Obituaries 03/05/2026
Debbie Bell WATER VALLEY — Debbie Bell died Feb. 25, 2026. She was 64. Born June 16, 1961, Bell spent her life devoted to her family and serving others. Debbie had a heart that naturally cared for others and lived out that calling every day. She d found joy in life’s simple moments. She loved…
Read MoreInside The Blue And White
Hey everyone, and welcome back to another week of Inside the Blue and White! Things really picked up around campus with lots activities. From baseball to archery, our athletes and students stayed busy and brought the energy all week long. There were plenty of exciting moments, and I’m excited to share all the highlights with…
Read MoreJackson Enters Plea In Murder
COFFEEVILLE — Nearly three years after an Arkansas teenager was found shot to death in the Holly Springs National Forest, the first of four defendants charged in the case has entered a guilty plea. Layvonnia Alicia Jackson pled guilty Tuesday, Feb. 17, during a hearing in Coffeeville before Circuit Judge Jimmy McClure III. As part…
Read MoreBurney, Spence Detail Volunteer, FEMA Coordination After Storm
YALOBUSHA COUNTY — Mississippi State Extension Service County Agent Missy Burney and EMA Director Stewart Spence provided supervisors an overview of volunteer operations at the county’s Multi-Purpose Building following Winter Storm Fern. The report came during the Feb. 17 Board of Supervisors meeting. Burney, who helped coordinate activity at the Multi-Purpose Building, said the relief…
Read MoreCity Will Advertise For Public Works Director
WATER VALLEY — The Water Valley Board of Aldermen voted Feb. 19 to advertise for a public works director, a newly structured position that would oversee multiple city departments following the abrupt resignation of Street Department Director Willie McCachren. Mayor Tommy Reynolds told the board the city must take the opportunity to create long-term structure.…
Read MoreEight Is Not Senior, Thank You Very Much
I knew something was wrong the minute the Chewy box hit the porch. The thunk was different, and my human was smiling too much, using that low, soothing voice that always means she’s up to something. As she opened the box and set the bag on the kitchen floor, I approached slowly. I sniffed. I…
Read MoreCleanup Efforts Continue Across Community
Ruth, Jane, Festus and Amanda Hailey visited Peggy Bailey at the Charleston nursing home Sunday afternoon. Bubba Tillman celebrated his birthday Saturday, Feb. 21. Dr. Joe Roberts and his wife, Patsy, treated him to supper at Country Catfish in Oakland. Patsy also made him a coconut cake to take home. Congratulations to Johnadam and Blake…
Read MoreMailbox Improvement Week — Let’s Get Ahead Of It
A tip of the hat to all who write weekly community news columns. Pat Deck, who I have read for years, and all you other columnists, this is hard work! I was co-editor of a weekly newspaper (Aberdeen) and then moved to The Memphis Commercial Appeal serving as bureau chief for northwest Mississippi and had…
Read MoreObituaries 02/26/2026
Ethel Horton COFFEEVILLE – Ethel Horton, 78, passed away on Feb. 17, 2026. She was born March 13, 1947. Homegoing services were held in her honor following visitation Friday, Feb. 20, at Robinson Funeral Home in Grenada. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Associational Building in…
Read MoreSteak Night And A Correction
I had one of the finest steaks I’ve tasted in a while. Yep. Thursday before last — Feb. 12, to be exact. The Farm Bureau crew, with Chuck Upchurch serving as head cook and assisted by Beau Pullen and Brad Embry, turned out one of the best steaks I’ve eaten in some time. Now for…
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