Friday Jan. 17,
2014
50 cents
Daily Corinthian Vol. 118, No. 15
Breezy, colder Today
Tonight
37
20
Slight chance of snow
• Corinth, Mississippi • 20 pages • 2 sections
Community Center McDonald gives to host MLK banquet speech on unity BY KIMBERLY SHELTON kshelton@dailycorinthian.com
In honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Easom Community Center Foundation will hold its annual MLK Unity Celebration banquet. The event will take place at the community center, located at 700 South Crater Street on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Kingdom Christian
Center International and the youth of Project Attention. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased from any board member of Minority Volunteers or at Project Attention. “We’re trying to keep the dream alive and instill in our youth a passion for African American history and heritage,” said Mary Dilworth. Dr. King is remembered as a remarkable orator, an advocate
of civil rights, and a devoted pastor. He received the Nobel Peace Prize on Oct. 14, 1964, and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor and the Congressional Gold medal. His birthday, a federal holiday, is marked and celebrated on the third Monday in January. (For more information, call (662) 603-4229 or (662) 2875200.)
BY KIMBERLY SHELTON kshelton@dailycorinthian.com
Like minds came together as individuals united over a common goal – the goal of bridging the gap which divides and eradicating racism within the community. In his presentation for Mission Mississippi, Sam McDonald spoke about his time in Malawi, Africa. He compared Malawi to
Mississippi calling it the “Mississippi of Africa”. “No one knows it’s there, but they are very friendly,” said McDonald. “The people are phenomenally welcoming.” In a land of poverty where witchcraft, hatred and Colonial racism flourish, McDonald discovered we are all united in diversity. Please see MCDONALD | 2A
Blueprint Mississippi Business, community leaders gather BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
More than 90 Corinth area business and community leaders gathered on Thursday as the Mississippi Economic Council presented their 2014 road show, “Blueprint Mississippi Pathway to Progress”. The MEC has been the voice of Mississippi business since 1949 and deals with broad issues that relate to businesses through advocacy, research, resources and leadership. The local civic group chapters of Rotary, Kiwanis and Civilians hosted MEC’s 8th stop on the 19-city tour at Shiloh Ridge Athletic Club. Following the opening remarks by Rotary president Rob Skelton, MEC President and CEO Blake Wilson took the mic. “People keep asking, are you still talking about blueprint ... yes we are,” said Wilson. “Blueprint Mississippi is a long term program and we have made some huge improvements since releasing it in 2004.” MEC’s Blueprint Mississippi program provides a road map in developing improved incentives for existing businesses, streamlining workforce development and creating a more competitive business climate. MEC is funded by member dues.
“The blueprint program has brought an extraordinary focus to health care as an economic driver and has been a major help with educational and health care reforms,” Wilson said. The main focus of the program pointed to the abundance of opportunities the state currently has. “Our business climate is better than ever,” said Wilson. “Looking at what we have done so far, we’re doing pretty good here in Mississippi.” Wilson shared some key numbers with the audience. The Magnolia State is ranked 9th as the top states for successful businesses, ranked 2nd for competitive business utility costs and is in the top five for overall cost of doing business. “Mississippi may be ranked low in overall education, but our accountability model is rated A+ and is ranked in the top five in the nation,” he said. “Our workforce training is unmatched, as well.” Mississippi is ranked third for competitive labor costs. From on-the-job training to standard and customized shortterm training to college courses developed with and for certain industries, Mississippi has ensured employees are prepared
Staff photo
Corinth business owner John D. Mercier talks with Mississippi Economic Council President and CEO Blake Wilson. to work immediately. “I’m happy to announce our Mississippi Scholars program is now in place in Alcorn County,” Wilson added. “The program uses business leaders to motivate students to complete a rigorous course of study in high school.” The course gives students a boost, not just for college, but for life, he said.
“New this year to blueprint, is the Mississippi Tech Master Scholars where we encourage students to pursue tech-prep course of study,” said Wilison. “It’s still in pilot this year, but in 2015 it will be available to every county in the state.” Wilson shared another good piece of news with the crowd. “MEC’s Leadership Mississippi group travels to four dif-
ferent communities each year,” he said. “In 2014, we’re coming to Corinth.” The tour will bring 53 state and regional leaders into Corinth for a multiple day conference. The team will hold classes and provide information to the business owners and community leaders. (For more information, visit blueprintmississippi.com)
Hopewell Baptist to pay tribute to MLK Master Gardener program set to start Feb. 11 on video
BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
RIENZI — Hopewell Baptist Church will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a special service Sunday afternoon. “My Swag is Because of My Dream” will be presented by three young men from Alcorn and Prentiss counties at 2:30 p.m. “The presentation is powerful and moving,” said Hopewell’s Rebecca Spence. “Area youth will be featured with praise dances.” The youth of Macedonia Baptist Church will be the special guest on the day. Guest singers Beverly Harris and Jourdana Jourdan will also be performing. Hopewell’s Voices of Hope, accompanied by the Men of Hope Musical Ensemble, is slated to provide special music. “Minister Jeffery Welch will
BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Staff photo
Youngsters Cortez Spence (from left), LaBarrion Shelton, Andre Adams and Jamarious Gwyn practice getting their swag on while Eddie Lerma works on a sign to promote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. deliver his own special swag message, it will be one you do not want to miss,” added Spence.
All youth who attend are being asked to take part in a “My Please see HOPEWELL | 2A
Index Stocks......8A Classified......4B Comics...... 7A State......5A
Weather......9A Obituaries......6A Opinion......4A Sports....10A
Local gardeners are getting a chance to gain horticultural expertise courtesy of the Mississippi State Extension Service. Ten weeks of the Master Gardener program is slated to begin Feb. 11 at the Alcorn County Extension Office for those aiming to become certified. “In order to be a Master Gardener, individuals are required attend every class and pass a test,” said Patrick Poindexter, County Director with the Mississippi State Extension Service. Potential Master Gardeners are also required to return 40 hours of community service to the extension office in exchange for the 40 hours of educational training.
The class will meet each Tuesday and Thursday from 1-5 p.m. at the extension office. Classes will be done through interactive video. The program will conclude with a test on March 18. “By doing interactive video it allows us to take advantage of 10 different speakers who would be hard to get together otherwise,” said Poindexter. Cost of the training is $85 and is due at the first class meeting. Deadline to sign up for the course is Jan. 31. Most certified Master Gardeners serve five to seven years. The Master Gardener approach helps the local extension office reach a broader audience than is possible with only one or two agents. It also provides the local Please see GARDENER | 2A
On this day in history 150 years ago Corinth commander Gen. Stevenson asks Gen. Hurlbut, “I desire specific instructions from you in regard to the private houses in the town. Is it your purpose that the town should be destroyed or only such barracks as have been erected for the troops?”
Now Renting 2013 Nissans!
Call for complete details and rates!
286.6006
BROSE
HWY 72 E • Corinth MS www.brosenissan.com