Smoke Signals and other news
Last week, I got a notice on my phone that the Starlink Satellite would be viewable in our area in the next few minutes. I stepped out on the porch and looked in the direction suggested. Two of our beautiful trees block the sky in that direction. A bit disappointed, I started to call the dog, who followed me and went back inside. Taking one last glance at the night sky in the small space between the trees, there it was! While it was only a brief sighting, it was still exciting. If I get another chance, I will walk past the trees for a better view.
Our Byhalia Fire Department has openings for two full-time firefighters. Applications can be picked up on weekdays at the Fire Department.
Clean-up is underway at the Old School Commons. Various aspects of restoration have taken place over the last few years as funds have become available. It will provide a Community/Performing Arts Center for Byhalia and the surrounding area, along with other uses.
It’s been another week in the hospital for us. Doug has been in Germantown Methodist since Monday, when his Home Health Nurse sent him back to the hospital. Again, we have been taken excellent care of by the Emergency Room staff, doctors, nursing staff, CNAs, Physical Therapy, Housekeeping, and Cafeteria Staff. Plans are to leave on Tuesday when he is scheduled to enter the Veteran’s Home in Oxford, where we hope he can get the rehab he needs and be cared for while I pursue knee replacement surgery.
Tis the season for festivals and outdoor events. Vendors depend on sales from the people who visit the festivals. If you can, get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather with family and friends.
As you travel through the 4-way stop at Church Street and Hwy 309, notice the lovely fall flowers in front of the Byhalia Historic Church Street District Sign furnished by Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street and planted and mulched by Summers Landscape Services.
On October 11, 1863, General Sherman and his Union troops were en route to Corinth by train for a planned major military movement from Memphis. When his train pulled into Collierville, Tennessee, that town was under Confederate attack by
General Chalmers. This battle lasted four hours until the Confederate forces withdrew toward Byhalia. Union losses were fourteen killed, forty-two wounded, and fifty-four captured. Confederate losses were three killed and fortyeight wounded. Perhaps more irritating to Sherman, however, was the loss of five staff horses, including his personal favorite mare, Dolly. Some daring Confederate cavalrymen even made off with General Sherman’s second-best uniform as a prize. Many historians agree that if Chalmers’ attack on Collierville had succeeded and General Sherman had been captured or killed, the impact on the Union Army military deployment might have been altered considerably.
Please share your news with me at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.