Archived Stories
The K-Named Class At Davidson Elementary
Before I get into my first column of 2026, I have a holdover 2025 Christmas-related shout-out that I didn’t quite have time to squeeze in until now. I’d like to give a public round of applause to DES third grade teacher Ms. Smith who teaches – in one class, mind you – students named Khyliee,…
Read MoreGetaway Plans Go Wrong In The Valley
WATER VALLEY — Two recent shoplifting cases, one involving a suspect backing into a police cruiser and another tied to a repeat offender, led to multiple arrests in Water Valley, according to Police Chief Jason Mangrum. The most recent incident occurred Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, at Dollar General on South Main Street. The call came…
Read MoreStudents Return To School After Break
Seeing the school buses going up and down the road, reminds me that school has started back after a two week vacation for students. I know some were excited about going back and being with their friends. Love and sympathy to the Virginia Jackson Grubbs family. Virginia passed away over the weekend. She was raised…
Read MoreOakland Updates As 2026 Starts
The calendar has rolled around to a fresh New Year, meaning many of us will struggle for a few weeks to write 2026 instead of 2025. Many will have made New Year’s resolutions or, as is currently popular, chosen a word for the year. That’s what I’ve elected to do. I’ve chosen “Balance” and hope…
Read MoreMississippi Miracle Garners National Visit
WATER VALLEY — Former Chicago Mayor, U.S. Congressman, White House Chief of Staff and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel will visit Mississippi next week, including a public town hall in Water Valley focused on the future of public education. Emanuel will be in Mississippi on Wednesday, Jan. 7, and Thursday, Jan. 8. His visit…
Read MoreHere’s To A Crappie New Year!
WATER VALLEY — Water Valley is set to ring in the New Year with the 2025/2026 Crappie Drop, returning to Pocket Park on Main Street on New Year’s Eve. Festivities begin around 11 p.m. and run until approximately 12:30 a.m., with the midnight countdown centered on the Steampunk Crappie — the six-foot mechanical fish complete…
Read MoreHefty Tax Bill Reduced After Homestead Approval
WATER VALLEY — A Scobey resident who said he may be paying one of the highest property tax bills in Yalobusha County came before the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 15 seeking clarity, saying the numbers did not line up with what other homeowners across the county are paying. “He has questions about his tax…
Read MoreRail Revival Talks Move Forward With Board Appointment
WATER VALLEY — The Yalobusha County Board of Supervisors took a key procedural step Dec. 15a toward advancing long-dormant discussions about restoring the former Mississippi & Skuna Valley Railroad, appointing District 5 Supervisor Gaylon Gray to the Skuna Valley Rails to Trails Recreational District to reactivate a board that has been inactive for years. The…
Read MoreHubert Creekmore Reading Series Continues At Bozarts
The Hubert Creekmore Reading Series continues at Bozarts Gallery on Tuesday, January 6, with Water Valley’s own Sally Lott McLellan. A Mississippi native, Sally serves as a volunteer with the Prison Writes Initiative. Since 2021 she has been an instructor in Creative Arts at Parchman and Marshall County Correctional Facility where she guides students in…
Read MoreWe’re About To Open The Mail From 1977
A good newspaper columnist ought to start the year with something fun, and I think I’ve found just the ticket. Actually, Jim Shearer deserves the credit. Jim recently ran across an old Herald article documenting the burial of a time capsule scheduled to be opened on July 4, 2026. Just in case you’re wondering, this…
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