked during a recessed meeting last Friday to determine the cost to operate a larger jail.     The new jail will be constructed on Hwy. 32 East and will house a maximum of 65…