By David HowellEditor WATER VALLEY – As the 2010 Census winds down, state lawmakers have already started work for redistricting. A series of 12 public meetings to allow public input into redistricting kicks off Monday, Aug. 16, and continues through Sept. 15.     The closest public hearing to Yalobusha County will be held August 19,…

COFFEEVILLE – Aldermen hired Justin Robertson as a full-time police officer during their regular monthly meeting in July. Police Chief Mark Martin made the request that Robertson be hired and sent to the police academy in August. He had been working part-time 20 hours per week. Robertson will be required to sign a two- year…

WATER VALLEY – There were no major problems for Police over the Watermelon Carnival weekend, according to Lt Rick McCuan. McCuan reported the following law enforcement activity within the Water Valley City limits during the past week: • Made two arrests for possession of marijuana and driving under suspension; • Made two arrests for DUI,…

By David HowellEditor WATER VALLEY –  The parking lot at Dollar General in Water Valley was a hotbed of activity Saturday as store officials authorized five or six vehicles to be towed for parking in the store’s privately owned parking lot.     The vehicles were towed after an announcement was broadcast at the park’s gazebo…

Jack Gurner Reporter JACKSON – Mississippi received just $175 in restitution during fiscal year 2010 from two of the men involved in the failed Mississippi Beef Processors plant in Oakland. Richard N. Hall Jr., former owner/manager, paid $75, leaving a balance of $548,085.59 owed to the State, according to the Audit Exceptions Report issued July…

By Jack GurnerReporter WATER VALLEY – Synthetic marijuana will soon be illegal in the City after Aldermen voted to draft an ordinance banning the sale and possession of the substance. “It’s an herbal mixture that offers the same or a better high than marijuana,” Mayor Larry Hart said during the Aug. 3 City Board meeting.…

Staff Report JACKSON – Mississippi deer hunters will see expanded opportunities this year after the season structure was finalized last Tuesday, August 3, at a special meeting of the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).   An 11-day primitive weapon has been added in early November, from Nov. 8 – 19, for antlerless…

  Steffi River, 2010 Watermelon Queen, and her court will be presented tonight during opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. at the gazebo in City Park.   Steffi is the daughter of Keith and Jayne River. Her grandparents are Dr. Rayford and Teresia Edgar of Water Valley and Henry River of Pinckneyville, Illinois. She is a sophomore…

August 4 marks the first day to qualify to run for school board races in both the Water Valley School District and Coffeeville School District. Each district has a five-member board, and this year Position 4 will be on the ballot, according to Circuit Clerk Daryl Burney. The five-year terms in both districts are staggered,…

By Jack GurnerReporter WATER VALLEY – The sign on the teacher’s locker reads, “Welcome to 2nd Grade!” It was put up for the students, but it could apply equally to Kelsey Edwards and Perryn Tyler. The two new teachers are beginning their careers at Water Valley Elementary School. The second graders won’t start school for…