NMC – The Panolian vs. The Clarion-Ledger
The Panolan in Batesville has a story on page 3 where the mayor of Batesville is denying ever having said a thing to the Clarion Ledger about the sheriff being at his girlfriend’s house (I quoted the Clarion Ledger story yesterday). No hint in the Panolan about whether they gave the Clarion Ledger reporter a chance to stand behind the quote.
NMC
9/29/9
Here is the Panolian story
Batesville Mayor Jerry Autrey said Monday that statements in Monday’s Clarion-Ledger attributed to him were incorrect.
Autrey said he did talk to the reporter and some of the quotes concerning circumstances around the death of Sheriff Hugh Wayne “Shot” Bright were incorrect.
“I wouldn’t have acknowledged that information to someone I don’t know about a friend (Sheriff Bright) of mine,” Autrey said.
The newspaper also wrongly reported that Chief Deputy Otis Griffin has been “appointed” to serve as sheriff.
Panola supervisors have not named an interim sheriff.
Here is what The Clarion-Ledger wrote:
Batesville Mayor Jerry Autrey said Bright killed himself while at the home of his girlfriend, shortly after spending the morning with his wife.
“He went to church with his wife, then they had Sunday dinner at the country club and they say he seemed normal,” Autrey said. “It’s kind of a mystery how and why this happened. I don’t know what all was going on in his head.”
Autrey said it was common knowledge in the community that Bright had a girlfriend. He said authorities have questioned the woman.
“I don’t know if this is domestic or stress from the job,” the mayor said.
Magnolia Tribune
