By ALLISON FLYNNDaily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY – A half-dozen tour buses, several tractor trailers and one baseball field turned country venue are less than a week away from becoming reality.

Grammy-award winning country music artist LeAnn Rimes, along with Fast Ryde and Ricochet, will perform Friday, Sept. 11, beginning at 6:30 at McNair Field. The concert is hopefully the beginning to a series of concerts to be held during the off-season of the Forest City Owls baseball.

Hosting a series of concerts in his home county was the dream of Audio Ethics Owner Donnie Haulk, said Tom Bullard, vice president of special products for Audio Ethics. Bullard will also serve as executive producer of the concert.

“He wanted to develop a concert series here because one of his goals

is to have something for the local community,” Bullard said.

Bullard said too that just like in real estate, location is important for a concert.

“Forest City is unique in sev-eral different ways – McNair Field is a great facility,” Bullard said. “The downtown is very unique and is well-known – I’ve talked to people in South Carolina and eastern Tennessee who travel to Forest City each year to see the Christmas lights.

“And it’s centrally located to Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville-Spartanburg and Hickory.”

Bullard said he knows there is a lot of going on in Rutherford County the night of the concert – there are

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Vol. 41, No. 213

Classifieds. . . .5-7BSports . . B SectionCounty scene . . 6AOpinion. . . . . . . 4A

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Sunday, September 6, 2009, Forest City, N.C. $1.50

Local students win state poster awards Page 12A

East’s Tyler Hamilton had a good night running the foot-ball, but another Cavs RB did a little bit better

B Section

A really good nightSports

Excitement builds for LeAnn Rimes concert

Award-winning country star LeAnn Rimes will perform in Forest City Friday night.

Please see Concert, Page 6A

Jean Gordon/Daily CourierLt. Gov. Walter Dalton (right) leads the applause for Bob Eaves, who read to the students at Harris Elementary School earlier this week. Eaves is married to Gov. Beverly Purdue.

Governor’s husband has tiesto county, reads to studentsBy JEAN GORDONDaily Courier Staff Writer

HARRIS — The husband of Gov. Bev Perdue, First Gentleman Bob Eaves, told a group of second graders here Friday folks in Rutherford County are the “salt of the earth.” Eaves visited Harris Elementary School with Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and Lucille Dalton and during his 45 minute visit in the media center, asked students about their summer vacations and reading and

He was greeted by members of the Rutherford County Commissioners, Rutherford County Board of Education, stu-dents Clay Fowler, 10 and Lindsay Ficklin, 10 and Harris staff.

Eaves was part of the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge, which donated 250 books to Harris Elementary School in sup-port of his role as reading ambassador.

When Eaves arrived at Harris, he pointed across the field to the left and reflected on the days he spent in Rutherford County vis-iting relatives. His father, Robert Wendell Eaves, lived just a mile or so from the school and an uncle lived within sight of the school.

“I spent my summers here,” Eaves said. “I grew up in Washington, but came here for the summers. I tell you how old I am, I remember when that road was dirt,” he

He helps elderly get a leg upBy ALLISON FLYNNDaily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY – Dan Owens doesn’t consider himself an inventor, but what he invented to help out a friend has proved to be something others would like to have as well.

Owens invented what he calls a leg-lifter – an extra “arm” with a loop at the bot-tom someone can use to slip over their foot to help them lift it. Owens created it for Howard McKinney, who Owens’ wife, Tracy, helps to care for. Due to a stroke, McKinney is paralyzed on one side and has trouble lifting his left leg.

“Because I was out for the summer I saw her working with him,” Owens said. “I noticed that when he wanted to cross his legs he had to reach down with his right hand and pull his left leg up using his pantleg. I thought there had to be an easier

way.” McKinney and Owens went to Smith’s

Drugs and other pharmacies but couldn’t find a device like what was needed. Owens knew the device had to have something stiff to keep it in place but also a flexible end for McKinney’s foot.

“I was standing in Lowe’s in the plumb-ing section designing it in my head,” Owens said.

Owens presented the device to McKinney, who liked it so much he wanted to go back to Smith’s Drugs to show it off. While there they ate lunch and McKinney used the leg-lifter.

“A lady came up to us and wanted to know where he got it because her daughter could use one,” Owens said. He gave her one and received a call the next day from the daugh- Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Inventor Dan Owens, right, watches as Howard McKinney uses the leg-lifter.

Grand juryreturns 10true bills

RUTHERFORDTON — True bills indictments were returned by a grand jury against 10 people recently, including one accusing a man of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Travis Cyntell Hunter is facing that assault charge along with possession of a firearm by a felon. He allegedly assaulted Brooklyn Shante Watkins with a handgun on Aug. 13 of this year.

A grand jury returns a true bill when it determines that there is enough evidence to proceed with the case. All of the cases considered by the grand jury involved incidents that occurred this year.

Four true bill indictments were returned against Brennan Keith Atkins. He is charged with break or enter a motor vehicle and larceny after break/enter on Jan. 17, and with break or enter a motor vehicle and misdemeanor larceny, four counts of obtain property by false pretense and aid and abet forgery, all on Feb. 7, 2009.

Four true bills also were returned against Anthony Kaleb Hamrick. He is charged with break or enter a motor vehicle and larceny after break/enter on Jan. 17, and with financial card forgery, break or enter a motor vehicle, misdemeanor larceny and four counts of obtain property by false pretense on Feb. 7.

Grand jurors returned three true bills against Jeffrey Samuel Poole. He is charged with two counts of trafficking opium or heroin, felony

Please see Grand Jury, Page 6APlease see Eaves, Page 6A

Please see Device, Page 6A

2A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

local

Graham Town reunion

Jean Gordon/Daily CourierKyjuan Barksdale, 7, talks with his Aunt Nancy Lynch, 93, (center) and Aunt Katherine Kelly, 92, Saturday at the annual Graham Town Reunion in Forest City. Lynch and Kelly are among the town’s eldest senior citizens and they said Saturday they were excited to attend the reunion each year. The sisters, daughters of Charlie and Doshia Greene, were born in Graham Town, attended school there and have lived most of their lives there, said Lynch. Kelly traveled and lived in other areas of the country, but declared “there is no place like Forest City.” She returned to the area from Philadelphia, Pa, following the death of her husband several years ago.

Baseball site atEast on agendafor school board

Rutherford County Schools Board of Education will hold its September meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Cool Springs Administrative Office.

Action items on the agenda include a proposed baseball training facility at East Rutherford High School and policy revisions, including credit for courses provided by institutions other than Rutherford County Schools and graduation requirements.

The East Rutherford Baseball Club, a non-profit organization that provides support for the East baseball programs. The proposed building would be an indoor training and hitting facility connect-ed to the existing locker room next to the baseball field. The organization is not requesting fund-ing from the school; the McNair Foundation has donated capital for it and the proposed name of the facility is McNair Trianing and Hitting Facility in memory of Coach Mike Davis.

Also on the agenda is a technology lease agree-ment, applications for public school building capital fund N.C. Education Lottery and public school capital building fund ADM. The board will also have a first reading of a relationship with law enforcement policy revision and a leave of absence policy revision.

Lake Lure commissionto discuss vehicle use

LAKE LURE — Lake Lure Commissioners will meet here Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Center for its regular business meeting.

Commissioners will consider an amendment to the vehicle use police for town employees and will receive a presentation regarding Pangaea fiber Optic Services in Lake Lure and will also con-sider a request to change the schedule of dates for holding the Lake Lure Fresh Local Art & Product Market.

From staff reportsThe Rutherford

County Chamber of Commerce plans to take its popular “Meet the Candidates” program to towns and communities throughout the county for the upcoming elec-tions.

“Meet the Municipal Candidates” will be conducted in Bostic, Ellenboro, Spindale, Forest City and Rutherfordton begin-ning Oct. 13 and ending Oct. 22.

Each meeting will be conducted by Chamber members residing in the particular municipality.

Chamber director Bill Hall said it was his understanding that a forum for the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock can-didates was being con-

sidered by the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber o intro-duced the municipal candidate forums sever-al years ago as a part of the organization’s com-munity service program.

“We want to make it easier for voters to attend these important information meetings,” said Chamber presi-dent Mike Campfield. “Hearing what a can-didate has to say and being able to ask ques-tions promotes voter interest and helps in making ballot deci-sions.”

“Meet the Municipal Candidates” schedule: Rutherfordton town council and mayor races, Oct. 13, County Annex Building, Rutherfordton; Spindale town coun-cil, Oct. 15, Spindale House; Bostic mayoral race, East Rutherford Elementary School, Oct. 19; Ellenboro alderman candidates, Ellenboro Elementary School, Oct. 20 and the Forest City mayor and commission-er races, Oct. 22, Cool Springs County Schools Building.

Chamber plans candidate nights

2/

Forest City Daily Courier Rutherford County People

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 3A

local/state

Clean-up, fix-up, paint-up

Jean Gordon/Daily CourierAmy Cooke (front) and Judy Hawkins paint the entrance into Washburn Community Center’s Thrift and Resale store Saturday morning. Cooke, a member of Salem United Methodist and Hawkins, member of Oak Grove Church, are joined by vol-unteers from several other community churches in the renovation project. The new facility is expected to open in mid-October and will serve the areas of Bostic, Sunshine, Ellenboro, similar to Yokefellow Service Center.

Church news every Saturday in The Daily Courier

Theft ruined him,diamond broker says

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The bad news for Peter Kaplan is even worse than first reported.

The North Carolina diamond bro-ker, whose $1.5 million inventory was stolen in Albuquerque earlier this week, didn’t have insurance.

“My business is finished. I have no capital to restart it,” said Kaplan, a diamond broker for 40 years who lives in New Port, N.C. “This was a three-minute lapse of time that destroyed my life.”

Kaplan and his wife had picked up a rental car and a hotel room Wednesday and were en route to a jewelry store when they stopped for a quick restroom break.

They left a Samsonite suitcase con-taining more than 70 rings and 150 loose jewels in the back of the car.

The cheapest diamond in the case was worth $2,500. One was worth more than $100,000.

When the couple returned, they found someone had punched a hole in the rear passenger window and stolen the suitcase. Adding to the mystery is a video surveillance cam-era that blacked out 10 minutes

before the theft.Police believe the thief might have

been following the couple and said the theft might have been a “profes-sional hit.”

The Kaplans found a cell phone equipped with an electronic track-ing system that was apparently left behind in the center console of the car a couple of days before the theft. Police are trying to find out whether the device was activated at the time of the burglary.

Police also have contacted the air-port, asking security to be on the lookout for Kaplan’s case, and have released a surveillance video photo-graph taken from inside the drug-store of a person who was acting sus-piciously.

Kaplan said he rarely leaves his inventory in a car and looked around several times Wednesday to see whether anyone was watching.

“I did what I thought was prudent,” he said. “It was a big spot. A lot of people were walking around, it was wide open, it was 10 in the morning, and I parked right next to the door.

“Not being from Albuquerque, it looked like a great place to stop,” he said. “It’s not like I parked in a back alley.”

Kaplan said he didn’t carry insur-ance because it is too expensive for traveling brokers.

n He lost $1.5 million in rings and gems, did not have any insurance, he says

Suspect doesn’t show for courtPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) —

A man suspected to be part of an alleged terror ring in North Carolina failed to show up for a court hearing in Pakistan on Saturday, an official said, bolstering suspicions that he’s on the run.

Jude Kenan Mohammad is the only one of eight men in the North Carolina case who is still at large.

He was caught last year trying to enter a Pakistani militant stronghold off-limits to foreigners. Kenan’s fam-ily said he was in the country visiting his Pakistani father.

Mohammad was booked on charges of weapons possession for alleg-edly carrying a dagger and traveling without proper documents, but was released on bail.

Since news emerged of the North Carolina case earlier this summer, U.S. officials have said they did not know his exact whereabouts.

Kamal Khan, senior assistant to Judge Nasirullah Khan in Charsadda district, said Mohammad’s trial was supposed to start Saturday but that neither the accused, nor his law-yer nor any other representatives appeared.

The court issued a summons to Mohammad, who is in his twenties, Kamal Khan said. It was not imme-diately clear when the next court hearing would be.

U.S. federal investigators claim the North Carolina group was gearing up for “violent jihad.”

3/

4A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

■ A daily forum for opinion, commentary and editorials on the news that affects us all.

James R. Brown/ publisherSteven E. Parham/ executive editor

601 Oak Street, P.O. Box 1149,Forest City, N.C. 28043Phone: 245-6431 Fax: 248-2790E-mail: dailycourier@thedigitalcourier.com

As more and more signs of eco-nomic recovery appear in various reports and analysis, one fact

continues to be a problem — where are the jobs?

A lot of people are still asking that question and the fact is the answers they are getting are not encouraging. Employment increases are what econo-mists call a lagging indicator.

Because of that, stock prices may steadily rise, companies may report better quarterly numbers, building may increase, homes may sell faster, but jobs may still be hard to find.

After the trauma of this dramatic meltdown, employers are going to think long and hard before adding jobs to their payrolls.

In some quarters, the jobs people have been used to finding will never come back, especially in some of the manu-facturing sector.

Still, there is no reason to despair. Surviving in the current job market and the job market that will be avail-able when the economy begins to grow again will mean making decisions.

For some, that will mean relocating to where there is work in their area of skill or expertise.

For others, it will mean enrolling in training programs to get the skills needed for the jobs that are available.

People need to assess their current skills and the labor market, do the research to know what the market is for those skills or determine what skills they need to get, and make informed decisions.

Our Views

Now is timefor assessment

RALEIGH — Sometimes you just have to wonder whether the state’s judiciary has gone com-pletely mad.

It’s not a difficult conclusion to reach when the state’s high-est court potentially guts a law that prevents felons from owning guns, and does so in the most haphazard way.

Barney Britt, convicted of a drug felony 30 years ago, prob-ably deserved to have his gun rights restored. In fact, they were restored in 1987, five years after he completed his prison sentence and probation. Then, in 2004, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a more compre-hensive ban to keep guns from convicted felons.

While previous state laws gave convicted felons the opportunity to have some gun rights restored five years after completing their sentence, the 2004 law did away with those rights.

Britt sued, complaining that the law violated a host of constitu-tional rights.

Late last month, in a 5-2 rul-ing, the North Carolina Supreme Court overturned a lower court decision and restored Britt’s right to possess firearms.

Justice Ed Brady, writing for the majority, essentially said that Britt seemed to be good guy, had

no history of violence and hadn’t gotten in trouble for 30 years. So, as applied to him, the prohibition was unreasonable and unconsti-tutional.

He wrote that the law violated a section of the state constitu-tion that mirrors language in the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Good. Maybe now the state Supreme Court can examine every convicted felon to deter-mine whether they are a good guy or gal.

Lawyers and those in the gun rights fray seemed divided over whether the ruling would have far-reaching implications, wheth-er it might apply to all nonviolent felons.

“It’s putting a lot of our state gun laws at risk,” said Roxane Kelor of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence.

The ruling ignores a bunch of previous court cases, including a 7-2 U.S. Supreme Court decision in February upholding a federal

firearms ban for those convicted of misdemeanor domestic vio-lence laws.

But let’s get back to Britt and his timeline.

One aspect of his lawsuit lost in the shuffle was his claim that the 2004 law acted as an ex-post fac-to law, making something illegal after it happened. Remember, he and other convicted felons who had kept their noses clean for five years had some of their gun rights restored.

Seventeen years later, based on nothing that he did, the rights were yanked away.

Looks, smells and waddles like ex post facto to me.

Case law doesn’t support that interpretation either. That’s because lawyers and judges have split legal hairs to claim that the prohibitions are a “non-punitive, regulatory scheme” and not a new penalty applied to the previ-ously-convicted.

Now there’s a plain reading of the constitution.

But if you’re going to ignore 40 years of court rulings, as Brady et al have done, why not ignore them in a way that’s logical, fair and narrowly focused?

Oh, did I mention logic and the law together? I apologize.

Scott Mooneyham is executive director of the Capitol News Service.

The act of forgetting so we can remember againThere is something nestled

deep in the heart of human-ity that fights a perplexing battle to forget, yet remem-ber.

The road of one’s life is sprinkled and graced with plentiful occasions that we like to forget, yet recall. It is an intrinsic paradox. Our minds wrestle with thoughts of the past while busy with today and concerned about tomorrow.

This coming Sept. 11 is the anniversary of an event in America that has no con-temporary comparison. The nation watched in disbelief as the Twin Towers in New York City, billowed dark clouds of death and then the unthinkable; massive destruction, as the icons of American ingenuity and suc-cess crashed to a smoldering heap.

As the tons of steel and concrete yielded up their strength and legacy to the satanic fires of depraved terrorism, hope gave way to fear and confidence gave way to uncertainty. The motto stands,” We will never for-get.”

The remarkable pace of time regards neither man nor beast, rich or poor, and is unbiased with regards to our needs. When our first parents, Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, mankind

became inextricably linked to the cycle of time. After they were placed outside of Eden and into the world of time and space, they, and we lived outside of eternity and entered this thing called time. Humanity, now having its days numbered and full of sorrow would need remind-ers of the meaning of life.

As the world began to grow and populate, a need to remember emerged. God would mark out a people for His own. He would make promises He would keep and most importantly, give them reminders of His care and sovereignty over life.

Jehovah would speak promises to Abraham and remind Him to be faithful because the God of great provision would no doubt keep His word. A nation would be born and a people who were no people, Israel, would become the people whom God would lovingly and willingly reveal Himself to and inhabit their midst. They would write and record those promises and events

for generations yet unborn.Jehovah would estab-

lish a way for those whom He loved and had chosen, to remember their King, Sovereign and Warrior. God was always encouraging His people to remember. He warned them, “And it shall be when the Lord your God shall have brought you into the land which he promised to your fathers…. to give you cities which you did not build, wells you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees you did not plant, then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you forth out of Egypt and the house of bondage (Dt. 6:10-12).”

Jesus, the Christ, would also establish a permanent “reminder” to His disciples. On the night He was handed over to suffering and death, He too, would inaugurate a Passover of remembrance for God’s people. Every Sunday millions around the world are encouraged to pause and remember. The words are precisely,” Do this in remembrance of Me.” Why? Because we tend to forget. Almighty and Omnipotent God, revealed in Jesus Christ with the magnificence of His glory and gifts of grace, is the only true and living God whom we must never forget. Struggling in a sweltering fever of activity one does

well to achieve a good night’s sleep. So we need gentle and corrective reminders of who we are and where we have come from. Are we remembering what is most important? Remembrance is a guide and teacher for the future.

So, there is a strange tension that exists for us; there are things we want to forget yet an inner voice tells us we need to remem-ber them. Many of us have had abounding heartaches from events and failures of days gone by. Wanting and needing to heal from those wounds we press hurriedly and anxiously into an uncer-tain tomorrow. But we must stop and listen to the voice of the Spirit.

Million of Americans need and want to stop this com-ing Sept. 11th and reflect. An unknown many will pray and seek spiritual solace to deal with a horrific tragedy. In a cruel irony, terrorists remember that day with a victorious glee while others remember with an unspeak-able defeating sadness.

But how sad that while some cannot remember without engaging their faith, others seek to remove the remembrance of God from our daily lives. Remove the remembrance of God from our schools, our pledge, our

courts and even our hearts, seems to be the goal of some. Can we afford to forget the message of the Savior’s cross? It is foolish, and selfish to forget the unforgettable; the cross of Jesus the Christ. That event is event of events in God Almighty’s heaven.

Yet, the good Lord has always seen the danger of a people who forget their God. Shall we stride haughtily into the future with hard-ened hearts and lustful eyes believing that we are the sole source of our success? Will we hand a younger genera-tion the reigns of power that have no understanding of their responsibility to God and man?

When St. John wrote to the 7 Churches of Asia in the book of Revelation, they were told to,” Remember from where you have fallen. Repent and do your first works over again.”

This is still sage advice for our world. Yes, we seek to forget, but somehow we still want to remember. Our lives are marked out with times and places of birth, life and death. The many anniversaries we hold in our minds carry volumes of pages called life. When all is said and done, let us not forget to remember our God because He will never cease to remember us.

Gun law change is soupy logic

Scott Mooneyham

Today in North Carolina

Fr. Jonathan Lankford

Sunday Conversation

4/

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 5A

OBITS/POLICE NOTES

Jack MeltonJack Ray Melton, 62, of 1178

Old US Hwy. 74, died Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at his resi-dence.

A native of Rutherford County, he was born March 22, 1947, a son of the late Howard Melton and Clara Nanney Melton Allen.

Mr. Melton was owner/operator of Melton’s Leather Store and at-tended Corinth Baptist Church.

He is survived by one brother, Joel Melton of Elkin; two sisters, Gail Parton of Rutherfordton; and Diane Villareal of Macon, Ga., and special cousins, Fran and Ken Melton of Ellenboro.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, at Corinth Baptist Church with the Rev. David Jendrey and the Rev. Ad Hopper officiating.

The family will receive friends after the service.

McKinney-Landreth Funeral Home, Cliffside, is serving the Melton family.

An online register is available at:

www.mckinneylandethfuneral-home.com

Memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church, 785 Pine-hurst Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040 or Relay for Life.

Paid Obit

Ralph “R.D.” ReidRalph Davis “R.D.” Reid, Jr. age

81, of Spindale, N.C., passed way Thursday, September 3, 2009, at his home.

A native of Rutherford County, N.C., U.S. Army Veteran, WWII, retired textile employee and wid-ower of the late Marie Julia Trotter Reid.

He is survived by his son, Da-vid Reid and wife Karla of Moore, S.C., grandson, D.J. Reid and wife Jamie Lynn and great-grandson, Tyler, of Statesville, N.C; grand-son Regan David Reid and great-grandson, Tyler, of Birmingham, Ala.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 6, 2009, at Spindale City Cemetery with Dr. Keith Stephenson offici-ating.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Crowe’s Mortuary.

Oneline condolences: www.crowemortuary.com

Paid Obit

Pet of the Week

Garrett Byers/Daily CourierThis sweet dog is a female blue tick Aussie Mix looking to find a good home. Her id number is A010356. This and many other lov-ing animals are available for adoption at the Rutherford County Animal Shelter on Laurel Hill Drive in Rutherfordton. The shel-ter’s hours are noon to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The slelter and the Animal Control office will be closed for Labor Day, Monday 9/7 but will reopen Tuesday at normal hours. For more information call 287-6025. For the Community Pet Center volunteers office call 287-7738.

Pet Center report for AugustDogs/puppies picked up or surrendered to shelter .............. 138/75Cats/kittens picked up or surrendered to shelter ................121/139Total number of animals picked up or surrendered ................... 475Dogs/puppies euthanized this month at the shelter ............... 72/34Cats/kittens euthanized this month at the shelter ...............104/121Total number of animals euthanized at the shelter .................... 334Total number of animals adopted from the shelter this month .... 49Total number of animals returned to owners this month ............. 22Total number of animals rescued by groups this month .............. 21Animals remaining in shelter as of 08-31-09 ............................... 67Animals remaining in shelter at the end of last month ................ 27Calls for animal pick-up/drop off, ................................................. 92Cruelty/complaint investigations .................................................. 45Bite case investigations ................................................................. 4Total number of animal control calls ...........................................141Money deposited from Kennedy/Boyd ..................................... $144Total amount of money deposited for

adoptions and rabies shots for the month ............................ $2,434

Police NotesNo charges inWhiteside wreck

FOREST CITY — Laura Wingo, of Old Caroleen Road, Forest City, who was driving a car Thursday night on Whiteside Road and wrecked, will not be charged in the incident, said N.C. Highway Patrolman D.R. Walker. Walker said Wingo ran off the road into a wood-ed area. She and five others were taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Wingo told Trooper Walker she was run off the road by a truck, but Walker said there has been no evidence of another vehicle involved in the accident.

Accident victimout of hospital

FOREST CITY — Rachel Ann McCurry, injured in an accident Friday morn-ing on Hwy. 74, east of Forest City, was released from Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, after receiv-ing treatment in the emer-gency room.

Sheriff’s Reportsn The Rutherford County

Sheriff’s Office responded to

167 E-911 calls Friday.

Rutherfordtonn The Rutherfordton Police

Department responded to 56 E-911 calls Friday.

Spindalen The Spindale Police

Department responded to 29 E-911 calls Friday.

Lake Luren The Lake Lure Police

Department responded to 12 E-911 Friday.

Forest Cityn The Forest City Police

Department responded to 63 E-911 calls Friday.

Arrestsn Paul Timothy Hawkins

50, of 371 Kelly Road, Forest City, was charged Saturday morning with driving while impaired; placed in jail under a $1,000 bond. (FCPD)

n Alvin Lee Vickers, II, 19, 731 Coney Island Road, Union Mills, charged Friday night with possession of firearm by felon, no opera-tor’s license, hit/run and fail to stop, property damage. (RSCD)

n Danny Gene Lane,

36, 500 Southern Street, Rutherfordton, charged with communicating threats, assault placed in Rutherford County Detention Facility under a 48-hour hold. (RCSD)

n Andrew Robert Holloway, 18, 121 Hill Street, Rutherfordton, charged with misdemeanor larceny; released from custody on a $1,000 unsecured bond. (RCSD)

n Joyce Buchanan McKinney, 50, 1014 Coney Island road, Union Mills, shoplifting concealment goods; placed in jail under a $1,000 securd bond. (RPD)

n Roy Ryals, 53, Gold Medallion, charged with driving while impaired, fail-ure to comply license restric-tions; in custody in detention facility. (RCSD)

Fire Callsn Bill’s Creek, Cliffside,

Forest City, Lake Lure and Sandy Mush firefighters were dispatched to motor vehicle accidents in respective dis-tricts.

Forest City Fire Dept. was also dispatched to a vehicle fire and a gas leak.

Fairfield firefighters responded to a residential fire alarm with Lake Lure assisting.

Officer drops racial bias suitGREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — A Greensboro

police lieutenant says he is dropping a lawsuit against the city and two of his former bosses as a peace offering.

The News & Record of Greensboro reported that Lt. James Hinson wanted to give the city a chance to resolve the case without the cost, inconvenience and further polarization of a court case.

In the lawsuit, Hinson accused the city

and the officials of trying to ruin his career because he is black.

Under state law, Hinson can refile the suit anytime before the end of 2010.

An attorney for the city refused to talk about the case because Hinson could bring back his suit.

———Information from: News & Record, http://www.news-record.com

ObituariesShirley Mack

Shirley Louise Walker Mack, 52, died Saturday, August 29, 2009, at McDowell County Hospital.

She was the daughter of Mary K. Walker of Marion and the late B.M. Walker, Sr.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by two sons, Theodore Mack and Michael Stptoe both of Marion; brothers, B. M. Walker, Jr. of Marion and Herbert Walker of Charlotte; maternal grandfather, Daniel Williams of Marion; one grandchild.

Funeral services will be Sunday at Addis Chapel at 2 p.m. with Dr. Carl Manuel Jr. officiating. Viewing is from 1 to 2 p.m.

Burial will be held in McDowell County Cemetery.

Pruitt Funeral Home is in charge of the service.

William DowdenWilliam “Willie” Dowden,

36, of 353 Wells Drive, Forest City, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009.

He was the son of the late Hattie J. Shelton and Willie Jones.

He is survived by his adop-tive parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dowden of Parksley, Va.; three children of Jamaica, New York; four children of Forest City, Audra, Darins, Malik and Bruce Dowden; five brothers, Dennis Dowden, Terry Dowden, Walter all of Jamacia, N.Y, Steve Shelton of Indiana and Carl Shelton of S.C.; six sisters, Teresa Williams of Forest City, Rosemary Shelton and Annette Dowden both of New York; Angela Shelton of Indiana, Michelle Dowden of Florida and Pattie Shelton of Shelby.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Pruitt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph “R.D.” Reid

Ralph Davis “R.D.” Reid, Jr.,81, of Spindale, died Thursday, September 3, 2009, at his home.

A native of Rutherford County, he was a U.S. Army Veteran, WWII; retired tex-tile employee and widower of the late Marie Julia Trotter

Reid.He is survived by his son

David Reid of Moore, S.C., two grandsons and two great-grandsons.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Spindale City Cemetery with Dr. Keith Stephenson offici-ating.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Sunday at Crowe’s Mortuary.

Oneline condolences:www.crowemortuary.com

Linda PophamLinda Joyce Huggins

Popham, 56, of Ellenboro, died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at Rutherford Hospital.

A native of Cleveland County, and former employee of Duke Power, she is the daughter of Joyce Genelle Sailors Huggins of Ellenboro and the late Melvin Eugene Huggins.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by three daughters, Lisa Blanton and Bobbi Nalley, both of Ellenboro, Nona Parker of Bostic; two sisters, Denise Bridges and Debbie Huggins both of Ellenboro; 10 grand-children.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the East Rutherford Church of God with the Rev. William Alley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, dona-tions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 E. 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

Joyce Jolley Joyce Digh Jolley, age 78,

formerly of Fox Run Road, Forest City, died Saturday, September 5, 2009 at White Oak Manor, Rutherfordton. A native of Rutherford County, she was the daugh-ter of the late Clarence Digh and Lou Queen Digh, and widow of the late Carl Edgar Jolley. Mrs. Jolley was a retired music teacher with Rutherford County Schools, and assisted her late hus-band as owners of Cliffside Pharmacy. After retirement Mrs. Jolley was involved

with the Remedial Reading Program at Forest City Elementary. She was a mem-ber of First Baptist Church, Forest City, the Love Circle Sunday School class, the sanctuary choir, and former pianist for the children’s choir programs.

Survivors include her son, Mike Jolley of Forest City; a daughter, Debbie Bedford of Forest City, and three grand-children.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.clock Mondayin the First Baptist Church, Forest City with Dr. Barry K. Keys and Rev. J. Anthony Spencer officiating. Interment will be private in the Cleveland Memorial Park.

Visitation will be 1 until 2 p.m. Monday in the fellow-ship hall of the church.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettk-ing.com.

Joyce Jolley Mrs. Joyce Digh Jolley, age 78,

formerly of Fox Run Road, For-est City, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at White Oak Manor, Ru-therfordton. A native of Ruther-ford County, she was the daugh-ter of the late Clarence Digh and Lou Queen Digh, and widow of the late Carl Edgar Jolley. Mrs. Jolley was a retired music teacher with Rutherford County Schools, and assisted her late husband as owners of Cliffside Pharmacy. After retirement Mrs. Jolley was involved with the Remedial Reading Program at Forest City Elementary. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Forest City, the Love Circle Sunday School class, the sanctuary choir, and former pianist for the chil-dren’s choir programs.

Survivors include her son, Mike Jolley and wife Linda of Forest City; a daughter, Debbie Bedford and husband Steve of Forest City, and three grandchil-dren, Jay Bedford, Debra Ann Jolley, and Matt Bedford.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, in the First Baptist Church, Forest City with Dr. Barry K. Keys and the Rev. J. Anthony Spencer offi-ciating. Interment will be private in the Cleveland Memorial Park. Visitation will be 1 until 2 p.m. Monday in the fellowship hall of the church. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of ar-rangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com.

Paid obit

5/

THE DAILY COURIERPublished Tuesday through Sunday mornings by Paxton Media Group LLC dba The Daily Courier USPS 204-920 Periodical Postage paid in Forest City, NC.Company Address: 601 Oak St., P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, NC 28043.Phone: (828) 245-6431Fax: (828) 248-2790Subscription rates: Single copy, daily 50¢ / Sunday $1.50. Home delivery $11.75 per month, $35.25 for three months, $70.50 for six months, $129 per year. In county rates by mail pay-able in advance are: $12.50 for one month, $37.50for three months, $75 for six months, $150 per year. Outside county: $13.50 for one month, $40.50 for three months, $81 for six months, $162 per year. College students for school year subscription, $75.The Digital Courier, $6.50 a month for non-subscribers to The Daily Courier. Payment may be made at the website: www.thedigitalcourier.comThe Daily Courier is not responsible for advance subscription payments made to carriers, all of who are independent contractors.

6A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

Calendar/loCal

three high school football games and the annual Relay for Life – but the date was chosen in order to provide the best possible talent to the area.

“Due to the popularity of the artists, our choice of the actual concert date was limited,” Bullard said. LeAnn will perform the next night in Myrtle Beach, he said.

“It’s just now hitting people, the enormity of this,” Bullard said. “People cannot believe LeAnn will be in Forest City. First hand, she is defi-nitely looking forward to her concert in Forest City.”

The Forest City Merchants Association is working with concert organizers, sponsoring the event through advertisements in the pro-gram that will be distributed to those in attendance.

“We want this to be a success,” said Kelly Dale, president of the associa-tion. “We’re doing our best to support him.”

Dale said if a concert series becomes reality, it would provide exposure for the area in new ways.

“I think it would help wonderfully,” she said.

A successful concert series is also part of the NCSTEP Program Economic Development Strategic Plan the Town of Forest City is still drafting.

“One of the major economic strate-gies identified by the participants in the planning process was to ‘develop, enhance, promote, protect and cel-ebrate the unique livability asset base that gives Forest City its character as an unmatched small town in North Carolina,’” said Danielle Withrow, Forest City Town Planner and Downtown Development Director.

“In that discussion during the plan-

ning meetings, people wanted to see McNair Field used more for events and concerts,” Withrow said. “They wanted downtown to become known as a place to go for entertainment and events – from the Owls and concerts to Santa Claus and Christmas lights.

“I think we are on our way with this concert.”

Bullard said ticket sales for the event are brisk and locally tickets will be sold at the McNair Field box office Thursday and Friday.

“You’re not going to want to wait until the last minute,” Bullard said. “Field seats are reserved seats – if people wait until the night of the show they may find themselves in standing-room only.

“I think this is one of those events if people don’t attend, they are going to hear about it after and wish they done it.”

For more information on the show, visit www.forestcityconcerts.com.

Concert Continued from Page 1A

pointed toward the highway.“I was right here the Korean War

started,” he said. “My father grew up just above the

road,” he said. His first cousin, Dr. Rupert Eaves, and had a medical practice in Ruthrfordton. When Eaves took his seat among the second grad-ers in Ann Robbins class, he asked them if they had done special things over their summer vacation.

Students told him they vis-ited beaches, Lake Lure, Florida, Disney World, camped and went to Dollywood,

Eaves told the student he met Dolly Parton on Wednesday at the rededi-

cation ceremony of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

He told the students he was married to the first female governor in the state of North Carolina. “All you girls take notice. Do you want to be the governor some day?”

“It is a real privilege to represent my wife and the state,” he said.

With Dalton sitting beside him, Eaves read the book, “Fine, Fine School” and asked questions during reading time.

Dalton told students, Eaves and Gov. Perdue live in Raleigh in a you. “They are taking good care of it and she taking good care of you,” Dalton said.

“Her priority is you. She knows you are the future,” he said.

“It is a very special day to have a

member of the First Family here and he has never forgotten his family roots,” Dalton continued.

He also explained the Robert Wendell Eaves Teaching Award, presented each year at Isothermal Community College to an outstanding teacher there, is in Eaves honor, who made financial contributions to the building of the college.

In addition to Harris Elementary staff, including principal Don Ingle, others attending Friday’s visit with Eaves were

County Commissioners Chair Brent Washburn, Paul McIntosh and Eddie Holland; Board of Education mem-bers Sherry Bright, Jackie Hampton, Ritchie Garland and Carolyn Keever; Superintendent Dr. John Kinlaw and Asst. Superintendent Janet Mason.

eaves Continued from Page 1A

ter’s therapist who said it was the greatest thing.

“It literally was just for Mr. McKinney, but it took off and people got interested in it,” Owens said.

Building the device has become a family affair, Owens said. All totaled, Owens has produced between 125 to 150, and Leg-Lifter is sold at Medicne Box Pharmacy in Forest City and Rutherfordton, Smith’s Drugs, Link Medical, Air-Care and Therapy Plus. You can also order them directly from Owens by calling 287-0991 or visiting www.advantageleglifter.com.

In a four hour period, Owens said he and his family could make around 30.

“In my basement I have it set up like an assembly line with all the parts,”

he said. “I’ve got it all lined up and we go in and make them.”

He’s found some shortcuts to the process – like discovering he could have the rope for the loop pre-cut at Lowe’s.

“They don’t like to see me coming,” he said, laughing. “One piece I’ve run this Lowe’s out of several times and I’ve had to go to Spartanburg or Shelby to buy it.”

Owens said he never intended to make more than one Leg-Lifter, but it just happened that way. He also teaches full-time at Kings Mountain High School and part-time at Cleveland Community College.

McKinney, though, thinks Owens’ invention has the potential to help a lot of people. It’s already impacted his life.

“I keep one in the car and one in the house,” McKinney said.

“I use it any time I need to move my

left leg around.” McKinney said it’s helped him the

most for getting in and out of the shower.

“I use it to lift my leg over the top of the tub,” he said. “Getting into the shower is better than anything I can think of – I’d almost fall before get-ting in. ‘

Owens’ markets the device as being for those who have had hip or knee replacement, stroke or paralysis, but he said those who don’t have any of those medical issues may still find it beneficial.

“My mom uses one to help get her stockings on and to get in and out of the car,” he said.

The next step for the Leg-Lifter, Owens said, is adding velcro to the end.

“It can be velcroed to a walker or a cane so it can go where you go.”

device Continued from Page ##

maintain vehicle/ dwelling/ place for controlled substance, possession of controlled substance on prison/jail premises, misdemeanor possession of schedule II controlled substance and misdemeanor simple possession of schedule II controlled substance. All of the offenses allegedly occurred on June 18.

Princeton Ellis Logan is charged with three counts in two true bills of indictment. He is charged with common law robbery, felony break-ing and/or entering and larceny after break/enter on Aug. 8.

Aundra Tyler Logan Hamrick is also facing three counts in two true bills. He is charged with common law robbery, felony breaking and/or entering and larceny after break/enter on Aug. 8.

n In other true bill indictments:

n Derrick Lee White is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon on June 11.

n Amanda Brooke Conner is charged with felony conspiracy on June 23.

n Andre Rashod Mills is charged with common law robbery on June 23.

Contact Dale via e-mail at ldale@thedigi-talcourier.com

Grand jury Continued from Page 1A

AdministrationJames R. Brown/publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . .209Steven E. Parham/executive editor . . . . . .210Lori Spurling/ advertising director . . . . . . .224Pam Dixon/ ad production coordinator . . . 231Anthony Rollins/ circulation director . . . . .206

NewsroomScott Bowers, sports editor . . . . . . . . . . . . .213Jean Gordon, features editor . . . . . . . . . . . .211Abbe Byers, lifestyles editor . . . . . . . . . . . . .215Allison Flynn, editor/reporter . . . . . . . . . . . .218Garrett Byers, photography . . . . . . . . . . . . .212Scott Baughman, reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216Larry Dale, reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217Bobbie Greene, typesetting . . . . . . . . . . . . .220Virginia Rucker, contributing editor

Circulation

Sally Glover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208Virle Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208

Business officeJessica Higgins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202Cindy White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

AdvertisingChrissy Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226Jill Hasty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227Jessica Hendrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228

ClassifiedErika Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

MaintenanceGary Hardin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222

An operator will direct your call during business hours, 8 a .m . to 5 p .m ., Monday-Friday . After business hours, you can reach the person you are calling using this list . As soon as you hear the automated attendant, use your Touch Tone phone to dial 1 and the person’s extension or dial 3 for dial by name .

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today please call 245-6431 and ask for circulation.

If you call by 9 a.m. on Monday through Friday, a paper will be brought to your home. If you call after 9 a.m., we will make sure your carrier brings you the missed paper in the morning with that day’s edi-tion.

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Phone: 245-6431 Fax: 248-2790 www.thedigitalcourier.comE-mail: dailycourier@thedigitalcourier .com

red CrossThe following blood drives are scheduled:Sept. 12 — Goodes Creek Baptist Church, Goodes Creek Road, Cliffside, 7:30 a.m. until noon, call 657-4444 or 245-3513 for an appointment, breakfast served;Sept. 14 — Red Cross Chapter House, 838 Oakland Rd., Forest City, 2 to 6:30 p.m., call 287-5916 for an appointment, walk-ins also welcome; Sept. 24 — Crestview Baptist Church, 630 S. Church St., Forest City, 3 to 7:30 p.m., contact Robin Rohm at 286-9758 for an appoint-ment;Sept. 28 — Isothermal Community College gym, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., contact Cindy Martin at 286-3636, ext. 353 for an appointment. All presenting donors in September may enter a drawing to win one of three $1000 gas cards. For more information call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit redcrossblood.org.

Meetings/otherAlumni Breakfast: Harris High School Alumni Breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Turner’s Restaurant, Chesnee, S.C., in the back dining room. Dutch Treat. For additional information contact Joan at 245-2658.

Washburn community meeting: Washburn Community Club mem-bers will meet Thursday, Sept. 10, to vote on how to disperse the commu-nity funds. Meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Community club meeting: Piedmont-Pleasant Hill Community Club will meet Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Covered dish meal, games and fun.

Motorcycle Club: Sport bike own-ers or riders interested in forming a club, contact Terry Padgett at 245-8406.

Hours changing: All Rutherford County Convenience Centers will be closed on Sundays, beginning Nov. 1. Also the convenience centers will now close at 7 p.m., beginning Nov. 2.

FundraisersCountry breakfast: Saturday, Sept. 12, 7 to 10 a.m., Union Mills Learning Center; adults $6, chil-dren $2.50, under six free.

Breakfast, hot dog lunch: Benefit for Howard Hill; Saturday, Sept. 12, Mt. Vernon Clubhouse; 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Plant auction, hot dog supper: Saturday, Sept. 19, 3 p.m., Crestview Park, Rutherfordton; large variety of registered daylilies and other perennials; sponsored by Foothills Daylily Society.

Scrap Booking for a Cure: Sept. 25 and 26, $50 per person; Friday 6 p.m. until 12 a.m. (dinner provid-ed); Saturday 11 a.m. until 12 a.m. (lunch and dinner); snacks both days; sponsored by RIM Relay for Life Team; limited space; contact Sherry or Carrie at 286-9036.

MiscellaneousFall storytime: Spindale Library will hold fall storytime for pre-schoolers at 10 a.m. every Tuesday, beginning Sept. 15.

Hospice Resale Shop will hold a 25 cents sale Tuesday, Sept. 8, (one day only) on purses and shoes. The store is located at 631 Oak St., Forest City.

Yokefellow Service Center will hold a half-price sale through Sept. 12. The store will be closed Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. The center is located at 102 Blanton St., Spindale.

Animal Shelter: Rutherford County Animal Shelter and CPC Office will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day.

Convenience centers: The county landfill and all convenience centers will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. Regular hours will resume Sept. 8.

Hunter Safety Course: Sept. 21, 23 and 24, 6 to 9 p.m.; Cooperative Extension Office, Callahan-Koon Rd., Spindale; must attend all three nights; register online at www.ncwildlife.org or contact Officer Tim Bullock at 248-2694.

Colfax Free Fair: Sept. 15-19, old Ellenboro School fairground; rides games, exhibits and food; bring exhibits to the gym on Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; for more information call 453-7457.

Spindale Fall Festival: Begins Friday, Sept. 18, with a street dance and classic car show from 6 to 10 p.m., on Main St.; old-fashioned street festival Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with arts/crafts, children’s activities, enter-tainment, church yard sales, food and much more.; for vendor applica-tions, call 288-4875 after 6 p.m.

Art Exhibit: The works of Artist Pam Peters will be on display at Norris Library in Rutherfordton during September.

Police snipers testshooting skills

GASTONIA, N.C. (AP) — Police snip-ers don’t usually like crowds around as they do their jobs, but they’re making an exception in one North Carolina city.

More than three dozen police and military SWAT teams are compet-ing in the third annual Gastonia Police Department sniper conference. Their shooting skills will be on exhibit Saturday for the last day of the four-day exercise.

Organizers saved the best for last with the sniper obstacle course, which chal-lenges marksmen to climb a tower, scale chain-link fences and fire at targets that simulate hostage situations.

Spectators can also test their shooting skills.

Events are planned for children and adults on Saturday, with weapons, ammunition and protective gear pro-vided.

pet n 1. a. a pampered and usuallyspoiled child b. a person who istreated with unusual kindness orconsideration; darling c. a domesti-cated animal kept for pleasure ratherthan utility...

No matter how you define it,CLASSIFIEDS can help you find it.

The Daily Courier • 245-6431

6/

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 7A

AIG to sellmanagementunit for $500M

NEW YORK (AP) — American International Group Inc. said Saturday it reached a deal to sell a portion of its asset management business to a Hong Kong-based investment firm for $500 million.

The sale to Bridge Partners LP, which is owned by Pacific Century Group, includes about $300 million in cash at closing, additional future consideration that includes a performance note and a continuing share of carried interest.

The sale is just the latest for the troubled insurance giant.

AIG is trying to sell assets to repay billions of dollars in federal loans. The loan pack-age, which helped the company avoid failing, was worth up to $182.5 billion.

The latest units being sold operate in 32 countries and manage about $88.7 billion of investments by institutional and retail clients, AIG said in a release.

AIG will retain its in-house investment arm that oversees about $480 billion of assets under management.

Win J. Neuger will continue as CEO of the units being sold and the existing management team will remain in place, the company said.

The transaction is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals.

Shares of AIG fell $1.70, or 4 percent, to $40.05 Friday, then fell another 32 cents to $39.73 in after-hours trading.

People near Michigannuclear plants get pills

MONROE, Mich. (AP) — Officials will provide free anti-radiation pills to people who live or work within 10 miles of Michigan’s nuclear power plants.

The potassium iodide pills can partially protect the thy-roid gland from radiation exposure if there is a nuclear accident.

The Monroe Evening News reports homes and businesses will get an explanatory flier the week of Sept. 21 that includes a voucher redeemable for a sup-ply of the nonprescription pills after Oct. 1.

Previously in Michigan, such pills were to be distributed fol-lowing an accident.

The state has three nuclear plants: Fermi 2 near Newport, the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Van Buren County’s Covert Township and the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant in Berrien County’s Lake Township.

State symphonyfaces pay cuts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The musicians at the Charlotte Symphony have agreed to another pay cut.

The Charlotte Observer reports the musicians agreed to have their pay reduced by more than 19 percent in a renegoti-ated contract approved Friday by the orchestra’s board.

The contract replaces an agreement in 2007 that also cut the musicians’ pay.

Under the new contract, base pay for members of the orches-tra will now be $32,175, down from $39,900.

Many players earn more because of years of service or other factors.

The symphony has been fighting deficits since 2002.

The musicians will now play 33 weeks instead of 38, but no concerts will be cut because Opera Carolina canceled one production and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools cut concerts for fourth- and fifth-graders.

BusinessBriefs

By ROBERT C. LOPEZNews & Record of Greensboro

JAMESTOWN, N.C. (AP) — With the pos-sible exception of some

T-shirts, nothing at Susan Stringer’s shop is made in China.

In fact, very little of what she sells is made outside of a 30-mile radius of her store in Jamestown.

The Soap Lady, as the name suggests, carries a variety of soaps, lotions and other bath products made by Stringer herself. But the small shop is also a reposi-tory for locally made walk-ing sticks, jewelry, pottery

and other handicrafts.“It complements what I

have, and it’s hard to go get a locally made item any-where,” she said. “So many people come in from out of town that would like to take back a little something from this area. And one thing I heard was that there really wasn’t much to purchase, besides Seagrove pottery. They really want some-thing handmade and locally made.”

The News & Record of Greensboro reported that the store, in a shopping center on Main Street, has been open for about a year and has cultivated a loyal

clientele. Friends pop in during the day, and she even keeps a bowl of dog treats near the register for those who bring in their four-legged friends.

“It’s just a very nice relax-ing atmosphere,” said Sara Knight, who sells her hand-made jewelry at the store. “A lot of people come in just to say, ‘Hey.’ Some days they come and don’t buy anything. They just want to hang out for a few minutes.”

Stringer sets some plas-tic tubs on a table at the Jamestown Public Library and fills them with corn starch, baking soda and cit-ric acid. She uncaps some

brown glass bottles and passes them around to the children watching her. They contain brownie, dream-sicle, watermelon and other fragrances condensed into essential oils.

She pours all the ingredi-ents into a plastic bag, adds some food coloring and demonstrates to the class how to make fizzy bath crystals. Each of the rough-ly 20 children in the class take home a bag of the crys-tals, as well as some recipes for scrubs, lotions, salts and other bath products.

The basic process for mak-

Associated Press“Giving back to the community” is how Stringer defines her time teaching middle school aged children the art of making bath crystals at the Jamestown Public Library summer read-ing program, at left. Susan Stringer, owner of The Soap Lady, makes the soaps and lotions she sells in her shop.

She believes in‘made in N.C.’

Please see Soap, Page 8A

By MARCY GORDONAP Business Writer

WASHINGTON — Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff tried by turns to bully and impress the federal examiners who looked into his business, but the investigators managed by themselves to botch the probes and enable Madoff’s multibillion-dollar fraud to continue for nearly two decades, a new report shows.

A trove of revelations came to light in the report by the Securities and Exchange Commission inspector general, David Kotz, which was released Friday evening. The 477-page document paints in excruciating detail how the SEC investigations of Madoff were bungled over 16 years — with disputes among agency inspection staffers over the findings, lack of communication among SEC offices in vari-ous cities and repeated fail-ures to act on credible com-

plaints from outsiders that formed a sea of red flags.

An inspection of Madoff’s operation in 2003-04 “was put on the back burner” even though the exam team still had unresolved ques-tions, the report says.

An SEC official who later would marry Madoff’s niece told investigators this year that if he had care-fully reviewed a complaint about Madoff’s business, he would have investigated more extensively, according to the report. Eric Swanson was an SEC attorney and inspections official during the 2003-04 exam.

Swanson told a colleague in April 2004 that the inspection of Madoff’s busi-ness was ongoing, after the exam team had stopped working on it, according to the report. It said Swanson recently explained that an inspection would be consid-ered ongoing even if it were put on hold.

Kotz’s investigation found no evidence that the rela-

tionship between Swanson and Madoff’s niece, Shana, who married in 2007, influ-enced the SEC exams of Madoff.

Swanson testified in the inquiry that he wasn’t closely involved in the

2003-04 Madoff exam after Mark Donohue became an assistant director of the SEC inspections division in February 2004 and that he never discussed the exam with Shana Madoff.

A prominent Wall Street figure, Bernard Madoff “attempted to intimidate and impress examiners,” and he dropped names of top officials in the SEC, the report says. One of the examiners quoted describes him as “charismatic” and “charming” — “except when he was angry with us.”

Among the disclosures: During an agency investiga-tion in May 2006, Madoff feared that he had been caught. “I thought it was the end game, over,” Madoff was quoted as saying when SEC investigators queried him about what account he was using to clear certain trades.

He said he felt very for-tunate when there was no

Report: Government botched Madoff probes

Bernard Madoff: He kept inspectors at arm’s length with bullying tactics and with lies

Demand for electricity sputteringBy MARK WILLIAMSAP Energy Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Consumers and businesses may finally be seeing some relief from rising util-ity bills, thanks to the biggest decline in U.S. electricity demand in decades.

Prices on wholesale markets are expected to decline for the rest of 2009, according to the Energy Information Agency. While rates will probably begin edging up again in 2010, it will likely be less than half the 6.2 percent jump recorded last year.

For decades as Americans bought more electronics, more appliances, air conditioners and other gizmos, energy demand has only moved in one direc-tion and prices have followed suit.

The decline in power usage over the past year is a rarity and also an indi-cation of how badly the recession has

jolted the economy and changed the way Americans spend.

The shift began last year, when power consumption fell 1.6 percent. Government forecasters see consump-tion falling another 2.7 percent this year. That would mark the first time since 1949 that the nation has seen energy demand fall in consecutive years.

Given the broad apprehension over the economy, any money consumers can keep in their pockets may help.

“You might see a decrease in your bill or, at the very least, less of an increase. And these days that’s not bad,” said Charlie Acquard, executive director of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates.

You can trace the shift from major industrial power users all the way back to individual consumers to see what has happened.

The number of unemployed Americans is nearing 15 million and prospects for the job market remain gloomy. Retailers just reported their 12th straight month of declining sales and many people are buying only what they must.

Power consumption by the industrial and manufacturing companies that make everything from cars to cotton swabs has fallen faster than anywhere else — 10 percent this year by govern-ment estimates. Industrial consump-tion fell about 20 percent in parts of the Midwest, Carolinas and the South during the second quarter, utilities say.

This pullback by some of the biggest energy users in the U.S. may provide a silver lining for millions of people and businesses in the form of declining or

Please see Madoff, Page 8A

Please see Power, Page 9A

7/

8A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

STOCKS/BUSINESS

no follow-up call to check on the account number he had given the investigators.

“After all this, I got away lucky,” he told Kotz in a prison interview, though he added he thought it was just a matter of time before he would eventually be caught.

That “narrow escape” in 2006, enabled by the SEC enforcement staff neglecting to verify Madoff’s account at a securities industry clearinghouse for trades, allowed his fraudulent scheme to flourish for another 2 1/2 years, the report says.

Madoff, who pleaded guilty in March, is serving a 150-year sentence in federal prison in North Carolina for a Ponzi scheme that could be the biggest in U.S. history.

It destroyed thousands of people’s life savings, wrecked charities and gave investors’ already shaken con-fidence in the financial system yet another big jolt.

Revelations in December of the SEC’s failure to uncover Madoff’s massive scheme touched off one of the most painful scandals in the agency’s 75-year history.

“It is a failure that we continue to regret and one that has led us to reform in many ways how we regu-late markets and protect investors,” SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro said in a statement Friday.

“In the coming weeks we will con-tinue to closely review the full report and learn every lesson we can to help build upon the many reforms we have already put into place since January.”

Schapiro, appointed by President Barack Obama, took over in January. Enforcement efforts have been

strengthened, and the agency has started a number of initiatives meant to protect investors in the wake of the financial crisis, officials said.

Swanson acknowledged in his tes-timony to the IG’s office this year that if he had carefully examined complaints about Madoff’s business, he would have dug more thoroughly, according to the report.

Swanson said a complaint from outside the SEC and financial articles on Madoff published in 2001 “mean something different to (Swanson) today than they did at the time of the (SEC) examination” in 2003-04, the report says.

It quotes Swanson as saying, “I didn’t know anything, very little any-way, about hedge funds and mutual funds and how they operated.”

Swanson now is general counsel of BATS, a major securities trading exchange.

His spokesman, Eric Starkman, said Friday that “the report speaks for itself.”

The SEC enforcement staff “almost immediately caught Madoff in lies and misrepresentations but failed to follow up on inconsistencies” and rejected whistleblowers’ offers to pro-vide additional evidence, the report says.

Kotz’s investigation, begun the week before Christmas last year, involved interviews with 122 people and reviews of thousands of docu-ments.

Among those interviewed were for-mer SEC chairmen Christopher Cox and William Donaldson, as well as Lori Richards, the former director of the SEC inspections office, who was Swanson’s boss, and Linda Thomsen, the former enforcement director.

Kotz’s probe found no evidence of improper ties between agency offi-cials and Madoff, nor of senior SEC officials trying to influence the agen-cy’s investigations of his business.

8/

The information provided here is not intended and should not be construed to be legal, tax or investment advice. This information is based upon a new federal law. Laws can change at any time. You should consult a professional tax advisor for how the tax credit af-fects you. To see if you qualify, visit www.ins.gov. Application to purchase a new home must be submitted between September 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009, and new home purchase must be completed by December 31, 2009, to qualify. $1,000 Visa prepaid card fulfilled after closing on home and bank has accepted all documents. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Cards issued by MeraBank pursuant to a license Visa U.S.A. Inc. May not be used with other offers and cannot be used with FHA/ VA insured financing.

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STOCKS OF LOCAL INTERESTWk Wk YTD

Name Div Last Chg %Chg%ChgWk Wk YTD

Name Div Last Chg %Chg%ChgAT&T Inc 1.64 25.51 -.70 -2.7 -10.5Amazon ... 78.87 -3.89 -4.7 +53.8ArvMerit ... 7.72 +.19 +2.5+170.9BB&T Cp .60 26.51 -1.88 -6.6 -3.5BkofAm .04 17.09 -.88 -4.9 +21.4BerkHa A ...98000.00-2400.00-2.4+1.4Cisco ... 21.84 -.16 -0.7 +34.0Delhaize 2.01 67.93 +1.60 +2.4 +7.8Dell Inc ... 15.69 -.24 -1.5 +53.2DukeEngy .96 15.52 -.09 -0.6 +3.4ExxonMbl 1.68 69.18 -.94 -1.3 -13.3FamilyDlr .54 28.76 -1.92 -6.3 +10.3FifthThird .04 10.52 -.30 -2.8 +27.4FCtzBA 1.20 136.48 -4.92 -3.5 -10.7GenElec .40 13.87 -.21 -1.5 -14.4GoldmanS 1.40 162.97 -1.45 -0.9 +93.1Google ... 461.30 -3.45 -0.7 +49.9KrispKrm ... 3.36 +.25 +8.0+100.0

LeggPlat 1.04 18.49 -.05 -0.3 +21.7

Lowes .36 21.62 -.08 -0.4 +.5

Microsoft .52 24.62 -.06 -0.2 +26.6

PPG 2.12 54.89 -1.05 -1.9 +29.4

ParkerHan 1.00 48.32 -1.04 -2.1 +13.6

ProgrssEn 2.48 39.26 -.33 -0.8 -1.5

RedHat ... 23.63 +.73 +3.2 +78.7

RoyalBk g 2.00 51.86 +.54 +1.1 +74.8

SaraLee .44 9.38 -.32 -3.3 -4.2

SonicAut ... 11.02 -2.59-19.0+176.9

SonocoP 1.08 25.59 -.45 -1.7 +10.5

SpectraEn 1.52 18.39 -.60 -3.2 +16.8

SpeedM .36 14.52 -1.24 -7.9 -9.9

Timken .36 21.15 -1.23 -5.5 +7.7

UPS B 1.80 53.81 +.10 +0.2 -2.4

WalMart 1.09 51.68 +.55 +1.1 -7.8

STOCK MARKET INDEXES

MUTUAL FUNDS

WEEKLY DOW JONES

11,790.17 6,469.95 Dow Jones Industrials 9,441.27 -102.93 -1.08 +7.58 -15.865,259.34 2,134.21 Dow Jones Transportation 3,762.88 +39.59 +1.06 +6.38 -23.03

480.60 288.66 Dow Jones Utilities 369.62 -7.46 -1.98 -.31 -17.598,434.90 4,181.75 NYSE Composite 6,637.13 -71.91 -1.07 +15.29 -17.382,079.77 1,130.47 AMEX Index 1,719.69 +33.65 +2.00 +23.05 -10.842,413.11 1,265.52 Nasdaq Composite 2,018.78 -9.99 -.49 +28.01 -10.511,303.04 666.79 S&P 500 1,016.40 -12.53 -1.22 +12.53 -18.18

13,324.87 6,772.29 Wilshire 5000 10,477.70 -125.33 -1.18 +15.30 -17.52761.78 342.59 Russell 2000 570.50 -9.36 -1.61 +14.23 -20.64

3,282.80 1,789.23 Lipper Growth Index 2,741.90 -15.47 -.56 +24.77 -13.26

52-Week Wk Wk YTD 12-moHigh Low Name Last Chg %Chg %Chg %Chg

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

PIMCO TotRetIs CI 104,023 10.78 +2.3 +11.6/A +6.7/A NL 5,000,000American Funds GrthAmA m LG 60,573 25.04 +0.7 -13.1/C +3.2/A 5.75 250American Funds CapIncBuA m IH 55,198 45.74 +1.8 -7.7/C +4.7/C 5.75 250Vanguard TotStIdx LB 50,934 25.08 +1.3 -15.3/C +1.0/B NL 3,000American Funds CpWldGrIA m WS 50,929 31.40 +2.1 -8.8/B +7.3/A 5.75 250Fidelity Contra LG 50,782 51.96 +0.8 -13.2/C +4.7/A NL 2,500American Funds IncAmerA m MA 45,570 14.45 +1.8 -7.4/C +2.7/B 5.75 250American Funds InvCoAmA m LB 45,458 23.77 +1.9 -11.4/A +1.5/B 5.75 250Vanguard 500Inv LB 45,011 94.07 +1.3 -15.5/C +0.2/C NL 3,000Vanguard InstIdx LB 39,179 93.48 +1.4 -15.4/C +0.3/C NL 5,000,000Dodge & Cox Stock LV 38,148 88.13 +2.1 -17.9/D +0.3/C NL 2,500American Funds EurPacGrA m FB 37,090 35.68 +1.3 -3.8/A +9.2/A 5.75 250American Funds WAMutInvA m LV 36,779 22.53 +1.3 -17.4/D -0.7/D 5.75 250Dodge & Cox IntlStk FV 33,241 29.78 +2.6 -9.6/C +7.8/A NL 2,500Fidelity DivrIntl d FG 30,568 26.13 +1.0 -14.4/D +5.5/C NL 2,500American Funds NewPerspA m WS 29,745 23.49 +2.0 -5.4/A +6.7/A 5.75 250American Funds BalA m MA 27,846 15.15 +1.5 -7.5/C +1.7/C 5.75 250PIMCO TotRetAdm b CI 27,791 10.78 +2.3 +11.4/A +6.5/A NL 5,000,000American Funds FnInvA m LB 27,676 29.54 +0.4 -14.5/C +4.1/A 5.75 250FrankTemp-Franklin Income A mCA 26,682 1.91 +0.7 -7.0/E +3.1/B 4.25 1,000American Funds BondA m CI 26,476 11.60 +1.7 +0.5/E +2.5/D 3.75 250Vanguard Welltn MA 26,324 27.26 +1.2 -4.1/A +4.8/A NL 10,000Vanguard 500Adml LB 26,060 94.09 +1.4 -15.5/C +0.3/C NL 100,000Fidelity GrowCo LG 25,845 61.00 +0.8 -12.8/B +5.1/A NL 2,500Vanguard TotStIAdm LB 24,330 25.08 +1.3 -15.3/C +1.1/B NL 100,000Vanguard TotIntl FB 23,301 13.62 +1.5 -7.7/A +7.2/A NL 3,000Vanguard InstPlus LB 23,263 93.48 +1.4 -15.4/C +0.3/C NL200,000,000Fidelity LowPriStk d MB 22,770 29.53 +3.0 -7.3/A +4.7/A NL 2,500T Rowe Price EqtyInc LV 13,826 19.37 +1.8 -14.7/B +0.8/B NL 2,500Hartford CapAprA m LB 8,978 27.68 +0.1 -14.4/C +4.6/A 5.50 1,000Pioneer PioneerA m LB 4,009 32.36 +0.7 -17.3/D +1.1/B 5.75 1,000Alliance Bernstein GrowIncA m LV 1,184 2.76 +0.7 -16.6/C -1.5/D 4.25 2,500Goldman Sachs ShDuGovA m GS 1,156 10.47 +0.7 +6.8/A +4.6/A 1.50 1,000DWS-Scudder REstA m SR 383 11.57 +0.7 -36.0/D -0.9/C 5.75 1,000Hartford GrowthL m LG 178 13.71 +1.0 -11.3/B +0.3/D 4.75 0

Total Assets Total Return/Rank Pct Min InitName Obj ($Mlns) NAV 4-wk 12-mo 5-year Load Invt

CA -Conservative Allocation, CI -Intermediate-Term Bond, ES -Europe Stock, FB -Foreign Large Blend, FG -Foreign LargeGrowth, FV -ForeignLarge Value, IH -World Allocation, LB -Large Blend, LG -Large Growth, LV -Large Value, MA -Moderate Allocation, MB -Mid-Cap Blend, MV - Mid-Cap Value, SH -Specialty-heath, WS -World Stock, Total Return: Chng in NAV with dividends reinvested. Rank: How fund performed vs. others withsame objective: A is in top 20%, E in bottom 20%. Min Init Invt: Minimum $ needed to invest in fund. Source: Morningstar.

NYSE6,637.13 -71.91

AMEX1,719.69 +33.65

NASDAQ2,018.78 -9.99

WEEKLY STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

Stock Footnotes: g = Dividends and earnings in Canadian dollars. h = Does not meet continued-listing standards.lf = Late filing with SEC. n = New in past 52 weeks. pf = Preferred. rs = Stock has undergone a reverse stock split of at least50 percent within the past year. rt = Right to buy security at a specified price. s = Stock has split by at least 20 percent with-in the last year. un = Units. vj = In bankruptcy or receivership. wd = When distributed. wi = When issued. wt = Warrants.Mutual Fund Footnotes: b = Fee covering market costs is paid from fund assets. d = Deferred sales charge, or redemptionfee. f = front load (sales charges). m = Multiple fees are charged. NA = not available. p = previous day’s net asset value. s= fund split shares during the week. x = fund paid a distribution during the week.Gainers and Losers must be worth at least$2 to be listed in tables at left. Most Actives must be worth at least $1. Volume in hundreds of shares. Source: TheAssociated Press. Sales figures are unofficial.

dd uu ddGAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Volume

Name Vol (00) Last ChgETrade 6760093 1.55 -.09PwShs QQQ4837744 40.36 -.08Intel 2626007 19.64 -.61Microsoft 2311277 24.62 -.06Cisco 1819737 21.84 -.16SunMicro 1698030 9.15 -.19Popular 1537283 2.37 +.15CellTher rsh1453552 1.49 -.07Comcast 1291438 16.33 +.62Oracle 1276993 21.97 -.19

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE)

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg %ChgImperInds 2.08 +1.42 +215.2FacetBio n 15.38 +5.01 +48.3MediCo 11.06 +3.49 +46.1AuthenTec 3.08 +.95 +44.6PeopEduc 2.47 +.75 +43.6HelicosBio 2.50 +.75 +42.9RodmanR 4.93 +1.39 +39.3Nanomtr 8.15 +2.21 +37.2UltraClean 4.44 +1.16 +35.4TierOne 3.13 +.75 +31.5

Name Last Chg %ChgAcadiaPh 2.03 -3.95 -66.1BldrFstSrc 4.44 -3.27 -42.4ArrayBio 2.90 -1.28 -30.6HovnEn pf A 4.00 -1.30 -24.5ReadgIntB 6.00 -1.78 -22.9SucampoPh 4.58 -1.34 -22.6Amedisys 35.00-10.08 -22.4InnerWkgs 4.52 -1.30 -22.3GreenBcsh 5.03 -1.39 -21.7PatrNBcp 2.65 -.71 -21.1

DIARYAdvanced 1,134Declined 1,725New Highs 82New Lows 27Total issues 2,945Unchanged 86

10,644,998,077Volume

Name Vol (00) Last ChgSinovac 1460803 9.14 +2.82Hemisphrx 552549 2.03 +.01PSCrudeDL 496106 4.07 -.63EldorGld g 353390 11.21 +.65Rentech 278464 1.99 -.04GoldStr g 235096 3.17 +.56NovaGld g 189593 4.57 +.66InovioBio 181253 2.04 -.07NthgtM g 174782 2.70 +.44GrtBasG g 139381 1.59 +.27

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE)

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg %ChgSinovac 9.14 +2.82 +44.6TiensBio 4.05 +1.10 +37.3VistaGold 2.42 +.60 +33.0MinesMgt 2.30 +.47 +25.7IntTower g 3.89 +.74 +23.5Protalix 7.38 +1.40 +23.4ExeterR g 3.72 +.69 +22.8PolyMet g 2.16 +.39 +22.0GoldStr g 3.17 +.56 +21.5TianyinP n 4.09 +.72 +21.4

Name Last Chg %ChgVelocity rs 2.40 -1.05 -30.4OrleansH 3.10 -.95 -23.5PacOffPT 3.60 -.78 -17.8SunLink 2.07 -.42 -16.9Wstmlnd pf 15.50 -2.75 -15.1ChinNutri n 3.85 -.65 -14.4Westmrld 8.44 -1.35 -13.8SuprmInd 2.52 -.40 -13.7OrchidsPP 18.79 -2.91 -13.4PSCrudeDL 4.07 -.63 -13.4

DIARYAdvanced 354Declined 156Unchanged 63Total issues 573New Highs 25New Lows 2

Name Vol (00) Last ChgCitigrp 42172109 4.85 -.38FannieMae13590663 1.77 -.27BkofAm 10488861 17.09 -.88SPDR 8567225 102.06 -1.32FredMac 6531324 1.97 -.43SPDR Fncl 5061481 14.22 -.53GenElec 3696568 13.87 -.21DirFBear rs3633590 24.95 +2.08AIntlGp rs 3533895 40.05-10.18FordM 3397621 7.43 -.30

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE)

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg %ChgMDS g 7.77 +1.89 +32.1VeriFone 13.82 +2.76 +25.0MarvelE 47.96 +9.31 +24.1OxfordInds 17.91 +3.47 +24.0Metrogas 2.00 +.37 +22.7KKR Fn 3.98 +.73 +22.5ProSUltSilv55.45 +9.47 +20.6KV PhmB lf 3.48 +.53 +18.0KV PhmA lf 2.64 +.39 +17.3XinyuanRE 5.27 +.77 +17.1

Name Last Chg %ChgCPI h 12.32 -6.34 -34.0HovnanE 3.94 -1.67 -29.8FredM pfQ 2.35 -.85 -26.6DHT Marine 4.00 -1.31 -24.7GLG Ptr un 4.55 -1.44 -24.0FredM pfM 2.30 -.70 -23.3FredM pfG 2.30 -.69 -23.1JacksnHew 4.61 -1.29 -21.9FredM pfB 2.16 -.60 -21.8FredM pfS 2.50 -.67 -21.0

DIARYAdvanced 2,461Declined 598Unchanged 79Total issues 3,138New Highs 98New Lows 1

4,117,735,083Volume 142,865,502

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

M A M J J A

-47.92

MON

-185.68

TUES

-29.93

WED

63.94

THUR

96.66

FRIClose: 9,441.27

1-week change: -102.93 (-1.1%)

Dow Jones industrialsSCHEDULE A FREEANNUITY REVIEW TODAY.

ing soap is also fairly simple — using mainly glycerin and scented oils. When she began, she would melt the ingredients in a microwave and pour them into a mold, but now she uses industrial melters. She still works out of her home, though, and cuts the bars herself.

Some of the soaps have swirly shapes cut into them. Others have toys inside. Stringer said people sometimes insist on saving the soap cakes, especially those shaped like flowers, sea shells and even ice cream bars, as keepsakes. The soaps don’t go bad, Stringer said, but there’s still no point in keeping them indefinitely. They’re meant to be used.

But occasionally she has to warn customers not to ingest her products, which smell good enough to eat.

“Fudge, gingerbread, peppermint — they all still taste like soap,” she said. “We actually had a customer once who didn’t know it was soap and tried to eat it. She was embarrassed. And I’ve actually tried myself to see if it tastes like what it smells, and it doesn’t.”

The 49-year-old mother of four makes about 350 varieties of soaps, lotions and scrubs, of which about 70 are available in her store at any given time. They generally sell for between $5 and $8.50 per bar.

A native of Charlotte, Stringer worked for a time as a reporter for a construction industry trade journal, which is how she met her husband, Hank, now an executive vice presi-dent at John F. Clark Construction.

She started making soaps 11 years ago, thinking they might be good gifts.

“I made some peppermint swirl soap, and everybody loved it,” she said. “People started asking me where I got it. I said I just made it myself.”

With $200 in seed money, she started making the soaps at home

and sold them out of a basket she kept in her trunk.

“People started saying, ‘Oh, I know you. You’re the soap lady,’ “ she said. “And when my tags came up for renewal, I put the Soap Lady on there. That’s also a good way to keep your husband out of your car.”

When she was getting ready to open her shop in 2008, Stringer reached out to neighbors and church friends who made crafts and asked if they would be interested in selling at the store (she takes a small percent-age of sales in exchange).

Robin Crosier, a neighbor of Stringer’s who makes a line of gift cards and memory books, says her goods do steady business at the shop.

“For me, this is just a part-time thing, but they’re doing better than I ever thought they would,” she said. “People want something other than the standard Hallmark stuff.”

Stinger also carries locally penned books about the region’s history, all of which are autographed by the author, as well as locally written cookbooks. Pictures of the Outer Banks and oth-er North Carolina locales, taken by Jamestown photographer Robin Tice Haines, are also for sale.

A potpourri of soap smells hits visitors upon entering the store, with scents as varied as rosemary mint, oatmeal and mango. Jewelry hangs from the roots of an upturned tree stump near the entrance. Jars containing various scrubs line the shelves like an apothecary shop. Bowls, vases, baby blankets, hand-painted wine glasses and other knickknacks sit alongside the bath products.

Most of Stringer’s customers are women. “She seems to know every-body, knows your name when you come in,” said Renee Nichols, a for-mer teacher who lives in Jamestown. “And it’s nice that she doesn’t just order stuff from a catalog or online.”

Stringer says she is always looking for distinctive products to put on her shelves, though, she adds, they’d have to be items she’d be interested in buying herself.

SoapContinued from Page 7A

MadoffContinued from Page 7A

By HOPE YENAssociated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The pov-erty rate among older Americans could be nearly twice as high as the traditional 10 percent level, accord-ing to a revision of a half-century-old formula for calculating medical costs and geographic variations in the cost of living.

The National Academy of Science’s formula, which is gaining credibility with public officials including some in the Obama administration, would put the poverty rate for Americans 65 and over at 18.6 percent, or 6.8 million people, compared with 9.7 percent, or 3.6 million people, under the existing measure.

The original government formula, created in 1955, doesn’t take account of rising costs of medical care and other factors.

“It’s a hidden problem,” said Robin Talbert, president of the AARP Foundation, which provides job training and support to low-income seniors and is backing legislation that would adopt the NAS formula. “There are still many millions of old-er people on the edge, who don’t have what they need to get by.”

If the academy’s formula is adopted, a more refined picture of American poverty could emerge that would capture everyday costs of necessities besides just food. The result could upend long-standing notions of those in greatest need and lead eventually to shifts in how bil-lions of federal dollars for the poor are distributed for health, housing, nutrition and child-care benefits.

The overall official poverty rate would increase, from 12.5 percent to 15.3 percent, for a total of 45.7 mil-lion people, according to rough cal-culations by the Census Bureau. Data on all segments, not only the elderly, would be affected:n The rate for children under 18 in

poverty would decline slightly, to 17.9 percent.n Single mothers and their chil-

dren, who disproportionately receive food stamps, would see declines in

the rates of poverty because noncash aid would be taken into account. Low-income people who are working could see increases in poverty rates, a reflection of transportation and child-care costs.n Cities with higher costs of liv-

ing, such as New York, Chicago and San Francisco, would see higher poverty rates, while more rural areas in the Midwest and South might see declines.n The rate for extreme poverty,

defined as income falling below 50 percent of the poverty line, would decrease due to housing and other noncash benefits.n Immigrant poverty rates would

go up, due to transportation costs and lower participation in govern-ment aid programs.

The changes have been discussed quietly for years in academic circles, and both Democrats and Republicans agree that the decades-old White House formula, which is based on a 1955 cost of an emergency food diet, is outdated.

The current calculation sets the poverty level at three times the annual cost of groceries. For a family of four that is $21,203. That calcula-tion does not factor in rising medical, transportation, child care and hous-ing expenses or geographical varia-tions in living costs.

Nor does the current formula con-sider noncash aid when calculating income, despite the recent expansion of food stamps and tax credits in the

federal economic stimulus and other government programs. The result: The poverty rate has varied little from its current 12.5 percent.

Next week, the Census Bureau will publish official poverty figures for 2008 with a cautionary note about the shortcomings. The agency says it will expedite release of alterna-tive numbers in the following weeks, because of the interest expressed by lawmakers and the Obama admin-istration in seeing a fuller range of numbers.

“The current poverty measure does a very bad job of measuring the impact of quite a few of our anti-poverty policies,” Rebecca Blank, the Commerce Department’s undersec-retary of economic affairs, said in an interview. “It isn’t meaningless, but it isn’t complete.”

Although the White House Office of Management and Budget dictates how federal poverty is measured, leg-islation pending in Congress would require use of the National Academy approach.

Advocates are hoping the White House may act on its own.

Cities are already showing interest.In New York City, roughly one in

three senior citizens fell below the poverty line after Mayor Michael Bloomberg adopted the new formula last year; state officials in Albany, N.Y., plan to publish their revised numbers next month. Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, San Francisco and Chicago also have been consider-ing a switch.

Nationally, official poverty rates for older Americans have improved sig-nificantly over the past 30 years due to expansions of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income.

But many older people with modest cash incomes would fall below the poverty line under the NAS formula due to out-of-pocket expenses from rising Medicare premiums, deduct-ibles and a coverage gap in the pre-scription drug benefit that is known as the “doughnut hole.”

The NAS figures could take on add-ed significance at a time when the government is touting an overhaul of Medicare and Social Security as its best hope for reducing the ballooning federal debt.

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 9A

NATION

flattening utility bills.The recession has suppressed

demand for coal, natural gas and oil. This has sent a ripple through whole-sale electric markets, where fossil fuels are turned into energy.

In the PJM wholesale market that coordinates prices in all or parts of 13 states in the eastern half of the country, prices are down about 40 percent from a year ago.

The weather is helping as well. After a very mild summer in which it made more sense to open the win-dows of your home rather than crank up the air conditioning, most meteo-rologists see a relatively warm winter on the way.

How much of a break you get in your bill, if any, and for how long comes down to where you live.

If you reside in the Northeast, West or in a central state like Texas where rates are based on spot prices, you stand a good chance of getting some relief.

Customers in more regulated mar-kets or in spots where utilities cal-culate bills based on long-term con-tracts will not benefit so much. In those markets, rates tend to be more stable.

In Texas, about 250,000 of the 2.2 million customers of TXU Energy saw monthly rates fall 15 percent in August. In the Washington, D.C.

area, prices for Pepco’s 750,000 cus-tomers are up this summer.

The difference is that TXU buys power based off spot natural gas prices, down about 80 percent in the past year; Pepco buys power on wholesale markets with a three-year time horizon that is designed to eliminate roller-coaster like swings in prices.

“Nobody wants that when you’re budgeting energy for home or business,” Pepco spokesman Clay Anderson said.

He expects prices to begin dropping gradually.

If you are getting a break from your power provider already, enjoy it while you can. There are many factors that affect your bill and most of them tend to drive it higher.

A rebounding economy will cer-tainly give energy prices a boost.

What’s more, the U.S. power infra-structure is aging and new plants and transmission lines must be built or replaced. That is going to cost businesses and consumers in the years ahead.

The big wild card is the legisla-tion pending in Congress that may require utilities to cut emissions of carbon dioxide to address global warming. Utilities, especially those that rely on coal, will spend tens of billions of dollars to come up with ways to remove carbon dioxide from emissions.

They are going to want to recoup some of those costs. Customers will feel it in their wallets when they do.

PowerContinued from Page 7A

Associated PressSimon Norwood, a construction worker who hasn’t found work in months, poses in a garage apartment belonging to a friend in Little Rock, Ark. The official poverty rate for Americans 65 years and older has stood for years at 10 percent, the lowest rate among age groups. But the true rate could be nearly twice that high, according to a revised formula created by the National Academy of Sciences that is gaining favor among public officials, including some in the Obama administration.

Number of older Americans in poverty growing

White House to reveal who visitedWASHINGTON (AP) — President

Barack Obama said Friday that his administration will start releas-ing the names of people who visit the White House, reversing a long-standing policy transcending both Democratic and Republican presi-dents.

The move, which could shed light on who influences White House decision-making, comes following a White House review of its dis-closure policy and legal pressure from the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Until now, the Obama had sided with the Bush administration’s stand of refusing to release records, in con-trast with Obama’s pledge of trans-parency.

But Obama said Friday: “We will achieve our goal of making this

administration the most open and transparent administration in his-tory, not only by opening the doors of the White House to more Americans, but by shining a light on the business conducted inside.”

“Americans have a right to know whose voices are being heard in the policymaking process,” the president said.

No records will be released right away.

Going forward, the policy cov-ers visits starting Sept. 15, and each bunch of records will be cover visits from the previous 90 to 120 days.

That means first wave of records should be posted to the White House Web site around Dec. 31.

Obama said the policy will apply to virtually every visitor who comes to the White House for “an appoint-ment, a tour, or to conduct business.”

9/

September 8th - September 11th

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10A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

weather/nation

10/

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Barber & Style OpeningTuesdaySept. 8th

The Daily Courier Weather

Moon Phases

Almanac

North Carolina Forecast

Today’s National Map

Last9/11

New9/18

First9/25

Full10/4

Today

Partly CloudyPrecip Chance: 10%

85º

Tonight

Partly CloudyPrecip Chance: 10%

63º

Monday

Partly CloudyPrecip Chance: 10%

83º 62º

Tuesday

T-stormsPrecip Chance: 40%

80º 64º

Wednesday

T-stormsPrecip Chance: 30%

82º 62º

Thursday

T-stormsPrecip Chance: 30%

79º 63º

Sun and Moon

Local UV Index

Sunrise today . . . . .7:03 a.m.Sunset tonight . . . . .7:47 p.m.Moonrise today . . . .8:32 p.m.Moonset today . . . . .8:56 a.m.

TemperaturesHigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Normal High . . . . . . . . . . . .84Normal Low . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Precipitation24 hrs through 7 a.m. yest. .0.00"Month to date . . . . . . . . .0.08"Year to date . . . . . . . . .31.83"

Barometric PressureHigh yesterday . . . . . . .30.15"

Relative HumidityHigh yesterday . . . . . . . . .83%

City Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

Asheville . . . . . . .81/60 mc 78/57 mcCape Hatteras . . .80/73 s 84/74 mcCharlotte . . . . . . .86/63 s 83/65 pcFayetteville . . . . .87/66 s 85/66 mcGreensboro . . . . .85/62 s 83/64 pcGreenville . . . . . .86/66 s 86/67 mcHickory . . . . . . . . . .85/62 pc 82/61 pcJacksonville . . . .86/66 s 85/66 mcKitty Hawk . . . . . .80/72 s 82/72 mcNew Bern . . . . . .84/67 s 85/68 mcRaleigh . . . . . . . .85/64 s 84/65 pcSouthern Pines . .86/64 s 84/65 mcWilmington . . . . .84/68 pc 83/68 mcWinston-Salem . .85/61 s 83/63 pc

Around Our State

Across Our Nation

Weather (Wx): cl/cloudy; pc/partly cloudy;ra/rain; rs/rain & snow; s/sunny; sh/showers;

sn/snow; t/thunderstorms; w/windy

Today Monday

City Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

Atlanta . . . . . . . . .83/65 mc 78/63 tBaltimore . . . . . . .83/65 s 81/66 mcChicago . . . . . . . .78/59 s 78/63 sDetroit . . . . . . . . .79/61 s 81/62 sIndianapolis . . . .81/62 t 82/62 mcLos Angeles . . . .85/63 s 83/65 sMiami . . . . . . . . . .89/78 t 87/77 tNew York . . . . . . .77/64 pc 76/65 pcPhiladelphia . . . .82/65 s 83/65 pcSacramento . . . . .87/58 s 85/58 sSan Francisco . . .69/57 pc 71/57 sSeattle . . . . . . . . .63/55 t 59/51 shTampa . . . . . . . . .91/75 t 90/74 tWashington, DC .84/64 s 82/64 mc

Today Monday

Cold Front Stationary Front Warm Front Low Pressure High Pressure

L H

This map shows high temperatures,type of precipitation expected andlocation of frontal systems at noon.

L

HL

80s

80s

80s

80s

70s

70s

70s

70s 60s

60s

90s

90s

3 50 - 2 4 6 8 107 9 11+

0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure

Statistics provided by BroadRiver Water Authority through7 a.m. yesterday.

Elizabeth City84/66

Greenville86/66

Wilmington84/68

Greensboro85/62

Raleigh85/64

Charlotte86/63

Forest City85/63

Fayetteville87/66

Kinston86/66

Durham86/63

Asheville81/60

Winston-Salem85/61

Shown is today’s weather.Temperatures are today’s highsand tonight’s lows.

Weather

Nation TodaySmall plane crashes,five aboard are killed

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A small aircraft plummeted into an Oklahoma park and burst into flames on Saturday after hitting a guide wire from a communica-tions tower, killing all five people on board, investigators said.

The six-passenger plane was on its way to Dallas when it crashed amid heavy fog near a baseball field in Tulsa, said Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. George Brown.

“The wings came off. The engine came off,” Brown said. “When it hit, it rolled. It did catch fire. It rolled at least a couple of times, ejecting the occupants.”

Brown said the victims, who all died at the scene, were pilot Dr. Stephen Lester, 48; his wife Dana, 48; daughters Laura, 16, and Christina, 13; and Dr. Ken Veteto, 50. All were from Tulsa.

No one on the ground was injured.

Great white sharkstagged for first time

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts officials are using high-tech tags to track the movements of two great white sharks near Cape Cod — the first time the fearsome fish have ever been tagged in the Atlantic Ocean.

The electronic tag uses satellite technology to record the travels of the sharks, allowing scientists to

better understand their migratory patterns.

The sharks were spotted Saturday by scientists investigating sightings off Monomoy Island in Chatham. Officials say a harpooner tagged them with help from a state shark expert.

State officials have warned area swimmers to be on the lookout for sharks this weekend, and state envi-ronmental police are patrolling the area as a precaution.

Astronauts take lastwalk out in space

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Two astronauts are spacewalk-ing again outside the international space station — for the last time.

Danny Olivas and Christer Fuglesang ventured out late Saturday afternoon on the third and final spacewalk of their shuttle mis-sion.

The two will spend the evening putting up new antennas and laying 60 feet of cable for a future space station chamber. They also will pull out a shelf for storing big spare parts and replace some old electronic devices.

During the first two spacewalks, astronauts gave the orbiting complex a fresh tank of coolant.

Saturday night’s spacewalk is the last major job for the seven shut-tle astronauts before they depart Tuesday. Their 13-day flight is scheduled to end with a landing back in Florida on Thursday.

Associated PressDuncan Baird, 62, a retired Pasadena, Calif., firefighter, holds fireplace tools as he returns for the first time to his home on Stonyvale Road after the Station wildfire swept through Big Tujunga Canyon in the Angeles National Forest, just outside the Sunland area of Los Angeles, Friday.

Firefighters containingdeadly California firesBy JAMES BELTRANAssociated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES — The western flank of the deadly wildfire north of Los Angeles was under control Saturday, sparing foothill communi-ties further threat as it burned east into a large wilderness area.

Investigators, meanwhile, were trying to determine who ignited the blaze that killed two firefight-ers, destroyed at least 76 homes and burned nearly 242 square miles of the Angeles National Forest.

The fire’s origin near Angeles Crest Highway remained cordoned off as authorities sought more clues in the case, but they were hesitant to release any findings to the media.

“Arsonists are not stupid. They can read,” said U.S. Forest Service Cmdr. Rita Wears, who supervises federal agents investigating the fire. “I have to be very careful.”

Los Angeles County firefight-ers Tedmund Hall and Arnaldo Quinones were killed Aug. 30 while seeking an escape route for their inmate fire crew after flames overran their camp on Mount Gleason.

Sheriff’s detectives opened a homi-cide investigation after the fire was ruled arson earlier this week, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has offered $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprit.

The fire, one of the largest in Southern California history, was 49 percent contained by early Saturday afternoon after crews built protective lines on the northwestern flank near Santa Clarita, according to Forest Service spokeswoman Jan Ulrich.

Firefighters were trying to slow the fire’s eastern movement into the San Gabriel Wilderness and secure the southeastern flank north of Monrovia and other foothill com-munities. No homes were threatened, Ulrich said.

The weekend weather forecast called for cooler temperatures and slightly higher humidity that could help firefighters further surround the

blaze.Mount Wilson — which holds a

historic observatory and at least 20 television transmission towers, radio and cell phone antennas — appeared well-protected after flames came dangerously close earlier this week.

However, “we’ve still got the poten-tial all around us,” said Quinn MacLeod, the U.S. Forest Service’s supervisor for Mount Wilson.

MacLeod ordered crews to wrap communication towers with pro-tective material and clear areas of concern on Mount Wilson’s western slope where smoke was rising from various hot spots. He pointed to two 5,000-gallon trucks filled with retar-dant. “Those are like our ace in the hole,” he said.

Fire agencies have spent $37 mil-lion to fight the blaze, which started Aug. 26 and has scorched 154,655 acres.

MacLeod said monetary costs are irrelevant, considering the fire has already killed firefighters.

“My whole philosophy is, one billion dollars? I’m OK with that,” he said. “If it’s lost and nobody gets hurt, I’m OK with that.”

At least a dozen investigators were working to analyze clues found at a charred hillside near Angeles Crest Highway, including incendiary mate-rial reported to have been found there. Officials said the fire was arson but were still investigating who started it and how.

“We are in the early stages, just beginning to put things together,” said sheriff’s Lt. Liam Gallagher, who is heading the homicide investiga-tion. “Firefighters losing their lives in the line of duty is an added incentive, but we work every case to the fullest.”

Near a large shade tree where crews get their daily briefings, firefight-ers set up a makeshift memorial for Capt. Hall and Specialist Quinones. The fallen firefighters helped save about 60 members of their inmate crew from approaching flames when they set a backfire that allowed the group to get to safety.

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 11A

nation

Wash. health co-op part of health reform debate

Eds: ADDS photo links.AP Photo WATW201,

WATW202, WATW204, WATW206

By RACHEL LA CORTEAssociated Press WriterOLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) —

Group Health Cooperative was created in Washington state more than six decades ago, started up by members of local granges, unions and cooperatives who were inspired by a physician who had established America’s first cooperative hospital in Elk City, Oklahoma.

Now, the Seattle-based co-op that serves near-ly 600,000 people in Washington state and Idaho is being mentioned as a potential model in the national health care reform debate.

Group Health officials, while not taking an official stand in the debate, welcome the national discussion cen-tered on their model of care.

“It’s patient-focused. What the founders of Group Health wanted was prepaid care that was affordable and patient-centered,” said Pam MacEwan, who is responsi-ble for communications and public policy for the coopera-tive.

The cooperative is a con-sumer-governed, nonprofit health care system that coor-dinates care and coverage, which means not only is it the insurance company, but also the health care provider.

Group Health runs its own medical centers, and employs its own doctors, but contracts out hospital care and some specialized care. HealthPartners of Bloomington, Minn., is the other major nonprofit health

cooperative in the nation.So unlike a private physi-

cian, who may be covered by private insurers like Aetna or United Health, doctors at Group Health are only see-ing patients who are covered under the Group Health plan.

Group Health says that the focus on preventative care, combined with the fact that doctors are salaried — instead of paid based on the number of tests they order or office visits they have — helps make them more cost efficient.

“There’s no incentive to encourage doctors to do tests,” said Dr. Barbara Detering, a family medicine doctor at Group Health’s Capitol Hill campus in Seattle. Instead, the focus is on keeping patients “as healthy as possible so we’re avoiding high cost situa-tions.”

The company hasn’t escaped financial chal-lenges. It closed a hospital in Redmond last year, and to deal with rising health costs, Group Health raised its premium rates by 13 percent this year, after a 9.7 percent rate increase last year. Private insurers in the state also spiked their rates — Regence raised its rates nearly 17 percent this year, and Premera’s increased by about 6 percent.

“We’re subject to the mar-ket just like everyone else is,” MacEwan said.

The Senate Finance Committee has been nego-tiating for months to come up with a health care bill that could garner bipartisan support, and the idea of non-profit co-ops, being pushed by moderate Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad of North

Dakota, is one that has been mentioned.

Under Conrad’s proposal, co-ops could be formed statewide or in geographic regions. They would be the insurer that would contract directly with health care providers, and like Group Health, would be self-gov-erned by an elected board. Startup money could come from the federal government through grants or loans.

While some Democrats, like Conrad, see the co-op as the compromise on a gov-ernment-run plan that can get support from moderate Republicans, unions and oth-ers have said the government option is the only way to bring real competition to the private insurance industry.

And some aren’t convinced the co-op model will offer enough competition to bring down health costs.

“If we want to have co-ops in addition to the public plan and in addition to private insurance, that’s great, let’s see if it works,” said Timothy Stoltzfus Jost, a law profes-sor at Washington and Lee University who has writ-ten on health care policy, including health insurance co-ops. But if co-ops are the only alternative to private insurance, “then essentially what we have will be private insurance.”

“They just won’t prove to be an acceptable alternative,” he said.

MacEwan said she thinks the reason that health co-ops haven’t sprouted up across the country is because the market doesn’t generally sup-port the co-op model.

“If we do more for our patients, we don’t get com-pensated more. In fact we get less money,” she said.

“There’s a reason we’ve been able to dig in our roots and be able to thrive. But we’ve been going against the grain and what the market rewards.”

MacEwan said that while she does believe that the co-op system can be duplicated, “I don’t know that it’s the total answer for health care nationwide.”

Jost said that one challenge in the market is that many doctors are already locked into agreements with the major insurance companies, and are well compensated under the private insurance fee-for-service system, which may make them less likely to jump at the idea of a getting a flat fee salary in a co-op situation.

“Fee-for-service, if you’re a provider, is great,” he said. “Who wouldn’t want an arrangement where the more you do, the more you get paid?”

Group Health is among the three largest insurance com-panies in Washington state and holds about 20 percent of the market. According to the state insurance com-missioner’s office, there have been just 69 complaint claims filed against Group Health in the past three years, a fraction of the com-bined more than 700 filed against private insurers Premera and Regence dur-ing that same timeframe. In its September edition, Consumer Reports ranked Group Health the No.1 HMO health plan, based on reader responses.

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who was a Group Health optometrist for 20 years, said that much of the group’s consumer satisfac-tion comes from the fact that Group Health patients are the ones serving on the com-pany’s board.

Associated PressLisa Eastman, right, a medical assistant, removing stitches from the cheek of Winona Smith, at a Group Health facility in Olympia, Wash.

Washington state co-ophealth plan emerges as potential model for nation

11/

12A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

Students garner awards in state safety contestBy ALLISON FLYNNDaily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY – Four students from Rutherford County have received awards in the North Carolina School Bus Safety Poster Contest for 2009.

Each year the National School Bus Safety Week Committee holds a poster contest to help publicize the week. This year, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction sponsored a statewide poster contest in the spring; winning entries are displayed online at www.ncbussafety.org and the top

poster from each division will be submitted for the national poster contest.

The winners from Rutherford County are Arianna Edwards of Forrest Hunt Elementary, who recev-ied first place in the third to fifth grade category; Matasia Covington of Sunshine Elementary, who placed second in the kindergarten to second grade category; Raven Harrill of R-S Middle School, who placed second in the third to fifth grade cat-egory; and Tori Acree of R-S Middle School, who received third place in the third to

fifth grade category. As a first place winner,

Edwards’ poster will be forwarded to the National School Bus Safety Week Poster contest in Louisville, Ky., in November. She also received a certificate and an MP3 player.

All four were students of art teacher J.J. Powell. Powell has entered her stu-dents’ work in the contest before but said this was the first time for first, second and third place winners.

“I was totally surprised,” Powell said. “I had not heard about the winners and my

first indication was when I walked into Mount Vernon-Ruth and Keith Ezell said ‘I believe congratulations are in order.’”

Powell said she was pleased for the students because two of them had gotten discour-aged before the posters were completed. “The poster proj-ect was my lesson plan for a month. I told them when they got tired to put it aside, but they all worked on it dili-gently,” she said.

When planning art les-sons, Powell said, she tries to incorporate the standard course of study. For the post-

ers, Powell said the students incorporated geometry.

“I asked them to think about what shapes tires are and when you draw a face, what shape do you choose – an oval or a circle,” she said.

Powell said she hopes Edwards’ poster will do well at the national contest, and Rutherford County Schools Director of Elementary Education Steven Helton said having four out of 12 state winners be from Rutherford County speaks highly of not only the stu-dents, but of Powell’s art instruction.

Artist: Arianna Edwards

Artist: Matasia Covington Artist: Tori Acree

Artist: Raven Harrill

12/

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 1B

Inside

Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . . Page .2BNCAA .Football . . . . . . Page .3BNASCAR . . . . . . . . . Page .4-5B

Football players can go their entire careers and not have nights like East Rutherford’s Adrian Wilkins and R-S Central’s Aris Smith had on Friday.

Wilkins torched McDowell for 213 yards and four touch-downs, while Smith recorded five sacks against Polk County. Both players’ respective teams came away with wins as well.

The win for East was a much-needed first win of the season.

The win for Central was a much-needed first win over Polk County since ... well, a long time.

Both victories carry signifi-cance, if for different reasons, for each club.

The Cavaliers have taken two tough losses in the first two weeks of the season and East is still searching for an identity. East, like Central, remains for the most part one-dimensional on offense. The strange irony for all three Rutherford County clubs in the South Mountain Athletic Conference — none of three has developed a passing game that is respected, yet.

The Hilltoppers finally dis-missed the odd road bump that has become Polk County. I have always believed that the Wolverines are one of the finest 1A programs (now they are a 2A program) in western North Carolina, so don’t take any of this the wrong way. But, Central has had solid talent for five straight seasons and still has been unable to knock them off. I do realize that each of the previous meetings has had its share of drama and bizarre plays, and Friday’s game was almost a repeat of previous Hilltoppers’ losses to Polk; nonetheless, this win was over do.

Just three weeks into the NCHSAA prep football season, and I can find flaws and dents in all four county programs, but I’d rather focus on the posi-tive.

At East, the duo of Wilkins and Tyler Hamilton gives the Cavs a strong 1-2 punch. The two speedsters can score from anywhere on the field, at any point in the game. So, whatever flaws East may have, these two young men can cover for them pretty well.

At Central, Jason Watson’s changes and attitude adjust-ment have the Hilltoppers defense playing at a level that, in all honesty, I have never seen them play at before. The Hilltoppers actually delivered hits — tough, aggressive hits to Polk County. Somewhere in the second quarter, I began to wonder if I was really watching Central.

Smith and Darrian Wilkins morphed into Julius Peppers (the good version) and Lawrence Taylor right before my eyes. The tandem recorded an incredible 7.5 sacks and Wilkins leveled Polk’s QB Dakota Thomas on a hit so vicious that I broke a rib in the press box.

The question is, where do these two teams go from here?

East Rutherford has a legiti-mate shot at .500 this week when West Henderson comes to town.

Central can get to 4-0 when McDowell comes to town, on Friday.

But from there? Frankly, I don’t know yet. It’s one week at a time, and the rest will (insert a cliche, Bowers) play itself out.

In three weeks, East will head to the Palace and that is going to be a lot of fun.n Coming Wednesday: Off

the Wall’s 2009 NFL picks.

Scott .Bowers

Off The Wall

And .a .fine .time .was .had .by .some

Coming .Right .At .You

East Rutherford’s Adrian Wilkins, left, breaks free on one of his four touch-down runs during the game against McDowell, Friday night. Wilkins fin-ished with a season-high 213 yards rush-ing.

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

’Toppers win, Wilkins highlight actionBy SCOTT BOWERS and KEVIN CARVERDaily Courier Sports Reporters

FOREST CITY — Rutherford County gridiron programs earned a split in football action on Friday night.

East Rutherford and R-S Central came away with dramatic wins, while Chase and Thomas Jefferson are still searching for their first wins of 2009.

East’s win over McDowell featured

a remarkable 213 rushing yard per-formance by Adrian Wilkins. Wilkins also found pay dirt four times.

Central’s star from Friday night’s win over Polk County was clearly defensive end Aris Smith. Smith, offi-cially, registered five sacks on the night.

Next coming weekend, Chase will play its first home game of the year against Cherryville; East Rutherford

plays host to West Henderson; R-S Central will host McDowell; and Thomas Jefferson begins its long road trip with a visit to West Lincoln.

Hilltoppers .get .defensiveRUTHERFORDTON — The R-S

Central-Polk County football game was simply dominated by defense,

Please see Football, Page 8B

East Carolina holds off App StateGREENVILLE (AP) — East Carolina

spent the first half of its season opener Saturday looking ready to live up to its crash-the-BCS talk.

The Pirates spent the rest of the game just trying to hold on to a win.

Dominique Lindsay ran for 105 yards and a touchdown to help the Pirates take a big first-half lead, then Scotty Robinson came through with a criti-cal sack in the final minute to help East Carolina turn away Appalachian State’s late rally and win 29-24.

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Pirates. They looked downright domi-nant in the first half in front of a sell-out crowd, scoring on their first three drives and leading 24-0 before the Mountaineers even managed a first down. Yet by the end, with its offense shut down, its defense fighting for every stop and a line of players battling cramps, they could only feel relieved.

“The bottom line is you’re trying to win a football game,” coach Skip Holtz said. “Do I wish we would have played better? Yes. Do we have a long way to go?

Please see East Carolina, Page 3B

Associated PressEast Carolina’s Dominique Lindsay (24) runs over Appalachian State’s defense in the first quarter on Saturday, in Greenville.

Tar Heels bomb Citadel

CHAPEL HILL (AP) — T.J. Yates threw two touchdown passes in the deci-sive first half, and No. 21 North Carolina routed The Citadel 40-6 on Saturday night.

Ryan Houston had touchdown runs of 5 and 3 yards, and Shaun Draughn rushed for 118 while helping the Tar Heels roll up 375 yards total offense. They had a 261-30 advantage on the ground.

Da’Norris Searcy returned a late punt 77 yards for a touchdown. Yates was 9 of 20 for 114 yards in three quarters, with scoring passes of 18 yards to Johnny White and 21 yards to Greg Little for the Tar Heels.

Associated PressNorth Carolina’s Zack Pianalto (17) gets hit by Citadel’s Cortez Allen (13) as Demetrius Jackson (1) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, Saturday.

b front/

2B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

sports

BASEBALLNational League

East Division W L Pct GBPhiladelphia 77 55 .583 — Florida 71 64 .526 7 1/2Atlanta 70 65 .519 8 1/2New York 61 75 .449 18 Washington 46 89 .341 32 1/2

Central Division W L Pct GBSt. Louis 80 56 .588 — Chicago 68 66 .507 11 Milwaukee 65 69 .485 14 Houston 64 70 .478 15 Cincinnati 61 73 .455 18 Pittsburgh 53 80 .398 25 1/2

West Division W L Pct GBLos Angeles 80 56 .588 — Colorado 75 60 .556 4 1/2San Francisco 74 61 .548 5 1/2Arizona 61 75 .449 19 San Diego 60 76 .441 20

Friday’s GamesFlorida 9, Washington 6St. Louis 14, Pittsburgh 7N.Y. Mets 6, Chicago Cubs 2Cincinnati 3, Atlanta 1Houston 7, Philadelphia 0San Francisco 3, Milwaukee 2Colorado 5, Arizona 4San Diego 2, L.A. Dodgers 0Saturday’s GamesChicago Cubs 5, N.Y. Mets 3San Francisco 3, Milwaukee 2Florida at Washington, latePhiladelphia at Houston, lateSt. Louis at Pittsburgh, lateCincinnati at Atlanta, lateArizona at Colorado, lateSan Diego at L.A. Dodgers, lateSunday’s GamesChicago Cubs (R.Wells 10-7) at N.Y. Mets (Pelfrey 9-10), 1:10 p.m.Cincinnati (Cueto 9-10) at Atlanta (T.Hudson 1-0), 1:35 p.m.Florida (A.Sanchez 2-6) at Washington (J.Martin 3-4), 1:35 p.m.St. Louis (Pineiro 14-9) at Pittsburgh (Maholm 7-8), 1:35 p.m.Philadelphia (Hamels 8-8) at Houston (Norris 3-3), 2:05 p.m.San Francisco (J.Sanchez 6-11) at Milwaukee (Looper 11-6), 2:05 p.m.Arizona (Y.Petit 3-8) at Colorado (De La Rosa 13-9), 3:10 p.m.San Diego (Stauffer 3-6) at L.A. Dodgers (Kuroda 5-5), 8:10 p.m.Monday’s GamesChicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 12:35 p.m.Philadelphia at Houston, 2:05 p.m.St. Louis at Milwaukee, 2:05 p.m.Cincinnati at Colorado, 3:10 p.m.L.A. Dodgers at Arizona, 3:40 p.m.San Diego at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

American League

East Division W L Pct GBNew York 87 49 .640 — Boston 78 56 .582 8 Tampa Bay 72 62 .537 14 Toronto 60 75 .444 26 1/2Baltimore 54 81 .400 32 1/2

Central Division W L Pct GBDetroit 73 61 .545 — Minnesota 67 67 .500 6 Chicago 67 69 .493 7 Cleveland 59 75 .440 14 Kansas City 51 83 .381 22

West Division

W L Pct GBLos Angeles 79 54 .594 — Texas 76 58 .567 3 1/2Seattle 72 64 .529 8 1/2Oakland 59 76 .437 21

Friday’s GamesCleveland 5, Minnesota 2Texas 5, Baltimore 1Toronto 6, N.Y. Yankees 0Detroit 4, Tampa Bay 3L.A. Angels 2, Kansas City 1Chicago White Sox 12, Boston 2Seattle 6, Oakland 3Saturday’s GamesN.Y. Yankees 6, Toronto 4Chicago White Sox 5, Boston 1Minnesota 4, Cleveland 1Baltimore 5, Texas 4Detroit at Tampa Bay, lateL.A. Angels at Kansas City, lateSeattle at Oakland, lateSunday’s GamesMinnesota (Blackburn 9-9) at Cleveland (D.Huff 8-7), 1:05 p.m.N.Y. Yankees (Mitre 3-1) at Toronto (Tallet 5-9), 1:07 p.m.Texas (Holland 7-9) at Baltimore (Guthrie 9-13), 1:35 p.m.Detroit (E.Jackson 11-6) at Tampa Bay (W.Davis 0-0), 1:38 p.m.Boston (Lester 11-7) at Chicago White Sox (Danks 12-8), 2:05 p.m.L.A. Angels (J.Saunders 11-7) at Kansas City (Hochevar 6-8), 2:10 p.m.Seattle (Fister 2-1) at Oakland (G.Gonzalez 4-5), 4:05 p.m.Monday’s GamesTampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees, 1:05 p.m., 1st gameMinnesota at Toronto, 1:07 p.m.Boston at Chicago White Sox, 2:05 p.m.L.A. Angels at Kansas City, 2:10 p.m.Texas at Cleveland, 6:05 p.m.Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m., 2nd game

FOOTBALLNational Football League

Preseason Glance

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PAMiami 4 0 0 1.000 59 39New England 3 1 0 .750 98 83N.Y. Jets 2 2 0 .500 108 99Buffalo 1 4 0 .200 72 106

South W L T Pct PF PATennessee 3 2 0 .600 102 104Houston 2 2 0 .500 67 85Indianapolis 1 3 0 .250 49 84Jacksonville 1 3 0 .250 89 85

North W L T Pct PF PABaltimore 4 0 0 1.000 84 39Pittsburgh 3 1 0 .750 71 37Cincinnati 2 2 0 .500 73 54Cleveland 2 2 0 .500 73 70

West W L T Pct PF PASan Diego 2 2 0 .500 81 60Denver 1 3 0 .250 65 71Oakland 1 3 0 .250 79 107Kansas City 0 4 0 .000 42 64

NATIONAL CONFERENCEEast

W L T Pct PF PADallas 2 2 0 .500 88 92N.Y. Giants 1 3 0 .250 79 99Philadelphia 1 3 0 .250 100 120Washington 1 3 0 .250 58 87

South

W L T Pct PF PANew Orleans 3 1 0 .750 107 38Atlanta 2 2 0 .500 76 84Tampa Bay 1 3 0 .250 70 87Carolina 0 4 0 .000 57 89

North W L T Pct PF PAMinnesota 3 1 0 .750 78 61Chicago 3 1 0 .750 90 70Detroit 3 1 0 .750 72 76Green Bay 3 1 0 .750 105 85

West W L T Pct PF PASeattle 4 0 0 1.000 92 58San Francisco 3 1 0 .750 65 75St. Louis 3 1 0 .750 77 70Arizona 0 4 0 .000 53 100

Thursday’s GamesDetroit 17, Buffalo 6N.Y. Jets 38, Philadelphia 27Baltimore 20, Atlanta 3Cincinnati 38, Indianapolis 7New England 38, N.Y. Giants 27Jacksonville 24, Washington 17Chicago 26, Cleveland 23Tennessee 27, Green Bay 13St. Louis 17, Kansas City 9Miami 10, New Orleans 7Pittsburgh 21, Carolina 10Denver 19, Arizona 0Seattle 31, Oakland 21Friday’s GamesHouston 27, Tampa Bay 20Dallas 35, Minnesota 31San Diego 26, San Francisco 7End of Preseason

RACINGNASCAR Sprint Cup

Pep Boys Auto 500 Lineup

(Car number in parentheses)1. (1) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 184.149.2. (9) Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 183.497.3. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 183.358.4. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 182.994.5. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 182.771.6. (2) Kurt Busch, Dodge, 182.729.7. (5) Mark Martin, Chevrolet, 182.609.8. (83) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 182.500.9. (12) David Stremme, Dodge, 182.416.10. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 182.213.11. (47) Marcos Ambrose, Toyota, 182.003.12. (14) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 181.884.13. (43) Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 181.848.14. (99) Carl Edwards, Ford, 181.675.15. (17) Matt Kenseth, Ford, 181.645.16. (6) David Ragan, Ford, 181.639.17. (21) David Gilliland, Ford, 181.449.18. (29) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 181.414.19. (55) Michael Waltrip, Toyota, 181.414.20. (33) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 181.348.21. (19) Elliott Sadler, Dodge, 181.325.22. (42) JP Montoya, Chevrolet, 181.301.23. (39) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 181.248.24. (31) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 181.236.25. (71) Bobby Labonte, Chevrolet, 181.129.26. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 181.046.27. (26) Jamie McMurray, Ford, 180.651.28. (00) David Reutimann, Toyota, 180.522.29. (7) Robby Gordon, Toyota, 180.457.30. (77) Sam Hornish Jr., Dodge, 180.416.31. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 180.369.32. (82) Scott Speed, Toyota, 180.152.33. (07) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 180.047.34. (20) Joey Logano, Toyota, 179.988.35. (44) A J Allmendinger, Dodge, 179.971.36. (87) Joe Nemechek, Toyota, 179.901.37. (66) Dave Blaney, Toyota, 179.673.38. (09) Mike Bliss, Dodge, 179.586.39. (13) Max Papis, Toyota, 179.505.40. (34) John Andretti, Chevrolet, 179.400.41. (98) Paul Menard, Ford, 178.804.42. (96) Erik Darnell, Ford, Owner Points.43. (08) Terry Labonte, Toyota, Past Champion.

Scoreboard

CHARLOTTE (AP) — The rules said the Carolina Panthers had to cut to 53 players. They didn’t stop there.

Ready to pluck players off the waiver wire to fill a glaring need at defensive tackle, the Panthers reduced their roster to 51 players on Saturday. The moves included putting third-round pick Corvey Irvin on injured reserve and waiving fellow defensive tackle Marlon Favorite.

“We just decided that we were going to have two spots there and look to fill them,” general manager Marty Hurney said.

Hurney revealed Irvin tore the medial collateral ligament in his knee in Thursday’s preseason finale against Pittsburgh. He was expected to provide depth at a position where the Panthers have few options.

Favorite, an undrafted rookie, had seen some time as a starter after Maake Kemoeatu rup-tured his Achilles’ tendon on the first day of training camp. The Panthers have also used

Nick Hayden there and acquired Louis Leonard from Cleveland on Tuesday.

Starter Damione Lewis is the only other defensive tackle on the current roster. Hurney wouldn’t identify players he’s seeking, but said he and the coaching staff were planning to scour the waiver wire late Saturday.

“If there are any claims we have until noon (Sunday) to put them in,” Hurney said.

Carolina could also use one of its open roster spots on a punt returner. Rookie Larry Beavers, one of three Panthers to fumble punts Thursday, was waived, leaving only Kenny Moore and Captain Munnerlyn on the depth chart.

Mark Jones, Carolina’s return man last season, is avail-able after being released by Tennessee.

The Panthers again kept kick-off specialist Rhys Lloyd, who had an NFL-high 30 touchbacks

last season. Carolina also kept an extra fullback, fourth-round pick Tony Fiammetta, who didn’t come to close to taking starter Brad Hoover’s job.

Only four receivers are on the roster, while defensive end Hilee Taylor made the team despite a quiet preseason.

Jeremy Leman, one of the sur-prising stars of the preseason, was cut along with Mortty Ivy, giving Carolina just six lineback-ers.

Other players let go were quar-terback Hunter Cantwell; run-ning backs DeCori Birmingham and Jamall Lee; receivers Jason Chery, Kevin McMahan and Marcus Monk; tight end Andrew Davie; offensive linemen Patrick Brown, Justin Geisinger, Keith Gray and Jonathan Palmer; defensive lineman George Hypolite and Casper Brinkley; linebackers Anthony Heygood and Kelvin Smith; safeties Kevin Kaesviharn, Paul Chiara and Joe Fields; and cornerback D.J. Clark.

NORTON, Mass. (AP) — Tiger Woods couldn’t make enough putts to catch up with the players who couldn’t miss.

Sean O’Hair and Jim Furyk set the pace Saturday at the Deutsche Bank Championship and brought Retief Goosen along for the ride. That threesome combined to make 17 birdies and one eagle, finish-ing two rounds at a combined 34-under par.

All that counted was the individual scoring, which wasn’t bad, either.

O’Hair ran off six birdies and an eagle during an eight-hole stretch in the middle of his round for a 7-under 64, giving him a share of the lead with Furyk, who had six birdies to offset a few mistakes for a 67.

They were at 12-under 130.“We saw a lot of good golf and a lot of good golf

shots,” Furyk said. “And obviously, I saw some putts go in.”

Woods arrived later in the day, and instead of making a charge, he flirted with missing the cut. He was on the verge of going below the cut line when he faced a 12-foot par on No. 9, a tricky 5-foot putt on the 10th and a 20-foot par putt on the 11th after gouging a shot out of a plugged lie in the bunker. He made them all, then ran off four birdies over his final seven holes for a 67.

That left the No. 1 player still stewing over three birdies he missed inside 10 feet on the back nine, realizing that he needed to make up as much ground as the could. Woods was seven shots behind.

“They haven’t been lipping in, they’ve been lip-ping out,” Woods said. “That’s about par for the course right now. Today is one of those days where I could have gone really low.”

That was left to just about everyone else.Nearly half of the 99-man field shot in the 60s,

with Marc Leishman improving his hopes of advancing in the FedEx Cup playoffs with a tour-nament-low 62 that left him two shots out of the lead, along with Goosen.

Scott Verplank made an eagle for the second straight day on his way to a 68, leaving him in a group of players at 9-under 133 that included Justin Leonard, Mike Weir, Kevin Sutherland and John Senden, who recorded the rarest shot in golf. Senden made a double eagle on the par-5 second hole, holing out from 250 yards with a 4-iron. He shot a 64.

“It looked like it was just going to roll to the back of the green or just over the back,” Senden said. “And then when the I saw the cheers go up, I knew it was in the hole, so it was exciting.”

Associated PressTiger Woods hits out of the sand trap on the 11th hole during the second round of the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament in Norton, Mass., Saturday.

O’Hair, Furyk grab the early lead in Boston

Panthers cut 2 more than needed

2B/

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sports

WINSTON-SALEM (AP) — Robert Griffin might have discovered a new way to beat oppo-nents: give up the ball.

“I just gave other guys a chance to shine,” Baylors gifted quarterback said. “Teams are going to key on me, based on what I did last year, based on how explosive I was last year. We still won the game.”

Griffin completed his first eight passes, finishing with 136 yards passing and a touchdown, to help Baylor beat Wake Forest 24-21 on Saturday.

Kendall Wright ran for a touchdown, wide receiver Ernest Smith passed for a score and David Gettis caught one for the Bears, who opened last season with a 41-13 home loss to the Deacons.

By JACOB CONLEYSports Reporter

BOILING SPRINGS — It took a little while for Gardner-Webb to shake off the first-game jitters as they fell behind Mars Hill, 7-0, through the first quarter.

After the rust was gone, however, the Bulldogs ran like a well-oiled machine out-scoring the Lions, 58-7, the rest of the way to garner the sea-son-opening victory on Saturday.

Neither squad could get into an offensive rhythm early as Mars Hill and GWU traded processions to open the contest.

A Stan Doolittle interception set up the Lions, in the Bulldogs red zone, and Patrick Park plunged into end zone from a yard out to give the visitors a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

GWU struck back through the air when Doolittle connected with Nick Melton for a 22 yard strike to tie the game, 7-7, with just over 12 minutes left in the 2nd.

Quan Jackson snuffed out a Lions’ drive with an interception which Phillip Peoples later converted into a five yard scoring run to give the ‘Dogs a 14-7 lead.

GWU’s offense was far from finished in the half as James Perry III hauled in a 38 yard bomb with 1.52 left before half to increase the lead by seven more, 21-7.

The defense forced a subsequent three and out, Doolittle zipped three long passes to move Ryan Gates in position for a 30 yard field goal as the horn sounded as GWU led 24-7 at the half.

The Bulldogs started the third in much the same way it finished the second with a Gates field goal from 30 yards out for a 27-7 lead. On GWU’s next two possessions, the Bulldogs tallied 14 points on a Patrick Hall 58 yard jaunt and Jamal Patmon’s 11 yard scoring reception from the arm of rookie signal-caller John Rock. Hall added another touch-down moments later as the onslaught continued and by the time the dust settled GWU had grabbed the 58-14 win.

The Bulldogs hit the road for five consecutive weeks beginning with a rivalry game against Western Carolina on September 12th.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Brian Rolle intercepted a poten-tial two-point conversion in the closing minutes and returned it for two points the other way, helping No. 6 Ohio State hold off pesky Navy 31-27 on Saturday.

A crowd of 105,092 — the largest ever to see the Buckeyes open a season — sat in stunned silence after the Midshipmen scored twice in just over 4 min-utes to cut a 29-14 deficit to two points with 2:23 left in the game.

Navy went for the conversion and the tie, but Rolle stepped in front of Ricky Dobbs’ pass and rumbled up the sideline to preserve the win in the Midshipmen’s first trip to Ohio Stadium since 1931 — and keep the luster on next week’s show-down between the Buckeyes and No. 4 Southern Cal.

Terrelle Pryor ran for a touch-down and passed for another to help Ohio State build its lead early in the fourth quarter.

No. 9 Oklahoma State 24, No. 13 Georgia 10

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Zac Robinson threw two touch-down passes to star receiver Dez Bryant and also scored on a quarterback sneak as Oklahoma State proved itself deserving of its highest preseason ranking ever.

The Cowboys capitalized on a fourth quarter fumble by new Georgia starting quarterback Joe Cox to seal the season-open-ing win on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Robinson to Bryant.

The two also hooked up on an impressive 46-yard score in the first half that got Oklahoma State’s offense going after a slop-py start.

Robinson finished with 135 yards on 11 for 22 passing, and Bryant made the most of his three catches for 77 yards.

Cox was 15 for 30 for 162 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

No. 4 USC 56, San Jose State 3

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matt Barkley passed for 233 yards after a slow start to his Southern California debut, and the Trojans’ fleet of tailbacks ran for six touchdowns.

Barkley, the first non-redshirt freshman to start a season open-er at USC, shook off a rocky first quarter to go 15 for 19 with no interceptions.

He was at his best handing

off to his fellow Trojans, who pounded the Spartans with six consecutive TD drives after trailing 3-0 early in the second quarter.

USC’s formidable offensive line cleared the way for 343 yards rushing, along with two scores apiece by Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight. Barkley’s only TD pass put USC up 42-3 midway through the third quarter.

No. 9 Penn State 31, Akron 7STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) —

Daryll Clark threw for 353 yards and three touchdowns, and Penn State celebrated coach Joe Paterno’s return to the sideline with a win.

A tenacious defense over-whelmed the Zips’ spread attack, holding Akron to 186 yards of total offense. Akron didn’t record a first down until the third quarter, with Penn State leading by 31.

The Nittany Lions scored on their opening drive on a 5 yard run by Evan Royster and never looked back. Graham Zug’s leap-ing 19-yard touchdown catch gave Penn State a 31-point cush-

ion just before halftime. Clark threw for 254 yards in the first half alone, a school record.

It was a happy return for Paterno in his first game on the sideline since hip replacement surgery last November.

No. 15 Georgia Tech 37, Jacksonville State 17

ATLANTA (AP) — Jonathan Dwyer ran for two touchdowns, and Georgia Tech had 335 yards rushing.

No. 22 Iowa 17, Northern Iowa 16

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Jeremiha Hunter made up for a mental mistake moments earlier by blocking Northern Iowa’s sec-ond field goal try in the closing seconds.

No. 23 Notre Dame 35, Nevada 0

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Jimmy Clausen threw for four touchdowns, including passes of 70 and 88 yards to Michael Floyd, to lead Notre Dame.

Yes. Will my temperament in this team meeting room (Sunday) be positive and upbeat and Chuckles the Clown? No, it will not be.”

Appalachian State, the nation’s top-ranked Football Championship Subdivision team, didn’t look like it would recreate the same magic from its upset of Michigan in 2007. The Mountaineers were without reigning FCS player of the year Armanti Edwards, who led them to three straight national cham-pionships, as he recovered from a foot injury suffered during a

lawnmower accident last month.They were facing a team that

earned national rankings last season by beating Virginia Tech and West Virginia on the way to the Conference USA champion-ship.

Yet with Edwards watching from the sideline, backup quar-terback Travaris Cadet came on in relief of starter DeAndre Presley and fell just short of directing an unbelievable come-back.

“We gave them everything we had and we were wearing them down,” left tackle Mario Acitelli said. “They were out of shape. They were tired. (But) there’s only 60 minutes in a football game and we didn’t get it done in 60 minutes.”

The Mountaineers started their final drive at their own 24 with 1:28 to play and no timeouts. That drive reached midfield before Robinson came through with a desperately needed sack that backed up the Mountaineers and cost them precious seconds. Three plays later, Cadet’s fourth-down pass for CoCo Hillary fell incomplete to seal the Pirates’ harder-than-it-should’ve-been win with 16 seconds left.

“It was a sense of urgency going through everybody on the field,” Robinson said. “We needed one stop — one sack — to stop the drive. That’s the only thing we were all thinking about: trying to get to the quarterback and get him down.”

Ohio State escapes; USC rolls

Associated PressWake Forest cornerback Michael Williams (7) breaks up a pass to Baylor wide receiver Willie Jefferson (17) during the season’s home opener at BB&T Field of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, Saturday.

Baylor holds off Wake Forest, 24-21

Gardner-Webb lights up Mars Hill, 58-14

East CarolinaContinued from Page 1B

Associated PressOhio State’s Terrelle Pryor, top, dives across the line of scrimmage as Navy’s Kwesi Mitchell tackles him during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, in Columbus, Ohio.

3B/

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4B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

sports

Associated PressMelanie Oudin celebrates her upset victory over Maria Sharapova during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Saturday. Oudin won 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

You’ve Got To Believe

17-year-old Oudin upsets Sharapova at US Open

NEW YORK (AP) — She sat there in shock. Then, the tears started falling.

Believe it or not, 17-year-old Melanie Oudin is the toast of the town at the U.S. Open.

Gritting her way through a shaky third set, the 70th-ranked player from Marietta, Ga., pulled off her second upset of the Open on Saturday, defeating a more-seasoned, more-famous, more-moneyed opponent — 29th-seed-ed Maria Sharapova, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

“I don’t even know what to say right now,” Oudin said, choking back tears in her post-match interview in Arthur Ashe Stadium. “Thank you so much for cheering for me.”

Sharapova, who has won this tournament once, usually gets those cheers. But on this cloud-less day in Queens, the fans were rooting for a new potential queen — the one who stamped the word “Believe” on her shoes, but probably didn’t see this com-ing so soon.

“My goal was to make the top 50,” she said. “But if I keep playing like this, who knows? Hopefully, I can get as high as anything.”

She added this upset to one over No. 4 Elena Dementieva in the second round and a win over former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic earlier this year at Wimbledon.

Sharapova, though, was the biggest name in the bunch. Oudin’s confidence is growing as quickly as her resume, and sud-denly, it does seem like anything is possible.

“Yeah, why not?” Sharapova said. “I think with experience and playing tournaments and being in situations where she’s playing these kind of matches, considering her age, she certain-ly has a great amount of poten-

tial.”Oudin’s fourth-round match

is against No. 13 Nadia Petrova of Russia, though there’s a sense she may have already knocked out the two toughest players on her side of the draw. No. 5 Jankovic is also gone, along with No. 11 Ana Ivanovic. No. 1 Dinara Safina is still there, but she has been playing poorly.

The Williams sisters are on the other side of the draw and it may not be too early to dream about the third-best American, Oudin, going against one of the two best for the U.S. title.

“I learned, once again, proved to myself that I can compete with these top girls,” Oudin said. “And if I believe in myself and my game, then I can beat them.”

In men’s play, No. 1 Roger Federer extended his winning streak to 37 at the U.S. Open, overcoming some shaky play for a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 victory over No. 31 Lleyton Hewitt.

It was Federer’s 14th straight victory over Hewitt, a former No. 1 who won the U.S. Open in 2001.

“I just had to believe that I

could still turn this around,” Federer said. “And with the great streak I have against him, I knew that if I could get back into the match then I could get back on a roll, because I’ve done it so many times against him.”

Other winners on the men’s side included 15th-seeded Radek Stepanek, 10th-seeded Fernando Verdasco, eighth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko, and fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic, who ended 276th-ranked American Jesse Witten’s surprising run. Also gone is 22nd-seeded Sam Querrey, a 6-2, 7-5, 6-7 (6), 6-1 loser to No. 12 Robin Soderling.

Oudin and Sharapova followed Federer onto the show court but Sharapova did not put on a headliner’s performance.

She served 21 double-faults — the equivalent of five-plus games — committed 63 unforced errors and clearly hasn’t rounded fully into form after nearly 10 months off with a shoulder injury that forced her to miss the trip to Flushing Meadows last year.

Sharapova and Oudin traded three breaks each through the first eight games of the third set, then Oudin got a fourth break to go ahead 5-4. She responded by holding serve, closing the match with a cross-court winner off a short counterpunch from Sharapova.

Oudin dropped her racket and choked back tears, shook hands with Sharapova and walked to her chair, shaking, clearly having trouble believing what had taken place.

But, yes, that happened.“Someone asked me this ques-

tion at Wimbledon, ’How I would describe the whole experi-ence,”’ she said. “There’s not real-ly one word. Everything about it is just unbelievable. But basically I love to play tennis, and that’s why I’m here. I’m loving it.”

Truex wins first pole at Atlanta

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Martin Truex Jr. won his first pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, just in time for the track’s first scheduled race entirely under the lights.

Truex qualified first for Sunday night’s Pep Boys Auto 500 with his lap of 184.149 mph. It is Truex’s second pole of the season after qualifying first and finishing 11th at the Daytona 500.

Truex is leaving Earnhardt Ganassi Racing after the season to join Michael Waltrip Racing and said he wants to give his current team a win.

“I want to go out on a high note for them and for all they’ve done for me,” Truex said.

Truex, 23rd in the Sprint Cup standings, is an outsider in the late-season competition for one of the 12 spots in the Chase for the Championship.

“I think the urgency is just that the year is com-ing to an end,” Truex said. “It’s been a tough year. We’ve had some great runs. We’ve worked really hard and really don’t have a lot to show for it.

“I sure would like to get to victory lane before the season is out.”

Kasey Kahne, 11th in the Sprint Cup standings, qualified second at 183.497 mph and has much at stake on Sunday night.

“It’s a big race for us,” Kahne said. “We need to figure out how we can gain points and race as fast as we can. ... No mistakes, and I think we should have a great shot at making the Chase. That’s the goal. That’s all we want to do right not, to figure out how to make the chase.”

Jimmie Johnson, was third, followed by Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch.

Johnson and Gordon are second and third, respectively, and Kurt Busch is sixth in the stand-ings. Each are secure with only two races left before the Chase.

Kyle Busch is 13th in the standings, 34 points behind 12th-place Matt Kenseth.

“From sixth to 13th, it’s pretty close,” Kahne said. “It’s exciting and we’re glad we’re a part of it.”

Maria Sharapova

Carl Edwards ready to race with a broken foot

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Carl Edwards says a broken right foot won’t keep him from winning the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sunday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

One small problem: If he wins, Edwards won’t be performing his trademark backflip from the roof of his No. 99 Ford. The backflip is on hold for sev-eral months.

“I hate to say it, but I probably won’t be doing a backflip for six to eight months, no matter how many races we win,” Edwards said before qualify-ing 14th.

Edwards leaned on crutches as he spoke with reporters, but he said he wasn’t going to let his injury affect his racing. Edwards raced in the Nationwide Series race on Saturday night, though Matt Kenseth was on standby to serve as his relief driver.

Edwards was hurt playing frisbee in his home-town of Columbia, Mo., on Wednesday.

Frisbee?“When it happened, we all kind of sat there and

looked at each other,” Edwards said. “My buddy said, ’We can come up with something a lot better than frisbee,’ and I said ’No, everybody would find out anyway.”’

Added Edwards with a smile: “Those stories are true. It’s a dangerous, dangerous sport, I’m here to tell you.”

Edwards said he didn’t enjoy having to tell Roush Fenway Racing co-owner Jack Roush about the injury.

“Jack’s reaction was something along the lines of, ’You just can’t go a day without showing everybody how dumb you are, can you?”’ Edwards said.

“At least he can see humor in it.”Edwards is fifth in the Sprint Cup Series stand-

ings but has no wins this season. He’s the defend-ing champion in the Atlanta race.

Edwards said he wears a walking boot except when he is racing. He had an orthopedic carbon piece made to keep the bottom of his right racing shoe rigid.

“They say as long as I keep my shoe laced up tight, I can’t really do any damage,” he said, add-ing he expects to wear the walking boot for eight weeks.

Edwards said he found a stand-in for a victory backflip when visiting the Aflac Cancer Center in Atlanta on Friday.

Jody Lawrence of Greensboro, Ga., a 13-year-old patient at the cancer center, designed the paint scheme for Edwards’ car this weekend as part of an effort to generate awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 5B

sports

Stewart: Danica will eventually wind up in NASCARHAMPTON, Ga. (AP) —

Tony Stewart expects to one day be trading paint with Danica Patrick.

While racing’s most promi-nent female driver ponders her options for next year, Stewart said Saturday he has no doubts that Patrick will eventually make the jump to stock cars.

He should know: They’ve talked frequently about what it would take for Patrick to go from open-wheel racing to the heavier cars in NASCAR.

“I just know that she’s excited about this and making this change,” said Stewart, who leads the Sprint Cup standings head-ing into Sunday night’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. “I can pretty much guarantee at some point she’s going to be over here.”

Stewart made the same jump himself more than a decade ago, leaving the Indy Racing League for a more lucrative deal in NASCAR. He’s become something on a mentor to Patrick, who visit-ed his racing shop and had a chance to talk with him fur-

ther at sponsor appearances.“She’s looked me straight

in the eye and said, ’Hey, this is what I want to do. It looks like fun. It looks like a lot of work, but it looks like fun,”’ Stewart said. “She doesn’t have some misguided idea that it’s going to be easy doing it. She wants to do it the right way. She has the intention of doing everything right.”

He doesn’t expect Patrick to follow the path taken by Dario Franchitti, an Indy car star who jumped straight to

Sprint Cup in 2008 without any stock-car experience and didn’t even make it through the season. He’s now back in the open-wheel series.

Stewart said he believes Patrick will work out some sort of deal that allows her to stay in Indy cars for at least another year or two while she gets the feel of the bulkier machines running part-time in a lower series, such as the second-tier Nationwide.

“You’ve got to learn,” Stewart said. “You’ve got to get used to the heavier race

car, less downforce, smaller tires. There’s a lot of learn-ing, a lot of race tracks you’ve got to get used to. It’s sensory overload. That’s why you’ve got to pay your dues before you get in this thing.”

Patrick, the only woman to win a major-series race and the highest-finishing female in Indianapolis 500 history, has declined repeatedly to discuss her plans, saying she is focused on finishing this season. She’s in the final year of her contract with Andretti Green Racing, but team owner Michael Andretti said two weeks ago they were close to an extension.

Still, a new deal wouldn’t necessarily rule out the pos-sibility of Patrick beginning her transition to NASCAR, where she would have a chance for a higher sal-ary, more sponsorship and expanded marketing oppor-tunities. There are only 18 races on the 2010 Indy schedule, which would leave plenty of open weekends to try out stock cars.

Stewart said he knows Patrick already has talked

with “a lot” of NASCAR teams about making the switch, and there’s been plenty of speculation that Stewart-Haas Racing, a first-year operation, would be a good spot for her. Patrick would draw unprecedent-ed media attention if she switched series and Stewart is one of the few guys unlike-ly to be bothered by all the hoopla.

“It would be awesome for our sport if she was to come over here and be successful,” he said.

Stewart, however, said there’s no chance Patrick will be joining his Cup team in 2010. He has ruled out any possibility of adding a third car to race alongside him and Ryan Newman.

“It’s too late to do some-thing for next year,” Stewart said. “We’re just two weeks away from the Chase (for the Championship). We’ve got to be very focused on hope-fully keeping two cars with a chance to win a champi-onship. We just didn’t get far enough to get something done for next year.”

Danica Patrick

5B class/

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, SUNDAY, September 6, 2009 — 5B

DEADLINES: New Ads, Cancellations & ChangesTuesday Edition.............Monday, 12pmWednesday Edition......Tuesday, 2pmThursday Edition......Wednesday, 2pmFriday Edition...............Thursday, 2pmSaturday Edition................Friday, 2pmSunday Edition......................Friday, 2pm

Please check your ad on the first day that it runs. Call

us before the deadline for the next edition with corrections.We will rerun the ad or credit

your account for no more than one day.

*4 line minimum on all ads

1 WEEK SPECIALRun ad 6 consecutive

days and only pay for 5 days*

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days and only pay for 9 days*

3 DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL

YARD SALE SPECIALRun a 20 word yard sale ad Thurs.,

Fri., & Sat. for ONLY $20. Additional words are only 75¢ each. Deadline: Wed. at 2 p.m.

Email: emeyer@thedigitalcourier.comIn person: 601 Oak St., Forest City

Contact Erika Meyer to place your ad!Call: 828-245-6431 Fax: 828-248-2790

CLASSIFIEDS4 FOR 24

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY SPECIAL

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Valid 9/8/09 - 9/11/09

Out to LunchOver the years my husband has tol-

erated us owning cats. Last year, Iadopted a new one named Buster thatrequired special food every day. Eachnight I would mix two containers oftuna. One for my husband to take forlunch and the other mixed with catfood to feed Buster in the morning.

I suppose it was inevitable that oneday I'd confuse the containers. Whilefeeding Buster I realized I gave myhusband the wrong one for lunch andhad no way to reach him.

That evening when he came homeI figured he'd be upset. Instead whenI asked him how his lunch was, hehanded me an empty container andsmirked, "Honey, today that lunchwas purr-fect!"

(Thanks to Sandy B.)

Reader Humor

Laughs For Sale

Duane “Cash” Holze & Todd “Carry” Holze

www.ClassifiedGuys.com

Hey Abbott!Abbott and Costello were the slap-

stick comedy duo of the 1940's. Theystarted working together developingtheir act around 1935 and performedtheir famous "Who's on First?" routineon national radio in 1938. From therethey went on to films and televisionbecoming the top box office draw witha reported take of $10 million. Theyremained a top ten box office attractionuntil 1952. Their partnership dissolvedwhen the IRS charged them with owingback taxes, forcing them to sell theirhomes and much of their assets.

Man’s Best FriendLatest reports show that Americans

and their pets have become increasinglyobese. In 1962 it was estimated thatonly about 13% of people were obese.Since then, the percentages have grownsignificantly. According the latestreports from the Center for DiseaseControl, more than 66% of allAmericans are now considered over-weight or obese. Likewise, we'vepassed our eating habits on to our pets.According to statistics, over 40% of ourpet dogs are considered obese as well.

Fast FactsDear Classified Guys,I've loved cats ever since I was a kid.To me they are the perfect pets.They're easy to care for, alwaysaffectionate and easy to love. I havetwo of them that I named Abbot andCostello. The names came not fromtheir sense of humor, but from thefact that one is tall and lean while theother is considerably overweight.I'm not sure if this is in his genes orif he's snacking on the kitchengarbage. Unfortunately I've taken ona job that requires extensive traveland caring for Abbot and Costello isbecoming increasingly complicated.My hope was to find them a newhome together, but all the peoplewho have responded to my classi-fied ad only want Abbot.Poor Costello (my fat cat)doesn't seem to attract anycaregivers. Although noone says it, I'm sure peoplejust don't like his weight. Doyou have any solutions for findingboth of these guys a new home?

• • •Cash: I'm sure if your cats could

argue "Who's on First?" they'd find ahome in no time. However since it'sunlikely they'll learn the art of slapstickcomedy, you do have a tricky task.

Carry: It's difficult to give up a petthat you've grown to love. Findingthem a new home together will betough. But even more difficult maybe entertaining the idea of splittingthem up.

Cash: On the plus side, it soundslike your cats get along very welltogether. That should help. In addi-tion, your choice of catchy names mayencourage people to try and keep themtogether as well.

Carry: Unfortunately, finding a newowner will probably come down to howmuch time you can afford to put towardthe process. The longer you can wait tofind a suitable home, the better chance

you have of success. Cash: If your new job and constant

travel is interfering with their care orfinding them a home, then you may haveto consider splitting up the comedy duo.Although emotionally difficult for you,finding them good homes separately isbetter than not finding one at all.

Carry: While you continue yoursearch, put Costello on a diet if you'reconcerned about his weight. Loosing afew pounds may not find him the per-fect owner, but it could go a long wayto improving his long-term health.

Cash: And to make sure he's notcheating, you might want to get a lidfor your kitchen garbage!

Furry flealine needs a home.

2 yr old spayed, with cage,

scratching post & toys. Call

Ask the Guys

They forgot the flea collar for this feline.

©2009 The Classified Guys®09/13/09

• • •Got a question, funny story, or just want to giveus your opinion? We want to hear all about it! Email us at comments@classifiedguys.com.

5BR/2BA DW 14 ac. Another mobile home hook up on property. $119,000 Owner fin.

w/down pmt. 657-4430

14’x70’ 3BR/2BAcompletely remodeled$1,200 down, owner

finance. 245-6189

Mobile Homes

For Sale

Large 3BR/1.5BA inChase area. Cent. h/a,

large fenced yard.$650/mo. + dep. Ref’s

req. Call 289-8105

2BR/2.5BA home on64/74 1 mile from Lake Lure Beach, Chimney Rock and Ingles. Lake Lure view. $700/mo. Also, 2BR/2BA on 2

ac. in Resort. $800/mo.Call Eddy Zappel 828-289-9151 or

Marco 954-275 0735Near FC: 3BR/2BA

newer home. Peaceful country setting. 1st

month + sec. dep. Sec. 8 o.k. $675/mo. Call

Quality Rental Homes, LLC 828-305-3192

Nice 2BR in FC Cent. h/a, w/d hook up $425/mo. + dep & ref’s

req. Call 245-5035

3BR/1BA Newly remodeled! East High area. $500/mo. + dep.

Call 828-748-0059

Homes

For Rent

5BR/1.5BA 2 StoryBest Spindale

neighborhood. Big porch, outdoor storage

workshop. No A/C. $650 per month

Call 561-523-4077or 828-201-0851

3BR/2BA New homein Rfdtn. Hardwood floors, appliances

furnished, 2 car garage $875/mo + dep. Ref’s.

required. No indoor pets. 828-289-5800 or

828-429-3322

Homes

For Rent

Lg. & Immaculate all brick 4BR/2BA in

Ellenboro. Must see! 15 min. to FC or Shelby. Covered porches, bsmt,

all built-ins includes microwave, T.V.,

new cent. air, w/d. Detached 2 car garage w/storage. No smoking,no cats. Outdoor dogs only. $975/mo. Ref’s req. 864-404-8117

Homes

For Rent

3BR/1.5BA off Hwy 9 in Sunnyview near Lake Lure & Ingles.

$700/mo. 828-329-4577

Homes

For Rent

For Sale By OwnerCharming 2BR/1BANear downtown Rfdtn

$88,000 Call 429-9611

Homes

For Sale

Richmond Hill Senior Apts. in Rfdtn 1BR Units w/handicap

accessible units avail. Sec 8 assistance avail.

287-2578 Hours: Mon., Tues., & Thurs.

7-3. TDD Relay 1-800-735-2962 EqualHousing Opportunity. Income Based Rent.

1, 2 & 3BR Nice, large Townhomes

Private decks, washer/dryer hook up

Water included!$375, $475 & $550/mo

828-289-2700

Apartments

2 Bedroom /1.5 BathRoseHill Townhouses

near Hospital 1st Months Rent Freewater included in rent

Call 288-8462

2BR & 3BR Close to downtown Rfdtn. D/w, stove, refrig., w/d hook up. No pets! 287-0733

Apartments Mobile Homes

For Sale

6B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, SUNDAY, September 6, 2009

Don’t miss out on potential customers, Don’t miss out on potential customers, Business & Service Directory ads get results!Business & Service Directory ads get results!

DON’T DELAY, RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! DON’T DELAY, RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Call the Classified Department for details! Call the Classified Department for details!

245-6431245-6431

SINGLE SPOTSINGLE SPOT (1x3) Only $120/Month (1x3) Only $120/MonthOR UPGRADE TO AOR UPGRADE TO A

DOUBLE SPOTDOUBLE SPOT (2x3) Only $180/Month (2x3) Only $180/Month

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

AUCTIONS•Your ad can be delivered to over 1.7 million North Carolina homes from the doorstep to the desktop with one order! Call this newspaper to place your 25-word ad in 114 NC newspapers and on www.ncadsonline.com for only $330. Or visit www.ncpress.com.•REAL ESTATE Auction, 2 New Waterfront Homes on Lake Wateree, SC, Fairfield County, 9/10/09. Iron Horse Auction, 800-997-2248, SCAL1684. www.IronHorseAuction.com •WATERFRONT PROPERTIES AUCTION- Four (4) Excellent Tyrrell County Waterfront Properties- Direct Access to Albemarle Sound - Brick Residence, 2 Homesites & 15 Acres- Friday, September 11th, 2:00 PM, Portion Selling Absolute, www.HouseAuctionCompany.com, 252-729-1162, NCAL#7889.

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REAL ESTATE•RECESSION PROOF! 1 acre w/river access only $24,900. Similar lots sold for as much as $70k not more than 9 months ago. Take advantage of the bottom of the market. 1 1/4 miles of common river front, pool, ballfields for the kids, walking trails and much more. Call now 888-654-0639. •LABOR DAY Extravaganza, Gated Waterfront Community, Lake James in Western NC. Scenic Homesites with private boatslips starting at $45,900. Call now for best selection, 1-800-709-LAKE. •CRYSTAL COAST, NC Waterfront at drastically reduced prices! Nearly 2 AC water access only $39,900; 5 AC w/navigable creek just $69,900. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, jetskiing or boating, w/boat launches on site. No time frame to build. Great financing available. 877-337-9164.

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MISC FOR SALE•DIRECTV Satellite Television, FREE equipment, FREE four room installation, FREE HD or DVR Receiver Upgrade. Packages from $29.99/mo. Call Direct Sat TV for details. 1-888-420-9486. •SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $2,990.00. Convert your Logs To Valuable Lumber with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. norwoodsawmills.com/300n. Free information: 1-800-578-1363, ext300-N. •HAPPY JACK® FLEA BEACON®: controls fleas in the home without expensive pesticides! Results overnight! At farm, feed, & hardware stores. www.happyjackinc.com •"STEEL BUILDING SALE!".... PRICED TO SELL! Quick delivery. Easy do-it-yourself construction. 25x40 $5,990. 30x40 $6,900. 35x50 $9,750. 40x60 $11,600. 48x90 $23,400. Ends optional. OTHERS! Pioneer 1-800-668-5422.

FILL UP ON VALUE

The Daily CourierCall 828-245-6431 to place your ad.

Shop the Classifieds!

Black/brownChihuahua w/longears. Lost on 8/21 in Spindale. Little girl is

heartbroken. 980-5105

2 Cocker SpanielsOne white, one blonde Lost 8/24 from Trojan Ln., FC. Reward! Call 429-6017 or 289-9125

Male Black lab pup w/orange collar. 10 mo. old. Last seen 8/31 on Pleasant Hill Church

Rd. in Rfdtn 980-5085

Female Calico CatApprox. 1 yr. old, no collar. Lost 8/5 from

Lawing Mill Rd. Reward! 288-9591

Lost

Black & Tan Toy PartyPoodle. 5 yrs. old

Have papers, shots up to date, sweet & loving,

house broken $200 Call 247-1716

Pets

1995 Landrover Discovery All wheel

drive. Exc. cond.! Must sell! $4,200 980-8009

Sport Utility

1988 Ford Ranger 2.3 liter, 5 spd. $850 1998

Mustang Parts car Call 828-305-1454

Trucks

07 Hyundai Santa Fe3rd row seat, leather,

19,000 mi. Good cond. $18,000 Call 245-3584

2000 Cadillac Devillewhite pearl w/Albaster top, all leather, power windows/doors, heatedseats, Michelin, 89K

mi. Luxury/exc. cond.! $8,900 941-685-6933

Autos

WANT TO BUY ORREPAIR USED

APPLIANCES. Call 447-6215 or 429-7728

WILL BUYYOUR GOLD AND SILVER

We come to you!Get more for your gold!! 289-7066

Want To Buy

Whirlpool Top loaderwashing machine

5 yrs. old. White $175 Call 453-1849

Sunset Memorial Park Good Shepherd I Lot 109 Spaces 3 & 4 $1,400 obo for bothCall 336-623-1376

Sundrop drink machine $250. Pepsi drink machine, $350. Call 828-288-1026

STEEL BUILDINGSBig Disc. Available30x40 - 105x105

Call for Deal, Erection Available www.scg.grp.com

Source #14K Phone: 828-499-8411

SOFA, LOVESEAT AND CHAIR

Tan velvet $250 Call 287-0479

New Eljer Corner Toilet (141-4510)

Pd over $300 Asking $250 obo 657-4265

Maintenance Free Golf Cart Batteries

discount on multi-sets $250/set 657-4430

Hustler 48” walkbehind mower 17hp Kawasaki eng., less than 25 hrs. $2,500.

Call 289-4768

For Sale

RN Supervisor 3-11RN/LPN 3-11/11-7Lic. Social Worker

Staffing CoordinatorRN Staff DevelopmentApply in person at:

Brookview Healthcare510 Thompson St., Gaffney, SC 29340

Call 864-489-3101 for directions. Brookview

is a drug free workplaceEOE/M/F/D/V

Part Time TechnicalWriter: Document all

operational procedures for PANGAEA Internet.

Final deliverable is robust, user-friendly Operations Manual.

See www.pangaea.us for full job description and email resume to

ronw@e-polk.org

Full Time Clerical/Maintenance positionMust have trucking and computer experience.

Email resume to: stephanie@buel.com or fax 864-703-9732

No phone calls, please!

Help Wanted

Needed:

Outside materialworkers Pay $10.00

and up per hour, depending on exp.

Heavy equipment operators, persons

with CDL driver’s license or torch

cutting exp. Only persons with a good work record apply.

Also taking resumes for local sales and

office work, pay salaryplus commission.

Apply at 23 MemorialPark Rd., Marion, NC Phone: 828-659-9539

Help Wanted

(828)286-3636 ext. 221www.isothermal.edu/truck

SAGE Technical Services&

ProfessionalTruck Driver

TrainingCarriers Hiring

Today!• PTDI Certified Course• One Student Per Truck• Potential Tuition Reimbursement• Approved WIA & TAA provider• Possible Earnings $34,000 First Year

Instruction

Garage/Shop For Rent: 60’x25’, cement floors. Main Street inBostic $200/mo. 1 yr. lease. Call 447-3634

For rent: Warehouses & Shop Spaces 1,700 ft. warehouse w/dock, 4,000 ft. warehouse

w/dock, 1,800 ft. shop building, 1,500 ft.

shop building. Call J & R Davis 245-1767

Commercial

Property

3.88 acres, Bostic,gated comm, breath

taking views. $69,500 obo. 941-915-1048

Land For Sale

RV or Trailer spaceon priv. lot. All utilities

avail. Walking distance to Dogwood Valley

Golf Course. $125/mo. Call 704-434-5821

ask for Don

Single & Double wideShiloh: 2BR/2BA &3BR/3BA No Pets!

245-5703 or 286-8665

Mobile Homes

For Rent

2 & 3BR Stove, refrig., cable, lawn

service & trash incld. $260-$350/mo. + dep.

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8B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

sports

with the Hilltoppers coming away with both the win and the more dominating performance.

Central (3-0) held Polk County to an incredible 36 yards rush-ing on 35 attempts — just one season after surrendering an equally incredible, although for different reasons, 355 yards rushing.

But, the story of the game was an unrelenting pass rush that tallied, what maybe a school record, 10 sacks, including five by Aris Smith. Smith now has nine sacks, just three games into the 2009 season.

Smith was not alone, however, in pursuing, sacking, hitting, or just plain knocking down Polk quarterback Dakota Thomas. Smith’s teammates Darrian Watkins (2.5 sacks), Cody Thomas (1 sack) and Jonathon Fuller (1.5 sacks) joined him throughout the evening in the Wolverines backfield.

“We have a different attitude up front, the kids are buying into what we are trying to do,” said Cheek.

While there is much too cel-ebrate for Central, there is still work to be done. The Hilltoppers were held to just 127 total yards in the win, with no complete passes, and four personal foul calls, with two coming in dead-ball situations.

“We didn’t want to put the ball into the air too much,” said Cheek. “We know that we are going to have to put it up later, but with the way our defense was playing there was no rea-son to make mistakes. We had long distances to go, and I didn’t want a mistake giving them (Polk) an opportunity.

“The other thing is we are try-ing to work the clock and give our defense a rest. Many of our receivers play defense and on a hot night, you can’t wear them down and then suffer on the defensive-side of the ball.”

Many of the Hilltoppers’ offen-sive woes may have just come from playing a stingy Polk defense and the cure may be a week away. The Hilltoppers face McDowell (0-3), who sur-rendered 411 yards of offense to East Rutherford on Friday.

“I want our kids to take the positive from this, but be ready to go again this Friday against McDowell,” said Cheek.

East Rutherford runs crazy for first win

FOREST CITY — East Rutherford had to wait until the third football game of 2009, but the first victory of the season is in the books, after literally run-ning by McDowell, 41-21, Friday night at home.

Proving that speed was a fac-tor rested on just one play for East, when Adrian Wilkins ran around the left end, hit the cor-ner and dusted everybody for the first of six rushing touchdowns of the night for the home team.

Adrian Wilkins and Tyler Hamilton did the job in run-ning around, by and through the McDowell defense for 327-yards combined to seal the victory, in what has been a competitive Cavaliers club so far.

“I thought we would have more speed than them and it showed,” East Rutherford football coach Clint Bland said. “We can’t rely on that when facing other teams down the road here. I thought the offense put the defense in a bad spot twice and we can’t make those mistakes. Luckily it didn’t cost us the victory in the end.”

What Bland referred to came from early in the first quarter. East had a fumble recovered by the Titans at their own 20-yard-line and an interception that started McDowell at the East 27. Both led to early touchdowns for McDowell.

Other than that, East Rutherford had no problems in racking up 411 yards of offense as the defense surrendered just 190 yards to the visiting Titans.

Speaking of the defense, they registered four sacks, one each contributed by Justin Barksdale, Lewis Wilkins, Chris Ross and Jeremy Clark. On special teams, Trent Dorsey blocked an extra point attempt and Hamilton should have found the end zone for a third time on Friday night.

Hamilton busted loose for a 95-yard kickoff return to open the second half, but an unneces-sary block-in-the-back penalty by East, nullified the score.

“I am proud of the kids to get a

win, and for Coach Levine, plus all of the assistant coaches for keeping the kids working hard,” Bland said. “I thought our coach-es did a good job of preparing the kids this week and keeping them motivated.”

East Rutherford will go for two wins in a row when option-centered, West Henderson strolls into town next Friday.n Ricky Wilkerson did play

this week and Matt Murray could be cleared to practice early next week following a being injured at Forestview High a week ago.

Chase focused on improvement

CHASE — The Trojans took a step backward on Friday against Bessemer City in a 25-0 loss to the Yellow Jackets.

Chase (0-3) was held to just 31 yards of total offense and were unable to sustain a drive against the tough Bessemer City defense.

The Yellow Jackets QB Xavier Logan tallied 150 yards of total offense and two touchdowns in the victory.

The Trojans first home game of 2009 is this coming Friday night against the Ironmen of Cherryville (1-2).

TJCA hits the highwayAVONDALE — It will not get

easier for the Gryphons.Thomas Jefferson Classical

Academy (0-2) will now begin a nine-week road trip when the Gryphons travel into Lincoln County to face West Lincoln (2-1), this coming Friday.

“We’ll face much stronger com-petition in West Lincoln than we have these first two weeks,” said Helton. “We just want to get on track. We feel like we should have won the first two games. We made some turnovers, but we love our quarterback and our system, but we have to put the ball into the end zone.

“We let them (Asheville) hang around and they made us pay for it.”

The Gryphons endured their second loss of the year, 35-14, to Asheville School.

TJCA’s Will Beam passed for a season high 237 yards, but threw four interceptions in the loss to the Blues.

RS — 0 6 6 7 — 19PC — 0 3 0 10 — 13

Second QuarterRS — J. Kinlaw 15 yard run (PAT no good)PC — J. Christiansen 35 yard FGThird QuarterRS — J. Kinlaw 5 yard run (2-pt. no good)Fourth QuarterPC — J. Christiansen 28 yard FGRS — C. Green 8 yard run (C. Owens PAT)PC — J. Blackburn 89 yard kick return (J.

Christiansen PAT)

RUSHINGRS — C. Green 15-53-TD; J. Kinlaw 9-35-2 TD;

O. Murray 8-15; L. Brown 5-19; W. Lynch 1-5PC — D. Thomas 13-(-50); K. Littlejohn 9-55; L.

Schlabach 9-24; J. Hicks 3-7; K. Jackson 1-0PASSING

RS — J. Kinlaw 0-2PC — D. Thomas 13-22-2 INT-126

RECEIVINGRS — nonePC — R. Thomas 4-37; L. Schlabach 4-32; J.

Blackburn 3-49; C. Miller 1-8; M. Brodie 1-0

R-S Central 19, Polk County 13

East Rutherford 41, McDowell 21

MC — 14 0 7 0 — 21ER — 14 14 6 7 — 41

First QuarterMC — C. Moore 27-yard pass to R. Lambert

(PAT blocked)ER — A. Wilkins 65-yard run (R. Bailey PAT)MC — D. Arrowood 15-yard pass to B. Rowe (D.

Arrowood pass to R. Lambert 2-point conv.)ER — T. Hamilton 30-yard run (R. Bailey PAT)Second QuarterER — T. Hamilton 5-yard run (R. Bailey PAT)ER — A. Wilkins 15-yard run (R. Bailey PAT)Third QuarterER — A. Wilkins 12-yard run (PAT no good)MC — C. Moore 6-yard run (T. Velez PAT)Fourth QuarterER — A. Wilkins 70-yard run (R. Bailey PAT)

RUSHING ER — A. Wilkins 11-213-4TD, T. Hamilton

12-114-2TD, C. Ross 4-16, T. Wilkerson 5-6, J. Barksdale 2-6, C. Ledbetter 1-2, M. Stamey 1-0, M. Baxter 1-(-3)

MC — C. Moore 12-70-TD, T. Anderson 10-20, T. Arrowood 9-17, D. Martin 3-19, M. Queen 1-(-5)

PASSINGER — M. Baxter 3-5-INT-57MC — D. Arrowood 6-10-INT-42-TD, C. Moore

1-1-27-TDRECEIVING

ER — L. Watkins 1-36, A. Wilkins 1-15, O. Wilkins 1-6

MC — R. Lambert 2-35-TD, B. Rowe 2-19-TD, J. Johnson 2-8, N. Westmoreland 1-7

B. City 25, Chase 0CH — 0 0 0 0 — 0BC — 6 6 7 6 — 25

First QuarterBC — X. Logan 3 yard run (T. Blake PAT

blocked) Second QuarterBC — J. Adams 39 yard run (Logan pass failed) Third QuarterBC — X. Logan 46 yard run (T. Blake PAT)Fourth QuarterBC — B. Corry 20 yard pass from X. Logan (J.

Coleman PAT no good)

Note: Final stats not available.

Asheville 35, TJCA 14RUSHING

TJ — W. Beam 9-36; H. Nelson 9-27 1 TDPASSING

TJ — W. Beam 20-32-4 Ints-239-1 TD; M. Martin 2-3-38

RECEIVINGTJ — H. Nelson 8-69-1 TD; A. Connor 4-56;

H. Blice 5-45; R. Spurlin 3-62; J. Bass 2-37; M. Trimble 1-8

FootballContinued from Page 1B

A couple of Gryphons grab a break during a timeout in the foot-ball game against Asheville School, Friday.

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

8B

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Celebrating.75.years.of.‘our.park’

Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Wednesday for the 75th Anniversary Rededication event was almost like going home again. I saw my family almost everywhere I looked.

The rededication event was the culmination of a year-long celebration of the park, attend-ed by state and federal officials as well as the Park’s official ambassador, Dolly Parton.

Disappointingly, President Obama didn’t attend, but Interior Secretary Ken Salazar brought greetings from the White House. Park officials told me they held out hope until Tuesday night Obama would make it.

Every member of the Tennessee and North Carolina congressional delegation who represents the Smokies attended the ceremony along with North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen.

“My left foot is in North Carolina, my right foot is in Tennessee,” Perdue said. “And the beauty of this place is that when you are here, there is no North Carolina or no Tennessee. There is only one gift from God, America’s most precious resource — the Great Smokies National Park.”

To applause, she added, “And it is the truth.”

Wednesday was the 69th anniverary of Roosevelt’s speech from the same stone stage on Newfound Gap, built by Civilian Conservation Corps volunteers along with many other still-standing park struc-tures. FDR’s chair was placed beside the rostrum and repre-sented a presence all its own. Many of the people who built the stone stage attended the event and even many family members who owned parcels of land in the Park, also attended the historic event.

They were thanked and the Cherokee were also recognized.

Cherokee Elder Jerry Wolfe presented a blessing, asking the 2,000 people attending to turn to the east, west, north, south, toward the heavens and earth as he prayed for blessings on one of God’s greatest creations.

Several times as the dignitar-ies were speaking, the smoke drifted across the mountains at Newfound Gap, a scene I had witnessed so many times as a child and teenager. The smoke of the mountains gave me a rush of memories.

A mist of rain began falling and just like years ago, I could hear my Daddy tell us not to worry, the rain wouldn’t spoil our fun. It would be gone as quick as it started. It happened Wednesday, just like I remem-bered.

The absolute beauty of the Smoky Mountains was men-tioned by every speaker, as many referred to the Smokies as God’s greatest creation.

The 550,000-acre park, the most visited National Park in the country, includes 6,000 parcels of land that actually belonged to mountain people, who sold their homeland.

The land was purchased with private donations, state fund-ing and pennies collected from children around the country. The Smokies “is a gift of the people to the government, not a gift of the government to the people,” Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said.

“This is the people’s park,” Gov. Bev Perdue and others

By SCOTT BAUGHMANDaily Courier Staff Writer

LAKE LURE — Record breaking attendance and participation marked the fifth annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, with more than 400 competitors in the signature triathlon event.

“This beat our old record by a margin of at least 150 contestants,” said orga-nizer Bob Keith. “We’re very excited to have had this amount of participation and the turn out for other events and attendance was great as well.”

Now in his third year as organizer, Keith said the event was a great oppor-tunity to give back to the community.

“That’s just the way I was raised,” he added. “During the last third of your life you give to the community the way the community has given to you. That is what keeps me coming back, just knowing that we can help out all those worthy causes.”

This year’s beneficiaries are: Bat Cave Volunteer

Fire & Rescue Dept.; Bills Creek Volunteer Fire Dept.; Camp Lurecrest; Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy; Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Dept.; Community Pet Center; Dragon Boat Racing of Lake Lure; Fairfield Mountains Volunteer Fire Dept.; Friends of the Mountains Library; Hickory Nut Gorge EMS; KidSenses Children’s InterACTIVE Museum; Lake Lure Lion’s Club; Cancer Resource Center; Hospice of Rutherford County; Rutherford County Humane Society; Shepherd’s Care.

Olympiad competitors faced off in three races over the three days of the event — which began Friday night and lasts through today. The first race was on Friday and a 5K course run to the Lake Lure Dam. On Saturday the Sprint Triathlon was held and today will see the Run to the Rock — a climb up to Chimney Rock either on foot or by bicycle.

In addition to a kids fun run, the Olympiad hosted three races in three days with the Triathlon, 5K race and the Race to the Rock up to the top of Chimney Rock either on foot or on bicycle.

Passing the torch

Scott Baughman / The Daily CourierClockwise: Samantha Bumgarner, 4, from Mt. Pleasant, S.C. gets her face painted at the event. “This is our first year coming to the Olympiad, but we’ve had a great time,” said mom, Elizabeth.As the second yearly event to highlight Dragonboat races, the Olympiad saw all four boats in action for team competition for the second year.Morgan Prince, 11, goes for a personal best time at the jump rope portion of the obstacle course for kids during the Olympiad.

Fifth.annual.Olympiad.was.last.weekend

Hospice Volunteers were able to help out during the fifth annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad in Lake Lure. During a down moment the volunteers took the opportunity to shoot some hoops.

Please see Gordon, Page 8C

Scott Baughman / The Daily Courier

1/FRONT

2C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

local

Out & AboutRainy Day Stroll

Abbe Byers/ The Daily CourierClad in respective rain ponchos, Marilyn Rice of Forest City and her faithful companion, Charley, took a stroll during the cool rain shower Monday morning. The Golden Retriever is well-known at Crowe Park as “Charley the ball dog” for his skills in recovering foul balls, Rice said.

A Homecoming CelebrationCassandra Staley was greeted by a host of family, friends and neighbors (photograph below) who gathered Monday for her homecoming. Staley underwent kidney transplant surgery on Aug. 27 at Duke University Medical Center, following nine years on dialysis. The large group of well-wishers lined the intersection of Pea Ridge and Cox roads. Rev. Arnie Twitty, pastor of Green Creek Missionary Baptist Church, and Barbara Davis, who organized the cel-ebration, are pictured (right) on each side of a banner which reads “It’s your season Sandra to be blessed.” Staley will be staying with her parents, Rev. Rob Roy and Juanita Staley, while recu-perating.

Rutherfordton Councilman Terry Cobb recently returned from the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania, where he recalled two major highlights of his trip. In between innings of the championship game, Cobb met Vice President Joe Biden and shook his hand.

“I introduced myself and told him I was an elected official and we talked about a couple of ball games,” Cobb said. “That was a highlight of my trip and one of the highlights of my life,” he said of meeting the vice presi-dent of the United States. Cobb also had the honor of meeting General

Tommy Frank, a former allied com-mander in Afghanistan.

The two high-ranking officials were kind enough to pose for a photo-graph with Cobb and his wife. “The secret service detail actually took the picture for us,” Cobb added.

“I don’t think Eleanor Roosevelt ever wrote a song and if she did, we wouldn’t want to hear it,” Dolly Parton joked during the 75th Anniversary Rededication event of the Great Smoky Mountains. Parton sang two songs she wrote just for the Smokies during the event, held

at Newfound Gap where President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the park 69 years ago. Mrs. Roosevelt attended the event.

“This is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it,” Gov. Bev Perdue told more than 2,000 peo-ple attending the rededication ser-vice last Wednesday of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She shared her days of visiting the Smokies as a young child. She told the group, “We are at bat now. It’s our job to make sure the legacy of the park and its future remain intact.”

Perdue was introduced to the audi-ence Wednesday as “the governor who fights for and against her con-stituents.”

Betty Ross Brown sent the fol-lowing correspondence to The Daily Courier last week:

I am trying to find the descen-dants of a former Charlotte police detective John North Byers, born June 10, 1892, died Sept. 30, 1926. He was a son of William Franklin

Contributed photos

Please See Out & About Page 8C

2/

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 3C

local

ASHEVILLE — Caleb Blanton, son of Jack and Janet Blanton of Forest City and a 2007 graduate of Chase High School, was one of 20 UNC Asheville Teaching Fellows to recently travel to Lucy Cavendish College in Cambridge, England for three weeks of study and cultural exchange. Using the museums, theatres, architecture, concerts and historic sites as an open class-room, the students studied the cultural, social, and intellectual history of western civi-lization with an empha-sis on Britain’s role in the world community.

In addition to coursework in hon-ors arts taught by Mark Sidelnick, UNC Asheville associate professor of education, and honors humanities classes taught by Jeff Konz, UNC Asheville associate professor of economics, students visited local schools, interacted with stu-dents and teachers, and were able to study and compare the American and British education systems.

Learning contin-ued outside the class-room as the group toured Ely Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral and Castle, and the 800 year old abbey ruins in Bury St. Edmunds. In Cambridge, the students vis-ited the Sedgwick,

Anthropological, and Fitzwilliam Museums, where they viewed spe-cial exhibits in honor of the 200th birthday of Darwin. Field trips also included three trips to London, where they explored the Tate Modern, the British Museum, and attended “Romeo & Juliet” at the Globe Theatre and “The Masked Ball” by Verdi at the Royal Opera House. The Cambridge Program participants also enjoyed a coun-try stroll along the Cam River for tea and scones at Grantchester Orchard, where Virginia Woolf once discussed literature and politics with her con-temporaries.

Formal classes were held for three weeks, but many students either stayed after classes ended or had traveled to Europe prior to the start of classes. Their travels took them to various destinations in Great Britain such as Ireland and Scotland, while many crossed the Channel to the conti-nent. These roads took students to France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands where they independently evaluat-ed the arts and culture and experienced what, for many, may be a once in a lifetime opportu-nity

Program Director Sidelnick emphasized the hands-on nature of the program.

“Students didn’t just read about art and history in class, they walked in the actual footsteps of the historic figures they studied, touched the walls of monumental buildings, and saw the notable works of art that helped shape our modern world,” Sidelnick said.

The Cambridge Experience is only one of the opportunities for travel offered to UNC Asheville Teaching Fellows. The week before classes begin in the spring term, students visit schools and cultural sites in a city such as New York, Atlanta, New Orleans or San Francisco.

The North Carolina Teaching Fellows pro-gram is designed to attract bright and tal-ented students into the teaching field. Each year the program awards 500 North Carolina High School Seniors a $26,000 scholarship for four years of undergradu-ate study. In return, the students teach four years in a North Carolina public school. UNC Asheville is one of the 17 public and private North Carolina colleges and universities approved to participate in the Teaching Fellows Program.

For information about the UNCA Teaching Fellows Program con-tact Brenda Hopper at 828-251-6901.

UNCA Teaching Fellows return from Cambridge, England

From Staff ReportsRUTHERFORDTON —The

Symphony of Rutherford County announces its first rehearsal for the 22nd season will be Saturday, September 12 at the First Baptist Church, Spindale. Rehearsal will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. Musical Director, Wilbert Kimple extends a warm invitation to all returning musicians as well as new string, brass, woodwind and percus-sion musicians. The all volunteer 60+ member community orchestra is open to regional amateur musi-cians from teenagers to octogenar-ians. Auditions are not required. Interested musicians are encouraged to come to any of the Saturday morn-ing rehearsals, or call president Doug Long at 1-828-625-1427 The sym-phony will perform two children’s educational concerts for 4th and 5th graders in Polk and Rutherford counties on Nov. 5, and two free pub-lic concerts, one on Jan, 24and the other on May 2. All performances are at The Foundation at Isothermal Community College.

For one local family, the symphony is a family affair. All four members of the Rev. James Pyatt family are orchestra members. In addition to playing in the Praise Band and hand-bell choir, and singing in the choir at the Spindale United Methodist Church, (where Jim has served as pastor since June, 2007), Jim is first trombonist, daughter Susanna (10th grade) is 3rd trombonist, son Isaac (8th grade) is a percussionist, and wife Janet occasional plays piano.

The orchestra’s intergenerational nature is perfect for the Pyatt fam-ily and affords them a shared unique and enjoyable outlet for their musi-cal interests. Jim started playing the trombone in 6th grade and contin-ued through high school, college and graduate school at Duke University. Now that he has found the sympho-

ny, Jim says, “Picking the trombone back up and playing on a regular basis has been quite good for me”. What he likes best about playing in the symphony is the variety of music, from serious classical repertoire to the lighter popular works.

Susanna has been playing the trom-bone for four years and also plays the French Horn. She is in the RS Central marching and concert bands. She likes the orchestra because, “it creates a nice sense of community identity”.

Isaac, a percussionist, is in 8th grade and has been playing percus-sion since 6th grade. While he is the youngest member of the section, you should see him crash the cymbals and handle the drums. Isaac also plays the piano and is a member of the RS Central Middle School con-cert and marching bands, the church Praise Band, handbell choir and choir. When asked what he likes best about being in the orchestra, Isaac responded, “I don’t know. I just enjoy it”.

And anchoring this musical fam-ily is wife and mother Janet on key-boards--- piano and organ. Janet was an organ major in college. She also plays the viola and recorder. Janet played piano for the orchestra’s 2008 spring concert. Her favorite thing about the orchestra is that, “it gives the children an outside activ-ity Jim and I can share with them, and a wonderful exposure to playing orchestral music.

So, whether it’s your whole family or just you, if you have even a little curiosity about playing with this unique amateur community orches-tra, President Long urges you to come to the Sept. 12 or subsequent Saturday rehearsals and see if you like it.

For further information visit www.rcsymphony.org or call Doug Long, 828-625-1427.

Contributed photoFour members of the Rev. James Pyatt family are Rutherford County Symphony members in addition to playing in the Praise Band and handbell choir, and singing in the choir at Spindale United Methodist Church, where Jim has served as pastor since June 2007. Jim is first trombonist, daughter Susanna (10th grade) is 3rd trom-bonist, son Isaac (8th grade) is a percussionist, and wife Janet occasionally plays piano.

Symphony of Rutherford County sets rehearsals for 22nd season

Realtors Deliver Donations

Carolyn Brackett, (from left) Chairperson Hazel Appling, and Charlotte Epley, unload school supplies col-lected by members of the Rutherford County Board of REALTORS Community Relations Committee. The items were taken to Dunbar Elementary School in Forest City.

Contributed photo

RUTHERFORDTON — The following babies were born at Rutherford Hospital.

Christopher Jackson and Chandrea Forney, Rutherfordton, a girl, Yana Ny’Asia Jackson, Aug. 23.

John A. and Kelly Lloyd, Rutherfordton, a girl, Olivia Grace Lloyd, Aug. 24.

Will Davis and Lisa Nichole Hass, Rutherfordton, a girl, Samantha Jo Davis, Aug. 24.

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Bradley, Forest City, a boy, Wyatt Eugene Bradley, Aug. 24.

Heather Brooke Gibbs, Bostic, a boy, Cooper Reid Gibbs, Aug. 25.

Greg Sizemore and Holly Von Briel, Rutherfordton, a boy, Malaki Pete Sizemore, Aug. 26.

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Payne, Henrietta, a boy, Christopher Odell Payne Jr., Aug. 26.

Fernando Jr. and Jackeline C. Granja,

Forest City, a boy, Erik Zion Galindo, Aug. 27.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Self, Ellenboro, a boy, Isiah Colby Self, Aug. 27.

Tina Morrow, Rutherfordton, a boy, Preston William Morrow, Aug. 28.

Daniel Blankenship and Heather Crawford, Rutherfordton, a girl, Marissa Nicole Blankenship, Aug. 30.

New Arrivals

FOREST CITY — Linda Tomblin of Spindale, attended the 25th annual Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua in July.

The workshop offered children’s writers, who came from seven coun-tries and thirty states, a full week immersed in the world of writing for children. The intense program included one-on-one sessions, a host of small work-shops, round-table learning, and key-notes by industry leaders.

A focus of the Highlights Chautauqua program is on high access and interchange between

faculty and students. As part of the program, Linda met in manuscript-consulting sessions with Laurence Pringle.

The Highlights Foundation work-shop faculty included authors Candace Fleming, Patricia Lee Gauch, Donna Jo Napoli, Eric Rohmann, Barbara Santucci, Eileen and Jerry Spinelli, and Laurence Pringle.

Editors on the faculty included Alvina Ling, Little Brown Books for Young Readers; Carolyn Yoder of Calkins Creek Books; Christine French Clark, Editor in Chief, Highlights for Children.

Other publishing profession-als serving on faculty included

Tomblin attends Highlights writer’s workshop

Tomblin

Please See Tomblin Page 5C

3/

of DowntownForest CityNow has Booths

For reNtCall 828-245-7746

or stop by122 W. Main St

Forest City

AlexanderDaycare & Preschool

Openings6 weeks to 6 years

245-1975September – May

Preschool ProgramA Beka Curriculum

7am to 5:30pm$90 per week

Over 30 years of Caring for Children in a Loving Christian Environment

Jessica Leigh Dunaway and Timothy Michael Osteen are engaged and plan to be mar-ried Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Second Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. The ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Terry and Pam Dunaway of Rutherfordton. The groom-elect is the son of Terry and Lynn Osteen of Union Mills.

Jessica is a 2004 graduate of R-S Central High School and plans to gradu-ate from Gardner-

Webb University in May 2010. She is cur-rently employed by The Learning Tree in Forest City.

Timmy is a 2004 graduate of R-S Central High School. He is employed by Cleghorn Plantation in Rutherfordton.

Anna Corinne Agnew and Tyler Nathan Harrill were joined in marriage Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Beech Glen Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Edwards officiating.

David Zoll of Asheville, provided music for the six o’clock ceremony.

The bride is daughter of Russell Agnew and Nan Ramsey of Mars Hill, and Elizabeth Tate of Asheville.

The groom is the son of Tony and Pam Harrill of Mooresboro.

Presented in marriage by her father, the bride wore a formal gown embellished with a beaded bodice and car-ried a bouquet of wild-flowers and white roses.

The bride chose her sister, Kylie Peek of Marshall, as honor attendant. She wore a marine blue, tea-length dress with a clover green bow and carried a bouquet of wildflowers.

Bridesmaids were Allison Parris of Bostic, Alicia Plemmons of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Kristin Henderson of

Marshall. They wore clover green tea-length dresses with marine bows and carried a bou-quet of wildflowers

The groom chose his father as best man.

Groomsmen were Mark Godfrey and Jeremy Walker, both of Rutherfordton, and Parker Tate of Forest City.

Jasmine Lewis served as flower girl, and Brody Lewis, was ring-bearer.

Hanna Blanton and Kayley Lewis, presided at the guest register.

A reception followed in the Beech Glen Baptist Pavillion.

The bride is a 2009 graduate of Appalachian State University and employed by East Rutherford Middle School as a teacher.

The groom is a 2008 gradu-ate of Appalachian State University and employed as a Rutherford County pro-bation officer.

The newlyweds reside in Forest City.

4C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

localWeddings Engagements

Mrs. Tyler Nathan Harrill

Anna Agnew weds Tyler Nathan Harrill Jessica Dunaway, Timmy Osteen

Dunaway, Osteen

Rachel Leigh-Anne Wilson and Patrick Evan Morris are engaged and plan to be mar-ried Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Florence Baptist Church in Forest City.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Tommy and Paula Wilson of Forest City. She is a 2005 gradu-ate of East Rutherford High School and a 2009 graduate of Gardner-Webb University. Rachel is employed by Rutherford Hospital as a registered nurse.

The groom-elect is the son of Bill and Teresa Morris of Rutherfordton. He is a 2005 graduate of R-S Central High School. Patrick is employed by Morris Refrigeration.

Rachel Wilson and Patrick Morris

Wilson, Morris

Jerry and Joyce Marlowe Bridges were honored with a reception on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at Hopewell Hollis Community Clubhouse in celebra-tion of their 50th wedding anniversary.

The celebration was hosted by the couple’s son and daughter, Scott Bridges and Lori Bridges Gaston, and their families.

Approximately 156 guests dropped in between 3 and 5 p.m. A DVD of photographs, set to music, was played throughout the afternoon. Caleb Smith, great-grandson of the couple, handed out commemorative book marks made by the honor-ees.

Large ferns, provided by Yvonne Bridges, deco-rated the area along with ivy, flowering plants and peace lilies. The guests were seated at tables topped with gold tulle and centered with gold-pot-ted geraniums, pictures of the couple, candles and gold candy kisses.

A variety of finger foods and confections was served from a table covered with white linens and gold tulle overlay. Sonya Gales of Stanley helped with serving.

Jerry and Joyce were married Saturday, August 8, 1959.

Anniversaries

Couple honored on 50th wedding anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bridges (left) recently celebrated their 50th wed-ding anniversary. Jerry and Joyce (right) pictured on their wedding day in 1959.

SHELBY — Professional writer and storyteller Robin Edgar will conduct a workshop to help par-ticipants use reminiscing as a healing tool.

The workshop takes place Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Hospice Cleveland County. The event is sponsored by Journey, a local coalition of organizations dedicated to educat-ing the community about the importance of hav-ing discussions with your family about end-of-life issues, and by Carillon Assisted Living and Hospice Cleveland County.

Edgar is the author of “In My Mother’s Kitchen,” detailing how she used memories of her mother to help in the healing process after her mother’s death. “For all of us who have loved, lost, grieved and grown from the experience, Edgar’s book serves as a poignant reminder of our shared con-nections to family and friends,” says Matt Lauer, co-anchor of NBC “Today.”

A $5 registration fee covers a boxed supper. Pre-registration is required by calling Linda at Life Enrichment Center Adult Day Care at 704-484-0405 or via email linda@lifeenrichmentcenter.org.

Reminiscence workshop

4/

ATTENTIONADULTS AGE 55+

In these unusual economic times, planning for future health care needs is more crucial than ever. One option available is EASTWOOD VILLAGE,

Rutherford County’s only complete retirement and health care concept.

Homes are individually owned and designed for maintenance-free livingwith the following amenities:

• A Large Clubhouse

• Swimming Pool

• Lawn Maintenance

• Meal Delivery

• Transportation

• 24 Hour Emergency Nursing Services

• Skilled Care & Assisted Living Care available on campus

EASTWOOD VILLAGEHwy. 74 East, Forest City, NC

In addition to the 34 existing homes, lots are available for theconstruction of your custom retirement home.

For information or a tour, please contact:John Cilone, Broker — 245-9095

Ruby Lowery, Broker — 248-2018Mack McKeithan, Broker — 245-9095

September 8th - September 11th

Dr. Charles Sayre and staff are inviting all past and existing patients to come by and indulge in Complimentary

Refreshments and gifts all week as a token of thanks for your continued support and Love for Chiropractic Care.

CALL FOR INFORMATION ON THESE TOPICS & MORE!• FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE • CHILD OR SPOUSE ABUSE

• COUNSELING • HEA0LTH CARE • TRANSPORTATION • FOOD OR CLOTHING

FIRST CALL FOR HELP668 Withrow Road, Forest City, NC

Funded by United Way of Rutherford County and Smart StartLinking People with Services

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Kiser Jr. of Forest City, were honored with a reception on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Missionary Wesleyan Church in cel-ebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

The recep-tion was hosted by the couple’s children and their spouses, Kevin and Renee Kiser Langley, Greg and Carla Kiser, and Jeffery and Michelle Kiser. Their grand-children, Shay and Gladden Hill, Michaela Langley, Ashlee Arrowood and Montana Kiser, also assisted.

Mrs. Kiser is the for-mer Carolyn Branch. The couple married

August 19, 1959 in Gaffney, S.C. Judge W.R. Douglas offici-ated.

A number of family members and friends attended the anniver-sary celebration.

Lacey Janae Green and Andrew Coy Pope exchanged wedding vows Saturday, July 18, at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Bostic.

The Reverend Paul White Jr. performed the six o’clock ceremony.

Musicians were Wanda Greene and Don Tessnear.

The bride is the daughter of Michael and Janie Green of Bostic.

The groom is the son of Justin Pope of Rutherfordton, and Donna Haynes of Forest City.

Escorted to the altar and given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a strapless, A-line gown with a beaded lace corset bodice. The full skirt featured a side drape with beaded lace insets and a chapel-length train.

Her fingertip veil, caught to a tiara of Swarovski crystals, fea-tured scalloped edges and beaded flowers and sequins. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of coral roses, hypericum berries, white lisian-thus, variegated pit-tosporum and white stephanotis blooms with pearl centers.

Victoria Green of Bostic, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. She wore a black strapless, A-line gown

with a coral ruched waist and side sash. Her hand-tied bouquet con-sisted of peach carna-tions, white lisianthus and coral spray roses.

Bridesmaids were Brittany Stone and Jessica Green, both of Bostic, cousins of the bride, Shelly Brackett of Forest City, Whitney Heffner of Casar, and Jessica Jolley of Ellenboro. They were dress identically in coral strapless, A-line gowns with black ruched waistlines and side sashes.

The groom chose his brother, Justin Pope of Forest City, as best man.

Ushers were Capen Palmer of Bostic, Chris Greene of Forest City, cousin of the groom, Jared Toms of Forest City, stepbrother of the groom, Josh Merrill of Ellenboro, and the groom’s father, Justin Pope.

Haley Walker served as a flower girl, and Kaden Smith and Anthony Smith, were ringbearers. All are cousins of the bride.

Register attendants were Morgan Hoyle, Mason Jolley and Morgan Jolley, all of Bostic.

A reception followed in the church social hall.

The three-tiered wed-ding cake was frosted white and decorated with coral and black roses. The tables were skirted with white lin-ens and centered with arrangements of coral daisies and mixed flow-ers.

Those assisting with the reception were Joyce Crowder, Brenda Smith, Bessie Smith, Darlene Green, Susan Crowe, LuAnn Swink, Helen Murray, Glenda Baynard, Gerry Home, Libby Arrowood and Louise Tessnear.

Wendy Jolley served as wedding director.

The bride is a 2006 graduate of East Rutherford High School and 2009 graduate of Gardner-Webb University with an associate of arts degree in nursing. She is employed by Tryon Estates.

The groom attended East Rutherford High School. He is employed by R&R Construction of Forest City.

Following a wedding cruise to the Bahamas, the couple now resides in Bostic.

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 5C

local

Bernette Ford, Peter Jacobi, Andrew Gutelle, Stephen Roxburgh, Harold Underdown,

Deborah Wooten, and Ruth Ann Williamson.

The 135-year-old Chautauqua Institution is a national pioneer in combining education, cultural events, and leisure activities in a beautiful lakefront setting in western New York State.

The mission of the Highlights Foundation is to raise the level of the quality of writing and illustrating for children. In addi-tion to the Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, the Foundation offers workshops at the home of the Highlights founders in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Weddings

Green, Pope married at Mt. Lebanon Church

TomblinContinued from Page 3C

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Coy Pope

Anniversaries

Kisers married 50 years

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Kiser Jr.

Carolyn and Marvin pictured in 1959.

5/

SPINDALE – Sixty-four students completed Nurse Aide I train-ing and were honored at a graduation cer-emony at Isothermal Community College recently. The ceremony, which included stu-dents from four classes, was held in the Library Auditorium.

The audience was welcomed by Donna Hood, dean of Continuing Education at Isothermal. Special

music was provided by Marnie Beaver, who helps coordinate the program in the college’s Continuing Education Division.

The students received their pins from instruc-tors Deborah Ledbetter, Judy Baynard, Rebecca Melton, and June Steele. All of the instructors are regis-tered nurses.

The graduates of the first morning class are Brenda Blalock, Noelia

Breen, Donna Brigmon, Ashley Davis, Lisa Dickhausen, Janice Dyer, Kimberly Harris, Debbie Horne, Doria Hudgens, Amanda Johnson, Shayana Lail, Minire Lloyd, Tiffany MacKay, Todd Newton, Glenda Sisk and Jessica Willis.

Graduates of the second morning class are Whitney Abrams, Sherry Barrier, Chasity Brooks, Julie Brooks, Antonnette Clardie,

Leslie Coggins, Janice Cole, Kelany Hampton, Kevin Hardin, Barbara Hill, Jasmyne Joiner, Norma McNeely, Margaret Moore, Robin Payne, Cindy Russell, and Tina Splawn.

The afternoon class graduates are Janette Alvarez-Troche, Eunice Bradley, Denise Cheek, Michelle Daigle, Ronald Dalton, Elvis Antonio Davila, Ashley Felker, Joanna Graves, Abreainn Hardin,

Cassandra Henson, Mia Martens, Billie McCurry, De’lisa Miller, Terry Russell, Patricia Scruggs, Davina Shade, Jessica Stepp and Andrea Whitaker.

Graduates of the eve-ning class are Jackie Champion, Heather Coggins, Tamera Doggett, Sylvia Hines, Lois Hobbs, Elizabeth Johnson, Susan McEntire, Delilah Munoz, Marlena Proctor, Tina Reed, Dana Richardson, Janie Sanders, Debra Wilson and Ruth Wurzbach.

Before closing the cer-emony, Hood thanked several people and organizations for sup-porting the program and event, including White Oak Manor, Rutherfordton; Mrs. Jack Jenkins, Gideon Association; Jay Coomes, sound system; and Patsy Pennington, Nurse Aide coordinator.

For more informa-tion on the Nurse Aide I program, contact Pennington at 286-3636, ext. 395.

6C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

local

Sixty-four students complete Nurse Aid I training

Graduates of the Afternoon Class. Graduates from the evening class.

Graduates of Morning Class I Graduates of Morning Class.

CHARLOTTE — Belk’s Fall Charity Sale on Nov. 7, will once again benefit local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the company’s 16-state market area. Belk’s previous Charity Sale, held May 2, 2009, raised more than $5 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations.

The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers an excellent fundraising opportunity for participating organizations and a chance for customers to sup-port worthwhile charities and take advantage of special discounts on purchases made during the event.

In exchange for a $5 donation, customers will receive a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale on Nov. 7 from 6 to 10 a.m. and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from an extra 15 to 50 percent on purchases throughout the store, including special savings on rarely discounted brands. Customers will also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double Rewards points for card purchases.

Participating local charities will sell the Charity Sale tickets in advance of the event and all pro-ceeds from each $5 ticket sold will be retained by the charity.

Beginning Friday, Oct. 30, tickets may also be purchased at Belk stores with all donations equally divided among the participating charities and schools. There is no limit to the number of tick-ets charities can sell, and no limit to the amount of money that can be raised. Belk provides tickets and collateral material at no cost to the participat-ing nonprofit organizations.

In addition, participating customers can register to win one of three $1,000 Belk shopping sprees, and all participating charities and schools will automatically be registered to win one of three $1,000 donations from Belk.

The event, held semi-annually since Fall 2007, has raised an excess of $14 million for partici-pating nonprofit organizations throughout the Southeast.

Charity representatives interested in taking part in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event should contact their local Belk store manager for more information.

Contact Jennifer Osborne at 245-6441, store manager of Belk, Tri-City Mall, for more informa-tion. Hours Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 12:30 to 6 p.m.

Belk fall charity sale scheduled for Nov. 7

6/

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009 — 7C

If you have an abundance of juicy tomatoes this season, consider yourself lucky to have escaped late blight. For folks not so lucky, I’m sharing reci-pes that don’t use a ton as the main ingredient but will let you savor every delicious bite.

Tomatoes and Beans1-1/2 pounds fresh green

beans, cut into 2-inch pieces1-1/2 cups water1/4 cup butter1 tablespoon sugar3/4 teaspoon garlic salt1/4 teaspoon pepper1-1/2 teaspoons chopped

fresh basil2 cups cherry-tomato halves

Place beans and water in a large saucepan. Cover, and bring to a boil. Simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain off water, and set aside. In a skillet, melt butter. Stir in sugar, garlic salt, pepper and basil. Add tomatoes and cook, stirring gently just until soft. Pour the tomato mixture over the green beans, and toss gen-tly to combine. — Amy, Ohio

Stuffed BLT Tomatoes

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/4 cup mayonnaise1/4 cup cream cheese1/4 cup green onions,

chopped1/2 cup lettuce, finely

chopped2 tablespoons chopped fresh

parsley24 cherry tomatoesshredded cheddar cheese, to

tastecroutons or breadcrumbs

Fry bacon until crispy. Once cooled, crumble and set aside.

In a bowl, stir together the bacon, mayonnaise, cream cheese, green onions, lettuce and parsley until well blended. Set aside. Cut a small slice from the top of each tomato. Using a melon baller or small measuring spoon, scoop out the inside of each tomato. Stuff each tomato with the mixture, sprinkle on cheese and croutons or breadcrumbs, and refrigerate. Serve chilled. — Natalie N., Wisconsin

Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

3 pounds ripe tomatoes4 cloves garlic, crushed6 sprigs thymesea salt, to taste3 teaspoons sugar4 tablespoons extra-virgin

olive oilbasil leaves

Heat the oven to 225 F. Boil a large pan of water. Blanche tomatoes so the skins slip off easily. After you remove the skins, cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds. (Keep these in a plastic storage bag in the freezer to add to soup.) Lay the tomato halves on a nonstick baking tray. Sprinkle with garlic, thyme, salt and sugar. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, and bake them in a slow oven for three hours. Serve on Italian bread or burgers. Cook’s note: To store, place in a jar with a basil leaf in between each tomato and cover with olive oil. They will keep for three days in the fridge. — Rhonda, e-mail

Sunday Break

Many are counting pennies with down economyDear Abby: I would like

to make the public aware of something that is the result of the poor economy.

When someone who is hurting financially is invited out to a restaurant, bar, movie, etc., and the person declines your invitation, please don’t take it person-ally. He or she may be watch-ing every penny. Every cent matters if it’s needed for food, shelter, bills, etc. A per-son in this situation simply cannot afford to “splurge” on these kinds of activities.

Believe me, I know what I’m talking about. I have been invited to participate in various social events, and I can’t afford to go. This is

not something that I want to broadcast either. Some of us may be keeping quiet about it.

Let’s face it — it’s an awful situation to be in, but one we hope will not last forever. — In that boat

Dear In that boat: I’m sor-ry you’re experiencing tough sailing, and I hope you will be out of rough waters soon.

Folks, this person is giv-ing you a timely heads-up. If someone suddenly starts declining social invitations, it

does not necessarily indicate that he or she has become antisocial. It may mean the person is financially unable to do so.

Dear Abby: My husband, “Fred,” sees absolutely noth-ing wrong with the fact that he did not take a day off from work to attend my 94-year-old mother’s funeral. He stopped by the ceremony for the graveside service, then left immediately and returned to work.

Fred is an independent traveling salesman who never works more than half a day, so it wasn’t like he needed to hurry back to an office or place of business. He didn’t even have enough

love or respect for me or my mother’s family to spend the day with us.

Do you agree with me this was unkind? Fred thinks I’m the one who is being unrea-sonable. — Wounded Wife

Dear Wounded:Regardless of your mother’s age, losing a parent is painful and his place was by your side offer-ing emotional support.

It appears you married someone who is usually cen-tered on his own needs, and I’m willing to bet this inci-dent isn’t the only example. Please accept my sympathy on two counts: First for the loss of your mother, and second, for marrying some-one who would be willfully

absent when you needed him the most. Whatta guy.

Dear Abby: Cooking is my hobby. I enjoy hosting luncheons for my friends. I choose healthy, fresh ingredients, plan creative menus and presentation is important to me. However, it seems that someone at the table always pipes up with, “I don’t eat THAT!”

I think it is rude and guests should just place an unwant-ed item on the side of their plate. Am I right? I don’t know how to respond to peo-ple who do that. — Annoyed Hostess

Dear Annoyed: Here’s how. Smile and say, “If you don’t like that, don’t eat it!”

Abigail van Buren

Dear Abby

Dear Dr. Gott: In February 2004, you had a column about using brewer’s yeast to combat mosquitoes.

Since mosquitoes have always considered me a special buffet, I decided to try it. Every year since then, I have taken it faith-fully on a daily basis all year long. I never received a bite, but I didn’t know if it was the brewer’s yeast or the very dry years we were suffering here in Montana.

At the end of last sum-mer, I quit taking it. BIG mistake! Although I haven’t seen many mosquitoes, I was, again, their favorite menu item. I immediately started retaking the brew-er’s yeast, and, after four or five days, I was no longer being bitten.

I am grateful that I can finally write to let you know this stuff really works. I don’t know what the dosage should be, but since I am a favorite for the critters, I take five tablets each morning. Thanks to the writer who suggested this remedy and you for printing it.

Dear Reader: I am glad to hear that this simple remedy has worked so well for you.

In the original column, the writer said to take one 7.5 grain tablet each day to prevent mosquito bites. According to the National

Institute of Standards and Technology (an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce), one grain is equivalent to 64.79891 milligrams. Therefore, 7.5 grains is just under 486 milligrams.

Since you don’t say how many milligrams of the brewer’s yeast you are taking, I recommend you keep your intake to less than 500 milligrams per day. This supplement is primarily used to treat certain types of diarrhea and as a source of most of the B-complex vitamins, chromium and selenium. It does not contain vitamin B-12. Side effects include migraine-like headaches, intestinal discomfort, flat-ulence and hypersensitivity reactions, such as itching and hives. It may adversely interact with certain medi-cations so it is extremely important to discuss the issue with a physician prior to use.

To provide related infor-mation, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies.”

Brewer’s yeast fights mosquitoesRecently, Trudy Jackson

and her daughters came into our office. Mrs. Jackson asked us if we needed any pet food. Since Rutherford County has been struggling eco-nomically, people in our community are having a hard time feeding their pets. All the volunteers chimed in and said yes! We thought they were bringing in a few bags of food, but when she asked if she could back her van inside the gate—well, we felt like children waiting for Christmas morning.

Trudy started to explain to us that their oldest daughter, Anna Kate was nine years old. Since she’s too young to volunteer at our office, she wanted to do something for animals in our community. Her mother also explained to us that she is anxiously waiting for her twelfth birthday--the age that youth can start volunteer-ing at the Community Pet Center office.

Anna Kate couldn’t wait for her 12th birthday to begin to help the pets in our community so she decided to collect food. When everything was unloaded from Mrs. Jackson’s van, we were told that there was more than 300 pounds of cat, kitten, dog and puppy food. Wow! Treats, leashes, col-lars, flea treatments and a pedicure set for pets’ paws, too.

Anna Kate attends Harris Elementary School and will be going into the fourth grade this Fall. She has two pets--a dog named Max and a cat named Tabby.

We so appreciate all of her dedication as well as the compas-sion that she has for animals. We are thrilled that she has made the animals in our community her Summer 2009 Community Service Project.

Thank you, Anna Kate, from all of the Community Pet Center Volunteers and the many animals that you are helping to feed through your efforts.

300 Pounds and what do you get?

PUZZLEYour Birthday, Sept. 6;

Greater responsibilities might be dropped in your lap in the year ahead. However, even if it seems to be a bum deal at first, as time unfolds you’ll dis-cover it can pay off.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Tempers may be short, so in order to keep things from getting out of hand when people’s patience starts to waver, use all the diplo-macy and tact you can muster.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Be exceptionally watchful of your behavior. The slightest misstep could be met with little tolerance or understanding, regard-less of the valid reasons.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Guard against resorting to unsavory tactics if things don’t go your way at times with family or co-workers.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — A well-intended family member or friend might make a commitment on your behalf that may not thrill you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Unless you are up front with your mate or important someone, you could unwit-tingly create a lingering problem.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You may be used to trusting little bits of information to memory, but this might not be a good policy when asked to pass on a few important facts.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you can’t afford to spend lavishly, stay away from stores that carry expensive mer-chandise.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Don’t attempt to get everything done that you neglected in the past week, or you’ll end up leaving a lot of half-finished projects scattered all over the place. Do one job at a time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — In attempting to be funny or glib, you might embellish some gossip you are eager to pass on. It’s bad enough to partake in tittle-tattle, but don’t exaggerate things.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Again, that friend who is always broke might ask for another loan. If you’re smart, you will try to find a way to help this person without putting a dent in your wallet.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Difficult objectives can be achieved if you are properly motivated to stick with them until their completion. Unless you’re stimulated enough to do so, all bets are off.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — It’ll be a big error on your part to count on others to pitch in and handle some of the house-hold responsibilities.

IN THE STARS Tasty ways to use seasonal tomatoes

The Pet Project

Produced byJo-Ann Close and Lynne Faltraco

Community Pet Center

Dr. Peter M. Gott

Ask Dr. Gott

by Sara Noel

FrugalLiving

7SUNDAY BREAK

repeated several times.I loved that. My Park. I was about 8 years

old when my parents took my sisters and I to the Great Smoky Mountains. I never got over the beauty and the excitement of the place.

We camped at Smokmont all the time where we hiked in the campground, swam in the river and had the times of our lives.

I drove through Smokmont Campground Wednesday where I could see our big blue tent and our kitchen set up outside, Daddy lying in his hammock read-ing a book and Mama and us girls heading out exploring along the trails. I could almost feel the softness of the sleeping bags and smell the food cooking.

I found our old camp-sites, by the river, but couldn’t find the camp store. The store was a favorite spot where we’d buy one snack a day or maybe a Coke, with our allowance money we’d saved for the vacation.

Stopping by old Pioneer Farm to gather a little information, I remembered all the hours we’d been there walking around and receiving old “timey” farming lessons from Daddy.

I was tempted, but didn’t visit, Mingus Mill, where we bought

stone ground cornmeal every year and often went back to the camp where Mama made corn bread cakes in a black skillet over our cook stove.

It was noted Wednesday of the many folks attending the 75th anniversary who were also present nearly 69 years ago when President Roosevelt dedicated the park. It was also noted of the young people attending Wednesday ceremony. “This is the Park’s past and its future,” said Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar.

Leaving the area, I thought about the years our family camped in the Smoky Mountains and hiked miles of trails. And I remem-bered the many, many days we traveled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway for picnics, hiking trails and sight-seeing.

I was overwhelmed with Thanksgiving.

So incredibly thank-ful to God for the beauty of the earth, sky and mountains and for my parents whose love for their children meant introducing us to the greatest natural resources in this part of the world.

Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@thedigitalcou-rier.

8C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, September 6, 2009

local

Jean Gordon/Daily CourierGreat Smoky Mountain National Park ambassador Dolly Parton sings during last Wednesday’s 75th rededication ceremony at Newfound Gap. Seated behind her are Secretary of the Department of the Interior Ken Salazar, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. Parton, who was named the official ambassador for the year of rededi-cation, reminded the 2,000 people attending, she’d been an ambas-sador her entire life and it was a joy to talk about her home as she trav-els across the country and world. More than 2,000 people attended the 75th Anniversary Rededication Event Wednesday at Newfound Gap at the NC/Tennessee state lines.

Byers and Theodocia Samantha Ernest Price Byers, and married to Carrie (or Cassie) Alice Laws (April 27, 1896 - August 1984).

John North Byers was killed

in the line of duty and has never been recognized. We are attempting to have Officer Byers and Chief of Detectives Joseph Eccles Orr (who was killed in the same car accident) recog-nized on the Police Memorial in Washington, DC.

I am assisting CMPD Burglary Detective Daniel P. Cunius with this research. In the past

six years, Det. Cunius has been able to get six other officers rec-ognized and put on the Police Memorials in Charlotte and in Washington, DC.

If anyone has any informa-tion on John North Byers or his descendants, please forward information to ruth2ross@gmail.com.

SPINDALE — Students at Rutherford Early College High School recently took part in a camping event for all students at Camp Bud Schiele. According to organizers, the event is an opportunity for students to get to know one another, team build and develop positive relationships with fac-ulty and staff.

“Everyone enjoys the atmosphere and envi-ronment the camp has to offer,” said Principal Laura Thomas. “Many of the freshmen went to camp feeling as if they were an East, Central or Chase student, but left feeling as if they were a REaCH student without any district lines dividing them.”

This is the second year the school has held a camping event at the camp; this year it was held just before school started, Aug. 13 and 14. For some, it was their first camping experi-ence.

Students took part in swimming, canoeing, rappelling, low ropes and zip line as well as the overnight camping.

Volunteers included Boy Scout Staff – David Aiken, Jimmy Greene and Chris Robinson.

Here’s what some of Christy Marshall’s freshmen Algebra stu-dents had to say about the experience:

“My first two days at REaCH made me kind of scared, but also I was kind of happy to meet new people. The camp-ing trip brought me closer to other people,”

Jaharri Miller. “Even though I was

only here for a short time, I felt like I had been here for years. The camping trip was

really fun and brought me closer to everyone,” Grace Melton.

“I loved it. I can’t wait to go back to the camp next year. It’s going to

be pretty cool,” Joshua Trice.

“The camping trip was fun and I met a lot of new friends ,” Morgan Burgess.

Sunday BrunchContinued from Page 1C

REaCH students take part at Camp Bud Schiele

Contributed photoStudents at Rutherford Early College High School recently took part in a camping event for all students at Camp Bud Sch09iele.

Out & AboutContinued from Page 2C

FOREST CITY — Discount tickets for the 2009 N.C. Mountain State Fair are available at Ingles grocery here through Sept. 10. The fair is Sept. 11-20 in Fletcher, off I-26 near Asheville.

When the fair opens on Sept. 11, which is WLOS Day, students in kindergarten through twelfth grades will be admitted free until 6 p.m.

Among featured sights for the 2009 fair include: Hogway Speedway, Hansen’s, Going Green with Ag, Rusty’s Trailblazing Chuckwagon, Display Livestock, Dixie Starlight Express, Educational Exhibits, Flower and Garden Exhibit and Seminars, In His Name Ministry, Heritage Wage, Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment; Chainsaw Artist Mountain Dan Smathers, UNC-Public TV and Character, Leon Jacobs, Jr., FFA Truck and Tractor Driving Contest, Mountain Music, Farm Adventures, Working Border Collie Demonstration and Wild West Follies.

Entertainment includes — Clogging Championships, Jake Owens, Randy Houser, 33 Miles, The Travelin McCourys; $5 admis-sion for concerts held in the McGoush Arena Entertainment.

The fair opens Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3 p.m.

For more details visit www.mountainfair.org

Discount tickets for Mountain State Fair

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