Daily Corinthian E-Edition 02-08-2012 by Daily Corinthian

Wednesday Feb. 8,

2012

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Daily Corinthian Vol. 116, No. 33

Partly sunny Today

Tonight

• Corinth, Mississippi • 20 pages • 2 sections

Eat healthy, Mississippi

Requests made for office space at courthouse Supervisors make board appointments BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

Sweet Peppers Manager Tess Benson puts out one of the many healthy items on the deli’s menu.

The Alcorn County Board of Supervisors heard some requests regarding courthouse office space and made several board appointments on Monday. The new coroner, Jay Jones, is requesting permission to establish an office in the courthouse. He said he needs a small space that can accommodate a desk and some file storage. Previous coroner Dan Leeth had an office at his home. In another discussion regarding courthouse space, Sheriff Charles Rinehart encouraged the board to consider not moving the equipment in the old 911 office so that a backup system is readily

Program promotes menu options BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

It’s time to start eating healthy. The Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association is helping individuals do just that. In efforts to help the state rid itself of the tag of “fattest state in the nation” the Hospitality & Restaurant Association has unveiled the statewide drive called “Eat Healthy Mississippi”. The program is designed to promote locally grown produce in the preparation of dietitian-approved, healthy dining menu options at restaurants throughout the state. All approved menu choices will be featured at HealthyDiningFinder.com, along with resources to educate restaurants and consumers about nutrition along with eating and living well. A pair of the local restaurants are part of the promotion. Sweet Peppers Deli and McDonald’s each have 12 or more menu items that are appealing to those looking to take a healthier approach. “We have done really well and

saw an increase in sales on our lite menu,” said Sweet Peppers Manager Tess Benson of being included in the promotion. “All of our food is on the healthy side and you can find plenty of healthy items to choose from our menu.” Sweet Peppers has a lite line that includes seven items with only 293 calories. Some of the new items on the menu include Turkey and Avocado, BBQ Shrimp Crisp — a whole

wheat wrap with shrimp and vegetables — and a Waldorf Wrap. “It is our hope that this innovative approach to linking local producers to local restaurants will provide consumers with even more healthy dining options at their favorite restaurants throughout the state,” said Mike Cashion, MHRA Executive Director. Gov. Phil Bryant is also on board to help the state get healthier. “We all must take seriously the impact lifestyle choices make on health,” Bryant said. “Poor choices can lead to obesity, disease and other health complications, but smart choices such as healthful diets and regular exercise can lead to a longer life. I encourage everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle and choose wholesome foods at home and when dining out.” Through MHRA’s strategic partnership with HealthyDiningFinder. com, participating restaurants will have access to Healthy Dining’s ex-

Please see SUPERVISORS | 2A

CAYP group forms ‘Founder’s Board’ BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

The Corinth Area Young Professionals recently held a meeting to discuss the group’s future. Forming committees and planning upcoming Young Professionals events were among the main topics of the meeting. The group decided to form the “Founder’s Board” — a committee of volunteers made up of nine members and Andrea Rose as The Alliance contact. Officers for the board would consist of a chairperson, who would have volunteer vice-chairs for special events or as needed, as well as a person serving the Please see CAYP | 2A

Please see DINING | 2A

Man speaks the truth about lies Rogers talks about career as polygraph examiner BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

Rick Rogers thinks you are a liar. But don’t take it personally. He thinks that of everyone else, too, including himself. “I believe we are conditioned to be lousy liars, although not from the lack of practice,” said Rogers, a former polygraph examiner for the Dallas Police Department. “Since the average person tells two or three lies every day, you’d think we’d get better at it.” In a talk with Kiwanis on Tuesday, the Corinth resident discussed the nature of lies and some of his experiences with the polygraph. “Since most of us tell lies ourselves,” he said, “we’re not really comfortable calling other people liars … I get paid to call people liars, but most people would rather not know and don’t want to confront a liar.” He noted that some fibs are rooted in tradition, such as Santa Claus, and some are simply polite, such as a response to the question, “Do I look nice in this?” Rogers began working with the polygraph in 1984 and continues to offer his services today. He trained at the University of Houston with

Prep for Coca-Cola 10K Race begins now Staff photo by Jebb Johnston

BY STEVE BEAVERS

Rick Rogers (left), a polygraph examiner, discusses lie detection with members of Corinth Kiwanis. an ex-CIA man. “I was skeptical at first about the polygraph,” he said. “Being a detective prior to going to polygraph school, I thought, this doesn’t really work — this is just junk science, all the stuff that people say, until I got in it and realized exactly how it does work.” He believes the machine is an effective tool, revealing the truth among the zig-zagging lines on long

Index Stocks...... 7A Classified......4B Comics......3B Wisdom......2B

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

sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

spools of paper. “The key to effective lie detection is the understanding of the psychological mindset and the physiological change that occurs as a person lies,” he said. The tester can reach one of three outcomes — truthful, untruthful or inconclusive.

Race day is less than three months away. The time to get ready for the event is now. Those planning on running or walking in the 31st Annual Corinth Coca-Cola Class 10K are being provided with a training program for the May 5 run through downtown Corinth. “The program is more geared for those who aren’t doing any exercise,” said race co-coordinator Amy Smith. The Commit to be Fit Training program began on Monday with a 15-minute walk or run. Runners/

Please see ROGERS | 2A

Please see 10K | 2A

On this day in history 150 years ago Ten thousand Federal troops attack the Confederate defenses on Roanoke Island, N.C. Outnumbered 4 to 1, the Southerners are defeated. Possession of the island disrupts blockade runners and compromises communication with Norfolk, Va.

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Eye Care Specialists 3302 W. Linden St. Corinth, MS 38834 (662) 286-6068

Local/State

2A • Daily Corinthian

Rooster attacks toddler, mom says Associated Press

OCEAN SPRINGS — Ocean Springs Alderman Chic Cody says the city has to address the rooster issue once and for all. Cody’s comments came Monday after a woman told the Mississippi Press that her 2-year-old daughter was scratched on the arm by one of the roosters last week.

It’s the seventh reported incident of a runin between the roosters and children since November. Sarah Fountain, the child’s mother, now wants the roosters confined or relocated and the city of Ocean Springs to cover her medical expenses. “We need to decide about the roosters once

and for all, one way or the other,” Cody said. The board of aldermen meets Wednesday. A flock of about 10 roosters showed up in July and seemed to belong to no one. Only 2 roosters -- affectionately known as Carl and The General -- are still alive and have become a novelty in the downtown area of Ocean Springs.

CAYP: Members to continue with evening events CONTINUED FROM 1A

dual office of secretary/ treasurer. Members suggested the committee should meet monthly, on the Friday before each Young Professionals event. They discussed adding different kinds of events — including lunch & learn and breakfast — but decided to continue with the group’s current type of events, mostly evening networking events. Upcoming events include networking at Pizza Grocery on Feb. 16 from 6 until 8 p.m.; networking at Cafe Mike’s on March 15 from 6 until 8 p.m.; and a fish fry or crab boil at Pickwick. The committee will

line up other events through October, when there will be a large barbecue event and a kickoff for the next fiscal year. Other issues discussed by the groups included the founding of a charitable side of the organization. They determined the main benefit of Corinth Area Young Professionals is networking, and made suggestions to change the name of the group to Crossroads Young Professionals — and do a bigger push through social media and word of mouth. The group began discussion centered on its formal incorporation, non-profit status and by-laws. They discussed the pos-

sibility of charging for membership or events and how this would be done. Corinth Area Young Professionals is a group that meets once a month on a Thursday evening for networking, food and fun. The CAYP is a way for young professionals to meet other young professionals from Corinth and Alcorn County. For those new to the area or with a new business, the group provides a fun atmosphere to help people become part of the community. For more information visit the Corinth Area Young Professionals Facebook page or send an email to CorinthYP@ gmail.com.

2012

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Community events Parents’ Night The February 2012 “Parents Night Out” ministry at Hopewell United Methodist Church, 4572 CR 200 (Old Farmington Road), Corinth, is Saturday, Feb. 11 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The ministry is designed for children up to age 12. During the session the children will participate in arts and crafts, music, game playing and short videos. There will also be a snack provided. Parents are asked to drop their children off at the church no earlier than 4:45 p.m. and pick up the children promptly at 9 p.m. For more information, call 662-587-9602.

veteran with them. For more information, call Commander Jim Weaver, 662-415-5482 or 287-7778.

Bluegrass show Lisa Lambert & the Pine Ridge Boys are playing bluegrass and old-time country music Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Building in Iuka. The event is family-friendly and for all ages. Admission is $3 per person and $5 per couple. For more information, call 662-2930136 or visit www.lisalambertmusic.net.

Black History Month

Republicans meet The next Republican party meeting is Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Corinth Library. Guest speaker will be Morgan Baldwin, successful political consultant for Congressman Alan Nunnelee and many others. Refreshments are at 5:30 p.m. and speaking at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited. For more information, call Mike Stewart, 808-0291.

‘Purple Heart’ meets The Crossroads Chapter No. 813 Military Order of the Purple Heart will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 in the Post No. 6 American Legion Building. All members are encouraged to bring a “combat wounded”

An African-American History parade is being held in Selmer, Tenn. on Saturday, Feb. 18. The parade will begin at the Selmer City Park at 10 a.m. and will continue to the McNairy County Courthouse. The parade will be followed by corporate prayer on the courthouse lawn.

Fundraiser dinner Finger Volunteer Fire Department is having a Fish Fry & Barbecue Chicken Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 3-7 p.m. There will be all-you-can-eat catfish or chicken with all the trimmings and homemade desserts. Cost is $10, Please see EVENTS | 3A

10K: Organizers offer up training tips for 10K runners CONTINUED FROM 1A

walkers are encouraged to prepare slowly for the race. Over the first month, there is at least one rest day in between workouts. “The most you will have to do per day over the first month is 20 minutes,” added Smith. A program that starts with walking and gradually increases to running is best. During the first month, participants are slated to train three times a week. Participants will work their way up as they get ready for the race. “The program will help you health wise whether you take part in the race or not,” said Smith. “We are trying to promote the race as a catalyst for people to use to begin a healthy lifestyle.” Those training need to remember that the 6.2 mile course isn’t a one-day

event. Preparation begins months before with walking or running the course with just a short period of training being the wrong thing to do. Runners/walkers can also incorporate the program into their daily routine. “Nothing says you have to discontinue the program once the race is over,” said Smith. Organizers have offered some training tips for those intending to take part in the 10K. Spend a few minutes before and after your workout doing some light stretching. Mixing — if you are just starting, mixing short periods of running and walking is best. As you get stronger, you can lengthen the running time. Practice LSD — long slow distance. Think about the duration of your activity, not speed.

Too hard and too fast will lead to injury. Breathing — exercise at a “walkie-talkie” pace — the ability to talk during your exercise. Labored breathing is no fun and unnecessary. Breathe through your mouth. Listen to your body — aches and pains that last more than a few days should be checked by a health care professional. Call your doctor if you experience chest discomfort, heart rhythm changes, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea. Older people, or anyone with pre-existing medical problems, i.e. heart or lung problems, should check with their doctor before starting an exercise program. (To print a copy of the training program go to www.coke10k.com and click on training log.)

SUPERVISORS: Board will likely meet again Feb. 21

Feb ru a ry 24, 2012 CROSSROADS ARENA 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

CONTINUED FROM 1A

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 9TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S HEALTH CONFERENCE! This event will feature various seminars important to women’s health, including high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, preventative maintenance measures and more. Over 25 healthcare vendors will be on hand with the latest medical products and information. THERE WILL ALSO BE A COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST, DOOR PRIZES, GIVEAWAYS AND INFORMATION TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE. This event is provided to you at no charge by Magnolia Regional Health Center, but reservations are required.

available in case of emergency. If the new communications center became inoperable, he said the old office could be up and running within a matter of hours. “We actually are required to have a redundant backup,” added EMA Director Ricky Gibens. And, in a major emergency such as a cata-

P.O. Box 1800 Corinth, MS 38835

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TAP Alliance. ■ Supervisors adopted a resolution requesting assistance from the Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District on some cleanup work involving a culvert and ditch in the Rienzi school area. ■ The county will observe Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20, and the board will likely meet on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

ROGERS: Man has tested murderers, sex offenders CONTINUED FROM 1A

Rogers has tested many murderers and sex offenders. He described one subject as a sociopath who killed many people. In the case of a sociopath, the polygraph results may be “dampened.”

“What a real psychopath fears is not what he did — he’s justified that — it’s the fear of getting caught,” he said. A polygraph examination can only be given with the subject’s consent. “Sometimes, the decep-

tive person is the first person to raise their hand,” said Rogers. Polygraph testing is used by some law enforcement agencies to screen potential employees, but the admissibility of polygraph testimony in courts is limited.

DINING: Menus from fast food to fine dining analyzed CONTINUED FROM 1A

SEATING IS LIMITED. TO REGISTER, CALL 662.293.1200, OR REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.MRHC.ORG.

strophic earthquake, he said both offices could function simultaneously if needed. In other business: ■ The board appointed Darrell Duncan to an open seat on the park commission; Jimmy Tate Waldon to replace Keith Fields on the Northeast Mississippi Community Action Agency Board of Directors; and Tim Mitchell and Lowell Hinton to the board of the

pert nutrition services, including consultation on finding menu items that meet Healthy Dining’s nutrition criteria. The online, nutrition resource’s team of registered dietitians

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has analyzed thousands of menu items from restaurants nationwide — fast food to fine dining — to ensure consumers are armed with accurate nutrition information to make more informed dietary choices when dining out.

To start your home delivered subscription: Call 287-6111 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For your convenience try our ofﬁce pay plans.

Miss your paper? To report a problem or delivery change call the circulation department at 287-6111. Late, wet or missing newspaper complaints should be made before 10 a.m. to ensure redelivery to immediate Corinth area. All other areas will be delivered the next day.

Restaurants that join the program will have the benefit of having several menu items analyzed and approved by Healthy Dining’s dietitians, and their restaurant and healthier choices will be featured on HealthyDiningFinder.com.

USPS 142-560 The Daily Corinthian is published daily Tuesday through Sunday by PMG, LLC. at 1607 South Harper Road, Corinth, Miss.Periodicals postage paid at Corinth, MS 38834

Postmaster: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 1800, Corinth, MS 38835

Local

3A • Daily Corinthian

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Deaths Charles L. Barnes Charles L. Barnes, 75, of Corinth, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 at his residence. Visitation is set for 5-8 p.m. tonight at Magnolia Funeral Home. All other arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Magnolia Funeral Home.

Norma C. Meeks Cummins Funeral services for Norma C. Meeks Cummins, 76, of Corinth, are set for 1 p.m. Thursday at Magnolia Funeral Home. Mrs. Cummins died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at her residence. Visitation is set for 5-8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. All other arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Magnolia Funeral Home.

Rev. Dwain Whitehurst

Staff photo by Bobby J. Smith

Poetry Out Loud Jack Gillison recites William Blake’s “The Chimney Sweepers” at the Mississippi North Half Regional competition of Poetry Out Loud, held Monday at Waldron Street Christian Church. Gillison was one of nine high school students competing for a chance to go to the state-level competition in Jackson on March 22. The event was hosted by the Crossroads Poetry Project.

EVENTS

Registration being held

CONTINUED FROM 2A

adults and $5, children. All proceeds will go towards the operating expenses of the Finger Fire Department.

Street relocated State Street at Magnolia Regional Health Center is being relocated 50 feet west of its current location starting Wednesday, Feb. 15. Signage will direct traffic.

Vietnam Memorial Wall There will be a fish-fry at the VFW located on the Purdy School Road exit off Hwy 45 by-pass going toward Wenasoga on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go towards bringing The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall back to Corinth on June 20 at the area behind North Corinth Baptist Church. Tickets for the fish-fry will be sold at the door for $6 a plate. Everyone is encouraged to come and support this undertaking to pay a much deserved tribute to our Vietnam veterans whose names are on the Wall and all U.S. Armed Forces veterans who have sacrificed all for the freedoms we hold sacred today.

TCHGS annual meeting The Tishomingo County Historical & Genealogical Society will hold its 16th annual meeting at the historic Midway Consolidated School building located about five miles south of Iuka in the Midway Community on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The Society’s accomplishments will be highlighted, and awards will be presented. The public is cordially invited. RSVP the expected number of attendees to tishomingocountymuseum@yahoo.com by Sunday, Feb. 12 or call 423-3500. Light refreshments will be served.

Corinth and Kendrick Headstart Centers are currently registering children for the 2012-2013 school year. Registration is open for children between the ages of three and four. Bring the child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, shot record (121 Form), proof of income (2010 W-2 or 1040 Form), proof of insurance and proof of residence (bill with address). Benefits of Headstart include breakfast, lunch and snack, individualized teaching, hearing, speech, vision screening and services for children with special needs. Slots are limited, but still available. Corinth Headstart is located at 2305 Bell School Road and Kendrick Headstart is located at 172 CR 157, Corinth. For more information, call the Corinth Center at 286-5802 or the Kendrick Center at 287-2671.

diagnosis of a terminal illness or condition, the loss of a spouse or parent through divorce, even the loss of a job or home. The ministry is non-denominational and open to all. There is no cost to attend and no obligation to continue. For more information, call Bro. Rick Wells, pastor of Hopewell and Indian Springs United Methodist Charge and facilitator at 662-587-9602.

‘Outstanding Citizen’ The Junior Auxiliary of Corinth, Inc. is now accepting nominations for the Outstanding Citizen of 2012. Applications may be obtained at the Corinth Library, The Alliance or the Daily Corinthian office. Mail all nominations and supporting data to Annie Richardson, 2105 Maple Road, Corinth, MS 38834. The deadline for receiving this information is Friday, Feb. 10.

Valentine party

Tree give-away Local forestry supporters will promote appreciation of trees with the annual giveaway of seedlings at Alcorn County court square on Friday, Feb. 10, Arbor Day, at 8:30 a.m. There will be pine (loblolly) and a few hardwoods if available. For more information, contact Patrick Poindexter, county Extension agent, at 286-7755.

‘Good Grief’ The “Good Grief” ministry of the Hopewell-Indian Springs United Methodist Charge has a new day, time and location beginning today. The support group, which is a collaborative effort of both churches, will begin meeting every Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. in the dining room of the Arby’s Restaurant, 706 Highway 72 East, Corinth. The ministry was established to support those who have experienced a devastating life event such as the death of a loved one,

Rev. Dwain Whitehurst died Feb. 6, 2012, at Magnolia Regional Health Center, he was born Oct. 10, 1948, in Corinth to the late Martin Luther and Mildred Whitehurst. He graduated from Alcorn Central High School and with a B.S. from Delta State, he was a minster for over 40 years serving the north Mississippi area, most recently he has been the pastor at Shady Grove Methodist Church and been employed with the Alcorn Co. School District as a bus Whitehurst driver. Served at chaplain for the Prentiss Co. Fire Department and MRHC. He was a 32 degree Mason who loved spending time with his family, friends and helping others. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survived by his wife of 42 years Carolyn Whitehurst of Corinth; two daughters, Jana Cagle and her husband Rev. Jonathan, Andrea Coleman and her husband Anthony; a brother Gerry Whitehurst and his wife Jaylene; two grandchildren, McKinsey and Isabella Coleman all of Corinth; and a host of other family and friends. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wayne Napier officiating. Burial will follow with Masonic Honors in the Box Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are Corinth Masonic Lodge #116. Honorary New Albany District Clergy of the Methodist Church. Visitation is Wednesday 5-9 p.m. and Thursday 12 p.m. until service time. Condolences can be left at www.memorialcorinth.com

The McNairy County Senior Center, 408 Park Ave., Adamsville, is sponsoring a Valentine Party on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. Special Valentine music will be provided along with a light lunch and refreshments. For those who like to travel, a travel wish list will be discussed along with a slide presentation on an upcoming Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise trip. For more information or a meal reservation, contact Cindy Thrasher at 731-632-0302.

Art exhibit Nineteen artists with the Mississippi Painters Society are exhibiting their artwork at the Northeast Mississippi Community College campus in Booneville through Feb. 20. The paintings are exhibited in the art gallery of Anderson Hall. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Contact Terry Anderson at 720-7336 or tfanderson@nemcc.edu for more info.

NOW OPEN!

Obituary Policy The Daily Corinthian include the following information in obituaries: The name, age, city of residence of the deceased; when, where and manner of death of the deceased; time and location of funeral service; name of officiant; time and location of visitation; time and location of memorial services; biographical information can include date of birth, education, place of employment/ occupation, military service and church membership; survivors can include spouse, children, parents, grandparents, siblings (step included), and grandchildren, great-grandchildren can be listed by number only; preceded in death can include spouse, children, parents, grandparents, siblings (step included), grandchildren; great-grandchildren can be listed by number only. No other information will be included in the obituary. All obituaries (complete and incomplete) will be due no later than 4 p.m. on the day prior to its publication. Obituaries will only be accepted from funeral homes. All obituaries must contain a signature of the family member making the funeral arrangements.

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(across Hwy 72 from Harper Square Mall, next to All American Diner)

1808 E. Shiloh Rd., Corinth, MS 662-287-3606 • Find us on

Opinion

Reece Terry, publisher

www.dailycorinthian.com

Mark Boehler, editor

4A • Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Corinth, Miss.

Letters to the Editor

Supporting patients with heart disease To the editor: February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, support advances in heart research and recognize those heart patients who are fighting and winning the heart disease war. This year, The Mended Hearts, a national volunteer and a community-based organization offering hope, encouragement and support to heart patients, now aligned with the American College of Cardiology, will celebrate its 60th year anniversary. The theme “Our Foundation for the Future” recognizes our established foundation built over the years that will continue to support our future endeavors. We know from experiences -- and scientific studies confirm -- that a patientto-patient visiting program is often a critical component in a patient’s recovery and return to a fulfilling life. In Corinth, Mended Hearts chapter No. 349 conducts an accredited visiting program at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Our volunteers visit heart patients and their families in the hospital when they need us the most. Our members also make follow-up visits and telephone calls; answer lifestyle questions; and write letters and e-mails to offer emotional support and encouragement. Perhaps most important of all, we listen. Since receiving its charter in April 2008, Corinth Mended Hearts visitors have made 397 hospital visits to recovering heart patients at our local hospital. Our motto is “It’s great to be alive — and to help others” and during this American Heart Month we invite current heart patients to request a hospital visit and those who have recovered to become involved in helping others. To learn more about the services and outreach we offer to heart patients, please contact us. You can reach Mended Hearts by phone locally at 662-293-1086 or 662-2869476 or nationally at 1-888-432-7899 or on line at www.mendedhearts.org. Dick Wood, president Mended Hearts Chapter No. 349

March primary gives voters another option To the editor: Constituents informed our U.S. Congressman Alan Nunnelee not to raise the debt ceiling or to the continuing resolution to fund Obama Care or Planned Parenthood. What did our newly elected representative do? He voted for a compromise continuing resolution which funded both Obama Care and Planned Parenthood. His votes for HR 2608, 2112, and 1473 will also continue to fund Obama Care and Planned Parenthood. Nunnelee has simply followed the Appropriations Committee’s Chairman Hal Rogers’ voting direction on these bills. Our congressmen are elected to follow their constituents and not the dictates of Washington. The March primary will give us an opportunity to select a representative who will follow our direction. In the primary, Henry Ross is on the ballot to challenge Alan Nunnelee. Ross is conservative, a constitutional lawyer, has been a mayor, judge and worked in the U.S. Justice Department under President Bush. I look to Ross to give us the representation we deserve in the First District. Donald Vastlik CR 173, Corinth

Worth Quoting A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. — George Bernard Shaw

Prayer for today Dear Lord, thank you for accepting each one of us as your own. Help us to realize how much you love us. Help us to stop striving for approval and to find our true worth in you. Amen.

A verse to share In a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize… Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. — Corinthians 9:24-25 (NIV)

Reece Terry publisher rterry@dailycorinthian.com

Health Care Trust Fund headed to zero After an effort to STARKVILLE — expand Medicaid A new Republican during the admingovernor and new istration of former Republican legislaGov. Ronnie Mustive leadership now grove, the state beface the same task gan to scramble to that has confounded their Democratic col- Sid Salter cover the concurrent Columnist rising costs. Prior to leagues when they 2005, some 28 hoshad the reins of state government -- finding a pitals paid into a Medicaid way to pay for Mississippi’s transfer program that was massive Medicaid program. used to “draw down” more Medicaid is a $3.9 bil- federal dollars. By 2009, Barbour delion federal-state program that provides health care manded that the state’s hosfor the poor, the blind, the pitals help pay for Medicaid disabled and children. State through fees that those intaxpayers pick up about 20 stitutions dubbed “the hospercent of the overall costs pital tax.” Lawmakers were in the of the program or $763 million. Most of the rest of the political crossfire of Barcosts are paid by federal tax bour’s war with the Mississippi Hospital Association dollars. Historically, state law- over that funding mechamakers have authorized a nism, but they also found more generous Medicaid other ways to stop the fiscal program than they have bleeding in meeting Medicfunded with state dollars. aid’s growing bite out of the But even with austerity state budget. In 2004, they measures like face-to-face rejoiced when a $94 million reauthorizations during the federal reimbursement of Haley Barbour administra- a Medicaid “overpayment” tion, rising health care costs for patients eligible for both and increased demand or Medicaid and Medicare. In 2005, they used fedeligibility for Medicaid driven by high unemployment eral hurricane relief funds and a protracted economic that Barbour negotiated to recession have caused the help pay for Medicaid. Then state’s Medicaid costs to they used federal stimulus funds. steadily increase.

But as most taxpayers know, the Legislature had another sizable source of funds they used to pay for Medicaid -- the state’s Health Care Trust Fund. After the state’s $4.1 billion dollar tobacco settlement, the HCTF was established on July 1, 1999, with the initial deposit of $280 million in tobacco settlement funds. Left alone, the HCTF would today contain well over $2.4 billion in principal earning as much as $100 million in annual interest payments to spend on public health care in the state. Yet today ,the HCTF currently has a balance of $97.4 million. The Legislature appears set to spend that entire amount to prop up the state’s troubled budget and avoid additional budget cuts. Some have tried to blame the depletion of the HCTF on Republicans in general and Barbour in particular. The facts contradict that posture, as confirmed by former Democratic Attorney General Mike Moore in a 2010 interview with this writer: “It hasn’t mattered who was in office, Republicans, Democrats, Musgrove, Barbour, or who was leading the Legislature.

It’s the greatest disappointment I’ve had in 20 years that they couldn’t resist spending it all.” More than that, Democratic lawmakers defended the practice two years ago with many of the same arguments offered by Republicans currently about the need to spend the HCTF monies on health care. In 2010, state Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, didn’t dispute that lawmakers and governors had almost exhausted the HCTF in a bipartisan fashion. But he argued that the funds were spent in great measure on Medicaid. “We did spend it, but it was for health care and that’s where we directed a lot of it,” said Johnson. “It is true that we spend a lot on other functions of government, too, but that’s our responsibility to make decision about using all the state’s resources in the most effective manner.” Republican legislative leaders are likely to echo Johnson’s 2010 words during the 2012 session Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist. Contact him at 601-507-8004 or sidsalter@sidsalter.com.

There’s no place like home in North Mississippi are curled up in disFISHTRAP HOLcount-store beds on LOW — I did some the floor beside my figuring on the back of an envelope and desk. They, too, miss home when we’re discovered that 200 gone. days of 2011 were Here they simply spent away from this Rheta nudge me with their old hollow. Maybe Grimsley wooly heads when that’s why today it seems almost like Johnson the urge to go outside hits. If they see or an exotic getaway Columnist sense a squirrel, they instead of what it accan give chase. tually is: an ordinary home. In the Colorado city Outside the window, re- where we’ve been for sevcent rains have left sand eral months, the dogs must contrails zigzagging the wear harnesses and leashes to go outside. City squirrels pasture. I see flotsam from the mock and tease them. Here they enjoy a regular branch that runs beside the house and at times jumps retinue of dogs who visit its banks. If it were warmer, and chase about the woods I’d open all the doors and for recreation. In the city, listen to the branch babble dog-park etiquette eludes and brag about all the wa- my two, too old to learn ter it has carried while I’ve new tricks. They lunge and growl at every strange dog been away. Instead, I lay a fire in we meet, provoking my the stove, the better to get stern rebuke. It is for a dog, I imagine, through February. My dogs Boo and Hank humiliating.

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When your heart settles on a place, it’s hard to convince it that anywhere else can be home. No matter that elsewhere you make friends, have a nicer house, frequent amazing restaurants and have access to a variety of breads and other groceries the stalwart Piggly Wiggly does not offer. It doesn’t even matter that the spectacular Rocky Mountains are outside your window, iced with snow and positioned against a Windex-blue sky. You eventually miss the humbler North Mississippi hills, worn to speed-bump size by thousands of years of nature’s abuse. You miss the sycamores with their loincloth leaves and the skinny dogwoods with their spring surprise. Most of all you miss the people, the slow-talking, slothfully rhythmic folk who speak on the sidewalk

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whether they know you or not. You miss the long and circuitous stories that pass for answers to questions that could be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” You miss what you have always known. It’s aggravating, almost. Last month I left the land of no litter and dramatic vistas and cold that doesn’t feel cold to come home to tornado threats and the damp chill that permeates a Southern spring. I left a neighborhood with art galleries and animal control and a French bakery where the baguettes are fresh each morning to return to the thundering peace of this place. I was homesick for, well, home. 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, February 8, 2012 • 5A

State Zoo owners ask judge to return seized animals Associated Press

COLLINS — The owners of the Collins Zoo have asked a judge to return 11 animals seized by state wildlife officers in January. The owners, Gus and Betty White, are asking the Covington County Circuit Court to review a justice court order that led to the Jan. 25 seizure of tigers, wolf hybrids, leopards, cougars and a Rhesus macaque by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The Whites’ attorney, A. Regnal Blackledge, tells the Hattiesburg American that the state violated a regulation that calls for a “reasonable period of time” to correct deficiencies in facilities housing what are legally defined as “inherently dangerous animals” following an initial inspection. He says the rule provides that after the period allotted for corrections, a follow-up inspection is in order. Betty White said when MDWFP officials inspected her facility in October, she didn’t hear from them again until January, when a court order for seizure was already in place. “Without any notice or opportunity to be heard and refute and/or rebut the allegations of (MDWFP), justice court granted an order for seizure ...” the Whites’ petition filed in circuit court states. “If you’re going to close them down based on the

regulation, you’ve got to follow the regulation,” Blackledge said. MDWFP spokesman Jim Walker says the agency has done what they were obligated to do and obtained a legal court order. “As far as we’re concerned, this matter has been concluded,” he said. “If the Whites want to take further legal action, that’s their right.” Walker said January’s seizures come after a long and winding road of legal action. “They had a lot of chances to bring up their standards, and they were not up to standards for the proper care of those animals,” he said. Betty White said the department is picking on her and her establishment, explaining that she’s been in and out of court for a quarter century. Betty White said none of her animals have ever escaped or harmed anyone. She said her cages are built from heavy-gauge wire that exceeds USDA standards, and they installed a 10-foot perimeter fence in 2010 that also exceeds USDA standards. The zoo still contains a 15-year-old caracal, which is a large, wild cat, and an exceptionally old kinkajou, a “honey bear” native to South America. The Humane Society of the United States has said it’s helping coordinate the placement of the animals from the Collins Zoo.

House panel snubs Hood’s effort to testify on proposal BY JEFF AMY Associated Press

JACKSON — A state House committee voted Tuesday to push forward a bill that would cut Attorney General Jim Hood’s authority, turning down Hood’s request to speak to the group before it voted. Hood, steaming mad that he couldn’t speak, claimed the bill is unconstitutional. The lone Democrat in statewide office, Hood said he made a personal plea to House Judiciary A Committee Mark Baker to have extra time to study the bill. “To pass a bill affecting the constitutional powers of the attorney general and not let him speak, that shows that they didn’t care what the law is,” Hood said immediately after the meeting. “This is a partisan-backed bill.” The committee voted 14-9 along party lines to approve the bill, with

Baker cutting off debate while Democrats were still trying to offer amendments. Baker, a Brandon Republican, said during the meeting that Hood has had plenty of time to lobby members and make his opinion known. “This bill has been around for five or six years, so I didn’t see the need for a hearing,” Baker said. Baker said after the meeting that he would have allowed Hood to speak during the meeting if Hood had only asked. “He asked for a separate public hearing,” Baker said. “He didn’t ask to speak to the meeting. If he had asked, I would have recognized him. He sat at the table.” The measure, which the full House is expected to consider Thursday, would allow statewide elected officials and the heads of state agencies to hire lawyers without the attorney general’s approval. It would also require the

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attorney general and any other government official who pays a lawyer more than $100,000 to submit contracts for online publication. Hood is already voluntarily putting contracts with outside lawyers online. Baker said that the bill is meant to make sure that the attorney general can’t override the wishes of an agency director or of any other statewide elected official. “It’s good policy that agency heads have a voice in litigation that involves their agency,” Baker said. Baker said that at times in the past, the attorney general had improperly affected state policy by how he represented the state or by declining to represent an agency. He could not cite specific instances. Republicans have opposed efforts by Hood and past attorneys general to launch big lawsuits against corporations that can involve huge sums of money and sweeping outcomes.

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Party members have been trying for years to limit Hood’s authority. Previous bills passed by the Republican-led Senate would have curtailed Hood’s ability to hire and pay outside lawyers. Those bills died in what was then a Democratic-controlled House. Republicans won a House majority in November. Tuesday’s bill, sponsored by House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, instead would let others hire lawyers without Hood’s OK any time an agency head finds Hood has a conflict or can’t adequately represent the agency.

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6A â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, February 8, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ Daily Corinthian

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