THE REYNOLDS REPORT

Welcome.

  • Standing Together for Water Valley: Gratitude, Progress, and the Road Ahead

    Standing Together for Water Valley: Gratitude, Progress, and the Road Ahead

    A Public Statement from Mayor Tommy Reynolds

    To the Citizens and Neighbors of Water Valley,

    Our community is defined not by the storms we face, but by how we come together to weather them. Looking back at the severe winter ice storm we endured earlier this year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the spirit of Water Valley. In moments of extreme trial, our community showed its true character—neighbors helping neighbors, utility crews working through freezing nights, and volunteers stepping up to serve.

    During that difficult week, my family’s experience was no different from yours. Our power was out, our home was cold, and we were navigating deeply concerning and challenging times along with our entire community.

    In times of crisis, personal challenges must not stand in the way of public duty. Everything my wife, Liz, and I do is a joint effort in service to this town, and we were grateful to throw our full hearts into the relief efforts. Together with incredible partners and volunteers, we worked tirelessly to ensure our community was fed:

    • We personally requested the support of the American Red Cross, unlocked City Hall, and worked side-by-side with volunteers to distribute 350 meals a night over three consecutive evenings.
    • We partnered with Operation Barbecue Relief and local volunteers to host community feeding sessions at Fountain Square, serving 500 hot meals nightly to residents and visiting utility crews.
    • We opened our family’s business facilities to support logistics and coordinated the delivery of excess blankets, pillows, and supplies to our neighbors.

    True leadership, however, requires more than managing a crisis in the moment—it means fighting for the long-term solutions that prevent the next one. This fight for our local utility is not new to us.

    In 2022, when our electric system was in dire straits and needing urgent remediation, then-Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley convened a meeting in Batesville with a representative of Tallahatchie Valley EPA, Water Valley Mayor Donald Gray and himself and pushed hard for the city to transfer to Tallhatchie Valley EPA the Water Valley Electric Department.

    At the time, former Mayor Donald Gray stood firm and refused to support the sale, believing that our town must retain control of its own public assets. I agreed with him completely. When I was subsequently contacted to help, I went to work immediately to secure the state funding needed to purchase transformers to prevent catastrophic power outages, begin critical remediation, and save our utility.

    Through that persistent, determined advocacy in Jackson, we successfully staved off that sale. Our work has since brought home over $4,000,000.00 in state funds to protect and strengthen Water Valley’s city-owned electric system, including:

    • $500,000.00 in 2022 state funds specifically to build and install two massive transformers to prevent catastrophic outages.
    • $750,000.00 in 2023 for necessary pole replacements and to aid broadband facilitation in our town.
    • $1,500,000.00 in 2024 for use by the Water Valley City Electric Department. 
    • $1,200,000.00 direct state appropriations that will arrive by wire transfer within the next 30 days for the Water Valley City Electric Department.

    Finally, I want to address the recent concerns raised regarding our city budget and our emergency departments. Let me be unequivocally clear: I stand in unwavering support of the Water Valley Police Department, our Fire Department, and all our first responders.

    The safety, security, and well-being of Water Valley’s families, police officers, firefighters, and street workers are my absolute, non-negotiable priority. I want to reassure our dedicated city employees and our citizens that I will veto any proposed budget that forces proration or cuts to our public safety and emergency services. To prove my commitment to keeping our first responders on the job, I have formally offered to reduce my own mayoral salary for a one year period to $1 a month to preserve city positions.

    Our current budget discussions center around the historically approved and audited Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) from the electric system. As is the case with many other TVA cities in Mississippi, this  transfer is fully legal under the Mississippi Code and is explicitly permitted under our contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Under Mississippi law, when public bodies have administrative questions regarding fund transfers, the correct and responsible path is to maintain payments to ensure vital city services are not interrupted, while concurrently seeking a joint, orderly determination (such as an Attorney General’s opinion). Unilateral withholding of funds only places the burden on our first responders and our citizens.

    Simply stated, rather than seek lawful, judicial guidance from appropriate authorities before doing so, the Utilities Commission continues to choose to not make the payments it owes to the city in lieu of taxes. Why? They disagree or have a different opinion about how the amount owed was determined or optionally when, if, or how it should be paid. I’m sure more than a few reading this would like to have the option to not pay a debt of taxes because we don’t like the amount we owe or how it’s determined, but that’s not how things work in real life in general, but especially in the situation where our city and others all over the state have operated this way for decades.

    This is the “questionable accounting practices” that you may have heard is taking place. That description has been intentionally, disingenuously used to lead our citizens to believe something somehow nefarious is occurring. When, in actuality, it is the failure of the electric department to pay amounts it owes, amounts previously agreed upon, and amounts the city relies upon to meet its obligations that is questionable. Especially since they’re doing so without having first obtained or sought any sort of official legal determination from the state as required regarding the accuracy of their opinions, beliefs, or disagreements with the statutes cities all over Mississippi have operated under for years.

    However, let’s remember what we can achieve when we focus on solutions rather than differences. Through cooperative efforts, we have secured over $5.4 million in state funding for Water Valley over the last four years.

    I am unwavering in my support of our police, fire, and street departments and in finding a path forward that protects our workers and keeps our town growing. We are all the City of Water Valley – we are the same team, and working together is the only way forward.

    Now is not the time to focus on differences or get dragged into political division. Now is the time to focus on solutions. By continuing to work together with optimism, determination, and mutual respect, there is no challenge Water Valley cannot overcome.

    Mayor Tommy Reynolds
     City of Water Valley, Mississippi

  • Welcome to The Reynolds Report: Our Community Public Square

    Welcome to The Reynolds Report: Our Community Public Square

    🍉 Hello, Water Valley!

    There is a unique kind of magic in our town. You can feel it when walking down Main Street, catching up with neighbors at the grocery store, or hearing the laughter kick off at our annual Watermelon Carnival. Water Valley isn’t just a place on a map—it is a family. And like any strong family, staying connected, listening to one another, and working together is how we thrive.

    That is exactly why we are launching The Reynolds Report.

    After having the profound honor of serving our community for 44 years in the State Legislature, stepping into the role of your Mayor has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. But good leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when city hall and the neighborhood porch are completely in sync.

    This page is going to be our shared public square. Moving forward, you can look to this space for:

    • 🚧 Real-time Town Updates: Clear, transparent information on our infrastructure reinvestments, paving, and utility upgrades.
    • 📈 Economic Progress: Keeping you in the loop on how we are paving the way for job creation and lifting up our next generation.
    • 🎉 Community Celebrations: Spotlighting local businesses, civic clubs, and the incredible residents who make Water Valley so special.
    • 💬 Open Dialogue: A friendly, respectful environment to share ideas on how we can build an even brighter tomorrow.

    I want to say a massive, heartfelt thank you to every single resident, business owner, and volunteer who pours their heart into this town every day. We are blessed, we are growing, and our best days are still ahead of us.

    Please take a moment to like and follow our social media pages so you don’t miss an update. Send us an email to [email protected] to say hello, let us know what is going on in your part of town, or just leave a 🍉 to show your Water Valley pride!

    Let’s work together to make our town the absolute best it can be.

    Gratefully yours,

    Mayor Tommy Reynolds 

    #WaterValleyMS #TheReynoldsReport #CommunityFirst #BlessedAndProsperous

  • 🚧 Road Work Update: Street Resurfacing Schedule (Sept 14 – Sept 20) 🚧

    🚧 Road Work Update: Street Resurfacing Schedule (Sept 14 – Sept 20) 🚧

    Crews are making great progress on our annual street paving project! Following work on Stephens Street, resurfacing operations will move sequentially through the following streets this week:

    • Stephens St (Finalizing work)
    • Martin St
    • Chestnut St
    • N. Haynes St
    • Calhoun St

    Important Resident Reminders:

    • Street Parking: Please ensure all vehicles are moved off the street by 7:00 AM on scheduled work days to allow crews full access.
    • Traffic Delays: Expect temporary single-lane closures and short delays. Please use alternate routes when possible.
    • Safety First: Use extra caution around construction workers, heavy equipment, and freshly paved surfaces.

    Check out the map graphics below for work boundary details for each street section. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our city roads!

    #RoadWork #CityUpdates #Infrastructure #PavingUpdate #CommunityAlert

  • 2026 Street Resurfacing Project Update: Paving Begins on Stephens Street!

    🚧 Paving Update for Water Valley! 🚧

    The latest progress on the comprehensive 2026 Street Resurfacing Project is here! Following the initial project kickoff, the crew from Falcon Construction estimates they will begin active paving work on Stephens Street starting the week of Monday, September 14th.

    📍 Where: Stephens Street (from Woods Street to Burke)

    ⏰ When: Starting the week of September 14, 2026!

    The contractor is bringing crews and equipment to this segment to move fast and minimize disruption. However, please anticipate minor delays and consider planning alternate routes if your daily commute usually takes you down Stephens Street. We’ll continue posting daily street schedules as the project progresses so you always know where the work is happening!

    The primary construction zone for this phase will span the segment of Stephens Street from Woods Street to Burke.

    Here is a map highlighting the active construction segment where crews will be working starting on Monday:

    Stephens Street Work

    #WaterValley #StreetResurfacing #CommunityProgress #CityUpdates #Infrastructure #RoadWork

  • 🎉 VIVIAN SANDERS SNIDER: A CELEBRATION OF SERVICE 🎉

    🎉 VIVIAN SANDERS SNIDER: A CELEBRATION OF SERVICE 🎉

    A true life of selfless service is about to be celebrated! Let’s gather to honor our beloved and cherished City Clerk,

    Vivian Sanders Snider, who is retiring after 37 years of tireless and selfless dedication to the city of Water Valley and its citizens. Vivian is a true community pillar, and this is our chance to show our appreciation.

    You are all encouraged and invited to a:
    RETIREMENT RECEPTION
    Friday, September 18th
    4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Base Camp Academy Building (The Old Big Yank Building)

    What makes this celebration even more special? In a wonderful coincidence: Vivian’s father, Hubert Sanders, also served 37 years as Plant Manager of that very same Big Yank facility before his own retirement. Two generations of dedicated service, intertwined in the same location!

    Come share a memory, enjoy a reception, and show your appreciation for this dedicated, beloved, tirelessly and selflessly serving city servant. Let’s make this a celebration she will never forget!

    See you there, Water Valley!

    For more of Vivian’s incredible backstory and career details, read the Herald article here: https://www.yalnews.com/…/snider-will-retire-at-the…/
    (Note: linked article is for backstory only, please refer to this post for reception details)

    #WaterValleyMS #CityClerkRetirement #VivianSandersSnider #DedicatedServant #BigYankLegacy #BaseCampAcademy #SupportLocalServants #37YearsOfService
  • Paving the Way: Street Resurfacing Project Begins September 8th!

    Paving the Way: Street Resurfacing Project Begins September 8th!

    Great news for Water Valley! The Reynolds Report is excited to announce that active construction on our comprehensive street resurfacing project will officially begin on September 8th.

    Bringing Value to Our City’s Streets

    This project represents a major milestone in our community’s infrastructure improvement. By utilizing high-tech LiDAR assessment and an independent study from Golden Triangle Planning, the city was able to identify the highest-need roadway segments to prioritize. Moving from survey maps to active paving, we will be focusing on resurfacing portions of 19 streets that fell into the 25th percentile of lowest-rated road conditions. This data-driven approach ensures that we are delivering tangible value to local residents and business owners exactly where it is needed most.

    Funded Without Touching the City Budget

    Quality infrastructure relies on sound financial stewardship. We want to emphasize that this entire paving initiative is being paid for without overburdening city finances. The project is financed through an Internet Sales Tax bond, meaning these critical street infrastructure improvements are happening without utilizing standard city budget funds. It is a smart, responsible civic financing model that puts local internet tax dollars to work for our community.

    Stay Informed with Daily Updates

    As Falcon Construction begins laying asphalt, we want to ensure you can easily navigate around the active work zones. To keep everyone in the loop, The Reynolds Report will share daily posts detailing exactly where the crews will be working each day once the project is underway. These regular updates will allow you to plan your daily commutes, avoid temporary delays, and track the progress across our neighborhoods.

    What’s Next?

    Stay tuned! We will be sharing another update in the next couple of days to announce exactly which streets the crews will be starting on when work kicks off on September 8th.

  • Smooth Roads Ahead: Street Resurfacing Starts This Month(and Why LiDAR Kept It Fair)

    Smooth Roads Ahead: Street Resurfacing Starts This Month(and Why LiDAR Kept It Fair)

    Hello, Water Valley neighbors!

    If you’ve been following along here on The Reynolds Report, you know we’ve had plenty of good news to celebrate lately. From state infrastructure grants to major right-of-way investments, our town is moving forward with purpose. Today, we have another major update on one of our most anticipated community projects: our $1.1 million citywide street resurfacing project officially kicks off this month!

    As crews from Falcon Construction prepare to roll in, we want to take a moment to update everyone on what to expect, remind our community how these streets were chosen, and share a few thoughts on why data-backed transparency matters now more than ever for Water Valley.

    1. Work Begins This Month: Stay Tuned for Real-Time Updates

    Paving equipment will be hitting local pavement before the month is out. Because resurfacing involves heavy machinery and temporary lane adjustments, keeping you informed in real time is our top priority.

    • Where to watch: We will be posting ongoing updates right here on The Reynolds Report blog and across our official social media channels. (Visit us on Facebook & Instagram!)
    • What to look for: Look out for upcoming posts detailing specific street sequences, daily timelines, and temporary traffic reroutes so you can plan your daily drive without surprises.

    2. Guided by Lasers, Not Lines: How Streets Were Chosen

    When Mayor Tommy Reynolds championed the state’s Internet Sales Tax law (the Mississippi Infrastructure Modernization Act) during his legislative tenure, the goal was simple: bring local digital dollars back home to fix physical hometown roads. With over $1 million secured for Water Valley’s streets, every single taxpayer cent needed to go exactly where it was required most.

    That is why Water Valley became the first municipality in Mississippi to deploy Mobile LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) laser mapping technology across our entire street grid.

    Instead of relying on guesswork, political preferences, or ward-by-ward division, a high-tech mapping vehicle scanned every road in town down to the millimeter. Advanced computer software generated a 3D digital model of our streets, identifying hidden structural flaws, alligator cracking, and severe dip points that the human eye simply can’t measure.

    The result? The streets slated for resurfacing in this contract were chosen purely on physical condition and engineering need. Every neighbor gets equal consideration because the laser doesn’t care about political lines—it only cares about road quality.

    3. A Look at the Numbers: Why Data-Driven Decisions Matter

    Using objective data from tech like LiDAR protects taxpayers from outdated administrative boundaries. To see why that’s so important, we only need to look at our town’s current Ward population figures.

    Under federal Constitutional standards and Mississippi election laws, municipal ward boundaries are supposed to maintain relatively equal populations to guarantee equal representation for every citizen (“one person, one vote”). Typically, total population deviation across all wards should remain within a 10% threshold.

    However, looking at our current population counts by Ward, Water Valley’s lines have become noticeably out of balance over time:

    WardPopulationIdeal Pop. per WardDeviation from Target
    Ward 11,324~845 +56.69%
    Ward 2623~845 -26.27%
    Ward 3730~845 -13.61%
    Ward 4703~845 -16.80%

    Source: Water Valley, MS – Ward Map with Populations(PDF).

    Note: With an overall population of approximately 3,380 residents across 4 wards, the overall deviation spread between our highest-populated ward (Ward 1) and lowest-populated ward (Ward 2) exceeds 82.96%—well beyond the standard 10% legal deviation limit.

    These numbers show that our current Ward maps are distinctly out of kilter. (Looking down the road, updating and redistricting our municipal Ward lines is an important civic necessity that our town will eventually need to address.)

    Thankfully, when it came to paving your streets, we didn’t have to wait on ward lines or outdated population maps. By relying on LiDAR scanning technology rather than political boundaries, we ensured that road repair priority went strictly to the worst roads first, regardless of which Ward you happen to call home.

    What’s Next?

    Our priority today is delivering smooth, durable, high-quality streets to every neighborhood in Water Valley cleanly and efficiently.

    Keep an eye on this space over the coming days as we release the finalized street-by-street paving schedule. Thank you for your continued support, your patience as construction begins, and your shared pride in building a brighter, smoother future for Water Valley!

    Have questions or thoughts about the upcoming street project? Send us a note at [email protected] or drop a comment on our social media channels!

    Street resurfacing and ward post hero graphic
  • Setting the Record Straight on Property Tax

    Setting the Record Straight on Property Tax

    Understanding Our Property Taxes

    As Water Valley enters the city budget season, property taxes are naturally a key topic of discussion. Recently, there has been some community dialogue suggesting that Water Valley’s property taxes are unusually low. To provide clarity, we want to share the current data.

    To provide context, property taxes are determined by a municipality’s millage rate. This rate dictates the taxes residents and businesses pay each year on homes, vehicle tags, businesses, and utility property.

    When looking at the broader region, Water Valley’s rates are actually the highest among our neighboring cities.

    • Bruce: 26.40 mills
    • Oxford: 32.65 mills
    • Calhoun City: 33.50 mills
    • Sardis: 35.55 mills
    • Batesville: 37.80 mills
    • Coffeeville: 41.26 mills
    • Water Valley: 43.50 mills

    Last year, Water Valley’s total property tax yield was approximately $1 million, with overall property valuation in the city remaining steady. Our taxpayers consistently do their part to support the city, and the data reflects that our rates are highly competitive for the region.

  • Wins for Water Valley!

    Wins for Water Valley!

    To maximize our resources and reduce the burden on local taxpayers, Mayor Tommy Reynolds has actively pursued state funding for essential projects. We are pleased to share that over the past five years, the state funding successfully secured for Water Valley has exceeded our total local property tax revenue.

    Here is a breakdown of the investments brought into our community:

    • 2022: $250,000 was secured for Civic Center restoration, alongside $500,000 for the Water Valley Electric Department to purchase two transformers. These provide essential backup power during catastrophic outages. Despite supply chain delays, both transformers are now fully installed as of 2025.
    • 2023: An additional $225,000 was allocated for the continued restoration of the Civic/City Auditorium. Furthermore, $750,000 was secured for the Electric Department to facilitate broadband internet service and fund infrastructure improvements, including vital utility pole replacements.
    • 2024: A $1.5 million legislative appropriation was dedicated specifically to Water Valley Electric Department infrastructure upgrades.
    • 2025: While there was no direct state appropriation this year, city teams focused on the active installation and completion of previously funded infrastructure projects.
    • 2026: We are seeing exceptional growth this year with a $1.1 million street improvement project, due to begin in two weeks, funded by internet sales tax revenue — a measure approved during Mayor Reynolds’ legislative tenure. We also received a $1.36 million state grant for sidewalk improvements. Finally, an additional $1.2 million was appropriated for electric service improvements. The Department of Finance and Administration confirmed today that these funds will be wire-transferred to the city within the next 30 days.

    Proactive Infrastructure Maintenance

    A strong infrastructure is vital, especially when facing severe weather. Using nearly $400,000 in legislatively approved funds, the city initiated a competitive bid process and hired Looks Great Services for electric right-of-way clearance across 41 miles of the grid.

    This major clearing operation was completely finished in the summer and fall of 2025. While it could not eliminate all damage, completing this work prior to the recent ice storm successfully mitigated significant loss and helped our grid weather the event much more effectively.

    We remain deeply grateful to our legislative partners and the people of Mississippi for their continued support. Water Valley is making steady, substantial progress, and we look forward to seeing these continued improvements benefit our community.

  • Community Update: The Heroic Final Push for the Watermelon Carnival!

    Community Update: The Heroic Final Push for the Watermelon Carnival!

    The Reynolds Report Team

    As the sun sets today, the final touches are officially in place, and the stage is set for an incredible weekend. If you’ve stepped outside or driven through town today, you’ve probably noticed the sheer buzz of activity. Tomorrow, the Watermelon Carnival officially kicks off, but before the games, food, and festivities begin, we need to take a moment to talk about the incredible people who made it all happen.

    A Massive Shoutout to the City Street Department

    To say our City Street Department went above and beyond today would be a massive understatement. This tireless crew was out there grinding from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, pulling a grueling 13-hour shift in the heat to execute the final push. It has been a monumental task with the rains kicking the grass into high gear but their sweat equity and all the many who’ve also helped is the reason this festival is ready to roll.

    When you see a street crew worker this weekend, give them a wave and a big “Thank You”—they truly earned it today!

    Teamwork at Its Finest

    A setup of this scale doesn’t happen without a massive, coordinated effort across our entire community. Today, in addition to all the others who’ve helped, we want to extend our deepest gratitude and highest praise to everyone who answered the call:

    • The Sheriff’s Department & Inmate Labor: Thank you for providing indispensable muscle, heavy lifting, and logistical support over the last few days. Your hard work behind the scenes kept everything moving smoothly.
    • The Fire Department: A special tip of the hat to our firefighters! Armed with the specialized gear and trucks, they stepped up to tackle and prepare areas that were previously inaccessible, ensuring the site is 100% complete and safe for families.
    • Every City Department & Partner Organization: To every single city employee, local organization, and volunteer who has poured time, energy, and resources into this over the past several days and weeks—thank you. Your pride in our town shines through in every detail.

    See You at the Carnival! 🍉

    Thanks to this army of dedicated workers, the groundwork is laid for an unforgettable festival. Now, it’s time for all of us to enjoy the fruits of their labor!

    Grab your friends, bring the family, and come hungry. We wish everyone in our community a safe, happy, and immensely fun Watermelon Carnival!

  • Sweet Traditions: The Ultimate Guide to the 56th Annual Water Valley Watermelon Carnival

    Sweet Traditions: The Ultimate Guide to the 56th Annual Water Valley Watermelon Carnival

    Welcome to Water Valley’s Biggest Weekend of the Year!

    Summer in Mississippi is marked by sunshine, community traditions, and sweet, juicy watermelons. The 56th Annual Water Valley Watermelon Carnival returns from Thursday, July 30th through Saturday, August 1st, 2026.

    Organized by the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, this three-day celebration transforms downtown Water Valley and City Park into a hub of live music, delicious food, family games, and classic Southern hospitality. Whether you are a lifelong resident or planning your very first visit, here is your complete guide to everything happening at this year’s festival.

    Editor’s Note: Mark your calendars! From high-flying watermelon drops and fireworks to live street dances, barbecue showdowns, and vintage car parades, this weekend offers something for everyone.

    A Slice of History: How the Carnival Began

    The Water Valley Watermelon Carnival is steeped in rich heritage:

    • Depression-Era Origins: The inaugural carnival was held on August 27, 1931, during the height of the Great Depression.
    • Agricultural Innovation: Seeking ways to revitalize the local economy, the Water Valley Junior Chamber of Commerce turned to the region’s thriving watermelon crops, renowned for their exceptional sweet flavor.
    • A Resurgent Tradition: After a hiatus during World War II, the festival was enthusiastically revived in 1980 and has grown into a major regional homecoming event.
    • National Recognition: Today, the festival is recognized by the Southeastern Tourism Society as one of the top 20 festivals in the southeastern United States.

    2026 Festival Schedule Breakdown

    Thursday, July 30th – Opening Night Melodies

    • 7:00 PM: Watermelon Music Festival at The Civic (Sponsored by Town and Country Garden Club). Kick off carnival weekend with an evening of live performances!

    Friday, July 31st – Street Dance, Watermelon Drop & Fireworks

    • All Day: Chamber of Commerce Booth beside the Gazebo (Official Carnival T-Shirts & Vendor Information).
    • All Day: City Park Festivities (Craft Vendors, Food Vendors, and Children’s Activities).
    • 6:00 PM:Opening Ceremonies on Central Street.
      • Invocation & Welcome: Mayor Tommy Reynolds
      • National Anthem: Lillie Faith Mathis
      • Court Presentation: Introduction of Watermelon Queen Preslee Fischer & Court
    • 6:15 PM: The Annual Watermelon Drop at the Northeast Corner of City Park (Central St. & Court St.).
    • 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM: Street Dance featuring Charlie Mars on Central Street (Sponsored by FNB-Water Valley).
    • 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Street Dance featuring Spunk Monkees on Central Street (Sponsored by FNB-Water Valley).
    • 9:00 PM: Fireworks Spectacular at City Park (Sponsored by BankFirst & Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce).
    • 9:15 PM – 10:30 PM: Late-Night Street Dance featuring Spunk Monkees on Central Street (Sponsored by FNB-Water Valley).

    Saturday, August 1st – The Main Event

    The main day of the festival offers non-stop entertainment from sunrise to sunset across downtown Water Valley and City Park.

    Morning Schedule

    • 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at the Casey Jones Railroad Museum.
    • 6:30 AM: Registration for the 38th Annual 3K Walk/Run at Downtown Pavilion (Sponsored by BankFirst).
    • 7:30 AM: 38th Annual 3K Walk/Run at Railroad Park (FREE event, Sponsored by BankFirst).
    • 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM: 31st Annual Car Display at Shuffield Park (FREE event, Sponsored by Fischer Properties Team of Remax).
    • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Touch-A-Truck Downtown (FREE event, Sponsored by Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce).
    • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Tasters Choice Barbecue Tickets available behind Renasant Bank (Only 100 tickets available—first come, first served!).

    Afternoon & Evening Schedule

    • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Air-Conditioned Trolley Rides running every 15–20 minutes between City Park & Downtown (FREE service, Sponsored by Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce).
    • 11:00 AM – Until: Watermelon Games at the Northeast Grass Corner of First Christian Church (FREE games conducted by the Jr. Auxiliary).
    • 11:00 AM – Until: Tasters Choice Barbecue Contest behind Renasant Bank (Buy a ticket and vote for the best dish!).
    • 1:00 PM: Free Watermelon Slices at the Southwest End of City Park (Sponsored by Cayce Washington).
    • 2:00 PM: Antique Car Parade (Cruising from Shuffield Park to City Park).
    • 5:15 PM: Train Tracks Pork Attack Barbecue Contest Winners Announced at City Park Gazebo.

    Live Music & Entertainment Schedule (Gazebo Stage)

    Keep an eye on the City Park Gazebo stage on Saturday for live local talent, hosted by Gazebo DJ & Sound Master Bobby Murphree:

    TimeEvent / ArtistHighlight
    9:00 AM – 11:00 AMTom FooleryLive Music Performance
    10:00 AMLargest Watermelons DisplayShowcase of record-setting local melons
    11:00 AM – 12:00 PMJacob KingLive Music Performance
    12:00 PMYouth Watermelon Growing ContestWinner Announcement
    12:15 PMLargest Watermelon ContestWinner Announcement
    12:30 PM – 1:30 PMPharm TruckLive Music Performance
    1:30 PM – 2:30 PMTanner MillsLive Music Performance
    2:30 PM – 3:30 PMBusiness CasualLive Music Performance
    3:30 PM – 5:00 PMCadillac FunkLive Music Performance

    Must-See Festival Highlights

    🍉 The Splat-Tacular Watermelon Drop & Giant Melons

    The ceremonial Watermelon Drop on Friday evening at 6:15 PM marks the official start of the street festivities. On Saturday, head to the Gazebo to admire the giant melons grown by local gardeners, culminating in the Youth Growing Contest and Largest Watermelon Contest announcements.

    🍖 Train Tracks Pork Attack Barbecue Contest

    Barbecue lovers won’t want to miss the annual Train Tracks Pork Attack Barbecue Cooking Contest behind Renasant Bank. A staple of the carnival that serves as an official qualifier for the world-renowned Memphis in May competition, this contest brings together skilled pitmasters. Make sure to buy a Tasters Choice Ticket at 9:00 AM on Saturday to sample the entries and cast your vote!

    🏎️ 31st Annual Car Display & Antique Parade

    Auto enthusiasts can explore dozens of classic, custom, and antique vehicles at Shuffield Park from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, then catch them rolling down the street during the Antique Car Parade at 2:00 PM.

    Insider Tips for Visitors

    • Stay Cool: Take advantage of the Free Air-Conditioned Trolley running every 15–20 minutes between Downtown and City Park on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
    • Grab Official Merch Early: Official 2026 Watermelon Carnival T-shirts and vendor info will be available all weekend at the Chamber booth next to the Gazebo.
    • Explore Downtown Water Valley: While in town, check out local shops, restaurants, and the historic Casey Jones Railroad Museum located right in the heart of downtown.

    Community & Sponsor Acknowledgments

    This event is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and community leaders:

    • Key Event Sponsors: FNB Water Valley, BankFirst, Mid-South Rehab, Solero Technologies, Renasant Bank, TVEPA, TVIFiber, Yalobusha Country Club, Fischer Properties Team of Remax, Town and Country Garden Club, Cayce & Michelle Washington, Mayor Tommy Reynolds, and the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.
    • Community Partners: South Main Boutique, Oxford Healthcare Mgmt, RRP Enterprises, Blue Melon Rendezvous, Moorehead Off Road Engineering, GG’s Flowers & Gifts, The Southern Belle, Larson’s Cash Saver, Eddie & Sasha Hyde, Campbell Law Firm, Midtown Auto Parts, Memphis BBQ Network, Brandon & Katelyn Presley, Defer Law Firm, Main Street Fitness, Seven Oaks Funeral Home, Magnolia Eye Group, Turnage Drug Store, Main Street Storage, Kirk Auto Group, Black & Associates, Stroud Flechas & Dalton, Nabors Home Center, Yalobusha General Hospital & Nursing Home, Simmons House Historic Venue & Inn, Spirit Mart, Dr. Heidi Pratt, Webb Family Medical, Allied Group, and Abraham Dental.
  • ☀️ HATS OFF TO OUR WATER VALLEY STREET DEPARTMENT! 🍉👏

    ☀️ HATS OFF TO OUR WATER VALLEY STREET DEPARTMENT! 🍉👏

    If you’ve driven by City Park this afternoon, you’ve probably seen the grass looking fresh, green, and completely event-ready! A huge shoutout and thank you to the hard-working crew with the Water Valley Street Department for grinding out in this blazing summer heat to get the park looking so good ahead of this weekend’s Watermelon Carnival! 🍉✨

    Now the amazing folks with the watervalleymainstreet Water Valley Main Street folks are doing their magic!!! Thank you to them as well!

    With the park ready to go, the team is now moving on to prepare Oak Hill Cemetery and Oak Grove Cemetery. We know so many folks coming home to Water Valley for Carnival weekend make a point to visit and pay respects to loved ones buried there, and having those grounds looking beautiful means the world to our community. ❤️🕊️

    If you see the Street Department crew out working hard around town this week, be sure to give them a big wave and a word of thanks!

    We’re set for a fantastic Watermelon Carnival weekend—who’s ready for some fun, music, and watermelon?! See y’all out there! 🎉🍉

    WaterValley #WatermelonCarnival #WaterValleyMS #TheReynoldsReport #CommunityFirst #ThankYouStreetDept

  • Growth on the Horizon: Water Valley Industrial Area Officially Joins City Limits!

    Growth on the Horizon: Water Valley Industrial Area Officially Joins City Limits!

    We have some fantastic news to share about the future of our community! Yalobusha County Chancery Court Judge Mitchell Lundy has officially granted the annexation of the industrial buildings area, bringing these city-owned properties fully into the Water Valley city limits.

    Mayor Tommy Reynolds recently met with Judge Lundy to finalize this milestone, marking a major step forward for our local economy.

    What This Means for Water Valley

    While we won’t dive into the nitty-gritty legal paperwork, the positive impact of this decision will be felt across our community for years to come. Bringing the industrial development area into the official city limits unlocks several key benefits:

    • A Stronger Tax Base: Integrating these commercial properties helps fortify our local financial foundation.
    • Enhanced Revenue Streams: Increased city revenue translates directly into better public services, infrastructure improvements, and community resources.
    • Job Creation & Economic Growth: With the area officially zoned within city limits, Water Valley is in a prime position to attract new employers, support industrial development, and bring more jobs home to our residents.

    This update ensures that our city-owned industrial assets are fully aligned with Water Valley’s long-term growth plans. A huge thank you to Judge Lundy, Mayor Reynolds, and everyone working behind the scenes to keep Water Valley moving forward!

    Stay tuned to the blog for more updates on how we are building a brighter, more prosperous future together.

  • A Meaningful July 4th & Time Capsule Secrets!

    A Meaningful July 4th & Time Capsule Secrets!

    Hello, Water Valley neighbors! We hope everyone had a safe, joyful, and blessed Independence Day weekend. Reflecting on everything our community shared this past Saturday, July 4th, Mayor Tommy Reynolds perfectly captured the sentiment of the entire town:

    “It was a great day today—I’ve never been to a more meaningful July 4th celebration.”   

    Reynolds offered a warm welcome to the crowd and read the first prayer of the Continental Congress penned by Rev Jacob Duche’.  The Continental Congress later adopted the Declaration of Independence.  From the deep respect paid to our nation’s history to the fascinating look back at our own local heritage, it truly was a landmark America 250 celebration for Water Valley. Here is a recap of how our community marked this historic day together! 🌟

    🎵 Patriotic Harmony & Shared History

    Our program kicked off with an unforgettable lineup of music and community reflection that celebrated the diverse fabric of our nation. 

    Joyful Voices and Moving Melodies: Effie Burt led the attendees in a deeply powerful, rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, and we enjoyed her beautiful solo performance of What the World Needs Now is Love.

    Sing-Alongs: Neighbors stood shoulder-to-shoulder with song sheets for America the Beautiful led by April Hammons.  Eddie Wood and Dawn Denham closed things out by leading a rousing performance of Woody Guthrie’s 1940 classic, This Land is Your Land. Fun fact (not fact checked, however) shared by our emcee: Guthrie wrote it as a response to God Bless America and penned over 300 verses! We stuck to a few selected favorites for our sing-along).

    Between the musical sets, we anchored ourselves in the foundational promises of our country. Residents led moving, shared community readings of the Declaration of Independence read by James McCormick, Mary Beth Pulsifer, Anne Winebrenner and Tommy Reynolds.  For the Bill of Rights, Jesse Gurner read the First Amendment guaranteeing freedom of the press and freedom of religion.  Chief Jason Mangrum read the second amendment guaranteeing the right to keep and bear arms.  Eddie Wood read the 3rd, 4th, and 5th amendments. Jack Williams read the 6th through the 10th amendments.  Calvin Hawkins proudly read the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, honoring the abolition of slavery, the guarantee of citizenship and due process, and the protection of voting rights.

    🥁 The Parade & Community Catch-Ups

    Following the program, our streets came alive with color and pride during the official parade. Local Girl Scouts (including Nicole Folsom’s daughter in uniform!) and Cub Scouts led the way, escorting a beautiful array of flags—including the American, State, City, our historic 1976 Bicentennial flag, and the official America 250 flag!

    After the parade route (where we were very grateful for the water bottles waiting outside!), the community headed over to the Casey Jones Railroad Museum for America’s birthday cake and Cokes. It was the perfect backdrop for catching up with neighbors.

    ⏳ The 1977 Time Capsule Exhibit is Now Open!

    The newly unearthed 1977 Bicentennial Time Capsule was another major highlight of the day! As a reminder, this was recently discovered near City Hall on the electric department window side, thanks to City Clerk Vivian Snider redirecting our search.

    The Condition: While moisture had infiltrated the heavy-duty PVC capsule due to an unglued end cap, it has not dampened our community spirit. We have the original inventory list and are actively working to recreate the contents.  In addition, Grant Thompson and Jack Gurner have generously provided home movies and bicentennial slides from the 1976 parade!

    Your Summer Invitation: The original 1977 capsule and its recovered contents are currently on display at the Water Valley Railroad Museum.

    Looking Ahead: The public is warmly invited to bring items to the museum all summer long to contribute to a brand-new time capsule. We will repack it at the end of the summer and rebury it, not to be opened for another 50 years!

    🤝 A Massive Thank You to Our Sponsors

    Events like this do not happen without the incredible generosity of our local organizations. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who made this America 250 celebration possible:

    • Oddfellows Lodge in Water Valley
    • The Main Street Association
    • Bozart Gallery
    • The Lions Club
    • The City of Water Valley

    Thank you to everyone who organized, participated, volunteered, and attended. You made this a July 4th we will never forget.

  • Stepping Toward a Safer, More Connected Community: A Big Thank You to Our City Crew!

    Stepping Toward a Safer, More Connected Community: A Big Thank You to Our City Crew!

    At The Reynolds Report, we love sharing updates that show real, tangible progress right here in our town! Recently, our dedicated City of Water Valley public works crew was hard at work installing a crisp, high-visibility pedestrian crosswalk leading directly to the trailhead of the Yalobusha Greenway.

    Whether you’re out for a morning jog, walking your dog, or taking a family stroll over the footbridge, getting to our town’s recreation spaces safely should always be a top priority. Mayor Tommy Reynolds joined the crew on-site to inspect the progress as they laid down wooden guide stencils and rolled on fresh, durable white paint to bring this safety upgrade to life.

    Expressing Our Gratitude to Our City Workers

    Great communities are built by hard-working hands, and our municipal crew deserves a huge round of applause! 👏

    • Hands-On Dedication: Under the hot Mississippi sun, our workers carefully measured, prepped, and painted a bright crosswalk designed to capture drivers’ attention and protect pedestrians.
    • Pride in Their Craft: From mixing heavy-duty paint to laying down precise line guides, their attention to detail ensures this crosswalk will serve Water Valley families safely for years to come.
    • Service Behind the Scenes: Their steady efforts every day keep our streets safe, clean, and functioning smoothly.

    “A town’s true strength lies in the people who maintain it. Thank you to our city workers for your hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication to keeping Water Valley safe!”

    Enhancing Quality of Life in Water Valley

    While a new crosswalk might seem like a simple improvement, projects like this reflect a much larger vision: continuously improving the quality of life for every resident in Water Valley.

    By making our streets safer and seamlessly connecting neighborhoods to community treasures like the Yalobusha Greenway, we are:

    • Promoting Active, Healthy Living: Giving walkers, runners, and families a safer, designated crossing to access trail amenities and enjoy the outdoors.
    • Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety: Clearly marking trail crossings near roadways to calm traffic and protect residents of all ages.
    • Investing in Local Infrastructure: Upgrading walkability and connectivity to make Water Valley an even more inviting place to live, work, and raise a family.

    Keep an eye out for more continuous improvement updates right here on The Reynolds Report. Next time you head out to enjoy the Yalobusha Greenway, take advantage of the fresh new crossing—and if you see our city workers around town, be sure to give them a wave and a big thank you!

  • Coming Soon

    Watch this spot! Spotlights are in the works!

  • Paving the Way with Next-Gen Tech & Internet Tax Dollars

    🍉 Over $1M in Street Upgrades Coming!

    Hello, Water Valley neighbors! We have some monumental news that is going to make your daily commute smoother, your neighborhoods safer, and our town a true trailblazer in the state of Mississippi.

    At our July 1st meeting, the City Council officially greenlit a massive street improvements contract to Falcon Construction for a low base bid of $1,012,989.50. This major project is bond-funded and supercharged by a very special state revenue stream—meaning your hard-earned dollars are going right back into the ground where they belong.

    Not only is this project a massive financial win, but Water Valley is also making history with how we are executing it.

    💰 Powered by Progress: How the Internet Sales Tax is Rebuilding Water Valley

    A million-dollar investment is a big deal for a town of our size, and we are incredibly proud to share how this is being made affordable. A vital piece of the financial backbone for this project comes directly from the Mississippi Infrastructure Modernization Act, frequently known as the state’s Internet Sales Tax law.

    Passed during a historic special legislative session, this law changed the game by requiring out-of-state online retailers to collect and remit state use taxes on internet purchases. Crucially, the law mandates a strict diversion formula: 15% of these internet tax revenues are sent straight back to local municipalities, and another 15% go to counties.

    Here is why this matters to you:

    • Strictly for Upgrades: By law, these diverted funds cannot lapse into a general state fund. They must be spent strictly on the repair, maintenance, and reconstruction of local roads, bridges, streets, or water/sewer systems.
    • Mayor Reynolds’ Legislative Legacy: Before taking office as our Mayor, Tommy Reynolds proudly supported and voted for this infrastructure act during his 44 distinguished years in the Mississippi State Legislature. He fought for this legislation because he knew it would create a level playing field for our local brick-and-mortar small businesses while securing a dedicated, permanent revenue stream for local hometown roads. Today, as your Mayor, he is thrilled to put those very same digital dollars to work right here on our physical streets!

    🚀 A Mississippi First: Mapping Our Streets with LiDAR!

    Because we are utilizing these vital public funds, we want to make sure every single penny is spent with maximum efficiency. That is why Water Valley is proud to be the very first municipality in the state of Mississippi to utilize advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to map out our entire street system before the pavers even arrive!

    Instead of old-school, manual visual inspections where crews have to guess how much asphalt is needed or miss hidden structural flaws, we are letting lasers do the heavy lifting. Our city engineer is moving quickly to direct Falcon Construction to begin using this high-tech data immediately so we can get ahead of the bad weather season.

    🧠 How Does LiDAR Street Mapping Work? (An Easy Overview)

    If you see a specialized vehicle driving through town equipped with unique pods and sensors on the roof, you’re looking at a Mobile LiDAR Mapping System. Here is a quick breakdown of how this modern technology changes the game for road repair:

    • Laser Speed Scanning: The system fires millions of harmless laser pulses per second toward the pavement while driving at normal highway speeds.
    • Creating a “3D Digital Twin”: By measuring exactly how long it takes for each laser beam to bounce back, a powerful onboard computer calculates the distance down to the millimeter. This creates an incredibly detailed, 3D point-cloud map of every road, curb, and dip in town.
    • X-Ray Vision for Road Damage: Advanced software automatically color-codes the streets based on exact damage severity. It detects microscopic alligator cracking, hidden potholes, deep ruts, and slope issues that the human eye simply cannot see.

    📊 Why This Matters for Water Valley Taxpayers:

    1. Zero Guesswork: The technology tells us exactly how much resurfacing material is needed and where. This prevents contractors from over-ordering asphalt, saving our town thousands of dollars in overrun costs.
    2. Perfect Paving Pre-Planning: It highlights foundation weaknesses under the asphalt before paving starts. This means when we fix a road, it stays fixed, breaking those frustrating, costly “damage repair cycles.”
    3. No Traffic Disruption: Traditional surveying requires closing lanes and putting crews in harm’s way. LiDAR scans are done seamlessly at regular driving speeds without interrupting your day.

    📋 What’s Next?

    Our team is finalizing the paperwork, and the engineer is giving Falcon Construction the official green light to deploy. We are thrilled to bring this level of cutting-edge transparency, fiscal responsibility, and technological efficiency to our infrastructure. Our historic town may be deeply rooted in tradition, but we are absolutely stepping into the future when it comes to taking care of our citizens.

    Thank you, Water Valley, for your support, your patience as work begins, and your shared pride in our community. Big, smooth changes are on the horizon!

    Send us a message at [email protected] and let us know what street you’re most excited to see get a high-tech facelift, or leave a 🍉 on our socials to celebrate this Mississippi-first milestone with us!

    Gratefully yours,

    The Reynolds Report Team

    #WaterValleyMS #TheReynoldsReport #LiDARInnovation #InternetSalesTaxAtWork #CommunityFirst #SmoothRoadsAhead