Obituaries 06/18/2026
Michael Gene Burrowes COURTLAND – Michael Gene Burrowes, affectionately known as “Smiley,” passed away June 8, 2026, at the age of 41. Born Oct. 20, 1984, in Grenada, Michael made his home in Courtland. He worked as a brick mason and was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit and willingness to help others.…
Read MoreNew Water Tanks Led To Demolition Of Old Standpipe In 1976
20 Years Ago – June 22, 2006 – Mickey Howley wrote that the Herald office at 416 North Main Street was looking good after the completion of a facelift. The lower facade at the Herald was a 1960s ranch house look grafted on a 1880s building wasn’t working. Leigh Ann Black came up with a…
Read MoreThe Humbling Effects Of Turning 51
I took a few days off last week and the wife and I headed to Orange Beach. I guess you could call it a birthday trip since it happened to fall on my 51st birthday. In years past, if we ventured down to the Alabama Gulf Coast, we always waited until mid-August when school was…
Read MoreI Ain’t Afraid Of No Vet
I would like to make it very clear that I am not afraid of the vet. Fear is for squirrels and delivery drivers who refuse to explain themselves. I do not fear medical professionals. What I object to is surprise management. One minute, I was conducting my usual morning duties. The next, my human appeared…
Read MoreOakland Prepares To Celebrate Juneteenth
Father’s Day is here! According to Wikipedia, Father’s Day was first celebrated in the United States on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation and in 1972 President Richard Nixon signed a congressional resolution creating a permanent national holiday. My dad died in 1980 at…
Read MoreFishing Was Slow, But The Treasure Hunt Was On At Tillatoba Lake
Jake Rose is in the hospital in Southaven. Please keep Jake, his friends and family in your prayers. Sunday was Bro. Ricky Harris’ birthday, and the congregation gathered around him and sang “Happy Birthday.” I know he enjoyed that. Get-well wishes go out to Wendy Harrell Darby, who broke her foot Thursday after stepping on…
Read MoreOne Dead, Two Injured In Thornton Street Explosion
WATER VALLEY – One person was killed and two others were injured Monday night following a house explosion and fire on Thornton Street that was felt across much of Water Valley. Emergency responders were dispatched shortly after 8:25 p.m. and arrived to find the residence fully engulfed in flames. Water Valley Fire Chief Mark McGavock…
Read MoreFrom Water Valley To The World
Dial Back Sound Launches Artist Residency WATER VALLEY – On any given week, a musician from New York, California, Chicago or somewhere in between might find themselves walking down Main Street in Water Valley. They may stop for coffee, grab lunch downtown or spend time browsing local shops before heading back to a recording studio…
Read MoreCity Faces Budget Pressures
WATER VALLEY – Low wages, aging equipment and employee retention concerns dominated discussion as Water Valley officials began the annual budget process during a special workshop June 1. The nearly two-hour meeting marked the first in what Mayor Tommy Reynolds said will likely be a series of budget discussions before adoption of a fiscal year…
Read MoreReport Details Millions Needed For Electric Infrastructure
WATER VALLEY – Water Valley’s electric system faces millions of dollars in infrastructure needs over the coming years, including construction of a second substation, replacement of aging copper conductors and the addition of line personnel, according to an engineering assessment presented during a June 2 meeting of the Water Valley Board of Aldermen. Utility Commission…
Read More