They didn’t let me have any bait. The fish were always on their side of the boat. I am out of excuses. The truth is, I didn’t catch a trout. My son-in-law and stepson caught a few. Nada for me. I’m talking about a family trip to Norfork, Ark., a vacation that included time fishing…

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July! I celebrated the country’s birthday by enjoying a shrimp boil and some peach cobbler. That was the highlight of my June and July thus far due to a stint of bad luck. Aside from my cat, Janet, going missing, my skinned knee and my twisted ankle…

The Watermelon Carnival may be known for music, food, fireworks, arts and crafts, old friends, family visits, class reunions, Watermelon queens, and a park full of people, but right at the heart of it all is still the watermelon. After all, this is Water Valley. We take our watermelons seriously. The Water Valley Area Chamber…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…