Iuka Man dies in two-vehicle wreck
Booneville Water association makes improvements
McNairy Co. Michie educator wins Teacher of the Year
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Tuesday Feb. 7,
2017
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Daily Corinthian Vol. 121, No. 32
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• Corinth, Mississippi • 14 pages • One section
Christian academy to lease old school BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
RIENZI — The halls of the former Rienzi Elementary School will soon be filled with children again. Administrators of Pathway Christian Academy, a K-12 Corinth-based private school,
signed a lease on the former Alcorn School District property last week, according to Rienzi Mayor Walter Williams. “This is big news for the town,” Williams told the Daily Corinthian. “It’s going to take care of an empty building and bring in a little extra revenue
into the town. It’s really going to take a big burden off of us.” Pathway Administrator Myra Rencher said the academy will use only portions of the property including the gymnasium, cafeteria, some first floor class-
“This is big news for the town. It’s going to take care of an empty building and bring in a little extra revenue.” Mayor Walter Williams
Please see ACADEMY | 5
Effort to launch faith-based drug rehab underway BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Alcorn County supervisors on Monday learned of an effort to launch faith-based drug rehabilitation centers for men and women in the community. Josh Hodum, pastor of Gospel Tabernacle, told the board about the effort as the group actively shops for suitable facility locations. He said the group aims to open the men’s facility before the end of the year. “We want to partner with you in making something happen,” said Hodum, who said he assists people with drug addictions through justice court, circuit court and Corinth’s municipal court. It is planned to be an inpatient, long-term recovery program of nine months, with separate facilities for men and women. “When they graduate a program, we have a goal that we want them to be free from addiction and stay free minimum for a year,” said Hodum. “We
Staff Photo by L.A. Story
Area Cato managers delivered 21 boxes of clothes to Crosswind Ministry’s FAITH program which assists victims of domestic abuse. From left, Brett Butler (Crosswind Case manager and Mississippi United To End Homelessness), Crosswind Ministry Executive Director Bobby Capps, Corinth Cato Manager Macee Taylor, Booneville Cato Manager Dawn Smith and FAITH program participant and part-time Crosswind employee Amy Roach.
Stores partner for victims BY L.A. STORY lastory@dailycorinthian.com
Area Cato managers recently partnered with Crosswind Ministries to donate clothes to domestic violence victims. Booneville Cato Manager
Dawn Smith and Corinth Cato Manager Macee Taylor met recently with Crosswind Ministry Executive Director Bobby Capps to donate 21 boxes of clothes. Smith explained the dona-
tion was part of a corporate initiative to take “zeroed out” merchandise and use it as part of the Cato Cares program. She said her search led her to Please see VICTIMS | 5
Academy hosts Russian danseur BY KIMBERLY SHELTON kshelton@dailycorinthian.com
Extremely personable and light on his feet, Artistic Director Valery Lantratov of the Russian National Ballet Foundation was all smiles as he instructed a master ballet class on Friday. Approximately an hour-anda-half in length, the barre and center classical Russian technique class brought together somehere around 22 dancers from Turning Pointe Dance Academy to learn execution technique as well as performance. “We are thrilled to be hosting Mr. Lantratov,” said Director
Rick Jones
Josh Hodum Gospel Tabernacle pastor want them to begin rebuilding relationships with their family and to have stable housing and stable employment. That’s our target.” Hodum, who is also a deputy coroner for Alcorn County, said the national success rate for such rehabilitation programs is about 14 percent, but he plans to model the program after one that has a 23 percent success rate. Please see REHAB | 2
People of the Crossroads Tommy Wilson, Corinth “I know Jesus is the answer, and my desire is to share that with everyone,” said Tommy Wilson, who from age 15 to 30 was a hardcore drug addict and dealer. In 1998, after attending several church services with his wife, Wilson found God. “I watched God turn my life around,” he said. “Nineteen drug-free years later, I am a a satisfied customer of what He has done in my life.” Wilson now operates Living Free Ministries where he helps people who are struck in the same place he used to be. Married to Marea for 21 years, the duo started the annual Christmas Day Community Meal which feed more than 1,000 needy people in December. The couple has two children, 17-year-old Olivia and 22-year-old Preston, who recently married Tatum. Wilson also owns The Sleep Studio Mattress and Furniture Gallery in Corinth.
Crystal Sweeney of the Corinth Ballet as she excitedly greeted visitors to her studio. “This is by far the most serious ballet class we’ve ever had and I am honored he chose to offer it to my students.” Ranging in age from 7 to 17 year-old girls, the 4:30 p.m. class was well attended with many parents and other supporters staying to experience it. “With such as rich, wonderful Russian accent, I was worried the little ones might not be able to catch the French terminology as he called out his instrucPlease see DANSEUR | 2
Staff photo by Zack Steen
25 years ago
10 years ago
Brenda Rogers, June Plaxico, Pam Gilbert and Beth Collins are among the stars of Corinth Theatre-Arts production of “Crimes of the Heart.”
Biggersville High School nears completion on a new softball field through the efforts of faculty, staff, students and parents.
10 Year Anniversary! Doug Michael Jumper McCreary
“If we can help 25 out of 100 people overcome addictions, I’m ready to do it. It’s worth my time. It’s worth my energy.”
Neil Paul
Marea Wilson
2007-2017
John & Brenda Hayes
Alexis Rudd
Roger Clark
Audrey McNair
Carl Jones
2782 S Harper Rd
www.jumperrealty.com