Tuesday May 21,
2013
50 cents
Daily Corinthian Vol. 117, No. 120
Partly sunny Today
Tonight
88
68
20% chance of t-storms
• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • One section
Supervisors dedicate new meeting facility BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
County supervisors showed off their new meeting facility and cut the ceremonial ribbon Monday morning. A big crowd of local officials,
family and friends attended the dedication, which accompanied a regular meeting of the board. It was the Board of Supervisors’ second meeting to be held at the renovated former jail and sheriff’s department
building on Fulton Drive. Visitors enjoyed reminiscing about old times as they viewed newly framed photos of boards dating back many years. Old sheriff’s department staff photos are featured in the jail’s
drunk tank, a popular feature of the renovation. “In some areas of the state, supervisors do all they can to stay out of jail, but ours moved in the jail,” quipped Rep. Nick Bain. Mayor Tommy Irwin praised
Supervisor Dal Nelms’ work on the renovation project. “He wasn’t interested in hitting a single or a double,” the mayor said. “He completely Please see FACILITY | 2
Officials to assess courthouse security BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
A request to purchase equipment for security monitoring in the Tax Collector’s Office is leading to a broader look at courthouse security. Tax Collector Larry Ross submitted several quotes Monday to the Alcorn County Board of Supervisors, the lowest at $3,790, for monitoring equipment. The courthouse has some cameras monitoring the hallways, but Ross feels the collector’s office, with constant monetary transactions, needs greater security. The individual offices do not have monitoring equipment. “Without having some means of identifying someone in a tense moment, how would you identify somebody,” said Ross. “That’s how they captured the Boston bombers was because of video cameras.” Supervisors said they would prefer to look at the existing cameras and see what changes could be made to address total courthouse security. It was agreed that Ross and the other courthouse occupants will discuss the needs and solicit new quotes. Others who work in the courthouse agree that security is a concern. Veterans Service Officer Pat
Ray said a man high on drugs once walked into her office and started pulling files out of filing cabinets. Circuit Clerk Joe Caldwell said in today’s world, the courthouse “needs to be monitored on a regular basis.” For the existing cameras, the monitors are located in the old 911 office. It was suggested those might be moved to the collector’s office. In other business: ■ The board accepted a release and indemnification agreement with Burkhalter Rigging, Inc., of Columbus to compensate the county in the amount of $247,500 for damage to First District roads in July 2011 when the company moved an extremely heavy load through Alcorn County. The damaged roads included Holly Church Road and Henson Road. The county estimated actual damage was $290,000, and the transport company originally proposed compensation of $20,000. ■ The board approved the hiring of Deborah Hardin as an employee at the Veterans Service Office. Ray also informed the board she is planning a series of informational meetings throughout the county on veterans benefits, and the EMA and 911 directors will also make presentations.
Staff photo by Jebb Johnston
Rep. Nick Bain and Sen. Rita Potts Parks present a copy of a resolution and a flag to the parents of the late Marine Cpl. Jacob Wooley.
Resolution presented, memorial held for Marine BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Local legislators joined family and friends of Jacob Wooley at City Hall for a brief memorial in the late Marine’s honor Friday afternoon. The remembrance included presentation of a resolution passed by the Legislature and a flag flown at the Mississippi Capitol. “One of the things that it is our great honor to do is to honor our lost soldiers,” said Rep. Nick Bain, who presented the resolution to Linda and Jimmy Wooley, the late Marine’s parents. Sen. Rita Potts Parks presented the flag. Expressing condolences to the family, Mayor Tommy Irwin said all the things he had
learned about the 23-year-old Wooley indicate that he was an impressive young man. “I want you all to know how sorry I am,” the mayor said. “I did not know him. I wish I had.” House Concurrent Resolution 114 was also supported by Reps. Bubba Carpenter and Tracy Arnold. Honoring the life and legacy of the Marine Corps corporal, it notes remembrances of Wooley as “an amazing young man with a big heart who could bring laughter into any setting,” and cites his receipt of the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global Please see WOOLEY | 2
Staff photo by Bobby J. Smith
The ladies of the First United Methodist Church held a fundraiser luncheon for the Fillmore Street Chapel. They include: (sitting, from left) Kate Butler, Candace Howard, Vonceil Smith, (standing, from left) Mona Grady, Brenda Childs, Linda Jackson, Karen Cooley, Pat Trainum, Annette Stringer and Barbara Rogers.
Ladies luncheon serves as fundraiser for historic chapel BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com
The ladies of First United Methodist Church are doing their part to restore one of downtown Corinth’s most important historical structures. Stained Glass Hearts — a ladies luncheon fundraiser for the Fillmore Street Chapel — was held Saturday at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Featuring lunch, music, fellowship, a guest speaker and a fashion show by Ann’s of Corinth, the event was held to raise money for the continuing renovations for Corinth’s oldest church building. “Food, fellowship and fashion — what woman doesn’t love that?” said event organizer Barbara Rogers. Over 100 guests attended the Fillmore Street Chapel fundraiser. Guests were seated at tables uniquely decorated by the 12 volunteer hostesses and were served by volunteer waiters and waitresses from the church’s
Vonceil Smith Hostess youth. The guest speaker for the event was Pat Trainum, a local writer of suspense and mystery who publishes under the name P.T. Bradley. Special music was provided by Nan Williams Green. Tickets for the luncheon went for $22.50 and sold out days in advance. The money raised will go toward the chapel’s ongoing renovation. “It’s a project unto itself,” said Vonceil Smith, one of the 12 hostesses. “When a building is that old, there is always something to be done.”
Renovations continue in the back area of the chapel, known as the fellowship hall. The work-in-progress includes redoing the floors, installing new rugs, replacing furniture and some major foundation repairs. “We’re off to a beautiful start,” said Rogers. The Fillmore Street Chapel was built in 1871 by Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the first church established in Corinth. It served as the Fillmore Street Presbyterian Church from 1906-1976 and is now used as a chapel by the First United Methodist Church. “First Methodist is considered the guardians of the chapel, but it really belongs to the community,” said Rogers. Organizers hope the fundraising luncheon will be more than a one-time event. “This is the first time, but we hope to make it an annual thing if it’s successful,” said Smith. “And I think it’s going to be a big success.”
Sales tax declines, tourism sees upswing BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Sales tax collections were off for a third consecutive month while the tourism tax posted a modest gain in the latest reported statistics. Corinth’s share of sales tax proceeds deposited into the city coffers in the last few days was $486,987.01, a decline of about $21,000, or 4 percent, compared to the same month a year earlier. That sum reflects sales activity in local establishments during the month of March. Collections statewide showed a small increase of about half of 1 percent. Six of
Index Stocks........8 Classified......14 Comics........ 9 State........ 5
“This is the first time, but we hope to make it an annual thing if it’s successful. And I think it’s going to be a big success.”
Weather...... 10 Obituaries........ 6 Opinion........4 Sports...... 12
11 area municipalities had negative growth for the month. It is the second month of sales tax activity to include liquor sales in Corinth. The city’s cumulative sales tax diversions for the fiscal year to date is $3.656 million, an increase of 0.7 percent. The 2 percent tourism tax, meanwhile, had its secondbest month to date, generating $101,959.33, a 2 percent increase from a year ago. The only better result was 22 months ago. The year-to-date total for the special tax on prepared food and lodging is $715,605.16, an increase of 4 percent from the same point a
year earlier. Other sales tax results from the region (percentages rounded): ■ Booneville — $154,002.06 (+1%) ■ Burnsville — $12,074.29 (-7%) ■ Farmington — $3,746.62 (-13%) ■ Glen — $1,840.40 (+17%) ■ Iuka — $62,847.61 (+5%) ■ Kossuth — $4,483.68 (+7%) ■ Ripley — $107,835.23 (-4%) ■ Tupelo — $1,562,979.14 (-5%) ■ Walnut — $17,239.92 (-6%).
On this day in history 150 years ago The 1st Alabama Infantry of African Descent is organized in Corinth. Recruited from runaway slaves at the Corinth Contraband Camp, the unit will later be designated as the 55th United States Colored Troops. They will see combat at the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads.