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
countys 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 towns 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. Ive 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 yall to know that I love all of you, said Williams.
Were going to do some things as a whole, because were
going to be in this together. Its going to take some running,
but I think everybody knows I dont mind running.
Im blessed to be retired, so I dont 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, Crows 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 childs
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 librarys 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 Corinthians sister publication,
Boonevilles Banner-Independent, recently won the Mississippi Press
Association Better Newspaper Contests 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
Independents 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 Countys
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 Countys
event raised over $75,000 during some of the worst economic times weve
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 Ive
ever seen,saidCounce. Alcorn County never ceases to amaze.
I swear they missed their calling and could design and decorate floats
for Macys 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
Lowes - $1,000.26
Wills 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 Shoneys
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 Sheriffs 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 countys 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 Managements 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
countys 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 shouldnt 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 its 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 televisions 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 festivals second night of entertainment. Motown
music hits the stage 8:30-11:30 July 10 with the Soul Searchers. Saturdays
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 Corinths 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 Wednesdays
trial.
There were sharp
exchanges between Winkler and Mary Winklers 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 Winklers attorney Greg Smith to dismiss
the case during Wednesdays 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 cases 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 organizations 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 bachelors 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 theres 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 Streets 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 Streets
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 shes thankful for the way the downtown family and all of
Corinth has welcomed her into her new job.
Ive
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 Sheriffs
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 Rosss
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 Rosss
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 childs 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 trailers
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