Newly modified vehicles in McNairy and Alcorn County and a new officer in the Tennessee county are 'daring' to help area children make positive
choices and avoid drugs and other dangerous activities.
The recently completed DARE vehicles in the two counties are part of efforts to draw attention to the program and get students excited about the lessons being taught through the effort. Both vehicles were purchased and equipped without the use of any taxpayer money through a combination of donated materials and labor and funds from drug seizures.
Alcorn County Sheriff's Department Deputy and DARE Officer David Derrick said for him the DARE program is all about showing the students there are adults out there who truly care about them and their futures.
"I love my children and I tell them that and I mean it," he said.
The eye-catching graphics on the vehicles were created by James "Clevey" White at BDS Advertising Solutions. Derrick explained his department's Chevy Tahoe was already in the county's fleet and they came up with the idea of turning it into a tool for attracting students to the DARE effort.
White and a student at Glendale Elementary School came up with the design for the graphics. Work was also done on the vehicle by High Profile Signs in Muscle Shoals, Ala. and chrome wheels and tinting were donated by Timbes Tire and Accessories in Burnsville. Donated equipment was also installed free of charge by Citizen's Page in Corinth.
McNairy County Sheriff Rickey Roten praised White and all the others involved in helping his department get their Ford Expedition accessorized and equipped, noting as in Alcorn, the project was done without the expenditure of any taxpayer money.
Roten noted he recently appointed a new DARE Officer in his department. James McNeil will teach the program to students in all the county schools.
The sheriff said he's been wanting to expand the program for some time and sees it as a great way to reach out to young people and catch them early before they have a chance to get involved with drugs and other negative behaviors.
"We're trying to stay involved enough to where we can stay in contact with as many kids as we can," he said.
Derrick, who teaches the DARE anti-drug and alcohol curriculum to more than 300 students in fifth grade throughout the Alcorn School District each year, said he hopes students will learn not only the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and other hazards, but the importance of making positive decisions in all areas of their lives. He also wants them to know they can always turn to him when they find themselves facing a problem.
"We talk about anything with them. It's just building a relationship," he said. Derrick said the two DARE programs plan to share information and hope to work together in the future to spread the message.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Driver charged after two-county pursuit
A Prentiss County man faces a charge of felony fleeing after leading law enforcement on a pursuit from south Corinth into Prentiss County Wednesday morning.
Corinth police identified the man as Robert Welch, 46. His address is listed as a post office box in Booneville and is believed to reside in Prentiss County.
The situation began just before 11 a.m. in the area of Cemetery and Dickey streets as Officer Arlene Gann attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle whose driver failed to use a traffic signal when turning.
The 1996 Honda sport utility vehicle made several blocks in the south Corinth area. At some point as the vehicle was followed by the officer, the passenger jumped out of the vehicle and tossed an object believed to be drugs back into the vehicle, said Scotty Harville, assistant Corinth police chief.
The Honda finally traveled west on U.S. Highway 72, reaching speeds of 90 mph as it ran stop lights at the intersections with Cass, Fulton, Tate and both intersections with U.S. Highway 45.
"We cut off the pursuit at the city limits," said Harville. "The county got involved on 72." The pursuit left the city limits at 11:05 a.m. The vehicle turned onto Mississippi Highway 2 and traveled through Kossuth and Hightown as it headed toward Prentiss County on County Road 500. The pursuit apparently ended with the suspect crashing in Prentiss County without serious injury. The Prentiss County Sheriff's Department referred inquiries about the pursuit's end to Alcorn County.
Welch faces several charges in Corinth, including felony fleeing. As of 4 p.m., he had not been returned to Corinth. The passenger in the vehicle was charged with at least one misdemeanor.
Corinth police identified the man as Robert Welch, 46. His address is listed as a post office box in Booneville and is believed to reside in Prentiss County.
The situation began just before 11 a.m. in the area of Cemetery and Dickey streets as Officer Arlene Gann attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle whose driver failed to use a traffic signal when turning.
The 1996 Honda sport utility vehicle made several blocks in the south Corinth area. At some point as the vehicle was followed by the officer, the passenger jumped out of the vehicle and tossed an object believed to be drugs back into the vehicle, said Scotty Harville, assistant Corinth police chief.
The Honda finally traveled west on U.S. Highway 72, reaching speeds of 90 mph as it ran stop lights at the intersections with Cass, Fulton, Tate and both intersections with U.S. Highway 45.
"We cut off the pursuit at the city limits," said Harville. "The county got involved on 72." The pursuit left the city limits at 11:05 a.m. The vehicle turned onto Mississippi Highway 2 and traveled through Kossuth and Hightown as it headed toward Prentiss County on County Road 500. The pursuit apparently ended with the suspect crashing in Prentiss County without serious injury. The Prentiss County Sheriff's Department referred inquiries about the pursuit's end to Alcorn County.
Welch faces several charges in Corinth, including felony fleeing. As of 4 p.m., he had not been returned to Corinth. The passenger in the vehicle was charged with at least one misdemeanor.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Five arrested after meth lab raid
Five people face drug charges following a raid of a Mitchell Hill Road residence Monday night.
The Alcorn County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant at 379 County Road 515 (Mitchell Hill Road) with the assistance of the Corinth Police Department and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Those arrested were identified as homeowner Timothy Darrell Gilley, 42; Terrell Edward Gilley, 47; Summer Ann Shadburn, 31; Debbie Denise Gamison, 42; and Anthony Wayne Bailey, 42. All are charged with possession of two or more precursors with the intent to manufacture and possession of methamphetamine.
Bonds had not been set and Narcotics Investigator Reggie Anderson said more arrests may be forthcoming in the case.
Anderson and Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins found approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine during the search, in addition to several precursor chemicals used in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine.
The sheriff's department also seized three vehicles -- a 1990 Chevrolet Astro van, a 1983 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix -- as well as a Springfield handgun.
Anderson said the suspects were using the one pot or "shake and bake" method of manufacture.
"This is the most dangerous method," he said.
Hopkins said meth activity continues to increase in the area. The investigators encourage tips from the public to report suspected drug activity.
Sheriff Charles Rinehart said the local drug stores have been providing updates on the pseudoephedrine logs.
"This is a great tool to look at and receive information," he said.
The department encourages confidential tips by phoning 286-5521
The Alcorn County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant at 379 County Road 515 (Mitchell Hill Road) with the assistance of the Corinth Police Department and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Those arrested were identified as homeowner Timothy Darrell Gilley, 42; Terrell Edward Gilley, 47; Summer Ann Shadburn, 31; Debbie Denise Gamison, 42; and Anthony Wayne Bailey, 42. All are charged with possession of two or more precursors with the intent to manufacture and possession of methamphetamine.
Bonds had not been set and Narcotics Investigator Reggie Anderson said more arrests may be forthcoming in the case.
Anderson and Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins found approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine during the search, in addition to several precursor chemicals used in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine.
The sheriff's department also seized three vehicles -- a 1990 Chevrolet Astro van, a 1983 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix -- as well as a Springfield handgun.
Anderson said the suspects were using the one pot or "shake and bake" method of manufacture.
"This is the most dangerous method," he said.
Hopkins said meth activity continues to increase in the area. The investigators encourage tips from the public to report suspected drug activity.
Sheriff Charles Rinehart said the local drug stores have been providing updates on the pseudoephedrine logs.
"This is a great tool to look at and receive information," he said.
The department encourages confidential tips by phoning 286-5521
Thursday, January 8, 2009
6Lbs of Marijuana More on the Drug Bust
The Alcorn County Sheriff's Office released more details Wednesday regarding the New Year's Eve drug bust in which local law enforcement seized marijuana, cash and arrested two Baldwyn men.
Alcorn County Deputies seized six pounds of marijuana -- twice the amount originally reported by Prentiss County officials -- over $1,700 cash, and a 1990 GMC pick-up truck, according to the updated report. Officials also arrested Cartavia Cancaez Barnes, 23, and Fulton O'Brian Pierce, 25, both of Baldwyn.
The two men were charged with possession of a controlled substance. Justice Court Judge Steve Little set bonds for both at $50,000 cash. The Mississippi Department of Corrections placed a hold on Barnes, according to the report.
Alcorn County Sheriff Charles Rinehart said the investigation came about with newly purchased cell phone monitoring equipment.
"This will be a great tool to use to fight the war on drugs," said Rinehart. Alcorn County Narcotics Investigators Darrell Hopkins and Reggie Anderson led the investigation, along with the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office. Local officials contacted the Prentiss County Sheriff's Department with information they had gained. This information reportedly helped Prentiss County and Baldwyn law enforcement officials obtain a search warrant that led to the discovery of approximately 13 additional pounds of marijuana and another arrest.
Alcorn County officials who helped in the investigation where M. Sexton, J. Mayhall, D. Derrick, G. Walker, D. Smith, D. Harrison, S. Brown, S. Dalton, M. Billingsley, S. Crowe, J. Mills, Corinth Police Officers Fred Gooch and Pete Smith, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
"I just want to take this time to thank my Narcotics Investigators for the great job they are doing in the fight on drugs in Alcorn County," said Sheriff Rinehart.
The case is still under investigation and, after speaking to both Pierce and Barnes, officials say more arrests are expected to be made.
In other, unrelated drug arrests, Investigator Anderson recently arrested and charged Valintino Perez, 41, with sale of a controlled substance (cocaine). Bond has not been set. Investigators Anderson and Hopkins also recently arrested Christopher Michael Mann, 22, with felony possession of marijuana. Hopkins is in charge of the case. A hold hasbeen reportedly placed on Mann by the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The narcotics investigators ask that anyone with any information regarding drugs to call the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office at 662-286-5521.
Alcorn County Deputies seized six pounds of marijuana -- twice the amount originally reported by Prentiss County officials -- over $1,700 cash, and a 1990 GMC pick-up truck, according to the updated report. Officials also arrested Cartavia Cancaez Barnes, 23, and Fulton O'Brian Pierce, 25, both of Baldwyn.
The two men were charged with possession of a controlled substance. Justice Court Judge Steve Little set bonds for both at $50,000 cash. The Mississippi Department of Corrections placed a hold on Barnes, according to the report.
Alcorn County Sheriff Charles Rinehart said the investigation came about with newly purchased cell phone monitoring equipment.
"This will be a great tool to use to fight the war on drugs," said Rinehart. Alcorn County Narcotics Investigators Darrell Hopkins and Reggie Anderson led the investigation, along with the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office. Local officials contacted the Prentiss County Sheriff's Department with information they had gained. This information reportedly helped Prentiss County and Baldwyn law enforcement officials obtain a search warrant that led to the discovery of approximately 13 additional pounds of marijuana and another arrest.
Alcorn County officials who helped in the investigation where M. Sexton, J. Mayhall, D. Derrick, G. Walker, D. Smith, D. Harrison, S. Brown, S. Dalton, M. Billingsley, S. Crowe, J. Mills, Corinth Police Officers Fred Gooch and Pete Smith, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
"I just want to take this time to thank my Narcotics Investigators for the great job they are doing in the fight on drugs in Alcorn County," said Sheriff Rinehart.
The case is still under investigation and, after speaking to both Pierce and Barnes, officials say more arrests are expected to be made.
In other, unrelated drug arrests, Investigator Anderson recently arrested and charged Valintino Perez, 41, with sale of a controlled substance (cocaine). Bond has not been set. Investigators Anderson and Hopkins also recently arrested Christopher Michael Mann, 22, with felony possession of marijuana. Hopkins is in charge of the case. A hold hasbeen reportedly placed on Mann by the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The narcotics investigators ask that anyone with any information regarding drugs to call the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office at 662-286-5521.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Alcorn Sheriff's Office takes out meth labs
A four-month investigation into meth production in Alcorn County has led to the arrest of six people on charges of possessing the drug and intending to manufacture it.
Alcorn County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Investigator Reggie Anderson said the department served two search warrants at residences in the southeastern part of the county Wednesday.
Anderson said a lengthy investigation by he and Investigator Darrell Hopkins led them to obtain a search warrant from Justice Court Judge Steve Little for the two residences.
The first search was conducted at the 345 County Road 430 residence occupied by James Darren Huggins, 35, Johnny Allan Huggins, 36, Stephanie Evon Huggins, 36, and Michael Joe Staggs, 34. Evidence at the scene led to the arrest of all four subjects on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
A second warrant was executed at the 12 County Road 437 residence of Richard Paul Michael and Rhonda Jane Smith. Both were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
Two Chevrolet pickup trucks and four long guns were seized during the searches.
Anderson said the investigation began with tips from the community about possible drug activity. They also received information from a local drug store that some of the subjects involved had been purchasing psuedoephedrine pills, a key component of methamphetamine.
Investigators believe the lab operations at the two residences are related.
Anderson said he greatly appreciates the information from those in the community that helped them begin the investigation. He said all tips received are investigated thoroughly.
"Some tips we receive we can act on and make an arrest that day. We call that 'pure luck,' most cases take a long period of time to get the evidence you need to make a good clean prosecutable case. We encourage all to call that might know where drug activity is being conducted," he said.
Deputies Wooten, Sexton, Davis, Thomas, Martin, Crowe, Rider, Harrison, Smith, Derrick, Brown, Dalton, Holloway, Billingsley, Bullard and Lloyd assisted in the searches, along with Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Agent Ben Caldwell and Alcorn County constables.
Alcorn County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Investigator Reggie Anderson said the department served two search warrants at residences in the southeastern part of the county Wednesday.
Anderson said a lengthy investigation by he and Investigator Darrell Hopkins led them to obtain a search warrant from Justice Court Judge Steve Little for the two residences.
The first search was conducted at the 345 County Road 430 residence occupied by James Darren Huggins, 35, Johnny Allan Huggins, 36, Stephanie Evon Huggins, 36, and Michael Joe Staggs, 34. Evidence at the scene led to the arrest of all four subjects on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
A second warrant was executed at the 12 County Road 437 residence of Richard Paul Michael and Rhonda Jane Smith. Both were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
Two Chevrolet pickup trucks and four long guns were seized during the searches.
Anderson said the investigation began with tips from the community about possible drug activity. They also received information from a local drug store that some of the subjects involved had been purchasing psuedoephedrine pills, a key component of methamphetamine.
Investigators believe the lab operations at the two residences are related.
Anderson said he greatly appreciates the information from those in the community that helped them begin the investigation. He said all tips received are investigated thoroughly.
"Some tips we receive we can act on and make an arrest that day. We call that 'pure luck,' most cases take a long period of time to get the evidence you need to make a good clean prosecutable case. We encourage all to call that might know where drug activity is being conducted," he said.
Deputies Wooten, Sexton, Davis, Thomas, Martin, Crowe, Rider, Harrison, Smith, Derrick, Brown, Dalton, Holloway, Billingsley, Bullard and Lloyd assisted in the searches, along with Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Agent Ben Caldwell and Alcorn County constables.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Two teens die in crash
The Alcorn County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of a mid-day crash that resulted in the death of two Kossuth High School students Wednesday.
According to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office, deputies went to County Road 617, about one mile west of Highway 2, in the Kossuth area, just before noon Wednesday in response to the report of a single vehicle crash.
The vehicle involved -- a 1993, four-door, Chevy Lumina -- was driven by Justin Armstrong, 18, of Corinth. Armstrong was believed to be killed instantly at the scene, according to Alcorn County Coroner Dan Leeth. There were two other students reportedly in the vehicle with Armstrong -- one was transported via Air Evac to the Regional Medical Center (The Med) in Memphis, Tenn., where he later died of injuries sustained during the collision.
A third student was transported to Magnolia Regional Health Center by Magnolia EMS. Alcorn County Sheriff's Deputy David Derrick released no names regarding the students pending the notification of the families of all parties involved.
Besides the aforementioned emergency officials, also assisting at the scene of the accident were the Corinth Fire Department, Kossuth Fire Department, Biggersville Fire Department, Alcorn County Emergency Services Office, Mississippi Highway Patrol and Alcorn County Constable Post. 2.
It appears the students were on their way to Vo-Tech, but no other details are known as the investigation is still underway. Derrick indicated more information will be released as it becomes available.
According to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office, deputies went to County Road 617, about one mile west of Highway 2, in the Kossuth area, just before noon Wednesday in response to the report of a single vehicle crash.
The vehicle involved -- a 1993, four-door, Chevy Lumina -- was driven by Justin Armstrong, 18, of Corinth. Armstrong was believed to be killed instantly at the scene, according to Alcorn County Coroner Dan Leeth. There were two other students reportedly in the vehicle with Armstrong -- one was transported via Air Evac to the Regional Medical Center (The Med) in Memphis, Tenn., where he later died of injuries sustained during the collision.
A third student was transported to Magnolia Regional Health Center by Magnolia EMS. Alcorn County Sheriff's Deputy David Derrick released no names regarding the students pending the notification of the families of all parties involved.
Besides the aforementioned emergency officials, also assisting at the scene of the accident were the Corinth Fire Department, Kossuth Fire Department, Biggersville Fire Department, Alcorn County Emergency Services Office, Mississippi Highway Patrol and Alcorn County Constable Post. 2.
It appears the students were on their way to Vo-Tech, but no other details are known as the investigation is still underway. Derrick indicated more information will be released as it becomes available.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
New jail contract approved
Alcorn County Supervisors formally approved a new contract for architectural work on the county's new regional jail and justice complex and named a replacement for a member of the county's airport board killed in an October plane crash during their mid-month meeting on Monday.
Board members voted to approve a contract between the county and Michael W. LeBlanc Architects for design and planning services for the justice complex to be constructed on Harper Road between the National Guard Armory and the county's juvenile justice center.
LeBlanc is the brother and business partner of the jail's original architect Pat LeBlanc, who was killed in a plane crash earlier this year. Board Attorney Robert Krohn said the new contract is identical to the one originally signed by the county for work on the project, except that it formally changes the name of the architect of record.
The board, along with law enforcement and other officials who will be using the new facility, are scheduled to receive an update on design work on the justice center from the architects and consultant Irb Benjamin in a meeting on Thursday.
The complex will include space to house state inmates under a contract with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as an MDOC regional jail, along with housing for county and city prisoners and offices for the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department, Corinth Police Department, Corinth Alcorn County E-911 and Alcorn County Emergency Management Agency. It will also include a courtroom and office space for Alcorn County Justice Court and Corinth City Court.
The cost of the jail will be paid through bonds that will be issued and paid off using funds from the MDOC contract for housing state prisoners and a lease agreement between the city and county for use of office space for CPD and city court and housing of city prisoners.
The board also voted unanimously Monday to appoint William A. Bell to the Corinth/Alcorn County Airport Board of Directors. Bell will fill the unexpired term of the late Leroy Hopkins, which runs through April 2009. Hopkins was killed last month in a small plane crash in McNairy County.
In other business, the board approved an application for a $675,000 grant from the Mississippi Development Authority's Developmental Infrastructure Program for Ayrshire Electronics (formerly ACT) for upgrades to the facility. If approved by MDA, the grant would not require any matching funds from the county.
Board members voted to approve a contract between the county and Michael W. LeBlanc Architects for design and planning services for the justice complex to be constructed on Harper Road between the National Guard Armory and the county's juvenile justice center.
LeBlanc is the brother and business partner of the jail's original architect Pat LeBlanc, who was killed in a plane crash earlier this year. Board Attorney Robert Krohn said the new contract is identical to the one originally signed by the county for work on the project, except that it formally changes the name of the architect of record.
The board, along with law enforcement and other officials who will be using the new facility, are scheduled to receive an update on design work on the justice center from the architects and consultant Irb Benjamin in a meeting on Thursday.
The complex will include space to house state inmates under a contract with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as an MDOC regional jail, along with housing for county and city prisoners and offices for the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department, Corinth Police Department, Corinth Alcorn County E-911 and Alcorn County Emergency Management Agency. It will also include a courtroom and office space for Alcorn County Justice Court and Corinth City Court.
The cost of the jail will be paid through bonds that will be issued and paid off using funds from the MDOC contract for housing state prisoners and a lease agreement between the city and county for use of office space for CPD and city court and housing of city prisoners.
The board also voted unanimously Monday to appoint William A. Bell to the Corinth/Alcorn County Airport Board of Directors. Bell will fill the unexpired term of the late Leroy Hopkins, which runs through April 2009. Hopkins was killed last month in a small plane crash in McNairy County.
In other business, the board approved an application for a $675,000 grant from the Mississippi Development Authority's Developmental Infrastructure Program for Ayrshire Electronics (formerly ACT) for upgrades to the facility. If approved by MDA, the grant would not require any matching funds from the county.
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