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A Reminder As Tornado Season Nears

You may notice changes in the paper this week. This redesign has been in the works for a while, and it’s part of a larger effort to make sure the Herald is somewhat modern and looks consistent across both print and digital platforms. In today’s newspaper business, those two worlds have to work together. Times…

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County Was Represented In 2006 National Farm Bureau Convention

10 Years– January 7, 2016 – The county’s new Ag and Natural Resource agent was introduced at the “first Monday” Board of Supervisors meeting. Kyle Jeffreys started his new role Monday and was introduced by Mississippi Extension Service County Coordinator Pamela Redwine during Monday’s meeting. This week C Spire announced their partnership with Base Camp…

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The K-Named Class At Davidson Elementary

Before I get into my first column of 2026, I have a holdover 2025 Christmas-related shout-out that I didn’t quite have time to squeeze in until now. I’d like to give a public round of applause to DES third grade teacher Ms. Smith who teaches – in one class, mind you – students named Khyliee,…

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Getaway Plans Go Wrong In The Valley

WATER VALLEY — Two recent shoplifting cases, one involving a suspect backing into a police cruiser and another tied to a repeat offender, led to multiple arrests in Water Valley, according to Police Chief Jason Mangrum. The most recent incident occurred Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, at Dollar General on South Main Street. The call came…

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Students Return To School After Break

Seeing the school buses going up and down the road, reminds me that school has started back after a two week vacation for students. I know some were excited about going back and being with their friends. Love and sympathy to the Virginia Jackson Grubbs family. Virginia passed away over the weekend. She was raised…

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Oakland Updates As 2026 Starts

The calendar has rolled around to a fresh New Year, meaning many of us will struggle for a few weeks to write 2026 instead of 2025. Many will have made New Year’s resolutions or, as is currently popular, chosen a word for the year. That’s what I’ve elected to do. I’ve chosen “Balance” and hope…

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Obituaries 01/08/2026

Brenda Morris Smith NEWNAN, GA. – Brenda Morris Smith, 76, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Wesley Woods. The funeral was held in the historic sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Newnan, Georgia, at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, with visitation at 10 a.m. Brenda was born on…

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Obituaries 01/01/2026

Paul McKibben Byars OXFORD – Mr. Paul McKibben Byars, 84, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi in Oxford. The funeral service was held Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Brother Jamie Moore officiating. A private…

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Mississippi Miracle Garners National Visit

WATER VALLEY — Former Chicago Mayor, U.S. Congressman, White House Chief of Staff and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel will visit Mississippi next week, including a public town hall in Water Valley focused on the future of public education. Emanuel will be in Mississippi on Wednesday, Jan. 7, and Thursday, Jan. 8. His visit…

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Here’s To A Crappie New Year!

WATER VALLEY — Water Valley is set to ring in the New Year with the 2025/2026 Crappie Drop, returning to Pocket Park on Main Street on New Year’s Eve. Festivities begin around 11 p.m. and run until approximately 12:30 a.m., with the midnight countdown centered on the Steampunk Crappie — the six-foot mechanical fish complete…

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