Daily Corinthian E-Edition 01-15-2012 by Daily Corinthian

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Daily Corinthian Vol. 116, No. 13

• Corinth, Mississippi •

BY MARK BOEHLER A Corinth man who came up missing last week was found dead Saturday in his pickup truck in downtown Corinth. Detective Capt. Ralph Dance of the Corinth Police Department said 55-year-old Michael “Mike” Lamar Rogers of 1504 Hamilton Circle in the Happy Days Apartments apparently died of natural causes. Rogers’ body was discovered about 11 a.m. Saturday

slumped over the driver’s seat inside his truck parked in a space on Foote Street at the corner of Fillmore Street across from ChaRogers pell’s Car Wash, said Dance. No foul play is suspected as Rogers was diabetic and had

medical issues, according to Dance. The body was found by police Cpt. Randy Dickerson, who was responding to a call that a pickup truck fitting the description of Rogers’ vehicle was seen parked on Foote Street near Fillmore. “He was slumped to the side where he could not be seen from the truck’s windows,” said Dickerson. A missing person report was filed by Rogers’ family on

Thursday. Rogers, who lived alone, was reported missing by his mother. The family was concerned because the missing man had health problems. He was last seen alive by a friend about 2 p.m. Thursday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Corinth. Funeral arrangements for Rogers by McPeters Funeral Directors were incomplete Saturday afternoon.

Dr. John W. Prather Longtime cardiologist loves career helping others BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

What makes a person tick? Dr. John W. Prather knows the matters of the heart. The veteran cardiologist has spent over 40 years studying the core of an individual. Thirty-two of those have been at one place — Magnolia Regional Health Center. “I love it,” said the physician of his chosen field. “It is second nature for me to take care of people.” The 68 year-old became the first cardiologist at the then Magnolia Hospital in November of 1979. He was the Director of Cardiovascular Research at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala., when Magnolia Hospital Administrator Winston Whitfield came calling. “He found out that John wanted to relocate and he wanted him to consider coming to Corinth,” said the cardiologist’s wife, Barbara Prather. The only thing holding the deal up was Magnolia had no cath lab. “Winston told him if he would come they would get a cath lab,” said Mrs. Prather. The private practice of John W. Prather, Ph.D., M.D., F.A.C.C. came to end in December with the Magnolia Regional Health Center Division of Cardiology Chief becoming an employee of the hospital.

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

Please see PRATHER | 3A

Dr. John Prather checks Stan Hughes during an office visit. Prather — Magnolia Hospital’s first cardiologist — is now an employee of the hospital after closing his private practice in December.

BY BRANT SAPPINGTON A Booneville native named to state’s highest military post has built a lifelong record as a dedicated and determined soldier and citizen. Gen. Augustus Leon Collins, a 1975 graduate of Booneville High School, was chosen last week by Gov. Phil Bryant to serve as adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard. He will lead the 12,500 members of the Mississippi Army National Guard and the Mississippi Air National Guard as their top commander in the state. Collins is perhaps best

Tonight

Ceremony to dedicate mission BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

A dedication, groundbreaking and fundraising ceremony for a local facility that seeks to help homeless women and their children will be held Tuesday. The ceremony — featuring special guest speakers U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and Corinth Mayor Tommy Irwin — will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Hope Dream Center Mission, formerly the Tate Street Baptist Church. It will kick off the fundraising efforts to renovate the building and prepare it for its new purpose: To help troubled and homeless women and their children. “This is for the community,” explained Mike Stewart, volunteer and member of the facility’s board of directors. “We are a nonprofit group putting a thing together to house women who are in distress.” The Hope Dream Center Mission’s purpose is to take in troubled women, feed them, house them and minister to them, and get them ready to become productive and responsible members of the community. It will be operated as a nondenominational Christian center. “We are not a church, not looking to take away congregations,” Stewart said. “Because we’re not taking federal funds, we are permitted to minister to Please see MISSION | 2A

Kiwanis plan special event for fathers, daughters BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

Collins, state’s top military commander, has lifelong career of dedicated service bsappington@dailycorinthian.com

Today

18 pages • Two sections

Missing man found dead editor@dailycorinthian.com

Sunny

Gen. Collins at a glance ■ 1975 graduate of Booneville High School. ■ Graduate of Northeast Mississippi Community College (member of college

ROTC). ■ Graduate of University of Mississippi. ■ MBA from Jackson State University. ■ Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. ■ Promoted to General in 2005, led the 155th Brigade Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom. ■ Appointed director of mobilization forces for U.S. Army Forces Command. ■ Retired from service in 2007. ■ Appointed Adjutant General of Mississippi Army National Guard, January 2012.

known in Northeast Mississippi as the leader of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, which included National Guard units from throughout the region, during its service in Operation

Iraqi Freedom in 2005. That same year he became the first black man to hold the position of general in the Mississippi Please see COLLINS | 2A

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

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

The Corinth chapter of an international service club is raising money for local children’s charities with a Valentine’s Day event for fathers and daughters. The first annual Corinth Kiwanis Father/Daughter Valentine Ball will be held from 6 until 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Shiloh Ridge Golf Club. “We feel the Valentine Father/Daughter Ball is another great way for Kiwanis to raise funds for charitable causes benefiting children locally,” said Ken Weeden, Kiwanis committee chair. “The Ball will provide a unique opportunity for dads, grandfathers and father figures to treat their Valentines.” Organizers of the Valentine Ball promise a night of food, dancing and more — with all proceeds going to benefit children’s charities that are supported by Kiwanis of Corinth. “The inaugural event is based on similar events held around the region,” said Kiwanis board member Andrea Rose. “Kiwanis hopes it will offer a great opportunity for fathers or other fatherfigures to treat their special ones to an evening of dress up fun.” Tickets must be pre-purchased and cost $35 for the first

Gen. Leon Collins

Please see VALENTINE | 3A

On this day in history 150 years ago The U.S. Senate confirms the nomination of Edwin McMasters Stanton of Ohio as the new Secretary of War. Sailors and Marines from the USS Hatteras destroy seven blockade runners on a raid to Cedar Key, Fla., on the Gulf Coast.

Local

2A • Daily Corinthian

Sunday, January 15, 2012

MISSION: Facility needs volunteers for carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, board member Stewart says CONTINUED FROM 1A

John Peebles

Michael Blome

Sons of the Legion receive awards at state convention Special to the Daily Corinthian

At the recent detachment state convention of the Sons of the American Legion held in Natchez, Perry Johns, Squadron No. 6 of Corinth was awarded 100 percent membership award, Outstanding Service to the Detachment award and an award for 100 percent membership by Legion Birthday (March). The awards were accepted by Squadron No. 6 commander Michael Blome of Jacinto. While there, Blome was elected to alternate national executive committeeman for the detachment

of Mississippi. Also, at this convention, John Peebles of Glen went out as detachment adjutant, which he had served as two terms. Peebles also serves as local Squadron No. 6 adjutant and has served since its recharting in 1995. Perry Johns Squadron No. 6 has provided good men to serve this state in the Sons of the American Legion. The local Legion Sons squadron meets every second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on South Tate Street in Corinth.

WELCOME JOHN W. PRATHER,

PH.D, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Dr. Prather is a board certified physician in Cardiology and Internal Medicine with Magnolia Regional Health Center. He has been on staff at MRHC since 1979. Dr. Prather is also certified in Nuclear Medicine, CT Cardiac Angiograms and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Prather received his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego followed by training in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and a Cardiology fellowship at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. He is a recipient of the Giannini Foundation Fellowship.

these women. We’re not going to teach pet doctrines, but basic, simple stuff. We’re going to get them in Bible study, teach them, love them, feed them, save them and get them ready to be part of the community.” Women will stay at the facility for periods determined by their needs. They will take on the responsibilities of cooking their own food, cleaning their living quarters, cleaning for their children and operating a thrift store on the premises. The will receive medical treatment from volunteer physicians and help while working to attain their GEDs. No smoking, drinking or drug use will be allowed on the property. Occupants will follow specific hours for classes and work as well as a designated time to return to the facility at night. To carry out their mission, the Dream Center needs the community’s support. Stewart said the facility will be ready to

open its doors to troubled women as soon as a sprinkler system is installed. The facility needs to raise $26,000 for the sprinkler system. In addition to the sprinkler system, the facility needs funds to convert bathrooms, making them accessible for clients and their families; to construct separation walls for client privacy; to purchase full and twin sized beds, mattresses, bed linens, chairs and clothing racks; and to purchase clothing and shoes of all sizes. Money isn’t the facility’s only need. “We need volunteers for plumbing, electrical work, carpentry — we need everything,” Stewart said. The Hope Dream Cen-

COLLINS: General got earliest military experience in ROTC at Northeast Mississippi Community College CONTINUED FROM 1A

National Guard and now becomes the first to hold the post of adjutant general. “I am so pleased to appoint Brigadier General Collins to this position. The men and women of our National Guard support our state during times of emergency and defend our nation during times of war, so it’s crucial that our commanding officer be someone of great character,” said Gov. Bryant. “Brigadier General Collins has demonstrated great leadership both in his military career and in his work with young adults, and I am confident that he will guide Mississippi’s armed forces with great integrity.” Collins went on after his service in Iraq to become director of mobilization at the Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Ga., where he was responsible for leading the organization and preparations for mobilization of guard units nationwide. He retired from the military in 2007 and has since worked with the Job Corps Centers helping improve the lives of young people throughout the country. He was also appointed

“Leon Collins was always a fine young man. ... We’re so proud of him and we’re just honored that he is a Northeast alum.” Dr. Johnny Allen President, Northeast Mississippi Community College by Gov. Haley Barbour in 2007 to the Mississippi Workers Compensation Commission. Collins got his earliest military experience as a member of the ROTC program at Northeast Mississippi Community College and has remained a strong supporter of the school. NEMCC President Dr. Johnny Allen said Collins’ success shows the importance of these types of programs and the positive things that can happen when they are used to their fullest by dedicated and determined students. “Leon Collins is an example of what can happen when both education and the leadership opportunities that happen in ROTC come together,” said Allen. The college president said Collins has always been a smart, strong and determined individual and his success shows what is possible when ev-

To schedule an appointment please call, (662) 287-5218.

John W. Prather, PhD, MD, FACC Monday - Friday : 8:00 AM -5:00 PM 611 Alcorn Drive, Suite 230 Corinth, MS 38834 662.287.5218

For a complete listing of MRHC physicians, visit www.MRHC.org.

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ter Mission is a 501(c) tax-exempt organization. “We’re all volunteers — we’re not making money at this,” Stewart emphasized. “This is to help people. A lady froze to death in Booneville because she didn’t have a place to stay. The need is there. We’ve already had people calling, trying to get in. This is not political, not Methodist versus Baptist — but we are Christian.” Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to: Hope Dream Center Mission of Corinth MS, 1223 Tate St., Corinth, MS 38834. For more information contact Mike Stewart at 662-808-0291 or send an email to dreamcenterofcorinth@gmail.com

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ery opportunity in life is met with that kind of determination. “Leon Collins was always a fine young man and a determined and dedicated student,” he said. Allen said they are thrilled to see the general achieve another milestone success. “We’re so proud of him and we’re just honored that he is a Northeast alum,” said Allen. A pair of Collins’ former high school classmates said it wasn’t unexpected at all that the young man they once shared laughs with in the hallways of Booneville High School has gone on to do such great things. Booneville Mayor Joe Eaton said he remembers Collins as a positive, upbeat person. He laughed as he recalled the now dignified general joining with them in the big hair and flashy fashions of the day and said he was always one who could be counted on to be an active and happy person. “I remember Leon being a person who always had a smile and always seemed to be on top of the world,” he said. Eaton said he’s been happy to follow Collins’ career and witness his success. “It’s no surprise to me at all that Leon Collins has been as successful as he has,” said the mayor. “We’re proud of him and of the positive way he has represented Booneville and Prentiss County.” Circuit Court Judge Jim Pounds continues to stay in touch with his former classmate, Collins, and his parents, Leroy and Deborah Williams of Thrasher. “I’m so proud for Leon and his mom and dad. They are truly a great family and Leon is so very deserving of this prestigious honor. He will continue to make us all proud,” said Pounds.

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 â&#x20AC;˘ Daily Corinthian

Arnold excited about upcoming session, opportunity to serve BY BRANT SAPPINGTON bsappington@dailycorinthian.com

Tracy Arnold is excited about the opportunity to serve. Arnold was sworn in last week as state representative for Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House District 3, beginning his first term representing the district including most of Prentiss County and a portion of southern Alcorn County. The Republican won a hotly contested race last fall to fill the post held for 32 years by Thrasherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s William J. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Billyâ&#x20AC;? McCoy, who did not seek reelection. Arnold said his first week has been a whirlwind as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gotten settled in and started making connections with his fellow rep-

resentatives and learning his way around the legislative process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been an exciting week. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited about this upcoming session,â&#x20AC;? he said. The new representative said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredibly grateful for and humbled by the support and trust shown in him by the people of the district and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to get started serving them. He said the swearing-in ceremony last week was a powerful experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was such a special moment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just an honor to represent the people of the third district,â&#x20AC;? he said. Arnold said theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been busy over the past week electing a new speaker of the house, establishing rules and

procedures committees, and getting the mechanisms in place to begin the serious work of the new session. The start of the 2012 legislative session brought a major shift to Jackson with a Republican majority now in control of both houses of the legislature. Arnold said he feels thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new feeling of hope and a focus on progress and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to get to work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just an atmosphere around the Capitol thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s totally different,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I expect for our legislature to move forward in leaps and bounds. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m expecting great things,â&#x20AC;? he said. Arnold said he knows newly

couple and $10 for each additional daughter or granddaughter. Tickets include food, dancing, meet the special princesses in attendance, beauty makeover stations and a cupcake decorating station. Participants will have a chance to purchase a Ball Memories Tshirt, a limousine ride and photo memories of the Ball.

Dress will range from church dress to formal wear. Tickets are available on a firstcome, first-served basis, and no walk-ups will be allowed. The deadline to purchase tickets is Saturday, Feb. 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be sure to get your tickets soon, as you will not want your little princess to miss out on this evening of magic,â&#x20AC;? said Rose. Committee Chair Ken Weeden

has been the driving force behind organizing the Valentine Ball. He has attended similar events and said fathers can use the money they would have spent on candy to make memories with their daughters that will last a lifetime. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The little girls â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even as young as infants â&#x20AC;&#x201D; really enjoy having the special night full of fun just for them,â&#x20AC;? Weeden said. Information: 286-3317.

PRATHER: Doctor was behind opening of special procedures room CONTINUED FROM 1A

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are so many changes with government programs and more requirements these days,â&#x20AC;? said his wife and longtime office manager of the reason to make the move to the hospital. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a shift that is just fine with the doctor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am not one to move around a lot,â&#x20AC;? said the McNairy County native. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been a good hospital and I have just enjoyed the people ... they are easy to take care of.â&#x20AC;?

Wanting a top-flight facility The hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first cardiologist has worked to make Magnolia a top flight hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been difficult at times,â&#x20AC;? said the Mississippi State and University of Mississippi graduate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hospital went through some tough financial times but we worked and worked to improve the quality of doctors. Now we are starting to flourish in that area.â&#x20AC;? His goal from Day 1 in Corinth? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to see the hospital expand and become a medical center,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we have done that.â&#x20AC;? The hospital completed a major expansion in 2007 that saw an expansion of

153,328 square feet, including a medical office building and expanded surgery department.

Hospital innovator The moment he stepped foot in Magnolia Hospital, Prather has been improving the facility. Prather was behind a special procedures room that opened in 1980. The room was the first of its kind in North Mississippi. A new lab specifically designed for use in cardiac procedures opened in 1988. He led a drive to get telemetry equipment in ambulances in 1981, raising $29,000 to complete the project. Prather also started the Cardiac Rehab Program in 1982 at the hospital. Magnolia Hospital unveiled its new special procedures laboratory in June of 1994. The stateof-the-art lab designed for vascular studies replaced the 1980 special procedures room. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The job has gotten easier over the years,â&#x20AC;? said the father of two. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now you can come in with a heart attack, have a procedure and go home in a day or so. Thirty years ago if you had a heart attack, you were lucky to come out alive.â&#x20AC;? Modern equipment has helped immensely. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so far advanced

Deaths Lisa Dean IUKA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lisa Pickle Dean, 47, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Cutshall Funeral Home - Iuka.

Barbara Ragan Barbara Ragan, of Corinth, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at her residence. Visitation is today from 5 until 8 p.m. at Hight Funeral Home. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Hight Funeral Home.

Michael Rogers Funeral arrangements for Michael Lamar Rogers, 55, of Corinth, are incomplete and will be announced by McPeters Funeral Directors.

Jewel Edmondson

Please see ARNOLD | 5A

VALENTINE: Participants will have chance to purchase shirt, photo CONTINUED FROM 1A

Sunday, January 15, 2012

than 30 years ago and the treatment for heart failure has improved dramatically,â&#x20AC;? said the doctor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has made life so much easier and improved the longevity of patients.â&#x20AC;? In 2004, Prather put together the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Conference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We started the conference to educate women to reduce their cardiovascular risk,â&#x20AC;? he said. The 2012 event is set for Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Crossroads Arena.

Trained by the best The grandfather of six was drawn to the cardiology field while doing post graduate research at UCLA and the University of California at San Diego in the late â&#x20AC;&#x2122;60s and early â&#x20AC;&#x2122;70s. He points to Drs. Arthur Guyton and Eugene Braunwald as playing huge parts in his cardiology career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have always been with people who are outstanding in the cardiology area,â&#x20AC;? said Prather. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been trained by some of the best people in the country.â&#x20AC;?

Numerous honors Board certified in both Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Prather was recipient of the Gi-

annini Foundation Fellowship in 1969-70. A.P. Giannini, the founder of the Bank of America, established the foundation in 1945 to bring to fruition his long-held dream to promote the study, discovery, treatment and care of diseases that impair the human body. Prather, who completed an internship in Internal Medicine as well as Cardiology and Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Alabama â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Birmingham, has researched and been published in American Heart Journal, Circulation and American Journal of Cardiology on progress in reduction of hospital mortality and the acute myocardial infarction. He has also served on the National Registry of myocardial infarction and is past president of the National Medical Alumni of the University of California at San Diego.

Good team Prather and his wife, Barbara, have been good for each other through the years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have had an interesting life,â&#x20AC;? said his wife. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is the people person, while I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind doing the office work ... we have made a good team.â&#x20AC;? A team that has cared for the people of the area for over 30 years.

IUKA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Funeral services for Jewel Christine Page Edmondson, 89, are set for 2 p.m. today at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka with burial at RutledgeSalem Cemetery. Mrs. Edmondson died Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at Southern Magnolia Estates in Iuka. She was a member of Mt. Glory Baptist Church, where she formerly served as church secretary and Youth Sunday School teacher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dorlan D. Edmondson; a son, Ronnie Edmondson; her parents, George Robert Sr. and Maybelle Luttrell Page; four sisters, Flora Mae Denson, Nana Riggs, Hilda Holman and Ann Wilson; and a brother, George Robert Page Jr. Survivors include two sons, Donnie Edmondson (Brenda) of Dennis, and Neil Edmondson (Brenda) of Iuka; two daughters, Carolyn Southward (H.O.) of Iuka, and Dana Walker (Thomas) of Tupelo; one sister, Ruth Page Dawson of Tishomingo; eight grandchildren, Bryan Southward, Jason Southward, Kristi Reece, Shannon Edmondson, Heather Kirk, Ethan Edmondson, Channing Walker and Caleb Walker; and eight great-grandchildren. Bro. Neil Edmondson, Bro. Robbie Crane and Channing Walker will officiate. Visitation will continue until service time Sunday at the funeral home.

Pam Horner MICHIE, Tenn. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Funeral services for Pamela Jo Marlar Horner, 47, are set for 4 p.m. today at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Horner died Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, in Iuka. She was a member of the Church of the Crossroads in Corinth and was a phlebotomist at the West Clinic in Corinth. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Miriam Leann Kemp; her father, Kenneth Marlar; her mother, Joann Scruggs Hanback; and a half-sister, Misty Marlar Vickery. Survivors include her husband, Ronnie Horner of Michie, Tenn.; one son, Hobie Kemp (Tamara) of Goldsboro, N.C.; one daughter, Jenny Ann Stephens of Golden; and one sister, Kim Kessinger (Russ) of Niceville, Fla. Bro. Nelson Hight will officiate. Visitation will continue until service time at the funeral home on Sunday.

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.

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Opinion

Reece Terry, publisher

Mark Boehler, editor

4A • Sunday, January 15, 2012

Corinth, Miss.

Guest Views

Crime victims deserve better By Layne Bruce

JACKSON — Call former Gov. Haley Barbour’s pardons of over 200 convicted felons what you want – egregious, nonsensical or — if you’re so inclined — justified. More worrisome, though, may be the volume of instances where pardons were issued but public notice requirements about them were not fulfilled. It’s a bizarre turn of events that has led to a court order to halt the release of some prisoners, the potential rounding up of others and wiping the slate clean for scores of people long out of jail. The pardoning power of governors and presidents is a well-known and important part of executive privileges. It’s there for deserving individuals who have simply exhausted all other avenues of possible reprieve. More obscure to many – apparently even to some officials and their throngs of legal advisers – is Article 5, Section 124 of the Mississippi Constitution that succinctly requires proper advance public notice be made before a pardon request is granted by the governor. In the case of scads of pardons issued Jan. 10, that didn’t happen. Many public notices pertaining to cases in counties all over the state weren’t published in the proper local newspaper far enough in advance of the issuance of the pardons. Many more evidently didn’t run at all. Even a cursory check of ads placed in a Jackson newspaper showed some of the public notices were scheduled to begin running Jan. 12, two days after the pardons themselves had been signed by the former governor. This isn’t about whether any one of the individuals Barbour pardoned was worthy or not. That’s another debate and one that’s usually rendered moot by the chief executive’s right to release convicts and restore their civil rights. Rather, this is about transparency and the public’s right to know. The circumventing of public notice law has been a problem at all levels of government since we formed one. And, quite frankly, I’m not sure whether it’s better to say the governor’s office was unaware of what is constitutionally-required or simply didn’t bother to check. A spokesperson for Barbour correctly pointed out after the story broke that the burden of notice falls on the individual requesting the pardon. But it’s valid for the public to expect someone at some level of government validated the notices were published properly before the executive orders granting the pardons were signed. This is a prime example of the importance – and too often overlooked – principle of public notices that appear in newspapers and on their websites in this state and nationwide. They serve the public’s right to know about what is happening with government and public officials within their communities. And when public notice laws are abused – either by mistake or on purpose – a serious right of citizens, taxpayers and voters is compromised. Now we’re left to sort out how many of those pardoned were actually eligible. It’s going to take time and money. Some have discounted the outrage resulting from the mass pardons as political rhetoric. After all, a vast majority were no longer incarcerated. It doesn’t reconcile, though, a number of murderers were nearly handed back the right to own a gun. And some molesters were almost excused from registering as sex offenders. Victims of such crimes deserve better. And the public at large has a right to know. Always. (Layne Bruce is executive director of the Mississippi Press Association.)

Worth Quoting A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated. — Horace Mann

A verse to share Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. — Colossians 3:17 (NRSV)

Prayer for today Thank you, Lord, for the influence of your eternal word, which stays with us always. Amen.

Reece Terry publisher rterry@dailycorinthian.com

Barbour pardons ignite voter indignation STARKVILLE — The national headlines reflect that on the way out the door, former Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned more than 200 Mississippi inmates, including a group of murderers and some high profile convicts who were responsible for the deaths of others through criminal negligence. Sources in the Barbour camp say the facts are more complex than that. They say all but 26 had already been released from prison. Of that 26, 13 got medical releases and 10 got full pardons. The other three were released under supervision of the Department of Corrections. But this isn’t a public reaction born out of numbers. It’s a reaction born out of anger and, for many, a sense of betrayal. Newspapers which two days earlier had written glowing farewell editorials about Barbour were questioning his reasoning and his competence in the execution of the pardons. Angry families of the victims were questioning his sanity, his compassion, and his sense of decency. In that instant, Barbour

changed the perception some Mississippians had of him 24 hours earlier. On his last full day Sid Salter in office, the Columnist majority of Mississippians saw Barbour as the man who told us to “hitch up our britches” after Katrina and get to work rebuilding. But 24 hours after that, news of the pardons had many of Barbour’s supporters searching vainly for explanations or justifications of the former governor’s actions. Others reacted by calling for amendment or outright abolition of the powers of pardon and clemency for Mississippi governors. That’s a dangerous and foolhardy overreaction. Here’s my take on the pardons. While I don’t pretend to understand Barbour’s reasoning on several of the pardons, the majority of them had the sole impact of clearing the records of inmates who had already served their time and been released.

Some of the same national critics of Barbour’s 2012 pardons were stripping the political bark from his back in 2010 over refusing to pardon the Scott Sisters for a heinous 1993 Scott County armed robbery. So to suggest that at least some of the outrage over the Barbour pardons has a basis in partisan politics is unavoidable. But the suggestion that Barbour’s pardons of criminals who perpetrated “crime of passion” murders of women send a distressing, insulting message to women who survive such crimes is likewise unavoidable. One other cold hard fact about the Barbour reprieves can’t be avoided: Rich white socialite Karen Irby pleaded guilty in 2010 to manslaughter in connection with the deaths of two doctors, Lisa Dedousis and Daniel Pogue, at a Jackson intersection. Irby was legally drunk at the time of the fiery accident. Barbour gave Irby clemency before leaving office. But in the 1988 accident that killed House Speaker Philip Gunn’s parents and sister, the poor black driver of the vehicle that collided with the Gunns was also in-

toxicated at the time of that tragic accident in Oxford. In 1989, Howard Hewlett was convicted on three counts of manslaughter as a habitual offender and sentenced to a total of 60 years in the state prison. Unlike Irby, Hewlett remains incarcerated at Parchman. Exactly what made Irby more deserving of mercy than Hewlett? I’ve never been a fan of state inmate “trusty” laborers working at the Governor’s Mansion. That’s a vestige of skirting the state’s shameful convict labor and convict leasing practices of the past. Mississippi needs the check and balance of gubernatorial pardons, clemencies and other reprieves over possible judicial and legislative branch mistakes in the criminal justice system. Governors, any governor, must use those powers with discretion. Haley Barbour’s ultimate legacy will rest in whether voters -- after reviewing all the facts -believe he did that or not in these instances. (Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist. Contact him at 601-507-8004 or sidsalter@sidsalter.com.)

Productivity revolution comes with a price Barry Bennett is the Leni Riefenstahl of the blistering attack documentary. The political operative’s halfhour anti-Bain Capital film, endorsed by the increasingly unhinged Newt Gingrich and aired by his super PAC, is anti-market agitprop worthy of Michael Moore. If the Academy gave an award for tendentiousness, Bennett would be a sure-fire nominee. Yet his production is at times affecting and effective. Put aside its dishonesties and over-the-top insinuations about the Mitt Romney-run private equity firm (it raised seed money from Latin America!). The film captures a conflict of visions. From below, from the workers at Bain-acquired firms that went bust, the vision is about family, community and security. From above, it is about efficiency and profit. Defenders of Bain and Romney himself use the famous phrase of the great economist Joseph Schumpeter, “creative destruction,” to describe the firm’s work. The former employees interviewed by Bennett are a reminder that, for all the glories of the first half of that formulation, the second half can be hell. But what’s the alternative to this

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Schumpeterian churn? One worker laments, “I just wish they’d left us alone.” In a Rich free econoLowery my, though, no one leaves National you alone. Review Competitors, domestic and foreign, are all around. The way things have always been done is a formula, sooner or later, for obsolescence. The Wall Street Journal did an analysis of Bain’s record during Romney’s tenure from 1984 to 1999. It found that of 77 businesses Bain invested in, 22 percent eventually filed for bankruptcy reorganization or shut down. That seems high, except Bain’s investments “focused on smaller and sometimes troubled companies that Bain hoped to fix or build.” This wasn’t so much “vulture capitalism,” in the words of the always-subtle Rick Perry, as “turnaround capitalism.” Gingrich, speaking with the purity of someone whose own business model depended on being a peculiarly well-compensated historian, has fastened on a Reuters article about Bain’s handling of a Kansas City,

Mo., steel mill. According to Reuters, Bain took on the mill despite “obvious” risks, including out-of-date equipment and formidable competition. After Bain’s $8 million takeover, the mill announced plans for a $98 million modernization. It merged with another operation “to form one of the largest mini-mill steel producers in the U.S.” Bain re-invested another $16.5 million. When an industry competitor tried to buy the new steel company, Bain declined. These weren’t the acts of a scavenger picking at a carcass. Still, it didn’t end well, as Reuters relates. Management performed poorly. Cheap imports from Asia drove down prices. Energy costs rose. The financial crisis in Asia diminished demand. A unionized workforce hampered its productivity. Are we to believe that if Mitt Romney had simply been a nicer guy, it would have worked out differently? Bain made money on the deal anyway, since the doomed steel company took on debt to pay dividends. But Bain clearly didn’t want to bankrupt its own enterprise. It did want to get a return as soon as possible. Otherwise, why bother

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taking on such a tenuous proposition? This thinking certainly doesn’t shock the conscience of all the institutional investors in private equity -- the public pension plans, the charities, the university endowments -- who get on board expecting precisely such returns. Firms like Bain revived an American business world that in the late 1970s and early 1980s had grown “sloppy,” “complacent” and “lazy,” in the words of Bain executives who spoke to New York magazine. Their rise disrupted the old corporate culture and drove a productivity revolution. They serve the same purpose today. This doesn’t justify every sharp practice, or the motives involved. Through the wonders of the invisible hand, though, the restless quest for profit is the source of our wealth and dynamism. That may not be a comfortable or simple case to make in a political campaign. Mitt Romney, portrayed as a cross between Gordon Gekko and Snidely Whiplash, now has no choice but to make it. (Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review. He can be reached via e-mail: comments.lowry@ nationalreview.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 • Sunday, January 15, 2012 • 5A

Local Tips to prep for winter travel For the Daily Corinthian

The cold snap has arrived and the stormy winter days and dark evenings are here. It is time to prepare your car for the winter months to minimize the risk of a breakdown. Such breakdowns could be avoided by carrying out regular checks, so motorists are advised to follow these steps to minimize the risk. “There’s nothing worse than breaking down on a cold winter night, stranded on the side of the road,” says Jim Fults, auto insurance leader at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “A few basic and regular checks can dramatically reduce the risk of getting stuck

on the road. “We urge motorists to set aside some time to carry out a series of simple checks,” says Fults. “Some may seem like common sense, but you’ll be surprised at how many drivers forget after the summer. For example, it is crucial to ensure all your lights are clean and working properly. Always replace any broken bulbs immediately. If you don’t, you will not only find it difficult to see the road clearly, you run the risk of not being seen by other drivers.” Minimize the risk of breakdown this winter by following some tips from Fireman’s Fund: ■ Get your car

checked: A professional check is worth it, for added peace of mind. ■ Check your tires: Rain, snow and ice can make roads lethal. Check your tire tread and make sure the air pressure is okay. ■ Light the way: Keep lights clean and make sure they are working. ■ Get charged up: A dead battery is the main cause of breakdowns, so get it checked and replaced if necessary. ■ Cooling system: Ensure this is checked and that the anti-freeze content meets the manufacturer requirements. ■ Wipers: Check windscreen wipers and replace if they fail to clear

the screen correctly. ■ Fuel: Ensure you have more than enough for your journey. ■ Be prepared and take the following items with you: ✔ Fully charged phone ✔ Shovel ✔ De-icer and a scraper for windows ✔ Blanket and warm clothing in case the worst happens ✔ Sturdy shoes or rubber boots ✔ Some snacks, such as energy bars ✔ Extra fuel ■ In addition, it is a good idea to put together an emergency winter survival kit so that you are prepared should you break down.

Glendale Elementary Honor Roll Second Nine Weeks 1st Grade As & Bs: Trinity Davis, Hunter Hutson, Reed Johnson, Tori Ward, Lexie White All Bs: Joshua Troxell, Tret King

2nd Grade All As: Ellora Dixon As & Bs: Robert Buchanan, Tyler Clement, Emi Farris, Jordan Horner, Jaxon Smith All Bs: Clay Langston

3rd Grade All As: Laynie Boren As & Bs: Luke Jones, Jaycee Murray All Bs: Taylor Armstrong, Alaynna Childers, Isabel Goad

4th Grade As & Bs: Ethan Blackburn, Maisy Jarman

5th Grade

Study Club learns about Corinth Junior Auxiliary For the Daily Corinthian

During the November meeting at the home of Mrs. Clifford Kizer, 12 Twentieth Century Study Club members, after enjoying delicious refreshments, listen to guest speaker Mary Martin, behavior specialist in Alcorn County Schools.

Martin described several projects conducted by the Corinth Junior Auxiliary. Some of the projects included “Art Smart”, which promotes art lessons in Alcorn County Schools; “Reality Making”; the Camp Holywood Day Camp; the provision of eye ex-

aminations for school children; and the provision of clothing -- especially coats -- for needy persons. The annual Charity Ball is the only fundraiser for the Auxiliary. After the presentation, health concerns were expressed for members

Mrs. Irst Long, Mrs. Richard Sharp and for Mrs. William McKinney’s daughter. The club welcomed new member, Sherry Grady. The club’s annual charitable contribution will be to the AMEN Food Pantry.

All As: Amber Rogers As & Bs: B.J. Blackburn, Gracie Doyle, Tyler Harris, Autumn Rogers All Bs: Katelyn Whittemore

6th Grade As & Bs: Jonah Byrom, Caleb Henson, Lainie Jarman, Laikyn King, Rhiannon Lambert, Samantha Newcomb, Courtney Newton, Olivia Smith, Michaela Stevens, Austin White

All Stadium Seating Birthday Parties Online Tickets Saturday, January 14 & Sunday, January 15, 2012

ARNOLD: ‘He’s a really good ... conservative man,’ speaker says CONTINUED FROM 3A

elected Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn well and even brought him to Prentiss County during last fall’s election. He

said Gunn knows Prentiss County and Northeast Mississippi and will be a positive leader for the state. “He’s a really good Christian, conservative

man. I’m delighted to work with him,” he said. Arnold said he wants everyone to know his door is open and he wants to be a true representative for the people

of the third district. He said he’s grateful for all the support and asks that everyone continue to keep him and his family in their prayers as they move forward.

JOYFUL NOISEDARK (PG13)OF1:10 7:05(non 9:403-D) (no (PG13) pass) TRANSFORMERS: THE4:20 MOON 12:00, 12:50, 3:20, 4:10, 6:50, 7:30, 10:05 CONTRABAND (R) 1:25 4:40 7:20 9:50 (no pass) GREEN LANTERN (non 3D) (PG13) - 10:00 THE THE DEVIL INSIDE (R) 1:20 4:35 7:25 9:35 (no pass) BAD TEACHER (R) - 1:20, 4:20, 7:35, 9:40 WAR HORSE (PG13) 12:50 3:55 7:00 10:05 (no pass) MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS (PG) - 12:20, 2:40, 4:55 THE DARKEST (NON (PG13) 7:40 9:50 HORRIBLEHOUR BOSSES (R)3D) - 1:25, 4:30,1:30 7:25,4:309:45 WECROWNE BOUGHT(PG13) A ZOO- (PG) 4:104:50, 6:55 9:40 LARRY 12:10,1:052:30, 7:20, 9:40 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: PROTOCOL SUPERGHOST 8 (PG13) - 7:20,(PG13) 9:50 1:15 4:05 7:10 10:00 GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO 4:15 7:30 ZOOKEEPER (PG) - 1:10, 4:15, (R) 7:00,1:009:20 SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME SHADOWS (PG13)6:45, 1:107:20, 4:10 7:15 CARS 2 (non 3-D) (G) - 12:15,OF1:00, 3:00, 4:00, 9:1510:00 ALVIN AND MONTE THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED 12:40 2:45 CARLO (PG) - 1:05, 4:05,(G)7:05, 9:304:55 7:10 9:20

6A • Sunday, January 15, 2012 • Daily Corinthian

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