042013_Corinth E-edition

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Saturday April 20,

2013

50 cents

Daily Corinthian Vol. 117, No. 95

Today

Tonight

66

40

0% chance of rain

• Corinth, Mississippi • 18 pages • One section

Curtis has mental illness struggle Staff, wire reports

The stories from family and acquaintances of a Mississippi man charged with sending ricin-laced letters to the president and other officials describe a caring father and enthusiastic musician who struggled with mental illness and pursued a conspiracy theory to its farthest reaches. Paul Kevin Curtis, 45, wrote numerous Web posts over the past several years describing the event he said “changed my life forever”: the chance discovery of body parts and organs wrapped in plastic in a small refrigerator at a hospital where he worked as a janitor more than a decade ago. He tried to talk to officials about and publicize what he claimed was an elaborate conspiracy theory to sell body parts on the black markets, but he thought he was being railroaded by the government. Authorities say the efforts culminated in letters sent to President Barack Obama, a U.S. senator and a judge in Mississippi. “Maybe I have your attention now even if that means someone must die,” the letters read, according to an FBI affidavit. “He is bipolar, and the only thing I can say is he wasn’t on his medicine,” his ex-wife, Laura Curtis, told The Associated Press. Jim Waide, an attorney for the Curtis family, said Paul Kevin Curtis was prescribed medication three years ago. “When he is on his medica-

Sunny

Murder case bound over to grand jury BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

A judge ordered the Demarlen Obryan Davis murder case be bound over to the grand jury in Corinth Municipal Court Friday morning. Testimony during the preliminary hearing described the defendant’s explanation of what Please see MURDER | 2

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

Law enforcement investigators talk outside Paul Kevin Curtis’ apartment Thursday in West Hills Subdivision just north of the Crossroads Arena. tion, he is terrific, he’s nice, he’s functional,” Waide said. “When he’s off his medication, that’s when there’s a problem.” Curtis’ brother, Jack Curtis, issued a statement Thursday evening saying his brother’s mental problems cause him to believe he does not require medical treatment. The statement said that Paul Kevin Cur-

tis refuses to take his medication, and that the family has been told there is no legal way to force him to do so. Waide represented Curtis in a lawsuit he filed in August 2000 against North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, where he had worked from 1998 until he was fired in 2000. Waide said he withdrew

Officers find 1,500 pills; arrest made BY JEBB JOHNSTON

from the case because Curtis didn’t trust him. The suit, claiming employment discrimination, was dismissed. “He thought I was conspiring against him,” Waide said. “He thinks everybody is out to get him.” Curtis made a brief court

Officers found about 1,500 pills in a Wednesday drug bust. Danny Hugh Wilbanks, 54, of 7 CR 658, Walnut, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. Bond was set at $5,000. Narcotics Officer Darrell

Please see CURTIS | 2

Please see PILLS | 3

jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

‘Did You Know?’ ... Parks share offerings BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

The National Park Service wants to share all the great things many people never knew about America’s national parks through National Park Week — beginning today locally at the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields. National Park Week is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, which encourages all Americans to get out and enjoy their national parks. This year’s theme — “Did You Know...” — will provide a fun way to discover the wonders of America’s national parks, said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “For example, did you know that there are national parks in 49 of 50 states? Did you know that the country’s highest peak, lowest point, tallest tree, deepest lake and longest cave are in national parks?” Jarvis asked. “National Park Week is a great time for all Americans to visit a nearby national park to camp and hike, watch wildlife, stroll a Civil War battlefield and connect with our heritage and each other.” From today through Sunday, April 28, Shiloh National Military Park will celebrate National Park Week by offering ranger led hikes, bicycle tours and programs on the battlefield. Park Ranger Chris Mekow said weather forecasts are favorable and the Shiloh park rangers are looking forward to a big week. This is the first year

for Shiloh to offer programs on each day of National Park Week and the park visitor center has received numerous calls from people planning to participate. Scheduled programs include: ■ Today — Junior Ranger Day. Children age seven to 15 are invited to the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields to complete both parks’ Junior Ranger programs to earn badges and certificates. Park visitor center hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at both locations. ■ Sunday, April 21 – Wildflower Biking Tour. Join Ranger Marcus Johnson for an eightmile bicycle tour of the battlefield with selected stops and brief walks to view the wide variety of flowering trees and plants that bloom in April. Two tours will be offered, departing from the visitor center at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ■ Monday, April 22 – Fallen Commanders Bicycle Tour. Ranger Heather Smedley will lead a bicycle tour to learn the fate of several commanders, both Union and Confederate, who made the ultimate sacrifice at Shiloh. The bicycle ride will meet at the visitor center at 1 p.m. and last for approximately two hours. Participants will need to bring their own bikes, water, and sunscreen. All riders under 16 years of age are required by Tennessee State Law to wear a helmet. ■ Tuesday, April 23 – National Parks in Your Backyard. Join a ranger and learn about all the Please see PARKS | 2

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

According to 10K race co-coordinator Amy Smith, runners and walkers still have a choice of shirts for the 32nd annual event set for May 4.

10K race numbers continue good pace BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

The numbers continue to rise with the 32nd Annual Corinth Coca-Cola Classic 10K Run less than two weeks away. As of Thursday morning, 856 runners and walkers had regis-

Index Stocks........8 Classified...... 15 Comics........ 7 State........ 5

Weather........9 Obituaries........ 6 Opinion........4 Sports...... 12

tered, 166 up from last year’s total at this time. “Everything is good to go right now,” said race co-coordinator Amy Smith of the May 4 event that starts and finishes downtown. “Typically, the locals wait to the last minute to

register.” A new high water mark for participants was set last year when 1,356 signed up despite no race day registration. Last year’s number eclipsed the Please see 10K | 3

On this day in history 150 years ago A proclamation by President Lincoln announces that Congress has approved the formation of the State of West Virginia. It will officially join the Union in June.

Advanced Cataract Lens Implants Do you have cataracts and astigmatism? Why not correct both at the same time? x x Dr. John Shipp, M.D.

Standard lens implants clear the vision in cataract surgery, but glasses or contacts are often required after surgery to reduce blurring and distortion Toric lens implants in cataract surgery are designed to correct astigmastism

To find out more about Toric lenses go to www.shippeyeclinic.com or call 662-286-6068.

Eye Care Specialists 3302 W. Linden St. Corinth, MS 38834 (662) 286-6068


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