Three Derailments, One Hot Mess
We made national news in Mississippi after three trains derailed in different locations around the state last weekend. This unusual cluster started just after midnight on Friday, July 4, in Petal when a Norfolk Southern train derailed 18 cars, including tanker cars carrying denatured alcohol, which spilled. The second derailment followed on Saturday, July 5,…
Read MoreA Wagner Letter With Weather and Woe
I’m finally back from my weeks away up north, but only by a few hours and a column deadline waits for me immediately. So, it’s a Wagner Week for the Wagner fans out there! I’m eternally grateful to the Wagner letter writers for all they’ve done for me (without their permission and surely against their…
Read MoreA Love Letter In Watermelon Ink
If you’ve noticed some folks from the Chamber and the Herald office walking around town with an extra spring in their step holding a giant glass of sweet tea, it’s probably not just the July heat. That’s the sound of relief and celebration—because the Watermelon Carnival program book is finally finished and officially on its…
Read MoreTrump’s Out—Who’s Moving In?
Dear Editor, We have lost the Official Trump Store at Main and Blackmur, our Political District. Funny, I thought this would be the best of times. How could they be replaced? We can always use more eateries. So consider these: Replace with “Tater Tots” salty, puffy but bad for Mississippi Health. Replace with “Hyde-Smith’s Can’t…
Read MoreHigh Winds In ’65 Damaged Homes, Downed Trees
• 10 Years Ago, July 9, 2015 – Excitement is building as 24 candidates are competing in four heavily contested supervisors’ races in the August 4 Primary Election. This week’s edition of the Herald contains input from 20 supervisor candidates responding to a questionnaire jointly sponsored by this newspaper and the Water Valley Business Alliance…
Read MoreMt. Liberty News
I hope everyone had a very happy Fourth of July. We had a wonderful time with our church family. We met at Bro. Grant Coffey and Leigh Anne’s for a cookout and to swim in the pool. We shot fireworks. It was an amazing time of fellowship. To me, it wasn’t even as hot as…
Read MoreStreet Dance Brings Back Carnival Favorites
If you were at last year’s Watermelon Carnival Street Dance, you already know the truth: once just wasn’t enough. By popular demand (and we mean demand), Joe Austin and The Tallahatchies and Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster are headed back to the stage on Friday night, August 1, ready to turn Central Street by City…
Read MoreFour Charged In Early Morning Drive-By Shooting
OAKLAND – Four people have been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred on Spruce Street in Oakland in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 25. According to Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch, deputies responded to the call at 4:26 a.m. after multiple rounds struck a house and two parked vehicles. No…
Read MoreSchool Board Contemplates Budget Increase
WATER VALLEY – Rising property values in Yalobusha County could lead to a lower millage rate for local school taxes, even as the Water Valley School District will likely request more funding for the upcoming year. That tradeoff—more funding a lower millage rate—was the focus of the June 23 school board meeting, as members began…
Read MoreThe Civic Glows Again, Thanks to Local Talent
WATER VALLEY – The Civic is stepping into the spotlight with a brand-new look, thanks in part to a dazzling addition: a row of custom Art Deco light fixtures designed and installed by two generous and talented artists. James McCormick and Joe Tidwell teamed up to bring a touch of glamour and glitz to the…
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