Tuesday May 14,
2013
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Daily Corinthian Vol. 117, No. 115
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• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • 1 section
Drainage efforts intensify with cleanups BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Another round of intensive cleanup efforts is happening on several of Corinth’s creeks. The Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District is working on the three remaining priority projects sought by the Bridge, Phillips and Elam Drain-
age Districts. The city of Corinth, meanwhile, has continued its efforts and is readying a spraying program to help prevent regrowth and future blockages. The city is hiring a contractor for spraying on the creeks in areas that have been mulched in a couple of weeks, and another application will follow in Au-
gust or September. With TRVWMD back in the city, Drainage Commissioner Milton Sandy Jr. was particularly excited by the results of clearing on Elam Creek from Highway 72 to Tate Street, including the area behind the old compress, providing the cleanest view seen in 40 years.
“The most significant thing that they did was they removed this abandoned railroad trestle that was a major blockage,” said Sandy. The trestle was between Allen and Mitchell Streets. The remaining work also includes Phillips Creek from Farmington Road to the junc-
tion with Bridge Creek and from the Norfolk Southern Railroad crossing over Bridge Creek downstream to Highway 72 next to Tractor Supply. The three projects are among five the drainage districts sought in response to the May Please see DRAINAGE | 2
Huge ‘Steaks’: Civitans just miss fundraising mark BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
Where’s the beef? That question didn’t have to be asked as plenty of rib-eyes were on the grill Saturday at Lowe’s during the Corinth Civitan Club’s 11th Annual Steak Sale. Civitan members sold almost 500 rib-eye steaks throughout the day as Civitans had the grill going the day before Mother’s Day. “Lowe’s put us in a good spot and that really helped,” said steak sale chairman Tim Wood. “We were real close to our record,” added Wood.
During last year’s fundraiser, the Civitan Club sold 450 steaks and collected close to $3,000 for its projects. The record is 500 sold a few years ago. Some of the club’s projects include, sponsoring youth teams at Crossroads Regional Park, donating to the Lighthouse Foundation, and giving to a men’s home along with providing scholarships for high school graduates. The club also is partnered with Belk in the Belk’s Children Day that helps 10-12 underprivileged youngsters in Alcorn County during Christmas. “Our focus is needy children,”
Staff photo by Jebb Johnston
Corinth Civitans Gerald Wegman (from left), Gerald Parks and Jimmie Deaton work the grill Saturday morning at Lowe’s. said the event chairman. Those who purchased a $10 ticket received an 8-ounce ribeye steak, baked beans, cole
slaw and bread. The club will continue to raise money for its children’s projects later this week. A car-
nival, which passes on part of its proceeds to the club, will be next to McDonald’s Wednesday through Saturday.
City leaders seeking assessment Heritage Festival on ward boundaries redistricting marks 10th year BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
The city of Corinth will get an assessment of whether redistricting is needed for its ward boundaries. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently voted to request that the Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District look at the city’s ward boundaries and population to determine if changes are needed to equalize the wards based on the latest census results. The planning and development district will provide the “first look” at the numbers and boundaries at no charge. A private firm, Slaughter and Associates, had recently made a pitch
to the city for redistricting services. In other recent business, the board formally accepted several grants to the city, including a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $779,000 for a new fire truck. The city is providing a $41,000 match, and it could be up to a year before the truck arrives. The board also accepted a Mississippi Department of Archives and History grant of $1,489 for replacement of the Coliseum Civic Center’s basement doors with custom-made metal doors, and the board accepted the $4.1 million Economic Development Administration grant for the development of drainage basins in
two areas of the city. Meanwhile, the police department got approval to submit applications for three grants. The department will seek a Department of Public Safety Wrongful Conviction Grant of up to $10,000 for audio and video recording equipment for the recording of interrogations. The police department will also apply for a COPS grant that would provide 75 percent of the salaries for two new police officer hires for two years and a Justice Assistance Grant of $3,000 toward the purchase of two handheld digital MSWIN radios. Aldermen also approved an off-premises beer license for Harper Road Quick Mart.
BY BRANT SAPPINGTON bsappington@dailycorinthian.com
The town of Glen will celebrate heritage while helping to support local heroes this weekend during their annual Heritage Festival. The festival will mark its 10th year Saturday with the traditional array of activities in support of the Glen Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief James McAnally said the fun kicks off Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m. at Glen Town Hall on U.S. Highway 72. The Tri-State Antique Tractor and Flywheel club
will be back this year with a big display of antique farm equipment. AirEvac Lifeteam will land its air ambulance helicopter at the festival and have it on display throughout the day. There will also be lots of live music all day featuring a variety of local performers bringing the sounds of gospel, bluegrass and country. Up and coming country artist Dayron Sharp, a native of Burnsville, will be the headline entertainer for the day. McAnally said Sharp has amassed a large followPlease see FESTIVAL | 2
Major League Eating returning to Slugburger Festival BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com
The major leaguers are coming back. To eat. Major League Eating is going to take another bite out of the Slugburger Festival with a return for a second year to the event set for July 11-13 in downtown Corinth. In its first visit to the area, MLE’s Matt “Megatoad” Stonie gulped downed 30 slugburgers – provided by Borroum’s Drug Store – in 10 minutes to become the first World Slugburger Eat-
ing champion. The 20-year-old ate his way past seven other competitors, including three-time slugburger champion and local competitor Jeremy “Slug” Smith. “I love a slugburger more than anyone, but I can’t imagine eating 30,” said Main Street Corinth Director Taylor Coombs. “I will be there cheering on the contestants and I am very excited about bringing MLE back to Corinth.” The time slot for the MLE event is changing for the 26th slugburger event. The contest will be held either on Friday or
Saturday night prior to the music entertainment, according to Coombs. “I think more people will come out when we hold it then,” said the director. MLE organizes, runs and promotes the event. The organization holds approximately 80 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. The ESPN broadcast of the Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest has generated a higher rating than any Major League Baseball telecast
Index Stocks........8 Classified......14 Comics........ 9 State........ 5
Weather...... 10 Obituaries........ 6 Opinion........4 Sports...... 12
on July 4 in the United States. MLE manages some of the world’s top eaters such as Joey Chestnut, Sonya Thomas, Pat Bertoletti and Eater X. “It’s something unique that could make us stand out and draw more national attention,” added the Main Street Director. Last year, Borroum’s supplied 200 slug burgers with mustard, onion and pickle for the contestants. When all the eating was finished, 21 plates remained to be handed out to fans. Mustache The Band is slated to headline the final night of the
festival at 9:30 p.m. The 90s country style band will follow Primal Heart, who takes the stage at 7, on Saturday night. Midtown Violets, comprised of the duo of Karen Waldrup and Ashley Thomas, goes on stage Friday night at 9:45 p.m. Matt Hoggatt & the Double D Connection, a Jimmy Buffett style group, opens things on Friday at 8 p.m. The popular Slug Idol returns along with Junior Slug Idol on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. The finals are set for Friday from 7-7:30 p.m.
On this day in history 150 years ago Vicksburg Campaign. The state capital at Jackson falls. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston arrives in Mississippi and states, “I am too late.” In Virginia, Gen. Robert E. Lee attends a strategy conference in Richmond and suggests a bold offensive into Pennsylvania.
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Eye Care Specialists 3302 W. Linden St. Corinth, MS 38834 (662) 286-6068