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Daily Corinthian Vol. 118, No. 239
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• Corinth, Mississippi • 24 pages • 2 sections
Dance wins chief; Hopkins re-elected BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
A buzz of excitement filled the air at Corinth City Hall as machine vote totals were announced about 7:20 p.m. Tuesday, bringing two races to a close. With not enough absentee ballots at stake to make a difference in either race, the
victors quickly headed off to celebrate as the election commissioners began to count absentees. Ralph Dance (D) will be the city’s new police chief after a winning vote of 1,354 to 519 over Fred Gooch (R), and Mike Hopkins (D) is headed to a third term as alderman at large after defeating John Orman (R) 1,024 to 805.
“I’m excited and overwhelmed,” said Dance, who expressed thanks for the strong vote. “I’m ready to get to work, and I want to do the city proud.” Dance, who previously worked as an investigator in the district attorney’s office and is currently captain of detectives at Corinth PD, took 72
percent of the vote. He expressed appreciation for outgoing chief David Lancaster, who is retiring. “I’m dearly going to miss him. He’s not only my chief; he’s my best friend,” said Dance. There will be a number of Please see ELECTION | 6A
Dance
Hopkins
County schools hire new finance director BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
A new Director of Finance has been hired in the Alcorn School District. Board members voted to hire Kimberly Woodard as a full time employee of the district this week. Woodard was in the middle of a 30-day temporarily grace period. “We have already learned that Kimberly is a great asset for the district,” said Superin-
Staff photo by Steve Beavers
Alcorn Career & Technology Center Ag Power and Machinery instructor Dennis Deaton (right) goes over how students use a Caterpillar engine to enhance their knowledge with Kevin Barnes.
Tour spotlights agriculture BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Alcorn Career & Technology Center is playing a part in agriculture. Around 38 individuals got an up close view of the center and what is does in ag during the Alliance 2014 Agriculture & Forestry Tour. The stop was one of two during the afternoon for those on the annual tour. Caterpillar’s
Tecumseh location was also part of the event. “The career center is a very active agriculture leader in Alcorn County,” said Patrick Poindexter, County Director with the Mississippi State Extension Service. “I was also excited to have Caterpillar on the tour … Cat is heavily involved in agriculture.” Tour participants were able to see the many things being
done at the center pertaining to agriculture business. Ag & Natural Resources and Ag Power & Machinery are the two classes being taught. “We are constantly teaching them from the power side to the growing side,” said David Nowell, Ag & Natural Resources instructor. “Technology has come a long way in agriculture Please see TOUR | 2A
tendent Gina Rogers Smith. “Her work ethic is a lot like our past director of finance. She is very diligence and honest. We are very fortunate to have her.” Ward was previously employed with a Tupelo based accounting firm. Former Director of Finance Misty Whittemore resigned from her position in SeptemPlease see HIRE | 3A
Candlelight vigil: Remembrance set BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
Families who have lost an infant will get the opportunity to celebrate their angel’s life today at the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Ceremony in downtown Corinth. The third annual candlelight vigil will take place at 7 tonight in the C.A.R.E. Garden and Depot at 221 North Fillmore Street. According to local sponsor Dr. Blakley Fowler of the
Magnolia Pediatric Clinic, the ceremony is celebrated nationally. Please see VIGIL | 2A
Vo-tech director loves teaching, serving BY KIMBERLY SHELTON kshelton@dailycorinthian.com
Rodney Hopper’s love of teaching began at an early age. Growing up in Tippah County, Hopper was active in the Future Farmers of America as well as other clubs and activities. “I always enjoyed learning new things, but it was my agriculture teacher who truly sparked my interest and made me want to pursue teaching as a career,” said Hopper, who currently serves as the director of the Alcorn County Career and Technology Center. His love of agriculture would open up many doors, including the chance to meet his future
wife while serving as a FFA state officer. Planting the seed for a lifetime of service to others, he went on to receive an Associate’s degree in Agriculture Education from Northeast Mississippi Community and a Bachelors degree in the same from Mississippi State University. In addition, he received his Administration degree through the University of North Alabama. A jack of all trades, Hopper has held many positions. “I joined the National Guard in 1978 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel,” said Hopper, who for 22 years served his country.
He began his teaching career at Kossuth High School where he taught for 25 years. He was an ag teacher for two years and went on to become the Assistant Director of the Alcorn County Career and Technology Center for three years before being named director. In addition to coordinating the adult training and night programs, the 1977 Falkner High School graduate has many responsibilities. His tasks include budgeting funds for all vocational teachers, managing equipment for vocational programs, working
Index Stocks......8A Classified......4B Comics......2B State......5A
RENTAL
Weather....10A Obituaries......6A Opinion......4A Sports....12A
Please see HOPPER | 6A
Staff photo by Kimberly Shelton
Rodney Hopper now serves as the director of the Alcorn County Career and Technology Center. He was assistant director for three years.
On this day in history 150 years ago Missouri — Gen. Sterling Price captures Paris while Gen. John Clark attacks the Unions arms depot at Glasgow to capture rifles. The outnumbered Union defenders destroy the weapons before surrendering, leaving Clark with a hollow victory.
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