021612 Corinth E-Edition by Daily Corinthian

Thursday Feb. 16,

2012

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Daily Corinthian Vol. 116, No. 40

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• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • 1 section

‘No mo’: Tax service shuts Corinth office

Getting close to the goal

BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

The Corinth branch of a tax preparation service has apparently closed its doors, leaving some customers wondering when or if they will get their income tax refunds. Police Chief David Lancaster said his department began to get complaints about Mo Money Taxes on South Harper Road last week. “These are people who filed their tax returns with Mo Money and then didn’t get their refund checks,” he said. Detective Capt. Ralph Dance said people have also complained about exorbitant fees. He has taken eight to 10 complaints about the business. “They would tell people their check was coming back in so many days, but people were not getting their checks,” said

Dance. The business was apparently open as recently as late last week but, by Monday, there was a note on the door saying the business was closed for the season. Meredith Key, a customer of the Corinth branch of Mo Money Taxes, said her tax refund is in limbo and it is causing a hardship because her husband was laid off and her work hours have been cut. “The IRS is telling me there is nothing they can do because they’ve deposited the money into their account,” she said. “Now I don’t know if I’m ever going to get it.” She said she and some other customers waited for someone to show up at the business Saturday from the morning until 2 Please see TAX | 3

School district eyes key building projects BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

Pizza Inn owner Steve Henson shows Ruby and Christopher Patterson how the pizzas are cut at the business. A fundraiser to help transport local special-needs children to Disney World will be held tonight at Pizza Inn from 5-8 p.m. Organizer Havis Hurley says the children will receive 15 percent of what is taken in during 5-8 p.m. and all tips. Thus far, $19,200 has been raised to take around 40 children and adults to Disney on May 26.

The Corinth School District is beginning to move toward a new round of building projects focused on improvements at the high school and middle school campuses. The district’s board of trustees agreed on Monday to apply to the Mississippi Department of Education for qualified school construction bond funding that remains available from the federal stimulus programs. Board members planned to tour facilities this week to get a look at possible projects as they prepare

to formulate a priority list. The district seeks up to $5 million and has a list of projects totaling an estimated $6.2 million. “We have the ability to repay it without any type of tax increase,” said Superintendent Lee Childress. “It’s definitely something I think we should consider.” Board members received a list of possible projects to consider, and Childress emphasized that probably not every item on the list would be completed. All of the previous bond issue and qualified school construcPlease see PROJECTS | 3

Legislator connects Cook-off looking for some local chili favorites with people through Internet, Facebook BY MARK BOEHLER

editor@dailycorinthian.com

BY BRANT SAPPINGTON bsappington@ dailycorinthian.com

A new legislator is taking advantage of technology to better connect with his constituents. District 3 State Rep. Tracy Arnold has established himself on the Internet with a website and a Facebook page that allow him to communicate and share information with the people of the district. The website, at www.williamtracyarnold.com, contains a variety of information about his background and his positions on the issues. It also includes a link to e-mail him with questions and concerns.

A local group of volunteers hopes this year’s Easter holiday weekend traditions around the dinner table will include a Southwestern flair. The fifth annual Crossroads Chili Cook-Off, which crowns official International Chili Society sanctioned Mississippi state champions in several categories, will be held Easter weekend this year. The popular event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 at the Corinth Depot in downtown Corinth in conjunction with the Green Market’s fourth season. “This won’t happen every year,” said cook-off organizer Steve Knight about the event being held on Easter weekend. “We won’t face the situation for several more years.” The Green Market is traditionally held the first Saturday each month outside of cold winter months. When its event committee decided to not change the

Arnold said he’s particularly proud of the Facebook page, which can be found by logging into the popular social networking site and searching for William Tracy Arnold. The page allows him to share information and photos and to receive messages from those in the district who may have questions or concerns. “It’s just a better way to hear the voice of the people in District 3,” he said. Arnold represents most of Prentiss County and south Alcorn County, including the Rienzi area. Arnold said it’s important to him to understand what Please see ARNOLD | 2

Index Stocks........7 Classified......14 Comics...... 12 Wisdom...... 11

Weather........5 Obituaries........ 3 Opinion........4 Sports........8

date, the chili cook-off committee decided to hold the event on the same date despite conflicts some people may have. The April 6-7 weekend will also be full of activities at Shiloh National Military Park in conjunction with the 150th anniversary

of the two-day Civil War battle fought there. Although the chili cook-off is expecting a slight drop off in the number of sanctioned teams from out of state coming to comPlease see COOK-OFF | 2

On this day in history 150 years ago The Confederate stronghold at Fort Donelson surrenders to Gen. U.S. Grant in the first major battlefield loss by the Confederacy. Gen. Simon B. Buckner, a pre-war friend of Grant, was forced to give up 15,000 men and over 100 pieces of artillery.

Feb ru a ry 24, 2012 • CROSSROADS ARENA • 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. This event is provided to you at no charge by Magnolia Regional Health Center, but reservations are required. SEATING IS LIMITED. To register, call 662.293.1200, or register online at www.MRHC.org.

Local

2 • Daily Corinthian

‘Safe House’ not so safe

Things to do today School out early Biggersville High School and Biggersville Elementary School will dismiss classes at 1:20 p.m. today due to the boys’ basketball team playing in the North Half Tournament. The Lions play on their home floor at 4 p.m. today versus West Oktibbeha.

“Safe House,” R, ****, starring Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga, Brandon Gleeson, Sam Shepherd, Nora Arnezeder; directed Daniel Espinosa; Universal film; length — 115 minutes After a brief introduction of CIA agent Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) the action begins in “Safe House.” The audience learns Weston, who is responsible for a CIA safe house in Cape Town, Africa, is bored for lack of action. Soon, however, he will have enough action to last him a lifetime. Agent Weston has a beautiful girlfriend (Nora Arnezeder), who does not know the truth about his job. As the audience will soon underTerry stand, unBurns disclosed informaMovie Critic tion is a necessity to protect the innocent and the guilty. Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) is a rogue agent who crossed the line several years ago. He sells classified secrets to the highest bidder without remorse. His expertise, abilities and proficiency become obvious to the audience within seconds of the first reel. However, because he has so many people trying to kill him, Frost decides to walk into the American embassy in Cape Town and turn himself in. At this point Weston receives a call from Washington, D.C., where several agents are monitoring the progress of Frost. Weston is ordered to take Frost in as a house guest at the safe house. This makes Weston responsible for Frost until he can be delivered to the CIA. Weston now has his chance to demonstrate his talents and abilities as an agent with the pos-

Pickin’ on the Square Savannah Grass will be the guest band at Pickin’ on the Square tonight at East Corinth Elementary School. Pickin’ starts at 7 p.m.

Country music night The Joe Rickman Band will be playing on Thursday nights from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Burnsville city park building. Admission is $3, single and $5, couple. There will be concessions. The event is family-friendly with no smoking or alcohol. Proceeds go toward the community center.

Zumba classes From now through June, Baptist Memorial HospitalBooneville will sponsor a free Zumba class at the Westside Community Center every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Doors will open 30 minutes before the class begins — no one will be allowed to enter after the class starts.

Art exhibit Nineteen artists with the Mississippi Painters Society are exhibiting their artwork at the Northeast Mississippi Community College campus in Booneville. The paintings are exhibited in the art gallery of Anderson Hall. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Black History art Several venues in Corinth are hosting the creative vision of a group of black artists throughout February. Most of the work is in place now and will be displayed throughout Black History Month at the Corinth Artist Guild Gallery, Corinth Library, Black History Museum, Alcorn Welcome Center and the Green Mango restaurant.

Photo contest Local photographers are invited to participate in Arts in McNairy’s sixth annual Amateur Photo Contest. The final day for submissions is Friday, April 13 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Photos should be dropped off at the UT Martin/Selmer facility in Tennessee just off U.S. 45 North. Photos mailed must be postmarked by Monday, April 9 to: Attention George Souders, c/o AiM Photo Contest, UT Martin/Selmer, 1269 Tennessee Ave., Selmer, Tenn. 38375. Entry forms are available at the photo-center at Wal-Mart in Selmer, Tenn. For more information and qualifications or to request an entry form by mail contact George Souders at 731-610-1365.

ARNOLD: Legislator wants site to be place where people can talk about issues with him, get info CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the people he represents are concerned about and to let them know what’s going on in the capitol. He said he tries not to

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overwhelm people with too many Facebook updates because he knows it can become cluttered, but he wants the site to be a place where people can come to get information and to communicate their issues with him. He plans to expand both sites more in the future and hopes to add tools that will make it even easier for people to communicate with him.

Terry Burns’ movie ratings Grey, R, ***1⁄2 ■ The Iron Lady, PG-13, *** ■ The Descendants, R, ***** ■ My Week with Marilyn, R, **** ■ Haywire, R, *** ■ The

sibility of moving to a more challenging job. The action begins and does not let up. Like the beginning of a Grand Prix race, the white flag drops and the action begins its race to the finish line. The audience will not have time to take their eyes off the screen. Car chases, shoot-outs, foot races and escapes keeps everyone on the edge of their seats for the rest of the film. The action in “Safe House” takes place in Cape Town, Washington D.C. and Paris. An interesting moment takes place when Frost visits an old friend. They talk about adapting to getting older and accept-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

pete in Corinth, the committee is cooking up a recipe of success to beef up local entries and interest. The Crossroads Chili Cook-Off has added a new Local Favorite category, which will be scored by sanctioned judges. The winner gets $300 and a trophy, while second and third places will depend on number of entries, said Knight. “This is something just for local teams,” explained Knight. “We want to really, really encourage local participation.” “There are many folks out there who think they make a pretty good pot of chili,” added the event chairperson. “Here’s a chance to have some fun outside the home kitchen and see how the chili rates with other people.” The fee is $25 and local favor-

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TRANSFORMERS: OF THE JOURNEYDARK 2 (NON 3D) MOON (PG) 4:10(non7:053-D) (PG13) 12:00, 12:50, 6:50,7:25 7:30, 10:05 SAFE 3:20, HOUSE4:10, (R) 4:35 THE GREEN (non 3D) THELANTERN VOW (PG13) 4:20(PG13) 7:15 - 10:00 BAD TEACHER (R) - 1:20, 4:20, 7:35, 9:40 BIG MIRACLE (PG) 4:05 7:00 MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS (PG) - 12:20, 2:40, 4:55 CHRONICLE (PG13) HORRIBLE BOSSES (R) - 1:25,4:15 4:30,7:15 7:25, 9:45 THECROWNE WOMAN(PG13) IN BLACK LARRY - 12:10,(PG13) 2:30, 4:25 4:50, 7:30 7:20, 9:40 THE GREY (R) 4:30 SUPER 8 (PG13) - 7:20,7:20 9:50 ONE FOR THE(PG) MONEY 4:459:20 7:10 ZOOKEEPER - 1:10,(PG13) 4:15, 7:00, RED(G)TAILS 4:054:00,7:056:45, 7:20, 9:15 CARS 2 (non 3-D) - 12:15,(PG13) 1:00, 3:00, JOYFUL 4:207:05, 7:109:30 MONTE CARLONOISE (PG) -(PG13) 1:05, 4:05,

ing life. The psychological discussion does not last long but it demonstrates the lives both of the friends have experienced. The movie’s plot will force the audience to wonder about what direction it is going in. To quote John Wayne in “The Searchers,” — “They make you think they are going one way when in fact they are going the other.” Who are the bad guys? Greed has become such a major part of so many lives; people do not want the truth anymore. By breaking the rules and allowing certain things to be covered up, the truth seems to be on the

ites entries must have two quarts of chili for the judges and another gallon for People’s Choice. The best part for participants in the local favorite — the chili can be made ahead of time, noted Knight. “It’s simple for people to get involved,” added Knight. “Just prepare chili ahead of time and keep it warm.” People’s Choice is one of the most fun parts of the chili cook-off. For a small fee to a charity, people get to sample chili and pick their favorite. The winner gets a trophy. “People’s Choice has been a huge success,” said Knight, as 13 teams competed last year. “People enjoy sampling the chili.” The cook-off committee is encouraging churches, school groups, civic clubs and businesses — especially restaurants — to get involved and enter in local favorites. The Crossroads Chili Cook-Off

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backburner. With power comes money. I recommend “Safe House” for a tense story, smart performances and edge of the seat action. Also, it is always refreshing to observe great actors performing in movies with substance and style. Most movies are made for the 25-andunder age group which are mostly recycled with very little plot or creativity. At least “Safe House” gives originality some semblance of reality. Terry Burns is technology coordinator for the McNairy County School System. A life-long movie buff, he can be contacted by email at burns984@bellsouth.net. Terry’s movie grading scale: five-plus stars — as good as it gets; five stars — don’t miss; four stars — excellent; three stars — good; two stars — fair; one star — poor; no stars — don’t bother.

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will also host a sanctioned International Chili Society competition, which promises to draw many chili-cooking teams from around the region. The ICS is a non-profit organization that sanctions chili cookoffs around the world for the benefit of charities and other nonprofit organizations. The ICS sanctioned competition will feature three categories — Red (traditional red chili), Chili Verde (green chili) and Salsa. Registration for the Crossroads Chili Cook-Off will continue until 9 a.m. on the day of the event. Participants are encouraged to register early to reserve a space. (For more info contact the Tourism Office at 662-287-8300 or send an email to Steve Knight at sknight@telesouth.com. People can also go to the website at www.xroadsfest.com.)

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1808 E. Shilohh Rd Rd. CCorinth, oririninthh MMSS or 6662-287-3606 Find us on

P.O. Box 1800 Corinth, MS 38835

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Ryan Reynolds stars with Denzel Washington (not pictured) in “Safe House.”

COOK-OFF: Local Favorite category winner gets $300 and a trophy

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Local

3 â&#x20AC;˘ Daily Corinthian

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Deaths Carroll Britton RAMER, Tenn. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Funeral services for Carroll Wayne Britton, 51, are set for 11 a.m. Friday at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer with burial at Indian Creek Cemetery in Ramer. Mr. Britton died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at his home. Born in Selmer on April 30, 1960, he worked in trucking. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Danielle Britton of Ramer; a son, Waylon Carroll Britton (Amy) of Corinth; two brothers, Carmon Britton (Patsy) of Michie, Tenn, and Clay Britton (Shari) of Ramer; a half-brother, Alford Hollo-

Robert Lambert Robert (Mr. Lee) Lambert was born July 12, 1938, in Pocahontas, Tenn., the son of the late Johnnie and Lennie Newman Lambert. He was united in marriage to Virginia Phillips on Sept. 28, 1960. Mr. Lambert owned and operated Gillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diners in Rockford, Ill., from 1960 to 1981. After relocating to Corinth, he operated Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country Store for 22 years. He was a former resident of Rockford, New MilLambert ford, and Winnebago, Ill., as well as Biggersville. Mr. Lambert loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending steam train shows, taking care of his animals, and was a fan of NASCAR racing. Mr. Lambert departed this life on Feb. 13, 2012, in Michie, Tenn., at the age of 73 years, seven months and one day. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Virginia (Phillips)

way (Cindy) of Ramer; and three grandchildren, Nathan, Ryan and Logan Britton, all of Corinth. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lou (Youngblood) Britton and Lonnie Carmon â&#x20AC;&#x153;L.C.â&#x20AC;? Britton, and a halfsister, Christine Kirk. Jetta Forsythe will officiate the service. Visitation is today from 5:30 until 8 p.m.

Jeanette C. Mann IUKA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Funeral services for Jeanette C. Mann, 81, are set for 11 a.m. Friday at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka with

Lambert of Michie, Tenn.; two daughters, Aleasa J. Helsinger of Corinth and Patina Warren and husband Ken of Corinth; a son, Gregory Lambert and wife Jan of Houston, Texas; 10 grandchildren: Stephanie Yurchak-Helsinger and husband Justin, Eric Helsinger, Robert Lambert and wife Wendy, Brittney Helsinger, Rachel Lambert, Gwen Lambert, Madelyn Warren, Claire Lambert, Maycie Warren, and Weston Warren; a great-grandchild, Lyric Yurchak; two sisters, Mary Ruth Lambert of Knoxville, Tenn., and Linda Huffman of Kirkland, Ill.; and many extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Lambert was preceded in death by two sisters, Deloris Lambert and Lola Richey, and four brothers: Willard Lambert, J. D. Lambert, Joe Lambert, and Weldon Lambert. Services will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at West Corinth Tabernacle Church in Corinth with Ron Phillips and Merl Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery near Corinth. Pallbearers will be Larry Wigginton, Ray Settlemires, Danny Duke, Robert S. Lambert, Eric Helsinger, and Benji Bright. Visitation for Mr.

TAX: Customers upset about hidden fees that increase cost of service, police detective says CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

p.m. When she has called the corporate phone number, she cannot get through to anyone. Even more frustrating for Key, she said she had only requested an estimate off her pay stub and did not want the business to actually file her taxes. There was no answer at the businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; phone number Wednesday afternoon. Dance said customers have also complained about hidden fees that greatly increase the cost of the service. The state attorney generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office has told the police department there is nothing for it to do locally. The police department is referring people to the AGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website to file a complaint. Dance said the AGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office or federal authorities could initiate an inquiry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now, nobody knows whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a computer glitch or whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just stealing,â&#x20AC;? he said. Dance said the same

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now, nobody knows whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a computer glitch or whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just stealing.â&#x20AC;? Detective Capt. Ralph Dance circumstances appear to be happening at Mo Money locations in numerous states. The Better Business Bureau of the MidSouth issued an alert about the company last week. The BBB has given the company an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fâ&#x20AC;? rating for failure to respond to complaints about refunds not received when promised and fees incurred that were more than the company stated. The consumer complaint form for the AGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office is at this link: http://www.ago.state. ms.us/index.php/sections/consumer/complaints

burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Mann died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at her home. A member of Iuka Baptist Church, she was the executive director of the Iuka Housing Authority and a board member of the Tishomingo County School District and the Midway-Pleasant Hill Water Association for many years. Survivors include three daughters, Debra M. LeMay (Bill), Cheryl Howell and Emily Wooten, all of Iuka; one son, John Mann (Reda) of Iuka; seven grandchildren, Erica Taylor (John-Grady), John Derek Mann, Carrie Clark LeMay, Samantha Mann Hardwick (Drew), Jesse Bryson Mann

Lambert will be from 5 until 9 p.m. today at McPeters Funeral Home in Corinth. Visitation on Friday will be from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at West Corinth Tabernacle Church. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer is in charge of arrangements.

Gerry Dilworth Funeral services for Gerry D. Dilworth, 74, of Corinth, are set for 2 p.m. Friday at Magnolia Funeral Home Chapel of Memories with burial at Forrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Dilworth died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Born July 26, 1937, he was a retired instrument mechanic for Counce Paper mill with more than 30 years of service. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church and a deacon for 25 years. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was very talented at repairing everything and enjoyed doing so for all his friends. One of Mr. Gerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christian trademarks was his response to the often asked question of â&#x20AC;&#x153;How are you doing?â&#x20AC;? In his baritone

(Samantha), Chad Braxton Howell and Brad Braxton Howell; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brison Mann; her parents, J.U. and Emma Clark; eight sisters; five brothers; and a granddaughter, Mary Ashley Dancoe. Bro. Stanley Magill, Bro. Tim Dixon and Bro. Tony Curtis will officiate. Visitation is today from 5 until 8 p.m.

Joseph Mosley IUKA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Funeral services for Joseph B. Mosley, 81, are set for 11 a.m. today at Cutshall Fu-

voice he would always respons, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Very well, thank you.â&#x20AC;? Survivors include a son, Marty Dilworth (Robin) of Corinth; a daughter, Solita Dilworth of Corinth; two grandchildren, Ashley Dilworth and Joshua Dilworth; a greatgrandchild, Haze Milligan; two sisters, Paulette Derrick (Ray) of Rienzi and Lenora Laing of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Glenda McNair Dilworth, and his parents, Mark John Dilworth and Zelma I. Farris Dilworth. Pallbearers are Joshua Dilworth, Neal Starnes, George Welch, Danny Dilworth, Jimmy Hamlin and Jerry Rogers. Bro. Excail Burleson will officiate. Visitation is today from 5 until 8 p.m.

Ruby Odle Funeral services for Ruby D. Odle, 95, of Corinth, are set for 2 p.m. Friday at Tuscumbia Baptist Church with burial at the church cemetery. Ms. Odle died on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Magnolia Regional Health Center

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tion bond funding has been used on construction projects. The board received a list of possible projects to consider. Childress said the planning needs to move quickly if any of the projects are to get under way during the summer months while school is not in session. The list includes the planned softball facility on Proper Street. At the high school, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to repaint the entire school and resurfaceâ&#x20AC;? the parking, said Childress. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is going to possibly be a need for a roof.

We need to do a full assessment of that.â&#x20AC;? Other possible work at the high school includes window replacement, replacing exterior doors with a keyless entry system, and carpet replacement. In the auditorium, the district has received some recommendations for acoustical improvements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are going to make a couple of changes to some equipment, but they think some type of deadening or sound panels or curtaining at the top will definitely help it,â&#x20AC;? said Childress. The district will also look at improving the access road to the practice

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in Corinth. She was born on June 14, 1916, to the late M.B. and Myrtle Burns Nichols. She was known by her family and friends as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mother Ruby,â&#x20AC;? and she was an avid gardener, accomplished quilter, a lifelong resident of the Tuscumbia community and a devoted member of Tuscumbia Baptist Church. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.V. Odle; one son, Willie Bruce â&#x20AC;&#x153;Billâ&#x20AC;? Odle; one daughter, Dorothy Mae Odle Crabb; one grandson, Johnny Ray Crabb Jr.; and seven siblings. Survivors include her daughter, Anna Foshee of Memphis; two sons, J.R. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jimâ&#x20AC;? Odle and his wife Julia of Medon, Tenn., and James Honnell â&#x20AC;&#x153;Docâ&#x20AC;? Odle and his wife Diane of Aiken, S.C.; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 10 greatgreat-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and friends; and her church family. Bro. Warren Jones will officiate. Visitation begins at 12:30 p.m. at the church and will conclude at service time on Friday. Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the family can be left at www.memorialcorinth.com.

PROJECTS: School board received list of possible projects to consider

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neral Home Chapel with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. Mr. Mosley died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at his home. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean conflict and was a Mason. Survivors include his wife, Alpha Mosley of Iuka; three sisters, Minnie Pearl Davis of Iuka, Allie Mae Romans of Cherokee, Ala., and Twila Gray of Iuka; a nephew, Charles Maxwell (Shirley) of Iuka, and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant child, Leroy Mosley. Bro. Jimmy Daniel will officiate the service. Visitation was Wednesday.

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field and tennis courts. At the middle school, the district will consider projects such as parking lot resurfacing, painting of the seventh- and eighthgrade side, and some gymnasium improvements, among others. The administrative office on Harper Road could see painting and carpeting and possibly a new roof. In other business, the board approved facility rentals for the class of 1962 for a 50-year

reunion at the Corinth Middle School cafeteria on June 16 and for St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church for a fundraising function at the Corinth Middle School gym on March 3.

FAITH AND WORKS Extreme positions are taken by people across the religious world regarding faith and works. Some believe that one is saved by works while others believe that one is saved by faith only. The Bible does not teach either of these extreme doctrines. The New Testament teaches that we are justiďŹ ed by both faith and works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore being justiďŹ ed by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christâ&#x20AC;? (Rom 5: I). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ye see then how that by works a man is justiďŹ ed, and not by faith onlyâ&#x20AC;? (James 2:24). There is no conďŹ&#x201A;ict between the writings of Paul and James when we properly understand the passages. Paul was teaching justiďŹ cation by faith rather than works of the law. James was teaching that works must accompany our faith. The New Testament teaches both faith and works are necessary in order for one to be saved. After hearing Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sermon on the day of Pentecost the Jews believed and asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153; ... Men and brethren, what shall we doâ&#x20AC;? (Acts 2:37)?â&#x20AC;? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghostâ&#x20AC;? (Acts 2:38). After hearing and believing Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message, Peter instructed them to save themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generationâ&#x20AC;? (Acts 2:40). They heard the message, believed and obeyed and the Lord added them to His church. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.â&#x20AC;? (Acts 2:47). They believed, obeyed and were saved. The key to faith or works is supplied by both Paul and James. Paul says our faith must work by love. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by loveâ&#x20AC;? (Gal 5:6). James says that we show our faith by our works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my worksâ&#x20AC;? (Jam 2: 18). One is not saved by faith only or works only, but by a working faith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But wilt thou know, 0 vain man, that faith without works is deadâ&#x20AC;? (Jam 2:20)? We are not saved by faith or works, but by faith and works.

Danville Church of Christ 481 CR 409 â&#x20AC;˘ Rienzi, MS 38865 Phone: 662-287-6530 â&#x20AC;˘ Charles W. Leonard

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Opinion

Reece Terry, publisher

Mark Boehler, editor

4 • Thursday, February 16, 2012

Corinth, Miss.

Other Views

Considering consolidation About the only way that school consolidation in any scope will occur in Mississippi is if it’s initiated by the state Legislature. As has been demonstrated in Leflore County and elsewhere, consolidation talks on the local level usually get nowhere because the people involved are more concerned about preserving jobs or power than doing what’s best for the students and the taxpayers. The Legislature, after rejecting in 2011 then-Gov. Haley Barbour’s proposal to reduce the number of school districts from 152 to 100, looks like it’s poised to at least experiment with the idea. Recently, the Senate passed a bill that would merge the three Sunflower County school districts into one. The measure awaits action in the House. Sunflower County is an easy target with which to start. All three of its school districts — Sunflower County, Indianola and Drew — are under state control because of chronically low academic performance and other problems. That doesn’t leave them with much leverage to argue in favor of the status quo. And because none of them does well, none of them can object to assuming someone else’s headaches. All three are beset with them. Under the bill, a new countywide school board would be elected to run the consolidated district. That school board — with oversight from state education officials — would hire the new superintendent. None of the three existing superintendents would be eligible for the job. Proponents of the bill claim that consolidation would save $1.2 million a year in administrative costs. They don’t offer a calculation of how much better the education might be, but it couldn’t be a whole lot worse. It’s definitely worth trying. If it works, then it could be the opening volley for doing the same in other parts of the state where the districts are too small or their performance too substandard or both. The Greenwood Commonwealth

Letter to the Editor To the editor: In his FY 2013 Budget Recommendation, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant stated that libraries are not an “appropriate government function” and are a “non-core area.” Consistent with these beliefs, the Republican budget calls for a 15 percent cut to Mississippi’s public libraries. This proposed cut would be particularly painful to our local libraries as the Mississippi Library Commission has been cut by more than $3.4 million or 24 percent over the last three years. In a letter to Bryant dated Feb. 3, Ms. Sharman Bridges Smith, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Library Commission, expressed an understanding of the difficult challenges facing budget writers: “Librarians understand that these are difficult times and we expect to take cuts along with all other public entities.” Even so, Ms. Smith noted, “These cuts have and continue to severely impact citizen access to the very priorities of your administrationjobs, early childhood literacy, and reading.” To illustrate her point, Ms. Smith listed several services provided by Mississippi’s public libraries including: ■ More than 37 percent of 2.7 million people using computers in public libraries each year are doing job searches or completing employment applications; ■ Many local public libraries serve as WIN Job Centers; and ■ More than 400,000 Mississippi children participate in 13,000 children’s programs each year Our local libraries help connect Mississippians to jobs, introduce children to books and encourage adults to continue learning long after their classroom days are over. These essential services are worth protecting and deserve more credit than the Republican Budget allows. Brandon Jones, Executive Director Mississippi Democratic Trust

Prayer for today O Lord, when we do not know how to pray, help us to believe that the Holy Spirit is interceding for us and bringing our needs to you. Amen.

A verse to share If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. — 1 John 2:1 (NIV)

Reece Terry publisher rterry@dailycorinthian.com

Lawmakers wrestle inventory tax question county’s millage rate STARKVILLE — based on a taxpayer’s Look for an old batassessed values. The tle to confront the millage rates vary by “new” Republicancounty but based on controlled Missisthe 2011 annual resippi Legislature durport of the state Deing the 2012 regular session as the state’s Sid Salter partment of Revenue business community Columnist there were $870.7 million worth of taxcontinues to push for able inventories in either a repeal of the state’s inventory tax or an the state’s business community that year. exemption from it. The business commuAn effort to persuade the Legislature to phase out the nity claims the state’s curstate’s inventory tax failed rent inventory tax keeps in 2009. Mississippi is one it from being competitive of only nine states to con- with other states and keeps tinue to levy an inventory the state from attracting tax, which is a property tax new businesses or growing levied by cities and coun- existing ones against reties against a company’s gional competition in states inventory. The inventory where no such tax is levied. Those same business tax is paid by businesses at the end of every calendar groups — including the inyear, with the money going fluential Mississippi Ecoto local governments and nomic Council and the Mississippi Manufacturers schools. Business groups call the Association — further argue tax “regressive.” Inventory inventory taxes are a form tax is an annual ad valor- of possible double or triple em tax on business inven- taxation. How? The “widget” in tories (and also on other personal property such as inventory is first taxed as business furniture, fixtures inventory, and then used and equipment). The inven- as a basis for a privilege tax tory tax is 15 percent of a license (the more “widgets”

a company has, the more it pays) and then in some cases the “widget” is also subject to standard 7 percent sales tax. Those valid arguments are good, solid business arguments to reduce or eliminate the inventory tax. But the issue isn’t that simple. A recent analysis by the John C. Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University requested by the Mississippi Association of Supervisors, Miss. Municipal League, Miss. Assn. of School Superintendents and the Miss. Assn. of School Boards projected that cities, counties and local school districts would lose approximately $162 million in county, municipal and school revenues if they inventory tax is eliminated. The Stennis study forecast that counties would lose $56 million, cities would lose $33 million and that schools would lose $71.9 million. The state’s community colleges also derive a lesser amount of revenue from inventory taxes as well.

Schools, county governments and municipal governments are severely limited in their abilities to make up the loss of $162 million in revenues. If the inventory tax is eliminated, county and municipal governments and public school districts will be forced to make up $162 million in lost revenue from other taxpayers. What’s the most likely source? Higher property taxes and those higher taxes will likely come in the form of higher real estate taxes, higher car tags, and the like. Eliminating the state’s inventory is a tax cut if and only if the Legislature makes provisions to hold county and municipal governments and school districts harmless from the impact of this businessfriendly legislation. Otherwise, this isn’t a tax cut — it’s a tax swap from corporate taxpayers to individual taxpayers. Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist. Contact him at 601-507-8004 or sidsalter@sidsalter.com.

President Obama’s blueprint: Tax, spend, repeat playing games with President Barack the so-called baseObama loves to line, the assumption talk about how he of what spending will was open to painful be in future years. All changes in entitleof the legerdemain is ment programs in tissue for a continlast year’s private Rich ued spending spree. budget talks with Lowery The budget proRepublicans. Oddly poses slightly more enough, his braggedNational about courage behind Review in spending in fiscal year 2013 than the closed doors disapadministration repears every time he has to put his vision to pa- quested in its last budget for the coming year. Over per in the light of day. His latest budget is built 10 years, spending will inon gimmicks and cheery as- crease from $3.8 trillion to sumptions that support a $5.8 trillion, for $47 trillion massive superstructure of total. Spending doesn’t decline in any year. As recentnew taxes and new debt. It is a blueprint for na- ly as the end of the Clinton tional decline, a budget years spending was about worthy of Elysee Palace in 18 percent of GDP. Presiits fiscal indiscipline, its dent Obama plans to spend squeeze on defense and its more than 22 percent of assumption of ever-increas- GDP every single year of ing centralized bureaucratic his hoped-for two terms in office. In 2022, spending power. The headline number is will be almost 23 percent $4 trillion in alleged debt of GDP. The increase in reduction over 10 years. spending that we were told This figure includes about was an emergency response $1 trillion for the wind- to the recession becomes down of the wars in Iraq the new normal. The president wants to and Afghanistan that is happening regardless. Only chase the new spending in Washington do you take with almost $2 trillion in credit for cutting money you new taxes — higher taxes on were never going to spend. income, on dividends, on The budget gets some more capital gains and on sundry deficit reduction through other targets. Tax receipts

Beth Cossitt

Mark Boehler

business manager bcossitt@dailycorinthian.com

editor editor@dailycorinthian.com

Willie Walker

L.W. Hodges

circulation manager circdirector@dailycorinthian.com

press foreman

will double from $2.5 trillion to $5.1 trillion and hit a little more than 20 percent of GDP in 2022, well above the average since 1940 of 17.4 percent. While spending grows overall, defense gets cut back. It is the area that the Obama administration considers most deserving of a dose of Greek-style austerity. Overall security spending — a broad category that includes more than just defense — will go from 5.2 percent of GDP to 3.4 percent. At the same time we are told we are pivoting toward an Asia threatened by a rising China. The administration assumes the growth of Medicare will be kept under control by its king’s cure, the Independent Payment Advisory Board. The budget envisions investing the board with new powers and clamping down further on its goal for controlling Medicare. The experts populating the board are limited to cuts to providers that either won’t happen or will drive many of them out of the program. The bottom line is that even with the assumptions of healthy economic growth, of high taxes, of

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a peace dividend and of a ruthlessly efficient team of bureaucratic masters for Medicare, the debt picture is still bleak. On its own terms, the Obama budget would add another $11 trillion in gross debt, taking us to an astonishing $26 trillion. And that’s if nothing goes wrong. This budget won’t be passed by Congress or even the Democratic-held Senate, because Democrats got out of that business. President Obama inveighs against a do-nothing Congress even though his own party hasn’t passed a budget in the Senate, as required by law, in more than 1,000 days. His chief of staff, Jack Lew, asserted the other day that Democrats can’t do it because Republicans won’t let them get 60 votes — when all they need is 51. Given how much worse he looks whenever he puts something down on paper, the president should himself take the next logical step and stop offering budgets altogether. Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review. He can be reached via e-mail: comments.lowry@nationalreview.com.

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Editorials represent the voice of the Daily Corinthian. Editorial columns, letters to the editor and other articles that appear on this page represent the opinions of the writers and the Daily Corinthian may or may not agree.

Daily Corinthian • Thursday, February 16, 2012 • 5

State Legislature adopts new House passes bill to limit budgeting rule change the attorney general’s power BY EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS Associated Press

JACKSON — Mississippi legislators have set a new budget-writing rule, but only after arguing about whether it increases accountability or limits most lawmakers’ power to boost spending on education and other programs. Senators voted 32-16 Wednesday to adopt the Legislature’s joint operating rules for the fouryear term that started last month. The House approved the rules 72-48 Monday. Republicans now control both chambers, and Republican leaders pushed the budget-writing change. Before this term, Republicans controlled the Senate and Democrats controlled the House.

During rocky economic times the past few years, House and Senate leaders were frequently at odds over how much money to spend and how much to leave in various accounts that make up the state’s financial reserves. Republicans often accused Democrats of wanting to deplete the savings accounts, while Democrats often accused Republicans of underfunding education, health care and other state services. Under the new budget rule, any legislator who wants to add money to a state program must say specifically which other agency’s budget they’d cut to find the extra cash. The legislator could not request that additional money be pulled from financial reserves, even if there are hundreds of

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millions in reserve. Mississippi was already required to have a balanced budget each year. Supporters of the new rule say it will bring more accountability by requiring lawmakers to keep numbers in balance throughout the budget-writing process, not only at the end. “The vote today was about fiscal responsibility,” Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday. Writing a state budget takes months, and the numbers often change before a fiscal year begins each July 1. Depending on the condition of the economy, budget writers can increase or decrease the estimate for the amount of money that can be spent.

BY JEFF AMY Associated Press

JACKSON — The Republican-led Mississippi House voted 59-55 Wednesday to pass a bill limiting the powers of the Democratic attorney general. Proponents say agency heads need to be able to hire outside lawyers without Attorney General Jim Hood’s approval when they have conflicts with Hood. The bill would also require all outside legal contracts be filed with a state board, and require the board to approve contracts worth more than $100,000. It’s the second time in a week that the House has debated the proposal. The bill considered last week failed because it violated parliamentary rules. House Judiciary A

Chairman Mark Baker, R-Brandon, said the bill keeps Hood from imposing his views on other agencies. He and other Republicans cited Hood’s failure to sue over the federal health care law as one motivation, although Republicans have long complained that Hood gives legal work to Democraticleaning lawyers who support Hood. “The fact that Jim Hood elected to dictate the policy of the state of Mississippi by doing so is going to be fixed by this bill,” Baker said. Hood contends the bill is an unconstitutional dilution of his power as the state’s chief legal officer and has threatened to sue. “Our office has a 100 percent approval rating among state agencies we represent,” Hood said in a statement after the

vote. “Obviously, this is not about the quality of our lawyers. It is an unconstitutional attempt by the Republican leaders in the House to use state agencies to intervene and try to stop our office from pursuing claims against big drug companies, Wall Street bankers and BP.” Democrats largely supported Hood, although a few crossed party lines to vote with Republicans or sat out votes. “Everybody knows this bill is here to gut the authority of the attorney general,” said Rep. Willie Bailey, D-Greenville. “They want this bill to destroy the attorney general.” Baker denied any personal motive. “I would not have brought you a bill just to poke a stick in someone’s eye,” he said.

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6 • Thursday, February 16, 2012 • Daily Corinthian

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