Friday Jan. 4,
2013
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Daily Corinthian Vol. 117, No. 4
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• Corinth, Mississippi • 18 pages • 2 sections
Corinth tourism director resigns City board of aldermen meets today to find replacements for tourism board BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
A day after the Corinth Board of Aldermen and Alcorn County Board of Supervisors removed the entire board of directors of the Corinth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tourism Director Kristy White tendered her resignation. The letter submitted to the
Jobless rate dips
city and county Thursday afternoon says the resignation is effective at the first meeting of the new board of directors that is to be appointed. The Board of Aldermen has a special meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. today to begin looking at new appointees for the tourism board. “In light of the recent actions
by the Alcorn County Board of Supervisors and the Mayor and Board of Alderman of the City of Corinth,” the letter states, “with a 45 percent budget redirection; a drastic salary cut for all full-time staff members — based not on performance or revenue issues; and, finally, the dismissal of the entire, seated board of directors, I feel as if
there has been a vote of ‘no confidence’ by the local leadership in my abilities as executive director. Furthermore, I will not remain in a position where the performance of the staff and board of directors is so grossly undervalued.” The budget dispute followed the city’s and county’s request that $250,000 of the $583,000
‘The test of time’
BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Area counties saw moderation in their jobless rates during November. It is typically a month that shows little change in unadjusted unemployment rates, but Alcorn and neighboring counties all managed decreases. Alcorn County’s rate dropped a full percentage point to 7.5 percent, ranking it 23rd among the 82 counties, while Mississippi unemployment fell from 8.3 percent in October to 7.5 percent in November. The county had 14,010 employed, according to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, nearly unchanged from a year earlier, and 1,130 unemployed, down from 1,290 in November 2011. The civilian labor force totaled 15,140, down from 15,740 a year earlier. The county had 138 initial claims and 853 continued claims for unemployment insurance in November, compared to 128 initial and 970 continued a year earlier. Among neighboring counties, Prentiss unemployment was at 7.8 percent, down from 8.5 percent in October; Tishomingo, 8.7 percent, down from 9.8 percent; and Tishomingo, 8.5 percent, down from 9.2 percent. Across the state, jobless rates ranged from 4.6 percent in Rankin County to 16.1 percent in Clay County. Results from Mississippi’s non-farm employment survey, which is counted by the location of establishments, reported a not seasonally adjusted employment increase of 5,000 over the month but a decrease of 1,000 from one year ago. The industry sectors registering the largest monthly employment gains were trade, transportation & utilities and professional & business services. For the U.S., regional and state unemployment rates were generally lower in November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia recorded unemployment rate decreases and five states had no change. Forty-three states and the District of Columbia registered unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier; six states experienced increases; and one state had no change. The national jobless rate, 7.7 percent, edged down from October and was 1.0 percentage point lower than in November 2011.
tourism budget be set aside for use by Crossroads Arena. Aldermen and supervisors jointly voted 9-1 on Wednesday to remove the tourism board because the tourism budget written by the city and county has not been followed. White began working in Please see RESIGNS | 2A
Flu shot remains a good idea BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Staff photos by Mark Boehler
Tobe Clausel has been tinkering with watches and clocks in downtown Corinth for more than 65 years.
90-year-old watchmaker still works six days a week BY MARK BOEHLER editor@dailycorinthian.com
In a narrow workplace behind old white window blinds and a plain, signless glass door along Franklin Street in downtown Corinth, sits a man who has stood the test of time. For over 65 years, Roby Richard “Tobe” Clausel has been tinkering with watches and clocks. He practices the art of horology — repairing watches — six days a week. “Ole Tobe” is what the locals call him. Healthy, humble and
full of jokes and wisecracks, all he has lost in his 90 years is a set of good ears. Not bad for a lanky gentleman who survived the deadly waters of the Pacific during World War II onboard a warship and outlived nine siblings by 10 years and counting. “He is the last surviving member of what people refer to as the ‘Clausel Boys’,” said 41-year-old Richard Clausel, Tobe’s son. “They were known far and wide.” Eight of the Clausel kids
Index Stocks...... 7A Classified......5B Comics......4B Wisdom......3B
Weather......5A Obituaries......3A Opinion......4A Sports......8A
were boys, six of whom served their country during WW II. Tobe returned home to Wenasoga after the war and decided to become a watchmaker. He went to watchmaking school in Chicago and then transferred and graduated from school in Memphis. Brothers John and Leon also became watchmakers, while brother Jesse went to school for two extra years and became a jeweler and watchmaker. During the late Please see TIME | 2A
It’s not too late. Those who have yet to receive a flu shot still have time. Reports of flu across the state have been widespread, according to Mississippi State Health Department Director of Communications Liz Sharlot. “We are now in peak season for the flu,” said Sharlot. “Now is a good time to get one for folks who haven’t received a flu shot.” The communications director said shots can be obtained at any county health department. “The vaccine is proving to be a good match for the flu strains that are now circulating,” said Sharlot. The peak for the flu is from January to March in the state. “Flu is not a reportable disease, so there is no way to know exactly how many flu cases are out there,” said Sharlot. Mississippians are urged to take the flu seriously and get vaccinated now if they haven’t already done so by the MSDH. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for anyone age six months and older. Those particularly at risk for influenza complications include young children, adults 50 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, cough, and often, extreme fatigue. Sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and a runny or stuffy nose are also often present. More severe symptoms and death can also occur. “People should wash their hands frequently, cover their coughs and sneezes and stay home if they are ill,” added Sharlot. Seasonal flu vaccinations are available at all county health departments. Vaccinations for adults are $25. Those 18 and under can receive seasonal flu vaccinations for $10 through the Vaccines for Children program. High-dosage vaccinations for those 65 and older are available for $50. The pneumonia vaccine is also available for $72. Medicare and Medicaid recipients are asked to bring their cards with them to the clinic.
On this day in history 150 years ago Sherman’s recent failed attack at Chickasaw Bluff’s near Vicksburg was made with troops “stolen” from Maj. Gen. John McClernand. He arrives to reclaim his troops and begins an unauthorized movement up the Arkansas River with 30,000 troops and 50 steamboats.
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