Smoke Signals and other news
Greetings Byhalia Community. I have the honor of being asked to write a column featuring news of our community for The South Reporter. Other communities have someone who has a column and now we will be, too. This column will be to share news of family events and positive things happening in our area. There are many good things happening and I will do my best to share them.
The column will be called Smoke Signals and Other News. Why Smoke Signals? Byhalia is a Chickasaw word (the first known inhabitants of the area) meaning “white oak” and in the late 60s there was a weekly column by Byhalia High School students named Smoke Signals. I was a writer for the column when I was attending school.
If you have news you would like to be included, you can email them to me at jchwagg@gmail.com. Of course, if you see me around town or have my number, feel free to share.
And now for a bit of town news. A new Marathon station will be opening soon on Highway 178 on the west end of town. Carriage House Coffee of Thistledome has moved to the former location of Byhalia Drug Store at the corner of Church Street and Brunswick. This historic building was the original location for Citizens Bank.
With Thanksgiving behind us, we are quickly moving into the Christmas season with festive events, decorating, shopping, cooking, and family gatherings. Byhalia’s “Illuminate the Night” will be held on Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.; the Byhalia Christmas Parade will be Dec. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. The Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce will host an open house on Dec. 15 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Judging begins December 12 for the homes competing in the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas decoration contest. Monday, Dec. 12 the BACC will be out and about around the city judging the hard work and imagination that area residents have displayed for the community this year. Winners will be announced Thursday, Dec. 15.
Please help the Byhalia Fire and Rescue collect toys for kids in our area this Christmas. There is a drop box at Byhalia Bank in addition to several other businesses around town.
Help me fill this column with Byhalia community news and happening by sending me your news and photos to jchwagg@aol.com or call 901- 246-8843.