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Vol. 119, No. 86
• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • One section
Jury deadlocks on felony possession BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
A jury split evenly on a drug possession case in Alcorn County Circuit Court last week. Richard W. Morrow was tried before Judge James Roberts on a charge of felony possession of
marijuana. The jury deadlocked with no possibility of reaching a verdict. Morrow was charged with felony possession of marijuana on April 7, 2012, after law enforcement received a tip about marijuana at his residence. The
complaint was filed by his niece, who lived with him at the time. Although there was a signed statement from Morrow that the marijuana was his, Morrow testified that he believed his niece set him up in order to gain full access to the residence. The
defense pointed to some differing testimony from law enforcement about whether he said he was set up during the investigation of the case. The informant had been expected to testify but did not appear.
“We believe her disappearance and the inconsistency from the law enforcement statements led to the deadlocked jury,” said attorney John Windsor, who represented Morrow Please see JURY | 3
Teams serve up People’s chili Cannabis meeting slated for April 20 BY ZACK STEEN
zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
James Ferguson’s family is well-known for bringing hot tamales to the Crossroads area. It was Ferguson’s tasty chili that had folks talking on Saturday. “I can’t believe the amount of people who came by to taste my chili,” said Ferguson. “I have had a lot of fun and talked to a lot of people. Some even came back for seconds.” “Lord willing, I’ll be back next year,” he added. Ferguson was among 18 People’s Choice Chili Competition participants at the 8th Annual Crossroads Chili Cook-off held this weekend in conjunction with the Green Market at The Depot. Dicky Thorpe from Shelbyville, Tenn., took top honors in the People’s Choice category. Thorpe’s Tennessee Hillbilly Chili team barely beat Corinth native Joey Gilmore. Dennis Farris with his Illegal Heartburn Chili team from Fulton, Miss., took third place. More than $300 in prize money was awarded in the People’s Choice category. The winner was decided by those event goers who purchased a $5 all you can eat tasting kit with all proceeds benefiting the Crossroads Museum. More than 15 professional International Chili Society cooking teams squared off against a handful of local cooks who entered the professional catego-
BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Team Legalize is coming back to Corinth. The group behind Initiative Measure 48 will be seeking signatures for its petition to legalize marijuana in Mississippi during an April 20 event. The meeting is slated for 3-6 p.m. at the Corinth Library. Walnut’s Frederick Wilbanks, a volunteer with Team Legalize, will be in charge of the event at the library. “Cannabis is proven to help cancer and diabetes,” said Wilbanks. “That’s why I am involved with the petition.”
Wilbanks’ mother, Bobbie Ruth died following a battle with breast cancer. Fred Wilbanks, the father of Frederick, is diabetic and already lost one of his kidneys. “How can I not be for something that heals people?” said Wilbanks. If the initiative is passed in 2016, the use, cultivation and sale of cannabis and industrial hemp would be legalized in Mississippi. Marijuana sales would also be taxed 7 percent. Marijuana sold for medicinal purposes and sales of indusPlease see CANNABIS | 3
Inert landfill may expand BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Staff photo by Brant Sappington
Corinth native Joey Gilmore collected three awards at Saturday’s 8th Annual Crossroads Chili Cook-off. Gilmore placed third in the People’ Choice category, second in the professional green chili and third in the professional salsa category. ries, as well. In the Salsa category, Mike Dearing from Newton, Miss., captured first place. Second place went to Brian Sobo from Savannah, Tennessee, while
Gilmore took third place. In Chili Verde, also known as green chili, Scott Barrett of Rosarita’s Chili Surprise in TayPlease see CHILI | 3
The City of Corinth is moving toward a possible land purchase to enlarge the city’s inert landfill on West Linden Street. The Board of Aldermen recently ratified a letter of agreement for the purchase of 13 acres adjacent to the city property that would allow the city to extend the lifespan of the inert landfill, where the city disposes of things such as
bagged leaves and lawn trimmings from residents. Purchase of the property is contingent on the outcome of an appraisal. If the purchase is completed, owner Danny Boatman would have 10 acres remaining out of the tract. The city would allow six months from the date of closing for marketable timber to be cleared, and the letter states all trees would Please see LANDFILL | 3
Films on Fillmore returning on May 1 with ‘Toy Story’ BY KIMBERLY SHELTON kshelton@dailycorinthian.com
Taking full advantage of warmer weather and fairer skies, Main Street of Corinth’s Films on Fillmore will return to the C.A.R.E Garden at dusk on Friday, May 1. “Our first film of the year will be “Toy Story,” said Outgoing Main Street Corinth Director Taylor Coombs. “I encourage everyone to pick up dinner at one of our local restaurants, bring a blanket and have a picnic.” Slated to be held the night before the Corinth Coke 10K Race in historic downtown Corinth, the free outdoor-film will feature food and fellowship, as well as fun. Drinks will be avail-
able at the snack bar for $1, assorted candy for $2 and popcorn for 50 cents per bag. A 1995 American computer-animated film, Pixar’s buddycomedy adventure follows a group of misfit toys as they pretend to be lifeless around humans and focuses on the
developing relationships between Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Bo Peep and other beloved characters. Rated G, the familyfriendly film will pull at heartstrings as it reaffirms the bonds of friendship and proves that outward appearances can be deceptive In addition to Main Street Corinth, Films on Fillmore is sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottling Works. “Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and meet us at the Depot downtown,” said Coombs. “It is going to be a fun night for everyone.” (For more informaSubmitted Photo tion call 662-287-1550.) Families gather to watch “Frozen” during one of last year’s Films on Fillmore.
25 years ago
On this day in history 150 years ago
Supporters for a $5.6 million bond issue to improve Corinth schools pledge to work hard to get it passed. “We want to have the very best,” said chairman David Palmer.
While attending a play at Ford’s Theater in Washington, President Lincoln is shot in the back of the head by actor John Wilkes Booth. General Sherman agrees to meet with Gen. Johnston to discuss terms of surrender.
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Doug Ann Michael Rick Jumper Hardin McCreary Jones
Neil Paul
Marea John Wilson Hayes
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