It’s a Wagner Week and I’m really stuck on Elma Coleman Meek letters lately. She’s the Oxford socialite who is credited for coining the moniker “Ole Miss” for the university yearbook. I like her letters to George Wagner because she’s hyperbolic, petty and funny. Sometimes I laugh at her, sometime I laugh with her. I’d…

Have you ever stood in a room full of people and felt completely at home? That’s exactly how it felt at this year’s Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Reception, held at the beautiful Fountain Square. It wasn’t just a gathering. It wasn’t just great food and good music. It was a celebration of everything…

• 20 Years Ago, April 28, 2005 – Songwriter Ken Hart and fellow musicians Daniel Carlish, Steve Thompson and Brandon Hughes entertained during the campfire Friday night for the Third Annual Hobo gathering at the Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum. Ken’s song, “Ain’t No Trains,” was inspired by the last train through Water Valley.…

Why Didn’t Casey Jones Jump? By Jack Gurner Herald Contributor WATER VALLEY – When folks gather in Water Valley to observe the anniversary of the wreck at Vaughan, one of the topics of discussion will be why didn’t Casey jump. That question has been on the minds of railroad historians ever since the crash 125…

WATER VALLEY – A former mayor and lifelong public servant was awarded the coveted Braswell Hatcher Community Service Award during the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet last Thursday night. The presentation of the award to Bill Norris marked the 27th in city history for the special recognition. Chamber board member Grant Thompson explaining that the…

The Oakland Farmacy Marketplace had a soft opening Saturday and local resident Margaret Ross enjoyed shopping for fresh produce.  An official ribbon-cutting will be held on May 17 for the new business located at the corner of Highway 51 and Hickory Street in Oakland. The store hours will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily…

Now in its fourth year, Oakland’s Yalo-Ribbon Festival kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. Vendors and the Kids Zone along with DJ Bob Murphree lead off the festival. The ever-popular cake walk begins at 3:30 p.m. with tickets available at the Oakland Area Chamber booth beginning at 2:30 p.m. Live music begins…

The 2025 local observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held at noon at the flagpole at the Crawford Sports Complex in Water Valley on Thursday May 1. Originally established by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman, this year marks the 74th annual observance. The tradition predates the…

OAKLAND — The congregation at Pilgrim Rest Church of God in Christ joyfully celebrates the 83rd birthday of their beloved pastor, Elder L.D. O’Bryant, Jr. Born to the late Elder L.D. O’Bryant Sr. and Dr. Naomi O’Bryant, Elder O’Bryant Jr. has faithfully served the Pilgrim Rest Church of God in Christ and the Yalobusha County community…