Daily Corinthian E-Edition 02-01-2012 by Daily Corinthian

Wednesday Feb. 1,

2012

50 cents

Daily Corinthian Vol. 116, No. 37

Some showers Today

Tonight

• Corinth, Mississippi • 20 pages • 2 sections

Election update

Preparations begin for absentee voting BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

Staff photo by Bobby J. Smith

A crew from Worsham Brothers Construction was hard at work Tuesday on the expansion to Corinth High School’s athletic facilities.

Construction begins on projects at CHS BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

Construction has begun on an expansion and reconfiguration project at Corinth High School as the district strives to provide for its growing athletic programs. Crews from Corinth’s Worsham Brothers Construction are working daily on expansions on both sides of the Corinth High School football field. “We need to do this because we’re having an increased number coming out for high school football and are seeing growth in our middle school program — which should translate into greater numbers at high school,” said Dr. Lee Childress, superintendent of the Corinth School District. On the home side of the field, the construction project will expand the current facility with

MRHC taps 11 employees for top honors BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@hotmail.com

The best in the state. Eleven Magnolia Regional Health Center employees are in line to be called just that come March 5 in Jackson. The Mississippi Nurses Association and Foundation will honor the state’s finest nurses and employers of nurses during the Mississippi Nightingale Awards Gala in early March. “We are very proud that the hard work of our dedicated staff and facility is being recognized by the Mississippi Nurses Association and the Mississippi Nurses Foundation,” said MRHC President and CEO Please see GALA | 2A

added dressing rooms, a new 4,000 square-foot weight room, additional restroom space for players in the existing field house and other facilities for the football team. The previous weight room will be converted into a dressing room for the home team. A new building behind the visitor’s side of the field will serve several purposes for the district. It will include a dressing room for the visiting football teams and facilities for the soccer, track and tennis teams. The visitor’s side building will also include male and female dressing rooms that can be used for those teams. The 2,800 square-foot new building will include a concessions area and storage space for all of the school’s athletic teams. During the recent rainy weather, construction crews made

progress working to reconfigure the interiors of the existing structures, but with the arrival of sunnier days, they have moved outside to begin the expansion. “During the recent bad weather they did work in the existing field house,” Childress said. “We moved along nicely with that project, but we need some pretty weather to really move this other project forward.” The estimated completion time for the whole project is early summer. The district contracted Worsham Brothers for the project at a base bid for $839,000. Childress said he believes the final cost will be “a little less.” The project is funded through the district’s capital improvement fund and qualified school construction bonds.

With a primary election six weeks away, preparations are being made for absentee voting, and a voter registration deadline is coming up in a couple of weeks. Circuit Clerk Joe Caldwell said his office expects to receive scannable absentee ballots for the March 13 congressional and presidential primary next week. Paper absentee ballots are available now for anyone who may be leaving for an extended time, but the clerk’s office prefers residents wait for the scannable ballots to arrive if possible. The ballots are still being finalized by the state. Requested ballots for military personnel have already been mailed. The clerk’s office requests others who want a ballot by mail to call the office next week. Caldwell emphasized that it is a party primary and people have to choose one of the two parties. With Mississippi’s primary falling the week after Super Tuesday, it is usually a lowturnout affair, and the presidential primary is often effectively over by that point. As with the Democratic presidential primary four years ago, the outcome could still be up for grabs on the Republican side this year. “We’ve got more contested

in the Republican primary and are probably going to have more people vote in the Republican primary,” said Caldwell. That would be a break from the normal pattern. Incumbent Rep. Alan Nunnelee has two Republican challengers for his party’s nomination — Henry Ross and Robert Estes, and incumbent Sen. Trent Lott also faces challengers on the Republican ticket — E. Allen Hathcock and Robert Maloney. With the presidential race, the Republican ticket has three contested races to only one on the Democratic side for Senate. People who are not registered voters need to register by Feb. 11 to be eligible to participate in the primary. The clerk’s office will have extended hours the week of Feb. 6-10, staying open until 7 p.m., and will open from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Feb. 11. The clerk’s office will open on two Saturdays, March 3 and 10, until noon for absentee voting. Qualifying is currently open for the five election commissioner posts which will be on the ballot in November, with district 4 incumbent Keith Settlemires the only one on the list thus far. Caldwell noted that election commissioner qualifying is handled through the chancery clerk’s office, unlike most other elected offices.

MDWFP sets youth waterfowl hunt days BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has designated Saturday and Sunday as youth waterfowl hunting weekend. During the weekend adult hunters are encouraged to participate by taking youth under the age of 16 on what could be their first hunting trip. “It’s extremely important to our agency for hunters to take the time to pass along the enjoyment that can be found in the outdoors,” said Houston Havens, MDWFP Migratory Game Bird Biologist. Wildlife Management Areas

with waterfowl hunting opportunity, including Alcorn County’s Tuscumbia Wildlife Management Area, will be open to youth hunting during the youth waterfowl hunting weekend. Located approximately 3 miles west and northwest of Corinth, Tuscumbia Wildlife Management Area contains roughly 2,600 acres of state owned land in northern Alcorn County. WMA Assistant Biologist Josh Nunley said the opportunities for waterfowl hunting at Tuscumbia have improved since last year. Please see WATERFOWL | 2A

Corinth museum spotlights Tuskegee Airman BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

The Black History Museum of Corinth will spotlight a photographer with the Tuskegee Airmen among its Black History Month activities. A day honoring Roy “Bo Peep” Robinson is set for Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the museum on Meigg Street. The museum will also have an event in conjunction with the artist guild on a date to be announced later. Robinson served as a photographer with the 99th Pursuit Squadron, later known as the 332nd Fighter Squadron. “A lot of people in the community that knew him were not aware of his involvement to that extent,” said Freida Miller, museum volunteer. “He gave us his scrapbook and all of his letters that he received from President

Photo by Bill Avery

Please see AIRMAN | 3A

The Black History Museum of Corinth will host a day with Roy Robinson, who served as a photographer with the Tuskegee Airmen.

Index Stocks...... 7A Classified......5B Comics......3B Wisdom......2B

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

On this day in history 150 years ago Confederate forces under Gen. Henry H. Sibley depart El Paso, Texas, and enter the New Mexico Territory. Sibley’s ultimate plan was to capture the deepwater ports in California. By Tom Parsons, NPS Ranger

Local

2A • Daily Corinthian

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Video gently reprimands instead of soothes neck, and was certain the Grim Reaper was in the room with us. Although the doctor is young enough to be my grandson, I trust him because he has a genuine, caring nature, and besides, I wasn’t fooling him: He knew I was scared stiff. Putting one hand above the other to indicate the heart’s upper and lower chambers, he said that atrial fibrillation causes them to desynchronize, and that with minimal invasiveness his colleague would not chop open my chest (Hallelujah!) and that my heart would not be stopped (Phew!). In-

BY JIMMY REED jimmycecilreedjr@gmail.com

Ablation is a scary procedure, especially if what is being ablated is the heart. When my cardiologist said I had an abnormal heart rhythm — atrial fibrillation, he arranged an appointment with a colleague whose specialty is ablation. “Any questions?” He asked. I almost asked how long I’ve got left, but not wanting to appear melodramatic or to let him know I was petrified, I asked him to explain ablation. As I listened, goose bumps popped up, I hyperventilated, felt sweat beads rolling down my

NEMCC announces fall President’s List Special to the Daily Corinthian

BOONEVILLE — One hundred seventy-eight Northeast Mississippi Community College students completed the 2011 fall semester with a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) and were named to the prestigious President’s List. The following local students were included on the President’s List: Megan Renea Allred, Glen; Latorrie Hurd Barnette, Corinth; Melissa Dixon Berryman, Burnsville; Destinie Pruett Boone, Corinth; Anna Clare Boucher, Glen; Carla Michelle Bragg,Corinth;Andrew Joseph Brown, Corinth; Casey Lynn Bullock, Rienzi; Johnathan Hunter Burcham, Glen; Lacey Nichole Burcham, Glen; Brandi Nico Corbin, Corinth; Mary Angela Cornelius, Corinth; Randall Parks Frazier, Corinth; Abby Kate Harris, Corinth; April Kiddy Holley, Corinth; Victoria Morgan Huggins, Rienzi; Haley Sarah Knepp, Corinth; April Michelle Labbee, Glen; Paul Morton McNair, Corinth; Lindsey Marie Milam, Corinth; Madison Bridges Nelson, Corinth; Brandy Jean Norval, Corinth; April Nicole Parchman,

Corinth; Erin Leigh Parrish, Corinth; Ginger Nicole Radtke, Corinth; Nathan Leon Roach, Glen; Katie Elizabeth Rolison, Corinth; Robert Lawrence Schnabl, Corinth; Robert Albert Scott, Corinth; Gary Lee Smith, Corinth; Hannah Nicole Trammel, Corinth; Amanda Vanderford Vandiver, Corinth; Christopher Lee Vandiver, Corinth; Turkesha Tarshona White, Corinth; Kendal Rae Graham, Ramer, Tenn.; Jessica Dianne Henson, Selmer, Tenn.; Ashley Anne Hollingsworth, Ramer, Tenn.; Hannah Elizabeth Littlejohn, Michie, Tenn.; Valerie Weeks Youngblood, Ramer, Tenn.; Maryann Suarez Gatti, Walnut; Rebecca Burdue Hernandez, Walnut; Anna Lauren Inman, Walnut; Shandy Brooke Lambert, Walnut; Nicolas Carl Laudadio, Walnut; Rachel Elise Poe, Walnut; Lindsey Nicole Pulse, Walnut; Caleb Ryan Stanley, Walnut; Krista Leigh Wilbanks, Walnut; Kelley Owen Zellner, Walnut; Chelsea Faye Browning, Burnsville; William Andrew Crawford, Iuka; Monica Jean Daugherty, Iuka; Mylinda Ivy Please see NEMCC | 3A

stead, he would insert an endoscope in an artery (Ouch!), enter the heart (Gulp!), cauterize (Egad!) a few heart muscles, and send me home with a properly timed ticker. Afterward, I called a friend for solace. He promised to send a video that would lift my spirits. He lied. Opening with a serene Garden of Eden scene, the video contrasted the Lord’s efforts to ensure that His children remained healthy, with Satan’s devious tricks to undermine those efforts. First, God provided an abundance of good food, such as broccoli,

cauliflower, spinach and a variety of other nutritious vegetables. Not to be outdone, Satan offered seductive sugary snacks. Those who chose the devil’s dishes put on pounds. Disturbed that women began bulging in the wrong places, God created delicious fish of all kinds, but the fattened females preferred Satan’s latest allurement — pastries made with white flour — and their dress sizes expanded exponentially. The Lord retaliated by encouraging His children to eat fresh green salads, which they did, but with another of Satan’s tempting treats — Thousand

Island dressing. Girths gradually grew. Battling the bulge, God urged His children to avoid fatty foods and to cook with olive oil. Sadly, the growing number of portly people found Diablo’s deep-fried delicacies more to their liking and cholesterol levels went ballistic. Next, God created running shoes so that rotund runners could burn calories. Capitalizing on the lazy streak in all human beings, Beelzebub brought forth television and the Lord’s chubby, corpulent children clicked remotes while chomping on calorie-laden snacks and swilling sweet sodas.

God’s next healthful offer was lean meats, but again Lucifer lured them away with fast food drivethrough joints, where obese omnivores could bloat their bodies with double cheeseburgers and orders of super-sized French fries. Frustrated with His children’s immoderate indulgences, God created doctors who can perform quadruple bypass heart surgery, and — you guessed it: ablation! Oxford resident Jimmy Reed is a newspaper columnist, author and college teacher. He can be contacted at 662832-8031.

WATERFOWL: Tuscumbia WMA split into two separate blocks of land All waterfowl hunts, except for the waterfowl youth hunts and the post-season light goose conservation order, are draw hunts only. Hunters may apply online at www.mdwfp.com.

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“We’ve been having pretty good luck this year. Last year we had limited water, but there’s plenty of water this year,” Nunley said. “The habitat’s looking real good, there’s lots of food, and maybe it will be a good weekend.” Tuscumbia is one of the better WMAs in the state for Mallard hunting, Nunley said. Area Manager Jimmy Drewery said the hunting varies according to the weather, but several ducks have been killed at Tuscumbia during this year’s hunting season. Established in 1999, the Tuscumbia WMA is split into two separate blocks of land known as Unit 1 and Unit 2. The northern block, Unit 1, is mostly swamp bottomland with limited access by foot and boat. A variety of waterfowl are the primary species hunted on Unit 1. The southern block, Unit 2,

includes seven waterfowl impoundments varying in size from 19 to 83 acres. All waterfowl hunts, except for the waterfowl youth hunts and the postseason light goose conservation order, are draw hunts only. Hunters may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. In Unit 2, all hunters must remain inside their assigned hunt station areas at all times. All hunters must be checked in and out by area personnel. Shooting hours in both units for youth waterfowl hunting weekend are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Both units are open for

hunters during the youth waterfowl hunting weekend on a first come, first served basis. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks website, Tuscumbia WMA, “has excellent birding opportunities based on the variety of habitat types. Many species of marsh birds benefit from the management practices implemented for waterfowl. Some of the marsh birds that are frequently sighted are great blue heron, green heron, American bittern, rail, purple gallinule and egrets.” Waterfowl regulations,

including bag limits, for the youth hunting weekend will be the same as during the regular waterfowl season; however, youth hunters are exempt from purchasing a hunting license, WMA user permit and duck stamps. Non-toxic shot and shotguns holding no more than three shells must still be used. Spent shot shells must be removed from the area. Hunters are allowed to use All Terrain Vehicles in the WMA. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Adults are not allowed to carry weapons or harvest birds during the hunts. For more information about WMAs with waterfowl hunting opportunity visit www.mdwfp.com or contact the MDWFP Wildlife Bureau at 601432-2199. For information about Tuscumbia WMA call the headquarters at 284-0740.

GALA: There will be 17 awards presented at Nightingale Awards Gala CONTINUED FROM 1A

Rick Napper. “It is truly an honor to be part of a caring team that continuously works to provide the highest level of care to our patients and our community.” There will be 17 awards presented, along with inductions into the Mississippi Nurses Asso-

ciation Hall of Fame. The following MRHC nominees are: ■ Nurse of the Year: Amy Wilkins; ■ Nurse Educator of the Year: Debbie Weeks; ■ Nurse Manager of the Year: Stacie Mitchell; ■ Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year: Brandon Sumler; ■ Advanced Practice

Nurse of the Year: Trina Nelms; ■ Nurse in a Non-Traditional Setting of the Year: Amy Gray; ■ Nurse Administrator of the Year: Angela Nowlin; ■ Nurse Mentor of the Year: Nathan Palmer; ■ Nurse Researcher of the Year: Cathy Byars; ■ Nurse Rookie of the

Year: Kaylin Moore; ■ Community Service Nurse of the Year: Barbara Leatherwood; ■ Employer of the Year: Magnolia Regional Health Center For more information on Magnolia Regional Health Center and a complete listing of physicians, visit www.MRHC. org

You asked for it, so we did it! The Botel Restaurant, Bar and Grill is now OPEN! Thursdays 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. • Fridays 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. Saturdays 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Sundays 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Mondays 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.

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Weekly Specials: Thursdays: FREE Kid’s Meal (with the purchase of an entrée)

Spa Pedicure

Spa Pedicure $25 Deluxe Pedicure $35 Luxury Pedicure $45 Signature Pedicure $50

Friday and Saturday Nights: 2 for 1 Draft Beer Sundays: Bring in your church bulletin and save 10% off entire bill Monday Nights: Pizzas, Wings and $1.50 Long Necks

1010 Botel Lane Savannah, TN Tel: 731-925-8500

Tabitha Paige Glidewell

Pro Nails Day Spa & Salon 1001 Hwy 72 East • Corinth

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Free Gift With Purchase February 1st-14th Receive a PANDORA heart jewelry box (a $40 US retail value) with your PANDORA purchase of $150 or more.* *Good while supplies last, limit one per customer.

Mon.-Sat. 9-7 Sun. - Closed

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

Rebecca Louise Kimbrough Born: October 28, 2011

Grisham Insurance “Call me for your insurance needs”

Born: August 29, 2011

(662)286-9835

Final Expense • Life Insurance • Long Term Care Medicare Supplements • Part D Prescription Plan

Are you paying too much for your Medicare Supplement? If so, why? I will always try to get you the best rates available. For example:

Parents: Chris & Samantha Glidewell

P.O. Box 1800 Corinth, MS 38835

Parents: Kevin & Sarah Kimbrough of Rienzi Grandparents: Charles & Kay Stanford of Rienzi and Dave & Debbie Kimbrough of Madison, MS Brother: Ethan

Home Delivery 1 year - - - - - - - $139.80 6 months - - - - - - $71.40 3 months - - - - - - $35.85

Mail Rates 1 year - - - - - - - -$195.00 6 months - - - - - - $98.70 $97.50 3 months - - - - - - $49.35 $48.75

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70 year old, good health, non-tobacco Male Plan F less than 129.00 a month 70 year old, good health, non-tobacco Female Plan F less than 116.00 a month

1801 South Harper Road Harper Square Mall • Corinth, MS 38834

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.

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 1, 2012

Deaths

Professor entertains study club

Katie Bennett IUKA — Funeral services for Katie L. Bennett, 91, are set for 1 p.m. Friday at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka with burial at Shady Grove Cemetery. Ms. Bennett died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Tishomingo Community Living Center. She was preceded in death by her mother, Enola Mitchell; two brothers, Onan and Herbert Mitchell; and two sisters, Celia Mae Lasley and Lavada Johnson. Dr. Faye Cole will officiate the service. Visitation begins one hour prior to service time.

Special to the Daily Corinthian

Lisa Greer Funeral services for Lisa A. Greer, 45, of Corinth, are set for 2 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Rowland Mills Cemetery. Mrs. Greer, a homemaker, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at North Mississippi Medical center. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Billie Vandiver. Survivors include her husband, Ricky Greer of Corinth; daughters Cassandra Smith and Amanda Greer, both of Corinth; brothers Lee Vandiver of Missouri and Keith Vandiver of Illinois; and a sister, Lynn Hollis of Corinth. Bro. Donald Sculley will officiate the service. Visitation is today from 4 until 8 p.m. and Thursday from noon until service time.

Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert (left) congratulates Hartis Hinds of Alcorn County for his 20 years of service to MDOT. Also on hand was MDOT District Engineer Bill Jamieson (right).

District One employees receive service awards Special to the Daily Corinthian

Glenn Scott Glenn Garrett “Scottie” Scott was born in Hardin County on July 27, 1955, the son of Betty Ratliff Scott and the late Paul Ray Scott. He was united in marriage to Sandra Hinton on Dec. 5, 1980, his best friend and soul mate, who survives. Scottie served as store manager for 32 years at Ray and Sandy’s Big Star in Counce. He formerly worked at Piggly Wiggly in Savannah and Adamsville and Sunflower in Savannah. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Savannah. He received a black belt in karate at Crossroads Martial Arts in Corinth. Scottie enjoyed working with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, working on older vehicles, and spending time with his grandsons. He departed this life on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at the age of 56 years and 6 months. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by three daughters, Candy Murphy (Stanton) of Savannah, Tenn., Wendy Gagyi and Mandy Scott of Saltillo, Tenn.; a sister, Bonnie Terry; three grandsons, Ryan Murphy (Brittney), Nathan Murphy and Dillon Clausel; four granddaughters, Kiana Ray Clausel and Hannah, Sara, and Hailey Gagyi; and one greatgranddaughter, McCalleigh Marie Rogers. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Ray Scott; a brother, Larry Scott; and a sister, Rhonda Scott Walden. Services were Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at 3 p.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church in Savannah with Randy Isbell and Derek Westmoreland officiating. Burial followed in the Memory Gardens at Savannah.

JACKSON — Recently the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) recognized its District One employees for their years of service. The MDOT Service Awards Program recognizes its employees for their length of service and dedication to the agency, according to District Engineer Bill Jamieson. “Our employees are committed to serving the people of Mississippi,” said Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert. “The Service Awards Program gives us the opportunity to commend our employees

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Roosevelt, and we have that in the museum.” She said the museum decided to have a day that people could come and hear his stories and see his memorabilia. The Tuskegee photographers would take pictures at night to help in the location of targets, and they would also photograph damage after bombing. Miller said the movie “Red Tails” has sparked new interest in the experiences of veterans such as Robinson. The Tuskegee

Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 12:00-2:00pm Waldron Street Christian Church 806 E. Waldron St. for the north half of the statewide contest IJE9AI CKJK7BÃ<KD:I 9EHFEH7J;Ã8ED:I JH;7IKHOÃI;9KH?J?;I =EL;HDC;DJÂIFEDIEH;: 7=;D9OÃI;9KH?J?;I

EKHÅ:;<Å?D?J?EDÅE<Å<Å?D7D9?7BÅIK99;II “The sheer number of investment choices can be a little overwhelming. With so many choices and so much riding on your decisions, it is good to have a trusted advisor who can help you sort through the alternatives and assist you with a plan that makes sense for you.” Chuck Counce, BancorpSouth Financial Advisor, 601 Fillmore Street, Corinth 662396-6016 Not FDIC No bank guarantee. insured. May lose value.

Investment Services, Inc.

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NEMCC CONTINUED FROM 2A

Dees, Iuka; Byron Eugene Huff, Burnsville; Dana BoShay Mackey, Iuka; Cullen Eli McDuffy, Iuka; Alexia Allyn Oliver, Iuka; Carlee Morgan Puckett, Iuka; Marcey Anne Sykes, Iuka; Jonathan Blake Whirley, Iuka; Ryan Caleb Williamson, Iuka.

AIRMAN: Volunteer says movie has sparked new interest in veterans

Crossroads Poetry Project is Hosting

2012-2013

for their professionalism and diligence they have demonstrated in providing quality transportation services.” Recipients who received Service Awards in Alcorn, Prentiss and Tippah counties include: ■ Alcorn County — Hartis Hinds, 20 years. ■ Prentiss County — Lucas Chittom, 5 years; Randy Lambert, 10 years; Jason Frederick, 20 years; and Micky Pannell, 20 years. ■ Tippah County — Roy Stroupe, 10 years; Mike Hudson, 20 years; and Harry Richardson, 40 years.

Dr. Eric Moore was guest speaker for the 20th Century Study Club on Dec. 6 at Mrs. Colon McGee’s home. Eleven members thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Moore’s many stories and songs. He is a retired professor of Southwestern Missouri University. He and his wife moved to Corinth six years ago to be near their family at Noyes Family Care. During his program, Dr. Moore emphasized motivation and attitude. President Dale Cranford presided at the meeting. The A.M.E.N Food Pantry was the recipient of the annual benefit the club sponsors.

Airmen were America’s first black military airmen and participated in World War II. Released Jan. 20, “Red Tails” stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard.

It mixes tales of the men’s struggles with actionpacked battle scenes. Miller said the museum invites visitors to take time this month to view its collection. Items relating

to the Easom School are among its most popular attractions. The museum also has a section of African memorabilia, a tribute to military veterans and items about President Obama.

1st Annual Corinth Kiwanis Father/Daughter Valentine Ball Saturday, February 11, 2012 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. “It’s Gonna Be A Good Night!” Shiloh Ridge Golf Club 3303 Shiloh Ridge Road • Corinth, MS A Special Evening for Dads, Grandfathers, and Father-figures to carry their special Princesses and Valentines to the Ball for a night of fabulous food, music, dancing, and more! • $35 First Couple and $10 for each additional daughter. Entrance Fee includes: Food, Dancing, Meet the Princesses, Beauty makeover Stations, and Make a Cupcake for Dad Station • $15 Ball Memories T-shirt • $15 Limousine ride • $10 Ball Memories Photo. Additional prints $5. • $200 Reserved Sponsor Table with your name and/or advertisement (8 per table) (limited number, first come first serve. Table only. Does not include entry.)

Dress is church dress to formal wear. Tickets must be purchased by February 4, 2012. No walk-ups will be allowed. To register and obtain tickets go to corinthkiwanis.org and click on the Father-Daughter Ball page or pick up your registration form at Weeden Law Firm, 501 Cruise Street, Corinth, MS or Corinth Area Tourism. All mailed registrations must be postmarked by February 4, 2012 with payment. Call (662) 286-3317 to leave any message.

Kiwanis- Serving the Children of the World

KIJÅH?=>JÅ<EHÅOEK

Opinion

Reece Terry, publisher

www.dailycorinthian.com

Mark Boehler, editor

4A • Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Corinth, Miss.

Romney could sweep February BY DICK MORRIS AND EILEEN MCGANN (Editor’s note: This column was written Jan. 27 before the Florida primary, but still gives a good predication of who the Republican presidential nominee is likely to be.) If Mitt Romney wins in Florida, he will likely sweep the month of February and have a clear path to the nomination. Romney’s people have doubtless been using their influence at the state level to line up friendly states for February caucuses and primaries. Now he is in a position to sweep the table if he wins in Florida. On Saturday, Feb. 4, after the Florida primary, comes Nevada, a heavily Mormon state that Romney carried four years ago. On the same day, Maine will begin a weeklong process of caucuses. Romney should win this New England state easily. Then, one week after Florida, on Feb. 7, Colorado and Minnesota hold their caucuses. Romney won both states in 2008, and he’ll have a built-in advantage in any caucus state since he has had the money and organization for almost a year that Newt Gingrich can only dream about. Three weeks later, on Feb. 28, Michigan and Arizona vote. Michigan was, of course, Mitt’s father, George’s, home state, where he ably served as governor, and Mitt carried it four years ago by a good margin, even after he had faltered in New Hampshire one week before. And Arizona has a large Mormon population, and Romney should win there as well. And there is only one debate in February, so Gingrich will be without his forte — winning debates — to animate his cause. So… if Gingrich wins in Florida, he can survive the Romney sweep in February and still win the nomination. But if he loses in Florida, he faces defeat after defeat throughout the month, and it’s hard to see how he could win at that point. Dick Morris, former advisor to the Clinton administration, is a commentor and author of “Rewriting History.” He is also a columnist for the New York Post and The Hill. His wife, Eileen McGann is an attorney and consultant.

Keeping in Touch State: Sen. Rita Potts Parks Alcorn, Tishomingo, Tippah Counties 662-287-6323 (H) 662-415-4793 (cell) rparks@senate.m.s.gov Rep. Nick Bain Alcorn County 662-287-1620 (H) 601-953-2994 (Capitol) nbain@house.ms.gov Rep. Lester “Bubba” Carpenter Alcorn, Tishomingo Counties 601-359-3374 (Capitol) 662-427-8281 (H) lcarpenter@huse.ms.gov Rep. William Tracy Arnold Alcorn, Prentiss Counties 662-728-9951 (H) warnold@house.ms.gov All state legislators can be reached via mail: c/o Capitol P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, Miss. 39215

Federal: U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee 202-225-4306 (Washington D.C.) Fax: 202-225-3549 662-327-0748 (Columbus) Fax: 662-328-5982 U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran 202-224-5054 (Washington D.C.) Fax: 202-224-9450 601-965-4459 (Jackson) 662-236-1018 (Oxford) U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker 202- 224-6253 (Washington D.C.) Fax: 202-228-0378 601-965-4644 (Jackson) Fax: 601-965-4007

Prayer for today Dear Father, we praise you that we are called your children, and we thank you for saving us and for looking at us through the lens of Christ’s righteousness instead of through our sin. Amen.

A verse to share Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” — John 11:25-26 (NRSV)

Reece Terry publisher rterry@dailycorinthian.com

Outside counsel fight remains cold war trial lawyers like STARKVILLE — Dickie Scruggs and The ongoing legislaPaul Minor -- both tive battle over the now disgraced and so-called “outside defrocked from the counsel” or continprofession and servgency fee law remains ing federal prison a political cold war between the state’s Sid Salter sentences for juditrial lawyers and the Columnist cial corruption. Both had profited mightstate’s business and medical interests -- and it’s ily from the outside counsel system. a story that has two sides. The ICEPAC group proTort reform opponents have consistently used the moted themselves as a pooutside counsel issue as litical counterbalance to license to rail against the business, insurance and highly questionable activi- medical interests that had ties of the U.S. Chamber of long lobbied lawmakers Commerce in state judicial and made campaign contripolitics more than a decade butions to influence public policy. But the new wealth ago. But in doing so, those that many of ICEPAC’s pasame opponents just as con- trons were using to fund the sistently ignored the role of PAC came directly from lesome of the state’s high pro- gal fees gained from outside file trial lawyers in the esca- counsel contracts. In that era, it was a poorlation of a campaign finance ly kept secret at the state arms race in Mississippi. To be clear, the U.S. Capitol that Scruggs had Chamber wasn’t slinging -- as later confirmed in the wads of campaign cash 2010 Curtis Wilkie book around in Mississippi poli- “The Fall of the House of tics in 2000 until after a Zeus” -- quietly funded a group called the Institute push to amend a Medicaid for Consumers and the En- bill to authorize the state to vironment Political Action “employ legal counsel on a Committee or ICEPAC was contingency basis” that creformed in the mid-1990s ated a system of having the and began doing the same state’s attorney general hire thing. ICEPAC was heav- outside lawyers without inily funded by wealthy state put from the Legislature or

the governor. Then there’s the fact that so many of the outside counsel attorneys chosen to represent the state since the 1994 law change also just happened to be among the largest campaign contributors both to the attorney generals passing out the contracts and to ICEPAC and directly to the campaigns who fit Scruggs’ “magic jurisdiction” vision for the judiciary. Remember that vision? Scruggs said in 2002 while serving on a panel at a national conference: “What I call the ‘magic jurisdiction,’ . . . [is] where the judiciary is elected with verdict money. The trial lawyers have established relationships with the judges that are elected; they’re State Court judges; they’re populists. They’ve got large populations of voters who are in on the deal; they’re getting their [piece] in many cases. And so, it’s a political force in their jurisdiction, and it’s almost impossible to get a fair trial if you’re a defendant in some of these places. The plaintiff lawyer walks in there and writes the number on the blackboard, and the first juror meets the last

one coming out the door with that amount of money. . . . These cases are not won in the courtroom. They’re won on the back roads long before the case goes to trial. Any lawyer fresh out of law school can walk in there and win the case, so it doesn’t matter what the evidence or law is.” Such unbridled arrogance and avarice sent an engraved invitation to groups like the U.S. Chamber to meet political fire with fire on behalf of business and medical interests who might resent that kind of “magic.” But in truth, the historical tit-for-tat between the U.S. Chamber and ICEPAC is merely a smokescreen for the real issues at play here, which is whether any Mississippi’s attorney general -- Republican or Democrat -- should be able to negotiate these contracts without oversight and whether any AG can encumber or expend public lawsuit settlement funds for purposes not expressly approved by the Legislature. Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist. Contact him at 601-507-8004 or sidsalter@sidsalter.com.

Summoning up the Vincent van Gogh spirit Gogh painted many I just finished the of his most famous flower-flattening canvases. Saint Paul tome called “Van was as peaceful and Gogh: The Life” by beautiful now as Steven Naifeh and then. The part not Gregory White Smith. dedicated as a van It was 868 pages and Rheta Gogh museum reso riveting that I read Grimsley mains a mental hosthe whole book in two Johnson pital. I could see why, weeks. at first, a seriously ill From his days as an Columnist Vincent was loath to itinerant evangelist leave. to his isolation in an “For the first time in his asylum near Saint Remy, Saint-Paul-De Mausole, career as an artist, he could van Gogh struggled with draw and paint unmomore demons than Buffy lested and unmocked,” the authors said of the serene the Vampire Slayer. He is an object lesson in place. Outside the gates, perspiration over inspira- the fragile van Gogh was tion. He certainly didn’t doomed. Art critics and neighbors spring from the womb painting masterpieces. For called him a madman, said decades, without direction his vibrant colors came or attaboys from any quar- from a sick mind. Street urter, he kept at his art. It was chins followed him, jeering and throwing rocks. With a very slow go. Even when van Gogh the exception of his brothreached his artistic peak, he er Theo, Vincent’s family pretty much concurred with didn’t know it. Vincent van Gogh, for a his many detractors. And dramatic instance, consid- at times Theo was on the ered “Starry Night” a fail- fence. Vincent himself admitted ure. Last fall I visited the to being “a fanatic” about French hospital where van his beliefs.

Beth Cossitt

Mark Boehler

business manager bcossitt@dailycorinthian.com

editor editor@dailycorinthian.com

Willie Walker

L.W. Hodges

circulation manager circdirector@dailycorinthian.com

press foreman

Van Gogh’s story, told exhaustively in this wonderful new book, raises the familiar question: Must a great artist be a little nuts? One bright Colorado night not so long ago, I was walking along a street of galleries and shops. The Art Walk, they call it. In one cooperative gallery, I stopped to admire a hand-pulled print called “Meditation.” A gorgeous young woman is reclining, swirls of blue and gold tangling with her long hair. Just beneath the arresting print sat the artist, another beautiful woman. Marian Busey has taught art, worked with stage scenery, illustration and marionettes. She’s been making some kind of art all of her life. Now she specializes in limited edition prints of paintings that have a dreamy, ethereal quality. We talked about her efforts; the artist was passionate, calm, fun and inspirational. I bought her print. Marian Busey will be 100 in March.

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It is sad how some have to suffer more for their art than others. Imagine if van Gogh had been able to enjoy his success, to sit and discuss his artistic visions with an appreciative public, to live to the age of 100 and see his paintings vault to iconic status. If only there had been a pill, a wife, a friend to ease his pain at least a little. Artists are not exempt from the truism that life is not fair. Not for geniuses, not for the rest of us. The trick for most is to keep at it, whatever “it” is, ignoring the jeers and hearing the cheers. Most of us won’t paint masterpieces from the isolation of a mental hospital or anywhere else. But we can carry on with our chores on days we don’t feel so great. That’s the van Gogh spirit that even the artist himself could not recognize. 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 1, 2012 • 5A

State Bad info infuriated kin of pardoned man’s victims BY HOLBROOK MOHR Associated Press

JACKSON — In another twist in the often confusing aftermath of pardons granted by former Gov. Haley Barbour on his way out of office, Mississippi corrections officials said Tuesday that victims’ relatives were given bad information by the state that fanned their outrage. Barbour pardoned 198 people, including convicted killer David Gatlin, who was one of five men who worked as inmate trusties at the Governor’s Mansion.

Relatives of Gatlin’s victims were outraged about the pardon and were even more upset because they received a letter saying the Mississippi Parole Board turned down Gatlin for parole Dec. 27 — days before Barbour’s pardon. Glenda Walker, the mother of one victim, gave The Associated Press a copy of a Jan. 4 letter from the Parole Board that said Gatlin’s request had been rejected by the Parole Board. But according to a statement Tuesday by the

Mississippi Department of Corrections, the parole board sent the letter in error. Another man with the same last name was considered for parole in December. David Gatlin’s last parole hearing was in 2010. “The Parole Board has subsequently notified MDOC that Gatlin was in fact never reviewed for parole last month and that the letter sent to the victims indicating Gatlin had been denied parole was sent in error,” the department said in a statement.

Parole Board spokeswoman Shannon Warnock said “it was an honest mistake by an administrative assistant in our office.” She said the same five members of the parole board denied Gatlin’s parole in 2010. The 40-year-old Gatlin was sentenced to life in prison in the 1993 slaying of his estranged wife Tammy Ellis Gatlin and the shooting of Randy Walker, her long-time friend. Walker’s mother has said Gatlin shot his estranged wife while she

was holding their young baby, then shot Randy Walker in the head. “Why don’t they call me? Why don’t they call the Ellises?” Walker said Tuesday. “They’re trying to make things better. It doesn’t change anything.” Gatlin is free, but has been ordered to check in every day with corrections officials while courts consider a legal challenge to the pardons. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood claims many of the people pardoned didn’t properly publish a notification that

Bryant’s 1st Mississippi budget carries ‘lots of cuts’ BY JEFF AMY Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — Gov. Phil Bryant proposed Tuesday to cut state spending by $26 million to $5.49 billion in 2013 while also insisting on building $100 million in state reserves. The newly inaugurated Republican summarized his first budget as a “lot of cuts,” saying he won’t raise taxes and that state revenues have yet to recover from the recession. “I tell you this is the most challenging budget I’ve ever seen for any governor or Legislature,” said Bryant, who was nonetheless upbeat, describing himself as a “problem solver.” The proposal is a step toward adopting next year’s state spending plan. Lawmakers will get the final say. They typically adopt some, but rarely all, of any gover-

nor’s budget suggestions. Bryant said he’d sell a state jet to raise $2 million, and give $5 million more to state tax collectors in hopes they could use it to collect $10 million. Beyond that, he wants to rely on the budget ax. Many agencies would get 5.5 percent less in the year beginning July 1. Bryant would cut K-12 school funding by $73 million or more

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than 3 percent, demanding districts spend reserves to make up the shortfall. That would leave the state’s funding formula, first adopted in 1997, almost $330 million below full funding in 2013. “I’m going to ask school districts to help,” Bryant said. “I wish we had it all, but we don’t.” Though Bryant described his proposal as keeping funding level for K-12

schools, state Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, disagreed. “It’s not level state funding,” said Brown, former chairman of the House Education Committee. Schools don’t have uniform levels of reserves, he said, adding: “School districts are all different, depending on cash flow.” Community colleges, which have been struggling

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with less money and growing enrollment, would get 5.5 percent less. Universities would get 5.5 percent less too, although funding would be held level for financial aid. Still, those cuts could spell big tuition increases next fall. Less money for community colleges could cause particular heartburn, said Rep. Herb Frierson, R-Poplarville, the House’s chief budget writer.

they were seeking pardons. Barbour, a Republican who weighed a 2012 presidential bid before deciding against a campaign, has accused Hood of playing politics in challenging the pardons. Hood, the only Democrat in statewide office, is serving in his third term.

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6A • Wednesday, February 1, 2012 • Daily Corinthian

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