A new housing option for residents surfaced, a nonprofit assessed quality of life in the LOU, the health department cracked down, Water Valley received a new option for public meetings and residents readied for the annual Pilgrimage in Oxford in today’s sampling of yesterday’s papers. See these excepts from 2011, 2008, 2005, 1996 and 1982.

April 12, 2011

City OKs Katrina cottage project

Debbie and Colbert Jones were no longer in the running for their land to be part of the new Baptist hospital, so they decided to use their property for a Katrina cottage project.

Their land, located near the intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Highway 7 South, will have a new affordable housing development. Their 95 acres soon will become home to several rental units. Nine of those acres will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom Katrina cottages.

It was previously approved by Lafayette County, but the city also gave the all-clear since the development will use city utilities.

April 11, 2008

Seniors have first say in United Way survey

A group of 80 area senior citizens had a chance to weigh in on a quality of life survey as a part of the first focus group session in the United Way’s new effort to pinpoint community projects.

Their session at the Oxford Activity Center kicked off the test portion of the Community Needs Assessment, for which a broader public phase begins in May.

The seniors weighing in was the very first part of the assessment process and United Way will revamp any questions needed based on their input.

April 14, 2005

Health department tells home bakers to quit

An anonymous tipster prompted a crackdown on residents cooking wares at home for sale.

A 70-year-old was among a handful of local women who recently received notice from the Mississippi Department of Health that they must “cease and desist” preparing and selling food from their homes or apply for a food service permit.

Four names were turned in to the health department by an anonymous tipster via letter stating the people were operating a bakery from their home without a permit.

April 16, 1996

Water Valley station taping public meetings

Water Valley’s cable subscribers can now keep up with local politics easier.

The Board of Aldermen meetings have joined Yalobusha County Supervisor meetings in the Channel 12 lineup.

A number of local church services and Christian programming are also available on the air.

April 15, 1982

Pilgrimage gets underway tomorrow

A tour of eight historic homes won’t be the only thing drawing people’s attention in town April 16-18 for the annual Pilgrimage.

An antique show, craft fair, Civil War re-eneactment and the first Yoknapatawpha 10k run are all slated for Saturday. Local artist will set up on the courthouse lawn and a collection of William Faulkner family photographs will be on display.

Churches also will be open for touring as well as Cedar Oaks.