Friday May 24,
2013
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Daily Corinthian Vol. 117, No. 123
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• Corinth, Mississippi • 22 pages • Two sections
Former gas station collapses during cleanup BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
The process of removing asbestos brought an end to the old gas station at 600 Fillmore Street Thursday afternoon. General Construction Services, Inc., of Memphis, Tenn., began work Thursday morning on asbestos abatement at the former service station, a contributing building in the Corinth Historic District. In the late afternoon, an attempt to remove a particular area around the top of the building apparently caused much of it to collapse. “When he went to remove the last bit of the flashing around the top, which was what was in the report that had to be removed, it just crumbled,” said Nick Bain, the attorney representing building owner John Dodd. An observer said heavy equipment pushed down what was left. At 5 p.m., men wearing masks and protective suits sifted through the rubble while a
Staff photo by Jebb Johnston
A worker sifts through the rubble of the old gas station building at 600 Fillmore Street after it fell in during asbestos removal Thursday afternoon. backhoe scooped debris into a dumpster. Passersby continually stopped to ask onlookers what
had happened. The contractor was to remove and dispose of roofing material
and wall panels containing asbestos. Because of the extent of wood rot in the roof, the entire
roof system, including the decking, was to be disposed. Bricks along the parapet wall with asbestos flashing would also be removed. Bain observed the delicate work earlier in the day, including the successful removal of the canopy. “The building inspector met with [the contractor] this morning, and we were all on the same page to do this in the least intrusive manner possible,” said Bain. “He has been out here all day and has done a marvelous job of being delicate and going above and beyond trying to preserve as much as possible.” The city halted an attempt to demolish the building on April 13 because the owner did not have a required demolition permit or get clearance from the preservation commission. The back wall was knocked out, and the city board voted to pursue a fine against the owner and to require Please see COLLAPSE | 2A
Memorial Day offers variety of celebrations BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com
From Corinth National Cemetery to Shiloh Park, a variety of events are lined up to commemorate Memorial Day. Local events begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, when Boy Scouts and other volunteers go to work in their annual effort to place American flags on each grave in Corinth National Cemetery. The flag placing
Staff photo by Jebb Johnston
New Hope Presbyterian Church members Evelyn Farrior and Raymond Settle will portray their ancestors buried in the church cemetery during Saturday’s cemetery walk. They are beside the grave of James Rufus (J.R.) Settle.
New Hope Presbyterian Church celebrating 175 years of worship BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
BIGGERSVILLE — One of Alcorn County’s oldest church congregations — possibly the oldest — will celebrate 175 years
this weekend. New Hope Presbyterian Church, organized May 26, 1838, with six members and believed to be the first organized in old Tishomingo County, will
hold events Saturday and Sunday to commemorate the occasion. “We’re tickled about this opPlease see CHURCH | 2A
will conclude with a short service in the cemetery, said Jim Weaver, longtime commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Following the flag laying, members of the American Legion will hold a ceremony to retire old flags at the Post 6 building. “The flag burning is the proper way to dispose of flags Please see CELEBRATION | 2A
Grand Illumination may flame out due to cuts BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com
The future of the Corinth Grand Illumination is uncertain following cuts to the National Park Service budget. Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center Supervisor Ashley Berry told the Tourism Board that the Park Service will no longer be able to sponsor the Grand Illumination due to sequestration budget cuts. The Interpretive Center’s budget has been slashed by $118,000, Berry said, and the Park Services has had to make cuts that resulted in the elimi-
nation of all overtime pay, cutting two permanent part-time positions and scaling back the Memorial Day and Battle of Shiloh anniversary activities. Due to the sequestration the Park Service is unable to allocate any money to the Grand Illumination for this year. “We just don’t have it this year,” said Berry. “It doesn’t look likely to get better in the next two years.” In previous years the Park Service has spent approximately $25,000 on the annual Please see CUTS | 2A
Organizers announce dates, plans for 3rd Alcorn County Fair BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Organizers of the Alcorn County Fair are getting ready for a sizzling September of fun. The old-fashioned way. The fair debuts for a third straight year on Sept. 17-21 at the Crossroads Arena. Last year, 9,400 took in the fun over the five days. That number is up from 8,000 who attended in the first year of its return. “Our goal has always been
to provide a local family event that is economical for everyone,” said fair committee member Sandy Mitchell. “We had some really good numbers last year and were able to give back to the community.” A cheer-off – sponsored by The Dinner Bell – will open the event on Tuesday, Sept. 17 inside the arena. “We are looking for additional schools to take part this year,” said Mitchell. REVOLVE, a contemporary
Christian event, is back again on Wednesday night. Pickin’ on the Square moves from the Alcorn County Court-
Index Stocks......8A Classified......4B Comics......9A State......5A
Weather....10A Obituaries......6A Opinion......4A Sports....11A
house to the Arena on Thursday night with Breaking Grass being the featured entertainment during the Pickin’ at the Fair. The Mid-South Talent Show, which is the last qualifying show for the Mid-South Fair, is slated for Friday night. Something in the outdoor arena will also be held on Friday. The Crescent City Carnival will be ongoing all five nights. Miss Fairest of the Fair and the livestock show will be two
of the big events on the final day. Organizers also have plans for the lawn mower pull and antique automobiles/tractors being back this year. “We are also looking at another big Saturday event,” added Mitchell. Mitchell also hopes to have a coloring contest again this year with local schools. “Our focus will continue to be the children and people of Alcorn County,” she said.
On this day in history 150 years ago There is little fighting across the country. President Abraham Lincoln visits three Washington hospitals and shakes hands with over a thousand wounded soldiers, who are delighted by the visit.
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