Tishomingo County Sheriff’s office reports IRS phone scam.
Prentiss County NEMCC Hall of Fame seeks nominations.
Sports Howard means wins Limited Late Model race.
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Daily Corinthian
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Vol. 119, No. 191
• Corinth, Mississippi • 24 pages • One section
New U.S. rep declares faith BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
vStaff photo by Zack Steen
The West Corinth School off Lidden Street is being prepped for demolition this week. The school served students for more than 50 years before moving classes to the newly built Corinth Elementary School in October 2010.
Ex-students, teacher reflect on school to be demolished BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com
Once filled with children’s laughter and bright colored posters, West Corinth Elementary School is now rubbish. The school property is being
gutted this week to make way for the rebirth of the historic grounds underneath. West Corinth School first opened its doors to students in the mid-1950s and in September 1960, a young Jaylene Mc-
Crary Whitehurst started the first grade. “There are no words for how much the students and teachers from my years at West Please see SCHOOL | 2A
Newly elected U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly talked about issues and settling into his new role in the nation’s capital during a Corinth visit on Monday. Before the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and other interested parties at City Hall, the Saltillo resident and former district attorney for the First Judicial District said his job change has been a humbling experience. “I’m just a country boy,” he said. “I never dreamed of being where I am right now, and it’s overwhelming just to go, ‘Wow, I’m really here.’” Kelly, a Republican, said he aims to make sound decisions without getting caught up in partisanship. “Most things in life to me aren’t Democrat or Republican,” he said. “They’re not anything. They’re right and wrong. It’s just that simple, and you know the right thing to do when you pray and look for guidance, and I’m trying to do that.”
“I’m just a country boy. I never dreamed of being where I am right now.” Trent Kelly U.S. representative He took office in June after winning a special election. “I’m number 434 out of 434 right now,” said Kelly (there is currently one House vacancy). “I understand where my place is. With that being said, I love the House. By establishing relationships, by building trust and by letting people know that you care and have good ideas, you can make a difference through influence, not by the power that you have in your job.” Christian faith is one way he has aimed to make connections with others — he takes part in a Bible study and bipartisan prayer breakfast each week with Please see KELLY | 2A
Educational groups seek volunteer tutors BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
The mission is clear for several local organizations. Their focus is seeing children get the educational help they need. Only one problem stands in the way of success – more volunteers. “There are a lot of good organizations which do tutoring and mentoring,” said Terry Cartwright, member of the Dropout Prevention Committee of the Commission on the Future of Alcorn County. “We don’t need any more organizations tutoring, we need more volunteers to help kids.” Groups such as the Lighthouse Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Mississippi, Project Attention, LINK, Crosswind Ministry, Alcorn County School District, Corinth School District and Brothers Making A Difference all offer tutoring. “It’s obvious when kids need tutoring,” said Gary Caveness, Executive Director of the Lighthouse Foundation for nearly 20 years. “The younger the better … you can shape them at a younger age.”
“It’s obvious when kids need tutoring. The younger the better ... you can shape them at a younger age.” Gary Caveness Lighthouse Foundation “It is important the school does its part, but we also have to involve the whole community,” added Jay Walker, science and alternative education coordinator with the Corinth School District. “I see a lot of kids who benefit from mentoring and tutoring … relationships are being built.” Mentoring and tutoring are synonymous, according to the organizations. “They go hand-in-hand,” said Alcorn School District Director of Mentoring Tammie Ray. “Lives are changed and grades improved through both.” Please see TUTORS | 3A
Staff photo by Steve Beavers
Biggersville Ag instructor Ray Nash helps freshman Jebb Betts with a project. Nash was recently selected as the Mississippi Association of Vocational Agriculture Teacher of the Year.
Ray’s award shines light on students BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
BIGGERSVILLE — Ray Nash wasn’t beating his chest after being named teacher of the year. The Biggersville High School Ag Science instructor’s
thoughts were how it could help his students after receiving the Mississippi Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers award. Nash, a 1985 BHS graduate, was selected the third recipient
of the honor during an awards ceremony on July 30 in Raymond. “It was recognition for me, but more importantly, the kids Please see AWARD | 2A
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The Corinth Area Arts Council brings back the elegance and excitement of the 1890s with the Gay 90s Festival. Fund Drive Chairman Frank Roberson says the festival is focused on activities available in the period including live music, sports and art.
Corinth and Alcorn County school boards agree to keep the Alcorn County Basketball Tournament at the Crossroads Arena for three more years. The new contract comes after a successful first year for the tournament at the county-owned venue.
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