Complied by Johnathan Williams

In the 1980s – 30 Years Ago

“Panola County voters defeated a $2.85 million jail bond issue with vocal opponents declaring that an adequate facility could be built for much less money,” the June 21, 1989 edition reported. “The issue required that 60 percent of those voting to vote in favor to pass.” The vote for the jail bonds was 1,030 with 2,302 voting against. Enhanced 911 service was approved by voters 1,944 to 1,283.

In the 1970s – 40 Years Ago

“Perplexed by needed buildings in the South Panola School District, school trustees voted to advertise for sale the West Side seventh grade building…,” the June 21st, 1978 edition reported. “The West Side Facility located on Highway 6 East of Batesville near the TGT station includes 18 classrooms, administrative office area, cafetorium on an 11 acre tract.” …. “Board members voted last month to call on a bond issue to finance the building of classrooms to alleviate the deteriorating structure, known as the old gym, …” at the Batesville Elementary School, the story continued.

In the 1960s – 50 Years Ago

The North Mississippi Rural Legal Service first opened it office in Batesville on Wood Street in May, 1969, according to a story in the June 19, 1969 edition. “North Mississippi Rural Legal Services has been in existence since 1965, when it was formed by the joint efforts of Joshua Morse, then Dean of the Law School at Ole Miss, and the Lafayette County Bar Association,” according to the story. “Three attorneys are employed by Rural Legal Services. Robert Kelly is from New Jersey, while Bill Joyner and Mose Kincaid are natives of Mississippi.” Dr. Lee Hasseltine opened his dental office in Batesville, according to another story in that edition.

In the 1950s – 60 Years Ago

Candidates for Panola County Sheriff in the 1959 election were A.F. Daws, Roland Lowe, Forrest Tuttle, Valley D. Holder, G.W. (Bill) Butler, Sam Dodd, and H.L. Callihan.

110 Years Ago – 1909

Dr. S. P. Lester showed us a stalk of wheat from his wheat patch that had thirty heads on it. It is the growth from one grain, and if a good criterion, the acre Dr. Lester planted will yield forty bushels. There is no reason why the farmers of Panola County shouldn’t raise their own wheat.

• – The Panolian, June 17, 1909
• 150 Years Ago – The Panola Star
• Fire at Panola Depot
• Last Sunday morning, at daylight, the employees of the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad discovered that the engine-house had taken fire and burned down upon the Locomotive and Tender, both of which were destroyed. The watchman was a new hand and on his first watch. He went to his room, fell asleep, and was the very last person to get to the fire.