Local/State
2 • Daily Corinthian
State officials seek change in justice bill
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With sweeping cinematic style, the compelling story that unfolds highlights the causes and politics of the war. It also interprets the decisiveness of the key western campaigns and battles, the dramatic effect of the conflict on Southern civilians and the roles African Americans played, from enslavement – to emancipation – to soldier. “The examination of our nation’s seminal event through the lens of this untold story helps to inform Americans about not only who we were then, but who we are now,” said one park official. The screening premiere for the new documentary will begin with a short presentation on the cost of the war at 6:30 p.m. followed by the screening of “A Beacon of Hope” at 7 p.m. At the conclusion of the screening, a brief panel discussion will be held with Dr. Timothy B. Smith, author and professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin; Eric Jacobson, historian and CEO of Battle of Franklin Trust and Chief Ranger at Shiloh National Military Park, Stacy Allen. “I have watched the film. It’s interesting to see what happens after Shiloh,” said Berry. “I think the community will enjoy seeing it.” The Historic Savannah Theater will open its doors at 6 p.m. The event is free to the public. (For more information, contact the park at 731-689-5696.)
BALL hats, inflatable guitars microphones and more. Late night food and beverages will be provided so guests may refuel after stepping off the dance floor. The highlight of the night will be the induction of the 2014 Citizen of the Year into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Celebrity stars will line the walkway each inscribed with the name of a past Citizen of the Year. A new star will be unveiled featuring the name of this year’s winner. The Citizen of the Year will place their hand prints in clay and add their signature. The piece will later be fired in the kiln as a cherished memento for them to keep. Greg Cooley of Cooley and Labas Financial Advisors and co-host of a local radio show advisors round table will serve as the Master of Ceremony for the night.
protect our children from those that would sell drugs, our hard working citizens who would be victims of theft and local merchants from those who would steal.” The bill says anyone convicted of a violent offense would be required to serve at least 50 percent of a sentence, and anyone convicted of a nonviolent offense would have to serve at least 25 percent. The bill would give judges more flexibility to give alternative sentences, such as ordering treatment for drug users. It would strengthen requirements that victims be notified before an inmate is released from prison. It would also, for the first time in Mississippi law, specify which crimes are classified as violent, for sentencing purposes. The three sheriffs and other officials said the list of violent crimes should be expanded to include carjacking, robbery, fondling, felony child abuse, third-offense domestic violence and assault on a law-enforcement officer. They’re also requesting stronger penalties for some drug crimes. Sen. Brice Wiggins, R-Pascagoula, told senators March 6 that the package of proposed changes has been endorsed by the Mississippi Bar Association, the state prosecutors’ association, the state Baptist association and the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council.
Associated Press
Quillen
Quillen completes basic training Air Force Airman Jacky M. Quillen graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Quillen is the son of Vicki Meeks of Glen. He is a 2008 graduate of Tishomingo County High School, Iuka.
VICTIM
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Saturday, March 15, 2014
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A passing motorist reported the fire. When firefighters arrived on the scene, the entire house was engulfed in flames. Wilemon said Willard’s death was ruled an accident.
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Prosecutors said Hill and nine others of moved drugs into Lee and Chickasaw counties in an effort to expand a network of customers. Hill also was sentenced to serve 3 years of probation after his release.
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JACKSON — More than a dozen Jackson-area officials say they’re concerned that proposed changes to Mississippi’s criminal justice system could jeopardize public safety and push bigger expenses onto city and county governments. In a letter to Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, they’re asking for changes to House Bill 585, which awaits final negotiations between the House and Senate. The bill was filed after judges, prosecutors and lawmakers spent months studying Mississippi’s criminal justice system. Supporters say it could make the system more efficient and cut prison costs by $266 million spread over 10 years. Among those signing the concern letter are sheriffs Brian Bailey of Rankin County, Randy Tucker of Madison County and Tyrone Lewis of Hinds County; and Michael Guest, district attorney for Madison and Rankin counties. “We believe that House Bill 585 will substantially impede our ability to keep our communities safe and (it) places too much emphasis on cost saving without taking into account the effect this bill will have on public safety,” they wrote in the letter, which was dated Thursday and publicly released Friday. “This legislation will impact our ability to
Senators push US-raised catfish ducing states who signed the letter to Secretary Penny Pritzker were Sens. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala.; John Boozman, R-Ark.; Mark Pryor, DArk.; David Vitter, R-La.; and Mary Landrieu D-La. “Since 2008, as a direct result of decisions that have been made by your department, imports of frozen fish filets from Vietnam more than tripled. Significant portions of U.S.
Associated Press
JACKSON — Mississippi Republican Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker are asking the U.S. commerce secretary to uphold a decision reached last summer that determined U.S. catfish producers have been harmed by unfairly-priced frozen fish fillets from Vietnam. The Commerce Department continues to review an antidumping action on fillet imports from Vietnam. Other senators from catfish-pro-
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