Skip to content

Chambers Family Gives Thanks After Wreck

Eddie Simmons killed a cottonmouth that was in his hen house. Eddie has killed two snakes around his place lately. I know Vivian will look more closely after going in the hen house from now on. Congratulations to Faye Hartley on winning the $250 cash prize from High on the Hog in Grenada. Way to…

Read More

A Sweet Celebration Marking 250 Years

This year is officially half over—that date occurred on July 2 at noon! Time to decide what the rest of 2026 is going to hold for you. I think we have plenty to focus on in Oakland as we continue our work in community development. We will move forward with establishing a Montessori Pre-School. That…

Read More

Community Partnerships Help Davidson Students Grow

Davidson Elementary is fortunate to have a community that believes in investing in its students. From local churches to hometown businesses, community partners continue to make a lasting difference by supporting projects that enrich learning and create new opportunities for children. One exciting partnership has enhanced the school’s outdoor learning environment. Garden teachers Katelynn Dillard…

Read More

City To Mark America’s 250th

WATER VALLEY – Fifty years ago, Water Valley celebrated America’s Bicentennial with one of the largest patriotic observances in the city’s history. Downtown streets filled with parade entries. Homemade lemonade, ice cream, watermelon and barbecue were served in City Park. Church bells rang in unison with communities across the nation. Congressman Jamie Whitten delivered the…

Read More

Highway Cleanup Expected By Early August

JACKSON – Residents who live along state highways in Yalobusha County can expect storm debris left by Winter Storm Fern to be removed by early August. The Mississippi Department of Transportation said contractors remain on schedule to complete debris removal by Aug. 5. The state cleanup is separate from debris collection conducted by Yalobusha County…

Read More

Explosion Deemed Accidental; Investigation Continues

WATER VALLEY – The investigation into the June 15 natural gas explosion on Thornton Street remains active, although Water Valley Fire Chief Mark McGavock said investigators have determined the blast was accidental. McGavock said the exact cause of the explosion has not been determined, and the point of origin remains under investigation. McGavock said the…

Read More

New Principal Shares Vision For Davidson Elementary

As I prepare to begin my first year as principal of Davidson Elementary School, I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our students, families, staff and community. My goal is to build upon the strong foundation already in place while focusing on enhancing instruction, increasing student engagement and creating meaningful experiences that help every…

Read More

Repairs Planned For Oakland I-55 Bridge

OAKLAND – The damaged Interstate 55 overpass at Oakland will remain reduced to one northbound lane until repairs can be completed, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation. MDOT Public Information Officer David Kenney said the bridge has been inspected and emergency funding has been authorized for the project, which will be completed by a…

Read More

Commission Explains Lead Service Line Notices

WATER VALLEY — The Water Valley Utilities Commission is assuring customers that letters mailed last week about potential lead service lines were sent to comply with federal regulations and do not mean most recipients have lead pipes. Commission Chairman Brandon Presley said the notices were required to meet a July 1 reporting deadline established under…

Read More

City Gears Up For Watermelon Carnival

WATER VALLEY – Although the annual Watermelon Carnival is still several weeks away, city officials and community volunteers are already hard at work preparing Water Valley for one of its busiest weekends of the year. Mayor Tommy Reynolds called together representatives of the city’s police, fire, street and utility departments Friday morning at City Hall…

Read More