Daily corinthian E-Edition 031312 by Daily Corinthian

Don’t forget to vote today! Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m Tuesday March 13,

2012

50 cents

Daily Corinthian Vol. 116, No. 62

Mostly Sunny Today

Tonight

• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • 1 section

Rodeo highlights ‘Cowboy Week’ BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

Staff photos by Steve Beavers

Corinth-Alcorn Chapter of Habitat for Humanity volunteer Sandy Williams (left) and chapter president Ronnie Essary (right) hand over the keys of a renovated home to James “Sonny” Johnson. Johnson’s home on Frazier Drive was recently renovated by Habitat for Humanity.

Golf tourney raises funds for Habitat for Humanity BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

The Corinth-Alcorn Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is teeing off to keep its ministry going. The Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament is set for April 28 at Shiloh Falls Golf Course

in Pickwick, Tn. “It takes about $25,000 for each project,” said Habitat for Humanity volunteer Chessica Harville. “To get the next one started, we need to have this tournament.” Cost is $200 a team for the four-team scramble. Includ-

ed in the entry fee is 18 holes of golf, cart, T-shirt, practice range balls and lunch. The field is limited to the first 35 teams. A putting contest will be held for $5. Hole sponsorships and volunteers are also needed for Please see HABITAT | 2

A week of rodeo and related events is coming up at Crossroads Arena. A series of activities will culminate with the Lone Star Rodeo on March 23 and 24. The city and county are getting involved, declaring it “Cowboy and Rodeo Week in Corinth.” All of the events will be free to the public except for the rodeo. “What we are trying to do is educate the general public about horse and horse-related activities,” said Bill Strickland, chairman of the arena board of directors. The Lone Star Rodeo has brought successful shows to the arena in the past, even selling out on occasion. “It’s a good family show,” said Strickland. Mayor Tommy Irwin will join the festivities at 7:30 p.m.

March 22 for horse rides with the mayor inside the arena. Children can get a free horse ride sponsored by the 4-H Horse Club and others. The week of events kicks off Saturday, March 17, at 9 a.m. with the United States Team Penning Association Regional Qualifying and Show produced by David Rainey. Team penner Hannah Rainey, a recent Mississippi State graduate, will be participating in cowboy and rodeo week. She recently participated in the National Western Stock Show in Denver, making the finals both nights. Following the penning event at 10:30 a.m. will be the Northeast Mississippi Cutting Horse Association Practice and Show in the big barn arena with Terry Cartwright and Danny Turner. March 20 brings the 4-H Horse Club Barrel Racing & Please see RODEO | 2

Corinth woman competes in Maurices Model Search BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

A Corinth woman is competing with girls from all over the country in the Maurices Main Street Model Search 2012. Chelsey Beavers, a 22-yearold nurse at Cornerstone Health & Rehab, is vying to become one of 12 Maurices Main Street Models. A regular shopper at Maurices in Corinth, Beavers learned about the contest while shopping on the clothing retail chain’s website during the holiday season. “I shop at Maurices all the time. I am constantly in the store. Around the holidays I was shopping online and saw the contest,” Beavers explained. “I uploaded my pic and then got the email saying I had to set up my website.” Since entering the contest, Beavers has been drumming

up support online through her Facebook site. In the current stage of the contest, voters help narrow the search to 100 contestants by voting online on the contest’s website. After the March 19 end of the voting period, contest organizers will reveal the top 100 contestants on March 20. “If I get into the top 100 I have to submit a video explaining why I should be the next Main Street Model,” Beavers said. On April 2 a judging panel will reveal the top 20 contestants, who will be brought to Minneapolis, Minn., for a casting call with a panel of judges that includes Christopher Straub from Season Six of Lifetime’s “Project Runway.” On April 23, the 12 winners of Maurices Main Street Model Search will be announced. Each of the 12 winners will

receive a photo shoot in one of three iconic destinations in the U.S. and national exposure at Maurices locations, the company’s website, mailers and social media; a $1,500 Maurices gift card; and $7,500 for a charitable organization. If Beavers wins the Main Street Model Search, she said the $7,500 will go to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. As a nurse, she has seen all the different types of sickness families must endure, and the children’s hospital is especially close to her heart. “Being a child when diagnosed with an illness, I understand how scary it is as a child to experience life-changing experiences, and being worried about finding a diagnosis, or if the treatment is going to work, or if the pain is ever going to go away,” she said. “St. Jude hits

home with me, and I would love to know that I was helping them in some way.” Another part of the contest is about connecting with “Main Street” — the contestant’s home town. While many people complain about living in a small town like Corinth, Beavers said, it will always be her home and dear to her heart. “My hometown doesn’t have all the most hip things to do, but it’s where I was raised and where my family and friends are,” Beavers said. “Corinth has made me appreciative of the simple things in life and made me appreciate my raising from my parents. I love Corinth being so small and knowing everyone by their first name.” She is the daughter of Danny Beavers and Becky Lattanvio. Vote for Chelsey Beavers in the Maurices Main Street Mod-

Visit w w w.mauricesmain streetmodel.com to vote for Corinth native Chelsey Beavers in the Main Street Model Search 2012. el Search by going to www. mauricesmainstreetmodel. com.

Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame inducts Churchwell into ranks BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

Submitted photo

Reggie Churchwell (right) brought Lucille Ball to Nashville in 1978 and packaged, promoted and produced the first Prime Time Network Television Special ever produced by a Nashville-based company. Churchwell will be inducted into the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame on April 14 in Jackson, Tenn.

Index Stocks........7 Classified......14 Comics...... 11 Wisdom...... 10

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

Reggie Churchwell has worked with the best in the music industry. The Milledgeville, Tenn., native will soon join the elite in the business when he is inducted into the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame in Jackson, Tenn. Churchwell, a 1959 graduate of Adamsville High School, is set for induction on April 14. He will become the first agent-managerpromoter to make the hall. “It was a surprise,” said the former Crossroads Arena manager. “I feel like there are people who deserve it more than I do.” Churchwell — manager of the Crossroads Arena from 2002 through 2009 — has run with the top performers in music and entertainment through the years. He has been a business partner with a pair of Rock-A-Billy leg-

ends in Carl Perkins and Elvis’ guitarist, Scotty Moore. “I have always tried to treat my line of work as a business,” said Churchwell. “Everyone has a role to play and mine was to get the stage ready and promote the show.” The McNairy County native, who played high school football with legendary sheriff Buford Pusser, first ventured into show business in 1962 when he managed magician Marquis the Great. It was from the magician that the promoter learned the valuable show business phrase, “The Flash Gets The Cash”, the title of his forthcoming book. “Contrary to what most believe, I have found the stars of the business to be regular people when you get down to it,” said the native McNairy Countian. Please see CHURCHWELL | 2

On this day in history 150 years ago March 13 — Major General Charles F. Smith, in command of the expeditionary force on the Tennessee River, arrives at Savannah, TN. Union gunboats Tyler and Lexington trades artillery fire with Confederates near Eastport, Miss.

2 • Daily Corinthian

Local/Region

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

CHURCHWELL: Promoter discovered “The Judds” in 1978 CONTINUED FROM 1

Staff photo by Jebb Johnston

Lee Bo Wilhite (from left), Hannah Rainey, Corinth Mayor Tommy Irwin, Alcorn County Supervisor Dal Nelms, Kathy Potts and Danny Turner recently gathered to proclaim March 17-24 as Cowboy and Rodeo Week in Corinth and Alcorn County.

RODEO: The weeks’ events will start on March 17 and end with the rodeo CONTINUED FROM 1

Show at 6:30 p.m. inside the arena with Kathy Potts. The public can also pick up some tips at a Horse Sense Seminar at 6:30 p.m. March 22 with Lee

Bo Wilhite, Hannah Rainey and Gary Hodum. Lone Star Rodeo is set for 7 p.m. on March 23 and 24. Tickets are $12 on March 23 and $12 and $15 on March 24. In addition to events

such as bareback bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing, the rodeo will feature Coppertown Clown Bert Davis & Muttley Crew, who appeared on the NBC show “America’s Got Tal-

ent.” Concessions will be open throughout the week and will serve “cowboy barbecue.” A portion of proceeds from the week will go to 4-H in Alcorn County.

Through the years, he has promoted festivals and giant concerts that drew thousands after learning the art of “big time” show promotion from fellow McNairy Countian, Lon Varnell. “I got into it one event at a time,” said Churchwell. “I always had a knack for the business and have enjoyed it.” Churchwell — now in Nashville working on his book — brought Lucille Ball to Nashville in 1978 and packaged, promoted and produced the first prime time network television special ever produced by a Nashville based company. The television special was titled “Lucy Comes To Nashville” and was licensed to and aired on CBS in November of that year. In late 1978 on amateur night at the Palomino club in North Hollywood, he discovered and brought

to Nashville a 14-year-old redhead and her mother. That redhead was Wynonna Judd and her mother, Naomi, then called “Hillbilly Women” before later becoming “The Judds.” Voted Event Producer of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) in 2001 and honored with its coveted Founders Award in 2002, he was selected to manage the Crossroads Arena in 2002. Because of his promotional skills, Churchwell was able to land shows that normally play in larger cities to come to Corinth prior to leaving in 2009. “All success comes from God,” said Churchwell. “The only thing we can depend on in life is change and we must be willing and able to adjust quickly and move on ... throw your heart at it and the rest of your body will follow.”

It’s Very Simple… You either vote for a Statesman, or for a Benedict! Why to vote for Henry Ross: -Won’t fund Obama’s big government programs -Will fight to stop ObamaCare, Planned Parenthood -Will fight to stop endless gov. borrowing, spending -Will fight for lower taxes, return to prosperity, jobs -Will take strong steps to rein in government -Conservative who will fight for less government

Why not to vote for Benedict Alan Nunnelee: -Voted to fund every Obama program -Votes funded ObamaCare, Planned Parenthood -Voted for $2.1 trillion debt ceiling increase -Voted for budgets adding over $2 trillion to debt -Called gov. shutdown reckless, irresponsible -Moderate big government compromiser

On March 13 , send a real Statesman to Washington as our United States Representative!

Staff photos by Steve Beavers

The Corinth-Alcorn Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is planning a golf tournament to help raise money to start a new chapter project.

HABITAT: $25,000 is needed CONTINUED FROM 1

the scramble. “This is the first time for us to have any type of fundraising event,” added Harville. “Money raised from the tournament will be the only way we can fund another home for a partner family.” Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat provides affordable housing for families in need. The ministry just recently helped 78 year-old James “Sonny” Johnson get back in his home on Frazier Drive. Johnson’s home was damaged following a kitchen fire in 2010. The homeowner, who didn’t have insurance, is back in his home thanks to the local chapter. “We worked out a deal where Habitat would provide the labor and Sonny would pay for the material through an interest-free loan,” said project coordinator Sandy Williams.

Johnson did a lot of the tearing out of the damage done to the three bedroom and bath house on his own. “They are wonderful and did a great job,” said Johnson, a retired construction worker, of the volunteers. “Our motivation was him wanting to get back home,” added Williams. Johnson’s home was in need of repairs to the walls, plumbing, roof, doors, cabinets and wiring among other things. “This was the most extensive renovation we have done,” said Williams. “We felt we were saving the community from another vacant, burned-out house.” “This is truly a blessing,” said Shirley Damons, Johnson’s daughter. “It has been so hard for him to be away from his home ... I am so thankful to Habitat for Humanity and everyone that saw fit to do this.” (Those wanting to make a tax deducible donation or enter the golf tournament can call 662415-4612.)

HENRY ROSS Paid for by “Concerned Citizens of Alcorn County”

Staff photos by Steve Beavers

Shirley Damons (left) and Habitat for Humanity volunteer Chessica Harville check out the renovated home of Damons’ father, James “Sonny” Johnson.

CORRECTION

In the Sunday edition of the Daily Corinthian, the ad for Henry Ross ran incorrectly. It should have stated as follows: Henry Ross -Will take strong steps to rein in government Alan Nunnelee -Called gov. shutdown reckless, irresponsible

Local

3 • Daily Corinthian

Deaths

Gracie Mae Downen

Arlo B. Milam

RIENZI — Arlo B. Milam, 85, died Sunday, March 11, 2012 at his residence. He was a native of Tishomingo County and was retired from General Motors. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in World War II. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, Marietta with Bro. Benny Milam officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont will be in charge of arrangements. Survivors are five children, Wanda Bozman, Dyersburg, Tn., Roger Milam, South Bend, In., Benny Milam (Faye) Corinth, Dretta Caballero (Larry) Calumet City, Il. and Mickey Milam, Rienzi; two brothers, Chester Milam (Norma Jean) and Jessie Milam (Martha); two sisters, Dorothy Anglin and Hilda Moore (Sonny); 12 grandchildren, David Robinson, Jeffrey Robinson, Lorena Smith, Dianna Milam, Dannis James, Sammy James, Olida Smith, Brenda Willis, Nina Woods, Leyna Jones, Christa Heiland and Audrey Milam; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two wives, Rumell Milam and Glenda Milan; five brothers, Eugene, Randy, James, Ray and A.E. Milam; and one sister, Linda Lane. Pallbearers will be Tiny Lane, Rodney Moore, Bobby Milam, Steve Mills and Timmy Milam. Visitation will be 5-9 p.m. tonight at Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont and he will lie in state 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church.

Laverne Wiggs

WALNUT — Funeral services for Myrtle Laverne Wiggs, 82, are set for 2 p.m. today at Brush Creek Baptist Church with burial in Brush Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Wiggs died Friday, March 9, 2012, at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Born July 30, 1929, she worked for Wurlitzer and Magnolia Hospital. She was a member of Brush Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin L. Wiggs, Jr.; her parents, Hosea and Wiggs Dovie Crum Wilbanks; a brother, Vance Wilbanks; and an infant son. Survivors include a nephew, Robert Wilbanks and wife Janet of Clio, Mi.; special cousins, Edna Hall of Michie, Tn., Marie Miles of Walnut and Girtie Hunt of Walnut; seven great nieces and nephews; and other relatives and a host of friends. Pallbearers are G.A. Voyles, Larry Murphy, Paul Mills, Jimmy Tate Waldon, John Stanley and Robbie Hunt. Bro. Carrol Talley will officiate. Visitation is 12:30 p.m. until service time today at the church.

Charles Null

Funeral services for Charles Null, 80, of Corinth, are set for 2 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday and from 11 a.m. until service time Thursday. All other arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Memorial Funeral Home.

Johnny Phillips

John Thomas “Johnny” Phillips, 87, died Monday, March 12, 2012 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. All other arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Magnolia Funeral Home.

Elsie Elizabeth Bingham

Funeral services for Elsie Elizabeth Bingham, 94, of Corinth, are set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hight Funeral Home with burial in Forrest Memorial Park Garden of Reformation. Ms. Bingham died Monday, March 12, 2012. She was born Dec. 27, 1917. Visitation is 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

MIDDLETON, Tenn. — Funeral services for Gracie Mae Downen, 96, are set for 2 p.m. today at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar, Tn. with burial in Bolivar Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Downen died Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Bolivar General Hospital. Born July 25, 1915, she was a homemaker and member of New Bethany Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Pope Downen; three brothers, Carl, Olion and Roy Marshall; and two sisters, Graple Howell and Virginia Johnson. Survivors include two daughters, Frances Evelyn (David) Pipkin of Middleton, and Linda Kay (Trent) Roberson of Walnut; a son, Edward Lee (Teresa) Downen of Memphis, Tn.; a brother, Edward Marshall of Tupelo; a half-sister, Mary Louise Davis of Middleton; four grandchildren, Alicia (William) Weaver, Susan White, Jason Pipkin and Jeremy Roberson; and seven great grandchildren. Dr. Milton Tucker will officiate. Visitation is 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Bonnie Jo Horne

BURNSVILLE — Funeral services for Bonnie Jo Horne, 73, are set for 4 p.m. today at Spirit and Truth Non-Denominational Church with burial in Harmony Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Horne died Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Born June 26, 1938, she worked at ITT for 20 years and was a member of Southwest Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Deanyer and Annie Hudson Johnson; a daughter, Teresa Garvin; five brothers, Wilmo Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Donald Johnson, Bobby Harold Johnson and Charles Johnson; and four sisters, Alma Cooper, Nettie J. Johnson, Mary Ethel Thacker and Lou Dodson. Survivors include four sons, Roger Walker of Burnsville, Randy Walker and wife Lisa of Burnsville, Harold Dodson and wife Laurie of Iuka, and Jonathan Horne and wife Letasha of Burnsville; three daughters, Jo Anne Grimes of Iuka, Donna Mock of Burnsville and Sarah Dodson of Burnsville; a sister, Myrtle Hamm of Iuka; 18 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren. Bro. Briggs King and Bro. Jimmy Daniels will officiate. Visitation is until service time Tuesday at the church.

SHARON, Tenn. — Memorial services for Vernon R. Claxton, 51, were held Sunday, March 11, 2012 at Crossroads Church. Mr. Claxton died Wednesday, March 7, 2012. He is survived by his mother, Elanor Davidson Claxton; a son, Brian Claxton of Eaton, N.Y.; two daughters, Ilyssa Claxton of Corinth and Valerie Marshall of Morrisville, N.Y.; and two brothers, Kenneth Claxton of Texas and Charles Claxton.

BY JEFF YORK For the Daily Corinthian

Tennessee farmers, farmers market managers, vendors and board members can enlist in a new “boot camp” scheduled in Jackson on March 28. The farmer’s market boot camp will focus on merchandising and effective displays, food safety issues and regulations, good agricultural practices, and sales tax exemptions and requirements. The boot camp will be conducted by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and UT Extension. Jackson’s boot camp will be held from 10 a.m.2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28. Selmer’s Farmer’s Market is located at 100

Front Street. The director is Sybil Dancer. She can be reached at (731-645-3866.) The West Tennessee Farmer’s Market is at 91 New Market St. in Jackson. “When you finish this ‘boot camp,’ you’ll be prepared to have a successful experience with your farmer’s market when this year’s produce season starts,” says Pamela Bartholomew, agritourism coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “Participants will receive consistent, accurate and up to date information, straight from the experts.” “As growers and makers of food that goes directly to the people who eat those foods, there’s a big responsibility to follow all the practices necessary to keep public confidence high in farm direct products.”

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Alice E. Scott

WALNUT — Funeral services for Alice Elizabeth Scott, 66, are set for 2 p.m. today at Oakland Baptist Church with burial in Oakland Church Cemetery. Mrs. Scott died Sunday, March 11, 2012, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Born August 30, 1945, she was a member of Oakland Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, W.L. Phillips and Sarah Allison Phillips. Survivors include her husband, Bryant E. Scott of Walnut; a daughter, April Buse (Randy) of Belmont; a grandson, Reed Buse of Belmont; and a brother, Bill Phillips (Barbara) of Oklahoma City, Ok. Bro. Micheal Wilbanks officiating. The body will be at Oakland Baptist Church by noon today.

“We also want farmer’s markets to be as attractive, functional, accessible and safe as possible,” says Bartholomew. “We hope the state’s farmer’s market community take this opportunity to attend the event.” The programs are free of charge, but pre-registration is required, and must be made five days prior to the scheduled session. Registrations can be made by phone or email. Emailed registrations should be sent to kamartinez@utk. edu and must include participant names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and total number planning to attend. To register by phone, call (931-486-2777.) A meal will be provided free of charge as part of the event. “Farmer’s markets are an

increasingly important economic link to Tennessee’s rural communities,” says Bartholomew, “Farmers take their products straight to the customer, and in return get to take the profit back home to their farms and communities. It’s a wonderful marketing opportunity, with nutritional, social and economic benefits for everyone involved.”

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Ronny Lynn Phifer

IUKA — Funeral services for Ronny Lynn Phifer, 54, are set for 4 p.m. today at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Mr. Phifer died Friday, March 9, 2012, at North Mississippi Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his father, N.C. Phifer; and his mother, Orgene Nelson Wilson. Survivors include two sons, Mack Phifer and Clint Phifer both of Iuka; a sister, Brenda Turner Dunigan of Calvert City, Ky.; and his step-father, Odester Wilson of Iuka. Bro. Keith Curtis will officiate. Visitation is 11 a.m. until service time today.

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Buddy Mars

IUKA — Funeral services for Lloyd F. “Buddy” Mars, 83, is set for 2 p.m. today at Cutshall Funeral Home with burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mr. Mars died Sunday, March 11, 2012, at Tishomingo Manor Nursing Home. He was a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and a lifelong farmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Virgie Mars; a brother, Gerald Mars; three sisters, Pauline Hendrix, Floy Schaffer, and Cora Mae Berryman; and a grandson, Nick Tubb. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Mars of Iuka; a son, Lloyd Shane Mars and wife Heather of Iuka; two daughters, Joyce Ann Tubb of Tupelo and Patty O’Neill of Iuka; two sisters, Ora Faye Wadkins and Annette Johnson both of Iuka; a granddaughter, Angela Skelton and husband David of Brentwood, Tn.; and four great grandchildren. Bro. Greg Woodruff will officiate.

‘Boot camp’ provides tips for farmer’s markets

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Opinion

Reece Terry, publisher

Mark Boehler, editor

4 • Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Corinth, Miss.

Romney may recapture upscale whites for GOP BY MICHAEL BARONE In the cold, gray numbers of election returns and exit poll percentages, a reader with some imagination can find clues to people’s deep feelings, their hopes and fears, their self-images and moral values. This is especially true in presidential primaries. In most general elections, 80 percent of voters vote for candidates of the party they prefer. In primaries, voters choose between specific individuals with greater differences in experience, background and character than on issues. So it has been in this year’s contests, featuring candidates most voters didn’t know much about and about whom their judgment has often shifted. The lead in national polls has changed 11 times since August. One constant factor in the 14 contests with exit polls is that Mitt Romney has tended to run best among high-income and high-education voters. His leading opponents — Newt Gingrich in South Carolina and Georgia, Ron Paul in Iowa, New Hampshire and Virginia, and Rick Santorum everywhere else — have run best among low-income and low-education voters. It is in the nature of political journalism that much attention is devoted to downscale voters. A question often asked is whether Republicans generally and Romney in particular can run well among blue-collar whites. Actually, Republicans have done pretty well with this group. In the dreadful Republican year of 2008, exit polls showed John McCain carrying non-college whites by 58 to 40 percent over Barack Obama. This year, Obama campaign strategists have signaled that they’re not targeting the folks that Obama, speaking to rich liberals at a San Francisco Bay area fundraiser, characterized as bitterly clinging to guns and God. They’re targeting the college-educated, the young and Latinos instead. There is little or no evidence that downscale whites have more positive feelings about Obama than they did then. They dislike Obamacare and the stimulus package. The affluent are another matter. Republicans have been losing ground with them since the 1990s. Non-Southern suburban counties whose big majorities delivered electoral votes to George H.W. Bush in 1988 have been trending to Democrats, as affluent suburbanites, especially women, were repelled by Republicans’ stands on cultural issues like abortion and by the increasing Southern and evangelical tone of the party. The four suburban counties outside Philadelphia, for example, voted 61 percent for Bush in 1988, and he carried Pennsylvania. In 2008, they voted 57 percent for Barack Obama, and he carried the state. Those latter figures are not etched in stone. The financial crisis and recession have switched voters’ focus from cultural issues to the economy. The gap between Obama’s proposed top tax rate of over 40 percent and the Republicans’ 28 percent is wider than any since the 1980s. The cold gray numbers tell us that Romney has an affirmative appeal to this constituency. He carried affluent Oakland County northwest of Detroit, where he grew up, by 31,565 votes. He carried the rest of Michigan by 413. In Ohio, he carried the mostly affluent vote in the counties containing Cleveland and Cincinnati by 31,682 votes — three times his statewide margin. I sense that affluent voters find Romney a kindred spirit — articulate but politically awkward, self-disciplined and successful, able to make a sharp argument but polite. He’s conservative on cultural issues, but in a way that reminds me of the 18th century Englishwoman’s gravestone noting that “she was religious without enthusiasm.” Will Romney’s appeal to high-education and high-income voters carry over to the general election, too? That’s not clear. But the Pew poll tells us that Republican party identification has risen 9 points from 2008 among Jewish voters. And exit polls show that Catholics have gone for Romney in all but two Southern states. The cold gray numbers don’t tell us for sure. But they suggest that affluent voters may be up for grabs this year. Michael Barone, senior political analyst for The Washington Examiner, www.washingtonexaminer.com, is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a Fox News Channel contributor and a co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

Prayer for today Dear Lord, help us to serve those in need, those you send us. Help us always to serve with a loving heart. Amen.

A verse to share We also boast in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance. — Romans 5:3 (NRSV)

Reece Terry publisher rterry@dailycorinthian.com

CON challenge before high court BY JACK ELLIOTT JR. Associated Press

JACKSON — Mississippi’s certificate-of-need law, which limits where hospitals can locate and expand and what services they can provide, is back before the state Supreme Court. From its inception by the federal government in 1974, the CON program has led to Herculean legal battles, most of them among Mississippi’s largest hospitals. Congress created the CON program to help rural areas struggling to recruit and retain doctors, clinics and hospitals. Hospitals, for the most part, fear competition as threats to their financial survival. Aggressive action by one medical center brings opposition from others. So the medical wars have waged off-and-on nearly 40 years, usually in population centers from the Gulf Coast to Jackson to the Memphis suburbs. There’s been little discussion in the Mississippi Legislature about repealing the CON law, as many states have done. The National Conference of State Legislatures lists Mississippi as among about two dozen

states with some CON law. In 1999, Republican Gov. Kirk Fordice proposed repealing it. “Competition has always been part of the health care mix in this country,” Fordice said. “A certificate of need has become nothing more than a certificate of regulation and litigation. We need to reconstruct ... allowing hospitals to operate in a free market environment that promotes health care and enhances quality.” Now, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has gotten into the fray. And, again, the Mississippi Supreme Court is the referee. The key issue is whether UMMC, as a competitor in the hospital marketplace, must abide by the same CON laws as the other 100plus hospitals in Mississippi. UMMC filed a CON application for authority to buy and install a new linear accelerator on its Jackson campus. The equipment is used for cancer radiation treatment. According to the lawsuit, UMMC withdrew the application and took the position

that it was not subject to the CON laws that every other hospital in the state must follow. UMMC bought the equipment and installed it without a CON. UMMC contends if the CON laws apply to it, then the CON laws are unconstitutional since the state College Board, which governs the medical center, is created by the state constitution. UMMC said the equipment is necessary for its ongoing education mission. It also argues its role is unique in that it is the state’s only academic health science center and teaching hospital. UMMC contends its statewide mission would be diminished if it were subject to regulation under the CON law. The state Department of Health said UMMC is subject to the CON laws but didn’t need a CON for the linear accelerator. St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital, Health Management Associates and Mississippi Baptist Medical Center take the view that the CON laws apply to UMMC as to all hospitals. They contend in their lawsuit that since linear accelerators are among

the items of major medical equipment for which CON’s are required in the law, UMMC should have gotten one. The case was filed in Hinds County Chancery Court. It came before the Supreme Court after Chancellor Patricia Wise denied motions by each side to rule in their favor and dismiss the opposite party’s claims. UMMC entered into this fray armed with an attorney general’s opinion that it could be exempt from CON law in certain instances where services or equipment are needed for the institution’s teaching and research mission. Discretion is left up to the Health Department. An attorney general’s opinion does not carry the weight of law but is designed to provide public entities a level of protection in court. The other hospitals argued that UMMC’s linear accelerator will not be used exclusively for research purposes. They said UMMC’s CON application states that 50 percent of the linear accelerator’s use will be for clinical, and thus profitable, purposes.

Americans need hopeful vision, not despair other at President You’ve got to hand Obama’s 2012 nait to Democrats and tional headquarters the Obama re-elecin Chicago. tion campaign. Like How did Repuba quarterback who licans allow themlooks left to draw the selves to be outmadefense away from his Cal neuvered like this? intended target on the Thomas Why do they think right, Democrats have that talking about managed to divert our Columnist sex, much less trying attention. Instead of to regulate it (some debating President Obama’s dreadful record on might start with regulating just about everything, Dem- themselves) is going to gain ocrats have managed to get votes for the party in a heRepublicans talking about donistic age where worship sex and morality. Rather of the Dow Jones Industhan figuring out what to do trial Average and pleasure about Iran’s pursuit of nu- trumps a Higher Authority? clear weapons, Democrats The public has little faith have put Republicans on in the ability of politicians the defensive over the use of to run the country. The apvulgar words applied to lib- proval rating for Congress eral women. For their use of just hit an all-time low of equally offensive or similar 9 percent, according to a words applied to conserva- recent New York Times/ tive women, they mostly CBS News poll. That’s lower get a pass, because this isn’t than the approval rating about the words; it’s about for pornography, polygamy and human cloning, as cited politics. The strategy seems to be in Gallup’s 2011 Values and working. After a week of Beliefs poll. Republicans are missing debating, discussing and deploring what Rush Lim- an opportunity to outmabaugh said about Sandra neuver Democrats. Instead Fluke, the Democrat-friend- of playing the Democrats’ ly Washington Post ran a game, Republicans should front-page story last Satur- embrace a positive and opday announcing “GOP gains timistic vision. It worked dwindling among women.” for Ronald Reagan — the They must be toasting each president whom Republi-

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cans so revere and wish was still around. Does anyone believe if Reagan were alive today he would be happy with the way the party is destroying itself? I have made this argument before in different ways and with different analogies and I will continue to make it until someone takes it seriously. Stop arguing about philosophy and morality and instead feature people who have embraced Republican principles and whose lives are better as a result. These would include a single mother who is now independent of government assistance and either has a job or operates her own small business, thanks, perhaps, to a microloan. Show me people who were brought up on “the wrong side of the tracks” with an alcoholic father, or absent mother, but because someone took an interest in them (a teacher, a mentor), managed to make something of themselves. How about an example of a man who was mired in debt but decided to stop spending money he didn’t have, paid his bills and is now debt free with a good credit rating? He could provide an example for what

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government should do. America has always been a storytelling nation. We love stories of people overcoming through hard work and personal integrity. The late radio broadcaster Paul Harvey made a career of telling inspirational stories. Why aren’t Republicans telling positive stories, instead of so often labeling and condemning people? The smallest light can pierce the darkest room. Hope dispels despair. Confidence builds strength. “You can do it” beats “you’ll never amount to anything.” Republicans should find people in small towns and big cities who would tell their stories. That’s what voters want to hear and see. It’s called leadership. It inspires people to believe in themselves and, ultimately, in America. It’s what Reagan did. Go to YouTube and watch that 1984 campaign commercial “It’s Morning in America.” For too many Republicans, the sun is setting on America. The return of Daylight Saving Time isn’t going to help. Readers may e-mail Cal Thomas at tmseditors@tribune.com.

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Daily Corinthian • Tuesday, March 13, 2012 • 5A

State Briefs Associated Press

Jackson city schools to defend accreditation JACKSON — The city of Jackson’s public school system will get a chance April 26 to show why it shouldn’t lose state accreditation. Mississippi’s Commission on School Accreditation set the hearing Monday, after reviewing information about district problems. The state’s second largest school district could lose its seal of approval for not following laws regarding children with behavioral problems. Documents submitted to the accreditation commission show the Jackson system isn’t properly serving emotionally disabled students, especially those who have served out-ofschool suspensions of more than 10 days. Jackson was already on probation for failing to submit an audit and properly record student absences. The state is stepping up penalties for districts that lose accreditation, including barring sports

teams and allowing students to transfer. However, Jackson’s case is being handled under older rules.

Woman sentenced for fraud, arson RIPLEY — A former Ripley woman has been sentenced for convictions of arson and insurance fraud charges. The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports that Circuit Judge Robert W. Elliott this past week sentenced 51-year-old Regina Dees to 10 years with eight of it suspended on the first degree arson charge. He sentenced her to two years for insurance fraud. The sentences will run concurrently. She must also pay a total of $7,706 in fines and restitution to the district attorney’s office, Farm Bureau Insurance and Ripley volunteer Fire Department. Dees, who now lives in Memphis, had been convicted in February. Prosecutors say the charges against Dees date back to incidents that occurred in 2008.

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Life sentence handed down in infant beating BELZONI — A Humphreys County woman has been sentenced to life plus five years for the beating of her 22-monthold daughter and failing to get the infant medical attention. WABG-TV reports 28-year-old Tinika Williams pleaded guilty this past week to the incident that occurred in 2010 in her Belzoni home. Prosecutors say the infant survived the beating but has suffered brain damage and multiple other injuries. The child is now in foster care. Circuit Judge Jannie Lewis sentenced Williams to life in prison for felony child abuse and five years for felony child neglect.

USM plays role in film industry LONG BEACH — The University of Southern Mississippi has had a film school for more than 35 years. It’s the only four-year program of its kind in the state, and it’s located in Long Beach. The Sun Herald reports

students learn to write scripts and shoot, edit and produce a film. They also learn the academic skills of film history and criticism. And they get a taste of what it’s like to be in the industry. Dixon McDowell, who heads it with one other professor, says they have 50 students enrolled at a time. The program has been producing 10 to 15 graduates a year for decades and they have come to populate the film industry in Mississippi at a time when the state has recognized the potential of that lucrative industry.

Hall expects US61 to skirt Port Gibson VICKSBURG — Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall says plans to four-lane U.S. 61 through Port Gibson may be changed to a bypass. The Vicksburg Post reports that Hall, in a civic club speech this past week, said a majority of the commission supports routing U.S. 61 around Port Gibson. “The main thing is to

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get the 18-wheelers off Church Street, in my opinion,” Hall said of Port Gibson. Port Gibson contains the last segment of U.S. 61 in Mississippi not widened into four lanes between Interstate 20 in Vicksburg and the Louisiana state line. While part of the route through town is already four lanes, other areas are not and would be widened under the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s plan. Also, a busy stretch of the highway would be restriped into five lanes. Widening 61 is among the final items left over from the 1987 Four-Lane Highway Program. Hall had previously supported rerouting the highway, but had been opposed by two former commissioners. That has changed, he said, though commissioners still have environmental issues to study.

The review of the potential affect Bayou Pierre, on the north end of Port Gibson, has been in the works since 2010 by Michael Baker Jr. Inc. Michael Arnemann, an assistant to Hall, said in February that the study was finished but MDOT had not seen it. Business owners and many elected city and Claiborne County officials have opposed any plan to route the highway around the city, saying it would hurt business, and passed a resolution in 2010 supporting the straight-shot approach. “Save Church Street” preservationists have been opposed to keeping the highway running though the city, saying log trucks and other heavy vehicles have damaged live oaks and historic homes and churches that line U.S. 61, known as Church Street in the center of town.

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