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Daily Corinthian Vol. 119, No. 172
• Corinth, Mississippi •
Humid Today
Tonight
94
73
0% chance of thunderstorms
18 pages • Two sections
Sales, tourism tax remain flat BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Sales and tourism tax collections were nearly flat in the latest reported month. While sales tax collections
across the state declined by 4.5 percent, Corinth managed a 0.4 percent increase with a sales tax diversion of $532,838.24, an increase of about $2,300 from a year earlier. The funds returned
to the city on or about July 15 reflect sales made in local establishments during the month of May. With only a couple of months remaining in the fiscal year,
Mobile game becomes sensation BY KIMBERLY SHELTON kshelton@dailycorinthian.com
Spreading like wildfire, Pokémon Go has become an instant sensation in the Crossroads area. The app was recently named the most popular mobile game in U.S. history. Developed by Niantic, the location-based augmented reality game has swept the nation by storm since its release on July 5. Parents and teachers are praising it as an excellent tool for keeping users out of trouble and off the couch, as well ascproviding a fun break from everyday stresses. Local parks, historical sites and landmarks have become extremely well visited as young and old are now taking to the streets in an attempt to find, locate and capture the elusive Pokémon. Corinth resident Cindi Bullard appreciates the unity the game has brought to the area. “My husband Greg and I recently joined others in playing Pokémon Go,” she said. “There were so many nice people of all ages and ethnicities walking around, talking to one another, giving advice and asking questions. It was refreshing to see.”
For the Daily Corinthian
SHILOH, Tenn. — Chris Mekow is a resourceful man. The Shiloh National Military Park ranger took two of his greatest passions in life — music and history — and turned them into successful careers. The 49-year-old spent most of the first half of his life as drummer, composer and back-up vocals for the popular rock ‘n’ roll band The Royal Court of China. During the 1980s, the vivacious group of young men produced at least two critically acclaimed albums, and opened shows for the likes of The Red Hot Chili
an increase for each of the last five months. The 2 percent tourism tax on food and lodging in the city endPlease see TAXES | 2A
Museum doors remain closed BY ZACK STEEN
“This county has tourism resources far beyond other counties, yet invests the least to market them. With more funds for an aggressive marketing campaign and a unified vision, Tishomingo County tourism can grow.”
zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
Photo compliments of the Corinth Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
Pikachu consults his Corinth Visitor’s mobile app in front of the tourism office in downtown Corinth. “I am so glad we live in a town where we can safely get out and walk around the courthouse square, seeing old friends and making new friends,” she continued. “Families were out together, laughing and having a good time.”
With more than 100 people regularly combing downtown Corinth, Bullard believes the game also presents an opportunity to teach children about local landmarks and historical Please see POKEMON | 2A
Rock band member becomes park ranger BY CAROL HUMPHREYS
the cumulative FY 2016 total of $5.27 million stands at a 2.2 increase over the prior year. Eight of a dozen area municipalities posted increases for the month. Corinth’s sales tax has posted
IUKA — Two months after the doors closed for good at the Old Courthouse Museum in Tishomingo County, former director Cindy Nelson is still upset she has to turn people away. “The summer months have always been big for us,” she said. “There’s normally lots of traffic and out-of-county visitors. We’ve been at the museum cleaning a few days and have opened the doors for a few visitors, but we know there are a lot we are missing, too.” Bill Gurley, president of the Tishomingo County Historical & Genealogical Society who oversees the countyowned museum, announced in June that the museum would close due to lack of stable funding. Gurley was among several society members who presented a proposal to the Tishomingo County Board of Supervisors last month. According to Gurley, for
Bill Gurley Tishomingo County Historical & Genealogical Society president the last 13 years the museum has been run by a volunteer staff. “Some of the key staff have worked full-time jobs while devoting their off-time to managing the courthouse business. Personnel to keep the facility open during weekPlease see MUSEUM | 6A
People of the Crossroads Shawn Arnold, Corinth Staff photo by Zack Steen
Shawn Arnold has an office, but he rarely stays in it. The owner of S&G Construction keeps the road hot while overseeing his crews on job sites throughout the region. “I go from crew to crew and from job to job, making sure everyone has what they need,” he said. “Then I go meet new customers and quote out new jobs.” He’s been in the construction business more than 20 years. “I started out working for Gary Austin, who soon became my father-in-law and before long he let me buy into the business,” said Arnold. Married to Shandall for 21 years, the couple have two grown children, Cullen and Avery.
Peppers. They also toured with well-known professional musicians like Joan Jett, The Kinks and Cheap Trick. RCC produced several records and recorded two movie soundtracks. In 1991, The Royal Court made rock ’n’ history by recording “Santa Claus is Back in Town” with the original members of Elvis Presley’s band. The song received heavy airplay on country music stations, and the RCC performed on many TV programs. Despite the renewed interest in the band, RCC broke up in 1992 and members went Please see MEKOW | 5A
25 years ago
10 years ago
Corinth’s 11-12 Babe Ruth All Stars defeat North Jackson for the state title.
Corinth High School graduate Kathleen M. Morrison, daughter of Russell and Nancy Morrison, is selected as a National Merit Scholarship Program winner.
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