Daily Corinthian E-Edition 02-22-12 by Daily Corinthian

Wednesday Feb. 22,

2012

50 cents

Daily Corinthian Vol. 116, No. 45

Partly sunny Today

Tonight

• Corinth, Mississippi • 22 pages • 2 sections

Supervisors decline sheriff’s civil service idea BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

The Alcorn County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday declined to throw its support behind the sheriff’s proposal to form a civil service commission for his department. A motion by District 4 Supervisor Gary Ross to support the proposal died for lack of a second. Sheriff Charles Rinehart previously told the board that its

support is not required, but he would not proceed without it. In the previous meeting, he presented the text of a bill that would have to be introduced in the Mississippi Legislature to give supervisors the authority to form a civil service commission. District 3 Supervisor Tim Mitchell said he opposes the formation of a civil service commission, which he likened to unionization.

“What do you do when the hospital asks for it or when our employees ask for it,” he said. “If we offer it to them, we might as well offer it to the whole county.” He also expressed concern that it would be difficult to remove an employee. Rinehart said it would protect employees by preventing a new sheriff from firing them without a legitimate reason. As it stands now, he said employees serve at

the will of the sheriff, and a sheriff can fire an employee because of a personal disagreement. “That is not right,” he said. “Nobody needs that much authority.” District 2 Supervisor Dal Nelms said it should either be done for all county employees or for none. Noting the expense of getting officers trained and certified, Ross said he supports the idea because

it would help keep a trained staff at the sheriff’s department. The suggested bill text would allow for a three-member commission and set forth procedures for removal, suspension, demotion and discharge of employees. It would apply to all full-time employees except the sheriff and chief deputy. Rinehart said he kept 38 out of the 41 existing sheriff’s department staff when he took office.

Tourism awards $6,500 in grants

Boys & Girls Club honors volunteer

BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

Jerry Finger was recently honored by the Boys & Girls Club for his many contributions to the community.

Finger praised for service to community BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

Jerry Finger is enjoying retirement. The former account manager now has more time to contribute to the community. “He is constantly working,” said Boys & Girls Club Unit Director Christy Grice. “Retirement should be a time of easy living, but Jerry has chosen to work in the community he loves.” The Boys & Girls Club recently honored the community activist for his work with youngsters of the club as part of Black History Month. “Jerry is mindful that children are our most precious asset, so he mentors them and sponsors them when needed,” said Grice. Finger, one of seven children born to General and Mable Finger, is a 1965 graduate of Easom High School. After graduating from school he moved to Chicago, joined Neighborhood United Methodist Church, then went to work in the transportation industry. He was national account manager for PIE trucking and later purchased his own transportation company, Waukegan Cartage. Finger owned the company until moving back to

Please see TOURISM | 2A

County approves courthouse space for history group BY JEBB JOHNSTON Staff photo by Steve Beavers

Jerry Finger explains a math problem to Tyson Jackson. Corinth in 1999. “I never intended to become a fulltime volunteer,” said the activist. “But there is nothing better than being

focused on protecting the interests of a privileged few.” Morris served as chief of staff and senior adviser to former congressman Travis Childers during his time in office from May 2008 through 2010. He recently Morris started a small inhome care business and holds degrees in political science, accounting and law. In 2003, Morris made a bid for a Mississippi Senate seat, losing to J.P. Wilemon in the Democratic primary. With an uncontested primary for the

Index Stocks...... 7A Classified......4B Comics......3B Wisdom......2B

Weather......5A Obituaries......3A Opinion......4A Sports......8A

jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

congressional seat, he will appear on the ballot in November against the winner of the Republican primary, which includes incumbent Alan Nunnelee, Robert Estes and Henry Ross. Morris said his experience growing up in Dorsey in rural Itawamba County, where he was reared by his grandparents, shaped his views. His grandfather was a preacher in the country churches and worked at a pallet factory in Fulton, while his grandmother worked as a seamstress in garment factories. They lived in an FHA home. “My grandmother, as the garment industry jobs in this area started going

The Alcorn Genealogical Society got approval Tuesday to relocate to available space in the Alcorn County Courthouse. The Board of Supervisors approved the organization’s request to move to the office recently vacated by the veterans service office. The board also approved Sheriff Charles Rinehart’s request for the old 911 office to remain equipped as a communications backup and Coroner Jay Jones’ request for a small office in the courthouse. The genealogical society is currently located in the business incubator building on Proper Street. Gale Judkins, representing the genealogical society, said more space is needed and moving into the courthouse will better serve out-of-town visitors by putting the organization in closer proximity to the chancery building, the museum and library. “We’re kind of out of the way,” she said. Judkins said the society’s research holdings attract people from a wide area who are studying their family lineage. “Alcorn County was a main migration spot coming from the East Coast,” she said. In the 1880s, large wagon trains left this area and went to Texas after the war, she said, and that brings many Texans to north-

Please see MORRIS | 2A

Please see SPACE | 2A

around young people ... they are a real inspiration and help keep you young.” Please see FINGER | 2A

Candidate has concerns for country’s middle class The lone Democratic candidate seeking the U.S. House seat for the 1st Congressional District is centering his campaign on concern for America’s middle class. “I’m in this election because I believe the middle class of this country is being left out — that there are a lot of us in north Mississippi that feel like we do not have a voice in this current Congress,” said Brad Morris, an Oxford attorney and small businessman. “I believe that really the fundamental issue in this election for Congress that we’re facing this year is whether we’re going to have a Congress that’s focused on protecting and growing our middle class or a Congress that’s

The Corinth Area Convention & Visitors Bureau approved $6,500 worth of funding requests from local organizations to help promote upcoming events which will bring visitors to Corinth. On Tuesday, the tourism board voted to contribute to promotional efforts for the Corinth Coca-Cola Classic 10k Run, the 150th Reenactment of the Battle of Farmington and the Black History Museum of Corinth’s observance of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. A $2,000 grant will help pay the advertising costs for the 31st Annual Corinth CocaCola Classic 10k Run. The Coke 10k is the state’s second largest foot-race and listed as “One of the 100 Great short races” in “Running Times” magazine. CACVB Director Kristy White said there is also an effort underway to make Corinth one of the Roadrunner Club of America’s runner-friendly communities. The designation would possibly bring more runners to Corinth year-round. In discussing the event’s impact on the local economy, White cited the level of par-

On this day in history 150 years ago Inauguration Day — In a pouring rain in Richmond, Va., Jefferson Davis takes the oath as the first elected President of the Confederate States of America. By the Constitution, he is restricted to a single term of six years.

Local

2A • Daily Corinthian

Consumers can get an extra financial jolt BY JEFF YORK For the Daily Corinthian

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has announced that Chevrolet Volt purchasers are now eligible for the state’s $2,500 electric vehicle (EV) rebate. The rebate requires consumers qualify for and participate in The EV Project, a national study on EV use and charging infrastructure deployment. The EV Project will provide participants with a free Blink® 240V networked charge station and a credit of up to $1,200 toward its installation. To be eligible, Tennessee residents must sign an EV Project participant agreement, purchase the Volt, take delivery of the car, and have SPX Corporation install their Blink charge station by June 30. Volt owners who have already purchased and taken delivery of their vehicles are still eligible for the rebate if they are accepted into The EV Project. Consumers should contact the original selling dealer to inquire about retroactive rebates. “The state’s $2,500

electric vehicle rebate provides an extra incentive to those who want to purchase a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle,” said Molly Cripps, director of the ECD Energy Division. “We’ve had a great deal of interest from Tennessee consumers regarding the Volt, and I am pleased it is now eligible for rebates.” “We applaud the state of Tennessee for adding the Volt to the EV rebate program,” said Don Karner, president of ECOtality North America. “Tennessee is a vital market for The EV Project. The addition of the Volt into the rebate program ensures we will further our efforts to gather invaluable data from our already rich infrastructure in the Tennessee market.” The primary goal of The EV Project is to collect, analyze and report on the use of electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them. This information includes data regarding the energy used, along with time and duration of charger use. No personal information is shared or included in the analyzed data. Participants must

maintain an in-home Internet connection to transmit the data until The EV Project concludes on April 30, 2013. In September of 2010, the state of Tennessee announced that $2.5 million had been budgeted for the electric vehicle rebate program, enabling the first 1,000 Tennessee residents who purchase either a Chevrolet Volt or Nissan LEAF SL, the opportunity to participate in The EV Project and receive a $2,500 rebate. The state rebate is in addition to a federal tax rebate of up to $7,500. ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project and will oversee the installation of commercial and residential charging stations in 18 major cities and metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. The project will provide an EV infrastructure to support the deployment of EVs in these key markets. The project is a public-private partnership, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy through a federal stimulus grant and made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Belk invites community nonprofits to participate in Spring Charity Sale For the Daily Corinthian

Belk of Corinth invites schools and other nonprofit organizations to participate in its semiannual Belk Charity Sale, April 21 from 6-10 a.m. The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers an excellent fundraising tool for participating organizations and an opportunity for customers to support local charities while taking advantage of special discounts on purchases during the event. Belk Charity Sale tickets are available now to participating nonprofit organizations for sale in advance of the event. One hundred percent of the proceeds from each $5 ticket sold will be retained by the lo-

value from $5 to $100, and a chance to win one of three $1,000 Belk gift cards being awarded company-wide. Also, participating charities and schools will be registered to win one of three $1,000 donations from Belk in a company-wide drawing. Charity representatives interested in taking part in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event should contact their local Belk store manager for more information. In order to participate in the Belk Charity Sale, organizations must have an IRS Section 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service. For more information about Belk Charity Sale Spring 2012, please contact Belk store in Corinth.

FINGER: Man serves as support for Project Attention CONTINUED FROM 1A

Since moving back to the area, he has served on the boards of Project Attention, Black History Museum, Community Development along with the school board. Finger is also the chairperson of City Planning & Development. “Jerry serves quietly

with honor and dignity,” said Grice. The club honoree can be found as a chaperon for Junior Leadership retreat, chasing squirrels or walking the halls of Project Attention as support for the staff. He has restored pool tables along with purchasing, baking and serving turkeys at the Boys & Girls Club.

When not working in his yard or giving vegetables to families in the community, the father of two lends a hand to build floats during homecoming week at Corinth High School. “He is our gateway to the schools who always has an encouraging word for young people,” said the unit director.

MORRIS: Candidate wants a ‘balanced approach’ CONTINUED FROM 1A

overseas for lower-wage workers, struggled to find employment, sometimes driving as far as Golden or Marietta, Mantachie, Tupelo, just to find low-wage work,” he said. “Later in life, she turned to quiltmaking and part-time work wherever she could find it.” He noted the importance of the housing assistance, Medicare, Social Security and student loans in their lives. “I know that I could not have become the person that I am today … had it

2012

cal charity. There is no limit to the number of tickets charities can sell, or to the amount of money they can raise. Belk will provide tickets and informational materials at no cost to each participating organization. Beginning April 13, tickets may also be purchased at Belk stores with all revenues from in-store ticket sales equally divided among participating charities and schools in each local store. In 2011 Belk’s Charity Sale raised more than $10 million for hundreds of participating charitable organizations throughout the South. On the morning of the Belk Charity Sale, the first 100 customers to arrive at each store will receive a Belk gift card ranging in

not been for investments that this country and my community made in me as a young man,” said Morris. “We have a history in this country where America does well and is at its best when people have an opportunity to move up the ladder no matter where they start in life.” He is concerned by the influence of big money on this year’s elections and favors reform that “gives the middle class a voice that’s louder and more powerful than special interests and lobbyists. I am convinced that we need to pass a permanent ban on

elected officials who become lobbyists when they leave office. We need to stop this revolving door of people using the power and influence of their elected office to get a big lucrative lobbying contract when they leave.” He also wants to work for “a serious, balanced approach” to the nation’s debt and believes that is one ingredient to helping improve the middle class. “I’m just absolutely convinced that our economy will not get fully back on track until the middle class of this country gets back on track,” he said.

TOURISM: Coca-Cola Classic 10K run set for May 5 CONTINUED FROM 1A

ticipation in last year’s Coke 10k Run. Out of al-

Feb ru a ry 24, 2012 CROSSROADS ARENA 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

All Stadium Seating Birthday Parties Online Tickets Tuesday, Feb. 21st through Thursday, Feb 23rd

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 9TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S HEALTH CONFERENCE! This event will feature various seminars important to women’s health, including high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, preventative maintenance measures and more. Over 25 healthcare vendors will be on hand with the latest medical products and information. THERE WILL ALSO BE A COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST, DOOR PRIZES, GIVEAWAYS AND INFORMATION TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE. This event is provided to you at no charge by Magnolia Regional Health Center, but reservations are required.

SEATING IS LIMITED. TO REGISTER, CALL 662.293.1200, OR REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.MRHC.ORG.

P.O. Box 1800 Corinth, MS 38835

Home Delivery 1 year - - - - - - - $139.80 6 months - - - - - - $71.40 3 months - - - - - - $35.85

TRANSFORMERS: OF THE MOON GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OFDARK VENGEANCE (NON 3-D) (PG13)(non 4:15 3-D) 7:10 No(PG13) pass 12:00, 12:50,WAR 3:20,(PG13) 4:10, 6:50, THIS MEANS 4:30 7:30, 7:20 No10:05 pass THE GREEN2 LANTERN - 10:00 JOURNEY (NON 3D)(non (PG)3D)4:10(PG13) 7:05 No pass BAD TEACHER (R) - 1:20, 4:20, 7:35, 9:40 SAFE HOUSE (R) 4:35 7:25 No pass MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS (PG) - 12:20, 2:40, 4:55 THE VOW (PG13) pass 9:45 HORRIBLE BOSSES (R) -4:20 1:25,7:15 4:30,No7:25, BIG MIRACLE (PG) 4:05 LARRY CROWNE (PG13) - 12:10, 2:30,7:00 4:50, 7:20, 9:40 CHRONICLE SUPER (PG13) 8 (PG13)4:15 - 7:20,7:15 9:50 No pass

THEZOOKEEPER WOMAN IN(PG)BLACK 4:259:207:30 - 1:10, (PG13) 4:15, 7:00, (R) 4:30 7:206:45, 7:20, 9:15 CARS 2 (non 3-D)THE (G) -GREY 12:15, 1:00, 3:00, 4:00, REDCARLO TAILS(PG)(PG13) 7:059:30 MONTE - 1:05, 4:05 4:05, 7:05,

Plan your next event with us! Whether your event is a corporate meeting, a community fundraiser or a special occasion, the staff at the Crossroads Arena can help you from start to ﬁnish.

Call 662-287-7779 to talk with our staff. Mail Rates 1 year - - - - - - - -$195.00 6 months - - - - - - $98.70 $97.50 3 months - - - - - - $49.35 $48.75

most 1,300 registrants, 811 were from Mississippi and almost 450 were from out of state. The 2012 Coca-Cola Classic 10k Run will be held on May 5. The tourism board’s $2,500 sponsorship to the Farmington Heritage Committee will fund advertising for the 150th Reenactment of the Battle of Farmington. With the high level of interest in the Battle of Farmington generated by the observance of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary and nearby reenactments at Shiloh, event organizers are expecting this year’s Farmington reenactment to be bigger than ever. The reenactment will be held Sept. 13-16 on the original battlefield in Farmington.

The board approved a $2,000 sponsorship for the Black History Museum of Corinth’s Civil War Sesquicentennial activities. The museum will highlight the significant role of Blacks during the War Between the States by means of a narrated audio/visual presentation and other exhibits, explained museum Chairwoman and President Betty Fry. “The Museum will promote its events by means of brochures, direct mailings, various media outlets and posters strategically placed throughout the region,” Fry wrote in the Black History Museum’s request for funding. The museum will continue this effort throughout the celebration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

SPACE: Organization has all the furniture needed except for shelving CONTINUED FROM 1A

east Mississippi for family research. Judkins said the organization has all the furniture it needs except for some shelving. Prior to moving to the incubator, the organization was housed at the library and depot.

To start your home delivered subscription: Call 287-6111 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For your convenience try our ofﬁce pay plans.

Miss your paper? To report a problem or delivery change call the circulation department at 287-6111. Late, wet or missing newspaper complaints should be made before 10 a.m. to ensure redelivery to immediate Corinth area. All other areas will be delivered the next day.

Regarding the old 911 office, Rinehart said it’s mandatory to have a backup communications system, and the old office can be back on-line within a few hours if needed in an emergency. Supervisors agreed to keep the old equipment there and designate the office as a backup.

USPS 142-560 The Daily Corinthian is published daily Tuesday through Sunday by PMG, LLC. at 1607 South Harper Road, Corinth, Miss.Periodicals postage paid at Corinth, MS 38834

Postmaster: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 1800, Corinth, MS 38835

Local

3A â€˘ Daily Corinthian

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Deaths John E. Fant

CHEROKEE, Ala. â€” John E. Fant died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. All other arrangements are incomplete and will be announce by Graysonâ€™s Funeral Home.

Johnny L. Stafford, Jr. PADUCAH, Ky. â€” Johnny L. Stafford, Jr. died Monday, Feb. 20, 2012. All other arrangements are incomplete and will be announce by Graysonâ€™s Funeral Home.

Gertrude Humphrey

Associated Press

Tom Hardy (left), Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine star in â€œThis Means War.â€?

What is this war good for? â€œThis Means War,â€? PG-13, **1â „2, starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Til Schweiger, Chelsea Handler; directed by McG; 20th Century Fox; length â€” 97 minutes The action in â€œThis Means Warâ€? begins within a few minutes of this wild and crazy movie. FDR (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) are CIA field agents. These two agents bungle the assignment they are working on during the first scenes of the movie. After their fiasco, the agency assigns them to desk jobs. Terry The field agentsâ€™ Burns demotion does not set well with them. Movie Critic FDR is a man about town while Tuck is divorced. Tuckâ€™s former wife does not know about his affiliation with the CIA. She thinks he is a travel agent. Tuck and FDR have superficial conversations. In fact, none of the dialogue in â€œThis Means Warâ€? is very meaningful. Tuck hasnâ€™t dated much since his divorce and online dating emerges as his modus operandi. Lauren (Reese Witherspoon) becomes his date. When they meet, it appears they are attracted to each other and decide to give dating a try. FDR, the ladiesâ€™ man, decides to intervene. He talks to Lauren at a video store, and they

Terry Burnsâ€™ movie ratings Safe House, R, **** The Grey, R, ***1â „2 The Iron Lady, PG-13, *** The Descendants, R, ***** My Week with Marilyn, R, **** do not get along. However, several scenes later, they decide to go out on a date. Tuck discovers this bit of information and the war begins. Using CIA tactics to spy on each other, the two agents become involved in â€œThe Eternal Triangle.â€? As the old song of Tom Dooley by the Kingston Trio goes â€” somebody is going lose. Trish (Chelsea Handler) is Laurenâ€™s best friend. She is always available for crude, rude and socially unacceptable advice. I admit â€œThis Means Warâ€? has several laugh-out-loud moments, but overall it simple does not succeed as an accomplished mission. The audience is forced to watch bar room fights, trapeze acts and paint ball games, along with other lampoon situations. The bad guy, Heinrich (Til Schweiger), who got away at the beginning of the movie, eventually turns up. He is after FDR and Tuck for revenge and the two agents are forced to work together again. As the situation becomes dangerous to everyone, the two agents must use all of their men-

Tinnia Woods

tal and physical resources to stop Heinrich. I was not expecting much from this movie and I was right. Movies are sometimes like what happens when visiting a strange town. My father was in a town recently he was not familiar with. He asked someone, â€œWhere is a good place to eat?â€? The man replied, â€œSee the restaurant up the street on the right and see the restaurant on the left â€” if you eat at one restaurant, you will wish you had eaten at the other one.â€? â€œThis Means Warâ€? does have a few hilarious lines but not enough for a full course of entertainment. It is mostly a cheap snack. Terry Burns is technology coordinator for the McNairy County School System. A life-long movie buff, he can be contacted by email at burns984@bellsouth.net. Terryâ€™s movie grading scale: fiveplus stars â€” as good as it gets; five stars â€” donâ€™t miss; four stars â€” excellent; three stars â€” good; two stars â€” fair; one star â€” poor; no stars â€” donâ€™t bother.

Corinth man faces felony drug charge BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

A Corinth man is behind bars for allegedly bringing painkillers into the county jail. Quavis D. Green, 24, of Montgomery Street, is facing charges of felony bringing drugs into a county jail. On Friday, the Alcorn County

Sheriffâ€™s Office responded to a call about a disturbance at a business on U.S. Highway 72 East. According to a report from the Alcorn Narcotics Unit, Deputies David Derek and Robert Loyd arrived and spoke with Green, who was involved with the disturbance. They discovered a warrant on Green in Hardeman County,

Now Open To The Public

DDJâ€™s J s SSteak & More, oree,, LLC

SPECIAL

Friday Feb. 24th All you can eat

H Hillandale Country Catfish Fillmeintsgs Club w/all the trim

$9.95

SPECIAL

Saturday, Feb. 25th 8oz. Fillet

$18.95

Call-In C all I Orders Welcome 13 Oakland School Rd., Corinth MS 662-284-5999 â€˘ Wed.-Sat. 4 pm - 9 pm

Call us for Weddings, Parties and Catering

Tax Refund? Put it to work!

Tenn., and brought him to jail. During the search, jailers found several hydrocodone pills hid in his pants. Deputies called Narcotics Officer Darrell Hopkins, who placed a hold on Green and charged him with bringing drugs into the jail. Justice Court Judge Steve Little set bond at $10,000.

Corinth/Alcorn County Parks & Recreation Department Adult Softball Registration Feb 21st - March 9th Registration Fee $350 in county $400 out of county

Own Your Own Franchise Guaranteed Customers Guaranteed Support Guaranteed Financing

Donald Sowell ADAMSVILLE, Tenn. â€” Funeral services for Donald Coy Sowell, 72, are set for 11 a.m. today at Falcon Baptist Church in Selmer with military honors burial in West Shiloh Cemetery in Stantonville. Mr. Sowell died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012. Born April 19, 1939, he was retired from the United States Army, having served four years in Vietnam and was decorated with many awards among which were the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross. He was a member of Falcon Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Jewel Thacker Sowell; two sisters, Fleta Mae Scott and Lou Vonda Stewart; and two brothers, Wayne Edward Sowell and Elmer Olis Sowell. Survivors include his wife Vicki Kay Sowell of Adamsville; four daughters, LaDonna Sue Downs and husband Dirk of Hopkinsville, Ky., Debra Faye Sowell of Hopkinsville, Ky., Dixie Darlene Dabbs of Jackson, Tn., and Christina Tapley and husband Chris of Michie, Tn.; two sons, Donald Dwayne Sowell and wife Sondra Wardlow Sowell of Adamsville, and Jonathan Willis and wife Crystal Guff Willis of Selmer; three sisters, Aval Roy of Blanchester, Oh., Freda Faye Holley of Selmer, and Nellie Sue Williams of Corinth; five brothers, E. G. Sowell of Adamsville, T.E. (Pee Wee) Sowell of Bethel Springs, Tn., Clyde Delane Sowell of Savannah, Tn., Fred Arnold Sowell of Corinth, and Richard Neal Sowell of Stantonville, Tn.; 13 grandchildren, Sarah Downs, Kevin Morris, Derek Sowell, Alex Downs, Meagan Reaves, Macayla Dabbs, Dustin Sowell, Caitlyn Willis, Clair Willis, Connor Willis, Miranda Tapley, Chris King, and Julie Willis; two great grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. Bro. Mark Hoover will officiate. Visitation is 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer is in charge of arrangements.

PROJECT RUNWAY A fashion show presented by Andie Grace and Sparkle

Youth Baseball/Softball Registration Feb 21st - March 2nd Registration Fee $35 per player

-February 26th at 2:00

(Grey Baseball Pants are not furnished, BUT are required)

Tryouts for ages 6-12 are Sat., March 3rd Come By Park OfďŹ ce To Register For more information Call 286-3067

-At Hillandale Country Club 13 Oakland School Rd. Corinth, MS -Door Prizes, Free Gifts, Silent Auction and Refreshments -Please call for your seat today 662-287-8624 or 662-287-6101

NOW OPEN!

CIVIL WAR RELIC SHOW RD TH

CORINTH COIN LAUNDRY

THE CROSSROADS ARENA CONVENTION CENTER

Attendant on duty Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:00pm We offer a drop off and ironing service! TVâ€™s, WiFi, change machine, soap machine, and security cameras.

Plans As Low As $950 Down

Call Today: (508) 869-2232 224 Starlyn Ave New Albany, MS 38652 (662) 534-4448

Woods

A remembrance service for Tinnia D. Voyles Woods will be held from noon until, today at 1424 Waldron Street. Mrs. Woods died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, at her residence. Born Feb. 6, 1965, in Chicago, Ill., she was a beloved wife, mother and grandma. Survivors include her husband, Eddie Woods, Sr.; a daughter, Leticia M. Woods; two sons, Eddie Woods, Jr. and Rashad Luster; a brother, Jamie C. Voyles; and a grandson, Mason E.L. Woods.

Project Runway: A Fashion Show presented by Andie Grace and Sparkle -Come see al of 2012 Spring Fashions from everyday to prom

Brand New Maytag Equipment! â€˘ Open 24/7 Offering the largest washers & dryers in North MS for Comforters, quilts, sleeping bags, etc.

â€˘ â€˘ â€˘ â€˘

BOONEVILLE â€” Funeral services for Gertrude Humphrey, 98, are set for 11 a.m. Thursday at Spring Hill Baptist Church with burial in Spring Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Humphrey died Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at Golden Living. She was born Jan. 14, 1914. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Humphrey; and her parents, Luke and Sarah McDonald. Survivors include a son, Larmar Humphrey of Joliet, Ill.; a brother, Billy McDonald (Josephine) of Las Vegas; a sister, Betty Robinson of Kansas City, Mo.; nine grandchildren; and 14 great Humphrey grandchildren. Rev. Antino MaGee will officiate. Visitation is 6-7 p.m. tonight. Patterson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

2200 Hwy 72 East

(across Hwy 72 from Harper Square Mall, next to All American Diner)

March 3

ADMISSION: $5.00 Children Under 13: $3.00 SHOW HOURS: Saturday, March 3rd 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 4th 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Returning to Corinth 150 years laterâ€Śthe sword & scabbard belonging to Colonel Rogers - the Hero of the Battle of Corinth.

www.battleofcorinth.com

Sponsored by Col. W.P. Rogers Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp #321

www.dailycorinthian.com

Opinion

Reece Terry, publisher

Mark Boehler, editor

4A • Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Corinth, Miss.

Guest Views

Parole board actions need public review BY CECIL BROWN The recent flap over Haley Barbour’s 200 pardons and commutations has highlighted problems in our current gubernatorial clemency processes. At my request, the staff of the legislative Performance and Expenditure Review Committee (PEER) reviewed the files of those who were pardoned. The files for five of those who were pardoned could not be located. The files for 10 of those pardoned contained no application for pardon. (Such an application is required by parole board rules.) Sixteen applicants were granted pardons in spite of negative recommendations by the parole board. Thirteen of those sixteen received a unanimous “no” vote by the board. The sixteen whose applications received no votes by the board had been convicted of crimes ranging from murder to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. It is important to note the report was from PEER staff pursuant to a legislative request and is not part of an official PEER Committee report. Because of the public interest in the Karen Irby matter, I also asked the staff to review her file. The governor’s office, the parole board and the Department of Corrections all reported they could not locate a file for Karen Irby. It seems to have disappeared. If such a file exists, the parole board should have a copy because much of the information in such a file would have been collected by the parole board in fulfillment of its statutory duty. Governor Barbour has maintained that in granting pardons and commutations he relied on the parole board recommendations. In at least 16 cases that appears to not be true. Unfortunately, whatever recommendations the parole board has made are not reflected in their minutes, probably a violation of state law. In addition, the board keeps no record of what files they have transmitted to the governor for review. Therefore, it is almost impossible to track individual recommendations from the board to the governor’s office, and control over the files, which are official government documents, cannot be maintained. Finally, there is no record of where the requests for clemency originated. Did the governor send a list of individuals to the parole board, or did the board send a list to the governor? There is no answer to that question in the records. I will be introducing legislation to correct these problems in the current legislative session. I support the governor’s right to grant clemency. It is an important tool to serve justice when properly executed. However, there should be a process in place to insure that there is proper documentation of all the relevant facts. All official actions of the parole board should be spread upon their minutes, and those minutes and all public documents should be preserved, tracked and available for public review. It is unconscionable that the parole board has handled such an important matter in such an off-handed manner. Cecil Brown is a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives serving District 66 in Jackson.

Worth Quoting A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. — Mahatma Gandhi

Prayer for today O God, help us to open ourselves to your transforming love seen in Jesus. Amen.

A verse to share The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him. — Ezra 8:22 (NIV)

Reece Terry publisher rterry@dailycorinthian.com

Charter schools offer alternative risk of failing and failSTARKVILLE — ing. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves Star and highand legislative Reperforming schools publicans are takexceed the national ing heat this week average, while sucfor trying to give the cessful schools are charter school concept an honest try Sid Salter performing between in Mississippi. But a Columnist the state and national average. Academic look at the status quo in Mississippi public educa- watch is a warning label that tion suggests that the con- the school is at an academic cept is an alternative worth crossroads, and anything below academic watch refully empowering. Mississippi has 1,055 in- flects a performance below dividual public schools scat- the state and national avertered across the state in 152 ages. As of the 2011 accountschool districts. As of 2011, the system served 493,540 ability results, 67 of Mississtudents in 447 elementary sippi’s 152 school districts schools, 189 middle schools or just over 44 percent and 282 high schools. Some were rated either academic 250,329 of those students watch, low performing, at are black, 233,271 are risk of failing or failing. During that same periwhite, 5,408 are Hispanic, 3,688 are Asian and 844 are od, some 330 of the state’s 1,055 individual schools American Indian. The performance of the (over 31 percent) were rated state’s public school dis- “academic watch” or worse. The flip side of that coin tricts and individual school are evaluated on several is that over half the state’s factors, including student school districts are rated achievement on standard- “successful” or better and ized tests, academic growth that two-thirds of the state’s and, for high schools, grad- individual schools earned uation rates. Possible rank- that rating as well. But ings are star, high-perform- tens of thousands of Mising, successful, academic sissippi students are, in watch, low-performing, at fact, trapped in schools, in

school districts, and in entire counties, where the opportunity to attend a school rated “successful” or better is simply geographically impossible. Given that the Annie E. Casey Foundation and National Kids Count identified that at least 31 percent of the state’s children live in poverty, escaping from poor-performing public schools to private schools is financially impossible as well. Coahoma County and Clarksdale represents a prime example of the problem. In Coahoma County, there are the Coahoma County Schools, the Clarksdale Public Schools, and Coahoma County Agricultural High School. Those districts represent 15 individual public schools in the county. Of those 15 schools, 14 are rated “low performing” and only little Sherard Elementary breaks the cycle with a rating of “high performing.” Yet just across the Mississippi River in Helena, Ark., there is the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) Delta Public Schools - one of the nation’s growing

numbers of highly successful public-funded charter schools. The KIPP School Class of 2010, the school’s first graduating class, saw 100 percent of its students graduate and 100 percent win acceptance to colleges like Vanderbilt University and the U.S. Naval Academy. The demographics of the KIPP School mirror those in Coahoma County. Over 95 percent of the KIPP students are African American, over 90 percent qualify for free or reduced school meals under federal guidelines and the majority of students come from singleparent homes. As Reeves as suggested, charter schools are no panacea and don’t relieve taxpayers of the responsibility to support traditional public schools. But charter schools are an important tool in the toolbox in a state where 44 percent of the state’s school districts are rated on “academic watch” or worse. Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist. Contact him at 601-507-8004 or sidsalter@sidsalter.com.

A country is only as good as its dish towels be created so fast and FISHTRAP HOLthen disappear just LOW — Today it is as quickly. raining dogs; the cats Centuries of prachave drowned. tice explain the magSo, to bring a litic. tle sunshine into The outdoor the kitchen, across Rheta weekly markets in my ancient redGrimsley every burg and city and-white enamel Johnson and Paris neighbortable where my late hoods, too, is the mother-in-law used Columnist Frenchy-est thing to serve sumptuabout France for ous meals, I throw a bright aqua towel bought in my money. And my money a little French town called always helps keep the tradition alive when I’m in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. My journal shows I France. I have no trouble resistbought the pretty cloth on a Thursday, market day in ing the glamorous departthat town, which means the ment stores and the high beautiful place devoted its style along the sparkling entire center — the central Champs-Elysees. I find it much harder to square and twisting streets and alleys shooting off like save a euro in the outdoor modifiers from a conjugat- markets. The produce alone is ed sentence — to colorful, if worth the trip. The pumptemporary, commerce. Now you see it, now you kins fascinate me, varieties I never see in this country. don’t. The huge umbrellas and I’ve admired big pumpkins elaborate displays are up by next to Christmas trees in 9 a.m. and gone shortly af- Paris, which indicates that a Frenchman gets his monter noon. It seems magical that ey’s worth. Pumpkins don’t such a storybook scene can get the boot right after Hal-

Beth Cossitt

Mark Boehler

business manager bcossitt@dailycorinthian.com

editor editor@dailycorinthian.com

Willie Walker

L.W. Hodges

circulation manager circdirector@dailycorinthian.com

press foreman

loween. Entire booths are devoted to cooking spices, or eggs, or fresh yogurt sold in glass jars, not greasy plastic cartons. Local honey and homemade sweets are everywhere. The cheese vendors insist that you try their offerings before buying, and I always offer up a greedy hand on a twisted arm. Almost every food item is extremely local. In Normandy you get Normandy cheese. In Provence you get Provencal honey. As delightful as is the market’s food section, I usually find myself unconsciously hurrying ’til I reach the tablecloths and dish towels. They are my weakness. French fabric can be washed a thousand times and still look good. And though more and more, you have to check and make sure the fabric is French and not marked “Made in China,” the native stuff is quality. Even the French oilcloth is superior — the kind your grandmother used to use — and

World Wide Web: www.dailycorinthian.com To Sound Off: E-mail: email: news@dailycorinthian.com news@dailycorinthian.com advertising@dailycorinthian. Circulation 287-6111 com Classified Adv. 287-6147 Classad@dailycorinthian.com

available in a thousand patterns. I once packed enough oilcloth to cover the top half of Mississippi all over Europe. Trust me, it’s heavy. This may be a silly way to judge a nation’s productivity, but I think maybe a country is only as good as its dish towels. When a nation takes pride in its products, even the lowliest and most utilitarian items, it says something. I once took a working container ship across the Atlantic and back. On the trip over, the containers were 80 percent empty. On the return trip, the container cars were full. That said a lot. Maybe you’ll tell me where you can buy fine dish towels made in America. I’d love to be told. Our textile mills seem to have been relocated. And along with them our jobs. To find out more about Rheta Grimsley Johnson and her books, visit www. rhetagrimsleyjohnsonbooks.com.

How to reach us -- extensions:

Newsroom.....................317 Circulation....................301 Advertising...................339 Classifieds....................302 Bookkeeping.................333

Editorials represent the voice of the Daily Corinthian. Editorial columns, letters to the editor and other articles that appear on this page represent the opinions of the writers and the Daily Corinthian may or may not agree.

Daily Corinthian • Wednesday, February 22, 2012 • 5A

State Associated Press

Police: 416 pounds of marijuana found JACKSON — The owner of a used car dealership in Jackson and two other men have been charged with possession with intent to distribute 416 pounds of marijuana after a tip led authorities to the car lot, federal court records said. Jeremy Lee Stambaugh, owner of Paradise Auto Sales in south Jackson, was arrested at the car lot last week along with Johnny Earl Course and David E. Jones, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Jackson. The affidavit was filed by one of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Agent responsible for the arrests and was dated Feb. 15. The affidavit said investigators were acting on a tip “from an unproven confidential source” when they began to stake out the dealership on Wednesday. The tipster allegedly told authorities that there were men at the dealership breaking down a big bundle of marijuana and packaging it for distribution. The affidavit said narcotics agents could smell marijuana coming from one of the buildings and Stambaugh signed a former allowing the agents to search the property. They found “unwrapped bales of marijuana” stacked against the wall of a building, the affidavit said. Course tried to run while the scene was being processed, but he has already been handcuffed and was quickly caught, according to the affidavit.

MOEK settlement brings money JACKSON — Mississippi’s share of a settlement from a minority partner in BP’s blown-out well in the Gulf of Mexico will go into the state’s Pollution Emergency Fund. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality supervises the fund. Attorney General Jim Hood said in a news release Tuesday that MOEX Offshore will spend another $5 million in Mississippi on coastal protection projects. The agreement, filed last week in federal court in New Orleans, calls for MOEX to pay $45 million in civil penalties to the federal government and $25 million to the Gulf states affected by the spill. The company also agreed to pay $20 million for coastal protection projects in those Gulf states.

DUI fatal appeal thrown out by court JACKSON — The Mississippi Court of Appeals has thrown out the postconviction petition of a Benndale man convicted of felony DUI involving a two-car crash that killed a 13-year-old in 1998 because it was improperly filed. The Appeals Court ruled Tuesday that Keith E. Havard failed to get permission from the Mississippi Supreme Court to pursue a post-conviction claim as required by law. Havard was convicted in 1999 in George County and sentenced to serve 20 years in prison with eight years suspended.

Havard was charged with the death of Elvin Lee Nobles of the Central community on Jan. 25, 1998. Prosecutors say Havard ignored a stop sign and collided with a car driven by Deloris Backlin on Mississippi Highway 26. Nobles, Backlin’s grandson and a passenger in her vehicle were killed.

Ruling rejects try to fight execution JACKSON — The U.S. Supreme Court refused Tuesday to allow a Gulfport man to file another challenge to his death sentence. William Gerald Mitchell was sentenced to death in 1998 in Harrison County for the killing of Patty Milliken, a 38-year-old store clerk, on the night of Nov. 21, 1995. Authorities said Mitchell took Milliken from the store where she worked, brought her under the north end of the Popp’s Ferry Road bridge and killed her by beating her and driving his car over the top half of her body. Mitchell had requested permission to file an appeal on claims that his attorney should have done a better job and

that he is mentally retarded and ineligible for execution. An earlier post-conviction claim was denied by the Supreme Court in 2005.

Committee cuts virtual schools from bill JACKSON — Online charter schools would not be allowed under a bill that Mississippi senators are pushing forward. A committee agreed Tuesday to an amendment banning such virtual schools, which have been a subject of intense argument among education advocates. The bill would also let charter schools sponsor prekindergarten programs, although no state money is provided for students four years and younger. Provisions that would allow any student in the state to attend a charter school are still the same, as are provisions that would let charter schools be set up in any district rated successful or lower without the approval of the local board. Those who favor restricting charter schools could offer such amendments when the full Senate takes up

McPeters Funeral Directors Yesterday • Today • Tomorrow 1313 3rd St., Corinth • 662-286-6000

the bill. That action is expected later this week.

City to replace aging police fleet WEST POINT — The West Point Police Department is looking to replace ist aging fleet of vehicles. The city wants to replace the Ford Crown Victorias. There are guidelines set in place to ensure police departments get their money’s worth, but those same guidelines can also limit options. Police Chief Tim Brinkley says all the city’s patrol vehicles stay on the road around the clock. He says more than 70 percent of the department’s cars have been driven more than 100,000 miles. The department is looking to purchase about 15 new vehicles over the course of the next two years. Brinkley says he’s working with a local dealership to see how close it can get to the state contract price rather than going to Jackson or the coast.

USM committee looking for new AD HATTIESBURG — A Uni-

versity of Southern Mississippi search committee has begun looking for the university’s next athletic director. The 21-member committee began work Monday, a university news release said. Its chairmen are Spencer Adams, president of the university’s Athletic Foundation, and Chad Driskell, Saunders’ executive assistant for external affairs to university president Martha Saunders. Saunders said search consultant Bob Beaudine of Eastman & Beaudine Inc., which has assisted in athletics director searches nationwide, is advising the committee. The athletics director position opened in December, when Richard Giannini announced he was stepping down from the job he had held for 13 years. He left in January but continues to advise Southern Miss athletics.

Oxford prepares for 175th birthday OXFORD — The city of Oxford is planning a three-month long birthday party. The city will be celebrating its 175th anniversary this year.

Well Day Take a day off work and indulge yourself with a relaxing massage.

6A • Wednesday, February 22, 2012 • Daily Corinthian

WEDNESDAY EVENING C A WPTY ^ ^ WREG # # QVC $ . WCBI

WMC

% %

WLMT & > WBBJ _ _ WTVA ) ) WKNO * WGN-A + ( WMAE , , WHBQ ` ` WPXX / WPIX

MAX

0 3

SHOW 2 4 1

HBO MTV

5 2

ESPN

7 ?

SPIKE 8 5 : 8

USA NICK

; C

DISC

< D >

A&E FSSO

? 4

BET

@ F C H

H&G

HIST E B ESPN2 F @ TLC G FOOD H INSP I LIFE

J =

TBN

AMC

N 0

FAM

O <

TCM

TNT

Q A

TBS

R *

GAME TOON TVLD SPEED

S T U K Z

Æ ;

OUT VS OWN FOXN APL

Ø ∞ ± ≤ ≥

HALL

∂ G

DISN

“ L

SYFY

7 PM