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Daily Corinthian
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Vol. 117, No. 196
• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • 1 section
Suspect sought in city park rape BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
The Corinth Police Department is investigating the rape of a woman at Crossroads Regional Park late Thursday night. Police Chief David Lancaster said police responded to a 911 call at 11:28 p.m. of a mugging at the park. Officers found a woman there with a male friend, and the woman was tak-
en to Magnolia Regional Health Center. The male subject, who was also present during the rape, was not injured. The two subjects, described as friends who had met at the park to talk, told police they were approached by a young black male man who came from the south side of the park. Carrying a handgun, the suspect approached the two
friends on the concrete lot near the pavilion and playground and had them lie face down on the ground. He then had them walk toward the playground equipment and, moving them away from the lights, he raped the woman, police believe. The suspect then ran west out of the playground area. He is described as approximately 6 feet tall and possibly
in his early 20s. He wore all black clothing and a bandana covering the lower portion of his face. Anyone who may have information about the suspect is encouraged to contact the police department or Crime Stoppers. The police chief said the department is increasing patrols in the city, and he encourages residents to be vigilant, to walk
in pairs or groups and to report any unusual activity. “It is not a good idea to be isolated anywhere at that time of night,” he said. The posted park hours are 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. To report tips about this case, contact Detective Heather Glass at 286-3377 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-773-tips or crimestoppersms.com.
School director stepping down BY JEFF YORK For the Daily Corinthian
SELMER, Tenn. — The timing was just right was how McNairy County Director of Schools Charlie Miskelly described his resignation announcement at Thursday’s school board meeting. Miskelly will leave his post as the leader of the school system on Dec. 31. Miskelly’s place in history is established because he was the first-ever director of schools appointed by the school board. The school board made him the surprise choice as director of schools over incumbent Judy Turner in 2001. The long-time educator came to McNairy County as an assistant principal at McNairy Central High School
after retiring in Mississippi. Miskelly had worked for both the Alcorn School District and the Corinth School District as teacher, coach and administrator prior to moving across the state line. This is his 42nd year in education. “I’ve had a very good time working in McNairy County and I just believe this is the best time for me to announce that I would resign in December,” said Miskelly. “This will give the next director of schools time to evaluate personnel and work on a budget for next year.” Miskelly, who will turn 63 on Aug. 29, said he told the school board members just prior to Thursday’s meeting about his resignation plans.
Photo courtesy Taste of Country
Charlie Daniels still enjoys what he is doing after 50-plus years in the music industry.
Daniels still loves entertaining
Please see MISKELLY | 2
BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Local 4-H holding Promotion Day BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
4-H has plenty of opportunities for young people. Youngsters can learn about the numerous chances today at the Alcorn County Extension Service during 4-H Promotion Day from 10 a.m. until noon. “4-H offers activities for young people ages 5-18 to develop life skills which will enhance their adulthood,” said Tammy Parker, 4-H agent. Adults are also encouraged to get involved in the program as volunteers, according to Parker. Membership to 4-H is free. “The event gives people
the chance to visit the facility and meet leaders from the 12 different clubs which meet monthly,” added Parker. Hands-on activities such as pony rides, inflatable jumper Please see 4-H | 2
Charlie Daniels loves to entertain. The 76-year-old country music legend couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Daniels is bringing his enthusiasm and high-level show to the Crossroads Arena for the first time on Saturday. Country music artist and songwriter David Lee Murphy and Corinth’s own Maty Noyes are set to open for the music icon. “I love what I do … it keeps me going,” said Daniels via telephone after a concert in Canada. “I enjoy getting on stage and my aim when I started was to do this for a long time.” The singer, guitarist and fiddler began writing and performing in the 1950s. A native of Gulf, N.C., he recorded his first solo album, “Charlie Daniels,” in 1971. His first hit, the novelty song “Uneasy Rider,” was from his 1973 second album, “Honey in the Rock,” and reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Daniels is best known for his number one country hit “The
Devil Went Down to Georgia” in 1979. The hit will be part of the show lineup come Saturday, according to the Grand Ole Opry member. “We always do the songs fans expect to hear,” he said. “We will also have some surprises … our whole aim is to entertain and help people have a good time.” “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” was featured in the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy” and is about the devil’s attempt to steal a young man’s soul through a fiddle contest. “It’s never a problem deciding what to play,” said the Grand Ole Opry member. “The problem is what to leave out, but we will have a good balance.” Inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2009, Daniels has cut back on the amount of time he spends on the road. In the past, he has done 200 shows a year. Now, he does 90-100 concerts and another 10 performances at the Opry. “I am very adaptable,” he said following his show in Canada. “I have learned to adjust my
schedule through the years … if I had to plow a mule at my age, I couldn’t do it, but I still enjoy what I do.” Daniels, awarded a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1979, is a strong supporter of veterans and other military personnel. Plans are for a tribute to the military during the concert. “Any time we get a chance to doing something for veterans, we do it,” he said. “We owe a debt of gratitude to veterans and should be the first to take care of them.” His respect for those who serve goes back to his time growing up in Gulf. “I learned very early in life the two things that keep us from those trying to kill us are God’s grace and the military,” he commented. “Not enough is being done to help those who have served … we owe our veterans and God for the freedoms we have today.” Daniels and the Arena will honor all military veterans and those actively serving with a Please see DANIELS | 2
Gann competes in fishing championship BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Submitted photo
Lowell Gann (right) and MSU fishing partner Justin Atkins finished 14th at the Carhartt Bassmasters College Series National Championship in Young Harris, Ga.
Index Stocks........8 Classified......14 Comics........ 7 State........ 5
Weather........9 Obituaries........ 6 Opinion........4 Sports...... 12
STARKVILLE — An ideal place for Mississippi State senior Lowell Gann is somewhere in a boat on the water. The former two-sport standout at Alcorn Central High School is focusing on collegiate fishing these days. He and partner, Justin Atkins, of New Hope, recently finished among the top 15 teams in the nation at the Carhartt Bassmasters College Series National Championship in Young Harris, Ga. “I have grown up watching it on television and it was always a dream of mine to fish at the collegiate level,” said
Gann while traveling back to school. “I have been real fortunate … it’s one of those bucket list type of things for me.” Gann and Atkins reeled in a 14th place finish in their first trip to the college series. The pair caught nine fish for a 19.15 weight total. They were part of four Southeastern Conference teams to place among the top 15. Auburn University of Montgomery’s Jacob Nummy and Tom Frink captured the national title. “We had some boat problems that cost us the first day,” said Gann. “We needed three more pounds to fish
another day.” The MSU team qualified for the national championship event with a 12th place showing at the College Bassmasters Southeast Regional in Tavares, Fla. Eighty-two teams took part in the regional held in January. Gann and Atkins netted a two-day total of 26 pounds to move on to the national event. “I have learned a lot watching other people,” said the Alcorn Central graduate. “Fishing on the collegiate level has given me the chance to get outside the state and fish … it’s something I hope I am able to do again this year.”
On this day in history 150 years ago The Union has placed 11 heavy guns on Morris Island outside Charleston, S.C. Along with seven ironclads and eight gunboats, the Union unleashes a devastating bombardment against Fort Sumter, which is reduced to rubble and sand.