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Prentiss County School ranked among state’s best

Tishomingo County Sex offender arrested for not registering

McNairy County Homecoming gesture brings tears

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Tuesday Jan. 19,

2016

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Daily Corinthian

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Vol. 120, No. 16

• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • One section

Giving love like MLK Two people die in house blaze BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com

RIENZI — Two people were killed in a weekend house fire on Salem Road just past Hurricane Creek in rural Alcorn County. The 208 County Road 400 home of Reba Huggins and Lou Mahler was destroyed by the fire reported to 911 by a passerby at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Sunday. Units from Glen Volunteer Fire Department, Jacinto Volunteer Fire Department and Rienzi Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze. “Fire fighters found the remains of a man and woman in the bedroom inside the

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

Project Attention Director Shirley Rolland dips out a bowl of soup during Monday’s service event for the community. Related photo on Page 6.

Volunteers dish out vegetable soup

Wreck damages traffic signal BY STEVE BEAVERS

BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have been proud. Members of Minority Volunteers Organization Inc. and Project Attention were loving people just as the late civil rights leader did. Several members of each group spent the national holiday named in honor of Dr. King serving soup to the community. “We believe — instead of having a day off — to have a day on for service,” said Project Attention Director Shirley Rolland. Around six gallons of vegetable soup with cornbread and crackers were all available at no

“We believe — instead of having a day off — to have a day on for service.” Project Attention Director Shirley Rolland cost for the community. “It has been a slow start because of the cold weather,” said Minority Volunteers Organization board member Marcus Simmons. “We just wanted to show our appreciation for the community’s support in helping Project Attention.” “It feels good to give back for all the support we have received,” added fellow board member Annie Bean. Those who weren’t able to

come to Project Attention had their soup delivered, according to Simmons. Ten youngsters also got up early on a non-school day to help in the event. “This teaches them about service,” added Simmons. Project Attention helps children year-round. During the school year, the center provides after-school help to youngsters while also hosting an enrichment program in the summer.

home,” said Alcorn County Sheriff Ben Caldwell. “The remains were sent to Jackson for an autopsy.” Although not confirmed, the fatalities are believed to be Huggins and Mahler. State Fire Marshals and the sheriff’s department are investigating the fire. However, no foul play has been indicated. “We know the homeowners had gas and propane heat, but we are unsure if that caused the fire,” added Caldwell. “With temperatures beginning to get colder, it’s definitely a good idea to check the batteries in those smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.”

sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

A two-vehicle crash left a Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) traffic signal out of commission on Sunday. The wreck happened around 6 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 72 and Cass Street, according to a Corinth Police Department accident report. The report states a 1999 Plymouth, driven by Xzavius Prather of Corinth, was traveling eastbound on 72 when it attempted to turn onto Cass Street. Prather pulled in front of a westbound 2014 Chevy Silverado — driven by Scott

Moore of Corinth — while making the turn. “The Plymouth pulled onto Cass, causing the Silverado to leave the roadway and hit a light pole and signal control light,” said Captain Mark Luker with the Corinth Police Department. “The traffic signal was out of service for some time.” Prather was transported via ambulance to Magnolia Regional Health Center with moderate injuries. A passenger in the Plymouth was transported after complaining of pain. Moore was not injured in the wreck. Prather was cited for no proof of insurance, according to Luker.

Staff photo by Zack Steen

Disaster assistance just one role for FEMA BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com

WALNUT — Providing federal assistance money is just one part of FEMA’s many resources currently available in Tippah County. Inside the Disaster Recovery Center in Walnut, is retired urban planner Tom Higgins who works on FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance team. “Hazard Mitigation is any action taken to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural disasters,” said Higgins. “It’s really just educating people on

how to build back better and safer than ever.” Higgins said he likes to listen to a survivor’s story, then decide how to best help them. “I have all different types of information on how to rebuild or repair damaged homes and mobile homes,” he said. “The FEMA building codes can help guide people back so in the event a storm of this nature happens again, the likelihood of them suffering the same damage if these recommendations are followed lessens.” Higgins said since arriving in Tippah County, he has mostly

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance team member Tom Higgins provides information on how to build back better than ever to Tippah County residents.

heard from people who suffered wind damage and total loss damage. “We provide a lot of information many survivors don’t even realize we have to offer, but they are always very thankful to learn,” said Higgins. The best way to rebuild a roof after a storm is one of Higgins favorite resources available. “If a roof is rebuilt or repaired using connectors and brackets instead of just nails, then the roof is likely to withstand large storms with a lot Please see FEMA | 6

25 years ago

10 years ago

Corinth Marine recruiter Sgt. David Scott Norton receives the medal of valor for his actions in disarming and detaining a man wanted for rape and manslaughter who attacked him at a local gas station.

Corinth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau officials consider a move to the former Railway Express Agency building on Fillmore Street. The bureau would later renovate the historic building into its current headquarters.

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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Today in History

Local/Region

Daily Corinthian • 3

Across the Region Prentiss school ranks among best

Today is Tuesday, Jan. 19, the 19th day of 2016. There are 347 days left in the year.

MARIETTA — A popular school ranking website has put Marietta Elementary School among the top of the class in Mississippi. Marietta was ranked 17 out of 410 elementary schools in the state in the latest rankings released by schooldigger. com. The newly released rankings are the first to incorporate results from the new PARCC assessments given to elementary school students in the 2014-15 school year. School Digger is a national website that uses testing data and other publicly available data, including information on student-teacher ratios and socio-economic status to rank schools. Other local schools also were in the top three-quarter of schools in the state. Anderson Elementary School was ranked at number 58, Hills Chapel at 103, Jumpertown 182, Wheeler 227 and Thrasher 261.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Jan. 19, 1966, Indira Gandhi was chosen to be prime minister of India by the National Congress party. (Gandhi, a powerful as well as polarizing figure, served as India’s prime minister from 1966 to 1977, and again beginning in 1980 until she was assassinated in 1984.)

On this date: In 1807, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. In 1861, Georgia became the fifth state to secede from the Union. In 1942, during World War II, Japan invaded Burma (Myanmar). In 1955, a presidential news conference was filmed for television and newsreels for the first time, with the permission of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1960, the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America was signed by both countries in Washington, D.C. In 1970, President Richard M. Nixon nominated G. Harrold Carswell to the Supreme Court; however, the nomination was defeated because of controversy over Carswell’s past racial views. In 1977, in one of his last acts of office, President Gerald R. Ford pardoned Iva Toguri D’Aquino, an American convicted of treason for making wartime broadcasts for Japan. In 1981, the United States and Iran signed an accord paving the way for the release of 52 Americans held hostage for more than 14 months. In 1992, German government and Jewish officials dedicated a Holocaust memorial at the villa on the outskirts of Berlin where the notorious Wannsee Conference had taken place.

Registry violation brings charge TISHOMINGO COUNTY — A Michigan man has been arrested in Tishomingo County for failing to register as a sex offender in Mississippi. James Southward, 72, was arrested on Friday by U.S. Marshals and the Tishomingo County Sheriff’s department. Southward is listed as a sex offender for a case involving a child in Michigan. The Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry says he last verified his address there in September. He is being held in the Tishomingo County Jail.

Search for missing toddler continues PINSON MOUNDS, Tenn. — Chester County Sheriff Blair Weaver says the search for missing 2-year-old Noah Chamberlin is still considered a rescue operation and that there may be a call for more volunteers. According to WBBJ-TV, when the sheriff was

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asked why the mission was still to recover the child alive in the search area, Weaver replied only that they have faith. As of Monday morning, crews had searched about 1,000 acres. Weaver and Madison County Sheriff John Mehr held a Monday morning news conference and said that aspects of the terrain including sink holes and small caves posed a challenge to searchers. Sheriff Weaver also cited social media as a problem. Weaver said investigators have spoken with many family members including the boy’s fouryear-old sister who was also there at the time of the reported disappearance. He said the family had no interest in addressing the media at this time. Weaver said the search area had expanded each day. He also said multiple types of search dogs have been and still are being used in the search efforts. He said rescue personnel from states across the Southeast as well as Oklahoma were aiding in the search. Noah reportedly went missing around 1:30 p.m. Thursday when he on a nature hike with his grandmother and 4-year-old sister in the woods behind their home, according to Tom Mapes, Public Information Officer with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. The grandmother told officers she was paying attention to her granddaughter for a moment and when she looked up, Noah was gone.

Man charged with loan fraud OXFORD — Federal prosecutors accuse an Oxford attorney of getting nearly $600,000 in loans by misrepresenting his fees on claims from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and failing to repay the money. A news release Friday said 46-year-old Tyler Smith has pleaded not guilty to one count of wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that he’d get loans from

wealthy people, using as collateral oil spill claims that were nonexistent, unfiled, or already pledged as collateral for other loans. The indictment lists loans totaling $575,000 from five people identified by initials. Online court records show Smith is represented by public defenders. They did not immediately respond to an email Sunday night requesting comment. Conviction would carry up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution.

Man found shot in Marshall Co. dies HOLLY SPRINGS — One of two Marshall County men found shot on a rural road has died, while the other remains in critical condition. Marshall County Coroner James Anderson says 34-year-old Jamon Moton and 31-year-old Will A. Phillips were found on a road northwest of Holly Springs Friday night by a passing motorist. Marshall County Sheriff Kenny Dickerson said Phillips died where he was found late Friday night. Moton was taken by helicopter to Regional Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Dickerson said it’s doubtful that Moton will survive his injuries. Each man was shot once in the head. Anderson said it’s unclear if the men were shot on the road. He said a considerable amount of blood was found on Moore Road. Phillips is from a rural area of the county between Holly Springs and Red Banks. Dickerson said Moton splits his time between Holly Springs and Corinth. Dickerson said one of the men borrowed a black Dodge Charger found burned about three miles from where the men were found on another rural road. Dickerson said sheriff’s deputies believe at least one additional man was in the car, and is looking for him. He said the shootings may be related to prior investigations of crimes

in the county. Anderson said Phillips’ body will be taken to the Mississippi State Crime Lab in Pearl for an autopsy.

Chief candidate withdraws, leaves 3 COLUMBUS — One of four remaining candidates for Columbus Police Chief has withdrawn his name from consideration, according to WTVA. Curtis Brame notified city leaders of his decision over the weekend. Brame is from North Chicago, Illinois and says he had “deep regret” about withdrawing from consideration. The final three candidates, Interim Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton, Moss Point Police Chief Arthur McClung III and Waynesboro Police Chief Oscar Lewis are scheduled to be interviewed Tuesday. All three candidates have served with the Columbus Police Department at some point during their careers. The Columbus City Council invites the public to come and listen to the question and answer period as part of the selection process. The council will hold its regular Tuesday meeting at a special time, 3 p.m. The interview process will begin when that meeting ends. The police chief is selected by a majority vote of the city council. There is no word on whether will vote Tuesday or take additional time to consider the candidates.

Unit nets significant drug arrest NEW ALBANY — New Albany Narcotics unit made a significant drug arrest with the help of the Mississippi Department of Corrections on Friday. At about 5 p.m., New Albany Narcotics arrested Briana McAlister “A.K.A. Boss Lady” and Jessie McWilliams “A.K.A. Boo” at 411 Peterson St. In New Albany. Officials recovered 2 ounces of cocaine, 7 pounds of marijuana, one marijuana plant, multiple guns, and several thousand dollars from the residence. Bond will be set Tuesday for both individuals.

Ole Miss student killed in hit and run OXFORD — An Ole Miss student is dead following a hit and run accident in West Virginia. The university confirmed the death of 20-year-old Carli Sears in an email Sunday night. “The University of Mississippi community mourns the tragic loss of Carli Sears,” said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, the university’s vice chancellor for student affairs. “We are simply heartbroken by this news.” Sears was a junior from Charleston, West Virginia, who was majoring in hospitality management. She was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. The Alpha Delta Pi sorority posted on Twitter its condolences following Sears’s death.

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Corinth, Miss.

The great humiliation The Obama administration was right when it insisted that the capture and release of 10 American sailors by Iran showed the benefits of a cooperative relationship with Tehran. Rich The crux of the arrangement Lowry is simple: The Iranians agree to humiliate us (and pursue National their long war against the U.S. Review and their hegemonic ambitions in the Middle East), and we agree not to care. It is, as Secretary of State John Kerry says, diplomacy at its best. What Vice President Joe Biden called “standard nautical practice” involved the Iranians making our sailors get on their knees on their captured boats, eliciting an apology from the commander, and photographing and videotaping all of it to broadcast for propaganda purposes – in clear violation of international law. This obviously wasn’t another Carter-era Iranian hostage crisis (it wasn’t even a hostage crisis), but it was another national humiliation to add to a sour public mood that President Barack Obama doesn’t get, let alone understand his own role in creating. His State of the Union address was devoted to a pep talk for the country that did more to demonstrate that he is out of touch than that anyone is wrong to feel pessimistic. Yes, the economy has had a long recovery, but it has been slow and weak and, by some measures, hasn’t been felt in much of the country. Yes, we are the most powerful nation on Earth, but our adversaries, from Vladimir Putin to ISIS to Iran, have been gaining and are eager to demonstrate our toothlessness – in the case of ISIS, with spectacular acts of evil. The president’s version of world events in the State of the Union was particularly wan. He touted the marginal gains against ISIS without coming to grips with the catastrophes that made its rise possible; he boasted of the Iran nuclear deal, with nary a hint that the pact hasn’t moderated Iranian behavior as hoped; and he spoke as though “partnering with local forces and leading international efforts” in Syria is an effective response to that country’s hellish meltdown. True to form, in what was supposed to be a visionary speech, Obama continually took ill-disguised shots at his potential Republican successors. He scolded the 2016 GOP field for its fear, cheap sound bites and pandering. There is all of that, of course, but there also is a deeper disgust with the direction of our country and the failures of its institutions, and a yearning for something better. The president can wave off the discontent Trump in particular is tapping into as illinformed or distorted, but an overwhelming majority of Americans think the country is on the wrong track. The embodiment of the left-wing reaction to this discontent, Bernie Sanders, is drawing enormous crowds and threatening to defeat Hillary Clinton in Iowa and New Hampshire. The president’s line that “anyone claiming that America’s economy is in decline is peddling fiction” could have easily been directed at the Vermont socialist. The day after the State of the Union, the images from Iran emerged to provide a picture worth more than President Obama’s 6,000 words. The president has actively sought America’s diminishment abroad. For him, this is a shrewd play that avoids costly entanglements and makes us stronger. But there is no doubt that we are less respected and feared around the world. The public feels it, and doesn’t like it. President Obama may fancy himself above the old Thucydides trinity of motives – honor, interest and fear – but most people aren’t. Many of them, as a certain presidential candidate puts it, want to win again. They look at the photographs and videos of those American sailors, and it feels like a punch in the gut. The Obama administration looks at them and says to the Iranians, thank you very much. (Daily Corinthian columnist Rich Lowry can be reached via e-mail: comments.lowry@nationalreview.com.)

Prayer for today Lord God, I pray that if I have struggled for the wrong, and have worked with weak hands, thou wilt forgive me for my lost strength. Give me more light to shine upon my work, upon thy promises, and upon my duties; and with thy wisdom may I search for the truth that is behind every wrong, and for the purpose that is beyond all journeyings. Amen.

A verse to share Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23

Legislature should address superintendents One of the real truisms in Mississippi politics is that we really like elections and voting. The old saying about Mississippians – by and large – preferring to elect all their officials is pretty much true. We don’t elect dogcatchers in Mississippi, but given the chance I suspect most of us would be up for that, too. I’ve noted before in columns a favorite example. Since the state’s first constitution was drafted in 1817, Mississippians have been arguing over whether to appoint or elect judges. In 1832, a constitutional convention fight erupted between three groups – the “aristocrats” who favored the appointment of all judges, the “half hogs” who wanted to elect some judges and have others appointed, and the “whole hogs” who wanted all judges elected. History shows that the “whole hogs” won in 1832 and Mississippi has been electing judges ever since. Of the state’s current 545 judges from the Supreme Court to the Municipal Courts, only municipal judges are appointed. But on the topic of electing or appointing Mississippi school superintendents, there are no “half-hogs” constituents either passion-

ately want to continue electing their superintendents or they just as passionSid Salter ately believe that electColumnist ing superintendents is a political relic that shortchanges Mississippi’s schoolchildren. Electing school superintendents makes the leadership of school districts a popularity contest. The skill set necessary to run an effective school is pretty specific and the consequences of electing a really nice man or woman to that post who doesn’t possess those specific skills can be catastrophic. It’s an issue on which Mississippi is out-of-step with the rest of the country. In some 99 percent of the school districts in the U.S., school superintendents are appointed. There are about 150 elected superintendents nationwide and about half of them are from Mississippi. The issue is clouded somewhat in Mississippi by the patchwork quilt of school district governance in Mississippi. County school districts primarily

have elected school boards and elected superintendents. Municipal separate school districts in the state primarily feature appointed school boards who appoint superintendents. Why does it matter? Accountability. Board-appointed superintendents can provide greater accountability, as they answer to the elected board. If the superintendent is not meeting the standards established by the local board of education and the state, the board has the authority to take immediate action and seek a replacement for the betterment of the school system. With elected superintendents, school boards don’t have that authority except in the most extreme circumstances. The elected superintendent is entitled to a four-year term even if his or her performance is unsatisfactory – at least that’s true without extreme intervention from the state Board of Education. Appointing school superintendents is unlikely to absolutely remove politics from public education, but it would go a long way in that many qualified educators who have the abilities and the qualifications to lead Mississippi public

school simply don’t have the stomach for the political hand-to-hand combat necessary to get elected. Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn have all expressed support for making the change from elected superintendents to appointed ones a reality in the 2016 legislative session. That bodes well for actually clearing that hurdle. But the state’s elected superintendents and those political friends who support them are a powerful lobby. Those elected officials have the ability to put legislators in a tough spot by accusing them of taking away their vote in choosing the leadership of their local schools. There’s also a racial component in the mix. Many African Americans see changing from elected to appointed superintendents as a threat to gains made by fellow African American school officials. That factor also influences the legislative process and has been a key pressure point for elected superintendents fighting to protect the status quo. (Daily Corinthian columnist Sid Salter is syndicated across the state. Contact him at 601-507-8004 or sidsalter@sidsalter.com.)

Schools sell the idea of more cash in new ways JACKSON — Mississippi’s school funding formula has apparently grown so toxic to the Republicans who rule the state that Mississippi’s local school superintendents are giving up defending it publicly. Wednesday, superintendents gathered to introduce a new legislative agenda that omits direct mention of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, emphasizing instead goals they hope to reach. They include increasing student achievement, providing good teachers and principals and improving facilities and infrastructure. Those outcomes, though, would generally require more money. And the fourth priority is “to secure funding for the essential operation of Mississippi schools.” Monroe County Superintendent Scott Cantrell said the change was prompted in part by complaints from legislators. “They didn’t just want a document that asked for more MAEP money, more building fund money, more money for technology,” Cantrell said. “First and

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foremost, increasing student achievement is our No. 1 goal.” “We’re Jeff Amy not all about MAEP,” Columnist said Sam Bounds, the executive director of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. Last year, full funding of MAEP was a top goal. It’s a change of tone for the association, which has fought against charter schools, state funding for special education students to attend private schools, and other Republican achievements. Many local superintendents also strongly pushed last year for a constitutional amendment to guarantee adequate educational funding. Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn led successful GOP opposition. Of the association’s approach to lawmakers, Bounds said that “we look forward to working with them for solutions.” Gath-

ered superintendents applauded. The estimate of what it would fully cost to pay for the funding formula in the upcoming budget year — $2.4 billion — is $29 million lower than this year, thanks to an enrollment decrease. Lawmakers in November recommended level funding, which would mean they’d again fall short of full funding, this time by $172 million. Mississippi needs some method to allot money to districts, short of turning superintendents loose in a vault filled with $2 billion in cash and letting each haul out as much as he or she can carry. But the actual method and target number could change by the end of the current legislative session as Republicans eye changes to the formula. Reeves and others have repeatedly criticized the increase in the share of local school spending going to administrative costs in recent years. The current system lets local districts decide on spending as long as they meet state accreditation standards. Repub-

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licans, though, contend districts are making bad choices because administrative spending isn’t “in the classroom.” Reeves continues to say he wants to use costs of Arated and B-rated districts to set amounts for how much schools should get per student, instead of C-rated districts as is done now. Using the current set of Arated and B-rated districts would mean less money per student than now. However, the state will release grades later this spring using a new rating system and a new test. Those grades could shake up the traditional pecking order that puts suburban districts on top. Bounds said the superintendents don’t have a price tag they can put on their proposals. “We’ll allow the authorizers at the Legislature to determine how much money these priorities need,” he said Wednesday. “We have not established any amount of money.” (Daily Corinthian columnist Jeff Amy is a writer for the Associated Press based in Jackson.)

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Daily Corinthian • Tuesday, January 19, 2016 • 5

MCHS students show the sign which got the attention of Tyler Akin.

Cheerleader asks special needs student to be escort BY JEFF YORK For Daily Corinthian

SELMER, Tenn. — If there ever was a Hallmark movie about McNairy Central High School’s Basketball Homecoming, a senior has provided the storyline with her heartwarming gesture of asking a Special Needs student to be her escort. McKenzie Stone made the decision over the weekend of Jan. 9-10 to ask Tyler Akin to be her escort in last Friday’s Homecoming. She asked him on Monday and he agreed to do it with a two thumbs up sign. Stone, a cheerleader, was told on Jan. 8 by cheerleader sponsor Sybil Dancer that she was one of three senior girls to be a representative of her class and she knew there was only one senior on the boys basketball team. The girls in the court are required to ask a basketball player in their class to escort them. Madi Rose Hammock and Olivia Mitchell are the other senior representatives in the court. The boys basketball team chooses the Homecoming court and the entire school votes for the Homecoming Queen. “I had told the other cheerleaders if I got in the court that I was going to ask one of the boys in the

Special Needs class to be my escort,” said Stone. “I knew we just had one senior on the boys basketball team, so two of us had to pick someone else.” Stone knew Akin because he played on the Special Needs basketball team with Stone’s cousin, Destinee Lail. The fact she knew him made it easy for her to choose Akin as her escort. She called his mother, Keri Akin, for permission to ask him to be her escort and got the okay. Tyler is the son of former MCHS football assistant Scott Akin, who now coaches at Liberty Tech in Jackson, Tenn. Coach Akin and Keri still live in Ramer. The always thinking Stone hatched her plan to invite Akin to walk her out by getting five of her friends to hold up a sign that read ‘Will you escort me?’ Her friends in on the plan were Taylor Wallace, Christian Taylor, Jessica Miller, Rylee Smith and Alexis Vandenburg. When her friends got to the gym during the skinny block period (9:30 a.m.10 a.m.) Monday, Jan. 11, Stone went to Tyler’s class and got his teacher to bring him to the gym. “He began reading the sign when he got to the gym and started smiling when he realized what it was saying,” said Stone.

“He gave a thumbs up. I then asked him if he would be my escort and he gave me two thumbs up!” Stone found out she was the sweetheart Tuesday when she got a notice on her phone for being tagged on the McNairy Central Bobcats’ page. “I wondered why I was getting tagged on the page and then I was so excited to read that I was sweetheart,” commented Stone. “I was so surprised when I read the story. I’m sure that will make Tyler excited as well.” When Stone found out she was sweetheart, she called Akin’s mother to tell him about the kiss on the cheek at the close of the ceremony. His mother said she would let him know. Tyler’s father Scott will be one proud daddy watching his son kiss the cute cheerleader. While Stone’s Senior Project is about helping Special Needs students, the thoughtful senior said that had no bearing on asking Akin to walk her out during Homecoming. There are very few Homecomings that provide tearful moments, but it was almost a guarantee there would be a few wet eyes in the Roundhouse last Friday night.

Author speaks to BHS students

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Author Merle Temple spoke to Biggersville High School students recently. Author of “A Ghostly Shade of Pale”, Temple shared some of his most horrifying moments with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. His experiences are a part of his tales about his fictional persona, MBN Captain Michael Parker. Temple, whose trilogy of books are currently being considered for either a the big screen or possibly a crime series based in Mississippi, related how spiritual divinity played a role in his surviving and succeeding as a crime fighter in the early 70s during the first war on drugs in America and later in his life. In closing, he told the audience that it is at the times when a person is broken or at their lowest point that they are growing the most. Upper classmen from Rienzi Elementary and Biggersville Elementary also participated.

Annual Hee-Haw show set in March SELMER, Tenn. — The McNairy County HeeHaw show will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, through Saturday, March 5. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 7-12 $3 and free for children age six and under. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

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Biggersville High School Principal Chad Lindamood welcomes author Merle Temple to the campus.

Our clients’ interests come first. Eric M Rutledge, CFP®, AAMS® Financial Advisor 1500 Harper Road Suit 1 Corinth, MS 38834 662-287-1409

Chris Marshall Financial Advisor

Steven D Hefner, CFP® Financial Advisor 413 Cruise Street Corinth, MS 38834 662-287-4471

401 E. Waldron Street Corinth, MS 38834 662-287-7885

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

6 • Tuesday, Janaury 19, 2016 • Daily Corinthian

Living Free expands to Booneville

Deaths Roy Ted Sellers

Funeral services for Roy Ted Sellers, 87, were held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 18, 2016 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Steve Taylor, Brother Joe Anderson and Brother Jack Kern officiating and music by Jewel Greer. Burial was at Old Marion Cemetery. Mr. Sellers passed away Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Anderson Regional Medical Center. Ted was retired from ICG Railroad where he worked for 40 years. He was a deacon at Sellers Russell Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Sarah Sellers; son, Marty Sellers and wife Phyllis of Corinth; daughter, Jeri Mayo of Belmont, MS; step-son, Del Davison and wife Ellen of Meridian; step-daughter, Sharon Burkhalter and husband Davis of Springhill, Tenn.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother, Ralph Sellers and wife Nancy of Smith Lake, Ala. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margie Sellers; daughter, Vicki Sellers; parents, Roland and Ruby Sellers; and brother, Carl Sellers. Pallbearers were Tracy Sellers, Corey Mayo, Stuart Sellers, Trey Davison, Matt Davison, Jason Burkhalter, Ronnie Massey, Cort Sellers, Michael Boyd and Jason Terrillion. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation was held Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Britney LaKay Alexander

RIENZI — Britney LaKay Alexander, 14, died Sunday, Jan. 17 2016 at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete with Magnolia Funeral Home.

Bobby Loyd Carter

RIENZI — Funeral services for Bobby Loyd Carter, 76, are set for 2 p.m. Friday at Magnolia Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Mr. Carter died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at his residence. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. All other arrangements are incomplete with Magnolia Funeral Home.

Obituary Policy All obituaries (complete and incomplete) will be due no later than 4 p.m. on the day prior to its publication. Obituaries will be accepted only from funeral homes.

BY JEFF YORK For the Daily Corinthian

BOONEVILLE — Hope. It has been proven that hope can improve lives. Hope can change families. A Corinth-based ministry is hoping to stretch their ability to offer hope into Prentiss County at East Booneville Baptist Church. Living Free Ministries will begin offering their program to assist people with life-changing resources to help them with life addiction problems. The program will begin

Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at East Booneville Baptist. “I have been wanting to expand our ministry and get our program into other churches across the area,” said Living Free founder Tommy Wilson, a Corinth business owner and native of Booneville. “We are going to begin at East Booneville Baptist and then later get into other churches that want to work with us.” Wilson has a special connection to East Booneville Baptist because he became a Christian there

in 1998. That change in Wilson’s lifestyle helped lead him shortly afterwards to found Living Free Ministries. East Booneville Baptist pastor Bro. Steve Howell is enthused about the ministry getting started at his church. He believes this will be a great outreach program outside the walls of their church. “We are really looking forward to beginning this ministry,” said Bro. Howell. “Living Free has a great reputation for helping others and I am thrilled our church is go-

ing to work with him. We want to help change lives around Booneville.” “I had read recently that Alcoholics Anonymous had their program in churches and it made me think we could do the same thing with our program,” said Wilson. Wilson has committed to lead the program in Booneville for 17 weeks and then he hopes to have someone from the church to become leaders of the class. He would prefer to have separate men’s and a women’s classes at Booneville.

South Carolina King rally shifts focus Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — For the first time in 17 years, civil rights leaders gathered Monday at the South Carolina Statehouse to pay homage to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. without the Confederate flag casting a long shadow over them. The banner was taken down over the summer after police said a young white man who had posed for photos with a rebel flag shot nine black church members to death during a Bible study in Charleston. After the massacre at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Republican Gov. Nikki Haley reversed course and made it a priority for lawmakers to pass legislation to remove the flag. “Isn’t this a great day? It’s so nice to be standing here and not looking at that flag,” said Ezell Pittman, who attended most of the King Day anti-flag rallies since they started in 2000. “I always had faith it would come down. I hate it took what it did, but was real happy to see

it go.” Across the country, the 30th anniversary of the holiday to honor the civil rights leader assassinated in 1968 was remembered in different ways. In Michigan, people delivered bottled water to residents of Flint amid the city’s drinking water crisis. In Atlanta, an overflow crowd listened as to the nation’s housing secretary talk about the 50th anniversary of King’s visit to Chicago to launch a campaign for fair hous-

ing. In Minnesota, a rally against police brutality was planned. South Carolina NAACP President Lonnie Randolph said the flag’s removal was tangible evidence the state cares about civil rights when pushed hard enough. But he warned there would be other fights ahead. “I promise you, the people that gather in this building — your building — will do something this year to cause us to return to ensure freedom, justice and

equality is made possible for all people,” Randolph said, motioning toward the capitol behind him. Randolph promised to keep coming to the Statehouse until King’s dream comes to its full meaning in a state with wide gaps in education achievement between school districts in rich, white communities and poorer, black ones, and where the governor and Republican-dominated Legislature have refused to take federal money to expand Medicaid.

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

IN MEMORIAM Remembering loved ones we’ve lost.. ... in

2015

Please send your Memorial (Must be no more than 8 lines (approx. 4 words per line) With photo and payment of $20 to: Daily Corinthian Attn: Classiﬁed P.O. Box 1800 Corinth, MS 38835-1800 or drop off at: 1607 S. Harper Rd. You may also email to: classad@dailycorinthian.com IN MEMORIAM 2015 WILL BE PUBLISHED ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2016 DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 2016 AT 5:00 P.M. For any questions or more info, call 662-287-6147

Remembering King Project Attention volunteers Ayanna Norman (left) and Javia Williams get crackers ready to be served during Monday’s service event in Corinth. Related story and photo are on Page 1.

DISPUTING THE LORD I read of a preacher who delivered a sermon on the subject of eternal punishment. The next day a young man came to see him to dispute what he had heard preached concerning hell. As he spoke to the preacher he said, “I believe that there is a difference between what you and I believe about eternal punishment. I came here today in order to settle this difference.” The preacher thought for a few moments and then turned to the young man and said, “There is no dispute between you and me. If you will turn and read Matthew 25:46, you will ﬁnd the dispute is between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. He clearly said, “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” I advise you to go immediately and settle it with Him.” When a preacher preaches truth and someone disputes it, the dispute is not with the preacher, but with God’s truth. For instance: 1. The Bible says God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). The atheists say He did not. Their dispute is with God. 2. The Bible says that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). The Jews say He is not. Their dispute is with God. 3. The Bible says without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). The Universalists say everyone will be saved, regardless. Their dispute is with God. 4. The Bible says faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Many religious people just say, “Trust your feelings and everything will be OK.” Their dispute is with God. 5. The Bible says there is one church, and the Lord adds the saved to it (Ephesians 4:4; 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18, 24; Acts 2:47). Denominationalism says there are many - pick one and join it. Their dispute is with God. 6. Jesus said all of His people are to be united together in one body and to speak the same thing (John 17:20, 21; Ephesians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10. Denominationalists say, “Let’s all be divided up in many religious bodies, speaking different things.” Their dispute is with God. 7. Jesus said to believe and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16). Many say baptism is not necessary to salvation. Their dispute is with God. 8. Jesus says to be faithful until death and receive a crown of life (Revelation 2:10). The Calvinists say it is impossible for a Christian to be lost, whether faithful or not. Their dispute is with God. Friend, what do YOU say? When we dispute what the Bible plainly teaches, we are not disputing what some preacher says - we are disputing with God who gave the Bible to us! Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Yes, God gave man the Bible, because it meets a need that is as deﬁnite as the need for food, water, and air. The Bible is the only book that saves man from sin and gives him spiritual life (James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:22-25). When the pagan world did not want to retain God in its knowledge, it fell into all kinds of vices (Romans 1:18-32). There has never been a people that escaped destruction when they forgot God; condemnation awaits all who deny Him. The Bible is the light that guides men to the immortal port of eternal peace, and it is never dimmed for those with eyes of genuine faith (Ephesians 1:18).

Northside Church of Christ

3127 Harper Rd. • Corinth, Mississippi 38834 415-3558 • Minister - Lennis Nowell Sunday Worship ............ 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 5:00 pm Wednesday Worship ...................................... 6:00 pm

FEMA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of wind,” he said. “Most of the FEMA building codes were written using the Dade County code to withstand even the worst hurricanes.” Higgins said another tip when rebuilding comes with the replanting of trees. “Only low height trees should be planted -- trees should not grow above power lines,” he added. Hazard Mitigation can also provide grants to help with safe rooms and storm shelters. “This is all information we love to provide and help people with,” Higgins said. “it’s why we are here.” (The Tippah County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is located in the former Magnolia Woman’s Health Center at 41 Mitchell Ave., in Walnut. The Walnut center will be open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., until further notice. Those with losses are encouraged to register for assistance before going to the disaster recovery center by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Online registration can be done by computer, tablet, iPhone, Android or other mobile device at DisasterAssistance.gov.)

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

State/Nation

Across the Nation Associated Press

Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey dies NEW YORK â€” Glenn Frey, who co-founded the Eagles and with Don Henley became one of historyâ€™s most successful songwriting teams with such hits as â€œHotel Californiaâ€? and â€œLife in the Fast Lane,â€? has died. Frey, who was 67 and had been battling multiple ailments, died Monday. The bandâ€™s website said he died in New York. Guitarist Frey and drummer Henley formed the Eagles in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, along with guitarist Bernie Leadon and bassist Randy Meisner. They would become a top act over the next decade, embodying the melodic California sound. Frey was born in Detroit and was raised in its suburbs. His solo hits include â€œThe Heat Is Onâ€? and â€œSmugglerâ€™s Blues.â€? Frey was lead vocalist on the Eaglesâ€™ breakthrough hit, â€œTake It Easy,â€? a song mostly written by Jackson Browne that came out in 1972. His other showcases included â€œPeaceful Easy Feeling,â€? â€˜â€™Already Goneâ€? and â€œNew Kid in Town.â€?

Father guilty in girlâ€™s sepsis death MILLINGTON, Tenn. â€” A Millington man has been found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and aggravated child neglect in his disabled daughterâ€™s 2012 death from gangrene and infected bedsores. Andrea Ruth suffered from asthma, hypertension, and obesity. She was bed ridden and unable to walk. Testimony revealed that she had developed gangrene in her feet so advanced that bones were visible and that first responders saw maggots beneath dirty bandages on her feet. She lost some 50 pounds between May 2011 and November 2012 when she died. According to a news release from the Shelby County District Attorney Generalâ€™s office, Errol Johnson was convicted by a criminal court jury on Friday. He faces a total of 15 to 25 years

in prison on the aggravated child neglect charges and up to two years on the homicide conviction. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 18. Johnsonâ€™s public defender argued that Johnson was a loving father and the stable force in the home. Â

Oregon student dies after throat surgery PORTLAND, Ore. â€” Portland State University says linebacker AJ Schlatter has died due to a complication from a minor throat surgery. The school in downtown Portland, Oregon, announced on its website Monday that the 20-year-old from Canby died Sunday evening in his home. Viking Head Coach Bruce Barnum says PSU lost â€œa diamond that will never be replaced.â€? Portland State says Schlatter, who just completed his redshirt freshman season, was a vital member of the Vikings football team. He started 10 games for the Vikings in 2015, making 62 tackles. He was originally a walk-on at Portland State but later earned a full scholarship. Schlatterâ€™s family has deep ties to Portland State. His father, Jim, was an assistant football coach. His mother and sister played volleyball and his mother was an assistant coach. Â

2 dead, several hurt after severe weather Severe weather sparked a pair of tornadoes that ripped through central Florida before dawn Sunday, officials said. A couple was killed and their son and four grandchildren were injured when one of the twisters destroyed their mobile home. â€œIâ€™m amazed to see anybody got out of this alive,â€? said Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube during a news conference. Steube said that the victims of the tornado in Duette were asleep in their mobile home when the tornado struck. Steven Wilson, 58, was killed immediately, while his wife, Kate, died from a heart attack after being taken

Daily Corinthian â€˘ 7

Across the State

to a hospital. Their son, also named Steven Wilson, crawled out of the wreckage and helped his four children out of the home. The children are between the ages of 6 and 10. The younger Wilson and the children are being treated at a hospital. Their injuries arenâ€™t thought to be life threatening. The National Weather Service in Ruskin, Florida, said a tornado touched down in Duette in Manatee County at 3:45 a.m. Minutes later, another twister struck near the beach community of Siesta Key in Sarasota County. Siesta Key is a barrier island known for its pricey condos and wide, gorgeous beaches. On Sunday morning, about 17,000 residents in the area were without power, the Sarasota County Emergency Management office said on its Facebook page. Sarasota County officials reported damage to multiple homes near Siesta Key. At least one home was destroyed and a woman had to be pulled from the wreckage by first responders. Other damage reports include roofs being blown off homes. Â

Jobless insurance plan proposed WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama on Saturday proposed changes to the U.S. unemployment insurance system that he says would offer more security to the jobless and encourage experienced workers to rejoin the workforce, even if it means taking a pay cut. â€œWe shouldnâ€™t just be talking about unemployment; we should be talking about re-employment,â€? Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address. The presidentâ€™s proposal would require states to provide wage insurance to workers who lose their jobs and find new employment at lower pay. The insurance would replace half of the lost income, up to $10,000 over two years. It would be available to workers who were with their prior employer for three years and make less than $50,000 in their new job.

Associated Press

Powerball renews state lottery interest JACKSON â€” State Rep. Robert Johnson says all the money Mississippi residents spent on Powerball tickets could have helped Mississippi if it had been spent there instead of Louisiana. But Mississippi is one of six states that donâ€™t run lotteries. â€œI live in a river town,â€? said Johnson, D-Natchez. â€œThe amount of people crossing the river to purchase lottery tickets would have produced enough revenue to have made a difference for public education funding. â€œAnd I am just talking about Natchez. That is all along the (Mississippi) River,â€? he told the Northeast Louisiana Daily Journal. Gulf Coast senators gave Powerball tickets to their colleagues to boost interest, and thereâ€™s talk of a concerted effort to try to pass legislation creating a lottery. But itâ€™s unlikely to get far, although a referendum to remove a ban on lotteries from the Mississippi Constitution passed in 1992, 481,848 to 427,335. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said lotteries donâ€™t offer the same benefits as casinos. â€œA casino can provide hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars of investment through hotels, restaurants and shops. A lottery doesnâ€™t provide those benefits. I believe that is why the Legislature has not embraced lotteries,â€? he said. Â

Woman, son shot, killed in McComb MCCOMB â€” A 64-yearold woman and her 33-year-old son were shot and killed in their home, McComb police said. Police Chief Scott McKenzie says he had to wait for state crime scene investigators to say whether the deaths of Barbara Butler Conerly and Shawn Martin Butler on Friday were a murder-suicide or double homicide. However, the investigators did not find a gun under either body, indicating an outside shooter. â€œWe didnâ€™t want to speculate. The way the bodies were positioned, it was possible that a

handgun was underneath one of them,â€? he said. State Rep. David Myers, who lives less than two blocks away, said he knew both victims. â€œI see him walking in the community and his mom. I see them all the time. Weâ€™re devastated that something like this could actually happen to somebody, who as far as we know, had no issue with anybody,â€? Myers told the EnterpriseJournal. McComb Detective Shannon Sullivan said the motive is unclear. â€œThis just seems to be a completely random act of violence, one that for investigators is very difficult to work on,â€? he said. There appeared to be evidence of forced entry at the rear door, but it might not be related to this case, the police chief told WLBT-TV. Sullivan told the EnterpriseJournal that he didnâ€™t notice any signs of forced entry at his first look. Â

Man arrested in sonâ€™s shooting GREENWOOD â€” An elderly Greenwood man has been arrested on a murder charge in the shooting death of his son. The Greenwood Commonwealth reports that witnesses told police that 43-year-old Freddy Lee Clay shot and killed himself on Saturday. But Greenwood Police Chief Ray Moore told the newspaper that evidence at the scene contradicted those accounts. Clayâ€™s father, 70-yearold James Clay Jr., was arrested on a firstdegree murder charge and ordered held without bail. He was being held at the Leflore County Jail.

McComb principal appeals suspension MCCOMB â€” A McComb School District principal is appealing her three-day suspension over allegations that her elementary school promoted more than a dozen students who didnâ€™t meet the promotion criteria. During a school board meeting last week, an attorney for Otken Elementary School principal Camita Dillon urged board members to negate Dillionâ€™s suspension. The Enterprise-Journal reports that Dillon was suspended last semester after the school districtâ€™s superintendent learned 16 children had been promoted from 3rd grade to 4th grade without meeting the necessary criteria. Â

Water quality initiative targets 3 watersheds JACKSON â€” The U.S. Department of Agriculture is launching a water quality initiative that will offer financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers in three Mississippi watersheds. The department says in a statement that its voluntary program is designed to provide cleaner water to neighboring residents. The three watersheds eligible for the National Water Quality Initiative are Chase Bayou in Adams County, Porter Bayou in Bolivar and Sunflower counties, and North Tippah Creek in Benton and Tippah counties. Applications for program funding during fiscal year 2016 must be received by the department by March 18.

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8 • Tuesday, January 19, 2016 • Daily Corinthian

IN MEMORIAM Remembering loved ones we’ve lost.. ... in

2015

9 • Daily Corinthian

Variety

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Crossword

BEETLE BAILEY

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

BLONDIE

HI & LOIS

ACROSS 1 Wading bird in ancient Egyptian art 5 __ of March 9 Dessert “there’s always room for” 14 Like pre-stereo sound 15 Geek Squad pro 16 Stayed home for dinner 17 Dickens classic, itemized 20 Attempt to get 21 Natural history museum item 22 Type of symbol or appeal 23 Prefix with skeleton 24 River inlet 26 Most fit to be drafted 28 Smugly prudish sort, itemized 34 One who makes your skin crawl 35 At rest 36 Diner handout 39 “All in the Family” wife 42 Beehive, e.g. 43 St. Teresa’s home 45 Force out of bed 47 Country/western dance, itemized 51 Chocolatecaramel candy brand 52 “__ Blinded Me With Science”: 1983 hit 53 Fury 56 Pro vote 59 Word before or after “coming” 61 Sherpas’ land 63 Chime in, itemized 66 Yamaha with a bench 67 Syllables before di or da, in a Beatles song 68 “Les Misérables” novelist 69 Proverbial backbreaker 70 “Ghost Hunters” channel 71 Candid DOWN 1 Publicist’s concern

2 Wrinkle-removing injection 3 Befuddled 4 Song sung alone 5 “Who am __ judge?” 6 Offset, as costs 7 Caesar’s “Behold!” 8 1862 Tennessee battleground 9 Leadership training group, familiarly 10 List-shortening abbr. 11 Hawaiian wreaths 12 Lo-cal 13 Black gemstone 18 Fielding mishap 19 Ex-Yankee Martinez 25 Tête product 27 On the ball 29 Eye-related 30 Steeple top 31 Joint that may be swiveled 32 Former 33 “Xanadu” rock gp. 36 Pilates class need 37 Grandmother of Enos

38 Negative word often spoken in pig Latin 40 Of the best quality 41 “Quit complaining!” 44 So far 46 Surgical tube 48 Wild plum 49 Upper bodies 50 Make oneself heard

54 Mountain chain 55 John with nine #1 hits in the U.S. 56 Jabbers 57 Improve text 58 Jewish month before Nisan 60 Beriyo smoothie maker 62 Repeat 64 Put __ show 65 Anti vote

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

xwordeditor@aol.com

01/19/16

Half-brother desires to feel like a brother WIZARD OF ID

DILBERT

GARFIELD

FORT KNOX

PICKLES

Dear Annie: My halfbrother and his wife are old enough to be my parents. He is quite well-todo and so are his children. I am only six years older than his oldest child and have always felt more like one of his kids than his sister, especially after my parents died. However, I am never invited to spend holidays with them. I was widowed 25 years ago, and one of my children has since passed away. My brother and sister-in-law have gifted me $300 each year on my birthday, and although it would give me great pleasure to reciprocate, they rarely allow me to do so. Last month, they discouraged me from giving them gifts for Christmas, which I understand. They are trying to pare down their belongings. Last year, I saved up and gave them a $100 gift card. I thought I’d hit on the perfect present. But this year, my sister-in-law said bluntly, “Don’t be coming in here with presents like last year. Save your gift cards for your daughter. The money we give you is for you — not to be returned to us.” After that call, I spiraled into a depression that lasted for days, and the holiday was ruined. All this one-sided gift-giving makes me feel like a charity case. I always accept the money and send an imme-

Annie’s Mailbox diate thank-you note, and I will continue to do so. But other than my daughter, they are the only family I have. Their kids and I do not communicate. Is there any way to fix this? — Bah Humbug Dear Humbug: You are interpreting your brother’s attitude in the worst possible light. So, let’s put it in a more positive one: Your brother and his wife know that you are struggling and they are not. They feel terrible when you spend your money on them. They are trying to be kind and thoughtful. They don’t realize that you find this demeaning. The age difference makes a relationship difficult and awkward, but you both seem to want to stay in contact, so here’s our advice for gift-giving: Do not give cash or gift cards. Instead, bake cookies or create a homemade holiday ornament. Write them a letter expressing how important they are to you, how much you hope to remain close, and that being able to reciprocate for their

kindness brings you joy. That will mean more to them than any present. Dear Annie: You’ve printed a few letters in response to the one from “W,” who said her neighbor is overly sensitive to noise. This neighbor may have a mental health issue. My ex-husband, who suffers from a fairly severe mental illness, often complained of excessive noise from our neighbor’s adjoining townhouse, even though the sound would be perfectly fine to anyone else. He would call the police about it whenever he wasn’t taking his anti-psychotic medication. It caused all sorts of problems. “W.” might consider speaking to the neighbor’s son about her mental health. — T. Dear T.: There are all kinds of reasons for noise sensitivity, and certainly mental health can play a role. Thank you for mentioning this possibility. Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

10 • Tuesday, January 19, 2016 • Daily Corinthian

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