Swine flu confirmed
in Tishomingo
Published Thursday, July 2
Staff reports
IUKA - Swine flu has come to the Crossroads.
The Mississippi State Department of Health recently reported 47 new cases of the H1N1 swine flu in the state, including two in Tishomingo County. The nearest other counties reporting cases are Lee County with two and Union County with one.
Health officials continue to urge the public not to panic about the disease, but to take common sense precautions to avoid spreading illness.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier said the H1N1 swine flu responds well to traditional anti-viral medications. Those who are elderly, very young, pregnant or chronically ill could be at higher risk for complications from the virus.
Currier said Mississippians should continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus or other viruses. Steps include frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or sleeve and then washing hands and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
If a person becomes ill they should stay home until they are well, unless they need to see a doctor. Before seeing a doctor they should call first to avoid possible transmission of the virus in the doctor's waiting area.
For more information on the H1N1 swine flu, visit the department of health's website at www.healthyms.com or call their toll-free hotline at 1-877-222-9FLU between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tippah jail loses authority
to house state inmates
Published Thursday, July 2
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
RIPLEY - Tippah County has lost its approval to house state inmates in the county jail, a move that could cost the county as much as $200 per day.
A notice of disapproval was filed with the U.S. District Court in Greenville last month by attorney Ron Welch, who monitors conditions for state inmates under a federal court order.
Welch cited the failure of the county to construct a minimum security housing unit for state inmate workers separate from the main jail as the primary reason for Tippah County losing its authorization.
The filing also pointed to several technical violations including no jail adminstrator or supervisor having completed the National Institute of Corrections' free jail administrator's course and the county's failure to obtain a free "Facilitiy Assessment and Operational Review" from the institute, and violations of Mississppi Department of Corrections policies and procedures involving working inmates.
Tippah County was approved to house up to 10 state inmates. Counties recieve $20 per day from the MDOC for housing inmates in their jails, so the loss of state revenue could mean a potential loss of $200 per day in income for the county.
Counties also benefit from work done free of charge by the inmates, including services such as maintenance and facility upkeep.
Welch said Tippah County and several other such counties which lost their approval can reapply to house state inmates after correcting the problems cited in the order. He said he knows the county was close to approving the construction of the work center and hopes they will do so in the future.
The attorney said he wants to emphasize the value the inmates provide to counties.
"The main thing in this is the working inmates are a good thing that helps the community," he said.
Tippah County Sheriff Karl Gaillard did not return calls seeking comment.

Jacinto set for
July Fourth bash
Published Thursday, July 2
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
JACINTO - The grounds of the historic Jacinto Courthouse will come to life once again this Saturday as the community comes together for the annual Fourth of July Festival.
The event will included the usual mix of traditional crafts, down home entertainment, political speaking and tasty food that have been staples of the festival throughout its 30 year history.
Activities officially kick off Saturday with the patriotic opening ceremony at 9 a.m. Beth Whitehurst with the Jacinto Foundation said vendors will begin setting up before the ceremony and music will already be underway.
Following the ceremony, local musicians will take the stage. At 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. the always popular Chucalissa Indians will perform their colorful displays of traditional Native American dancing. The Indians will be on hand throughout the day selling traditional crafts and sharing the unique story of their ancestors.
The centerpiece of Independence Day at Jacinto has long been politics and local and state politicians will take to the stage beginning at 11:30 a.m. to share their thoughts with the crowd. Whitehurst said U.S. Congressman Travis Childers, potential congressional candidate Henry Ross and Alcorn County Second District Supervisor Jeff Patterson have already confirmed their plans to appear. She expects to see a big crowd of local politicians as well as state office-holders on Saturday.
The Jacinto festival has long been known as the state's second largest political gathering, topped only by the Neshoba County Fair.
The arts and crafts fair and antique car show will continue throughout the day and tours of the historic courthouse will be available at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Jacinto Courthouse once served as the center of political activity during the days when Jacinto was the county seat for Old Tishomingo County, which encompassed the present day counties of Alcorn, Prentiss and Tishomingo.
Through the efforts of many local citizens the courthouse and its grounds have been preserved and restored and continue to help tell the stories of these bygone days.

Search continues for Booneville kidnapping suspects
Published Wednesday, July 1
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
BOONEVILLE — Prentiss County authorities are continuing to search for suspects accused of kidnapping a woman and her elderly father and forcing them at gunpoint to attempt to withdraw money from a local bank branch.
Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest in the crime which happened Thursdayon County Road 7100 just outside of Booneville.
Sheriff Randy Tolar said his office is working closely with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation on the case and an MBI agent has been assigned to assist with the investigation. Read more

On the front lines of
disaster communication
Published Wednesday, July 1
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
Testing their emergency communications mettle, the Alcorn County Amateur Radio Emergency Service club held its 2009 Field Day last Saturday at the Crossroads Regional Park in Corinth.
Ever wonder who would be on the front lines of communication in the event of a disaster that wiped out power in the area? Look no further than the Alcorn County Amateur Radio Emergency Service club and other amateur radio “Ham” operators across the nation.
Field Day is national annual event, held every fourth Saturday in June, for Ham radio operators sanctioned by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Local ACARES member and Public Information Officer, Dustin Brumfield explained the event. Read more

Alcorn County unemployment rises
Published Wednesday, July 1
By Jebb Johnston
Staff Writer
Alcorn County unemployment rose to a recent high of 13 percent in May as seasonal trends generally brought jobless increases across the state.
While the state jobless rate rose a percentage point in May to 9.6 percent, Alcorn County saw an increase from 11.8 percent in April to 13 percent as the number of out-of-work people in the county rose to 2,090, according to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
One year earlier, the county had an unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, with 1,300 unemployed.
Among area counties, only Tishomingo avoided an increase in May as the county’s unemployment rate eased down from 12.6 percent to 12.1 percent. Tippah continued to have the highest local rate at 14.3 percent, up from 12.9 percent, while Prentiss County saw a modest increase from 13 percent to 13.4 percent.
Across the state, the non-farm employment survey showed an employment decrease of 1,300 over the month and 40,200 compared to a year earlier. Industry sectors seeing the largest losses were manufacturing; trade, transportation and utilities; and professional and business services. Construction was a sector that saw gains.
May jobless rates ranged from 6 percent in Rankin County to 18.3 percent in Holmes County. Fifty-four of the 82 counties had rates of 10 percent or greater. Tishomingo County ranked 53rd; Alcorn, 59th; Prentiss, 66th; and Tippah, 73rd.
Initial unemployment insurance claims in May numbered 19,231, up from 17,850 a year earlier. The average weekly benefit paid was $189.72.

School officials working to finish district budget; fill vacancies
Published Wednesday, July 1
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
Alcorn School District officials are working to fill vacant positions and finalize a district budget as the near the start of the new school year.
Superintendent Stacy Suggs told board members Monday his staff is continuing to prepare a budget for the 2009-2010 school year that they expect to present to the board in July. As of Monday the district had not received final funding figures from the state department of education as the state legislature continued to debate appropriation bills. Lawmakers appeared to be nearing completion of the budgeting process on Tuesday.
Suggs said officials are also working to fill several vacant positions. The board was notified Monday of the unexpected resignation of Kossuth High School Principal Bo Seago who has taken a job at Falkner High School in Tippah County.
The superintendent said they plan to move quickly to fill the position at Kossuth in order to give the new principal time to prepare for the new school year.
The board voted Monday to approve several new hires including Brandon Quinn as boys basketball coach at Alcorn Central High School, Suzanne Rolison as band director and Tim Leatherwood as assistant boys high school basketball coach and biology teacher.
Prior to voting on the hirings the board heard from Jay Mitchell whose son, Ben Mitchell, had applied for the ACHS band director job and not received an interview. The father expressed concerns about the hiring process and said he believes his son and other candidates from the county were not given a fair opportunity.
The board voted to go into executive session to discuss the hirings at Alcorn Central and other personnel issues before voting to accept the recommendations for the positions made by ACHS Principal Sammy Sullivan.

Congressman meets with
Board of Supervisors,
Project Attention Kids
Published Tuesday, June 30
By Brant Sappington and Jebb Johnston
Staff Writers
Economic development proved to be the hot topic Monday as U.S. Congressman Travis Childers paid a visit to the Alcorn County Board of Supervisors.
Childers, a Prentiss County native who previously served there as chancery clerk, said he wants to do everything in his power to improve the lives of the people of this area and the entire region.
“I want your county to do well and I want this part of the state to do well,” he said. Read more

Rienzi officials sworn in
Published Tuesday, June 30
By Jebb Johnston
Staff Writer
RIENZI — Walter Williams choked back tears after he achieved a first
in the town of Rienzi on Monday.
As he recited the oath administered by Circuit Clerk Joe Caldwell, Williams became the town’s first black mayor. He was also the first black person to sit on the Board of Aldermen, serving 16 years. He was elected mayor earlier this month.
Also, “I was one of the first three that went to Corinth High School,” said Williams. “I’ve been very fortunate.”
He is a retired technician with ITT and CM Solutions.
Choked with emotion, he expressed gratitude to the crowd gathered at the Rienzi Town Hall.
“I want y’all to know that I love all of you,” said Williams. “We’re going to do some things as a whole, because we’re going to be in this together. It’s going to take some running, but I think everybody knows I don’t mind running.
“I’m blessed to be retired, so I don’t have anything in my way but the government,” he quipped.
“I just wish the old man was here,” said Williams as he shared memories. During the upcoming term, which officially begins next Monday, Williams said the town needs to work toward some infrastructure improvements. The sewer treatment plant is about 30 years old -- 10 more than the normal lifespan -- and the town is pursuing stimulus grant funding for improvements. The water plant also needs an upgrade, he said.
As mayor, he is following David Potts, who served 16 years in two separate stints. Potts did not seek reelection.
Also taking the oath Monday were two new aldermen, Harold Palmer and Jimmy Harwood, and returning board members Sandra Williams, Melissa Morgan and David Massey.

Corinth Public Library
launches annual program
Published Tuesday, June 30
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
In tough economic times, parents and children alike can enjoy what the Corinth Library has to offer as the Corinth Library launches the 2009 Summer Reading Program.
“Be Creative at Your Library” will explore the worlds of music, dance, art, books and more. The Summer Reading Program is open to children ages 5-10 years old.
The library offers the reading program to encourage the children of the community to read for pleasure during the summer, to retain their reading skills, to encourage regular use of the library and to attract new users to the library, according to information provided by the Corinth Library.
The program will be held at the Corinth Library on Wednesday, July 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 3 p.m. and no preregistration is required. The programs will include art projects, games and movies.
During the first program, beginning Wednesday, Crow’s Neck Environment Center will present a program on reptile care, live snakes, spiders, lizards and turtles will be available for the children to touch and hold. Parents are welcome to bring their cameras for the event. With economic times being what they are, Librarian Ann Coker noted more parents might want to look into the free programs — like the Summer Reading Program — that entertain as well as stimulate their child’s imagination and intellect.
According to a recent report, it appears libraries across the country are reporting significant increases in usage in the past months as people cut their entertainment budgets by taking advantage of the many free services public libraries have to offer. People can save money on the cost of purchasing books, as well as DVDs, video tapes and books on tape. Internet service is also a big draw with publicly accessible computers at the Corinth Library.
In a recent interview, North Mississippi Regional Library Director William McMullin confirmed that the public computers have become even busier over the past months. He also noted that people are bringing their laptops and using the library’s free Wi-Fi Internet access.
The Corinth Library is located at 1023 Fillmore Street in Corinth. For more information, call (662) 287-2441

Corinthian, Banner win awards at annual convention
Published Sunday, June 28
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
BOONEVILLE — The Daily Corinthian’s sister publication, Booneville’s Banner-Independent, recently won the Mississippi Press Association Better Newspaper Contest’s Bill Minor Award for Best Investigative Reporting.
The story, “County employee violates ethics,” for which the Booneville paper was awarded the coveted prize, was penned by The Banner Independent’s managing editor, Kenny Goode. Read more

Local Relay For Life Brings in $75,000 for research
Published Sunday, June 28
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
The Alcorn County Relay For Life officials are having their Wrap Up Party for the 2009 season and are already making plans for the next season.
Local Relay For Life Chair Judy Pylate said that Alcorn County’s 2009 event, which was held this year at the Crossroads Arena, raised over $75,000, a fact which was confirmed by American Cancer Society Community Representative Melonie Counce.
“It is a testament to the local efforts that Alcorn County’s event raised over $75,000 during some of the worst economic times we’ve seen in a long time,” said Counce.
In addition, Counce noted how well each team went all out with decorating their campsites for the event.
“The event had some of the best campsite decorations I’ve ever seen,”saidCounce. “Alcorn County never ceases to amaze. I swear they missed their calling and could design and decorate floats for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”
In a breakdown of sponsorships, (which is not all inclusive and is simple a “totals to date” listing) and of the team money raised, the totals are as follows:
• Total Sponsorships (Does not include Angel of the Hour sponsors) - $17,000
• Luminaria & Miscellaneous Donations - $2,683.74 Team Money:
• Magnolia Regional Health Center (Sapphire Team) - $17,013.40
• Caterpillar (Sapphire Team) - $15,020.00
• Quebecor (Silver Team) - $5,517.00
• Hematology & Oncology Associates (Bronze Team working toward Silver) - $4,101.00
• BancorpSouth (Bronze Team) - $3,367.35
• Shiloh Baptist Church (Bronze Team) - $3,289.98
• MS Care Center $2,006.00
• The West Clinic - $1,930.45
• Lowe’s - $1,000.26
• Will’s Team - $1,000.00
• Tishomingo Chapel Baptist - $657.00
• Friends Like Us - $325.00
• Regions Bank - $100.00
Pylate expressed plans for the next season, which will include tighter organization as well as better education for new teams coming in. The Wrap-Up for Alcorn County is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Shoney’s back room.

Authorities seeking hostage,
robbery suspects
Published Saturday, June 27, 2009
By Kenny Goode
The Banner-Independent
Law enforcement officials are seeking two men after they held a father and daughter hostage at gunpoint Thursday morning for over an hour, threatened them, stole one of their vehicles, attempted to get them to cash a large check at a Booneville bank and then managed to escape, said Prentiss County Sheriff Randy Tolar.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department at 728-6232.
The names of the victims, who were not injured, were still being witheld at presstime. Read more

County to take over
garbage collection
Published Saturday, June 27, 2009
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
Alcorn County residents should see few changes when the county takes over garbage collection duties on Wednesday.
Supervisors voted in March to terminate the county’s contract with Waste Management for residential waste collection and establish a county-run system in its place.
Board President Gary Ross said at the time the county was losing over $200,000 per year under the contract with Waste Management and he and other board members agreed terminating the contract and setting up a county-operated system would save taxpayers money.
Waste Management’s contract with the county officially ends next Tuesday and the county will begin collecting household trash on Wednesday.
Officials have spent the past two months purchasing and preparing a fleet of three garbage trucks, hiring drivers to operate them and determining the routes they should run.
Second District Supervisor Jeff Patterson said the transition to the county’s system should be seamless for residents. They plan to use the same pick-up schedule as Waste Management, so residents will continue to have their trash picked up on the same day.
“They shouldn’t note any changes,” said Patterson. County Purchase Clerk Paul Rhodes, who has been heavily involved in setting up the new system, said the only difference residents might notice is a change in the time of day their garbage is picked up.
Rhodes explained Waste Management operated two large trucks each day.
The county will instead be using three smaller trucks that are better suited to narrow county roads to cover the same territory, so pickup times may change. He said residents should have their trash out at the road no later than 7 a.m. on their pickup day to ensure it’s there when the trucks make their rounds.

Slug Idol contest returns
to the Slugburger Festival
Published Saturday, June 27, 2009
For the Daily Corinthian
The Slug Idol Contest returns to the 22nd annual Slugburger Festival this year. And this time Elvis will be in the house.
McNairy County native and 10-year award-winning Elvis impersonator Tommy Browder will host the contest this year from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 9. After the competition, the entertainer hits the stage to perform from 9-10 p.m.
Browder, longtime successful McNairy Central High School head football coach, was recently hired as head football coach at Long Beach High School on the Gulf Coast. But the Elvis singer who has reached the national finals of the Ultimate Elvis Extravaganza in Tampa, Florida returns to the Crossroads area to highlight what Main Street Corinth hopes to be a great opening night of the Corinth-based festival which pays tribute to the slugburger.
“The Main Street board is happy to return the Slug Idol Contest after the initial competition last year,” noted Brian McCullen, board president. “It was a big hit and our crowd last year on opening night was a huge success.”
“With Elvis added as host, July 9 should be a great kickoff to the three night event,” added McCullen. “We need folks to enter the contest because we want to show off talent from the Crossroads area.”
The Slug Idol Competition is patterned after television’s highly rated American Idol Contest and is open to singers between the ages of 13-29, a broader age range than the 2008 local contest, noted Main Street Director Kelly Rinehart.
The contest is for amateurs and a $25 entry fee is required, said Rinehart. The application and fee must be submitted to The Alliance office by 3 p.m. July 2, a week before the competition. Entry forms are available at The Alliance office, Dixieland Music in Corinth, 95.3 The Bee and Fun 91 offices in downtown Iuka .
Cash prizes of $200, $100 and $50 will be awarded to the top three finishers. The top performer goes back to the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, July 10 as opening act to the festival’s second night of entertainment. Motown music hits the stage 8:30-11:30 July 10 with the Soul Searchers. Saturday’s entertainment lineup includes Indestructible, Rocket 88 and headliners Crossin’ Dixon, a rock/country band.
Gates open nightly at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 Thursday, $6 Friday and $7 Saturday. Proceeds support efforts of Main Street Corinth.
The festival pays tribute to Corinth’s famous sandwich which includes a deep-fat fried mix of part meat and soy filler, served on a bun with pickle, onion and mustard. The festival is held in the clock parking lot in historic downtown Corinth just off Cruise and Fillmore streets, while a related carnival will be around courtsquare.
For more information about the Slug Idol Contest, contact Kelly Rinehart at 662-287-1550 or mainstreet@corinth.ms.

Body of missing boater found
Published Friday, June 26
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
IUKA - The body of a West Tennessee man who drowned Saturday while swimming on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway has been recovered.
Rick Jones with the Tishomingo County Sheriff's Department reported searchers had located the body of the missing swimmer Thursday afternoon.
Bruce Hornaday of Germantown, Tenn. went missing Saturday afternoon after he dove into the water from a pontoon boat near the entrance to Yellow Creek and never surfaced.
Searchers with the Tishomingo County Dive Team, the Tupelo Fire Department Dive Team, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and Tennessee Valley Authority Police from Tennessee and Alabama have continued a search for the man's body since they were notified of the apparent drowning. Tishomingo County Sheriff Glenn Whitlock has said the area where the man dove into the water was extremely deep, making search efforts difficult.

Longtime civic leader Clifford Worsham dies at 92
Published Friday, June 26
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
Longtime engineer and civic leader Clifford Worsham was remembered Thursday as man who dedicated his life to the betterment of the community he loved.
Worsham died Thursday at his home in Corinth at the age of 92. The active community volunteer was a graduate of Corinth High School and held a bachelor's of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Mississippi.
Worsham spent several years working as an engineer for Mississippi State Parks and Dupont before enlisting in the U.S. Navy where he served on troop carriers transporting soldiers through the dangerous waters of the Atlantic Ocean to service in Europe.
After returning home from the war, he and his brothers formed Worsham Brothers Construction, which would become one of Mississippi's most successful construction firms.
He was also active in the community, volunteering with and serving on the boards of numerous local civic and charitable organizations including the Corinth Rotary Club, the United Way of Corinth and Alcorn County and many others. He also maintained close ties to his alma mater, serving as University of Mississippi Alumni President from 1974-1975, and as a member of the University's Athletic Committee. He was inducted into the university's hall of fame in 1986. In 1989 he was chosen as the Corinth Junior Auxiliary's Outstanding Citizen of the Year for his many years of service to the community.
Worsham's nephew John D. Mercier recalled his uncle as a generous person who leaves a legacy of community service.
"My uncle Clifford was the most generous, supportive person that I had the pleasure of knowing. He continued to make friends his entire life in every age group and had a good impact on everyone he associated with," said Mercier.
Worsham served for four decades on the Corinth Utilities Commission and Corinth Mayor Jerry Latch said he deserves a great deal of credit for helping provide Corinth with a top notch utility service.
"He helped make Corinth Gas and Water one of the best known utilities in the state. I just want to give him the highest praise," said Latch.
The longtime engineer also played a key role in the early days of the Siege and Battle of Corinth Commission as the organization sought to protect the Corinth Battlefield. Commission Chairperson Rosemary Williams said his expertise and enthusiasm for the cause made him a vital part of their efforts.
"He helped so much in the land purchases," she said. "We certainly missed him after he left the commission for health reasons."
She said one of his biggest legacies will be his role in the design of the Corinth hiking and biking trail.
Worsham was an active volunteer with the United Way of Corinth and Alcorn County for many years. Executive Director Betsy Whitehurst said Worsham was a truly dedicated volunteer and board member who was always willing to do whatever was needed to make their efforts a success.
"He was a wonderful volunteer. There wasn't anything that I asked him to do that he wouldn't help with," she said.
Whitehurst said she quickly came to rely on Worsham's deep knowledge of many subjects and his vast memory of community events and organizational history.
Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church. Immediate survivors include two daughters, Becky Dalton and Cathy Wheeler; one brother, Leroy Wesley Worsham; threegrandchildren, William Tolbert Dalton II, Laura Catherine Leonard and Frank Worsham Leonard; and two great-grandchildren, Zela Frances Dalton and William Tolbert Dalton IV.

Judge rules 'big part' of fund belongs to Winkler children
Published Thursday, June 25
By Jeff York
For the Daily Corinthian
HUNTINGDON, Tenn. – Carroll County Chancellor Ron Harmon issued a partial ruling Wednesday night that a big part of the money in the Winkler Family Fund at the Huntingdon Church of Christ belonged to the Winkler children.
Chancellor Harmon gave the attorneys 30 days to file briefs to list the money that had been spent in this case.
Huntingdon Church of Christ preacher Dan Winkler spent most of the day on the stand defending how he spent money raised by the church for his family during Wednesday’s trial.
There were sharp exchanges between Winkler and Mary Winkler’s attorney Kay Turner during his questioning on the stand. He spent the majority of the past two days on the stand.
Mary Winkler left the courtroom Wednesday morning and did not return the rest of the day. She left to go to Knoxville to pick up her children, according to her attorneys.
Chancellor Harmon denied a request by Dan Winkler’s attorney Greg Smith to dismiss the case during Wednesday’s court proceedings.
The Guardian Ad Litem appointed by the court said he felt decisions by the Winklers were in the best interests of the children. He did recommend that any remaining money should be handled by the court.
Huntingdon Church of Christ elder Jim Hampton said Dan Winkler was removed as a co-signor on the trust fund account because church members did not want to be a part of this case’s legal matters. There was $226,000 raised by the church and there is $11,000 left in the account.
Dan Winkler said he had paid $150,000 to law firms from the money raised by the church. He testified he felt that was okay because the money had been raised to help his family.
The preacher said his annual income from the church was $74,000, of which $21,000 is for upkeep of his house. Mr. Winkler said the church owned the home that he lives in now.
Dan and Diane Winkler initially gained custody of their three grandchildren on March 24, 2006, two days after the shooting death of their son Matthew. They kept the children while Mary served time in jail before they voluntarily gave up custody to Mary in August 2008.
Mary was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in April 2007 for killing her husband. She was sentenced to three years and served seven months in jail. She is now serving probation.

Rinehart charting a new course
for Main Street Corinth
Published Thursday, June 25
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
New Main Street Corinth Director Kelly Rinehart is focused on building on the organization’s past success while charting a course for an even better future.
Rinehart, who took over earlier this month as head of the organization tasked with promoting business downtown, said she believes Main Street has a long history of doing great work and she looks forward to building on that success.
“We want to continue the success of existing programs, but also build on them,” she said.
An Alcorn County native, Rinehart comes to Main Street from Hancock Fabrics in Baldwyn where she worked as art director. She said she was tired of commuting every day and was searching for a job that would allow her to stay in Corinth and become more involved in the community.
The new director holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and life science and a masters degree in education with an emphasis on technology from Mississippi State University. After completing her studies she wanted to stay in Starkville and found a job advising the campus activity board where she was responsible for planning events ranging from small poetry readings to major concerts by big name performers.
Rinehart said this experience helped her gain skills in a wide range of areas including graphics design and marketing.
She went on to serve as creative director of the Orpheum theater in Memphis, Tenn. before returning to the Crossroads.
Main Street is responsible for producing two major festivals, the Slug Burger Festival in July and the Hog Wild Barbecue Festival in October, along with the Corinth Christmas Parade, Celebrate Corinth, and other holiday events. Rinehart believes these types of events are a great way of bring business to downtown and showing off what Corinth has to offer.
“Event production is marketing. We want to bring people to Corinth and there’s no better way to do that than to put on a big party,” she said.
Rinehart said her event planning experience has served her well as she had to dive in quickly on the planning process for the annual Slug Burger Festival coming up July 9 through 11.
She praised Main Street’s board of directors for already having the festival planning well in hand and for being so receptive to her in her new role.
In the future she wants to see Main Street work even closer with the Corinth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote the historical attractions that she believes will encourage visitors to come to downtown. She would also like to see more events added during Main Street’s traditional off season in the winter and spring.
Rinehart said she plans to meet with business owners in the downtown area and wants to know what they want and need from Main Street. She said she’s thankful for the way the downtown family and all of Corinth has welcomed her into her new job.
“I’ve had such a wonderful reception from the community,” she said.

Corinth man arrested one week
after release from prison
Published Thursday, June 25
Staff Reports
A Corinth man was arrested Monday on felony drug charges just one week after being released from prison.
The Alcorn County Narcotics Unit arrested Benny Ray Ross, 34, of 18 CR 378, Corinth, Monday, and charged him with felony possession of a controlled substance, according to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office.
Events leading up to the arrest reportedly began when officers with the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit received information that Ross was purchasing pills to manufacture methamphetamine.
Law enforcement followed Ross around to stores and observed him purchasing pills and later followed him out of town on South Harper Roads, just in the county, and pulled him over.
Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins spoke to Ross and reportedly explained why Ross had been stopped. Ross was soon searched by Hopkins and a clear bag containing methamphetamine was found in Ross’s pocket.
Ross was arrested and charged. He is currently being held at Alcorn County Jail, with a hold for the Mississippi Department of Corrections placed on him, due to the fact that he had just gotten out of prison a week prior. He had reportedly been in prison on drug charges.
Hopkins said Justice Court Judge Steve Little is looking into Ross’s bond, due to a charge of possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, several months previously.

Dogs relocated following attack
Published Thursday, June 25
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
FARMINGTON — Two dogs from the Farmington area have now been relocated after an attack on a juvenile last month.
The two dogs involved in the attack — brown and white Boxers — were quarantined after the May 28 attack and were found to be up to date on their vaccinations, said Farmington Police.
The dogs’ owner, Paul Nooner, has relocated both animals to property outside the Town of Farmington, according to a report from the Farmington Police Department.
The incident reportedly occurred in the front yard of Farmington resident, Paula Grimes. Grimes’ grandchildren were riding bicycles in the front yard when the two dogs came into the yard and attacked the youngest child — “biting and scratching him.”
During the attack, the child’s clothes were torn completely off, the report said.
While at the scene, the owner arrived and secured the dogs. The dogs were quarantined, per state law, for 10 days and have been relocated. It was noted that Nooner was cooperative with the Animal Control Officer, Shane Jackson, and with police during the investigation.

Man in violent collision now
listed in good condition
Published Wednesday, June 24, 2009
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
A New York man was listed in good condition at a Memphis, Tenn. hospital Tuesday, a day after his vehicle was dragged for several yards by an eighteen-wheeler in a violent collision on U.S. Highway 72.
Eiron M. Clark, 33, of 355 Duck Pond Road in Locust Valley, NY, was airlifted from the scene of the crash in front of the Crossroads Inn on 72 to The Med in Memphis around 6: 15 p.m. Monday where he remained hospitalized Tuesday afternoon.
Corinth Police Chief David Lancaster said it appears Clark was westbound in his 2001 Saturn traveling in the outside lane beside a 2009 International Pro Star tractor-trailer driven by Earnest Candelaria, 43, of Mesa, Ark., when his car strayed into the path of the truck and collided with its front right fender.
The impact sent the compact car into the curb on the right side of the road which then reflected it back toward the eighteen-wheeler. The car struck the eighteen wheeler for a second time under the trailer’s rear wheels and was dragged for several yards before coming out from under the trailer and being thrown against the curb a second time where it came to rest.
Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to pull Clark from his heavily damaged vehicle.
Lancaster said Candelaria, who was hauling metal cans for Howl Transport of El Paso, Texas, was not injured in the crash. Corinth Police Officer Steve Butler was in charge of the wreck report on the case.

Mary Winkler and former
in-laws go to court
Published Tuesday, June 23, 2009
By Jeff York
For the Daily Corinthian
HUNTINGDON, Tenn. - A dispute between Mary Winkler and her former in-laws over who controls a trust fund was heard Monday in Carroll County (Tenn.) Chancery Court. The hearing will determine control of the trust fund collected after the shooting death of Matthew Winkler. Read more

Seven arrested in
meth conspiracies
Published Tuesday, June 23, 2009
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
Seven suspects have been arrested after Alcorn County authorities broke up two separate groups accused of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine. Read more

Shoddy contractor bills
women of over $93K
Published Sunday,
June 21
By Jebb Johnston
Staff Writer
It was supposed to be the dream home of Jeanette Wilkins and her sister. Five years later, the house east of Farmington is unfinished and, by some accounts, needs to be torn down due to poor construction.
Now, the lawn is filled with weeds, and wasps swarm all around the garage.
Anytime she leaves her home, the sight is a constant reminder of what has been lost. Read more

Verandah-Curlee House
restoration plans move forward
Published Sunday, June 21
By Jebb Johnston
Staff Writer
The architectural firm for the Verandah-Curlee House restoration has completed a facilities condition report and is set to move to the next step in the process. Read more

Residents help catch
cemetery felons
Published Saturday, June 20, 2009
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
JACINTO — Thanks to the help of the community, two Corinth men have been arrested on felony malicious mischief charges for extensive damage done to Jacinto Cemetery last week. Read more

Humane Society set to make property improvements
Published Saturday, June 20, 2009
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
Making life better for the animals who come through their doors, the Corinth/Alcorn County Humane Society is in the process of making physical improvements to the property. Read more

Foiled gas station heist
nets two arrests
Published Friday, June 19
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
A ploy to trick a gas station attendant in order to pull off a theft ended with two men in Corinth Police custody on Grand Larceny charges. Corinth Police Officers arrested Chris Maddox, 19, of Corinth, and Justin James, 18, of Alcorn County, Thursday morning and charged them with Grand Larceny in regards to money stolen from a local gas station Wednesday night, according to a report from the Corinth Police Department. Read more

Deputies study up
on hazardous materials
Published Friday, June 19
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
Three officials with the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office now have more expertise in dealing with the hazardous materials involved with handling a meth lab. Read more

Corinth HS accepting nominations for distinguised alumni award
Published Friday, June 19
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
Another year of honoring excellence begins as the Corinth High School Alumni Association accepts nominations for the 2009 CHS Distinguished Alumni Award. Read more

Return home

Supervisors to open bids
for regional jail in August

TAP bringing three
counties together

Author to donate book
proceeds to shelter

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