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Daily Corinthian Vol. 115, No. 295
• Corinth, Mississippi •
Sunny Today
Tonight
51
29
24 pages • Two sections
Overwhelming outreach
Christmas Basket Fund distributes record number of food packages BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
The generosity of giving reached a new high. Members of the Corinth Rotary Club along with volunteers from local high schools distributed a record number of Christmas baskets at the Crossroads Arena early Saturday morning. Community donations paved the way for 1,100 baskets to be dispensed in the 16th Annual Corinth Rotary Club/Daily Corinthian Christmas Basket Fund. Saturday’s distribution was 300 more than what was awarded last year. “We felt there was a bigger need this year and we made up our mind to meet it,” said basket fund chairman Ronnie Sleeper. Caterpillar kicked things off with a generous gift of $10,000 toward the $25,000 goal. As of Friday, $21,170 had been donated, leaving the fund $3,830 short of its goal. Rotarians along with volunteers braved the cool morning making sure those in need had a brighter Christmas. “I have been doing this for six years and just enjoy seeing the
2011 Christmas Basket Fund ‘A Community Tradition’
Staff photo by Steve Beavers
Volunteer Jennifer Stutts gets bread ready to be distributed during the 16th annual Corinth Rotary Club/Daily Corinthian Christmas basket giveaway. smile on their face,” said Ole Miss sophomore David Wilbanks.
Wilbanks talked friend, Jacob Prather, into coming for
his first time to the basket giveaway.
“I wasn’t going to turn him down,” said the Northeast sophomore. “It makes you feel good when you can help those less fortunate.” The high school number of volunteers was down due to ACT testing at Corinth High School. “The kids generally take it and run,” said Alcorn Central teacher Rebecca Lewis. Lewis, who along with AC teacher Becky Whittemore cosponsor the school’s Beta Club involvement in the event, says students went around to classes Please see BASKETS | 2A
Judges seek tighter security at courthouses BY JEBB JOHNSTON
jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Circuit and chancery judges for the first judicial district are calling for tighter courthouse security. The eight judges signed an order last week dealing with weapons, electronic screening, prohibiting items to be brought into the courtroom, and defining areas to be treated as part of the courtroom. The order cites a general need to address courthouse security for the protection of public employees and those involved in court proceedings, as well as the general public. Weapons are cited as a particular concern. The order specifies that courthouse lobbies, hallways, witness rooms and chambers are to be
Staff photo By Bobby J. Smith
Lanell Coln (right), program director of the Bingo Bunch, calls out another number.
Please see SECURITY | 3A
More than a game
‘Warm Neighbor’ Bingo Bunch brings chance for fellowship, fun provides help with heating bills BY BOBBY J. SMITH
bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com
On a sunny Thursday afternoon about 50 of Corinth’s senior citizens have gathered at Arby’s. Next to the Arby’s cups on every table, in front of each participant is a bingo card. This is the weekly gathering of the Bingo Bunch, a group of 55 and up area residents who come together each Thursday afternoon. By the front door stands Bingo Bunch program leader Lanell Coln. She spins the bingo cage and calls out letters and numbers as they fall into place. “T-52, T-52. Alright. B-12, B-12. We all need
BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
As the late fall and winter brings its chill, Corinth residents have an easy way to help neighbors stay warm. An opportunity to contribute to the Warm Neighbor Program comes every month with the bill from the Corinth Gas & Water Department. Information can be found on the back of the bill, and the contribution to the program can be sent in with the regular monthly payment. Screening for the program is handled by the Corinth Welfare Association, which is located upstairs at Corinth City Hall. “Normally, these are people that have had their hours cut or lost their jobs, and their income is Please see NEIGHBORS | 3A
Index Stocks...... 7A Classified......5B Outdoors....12A Wisdom......3B
Weather......5A Obituaries......3A Opinion......4A Sports....10A
Staff photo By Bobby J. Smith
Bingo Bunch members — including Rhebon Jones (left), pictured here in his lucky hat — meet at Arby’s every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. our B12 shots,” Coln says, interjecting some practical advice into her role as bingo leader. Bingo may be the of-
ficial reason for their gathering, but a few minutes spent with the Bingo Bunch reveals a fun-loving collection of people
who have met weekly at Arby’s over the last two years to enjoy each oth-
On this day in history 150 years ago A devastating fire swept through the business district of Charleston, S.C. Already experiencing shortages due to the Federal blockade, nearly half the city is destroyed and the future appeared bleak for the birthplace of the Confederacy.
Please see BINGO | 3A