Archived Stories
Water Valley: The Strength Of Steady
Winter has not packed up and left. Not by a long shot. The mornings still make you shiver when you step outside. Lawns look worn out. The sky has spent more time gray than blue. Tree debris still lines sidewalks, a reminder of what we just went through and of the steady work still underway.…
Read MoreChamber Foundation Receives Grant
OAKLAND – The Oakland Chamber Foundation has received notification that its Oakland Celebrates America250 project has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council and the America250 Mississippi Commission. Oakland’s celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will launch with the Yalo-Ribbon Festival on May 2 and…
Read MoreCommunity Shares Joy And Sorrow
The month of February is almost over and the March winds will begin. I hope all of you ladies received lots of chocolates and you men received a nice bouquet of flowers. Love and sympathy to the Janie Deck Macke family of Glenn Allen, Mo. Janie was a first cousin to my husband, David. Love…
Read MoreSmall-Town Magic Shines In Aftermath Of Storm
As Oakland continues to work toward “normal” again after the Fern Ice Storm of 2026, there are signs of spring in spite of the ice. The tiny yellow blossoms of the forsythia are pushing out, the birds seem extremely happy as they dart through the yards, and the days have started warming up. Spring always…
Read MoreInside The Blue And White
Last week was our first week back after the bitter cold front we experienced, and while our community came together to help those in need by providing food, shelter and warmth, Water Valley High School experienced a season of both celebration and heartbreak. Over the past three weeks, our school has celebrated major accomplishments while…
Read MoreMan Gunned Down On Blackmur
WATER VALLEY — A 20-year-old Water Valley man was shot and killed Thursday afternoon in a homicide that police say was resolved within minutes, though the investigation remains ongoing. Water Valley Police Department Chief Jason Mangrum reported officers and deputies responded at approximately 4:21 p.m. on Feb. 12 to a shooting on Blackmur Drive near…
Read MoreWVPD Names New Sergeant
WATER VALLEY — Officer Jaryn Gooch has been promoted to the rank of sergeant with the Water Valley Police Department Chief Jason Mangrum reports the promotion was made Feb. 3 and recognizes Gooch’s consistent leadership, initiative and commitment to professional development within the department. As part of the promotion ceremony, Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch,…
Read MoreFern Cleanup To Cost Millions
YALOBUSHA COUNTY — Cleanup from Winter Storm Fern is expected to cost millions of dollars in Yalobusha County, according to preliminary estimates discussed during a lengthy Board of Supervisors meeting held Feb. 5. Supervisors approved an emergency contract with TFR Enterprises, Inc. to handle countywide debris removal during a special-called meeting that day. The vote…
Read MoreLocal Request Opens Fishing Season For Entire State In 1946
20 Years—February 9, 2006 – Alexander Scott pled guilty to the August 16, 2003 murder and robbery of Bill Quinn. With a plea bargain, he would serve 25 years. Don Giles, Yalobusha Habitat for Humanity board member, unloaded floor covering donated by Home Depot for a project in progress at Water Valley. Yalobusha County 4-Hers…
Read MoreA Wagner Week Letter From Oxford In 1904
It’s a Wagner Week! Let’s take an ice storm break and see what the people with no worries were up to in the warmer weather of 1904. Oxford socialite Elma Coleman Meek is writing to our own George Wagner who is off at school in New York. She’s in love with Relbue Price of Oxford…
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