Daily Corinthian E-edition Dec. 21, 2011 by Daily Corinthian

Wednesday Dec. 21,

2011

50 cents

Daily Corinthian Vol. 115, No. 303

2011 Christmas Basket Fund ‘A Community Tradition’

Basket fund donations still accepted The spirit of giving this Christmas season is alive and well in the Alcorn County area. Donations continue to arrive for the 16th annual Corinth Rotary Club/Daily Corinthian Christmas Basket Fund. A $25,000 fundraising goal was set so 1,100 food baskets could be given to local families on Saturday, Dec. 10. It was a record number of baskets and the community has responded in a big way. Baskets were given away based upon the faith the goal would be reached and the faith has now turned into fact with the goal not only being reached, but surpassed. So far $26,755 has been raised. Donations include $130 from the Hillandale Womens Golf Association. Donations will continue to be accepted through Christmas Day and are a perfect time to make a tribute to a loved one. Contributions to the Christmas Basket Fund can be made “in honor of” or “in memory of” a special person or persons. The tribute will be published in the Daily Corinthian. Donations can be brought by the newspaper office or mailed to: Daily Corinthian, Attn.: Christmas Basket Fund, P.O. Box 1800, Corinth, MS 38835.

Three new supervisors attend class BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

A trio of new Alcorn County officials have attended a program to learn about the roles and responsibilities of public servants. Newly-elected Alcorn County Supervisors Lowell Hinton (district 1), Dal Nelms (district 2) and Tim Mitchell (district 3), attended educational programs at the recent County Supervisor’s Orientation in the state capitol on December 13 and 14. Hinton, Nelms and Mitchell won county supervisors’ seats in the November 8 general election. “County Supervisors have a great deal of responsibility, and there is a lot of new information to absorb,” said Derrick Surrette, executive director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors. Surrette said the program helps educate newly elected supervisors about the legal and financial responsibilities of their office. Coordinated by the Mississippi Association of Supervisors and the MSU Extension Service’s Center for Governmental Training and Technology, the orientation is held after every election cycle, with additional programs held throughout the year. The year-end session is a primer to give county superviPlease see SUPERVISORS | 5A

Morning rain Today

Tonight

• Corinth, Mississippi • 24 pages • 2 sections

NTSB issues final report on fatal Alcorn plane crash

Pilot had history of flying into adverse weather BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

The pilot’s flight into known bad weather and an air traffic controller’s failure to provide precipitation information are cited in the National Transportation Safety Board’s final report on the fatal October 2010 plane crash in Alcorn County. The pilot also had a history of flying in adverse conditions, according to the report. The crash claimed the life of pilot James W. Judson Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth, both of the Atlanta area. The NTSB’s probable cause determination, made public this week, cites “the pilot’s continued flight into known adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller’s failure to provide precipitation information to the pilot as required.” The plane, a small Beachcraft Bonanza, broke apart about 9:54 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2010, and crashed in the southwestern edge of Alcorn County in the sparsely populated area of the Eaton farm, leaving a path of debris over about 10 miles, with some pieces found on the

Daily Corinthian file photo by Mark Boehler

A thunderstorm system moves across Alcorn County about noon on Oct. 26, 2010, two hours after a small airplane broke apart above Alcorn County. This wing was found in a field in the southwestern edge of Alcorn County in the sparsely populated area of the Eaton farm. south side of Corinth. The NTSB report states the 52-year-old pilot contacted the flight service station controller to file an instrument rules flight

plan. The briefer asked the pilot, “Do you require the latest adverse [weather] conditions?” The pilot replied, “No, that’s why we are getting out of here.”

Before ending the call, the briefer asked, “… you did say you had the adverse conditions?” The Please see CRASH | 2A

This ‘job’ involves luck

Retiree enters 175 sweepstakes a day BY BOBBY J. SMITH

Staff photo by Bobby J. Smith

bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

For a 65-year-old Prentiss County man, entering sweepstakes is more than just a hobby. “It’s a job for me,” said Ken Pugh. “I worked all my life. After I became disabled, I nearly went crazy with nothing to do — and this became my job.” In his upstairs home office in the Osborne Creek community, Pugh enters over 175 sweepstakes each day through the website sweepstakestoday. com. He has been spending between two and three hours each day playing the sweeps for more than half a decade, and his dedication has paid off. “I can’t tell you how many things I’ve won,” he said. “Over the past five years I have won in excess of $70,000.” His biggest wins include a 2007 CTS-V Cadillac with a suggested retail price of $52,000. In 2011 alone, Pugh has won over $5,800 worth of prizes, enough to fill a page in his winnings logbook. What’s the best thing about

Sweepstakes winner Ken Pugh sits in a place of pride in his home office, next to the computer he uses to enter over 175 sweepstakes each day.

the sweepstakes way of life? “The opportunity to have a dream of winning something major. But the little prizes along the way just encouraged me to enter more sweeps. I appreciate the little wins that give you en-

couragement to keep entering during the dry spells. But when you do win a major prize for a few minutes I am just thrilled to death,” he explained. His sweepstakes winnings have also given him the op-

portunity to add to his income. He often sells some of his prize items on eBay. Other times, he gives his winnings away as gifts to his family. Please see PUGH | 5A

‘Mississippians II’ showcases state’s famous folks BY MARK BOEHLER editor@dailycorinthian.com

When one thinks Mississippi, how many famous people come to mind? For those who can name quite a few or the person who would like to know more — the answer rests in the new coffee-table book just out in time for Christmas — “Mississippians II.” Updated, expanded and revised, the large, colorful, 416-page piece of second edition class features 300 photographs and profiles over 150 new famous, notable, extraordinary and little-known people from the Magnolia State.

“Mississippians II is a tribute to the extraordinary talent that has sprung up in this state,” said Editor Neil White via news release when the book was released by Nautilus Publishing Company of Taylor, Miss. in mid-November. “I challenge anyone to point to another state with so many talented entertainers, athletes, writers and entrepreneurs.” The book features an Alcorn County twist with blues guitarist Jimbo Mathus, “The Whiskey Speech” author Noah “Soggy” Sweat, opera singer Ruby Elzy and journalist/author Curtis Wilkie.

Index Stocks...... 7A Classified......5B Comics......4B Wisdom......3B

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

Mathus grew up in Corinth and is best know as being ringleader of the Squirrel Nut Zippers. An owner of a studio in Como, his current band is The Tri-State Coalition. The late Sweat was a former attorney, judge, law professor, state representative and founder of the Mississippi Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center. The Corinth native was best known for the prohibition speech he delivered in 1952 on the floor of the state legislature. Mathus is part of the Music chapter that includes the names of 3 Doors Down, Faith

Hill, Charley Pride, Jerry Lee Lewis, Leann Rimes, Bobbie Gentry, Tammy Wynette, Muddy Waters, Mickey Gilley, Jimmie Rodgers, Conway Twitty, W.C. Handy, Ace Cannon and Lance Bass of ‘N Sync — just to name a few. Sweat is the first person listed in the Colorful Characters chapter, joining the names of Elvis fan Paul McLeod, actor Boyce Holleman, coach Jackie Sherrill, bootlegger Motee Daniels and former Oxford mayor John Leslie. Elzy spent some of her ear-

On this day in history 150 years ago Southern newspapers were enthusiastically predicting war between the United States and Britain over the “Trent Affair.” Congress creates the Navy Medal of Honor, forerunner to the nation’s highest award for military valor.

Please see BOOK | 2A

Local

2A • Daily Corinthian

Community Events Holiday garbage schedule

will be picked up Tuesday, Jan. 3.

■ Alcorn

County has set its garbage collection schedule for the upcoming holiday weeks. The routes that would normally run on Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday, Dec. 23, will both be collected on Thursday, Dec. 22. The routes for Monday, Dec. 26 and Tuesday, Dec. 27, will both be collected on Tuesday, Dec. 27. For New Year’s, the Dec. 29 and 30 routes will both be collected on Dec. 29 and the Jan. 2 and 3 routes will both be collected on Jan. 3. ■ The Corinth Street Department’s holiday pickup schedule will be as follows: Friday, Dec. 23 garbage will be picked up on Thursday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Dec. 26 garbage will be picked up Tuesday, Dec. 27; and Friday, Dec. 30 garbage will be picked up Thursday, Dec. 29 and Monday, Jan. 2 garbage

Blood drive The following local blood drive is being held: Wednesday, Dec. 28 — 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Corinth Coke/Refreshment, 601 Washington Ave., Bloodmobile.

Marines helping Marines Once a Marine, Always a Marine Detachment 1331 of the Corinth Marine Corps League’s is having its Christmas meeting, Thursday, Dec. 22 at Martha’s Menu in Corinth at 6 p.m.

Pickin’ on the Square The Hatchie Bottom Boys will be at Pickin’ on the Square, Thursday, Dec. 22. Pickin’ on the courthouse square has moved to a new location for the winter months to the old

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

CRASH: Pilot subscribed to a satellite weather service, but it is unknown if system in use at time provided to the pilot about the precipitation depicted on the controller’s display, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration.” The pilot subscribed to a satellite weather service, but it is unknown if the system was in use at the time of the accident. The report also notes the pilot had substantially damaged airplanes during encounters with adverse weather on at least two prior occasions. The accident airplane had undergone repairs due to stress in 2007, with stabilizer assemblies, wing skins and belly skin replaced. “According to the owner/operator of the repair facility, this was the second airplane that the pilot/owner had brought to him for repair after flying through ‘heavy’ weather,” the report states. “The second airplane was brought to the facil-

CONTINUED FROM 1A

East Corinth School auditorium, corner of Third and Meeks Streets. Admission is free but a donation is taken for heating expenses to be able to get into a good warm place for the winter months. Pickin’ starts at 7 p.m. every Thursday night.

pilot replied, “Yes, I do.” NTSB could not determine what information the pilot had obtained prior to the telephone call and the departure. The airplane left the Olive Branch Airport about 9:25 a.m. en route to Dekalb-Peachtree in Atlanta. The plane climbed to 14,800 feet and was last seen by radar at 13,900 feet. Interpolation of the last two radar targets indicate a 4,800-feet-per-minute rate of descent. A thunderstorm that prompted tornado warnings was moving through Alcorn County at the time of the crash. The NTSB probable cause report states that “the controller who handled the airplane only provided the accident pilot with a 20-minute old pilot report from an airplane not in the vicinity of the accident. No other information was

Reception set today A Retirement Reception honoring Alcorn County Tax Collector Greg Younger is being held today from 2-4 p.m. at the Alcorn County Courthouse, 2nd floor, small courtroom.

Christmas dinner A Christmas dinner is being served on Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25 at the 1st Monday Flea Market, Traders Inn Restaurant in Tippah County. Meals will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food preparaPlease see EVENTS | 5A

ity within 30 days of the first.” One airplane could not be repaired. “I worried about [the pilot] for two years,” the repair facility owner told NTSB. “He was doing better and I started to quit worrying.” The investigation found the crashed plane’s fractures were consistent with overload failure or impact, and there was no evidence of a pre-accident mechanical malfunction. The main separation point was at the wing spar carry-through. During his time in Alcorn County, investigator Brian Rayner said he had never seen such a widespread area of debris. The deceased couple had been to Memphis, Tenn., to see their daughter compete in a golf tournament. James Judson Jr. was a successful businessman in the Atlanta area.

BOOK: Those with Crossroads area connections include newspaper columnist Johnson and author Wilkie CONTINUED FROM 1A

lier years in Corinth. The opera singer died at the age of 35 and “though often overlooked in history, Elzy paved the way for African American singers,” according to the book. She is part of the interesting Little-Known Mississippians chapter, joining composer Milton Babbitt, reality television creator Jonathan Murray, war hero Lawrence “Rabbit” Kennedy, trailblazer Minnie Cox, child actor Eddie Hodges and football play-

er Deacon Jones, among others. Wilkie, a Corinth High School graduate, spent 26 years with the Boston Globe and has written several books, including the recently released “Fall of the House of Zeus.” There are others with Crossroads area connections, such as current Tishomingo County resident Rheta Grimsley Johnson, who appears in the Journalists chapter. A newspaper columnist for 30 years, Johnson’s syndicated column ap-

pears in over 50 newspapers, including the Daily Corinthian. She is also a book author. Wilkie and Johnson are part of the Journalists chapter, which also includes Fox News Anchor Shepard Smith, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, William Raspberry of The Washington Post, Turner Catledge of the New York Times and Dan Goodgame of Time magazine, among others. The book begins with an Iconic Mississippians chapter with famous

names such as Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, B.B. King, Morgan Freeman, Jim Henson, John Grisham, Jimmy Buffett, James Earl Jones and Archie Manning — among others. From there, it’s separated into Movies, Television and Stage; Sports, Music, Writing and Literature; Visual Artists; Innovators and Visionaries; Entrepreneurs; Journalists; Social Reformers; Little-Known People to Watch; and the Colorful Characters.

For those pondering any people worth mentioning who haven’t got notice, the editor writes of a “III” version in the book’s first pages. “’Mississippians’ showcases our extraordinary citizens through the lenses and pens of some of our state’s top writers and photographers. But we are just beginning,” writes White, the book editor. “We will expand and update the publication periodically. We realize hundreds of Mississippians living exceptional lives

are waiting to be photographed and profiled. And we know that extraordinary Mississippians are yet to be discovered.” White encourages people to nominate folks for the next edition. (For more information on “Mississippians II”, visit www.mississippians.com, contact info@ nautiluspublishing.com or call 662-513-0159. Nominations for future books may be submitted at the web site or info@ mississippians.com. The book retails for $49.)

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3A • Daily Corinthian

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Deaths W.R. Parker Funeral services for W.R. “Adam” Parker, of Corinth, are set for 1 p.m. today at McPeters Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Alan Parker and Bro. Jonathan McGhaugh officiating. Burial will be at Brigman Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Parker died Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at the MS Care Center. Born March 21, 1922, he served his country honorably and fought in World War II. After returning home, he worked in construction and farmed. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, raising chickens, turkeys, ducks and especially dog trading. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Nuel Fowler Parker; one grandchild, Valerie Rose Parker; four brothers, Ed, Conner, James and O.C. Parker; and one sister, Mildred Perry. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Mary McCalister Parker; two daughters, Martha Davis and Kathy Parton (Milton); four sons, Billy Parker (special friend Marilyn), Jewel Parker (Brenda), Jerry Wayne Parker (Cathy) and Steve Parker; two sisters, Flora Mae Campbell (Jim), and Libby Mae Marlar (Clifton); one brother, Raffuel Parker (Lonnie); 14 grandchildren; 25 greatgrandchildren; several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Visitation began Tuesday and continues today from 11 a.m. until service time.

Mary Frances Young Rorie RIENZI — Funeral services for Mary Frances Young Rorie, 79, are set for 1 p.m. Thursday at Magnolia Funeral Home Chapel of Memories with burial at Rorie Family Cemetery in Rienzi. Mrs. Rorie died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville. Born Feb. 15, 1932, she was a homemaker. She was a member of Hinkle Creek Holiness Church. She was preceded in death by her husband

Alton Ray Horton Alton R. Horton, 86, of Corinth, died Tuesday at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Services for Mr. Horton will be at McPeters Funeral Home Chapel, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, 11 a.m. with Military Honors. Burial will follow in the Forrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday at McPeters Funeral Directors from 5 until 8 p.m. Officiating Bro. Merl Dixon and Minister Brad Dillingham. Mr. Horton retired form the United States Postal Service and prior was the owner of the Horton Grocery Store on Proper Street. He enjoyed attending Sharing Hearts at the First Baptist Church. Mr. Horton was an avid high average bowler and loved fishing. He also enjoyed working his shop repairing lawn mowers, wood work and especially working in the yard. He was a member of the Strickland Church of Christ and a veteran of the United States Army, during WWII. Mr. Horton is preceded in death by his wife, Opal S. Horton; a daughter, Donna Ray Horton Shults; two brothers, Bill Horton and Buford Horton; a sister Rachael Williams. Survivors include his two daughters, Paula Ann Horton and Shirley Horton Curtis (Cokey) both of Corinth; two brothers, Waymon Horton (Geraldine) of Memphis, TN; Bobby Horton of Tasmania, of 55 years, Bro. Staton Sanford Rorie; a son, Gary Rorie; a daughter, June Rorie; a granddaughter, Krystle Braden; her parents, Eirvin and Hayden McNeil Young; three brothers, Willie Ed Young, Hubert Young and Phillip Young; and two sisters, Evelyn Holder and Maurine Dempsey. Survivors include a son, Kerry Rorie (Tammy) of Rienzi; a daughter, Jean Braden (Bro. Johnny) of Prattville, Ala.; eight grandchildren, Niki Harris (Cory), Misty Rorie, Tiffany Rorie, Kayla Rorie, Matthew Rorie, Chastity

Australia; Hoyt E. Horton (Shirley Allen) of Corinth; his grandchildren, Jenny Young, Denise Tucker, and Jacqueline Wheelington; great-grandchildren, Savannah Young, Katy Tucker and Wesley Vick. Condolences may be made to mcpetersfuneraldirectors.com

Raymond Moore Raymond “Ray” Moore, 81, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2011 at NMMC, Tupelo, MS. He was born April 26, 1930 to the late John and Minnie Burcham Moore in Rienzi, MS. Visitation was Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS and service will be at Fairview Baptist Church Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 11 a.m., officiated by Dr. Olan Burcham, Pastor of Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Phil Campbell, AL and assisted by grandson, Cameron Moore. He will lie in state one hour prior to the service. A private burial for relatives only will follow in Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS. Mr. Moore was a member of Sardis Primitive Baptist Church, Rienzi, MS. He was a past president of East Columbus Lions Club and American Welding Society. Mr. Moore served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Northeast Mississippi Community College and attended the Uni-

Brown (Derrick), Patricia Thomas (Johnny, and Joshua Braden; 10 greatgrandchildren; a sister, Opal Dean Isaacs of Elizabethtown, Ky.; other relatives and a host of friends. Bro. Johnny Braden will officiate. Visitation is today from 5 until 8 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. until service time at Magnolia Funeral Home.

Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Friday at the Booneville Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Jacinto Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 5 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Booneville Funeral Home.

Geneva Bates

Funeral services for Patricia Ann Smith, 62, of Corinth, are set for 11 a.m. Friday at Cypress Creek MB Baptist Church. Mrs. Smith died Sun-

BOONEVILLE — Geneva Mae Davis Bates, 80, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at here home.

Patricia Ann Smith

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IUKA — Graveside funeral services for Mary Magalene Whitehurst, 77, are set for 2 p.m. Thursday at Oak Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Whitehurst died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at her residence. She retired from Tishomingo Shoe Company after 32 years of employment. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mable Simpson; five brothers; and two sisters. Survivors include three daughters, Kristi McGuff (Denny), Donna Williams (Floyd), and Patricia Bendall, all of Iuka; two brothers, Lawrence Simpson of Iuka, and Wayne Simpson of Savannah, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Floyd Williams Jr., Blake McGuff and Camryn McGuff, all of Iuka; and two great-grandchildren. Visitation is today from 4 until 9 p.m. at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Cutshall Funeral Home-Iuka is in charge of arrangements.

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day, Dec. 18, 2011, at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Born Sept. 3, 1949, she was a CNA. She was a member of Kingdom Christian Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle Brown Tall and Nevada Tall Sr. Survivors include her husband, James Smith; two sons, James Tall and Andrey Tall (Chenika); one sister, Paulette Sander (Fred); four brothers, James Irons, Nevada Tall Jr., Darryl Tall and James R. Tall; and two grandchildren, Travon McMill-

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er and Zyrterra Speers. Rev. Freddie Patterson will officiate. On Thursday the viewing will be held from 2 until 6 p . m . a n d f a m ily hour will be h e l d from 6 until 8 p.m. at KingSmith d o m Christian Center. Patterson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

versity of Tennessee. Mr. Moore retired from Young Radiator and Welding Supply after 38 years in the industrial welding equipment and industrial and medical gases supply. He taught welding at EMCC based on his broad knowledge of the business. In addition to his parents, Mr. Moore is preceded in death by his brother Ernest Moore. Mr. Moore is survived by his wife of 60 years - Jean Moore, Columbus, MS; sons - Curtis E. Moore, Columbus, MS; Gerald (Kathie) Moore, Millport, AL; grandchildren - Sheri Moore Gonzales, Bossier City, LA; Leigh Ann Moore Nabors, Caledonia, MS; Drew Moore, Oxford, MS; Cameron Moore, Starkville, MS; three great grandchildren; sisters - Edith Hughes Johnson, Rienzi, MS; and Erra Mills, Keller, TX. Pallbearers are Bob Ward, Don Clardy, Charles Reed, Bobby Ward, Johnny Frisby, and Joe Atkins. Honorary Pallbearers are McDonald’s Coffee Club, Paris Tilghman, Terry Norwick Nordquist, Charles Ruff, Jimmy Orr, M.P. Biddy, Jim Foust, Marcus Stone, Bill W. Vernon, Wayne Clements, Ralph Blackstock, Donald Henry, and Jim Noles. Memorials may be made to Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703 or Sardis Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Elder Cecil Woodruff, 466 County Road 306, Corinth, MS 38834.

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Opinion

Reece Terry, publisher

Mark Boehler, 4A • Wednesday, December 21, 2011 editor Corinth, Miss.

Local Views

Big media wrangles over God . . . again Media has created a lot of buzz lately about God. Everything from Tim Tebow to the perennial war on Christmas and holiday trees has been in the news the past few weeks. I counted no fewer than three featured articles in a recent Daniel L. Gardner Sunday New York Times related to God. Columnist Of course God has been a mainstay in GOP politics. After all, God is a Republican isn’t He? That reminds me of a poignant rejoinder in the book of Joshua chapter 5 and verses 1315: “Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, ‘Are you for us or for our adversaries?’” “And he said, “No . . .” (Now that’s poignant!) “Rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the Lord.” Joshua learned a valuable lesson: Sometimes we presume way too much when we ask either/or questions. In the last two verses Joshua bows down and removes his sandals because the “captain of the host of the Lord” told him he was standing on holy ground. As mere humans we often want God to be “on our side.” How foolish is that? Is God on Tim Tebow’s side? Does God root for the Denver Broncos or actually perform miracles so the Broncos can win? Please! I doubt Tebow has ever said God was on his side, but more likely he has said he was on God’s side. Claims like that infuriate atheists like Bill Maher who’s mocked and criticized Tebow for his prayer-like poses after scoring touchdowns. For those who don’t follow sports, Tebow is quarterback for the Denver Broncos, son of missionaries, Heisman Trophy winner and expressive Christian who has unexpectedly — some say miraculously — led the Broncos on a six-game winning streak. Bill Maher is a comedian wannabee who mocks all things Christian. But still, why all this buzz about God? I understand the God-religion issues in the GOP. Democrats don’t have to worry about God-questions. The Rev. Jeremiah Wright posed no serious threats to President Obama’s candidacy. Religion is a big “value” among the GOP faithful. If God of the Bible is real — and I believe He is Who He says He is in the Bible — then shouldn’t true believers behave more like stricken Joshua who just encountered the “captain of the host of the Lord?” I mean, what else could possibly matter? Christians are as fallible as anyone else, maybe even more so. At least, I know I’ve failed way more than my fair share of the time. Want to mock Christians? Go ahead! We’re very mockable. But, God isn’t. And, that’s the point progressive media pundits haven’t grasped. As we approach Christmas, I hope everyone will reconsider God and His “good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people . . . a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Daniel L. Gardner is a former Corinth resident who now lives in Starkville. He may be contacted at Daniel@DanLGardner.com, or visit his website at http://www.danlgardner.com.

Worth Quoting Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. — Mother Teresa

Prayer for today Living Christ, dwell with us on our journey of faith, and never let us take you for granted. Amen.

A verse to share He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. — Luke 1: 32-33

Reece Terry publisher rterry@dailycorinthian.com

‘Applying While Asian’ to the nation’s colleges ent and kid knows: To check or not to Asians are discrimicheck the Asian box? nated against in the That is the pointed admissions process. choice faced by AsianThey are disadvanAmerican students taged vis-a-vis other applying to gain adminorities and permission to what are Rich haps vis-a-vis whites. supposed to be the Lowery The Center for Equal most tolerant places Opportunity, a think on Earth, the nation’s National colleges. Review tank opposed to racial preferences, in a The Associated 2005 study looked at Press ran a report on Asian students of mixed a male applying to the Uniparentage checking “white,” versity of Michigan from in if possible, on their ap- state who had no parental plications to avoid outing connection to the school. themselves as Asians. The If he had a 1240 SAT score Princeton Review Student and a 3.2 GPA, he had a 92 Advantage Guide counsels percent chance of admisAsian-American students sion if black and 88 percent not to check the race box if Latino. If white, he had and warns against sending only a 14 percent chance, and if Asian, a 10 percent a photo. In a culture that makes so chance. Thomas Espenshade, the much of celebrating ethnic heritage, especially of racial Princeton University acaminorities, and that values demic and co-author of the fairness above all, Asian- book “No Longer Separate, American students think Not Yet Equal,” examined they need to hide their eth- applicants to elite private nicity because the college schools with comparable admissions process is so grades, scores, athletic abilunfair. If African-American ities and family histories. motorists fear they will He concluded that whites be pulled over by the cops were significantly more for the phantom offense likely to get admitted than of “Driving While Black,” Asians. This accounts for what these kids worry about what will happen to them when must be the first mass effort of a minority group to “pass “Applying While Asian.” Studies have demonstrat- as white” since Jim Crow. ed what every Asian par- If nothing else, you can see

the emotional appeal of favoring black applicants over whites as a tiny, belated step toward making right a grave historical injustice. (Of course, the white applicants did nothing to deserve this mark against them.) But what have Asian-Americans ever done to anyone else? Do the sons and daughters of Asian immigrants immediately arrive on these shores and begin repressing Caucasians with their famously diligent studies and high test scores, such that the panjandrums of higher education must redress the imbalance with pro-white discrimination? All of this is done in the name of a “diversity” of a crude, bean-counting sort. The private California Institute of Technology doesn’t use quotas; its student body is 39 percent Asian. The University of California at Berkeley is forbidden by law from using quotas; its student body is more than 40 percent Asian. Only a bigot would believe that these schools are consequently worse learning environments, or that they are places characterized by monochromatic, lock-step thinking because so many students share a broadbrush ethnic designation. The author of “The Price

of Admission,” Daniel Golden, calls Asian-Americans “The New Jews,” a reference to the 20th-century quotas that once kept Jews out of top schools. The difference then was that Jews collectively didn’t stand for the policy, now a watchword for disgraceful bias. Stephen Hsu, a professor of physics at the University of Oregon and an outspoken critic of current admission practices, laments that Asians seem strangely accepting of the unfair treatment of their children. The official AsianAmerican groups tend to support anti-Asian quotas because they are captives of liberal orthodoxy before all else. The Obama administration’s misnamed Justice Department has joined with its wishfully named Education Department to urge schools to get creative in circumventing Supreme Court limits on affirmative action. It’s not quite “Asians need not apply,” only that they should expect their ethnicity to be used against them should it become known to the authorities. Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review. He can be reached via e-mail: comments.lowry@nationalreview.com.

Decorating for Christmas, wishing for fishmonger’s enthusiasm Most of my lights C O L O R A D O were lost in a move SPRINGS, Colo. — from Louisiana, but at Rooms always reach the last moment betheir full potential fore heading out West with Christmas trees I remembered the old in them. Before that, bubble lights in the they are missing Rheta Grimsley shed. If you thump something. Johnson them just right, the I sat late last night hot oil will bubble and stared at the Columnist for a few wonderful Christmas tableau minutes and take you I’d put together with a Sam’s card, bubble straight back to childhood. The day I was supposed lights that lost their bubble, consignment-store decora- to go into the forest to cut a tree with my sister and tions. And it was good. The little living room was our dogs and husbands, it shining. Artist Laura Reil- snowed. Westerners, if you ly’s nighttime painting of an want the truth, handle snow old downtown theater, The the same way Southerners Peak, and more ordinary handle mosquitoes. They objects gained an ethereal are used to it, all right, but not all that much better at glow. I’m in Colorado, a little coping. The live trees at Sam’s out of my element. But I love a Christmas challenge. Club were cheap but frozen. My decorations are back Tied up like a turkey, the home in Mississippi, all but tree’s limbs had to be pulled my favorites, anyhow, those one by one from its trunk. being the straw critters my The freeze-dried tree was old buddy Edwin Gray gives brittle and lost more than me each year. I hauled those a few needles during the across country, a Bambi’s process. But its shape was forest of dear friends riding good. I’d been stubborn about shotgun.

Beth Cossitt

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getting the tree at Sam’s. Quantities at that market make sense only for those who routinely feed a big family or a football team. For days I’d been pondering some purchase that would make my membership fee worthwhile. The tree helped my feelings. I won’t be feeding a crowd. I don’t yet know many people here. The ones I’ve met are friendly and resourceful. Two octogenarian neighbor women were both out shoveling snow last week. The young couple on the corner has an LSU flag and a big yellow dog that makes them seem like some kind of distant kin. In nearby Old Colorado City I’ve met an amazing photographer named Kathleen McFadden. She took a picture in Morro Bay, Calif., that hangs in her shop window and may be one of the best photographs I’ve ever seen. “Rhonda’s Trailer” shows us the humble home of a woman who works in a fish market unloading boats and cutting up fish.

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Rhonda shares the tiny travel trailer with her boyfriend, daughter and cat. The home on wheels is bedecked with more Christmas lights than you’d see at the Biltmore House. It speaks volumes. I miss my Mississippi and Louisiana friends, and I want them to have the best Christmas ever. I can almost see them. Jeanette and Johnelle are planning their family feast, I bet. Sue and Luke must have their perfect tree up and lights on all their shrubs. Bob has a bright-red artificial tree this year, I’ve heard, and Anne new wreaths on her doors. Barbara has the big cypress knee Santas on her steps. I’m out here wishing for a white Christmas, which I might just get, and for the enviable enthusiasm of a fishmonger named Rhonda. To find out more about Rheta Grimsley Johnson and her books, visit www. rhetagrimsleyjohnsonbooks.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 • Wednesday, December 21, 2011 • 5A

Local EVENTS CONTINUED FROM 2A

tion will be on Saturday, Dec. 24 from 6:30 a.m. to noon. Everyone is invited to join in the effort to show the sick, shut-ins and the less fortunate they are cared for. Ways to help include assisting in the preparation of the food on Saturday, Dec. 24; helping to serve food on Sunday, Dec. 25; bringing desserts to Traders Inn Restaurant on Christmas Eve by noon; or delivering food to shut-ins — if you would like to deliver meals, be at Traders Inn Restaurant by 10 a.m. on Christmas Day.

If you or someone you know would like to have Christmas dinner delivered, call 662-837-4051 or fax information to 662-837-7080.

Christmas sale The Corinth Artist Guild art gallery’s annual Christmas sale is open for Christmas shoppers. The guild beefs up its gift selection each year in November and December, offering a variety of inexpensive items that have local flavor and artistry. In addition to paintings and prints of the current featured artist are the works of many other artists from the surrounding area. There is also a great selection of pottery, jew-

elry, wood turnings and handmade fabric crafts. Gayle Moore’s scarves, children’s sweaters, dog sweaters and knitted baby caps are included. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Call 665-0520 for more information.

Mobile Mammography North Mississippi Medical Center’s Mobile Mammography Unit travels to area communities to provide convenient access to mammography services. The mobile mammography unit will be at the following location: Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 3-4 — NMMC-Iuka, 1777 Curtis Drive.

Appointments for all mammography services are scheduled in advance. To schedule a screening mammogram, call 662-377-7982 or 1-800-843-3375.

Helping Hands St. James Church of God in Christ, Home and Foreign Mission Center, 1101 Gloster St., Corinth is offering Helping Hands, Inc. Available services include non-perishable baby food, baby diapers and baby accessories. Hours of operation are every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Friday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call 662-512-8261.

SUPERVISORS: New, returning officials take oath of office Dec. 30 CONTINUED FROM 1A

sors a basic understanding of county government and its essential operations, explained Sumner Davis, interim leader of the Center for Governmental Training and Technology. “The December orientation is the initial training we provide to newly elected supervisors to help them prepare for the challenges they will face in these roles,” Davis said. The three new Alcorn County Supervisors — along with other new and returning county officials — will take the oath of office for the upcoming term in a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec.

30, at the courtroom of the Alcorn County Justice Center. Circuit Judge Paul Funderburk will lead the oath of office for each of the elected officials. The Mississippi Association of Supervisors is a non-political organization with the chief goals of promoting the opportunities

and resources available in Mississippi counties; providing a forum for the education and inclusion of all county officials; and promoting the interest and general welfare of the state so that its citizens may be better served. The Center for Governmental Training and

Technology — a unit within the Enterprise and Community Resource Development program area of the MSU Extension Service — has been a leader for four decades in the development and implementation of educational programs for local government officials.

PUGH: Most recent big win was VIP trip for two to golf tournament CONTINUED FROM 1A

An activity that for many may be no more than a lighthearted pastime — or a random whim — is a serious business for the west Prentiss County veteran. “I pay taxes on my winnings, but I still end up with more money in my pocket than I had,” Pugh said. His most recent big win was a VIP trip for two to the FranklinTempleton Shark Shootout Golf Tournament in Naples, Fla. Pugh and his wife, Sheila, took the trip — valued at $5,000 — in early December. Originally hailing Ken Pugh from Miami, Fla., Pugh and his wife have lived in the Osborne Creek community since 2003. Sweepstakes Today was launched on the web in March of 2004 and is one of the most popular online sweepstakes sites.

“I pay taxes on my winnings, but I still end up with more money in my pocket than I had.”

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6A • Wednesday, December 21, 2011 • Daily Corinthian

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