By Jack Gurner Reporter WATER VALLEY – The school district will keep its D level rating as a result of test scores from the 2012-2013 school year. Superintendent Kim Chrestman told school board trustees at their meeting last week that test scores have been received. “The raw data is in and still under embargo. But,…

By Jack Gurner Reporter WATER VALLEY – Unemployment continues to rise in Yalobusha County, going from 9.5 percent in May to 10 percent in June. The most recent figures from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security show that 5,150 people were employed in June with 570 out of work as compared to 560 in May.…

Commentary By Jack Gurner WATER VALLEY – The city lost an old friend Monday. The last of the old oak trees that stood for so long in City Park was cut down. It was the victim of a tornado, two ice storms and the ravages of time. City officials made the decision late last week…

By Jack Gurner Reporter WATER VALLEY – It’s that time of year again. For the 44th time in the city’s history, the watermelon will be celebrated. Thousands will gather at City Park and all around town to participate in activities that range from a walk/run to class reunions, all set to a musical beat provided…

    Water Valley High School Registration will be held July 23, 8:30-5:30 and July 24 and 25, 8:30-3:30. Registration can also be completed at “Meet the Teacher” on Tuesday, August 6, from 4:30 to 6:00.  A parent/guardian is required to complete registration. Registration forms will not be issued to students. Parents should bring the following…

Staff Report COFFEEVILLE – Sheriff Lance Humphreys said a man knocking on doors in the Coffeeville area asking for gas money is using a fictitious story for sympathy.     Humphreys said his department has fielded several phone calls from concerned residents about the man, described as a black male in his 40s, requesting money.   …

By Jack Gurner Reporter WATER VALLEY – A dome-style shelter capable of withstanding  strong tornados will be constructed at Davidson Elementary School if FEMA approves the school district’s application. School board trustees voted Monday night to authorize Leo Wood, senior project manager for Broad-dus and Associates, to begin the application process to build the structure.…

By David Howell Editor TILLATOBA – A Tillatoba man was arrested last week after allegedly molesting a 15 year-old girl.     Jonathan Smith was charged with one count of sexual battery and one count of molestation, touching a child under the age of 16, according to sheriff Lance Humphreys.     Smith was charged last Tuesday,…

By David Howell Editor WATER VALLEY–For many guys out there, firing up the grill is more than cooking, it’s bragging rights.     Bragging rights and thousands of dollars in prize money is on the line for participants in the Pickup  Porkers Barbecue Cooking Contest sponsored by the Water Valley Chamber of Com-merce.     The prizes…

By Jack Gurner Reporter WATER VALLEY – Bill Rotenberry would be just as proud of his daughters as they are of him. The four girls and their Mom, Peggy, have taken over his Pizza Getti Restaurant on Main Street and continue to run it in just the way he would have wanted. Rotenberry passed away…