Prentiss County Beauty queen aims to help disaster victims.
Tippah County FEMA releases loan information to survivors.
McNairy County Woman charged with TennCare fraud.
Page 3
Page 3
Page 3
Tuesday Feb. 16,
2016
75 cents
Daily Corinthian Vol. 120, No. 40
Sun, showers Today
Tonight
56
36
30% chance of rain
• Corinth, Mississippi • 14 pages • One section
2nd District plans roadside cleanup BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Staff photo by Jebb Johnston
U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (left) speaks with Melinda Whited, the new district office staff member, and Dale Fortenberry, mayor of Farmington.
Rep. Kelly sets up shop in Farmington BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Farmington was an easy choice for Trent Kelly. The Alcorn County municipality “fits perfectly with my small-town mentality,” said the U.S. congressman. “I tell
people there’s 29 people and a coon dog in Neshoba, Mississippi, where I’m from.” Kelly visited Farmington City Hall Monday morning for the ceremonial opening of a new district office for the First Congressional District. It’s the
first time that locals can recall a congressional office opening north of Tupelo in the state’s northeast corner. “What that means is they’ve finally decided that MissisPlease see KELLY | 5
County students to get fall break BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
A fall break has been added to the upcoming school year in the county. Students in the Alcorn School District will enjoy a three-day fall break in October
for the first time in a while, according to Assistant Superintendent Ritchie Williams. “Because the time period between Labor Day and Thanksgiving is kind of long for our students and staff, we decided to work in a nice little break
for everyone,” he said. “It’s not something we can do every year, because it really depends on how the calendar shapes up.” Student days will remain at Please see BREAK | 5
The Second District wants to look better. Supervisor James Voyles is calling on residents to help clean up litter from the roadways on Saturday. Participants should meet at the Second District shop on Road 330 at 9 a.m., with cleanup scheduled for 9:30 to 11 a.m. “As we have been working on our roadways, it’s hard not to notice the trash that’s everywhere,” said Voyles. But to clean it up, “We don’t have the manpower to do it ourselves,” he said. Voyles decided to turn to the community for help and has
been overwhelmed with the immediate show of support. Church vans may be used to shuttle participants to different cleanup spots. Roads 200, 300, 400, 306 and 329 are some of the likely targets. The amount of trash on the roadways is concerning to Voyles. “It says something about our community that’s not true,” he said. The supervisor welcomes youth groups and others to get involved. The “attack and sack” event might be repeated on a few more upcoming Saturdays until every scrap of Please see CLEANUP | 5
Cost of freon makes AC units a hot topic BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
Staying cool during warmer weather has become an issue at some Alcorn County schools. Superintendent of Education Larry B. Mitchell warned Alcorn School District board members that maintenance crews continue to have problems with multiple air conditioning units across the district. “We have about 402 AC units in the district and we are constantly dealing with breakdowns of a lot of those units,” said Mitchell. “Of course, most of our units require 22 freon, which was more less outlawed. We can still get it, but it has gone up about 500 percent in cost compared to what we spent
on it a few years ago.” Mitchell said as the district’s units get older, they will need to be replaced. “We’ve already had several go out last fall,” he added. “We will continue repairing the best we can, and replace units as needed.” In other news: ■ The county school board approved six donations made to Alcorn School District by community members and organizations. Alcorn Central Elementary School and Rienzi Elementary School each benefited from a $500 donation as part of the Exxon Mobil Educational AlPlease see SCHOOLS | 5
Speaking earns freshman trip to D.C. BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Katera Bridges has no problems when it comes to speaking in front of crowds. The Corinth High School freshman has been doing it since she was old enough to talk. “I like to sing and it helps getting in front of people,” said the 15-year-old. “Every opportunity I get, I like to get up and speak.” Her talent of public speaking has earned the CHS cheerleader a trip to Washington, D.C. in July. Bridges was selected to represent Corinth as a National Youth Correspondent to
the 2016 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. Bridges joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. She was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies. “I hope this increases my interest in a career in journalism,” said Bridges. “I am involved in a lot of media, but I am more interested in the television side … I am leaning toward being a TV
anchor.” During her stay in Washington, Bridges will participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations which challenge correspondents to solve problems and explore the creative, pracPlease see BRIDGES | 5 Staff photo by Steve Beavers
Katera Bridges will represent Corinth as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2016 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University in July.
25 years ago
10 years ago
The Mississippi Arts Commission names the Corinth ColiseumCivic Center as the best public space in the state. Corinth Arts Council representatives accept the Governors Award for Excellence in the Arts for the achievement.
The “Showband from Tigerland” says goodbye to its longtime leader. Northeast Mississippi Community College Director of Bands Ricky Bishop announces plans to retire after nearly 30 years with the school.
Doug Ann Michael Rick Jumper Hardin McCreary Jones
Neil Paul
Marea John Wilson Hayes
Alexis Rudd
Roger Audrey Clark McNair
2782 S Harper Rd
www.jumperrealty.com