Tuesday May 29,
2012
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Daily Corinthian Vol. 116, No. 129
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• Corinth, Mississippi • 14 pages • 1 section
Woman found dead in car in parking lot Officials say foul play not suspected BY MARK BOEHLER editor@dailycorinthian.com
Staff photo by Steve Beavers
CHS senior moment Corinth High School seniors Shannon Marlar (left) and Alexis Willis have some fun prior to the CHS graduation on Friday night at the Crossroads Arena. More photos from the Corinth Class of 2012 commencement will be published Sunday.
No foul play is suspected after a woman was found dead in her vehicle over the weekend in a Corinth convenience store parking lot. Alcorn County Coroner Jay Jones identified the victim as 32-year-old Meleah Lewis of Danville, Ark., who was found dead behind the wheel of her late 1990s model Crown Victoria on the east side of Flash Market at the corner of Cass
and Meigg streets. Jones said Monday afternoon that no foul play is suspected as he awaits the results of an autopsy report expected to be released this week. Corinth Police Chief David Lancaster also said Monday afternoon that no foul play was expected, as there were no signs of a struggle nor was any blood found in the victim’s car. Jones noted Lewis’ car keys and wallet with money were still in her car. As ambulances, Corinth Fire Department First Responders and several patrol units Please see DEATH | 3
Memorial Day weekend theme: ‘Let’s not forget’ BY MARK BOEHLER editor@dailycorinthian.com
Memorial Day weekend is full of family gatherings and reunions, backyard barbecues, picnics at the lake and baseball games, but the underlying theme is “let’s not forget.” Those were thoughts offered by Maj. Gen. Leon Collins during the Sunday afternoon program at Corinth National Cemetery sponsored by American Legion Perry Johns Post #6 in Corinth. “The Memorial Day holiday is a time to give thanks to those who have served,” said Collins, adjutant general of Mississippi who serves as the commanding general of both Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. “Let’s don’t forget the true meaning of this holiday.” “Let’s not forget,” added the Booneville native. “Those who have served and those who gave all.” The Rotary Club motto is “Service Above Self.” Collins said the same theme can be applied to the 1.4 million service men and women who are serving their country on active duty today. Representing 1 percent of the United States population, those on active military duty “are prepared to give of themselves,” added Collins, who was employed at Halls of MissisPlease see VETERANS | 3
Staff photos by Mark Boehler
World War II veteran Charles Shipman listens during the Memorial Day program Sunday afternoon at Corinth National Cemetery. The 84-year-old Corinth man served in both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
Three-year-old Anna Stella Reyes takes a rest during the Sunday program at Corinth National Cemetery. Her grandfather, James Embrey, performed taps on his bugle during the program.
French leaders honor Corinth veteran with Legion of Honour Medal BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com
A Corinth man was recently honored by the French government for his service in World War II. Harold Owens, 88, a resident of the MS Care Center, received the French Legion of Honour Medal on Friday. Owens was a soldier in the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR), part of the 82nd Airborne Division that landed in Normandy and later Holland in gliders. He was part of the A Company Mortar Battery.
“As infantry assaulted a position on a hill, the mortars would fire over the heads of the advancing troops,” explained Bill Huff, the Corinth Honor Guard member who led the ceremony. Huff is also a laterera veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division. “We appreciate the sacrifice these men made,” Huff said. “If not for them, half of this country would be speaking German and the other half would be speaking Japanese.”
Staff photo by Bobby J. Smith
Please see MEDAL | 3
World War II veteran Harold Owens of Corinth was recently awarded the French Legion of Honour Medal. Owens is pictured here with his wife, Jona, and members of the Corinth Honor Guard.
Index Classified...... 12 Comics...... 10 Wisdom........ 9 Weather........5
Obituaries........ 3 Opinion........4 Sports........7
On this day in history 150 years ago The Confederate army begins to quietly slip out of Corinth and by foot, horseback and rail commence the 50-mile trek south to Tupelo. Train whistles and military bands fool the Union troops into believing the city is being heavily reinforced.