Obituaries 01/29/2026
Jerry Wayne Lantrip OAKLAND – Jerry Wayne Lantrip Sr., 74, passed away Monday morning, January 19, 2026, at his home in Oakland. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 22, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home. Interment followed at Graystone Family Cemetery in Oakland. Jerry was born June 9,…
Read MoreWater Valley High School Band Launches Fundraiser To Purchase New Uniforms
WATER VALLEY — The Water Valley High School Marching Band is experiencing a period of growth, but that success has created a new challenge: a shortage of uniforms for the upcoming marching season. According to band director Wesley Brown, the band has grown to the point that there are not enough uniforms for all students…
Read MoreInside The Blue And White
Hey, and welcome back to another week of Inside the Blue and White! I’m so glad you’re back reading this week’s news from the kids of Water Valley High School. It’s been a fun, but stressful, week for everyone. Basketball tipped off this week starting with a game at Bruce. The girls won 53–32, and…
Read MoreBroken Limbs, Birthday Celebrations And Full Houses During the Storm
I woke up Sunday morning to a front and backyard full of broken tree limbs. My big cedars in the front yard were planted by my brother, Louis Tillman, over 50 years ago. Faye, Mark and Kristie Hartley had a birthday party for Nathan Thursday night. Attending were Mark, Kristie, Nathan, Rowland, Mary Brett and…
Read MoreCommunity News Ahead of Winter Storm
As I write, we are all awaiting a tough weather event. A few of my editors have requested an early column, so I don’t know yet the impact of the storm, which will have hit when you read this. Having been employed with Entergy during the epic ice storm of 1994, I know that they…
Read MoreYalobusha County Declares Local Emergency As Winter Storm Approaches
The Yalobusha County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a Proclamation of Existence of a Local Emergency in preparation for the weekend winter storm during a meeting Thursday morning. The decision followed an extended briefing by Water Valley Fire Chief Mark McGavock, with additional guidance from Yalobusha County EMA Director Stewart Spence. By declaring a…
Read MoreOfficials: Brace for the Worst
WATER VALLEY — Forecasters are advising residents to remain weather-aware late this week and into the weekend, as freezing temperatures could overlap with precipitation across North Mississippi. Yalobusha County Emergency Management Director Stewart Spence said at press time that forecasts continue to evolve and that small temperature changes could significantly affect local conditions. “Right now,…
Read MoreParked Jeep Struck By Gunfire
WATER VALLEY — Water Valley police are investigating an unusual incident after a parked Jeep Wrangler was struck by multiple gunshots on Central Street near the Highway 7 bypass. According to Police Chief Jason Mangrum, the vehicle was parked in the front yard of a residence and displayed a “for sale” sign at the time…
Read MoreCourthouse Cafe Receives Spotlight Award
WATER VALLEY — The Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce presented its Business Spotlight Award to the Courthouse Cafe on Monday, Jan. 19, recognizing owner Justin McDaniel for his commitment to the community and continued investment in Water Valley. First introduced by the Chamber in 2016, the Business Spotlight Award honors businesses and individuals who…
Read MoreWater Valley Woman Adds ‘Horse’power To Gifted Car
WATER VALLEY — When people talk about horsepower, they usually mean what is under the hood. In Sylvia Ventrini’s case, it is what is glued on top. More than a dozen small toy horses now stand on the hood of her car, with others lining the trunk lid, creating a rolling display has turned heads…
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