Smoke Signals and other news
Highway 309 paving continues. Yes, it is frustrating to wait until your turn to wind through the construction, but it will be well worth it when it is completed. I remember when both Highway 309 and Cayce Road were gravel. Cayce Road received pavement first.
I failed to mention how much it means to anyone when a stranger shows kindness. When I arrived with my husband, Doug, at the emergency room last Sunday and I began getting Doug into a wheelchair, a lady coming out of the ER offered her assistance, which I gladly accepted. As she pushed him inside the air conditioning area, I went to park the truck. There was nothing close. As I walked the long distance back, she appeared again, taking my bags and walking with me. She was not a hospital employee. I never even got her name and only saw her one other time as she walked through the emergency room and smiled at us. Doug and I look older and need help—a special note of thanks to the lady who showed so much kindness.
Guardian Insurance (formerly CLM) has moved to its new location across Hwy 178, next to Byhalia Drugs. The same friendly ladies are available to help with all your insurance needs.
Ruth B. French Library will host a “Color Me Happy” paint event every 2nd Thursday of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You don’t have to be an artist to go and have some creative fun.
If you have never been involved in the world of government, it would be good to research how government entities work instead of just up and deciding that everyone is doing you wrong. Find out which board or group is in charge of what is around the county/towns/ and state. Find out what bylaws they are governed by. Robert’s Rule of Order is a good starting point; however, each board must adhere to another set of rules. Having served on several boards and committees in my lifetime, I am familiar with rules and regulations, which sometimes are quite frustrating.
Sympathy is extended to Susan Bonds and her family in the loss of her sister, Ellen Gammons.
Tate County Schools and Senatobia City Schools started back last Friday. Yes, it is still July, but they are trying a new schedule allowing breaks during the school year.
It is an interesting idea.
In the book “A Life For the Confederacy,” edited by James W. Silver from the diaries of Robert A. Moore that followed the Confederate Guards (Company G, 17th Mississippi Reg.) lists Tom Tucker, “who lives near Byhalia and was wounded at First Manassas by the firing of a pistol accidentally which fell from a holder of an officer as he was mounting.” The Confederate Guards fought in battles of First Manassas, Leesburg, Savage Station, Malvern Hill, Maryland Heights, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Knoxville, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Berryville, and Bell Grove. Over half of the one hundred and fifty men mustered into the Confederate Guards were wounded, thirty were killed or died from wounds, and eighteen died from disease. On May 7, 1861, the “Walker Reserves” was formed. The Holly Springs newspaper article described this Company as “preserved and mounted, dressed in the best of uniforms.” Another report appearing later stated: Byhalia, June 8, 1861, Miss Betty Raiford presented the Walker Reserves with a large and beautiful flag from the ladies of the Byhalia Female Institute in a very neat address. Lieutenant Eddins received the flag from the Institute in a very eloquent and appropriate style, and then we adjourned departing of a very excellent repast. A complete roster can be found in “The History of Byhalia,” available at Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce Mainstreet.
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.