daily courier february 17 2010

Court hears life sentence arguments — Page 2A Sports Tourney time!

R-S Central hosted two South Mountain Athletic Conference tournament basketball games Tuesday

Page 7A

Wednesday, February 17, 2010, Forest City, N.C.

50¢

Superintendent named

NATION

Janet Mason will take school reins

By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

Wall Street posted solid gains Tuesday

Janet Mason

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

FOREST CITY – Rutherford County Schools has a new superintendent, and it’s a familiar face who will lead.

At a special meeting Tuesday night, the RCS Board of Education voted seven to zero to offer the position to Mason, who began her career in Rutherford County Schools in 1986.

Board Chair Dr. John Mark Bennett opened the meeting saying the greatest decision of any board of education is to choose a superintendent.

“The job of the superintendent is one of the most difficult on earth,” Bennett said.

The search for a new superintendent for RCS began in December, following the November announcement by current superintendent John Kinlaw that he would not seek to renew his contract. As part of the search process, the board sought public input through a public meeting and online surveys as to what qualities it would like to see in the next leader.

Twenty-two candidates applied for the

Page 11A

Please see Mason, Page 6A

Murder case could go to the jury today

SPORTS

By LARRY DALE Daily Courier Staff Writer

schools. The R-S Middle School seventh grade team began preparing for the challenge in October, said coaches Susan Martin and Denise Yelton.

“We practiced two days a week after school and the closer we got to the event we practiced three days a week,” Martin said.

Preparing for the challenge questions, Martin said, can be, well, challenging.

“It’s a very broad area of study and it’s not always questions from the standard course of study the state mandates,” Martin said.

While the R-S Middle seventh grade team lost in the final round to the TJCA seventh graders, the school still had reason to celebrate. TJCA and R-S Middle eighth grade teams were paired in the eighth grade final,

RUTHERFORDTON — After closing arguments from the attorneys and instructions from the judge, the jury is expected to begin deliberations today in the murder trial of Jack Meredith Martin.

Martin is charged with seconddegree murder in the shooting death of Jonathan Lehi Moore and with two counts of attempted first-degree murder in the woundings of Phillip Chiasson and Philip Salks on the night of May 27-28, 2005.

Martin was convicted on those charges in 2007, but the case has been returned to the trial court by the N.C. Court of Appeals because of an error in the first trial.

On Tuesday morning, attorneys debated the admissibility of a statement taken by Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Detective Chris Francis during some five hours of conversation with Martin on May 28. District Attorney Brad Greenway and defense attorney Kent Brown presented their respective cases before Judge Mark Powell outside the presence of the jury.

The key issue was whether the statement to Francis was made voluntarily.

Francis took the stand and testified that he went from the crime scene to Rutherford Hospital, where he talked to Martin while he was being treated after having collapsed at the crime scene at 919 Main St. in Chimney Rock.

Francis spoke with Martin some two hours there, then transported

Please see Academic, Page 6A

Please see Jury, Page 2A

East Rutherford’s girls hosted Patton Tuesday Page 7A

GAS PRICES

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Eighth-grade students from R-S Middle School won the eighth grade level of the Isothermal Junior Challenge Tuesday. The students competed against eighth graders from Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. Earlier in the day the two schools were matched up in the final match of the seventh grade level, with TJCA taking the win.

Low: High: Avg.:

$2.46 $2.69 $2.52

Students test academic skills

By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

DEATHS Bostic

Linda Yelton

Caroleen

Sarah Jolley

Henrietta

Barbara Edwards

Elsewhere

Vance Price

Page 5

WEATHER

High

SPINDALE — Middle school students in Rutherford County were challenged to test their academic skills Tuesday during the annual Isothermal Junior Challenge.

Begun in the mid-90s, the competition pairs up students in seventh and eight grades in a quiz showdown that covers categories from math and science to television and literature.

Winners in each grade level get a trophy and bragging rights, said Event Coordinator Dale Gaddis.

“It has become highly competitive between the schools,” Gaddis said. “It gives students a chance to use their academic skills.”

Teams at each school are coached by teachers and faculty members at their

March for Babies taps Ambassador Family

Low

By JEAN GORDON

44 24

Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — Jacob Hill is a 10-year-old, 98 pounder who does well in school, takes violin and piano lessons and plays sports.

Jacob is a healthy child today, although at birth he weighed just 2 pounds and 7 ounces. Born July 14, 2000, two months before his due date of Sept. 1, Jacob spent the first 30 days of his young life in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mission Hospitals.

Today, mostly sunny. Tonight, clear.

Complete forecast, Page 10A

INSIDE Classifieds . . . 5-7B Sports . . . . . . . 7-9A County scene . . . 6A Opinion . . . . . . . 4A Vol. 42, No. 41

Contributed photos

Jacob Hill, born weighing 2 pounds and 7 ounces, is a 98-pounder, a student at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and an athlete.

Now on the Web: www.thedigitalcourier.com

Jacob and his mother, Tina Hill, were introduced Tuesday morning at the March of Dimes kickoff breakfast as the county’s 2010 Ambassador Family and Tina shared the story of his birth and miraculous survival, thanks to help

from March of Dimes. Jacob is also the son of Jeremy Hill and stepson of Tammy. Jacob’s stepfather is Keith Hill and Jacob’s little sister is Bella, 3.

The families will lead the more than 30 March for Babies teams and individuals at the annual walk, Saturday, April 17, at 9:45 a.m. at Isothermal Community College.

District Attorney Brad Greenway is the 2010 March for Babies chair and will be with the Hills and others as they walk for babies.

“I know Jacob is extremely thrilled to have been chosen,” Tina said. “We of course, are excited too. We will all be at the walk and hope we can make a difference” in the lives of Please see Family, Page 6A

2A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Local/State

Jury

account and then ask specific questions. Bailey did that.

Bailey noted that Martin became Continued from Page 1A reluctant to talk at one point. When Martin asked Bailey if he was a susMartin, who had been released from the hospital, to the Rutherford County pect and Bailey replied, “Everyone could be a suspect,” Martin refused to Sheriff’s Office, where the interview answer any more questions, and the continued for about three hours more. interview ended.

Francis said Martin was not in cusWhen Bailey commented to Brown tody at that time. that he had had little sleep before He said Martin was “very cordial to being called to the crime scene and me” and was coherent during the conwas tired, Brown asked the detective versations. Francis also said Martin if he was aware that Martin had had was “never unwilling to talk.” no sleep for more than 24 hours at that Francis said he made handwritten point. notes during the interview and then Martin also took the stand to discuss showed them to Martin so he could the interview. He said the initials on read the statement and make any corthe Francis report are not his and he rections he felt should be made. did not ask for changes in the docuFrancis said Martin asked if he was a suspect in the shootings, and Francis ment. And he said he did not read the statement before signing it. said he replied, “Everybody (there) is a Martin said he had been focused on suspect.” treatment at the hospital, where he Francis said Martin did not ask for had his lip sutured. He also said at an attorney.

Brown asked Francis if he was aware that point he was “very tired, pretty stressed out and somewhat disorithat Martin had been detained at the ented.” crime scene for some two and a half Martin told Greenway that everyone to three hours. Francis said he did not at the crime pretty much ignored him know that at the time. when he tried to tell his side of the Brown asked to see the detective’s story. Greenway said of the interviews notes that he was using to refresh his with Francis and Bailey, “You finally memory about the case. After looking had a chance to tell your story, didn’t at the notes, Brown asked Francis to show him the places where Martin had you?”

Greenway asked the judge to allow initialed for changes to be made. the testimony for impeachment purBrown also said, “When he (Martin) poses in this trial, since the statements asked if he was a suspect, you never were made voluntarily. Impeachment gave him a straight answer, did you?” is calling into question the testimony The detective noted that he did not of a witness.

Mirandize (read a person their rights) Brown cited two concerns. One, he Martin during the conversation that noted issues about Martin’s health day. during the interview. He said Martin Detective Ronnie Bailey, who also had high blood pressure, had been took the stand, took over the interview with Martin after Francis left the up for 24 hours, had been drinking, had been detained at the crime scene Sheriff’s Office that morning. for two and a half to three hours, and Bailey said he did not remember if couldn’t get clear answers to his quesMartin was in handcuffs at the crime tions. Combine all those factors, he scene, saying there was a lot happensaid, and the Martin statements were ing there, so it was chaotic. not voluntary, but were made under The detective said the wording duress. “unhandcuffed” in the statement he But Brown said he had perhaps a bigtook concerning Martin, merely meant ger concern. He said when Francis told that Martin was not handcuffed, the court Tuesday that the statement not that handcuffs were taken off of was in chronological order, it appeared Martin. he was responding to testimony Bailey said Martin’s disposition Monday in which Martin said the was pleasant during the talk, and he statement was not in correct chronosaid Martin spoke freely. Bailey said logical order. Brown said Francis’ use Martin told him that he had already of the word “chronological” seemed to spoken with Francis about the case, indicate that Francis had been preand he asked Bailey to read that

pared to respond, in violation of the judge’s order for sequestration of witnesses before they testify.

Judge Powell said there was not sufficient evidence of a violation of the sequestration order.

Powell said that although Martin was sleep-deprived and may have had health issues, it appeared that his answers were voluntary, so that would be allowed for impeachment purposes.

The jury was brought in at noon.

Francis testified that Martin said, among other things, that he had heard five or six shots, that there had been an eruption at the table, that Chiasson had a dark-colored revolver, that Chiasson had a headlock on Martin and struck him in the side of the head, and that he scampered out the door, expecting to be shot.

Under Greenway questioning, Francis said Martin did not say anything about Chiasson and Salks planning to kill him, or about Chiasson taking beers from Martin’s apartment, or about a broken fish tank or about Chiasson standing in the doorway with a gun.

Brown elicited that the Martin statement talked about Chiasson saying he had a Glock (gun) and Salks once coming in with a machete.

Under cross-examination of Bailey after the lunch break, Bailey said he did not get toxicology or blood alcohol results on Salks or Chiasson.

After the state rested, Brown again asked for a dismissal, and again the motion was denied by the judge.

After the charge conference with the attorneys, Judge Powell said he would offer guilty of second-degree murder, guilty of voluntary manslaughter, guilty of involuntary manslaughter and not guilty as possible verdicts in the death of Moore.

Concerning the wounds to Salks and Chiasson, the judge said he would offer guilty of attempted first-degree murder, guilty of attempted voluntary manslaughter and not guilty as possible verdicts.

He said, however, he would give Greenway the chance to show him that attempted voluntary manslaughter did not exist in North Carolina law as a possible verdict.

The jury returns at 9:30 a.m. today.

Contact Dale via e-mail at ldale@thedigitalcourier.com

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Court hears life sentence arguments RALEIGH (AP) — Justices on North Carolina’s highest court spent Tuesday parsing words and grilling attorneys about a decades-old law that could free several violent convicts because it may have defined a life sentence as 80 years.

Lawyers for a pair of inmates and the state officials gave only brief arguments before Supreme Court justices interrupted and began asking questions. Attorneys on both sides struggled to sell their simplified assertions about whether the 1970s law defined the prison sentences as life or as 80 years.

“This class of inmates received a life sentence,” said Robert Montgomery, an attorney for the state. “That fact cannot be changed.”

Justice Patricia TimmonsGoodson noted that the “life” terms were qualified by an 80-year limit. The statute says that “a sentence of life imprisonment shall be considered as a sentence of imprisonment for a term of 80 years in the state’s prison.”

“It has been defined differently, but you continue to talk in terms as ’life sentence, life sentence, life sentence,”’ TimmonsGoodson said.

Jane Allen, an attorney for inmates Alford Jones and Faye Brown, summed up her argument by declaring: “The Legislature said this is a sentence of 80-year incarceration.

Period.”

But Justice Mark Martin dismissed her simplicity: “It’s a little more confusing than that, because they call it ’life.”’

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 — 3A

Local/State

Weekend accidents numerous Police Notes

By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer

RUTHERFORDTON — A threevehicle crash Saturday at 9:45 p.m. sent three people to the hospital and also resulted in the arrest of the driver who was at fault.

Lt. Marc Morgan of the Rutherfordton Police Department said the accident occurred on Charlotte Road.

Randy James Porter of Spindale was charged with driving while impaired, failure to yield, and safety seat violation for driving with small children in the car not secured in safety seats.

Porter was driving a 1993 Honda station wagon, and was turning left from Charlotte Road onto Railroad Avenue, when he collided with a 2000 Chrysler driven by Danita Silvers of West Street, Spindale. The collision caused Silvers to hit a 1995 Buick driven by Paul Allen Radford of Forest City.

Silvers and her passenger, Dontrell Dover, were pinned in the vehicle and later transported to Rutherford Hospital by EMS. A passenger in Radford’s vehicle, Valerie Rodaret, went to the hospital by private vehicle.

A Forest City police officer was the first on the scene and radioed for help. Others assisting at the scene were Rutherfordton fire and police departments and Traffic Control.

At 8:30 a.m. Monday, Robert Benjamin Parker, 31, was driving a 1999 Dodge SUV on EllenboroHenrietta Road when he failed to properly negotiate a curve.

He ran off the road to the right, struck a couple of mailboxes and a driveway culvert before coming to a stop. Parker’s three children, Lindsay, 9, and twins Benjamin Shane Parker, 7, and Kesley Parker, 7, were also in the car. Lindsay and Benjamin were treated for minor injuries.

The accident also caused property damage at the home of Bobby and Lynn Bailey.

Parker was charged with driving with unsafe tires, said Patrolman J.S. Spence.

Dozens of accidents were reported Friday evening as snow began accumulating. Accidents with injuries reported by the NCHP were: At 6:20 p.m. Friday, Ashley Lauren Greene, 22, was driving a 2008 Dodge, Deobrah Neely Franklin, 32, of Ellenboro was driving a 2005 Ford and Lois Brackett Poole, 49, was

driving a 1995 Honda on U.S. 74B as snow had begun to accumulate.

Green and Franklin were traveling east and Poole was parked on the eastbound shoulder. Green’s vehicle hit Franklin’s car. It traveled off the road to the left and hit the parked Honda. Franklin was charged with failure to reduce speed. She was taken to Rutherford Hospital by EMS. At 6:45 p.m. Friday, two people were injured in another accident on U.S. 74B. Christopher D. Greene, 32, was driving a 1992 Ford truck and Linda Bright Erwin, 32, was driving a 2002 Chevrolet. Greene was traveling east and Erwin was traveling west. Greene lost control of his truck and traveled off the road to the right.

Greene told the NCHP as he was traveling off the road, a truck continued past him in a reckless manner, nearly losing control. Greene said that movement appeared to cause Erwin to lose control. She traveled left of center and struck the truck.

Erwin and her passenger, Amanda Greene, were taken to Rutherford Hospital. There were no charges.

At 6:30 p.m. Friday, 67-year-old Richard Warren Finding was driving a 2008 Ford SUV west on N.C. 226 when he lost control in a curve on a snow covered roadway. He traveled left of center, overturned and came to a stop upside down on the other side of the road. He and his wife Juanita Finding, 64, were taken to Rutherford Hospital.

Charles William Couch, 32, was driving a 2005 Chrysler west on US 74 Friday at 8:30 p.m. when he ran off the road, struck a mailbox and then struck a utility pole. He was charged with exceeding a safe speed.

He was injured, but was not transported to the hospital by EMS. Otis Suber Jr. 50, was driving a 1994 Honda, Sunday at 2:15 a.m. east on Old Henrietta Road and as he entered a sharp curve of Peppertown Road, his car ran off the road to the left, struck a fence and concrete barriers. He was charged with driving while impaired.

At 10:15 a.m. Sunday, James William Stanley, 73, of Mooresboro, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet on US 221-A when he traveled off the road to the right, crossed the center line, ran off the road again, struck a ditch, traveled a long ditch line and embankment before overturning. He was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Officers at the scene said he may have had a medical condition causing him to crash.

Wiring ignites blaze in house in Forest City FOREST CITY — An electrical wiring problem ignited a fire at a residence on Old Caroleen Road, Forest City at 8:37 p.m. Monday.

Scott Charles, who is renting the home, was not at home when the laundry room and an inside wall caught fire. He rents the home from Micheal Brown, Assistant Fire Chief Ferrell Hamrick said one room in the brick veneer home sustained extensive fire and heat damage and there was smoke damage throughout the home.

Charles stayed with relatives.

Sheriff's Department n The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department responded to 144 E-911 calls Monday.

Rutherfordton n Rutherfordton Police Department responded to 28 E-911 calls Monday.

Arrests n Michael William Powell, 58, of 446 Mamie Hampton Road; charged with failure to comply on child support; placed under a $600 cash bond.

(RCSD) n Ricky Dean Alley, 50, of 813 McDade Road; charged with assault on a female and assault by pointing a gun; placed under a 48-hour hold.

(RCSD) n Gregory Alan Whitaker, 45, of 4722 Ellenboro Highway; charged with shoplifting/ concealment; placed under a $500 secured bond.

(RCSD) n Ronnie Logan, 48, of 159 Edgewood Drive; charged with assault on a female; placed under a 48-hour hold and a $500 secured bond. (RCSD) n Joshua Craig Watson, 22, of 2772 Poors Ford Road; charged with obtain property by false pretense; placed under a $40,000 secured bond. (RCSD)

EMS/Rescue

Spindale n Spindale Police Department responded to 20 E-911 calls Monday.

n The Rutherford County EMS responded to 36 E-911 calls Monday.

Lake Lure

n The Volunteer Life Saving and Rescue, Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rutherford County Rescue responded to three E-911 calls Monday.

n Lake Lure Police Department responded to two E-911 calls Monday.

Fire Calls

Forest City n Forest City Police Department responded to 53 E-911 calls Monday. n Donald Payne reported an incident of obtaining property by false pretenses.

n Ellenboro responded to a motor vehicle accident. n Forest City responded to a house fire. n Shingle Hollow responded to a carbon monoxide report.

Court: Attack on man was racial RALEIGH (AP) — A North Carolina appeals court says a white man was the victim of a race-based attack by his girlfriend’s white neighbor.

The state Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld the conviction of David John Brown of Greensboro on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon with ethnic animosity.

Prosecutors said Brown fired two shotgun blasts at Ray Peterson in

2008. They say Brown had made racially charged insults to his neighbor, who is black and was dating Peterson.

The appeals court agreed that Brown shot at Peterson because he was a white man in a relationship with a black woman. The court said a jury could reasonably find that Brown only shot at Peterson out of his anger toward Peterson’s interracial relationship.

The Carolina Gospel Association Presents In Concert!

The Kingdom Heirs and Purpose at R/S Central High School Hwy. 221 N. Rutherfordton, N.C. on Thursday, February 18, at 7:00PM

ALL RECLINERS ON SALE Large Selection of (Leather & Cloth) Swivel Base are Available HOLLAND FURNITURE COMPANY SINCE 1920

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For this concert and the four remaining concerts, season tickets are available at the door for $36.

Single concert tickets will be available at the door for $12 for those who do not buy season tickets, with children 6-12 for $6 and children under 6 are free.

A spaghetti supper will be available from 5:30 until concert.

Provided by the Rutherford Housing Partnership.

The cost is on a requested donation basis of $6.

4A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 ■ A daily forum for opinion, commentary and editorials on the news that affects us all.

Jodi V. Brookshire/ publisher Steven E. Parham/ executive editor 601 Oak Street, P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, N.C. 28043 Phone: 245-6431 Fax: 248-2790

E-mail: dailycourier@thedigitalcourier.com

Our Views Nuclear issue is one to be faced

A

merica is a power-hungry nation and we are not talking about personal or political power — we are talking about electricity.

Sadly, as our power consumption has steadily increased over the decades, our electrical generation and distribution systems have not kept pace.

Now we are faced with difficult decisions and emotions will certainly be running high as utility companies attempt to make up the ground lost.

We have already seen that here with the decision by Duke Energy to expand and upgrade its coal-fired plant at Cliffside. We will see it as Duke moves ahead with its plans for a new nuclear power generating plant in Cherokee County (S.C.) Americans have always been leery of nuclear power, despite the fact that we have had nuclear plants operating for decades.

As President Obama Tuesday announced the federal government’s support for new nuclear plants in Georgia, we were again reminded of the intense feelings across this nation on the potential benefits and dangers of nuclear power. This is an issue that we all have to finally face and deal with openly, and honestly.

Our readers’ views Says thanks to hospital Says there’s no need team for great work to get another theater To the editor: I am writing in regards to health care in our community.

I am a resident of Rutherford County and I have a condition called pseudo tumor cerebrai (it’s swelling on my brain/headaches).

Recently, I needed to go the the local ER for treatment.

Since my insurance is out of network with Rutherford Hospital, the closest ER is 51 minutes and 39 miles away.

That is my first concern; the second is the lack of knowledge the other ER had about my condition.

That’s the reason I am writing this to the paper. I could call or write a thank you note to all who assisted me in my second round of treatment here at Rutherford Hospital (yes , I came back to Rutherford Hospital which is out of network to be treated) but it would have been mentioned to the staff maybe at a random staff meeting or put on a communication board somewhere for someone maybe to see.

I just want everyone to know, I would pay a million times over and put my trust in the staff at Rutherford Hospital any time.

I know Brent Curry, PA and I have had our disagreements in the past, but this includes you too Brent (I can eat my crow.)

If it weren’t for Brent, Dr. George Finch, Dr. James L Kirkpatrick, Keith Hill, PA and Paul, RN and the knowledge and advancements you and your staff made available to me, I probably would still be in pain today.

I thank all of the staff that helped in my recovery at Rutherford Hospital and I am glad to say you are my hometown choice regardless of what my insurance will pay. Thanks again.

Ora Katherine White Rutherfordton

To the editor: In regards to the town planers, I agree with Mr. (Chuck) Summey something needs to be done with the Florence Mill Project.

I think we spent most of our money on McNair Field which is fine and will bring a lot of revenue to the city for a long time, but to continue to opt to bring in a theater to the area is going to probably destroy the one we have.

And Mr. Packett has spent a lot of money on fixing up the old theater and has a lot of future plans for stadium seating if finances hold on for him and we will then hopefully have a great place to go for first-rate movies.

I again challenge the committee to go visit the theater and see the upgrades he has made. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

We do not need a new theater to take away jobs our community already has and the theater is actually in the Forest City district.

Please see fit to visit and give it a try before we reach out for something we already have.

Randy Herring Forest City

Letter Policy The Daily Courier would like to publish letters from readers on any subject of timely interest.

All letters must be signed. Writers should try to limit their submissions to 300 words. All letters must include a day and evening telephone number.

The editors reserve the right to edit letters for libelous content. All submissions should be sent to The Editor, P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, NC, 28043.

Letters may also be submitted via e-mail at dailycourier@thedigitalcourier.com or via our website at thedigitalcourier.com

The politics of state insurance must be addressed RALEIGH — One of the state’s largest employee groups is again beating on insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.

The opening for the State Employees Association of North Carolina was provided by revelations that former state Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, at the request of Blue Cross, gutted a piece of legislation designed to hold down prison inmates’ medical costs.

A recent state audit revealed that taxpayers are taking a bath when it comes to medical costs for inmates.

The cost is more than four times that of treating Medicaid patients.

Between 1999 and 2009, the total cost of providing medical care to prison inmates rose from $17.5 mil-

Today in North Carolina Scott Mooneyham

lion to $55.8 million.

The issue is a bit complicated, but Blue Cross apparently objected to a provision in the legislation that would require public hospitals to treat prison inmates as a condition of seeing state employees insured by the state. And the insurer, which administers claims for the state employee health plan, didn’t like prisoners’ rates being tied to the rates paid by the state health plan.

Blue Cross says that legislation forcing inmates the same as state employees vio-

lates its contract with the state. (A contract, by the way, negotiated for the state by a former Rand legislative aide and lawyer who now works for Blue Cross.)

So Rand stuck a provision into a “technical corrections” bill watering down the requirements and removing the real hammer — the requirement that public hospitals treat prison inmates as a condition of doing business with the state health plan.

Without that hammer, state prison officials negotiating power evaporated.

In response, SEANC’s executive director, Dana Cope, reiterated his call for the legislature get out of the business of health insurance administration.

“When one e-mail from an insurance executive takes

precedence over health care consumers and taxpayers, we have a problem,” he said.

Cope and SEANC have been pushing to have the state employee health plan overseen by either the state insurance commissioner or an executive branch agency under the governor, an attempt to get the plan away from legislative politics.

The dirty little secret regarding the current arrangement, in which the plan is overseen by a legislative committee: Now that Rand is gone from the legislature, you might be hard pressed to find a legislator who would disagree.

But State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and Gov. Beverly Perdue may not want the political hot potato that is

the state employee health plan.

It doesn’t really matter though.

This latest episode offers further proof that the plan needs different oversight.

Goodwin’s office is the proper place for it.

The revelations also make clear that Attorney General Roy Cooper and his deputes should be overseeing complex contract negotiations.

When the Department of Correction admits that it doesn’t have the expertise to negotiate these contracts, that would be another problem for taxpayers.

It’s time for Goodwin and Cooper to forget the politics and show leadership.

Mooneyham is executive director of the Capitol Press Association.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

—

5A

Local/Obituaries

Obituaries Barbara Edwards Barbara Edwards, 62, of Henrietta, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, at Rutherford Hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced

by McKinney-Landreth Funeral Home.

Sarah Jolley Sarah Lucille Hamrick Jolley, 88, of Caroleen, died Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, at Rutherford Hospital.

She was a daughter of the late Charles Amos Hamrick and Ella Maude Smart Hamrick, and also preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, George Earl Jolley.

She worked in textiles as a battery filler most of her life.

Mrs. Jolley was a long-time member of Caroleen Baptist Church, where she served as a pianist, organist, church clerk, WMU director, Sunday School secretary and the church’s historian. She was also a member and officer of the Lucille Wall Music Club for many years.

Survivors include her sister, Delois Hamrick Bass of Huntersville; two sisters-inlaw, a number of nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m.

Wednesday at Caroleen Baptist Church with Dr. Terry Hamrick and the Rev. Lanny J. Funchess officiating. Interment will follow in Bethel Baptist Church cemetery. Visitation was held Tuesday at Harrelson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Caroleen Baptist Church, P.O. Box 489, Caroleen, NC 28019.

Online condolences www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com.

Linda Yelton Linda Susan Holland Yelton, 60, of Bostic, died Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, at her residence.

She was a daughter of the late John Grover Holland and Roxanne Lovelace Holland.

She worked in textiles as a spinner and also worked at the Drop-In Convenience store in Forest City. She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Roxanne Yelton of Forest City; a grandson

and granddaughter; a brother, John Holland of Forest City; two sisters, Katie Lou Davis of Forest City, and Barbara Holland Moore of Ellenboro; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m.

Thursday at Harrelson Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Robert Harris officiating.

Interment will follow in the Walls Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Online condolences www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com.

Vance Price Vance Ransom Price, 85, of Winston-Salem, died Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

Born in Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Vance Ransom and Willie Hoyle Price.

He served in the Air Force from 1943 until 1946 and attended Mars Hill College.

Mr. Price worked as an agent for the Commercial Credit Corporation before he was employed as a golf course superintendent and retired from Bermuda Run in 1996.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as a greeter.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Stevens Price of the home; a brother, Rex of Forest; four daughters, Jean Robertson of Mocksville, Suzanne Reed of WinstonSalem, Cynthia Sisson of Millington, Tenn., and Lori Harper of Clemmons; 10 grandchildren; and 10 greatgrandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church with Dr. Gary Chapman and the Rev. William Toburen officiating. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 9 to 10:15 a.m., prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Piedmont Baptist College, 420 S. Broad St., WinstonSalem, NC 27101.

Salem Funeral Home is assisting the Price family.

Online condolences www.salemfh. com.

Evelyn Frances Enloe Evelyn Frances Enloe, age 78, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Monday, February 15, 2010, at Hospice House of Rutherford County in Forest City, NC. She was a member of the Mountain Creek Baptist Church where she participated in the quilting circle. She was also a former member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Greer, SC. where she was very active. Mrs. Enloe retired from Belk’s in Forest City, NC. Mrs. Enloe was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebekah A. Lattimore.

A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Edgar Leander Davis and the late Lily Blankenship Davis.

She is survived by her husband, Charles H. Enloe; one daughter, Charlene V. Hollingsworth of Chesnee, SC; three sons, Charles W. Enloe of Greenville, SC, E. Davis Enloe of Greenville, SC and G. Brantley Enloe of Inman, SC; one brother, Max Davis of Pennsylvania; one sister, Cathy Humphries of Rutherfordton, NC; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Mountain Creek Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Mountain Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Honeycutt officiating. Interment will be at Mountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Rutherfordton, NC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences at: www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com Paid obit.

Nancy L. Bentzley Nancy L. Bentzley, age 65, of 179 Firpo Drive, Forest City, NC, died Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Rutherford Hospital.

Nancy was born September 9, 1944 in Worchester County, Massachusetts to the late Howard Chapman and Ruth Verge Chapman. She worked at GenPack Industries and SonocoCrellin Industries as an Inspector/ Packer before her retirement.

She attended the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church and enjoyed sewing and cooking.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, David and George Chapman.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Edward L. Bentzley; two sons, Edward H. Bentzley and Scott H. Bentzley; one grandson, Noah Hughes and a sister, Evelyn Wheeler all of Forest City; also her brother in-law, Patrick J. Bentzley and his wife, Betty, of Fremont, CA. Memorial services will be conducted at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2010 in the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Father Herbert Burke and Deacon Andy Cilone officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.

Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the family.

An online guest registry is available at: www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com Paid obit.

Deaths Dana Kirk MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Dana Kirk, who coached the Memphis State Tigers to a 1985 Final Four appearance that was vacated because of NCAA violations, has died.

He was 74.

Kirk was fired after the 1986 season, just before he was indicted on income tax evasion. Kirk was 158-58 in seven years at the school now called the University of Memphis. The team was 31-4 when it went to the Final Four.

Sylvia Pressler NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Sylvia Pressler, a trailblazing judge whose 1973 ruling opened Little League baseball to girls, has died. She was 75.

While serving as a hearing examiner with New Jersey’s Division on Civil Rights, Pressler ruled that a 12-yearold northern New Jersey girl should have been allowed to play on a Little League team.

“The institution of Little League is as American as the hot dog and apple pie,” Pressler wrote in a sharply worded opinion. “There is no reason why that part of Americana should be withheld from girls.”

The ruling was decried by Little League as “conceived in vindictive and prejudicial fashion of the worst kind,” but it was upheld on appeal, and New Jersey became the first state to bar sex discrimination in Little League.

By the following year, Little League amended its charter to allow girls and also created a softball division.

Pressler’s own career took shape at a time when the legal profession was overwhelmingly male. She earned her law degree from Rutgers in 1960 and was one of the

Vance Ransom Price Mr. Vance Ransom Price, 85, of Winston-Salem, NC, died Monday, February15, 2010 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

Mr. Price was born on March 8, 1924 in Rutherford County, NC to Vance Ransom and Willie Hoyle Price. He served in the Air Force from 1943 until 1946 and was always proud to have served his country. He attended Mars Hill College where he met his future wife, Grace Stevens, whom he married in 1947.

Mr. Price worked as an agent for the Commercial Credit Corporation before he was employed at Tanglewood Park in 1964, primarily as the Golf Course Superintendent. He oversaw the rebuilding of the course for the 1974 PGA Tournament, and guarded the course with a passion that was surprising to strangers, but totally predictable by those who knew him well. He continued his career in a similar manner at Bermuda Run Country Club when he became the Golf Course Superintendent in August, 1977.

After his retirement from Bermuda Run in 1996 Mr. Price continued his devotion to work on Whispering Oaks farm. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a greeter.

Mr. Price is survived by his wife, Grace, of the home; a brother, Rex of Forest City, NC and four daughters, Jean Robertson and husband, Steve of Mocksville, Suzanne Reed and husband, Rick of Winston-Salem, Cynthia Sisson and husband, Dayton of Millington, TN, and Lori Harper and husband, Randy of Clemmons. He has ten grandchildren, Mark and Jeff Robertson, Suzy Robertson Howell, Amy Robertson Davis, Emily Reed Ackley, Casey and Sally Reed, Price, Reed and Vance Harper.

He also has ten great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 18, at Calvary Baptist Church with Dr. Gary Chapman and Rev. William Toburen officiating.

Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 9-10:15 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Piedmont Baptist College, 420 S. Broad Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

Salem Funeral Home is assisting the Price family.

Online condolences may be made through: www.salemfh.com Paid obit

first women in the state to clerk for an Appellate Division judge.

Dick Francis LONDON (AP) — Dick Francis, the best-selling British thriller writer and former champion jockey, died on Sunday in his home in the Cayman Islands. He was 89.

A successful steeplechase jockey, Francis turned to writing after he retired from racing in 1957. He penned 42 novels, many of which featured racing as a theme. His books were translated into more than 20 languages, and in 2000 Queen Elizabeth II honored Francis by making him a Commander of the British Empire.

During his career, Francis won three Edgar Allen Poe awards given by The Mystery Writers of America.

Marjorie Faye Crawford Dixon Marjorie Faye Crawford Dixon, 79, of Bostic, formerly of Spindale, died Saturday, Feb. 13 at Rutherford Hospital.

A native of Rutherford County, she was a daughter of the late Sherman T. and Ruth Narcissus Wilson Crawford, and the wife of the late Alton Wilburn Dixon. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five sisters, Lou Miller, Corrie Freeman, Lilly Dobbins, Elizabeth Hartman and Joyce Carver, and two brothers, Grady Crawford and Kenneth Crawford.

She is survived by her son, Donald Dixon of Spindale; two daughters, Mary Sadler and husband, Bruce of St. Petersburg, FL and Vicki Deaton and husband, Russell of Fayetteville, AR; three grandchildren, Katy Deaton, Will Deaton, and Samantha Sadler; and her beloved niece, Judy Wolfe and her children and grandchildren.

Faye was an active member of Spencer Baptist Church for more than four decades. She served on several committees throughout the years, most recently as assistant Sunday School teacher at Henderson Care and a member of the Spencer Baptist Church Kitchen Band.

She was an active member of the community, serving as an election worker and volunteering at the Habitat For Humanity Resale store. She was a long time employee of Spindale Savings and Loan. She loved to entertain, make homemade mints, sew, needlepoint, make Christmas arts and crafts, dance, read, and travel.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 17 at 2 PM at Crowe’s Chapel with the Revs.

Billy Vaughn and Bruce Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Crowe’s Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Spencer Baptist Church, 207 N. Oak Street, Spindale, NC 28160.

An online guest register is availabel at: www.crowemortuary.com Paid obit.

THE DAILY COURIER Published 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) 245-6431 Fax: (828) 248-2790 Subscription 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 payable in advance are: $13.38 for one month, $40.14 for three months, $80.27 for six months, $160.54 per year. Outside county: $14.55 for one month, $43.64 for three months, $87.28 for six months, $174.56 per year. College students for school year subscription, $75.

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Linda Susan Holland Yelton Linda Susan Holland Yelton, age 60, of Bostic, NC, died Sunday, February 14, 2010 at her residence.

Linda was born September 28, 1949 to the late John Grover Holland and Roxanne Lovelace Holland. She worked in textiles as a spinner and also worked at the Drop In Convenience store in Forest City. She was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Sara Barnes and Peggy Dixon and by two brothers, G.C. Holland and Jimmy Holland.

Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Roxanne Yelton of Forest City; grandson, Cain Vickers of Ellenboro; granddaughter, Hannah Yelton of Shelby, NC; a brother, John Holland of Forest City; two sisters, Katie Lou Davis and her husband, Laudice, of Forest City and Barbara Holland Moore and her husband, F.P., of Ellenboro and by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2010 in the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Robert Harris officiating. Interment will follow in the Walls Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the family.

An online guest registry is available at: www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com Paid obit

Sarah Lucille Hamrick Jolley Sarah Lucille Hamrick Jolley, age 88, of Caroleen, NC, died Monday, February 15, 2010 at Rutherford Hospital.

Sarah was born September 26, 1921 to the late Charles Amos Hamrick and Ella Maude Smart Hamrick. She worked in textiles as a battery filler most of her life.

She was a long-time member of Caroleen Baptist Church where she faithfully served as a pianist, organist, church clerk, WMU director, Sunday School Secretary and the church’s historian. She was also a member and officer of the Lucille Wall Music Club for many years. She enjoyed cooking her special angel food cakes for her church family and friends.

She had a passion for sacred music, the Lord Jesus, the church and her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, George Earl Jolley and two brothers, Charles Claude Hamrick and Dwight Ray Hamrick.

Survivors include her sister, Delois Hamrick Bass and her husband, Marvin, of Huntersville, NC; two sister in-laws, Ruth Bland Hamrick and Frances Henson both of Forest City; two nephews, Dr. Terry Ray Hamrick and his wife, Judy, of Norcross, GA and Thomas Dwight Hamrick and his wife, Karen, of Forest City; two nieces, Rosemary Hamrick Mayes and her husband, Terrill, of Charlotte and Emory Bass of Huntersville. She is also survived by two grand nephews, two grand nieces, two great nephews and three great nieces.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Caroleen Baptist Church with Dr. Terry Hamrick and Reverend Lanny J. Funchess officiating.

Interment will follow in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family received friends on Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Memorial donations have been requested to Caroleen Baptist Church, PO Box 489, Caroleen, NC 28019.

Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the family.

An online guest registry is available at: www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com Paid obit.

6A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Calendar/Local Mason Continued from Page 1A

Meetings/other Public meeting: Rutherford County Farmer’s Market and Youth/ Livestock Building Committee will meet Thursday, Feb. 18, at the county annex in Rutherfordton. Meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. The committee will be reviewing both projects and outlining a proposed schedule of meetings.

Annual membership meeting: Saturday, Feb. 20, 3:30 p.m., Union Mills Learning Center, 6495 Hudlow Road, Union Mills; all UMLC members and prospective members welcome; call 287-2191 for information.

SAR meeting: (Sons of the American Revolution) will meet Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County, 319 Doggett Road, Forest City. Meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Prospective members welcome.

Dedication ceremony: Youth Empowerment, Inc. will dedicate the Burtchus R. Lathan Jr. Power Center at noon Saturday, Feb. 27.

Speaker, Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton.

The center is located at 182 Sparks Dr., Forest City. Reception afterwards. For information call 2881021.

Miscellaneous Washburn Community Outreach Center will hold a half-price sale on all winter apparel through Saturday, Feb. 20. The store is located at 2934 Piney Mtn. Church Road, Bostic.

Scentsy open house: Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. until noon; at Styles Unlimited, 74 Bsn., Ellenboro; Scentsy is a line of scented tart warmers and other fragrances for the home; door prizes will be given; Amanda Melton, owner.

Free food: Free food will be given away to those in need Saturday, Feb. 20, at Forest City Foursquare Church, from noon to 3 p.m, (or until food runs out).

Walk-in soccer registration: Spring recreational season; Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at the Spindale House; bring birth certificate; $40 first player, $35 each additional sibling; call 286-0073 for more information.

Play/supper: Saturday, Feb. 20, Union Mills Learning Center auditorium; “Stand for Freedom,” a play on the American Revolutionary War, begins at 6 p.m.; cast of approximately 50 homeschool children ages 5-16; spaghetti supper 4:30 to 6 p.m.; adults $6; children under 12, $4; all you can eat.

2nd Annual food giveaway: Saturday, Feb. 27, beginning at 11 a.m., Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Sandy Mush area; one box of food (per family) for those in need.

Fundraisers Fundraiser: Saturday, Feb. 20, begins at 3 p.m., Pearidge Community Center, 3365 Pearidge Road; soup and sandwiches, and hot dogs; $5 per person, all you can eat; sponsored by the Pearidge Ruritan Club; proceeds for community service projects.

Plate sale: Saturday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Doggett Grove AME Zion Church; chitterlins plates $8, includes dessert and drink.

Music/concerts Gospel Showcase: Friday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m., at Chase High School auditorium; featuring The Millwood Family, In His Glory, Mercy’s Touch, and the Golden Valley Crusaders; $10 at the door; all proceeds go toward the purchase of band uniforms.

CEC Choir performance: Chase, East and Central high student choir will perform Saturday, Feb. 20, at Zion Hill AME Zion Church. Music begins at 6 p.m.

Simple Faith Trio will be in concert Sunday, Feb. 21, at Goodes Creek Baptist Church, off Ferry Road, Mooresboro. Singing begins at 6 p.m.

Cross Reference will be in concert Sunday, Feb. 21, at Sandy Level Baptist Church at 6 p.m.

The Royal Quartet will be in concert Sunday, Feb. 28, at Harris Baptist Church. Singing begins at 2 p.m.

Gospel singing program: Sunday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m., St. Paul AME Zion Church, 200 Lawing Road, Forest City; on program — St. Luke Holiness Church choir, Four Square Gospel Choir, New Zion Gospel Choir and several other groups; Rev. Beauford Brown, pastor.

Singing: Sunday, March 7, 7 p.m., Riverside Baptist Church, Hogan Road, Harris; featuring the Royal Quartet of Forest City.

position, Bennett said, and 800 online surveys were completed.

“Mrs. Mason comes to us with an impressive background in terms of her extensive experience, achievement and dedication,” Bennett said. “Her contributions have assisted in increasing the levels of academic progress, achievement and success for all students. We are delighted to attract such a high-caliber superintendent to Rutherford County Schools and especially proud that this person is a product of our very own school system, both in her own education and in her work experiences.

“She truly understands our school system from inside out.”

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier Bennett opened the floor to other New School Superintendent Janet Mason shakes hands with well-wishers. board members for comment.

“I’ve long recognized our outstanddous economic hurdles. We must con- School and then to director of middle ing educators,” said Carolyn Keever. tinue to work with our parents, our and high school curriculum for the “It is with much excitement that we community and other stakeholders to district. Prior to serving as assistant recognize one of our own as superprovide every student with the qualsuperintendent, Mason was princiintendent of Rutherford County ity education they deserve and need pal at East Rutherford High School.

Schools.”

Mason has continued her own educaBoard Vice Chair Sherry Bright said to succeed in an economy that will require them to be lifelong learners.” tion, attaining a master of education Mason brings “the total package.”

Mason said despite tough economic degree in 1988 and an education “You can’t speak to her without seespecialist degree in 2001, both from ing the passion she has for Rutherford times, the system had to find ways to move forward for its students, conConverse College. She will graduate County Schools,” Bright said. tinually examining its practices and from the doctoral program in eduMember Ritchie Garland said he aligning priorities. cational leadership from Western was 100 percent confident Mason “We do many things well in our Carolina University in May. would embrace the opportunity to schools, but it is imperative that we Mason is a member of the Forest lead the county, and member Barry continue to improve the educational City Kiwanis and is a 2004 graduGold said that in reviewing the applioutcomes for many of our students ate of Leadership Rutherford. She cants “It didn’t take long to see Mrs. who are not performing to their has previously served on the board of Mason came right to the top.” potential,” she said. “I am committed directors for Leadership Rutherford.

Kinlaw applauded the board on its to working together with our parents, She lives in Forest City with her husdecision and said it had hit a home teachers, school leaders, staff, the band, Rick, and daughter, Meredith. run in its decision. community and the school board to She is the daughter of James and Beth “Janet does not merely accept accomplish the goals of our system.”

Harmon of Forest City. responsibility for the performance Mason continued that the system Mason will officially begin her new of this system, but welcomes it. Her must rise to the challenge of supportduties June 30. heart is clearly still in the classroom,” ing our students in new ways even as Bennett applauded the accomplishhe said. students are asked to work harder. ments of Kinlaw, particularly in the Following the board’s vote, Mason “I am committed to ensuring every areas of increased academic perwas introduced to a standing ovation child we serve is prepared to reach formance and improved graduation and took the microphone to speak. his or her full potential and that we rates, as well as technology enhance“I am humbled by and very gratedo our part to provide the academic ments, cost savings and fiscal manful for the board’s confidence in me rigor and support our students need agement. to serve as superintendent of the to reach their academic potential,” “We are grateful for all that Dr. Rutherford County Schools,” Mason Mason said.

Kinlaw brought to our county, and we said. “Our schools have made great Mason began with RCS first as a look forward to a continued period progress, but there are many chalmath teacher at Chase High School of improvement under Mrs. Mason’s lenges ahead for our school system followed by more than 15 years as leadership.” as we confront the critical need to a teacher at East Rutherford High increase academic rigor and support School. She was later promoted to Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@thefor all students in the face of tremendigitalcourier.com. assistant principal at Chase Middle

Academic Continued from Page 1A

with R-S winning with more than 200 points.

“We coached this group last year,” Martin said.

The competition, which also included Chase and East Rutherford middle schoolers, is set up in a round robin type of play, Gaddis said, with 20 questions in regular play. During the final round 25 questions are given,

Family Continued from Page 1A

babies.

Tina has been a part of March for Babies for a couple years and said she is interested in becoming more involved. Last year Jacob was the Rutherford Hospital team’s ambassador child.

Hill, who is a nurse in Rutherford Hospital’s emergency room, said when she went for a routine doctor’s visit, her pregnancy had been pretty normal up to that point, just nauseated.

When her blood pressure was checked, it was higher than usual and was fluctuating.

After her belly was measured, Dr. Robin Pendleton of Rutherford

with a correct answer yielding bonus questions for additional points.

Questions ranged from “What do the colors red and white make when combined?” to mathematical equations, always a favorite for students.

“They like to get those because they think there’s more of a chance to answer correctly,” Gaddis said. “Some of the questions can be really challenging and it’s kind of just luck of the draw.”

The questions for the challenge come from Triple Q Questions.

Questions are geared to the junior varsity quiz bowl level, Gaddis said.

Students who take part at the middle school level often take part at the high school level as well.

OB-GYN concluded she was about 7 centimeters too small.

She was sent home to do a 24-hour urine test and when she returned to the doctors two days later, her protein levels were too high and she underwent an ultrasound.

Dr. Celeste Wiltse informed Tina her baby’s body size was of a 33 week old, but his head was only the size of a 27 week old. “I broke down immediately,” she said. She was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and was told she would have her baby that day at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Tina was put on magnesium sulfate and she couldn’t see her newborn baby for 24 hours. Jeremy brought pictures of Jacob to her. “I could hardly see him because of all the tubes and wires connected to him.

He was so small. Jeremy could put his wedding ring all the way up Jacob’s arm,” he said.

Tina said it was the couple’s goal was to take Jacob home. Before he could leave the hospital, he had to reach two goals. He had to be able to eat on his own and maintain his body temperature without an isolette.

“I’ve been doing this now for more than a decade and I see students now in college who remember being in quiz bowl in middle school,” Gaddis said.

Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@thedigitalcourier.com.

After 30 days in the NICU and weighing 3 pounds and 10 ounces Jacob went home.

“He was still so small, but he was the perfect little baby to me,” Tina said.

The goal for the Rutherford County March for Babies is $55,000.

Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 — 7A

Inside Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . Page 8A Snowboarders . . . . . . Page 9A Olympics . . . . . . . . . . Page 9A

R-S Central pushes past Chase, 79-53

Braves’ Jurrjens to have MRI on shoulder ATLANTA (AP) — Braves right-hander Jair Jurrjens has been scheduled for a scan Wednesday to determine the cause of soreness in his right shoulder.

Jurrjens could enter the season as the team’s No. 1 starter after going 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA last year, the third-best ERA in the NL. Braves general manager Frank Wren says Jurrjens reported early to the team’s spring training facility in Kissimmee, Fla. Soreness in the shoulder led to the decision for Jurrjens to have the MRI in Atlanta.

Wren says the scan is precautionary and Jurrjens could return to Florida after the exam “if everything is OK.”

McMurray savors wild ride of victory NEW YORK (AP) — Jamie McMurray says he didn’t even know about the pothole that caused the first delay at the Daytona 500 and required a pink goo filler.

McMurray overcame the twohour pothole delay and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the final lap of a double-overtime sprint finish to win his first Daytona 500.

McMurray said Tuesday during a stop in New York that he thought it was a piece of rubber causing the delay, noting the track was shaded at that spot.

The 36-year-old from Joplin, Mo., brushed off the two delays Sunday, using the down time to talk to his crew chief.

McMurray made the rounds of talk shows before heading to Los Angeles for the Auto Club 500 on Sunday.

Case McCoy follows QB brother at Texas FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy says his younger brother made the “perfect decision” to follow in his footsteps with the Longhorns.

Case McCoy is one of two standout quarterbacks Texas signed this month in a highly rated recruiting class. He and Connor Wood are already enrolled in class and will participate in spring drills.

By KEVIN CARVER Daily Courier Sports Reporter

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

R-S Central’s Taylor McDaniel (20) moves through the Chase defense during the basketball at Central, Tuesday.

RUTHERFORDTON — R-S Central girls basketball team survived their first round SMAC Tournament game following a 15-0 run in the fourth to pull away from Chase, 79-53, at home Tuesday.

Chase led for most of the first half, but R-S Central claimed the advantage for the final time in the third period. The Lady Hilltoppers closed the game with back-to-back 3s by Mercedes Davis, which stretched Central’s lead to 59-51 with five minutes to go in the fourth frame.

R-S Central was led by 30 points and eight steals from Shannon Hines.

Mercedes Davis put up 13 points and Melissa McLaughlin had 10.

Chase led for the first 15 minutes of the first half as they took an early 6-0 lead off a Kaitlyn Smart runner and Daisha Edwards posted two more easy Please see R-S Central, Page 8A

East Rutherford prevails over Patton

By JACOB CONLEY Daily Courier Sports Reporter

FOREST CITY — Shaquisha Dawkins refused to let her team lose, scoring 34 points in a come-from-behind 62-55 win by the Lady Cavs in the 1st round of the SMAC tournament.

“It was an ugly win, but it was a win,” said East coach Larry Ross. “Now we have to go play just as hard tomorrow against the conference champs.”

East fell behind 4-0 early, but Kaziah Miller scored four straight points to knot the contest at the six-minute mark of the first quarter. The game turned physical as the teams engaged in an up-and-down style, which resulted in numerous fouls with East entering the double bonus in the opening stanza.

However, the Lady Cavs did not take full advantage of their opportunities from the stripe and trailed, 14-11, at the end of the first.

The foul shooting contest continued in the second, as East got to within two, 16-14, on a Dawkins’ put-back off a miss from the stripe.

Patton then went on extended run to Scott Bowers/Daily Courier go up by ten, 26-16, before Dawkins hit East Rutherford Coach Larry Ross talks with his charges during the break at the a 3 to cut the deficit to seven. The teams end of the first period, Tuesday, in the game against Patton. The Lady Cavaliers traded tallies for the rest of the way were playing as the No. 4 seed in the 2009-10 South Mountain 3A/2A Athletic Conference and were looking to advance into the semi-finals with a win against the Please see East Rutherford, Page 8A Lady Panthers.

Local Sports BASKETBALL 2009-10 SMAC Basketball Tournament Girls Semi-Finals at Freedom High 6 p.m. No. 3 R-S Central vs.

No. 2 Shelby 7:30 p.m. No. 4 East Rutherford vs. No. 1 Freedom

On TV 3 p.m. (WYFF) XXI Winter Olympics Cross Country Skiing. Cross country skiing: men’s and women’s sprint Gold Medal.

7 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball Duke at Miami.

7 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Notre Dame at Louisville.

9 p.m. (ESPN) NBA Basketball Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks.

9 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Texas at Missouri.

9 p.m. (FSS) College Basketball Maryland at North Carolina State.

10:30 p.m. (TS) NBA Basketball Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Clippers.

11 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Louisiana Tech at Utah State.

R-S Central’s Shaq Wilkins (21) pushes past Freedom during the basketball game at R-S Central, Tuesday.

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Freedom knocks off the Hilltoppers

By KEVIN CARVER Daily Courier Sports Reporter

RUTHERFORDTON — Mistakes and foul trouble literally did in R-S Central’s boys basketball team, losing 69-55, in the first round of the SMAC Tournament, Tuesday.

Central fell behind just before the first quarter ended and never found the lead after that period in a monumental loss with a No. 2 seed in the playoffs on the line.

R-S Central instead earns the No. 3 seed and will travel, next week, to the

Big South No. 1 seed, which is likely Forestview or Hunter Huss.

“We didn’t rebound and we talked about blocking out at the half and I take responsibility in not having us Please see Hilltoppers, Page 8A

8A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

sports

Nets get 5th win, Scoreboard knock off Bobcats OLYMPICS CHARLOTTE (AP) — If only the Nets could play the Bobcats more, the worst record in NBA history might not be in jeopardy.

Courtney Lee scored 21 points, Devin Harris added 17 and New Jersey never trailed in beating Charlotte 103-94 on Tuesday night for only its fifth win of the season.

Two of them have come against the Bobcats, who were the first team to lose to the Nets after their 0-18 start.

R-S Central Continued from Page 7A

buckets.

Chase stretched that lead out to 14-6 with Euletha Davis’ assist as Smart cut to the basket for a deuce.

Central kept coming back in the first quarter, but the Lady Trojans’ Kendra Holcombe 3-ball gave Chase an 18-13 lead at the end of the frame.

In the second quarter, Central tied Chase at 26 with a Hines’ 3 and then closed out on an 11-6 run to take a 37-32 lead at the half.

After the break, Claudette Miller of the Trojans banked a two off the glass and collected the free throw for a 44-43 Chase lead, briefly.

Hines drained another 3 for R-S Central moments later to take back the lead that they never surrendered.

Though Central will move on to the semis tonight at Freedom, the hard-fought loss ends the season for Chase.

“In the first half, we took advantage offensively of what looks they gave us defensively, but we didn’t take care of the ball in the second half,” Chase coach Eric Martin said. “We showed improvement this season and we will have a core group back next year. It would be nice to have Euletha Davis back though.”

Smart led Chase with 18 points and Holcombe added 12. Edwards and Davis, who graduates in June, had nine points each for the Lady Trojans.

East Rutherford Continued from Page 7A

until Shanay Watkins hit one of two free throws with 4.2 seconds left to make the halftime score, 34-28.

Dawkins hit a runner to open the third and the margin remained at four. East went on a 6-0 run, keyed by Dawkins as East took a 38-36 lead 3:05 left in the 3rd.

Dawkins continued to carry the scoring load for East, but it was Watkins who hit a turnaround jumper at the buzzer to lift her team to a 48-43 lead going into the final quarter.

Watkins, midway through the fourth, converted a pretty backdoor play to put the Lady Cavs up by seven, 52-45. After Patton had cut the score to 52-48, Dawkins converted a three-point play to push the lead back up to seven at the 2:37 mark and East held on for the win.

The Lady Cavs will face No. 1 seed Freedom, tonight at Freedom, with a scheduled 7:30 p.m. tip.

Hilltoppers Continued from Page 7A

prepared,” R-S Central coach Greg Wright said.

“We have played well for four games and then to revert back to old habits and the same attitude we had at mid-season is just beyond me. Freedom outplayed us in every way a team can tonight, and I give them credit.”

The Hilltoppers, who committed 27 fouls overall, went over the limit in both halves and also made a number of mental errors throughout to dig a hole they couldn’t climb out of Tuesday.

Freedom held on to a 17-16 lead after the first quarter and then stretched it to 35-26 lead at the half.

Central produced a 7-0 run to start the third period to cut it 35-33 and Jacob Kinlaw soft floater tied the game at 43-all. However, Jacotine Jordan answered with a 3 before making a steal and lay up to end the third period with Freedom up 48-43.

The visitors went up by 12, but Shaq Wilkins hit a four-point play with four minutes left to trim the Freedom lead to 61-53.

Moments later, Jordan splashed a top of the key 3 and the Patriots hit 13-of-18 from the free throw line to move onto the second round of SMAC tourney.

Wilkins paced Central with 14 points.

Winter Olympic Medals Table Through 2 of 5 medal events 18 of 90 total medal events Nation G S B United States 2 2 4 Germany 2 3 1 France 2 0 4 Canada 1 2 1 Switzerland 3 0 0 South Korea 2 1 0 Norway 0 2 1 Italy 0 1 2 Sweden 2 0 0 China 1 1 0 Slovakia 1 1 0 Czech Republic 1 0 1 Austria 0 1 1 Japan 0 1 1 Netherlands 1 0 0 Australia 0 1 0 Estonia 0 1 0 Poland 0 1 0 Croatia 0 0 1 Russia 0 0 1

Tot 8 6 6 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE East Division W L Pct 32 18 .640 29 23 .558 20 32 .385 19 32 .373 4 48 .077 Southeast Division

W L Pct Orlando 36 18 .667 Atlanta 33 18 .647 Charlotte 26 25 .510 Miami 26 27 .491 Washington 17 33 .340 Central Division

W L Pct Cleveland 43 11 .796 Chicago 25 26 .490 Milwaukee 24 27 .471 Detroit 18 33 .353 Indiana 18 34 .346

Boston Toronto Philadelphia New York New Jersey

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

W L Pct Dallas 32 20 .615 San Antonio 30 21 .588 Houston 27 24 .529 New Orleans 28 25 .528 Memphis 26 25 .510 Northwest Division

W L Pct Denver 35 18 .660 Utah 32 19 .627 Oklahoma City 30 21 .588 Portland 31 24 .564 Minnesota 13 40 .245 Pacific Division

W L Pct L.A. Lakers 41 13 .759 Phoenix 31 22 .585 L.A. Clippers 21 31 .404 Sacramento 18 34 .346 Golden State 14 37 .275

GB — 4 13 13½ 29 GB — 1½ 8½ 9½ 17 GB — 16½ 17½ 23½ 24 GB — 1½ 4½ 4½ 5½ GB — 2 4 5 22 GB — 9½ 19 22 25½

Saturday’s Games No games scheduled

Sunday’s Games East 141, West 139 Monday’s Games No games scheduled Tuesday’s Games New Jersey 103, Charlotte 94 Miami 105, Philadelphia 78 Minnesota at Detroit, late New York at Chicago, late Phoenix at Memphis, late Dallas at Oklahoma City, late Utah at Houston, late Boston at Sacramento, late L.A. Clippers at Portland, late Golden State at L.A. Lakers, late

Calgary Minnesota Edmonton

62 30 23 9 69 156 61 30 27 4 64 171 61 19 36 6 44 153 Pacific Division

GP W L OT Pts GF San Jose 62 40 13 9 89 204 Phoenix 63 37 21 5 79 167 Los Angeles 61 37 20 4 78 185 Dallas 61 28 21 12 68 175 Anaheim 62 30 25 7 67 177

Tuesday’s College Basketball Major Scores EAST Hofstra 82, Delaware 69 Princeton 58, Penn 51 Stony Brook 86, UMBC 72 SOUTH Charleston Southern 94, North Greenville 65 E. Illinois 83, Tenn.-Martin 68 Georgia St. 77, James Madison 72 Murray St. 80, SE Missouri 68 Northeastern 65, UNC Wilmington 56 Old Dominion 78, Towson 67 Radford 74, Liberty 69 South Florida 65, Cincinnati 57 UCF 68, Houston 65 UNC Asheville 69, Presbyterian 66, OT VMI 91, High Point 84 Va. Commonwealth 73, Drexel 54 Virginia Tech 87, Wake Forest 83 William & Mary 63, George Mason 60 Winthrop 69, Gardner-Webb 64 MIDWEST Indiana St. 75, Bradley 69, OT Michigan St. 72, Indiana 58

HOCKEY National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE East Division

GP W L OT Pts GF New Jersey 61 37 21 3 77 162 Pittsburgh 62 36 22 4 76 195 Philadelphia 60 32 25 3 67 179 N.Y. Rangers 62 28 27 7 63 161 N.Y. Islanders 62 25 29 8 58 159 Northeast Division

GP W L OT Pts GF Ottawa 63 36 23 4 76 178 Buffalo 60 33 18 9 75 166 Boston 60 27 22 11 65 149 Montreal 63 29 28 6 64 164 Toronto 61 19 31 11 49 162 Southeast Division

GP W L OT Pts GF Washington 62 41 13 8 90 247 Tampa Bay 61 26 24 11 63 160 Atlanta 60 26 24 10 62 182 Florida 61 24 27 10 58 155 Carolina 61 24 30 7 55 168 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF 61 41 15 5 87 199 61 33 23 5 71 170 61 28 21 12 68 159 62 28 25 9 65 163 63 25 28 10 60 166 Northwest Division

GP W L OT Pts GF Vancouver 61 37 22 2 76 194 Colorado 61 35 20 6 76 178

Chicago Nashville Detroit St. Louis Columbus

GA 144 179 160 169 194 GA 179 152 154 176 208 GA 177 182 194 177 194 GA 146 173 164 172 203 GA 152 158

156 178 211 GA 153 158 166 186 189

Monday’s Games No games scheduled Tuesday’s Games No games scheduled Wednesday’s Games No games scheduled

TRANSACTIONS Tuesday’s Sports Transactions

BASEBALL American League DETROIT TIGERS—Agreed to terms with RHP Eddie Bonine, C Alex Avila, INF Brent Dlugach, OF Brennan Boesch and OF Wilkin Ramirez on one-year contracts.

TEXAS RANGERS—Agreed to terms with OF Endy Chavez on a minor league contract.

American Association LINCOLN SALTDOGS—Signed INF Chris Brown.

Can-Am League BROCKTON ROX—Signed RHP Louis Gabel.

FOOTBALL National Football League ATLANTA FALCONS—Promoted quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave to assistant head coach.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS—Promoted Larry Hess to head trainer. Named Paul Kelly assistant to the head coach/football administration.

Canadian Football League SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS—Re-signed LS Jocelyn Frenette.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS—Re-signed WR P.K. Sam. Signed CB Byron Parker and OL Cedric Gagne-Marcoux.

United Football League UFL—Announced the New York Sentinels will relocate to Hartford, Conn.

HOCKEY National Hockey League COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS—Assigned D Mathieu Roy to Syracuse (AHL).

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING—Reassigned RW Brandon Bochenski to Norfolk (AHL).

American Hockey League AHL—Suspended Toronto RW Andre Deveaux three games for his actions in a game at Manitoba on Friday and San Antonio RW Francis Lessard two games for his actions in a game at Peoria on Saturday.

ECHL ECHL—Fined Elmira F Justin Donati an undisclosed amount for a game misconduct penalty during Sunday’s game against Trenton. Fined Elmira coach Steve Martinson an undisclosed amount for his actions during Saturday’s game against Wheeling.

MOTORSPORTS SPORTS CAR CLUB OF AMERICA—Named Reece White public relations manager.

COLLEGE JAMES MADISON—Dismissed sophomore RB Corwin Acker from the football team due to a violation of team rules.

Lady Gryphons notch first-ever conference win From staff reports

AVONDALE — After playing top competitors like Owen and Polk close, but not putting together complete games, the Lady Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson knocked off Hendersonville to notch their first-ever Western Highlands Conference win, Tuesday.

It was a complete game with 7 of the 8 players adding points to the 55-47 win.

The Griffs jumped out to a 4-3 lead early in the first and never trailed again. Murphy D’Oyen and Victoria Bennett dominated in the paint, to push the lead to

eight at the half for the TJ ladies, 21-13.

In the third quarter the Lady Bearcats made a comeback and cut the lead to one, 27-26, with the ball.

TJCA responded with a steal

by Anna Dedmon, with a lay-up, and another steal and lay-in by Ryanne Corder to push the lead back out to five. Both teams had multiple players foul out of the contest as a combined total of 39 fouls were called in the second half.

Ryanne Corder and D’Oyen led the TJ squad with 13 points each, Bennett added 8.

The Western Highlands Tournament starts Thursday and the Lady Gryphons will face No. 1 seed Mitchell at 4 p.m., at Owen High School.

Hendersonville 105, Thomas Jefferson 27 AVONDALE — The Bearcats pushed the Gryphons out of the gym in a 105-27 win, Tuesday.

Hayden Blice posted 10 for TJCA, while John Dunigan rang up seven.

TJCA will play Hendersonville in the Western Highlands 1A Basketball Tournament at Owen Middle School on Thursday.

Smash Claim Silver Medals The Forest City Smash 16- and under volleyball team won silver medals at a tourney this past weekend in Greensboro.

The Smash are: Hannah Bennett (front, l to r), Deeanna Lowery, Sydney Griffin, Katie Yelton; Kaley Holmstrom (middle, l to r), Brittnay Desgages, Mackaulie Prescott; and coaches David Yelton (back, l to r) and Tom Griffin. Not pictured: Olivia Hankinson.

Contributed Photo

t a l l a b e Bas Field r i a N c M Western Carolina vs.

Gardner-Webb Saturday February 20 and Sunday February 21 2pm first pitch both days $3 general admission ticket with new blanket donation for the United Way. www.forestcitybaseball.com or (828) 245-0000 for more information.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 — 9A

sports Halfpipers ready to show risk is worth reward WEST VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Snowboarding was at a crossroads, and Shaun White knew it.

The decision by competition officials two years ago to raise the walls on the halfpipe from 18 to 22 feet gave riders a blank canvas.

The way the world’s most famous snowboarder looked at it, the sport could go one or two ways.

One option — admittedly the safer one — was to pack more dizzying spins into a run.

Where some saw danger, White and his high-flying buddies saw possibility.

Higher walls meant bigger jumps and more air time. Why spin when you could flip and spin?

“With the other direction you’re sacrificing a certain style other snowboarders have in being creative,” said the defending Olympic gold medalist, who will go for a second gold Wednesday night on Cypress Mountain. “It’s cool to see that that’s the direction that we’re going, the creative route and kind of expressing your own strengths of snowboarding.”

Even if that creativity carries considerable risk.

Star Kevin Pearce — one of the sport’s biggest innovators — was seriously injured in December when he crashed while practicing a double-cork.

The mold-breaking move requires riders to go board over head twice in one jump.

Pearce remains in a Colorado hospital and it’s unclear when — or if — he’ll be able to ride again.

While the snowboarding community has rallied in support of Pearce, with many riders sporting stickers on their regular boards that read “I ride 4 Kevin,” his injury has done little to slow down the envelope pushing.

Pearce’s double-cork inspired American Danny Davis to pursue the trick, and he did it three times in the same run to beat White in a competition last month.

That caused White to cancel a vacation and head straight to the halfpipe, where he spent several painful days perfecting the trick he hopes will bring him a second gold: the Double McTwist 1260.

The gravity-defying move requires White to pack 3 1/2 spins inside of two head-over-heels flips.

He posted scores of 49 and 49.5 — within a point of perfection — when he unveiled it in Utah in January.

White calls the trick his best friend and his worst enemy. A week after scorching the pipe in Park City, he narrowly avoided disaster when he smacked his face on the lip of the pipe while trying to land the Double at the end of a practice run at the X Games.

The accident left White with a raspberry on his cheek, but it also left him unbowed. He shook it off and headed straight back to the top of the mountain. And won the contest.

Associated Press

Henri Ducroz of the French curling team delivers the stone during practice at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday.

Another Olympic flub by Jacobellis VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Lindsey Jacobellis had to do it. Flying through the air toward the finish line, she reached down and grabbed her snowboard, the same showoff move that cost her a gold medal four years ago.

This time, it was all she could do to salvage something worthwhile following another Olympic flub.

Jacobellis wobbled after landing a jump early in a snowboardcross semifinal, couldn’t regain control and clipped a gate — DQ. She threw up her arms helplessly, then dropped her hands onto her helmet in anguish. She was way back when her competitors crossed the finish line but finished the run — with a flourish.

Last time, she at least got a silver medal as a consolation prize.

This time, it’ll only be a picture.

The women’s snowboardcross start was delayed by fog and rain on Cypress Mountain that also shortened training for men’s and women’s halfpipe. Heavy snow on Blackcomb Mountain forced the postponement of men’s super-combined race and scrapped women’s downhill training.

SNOWBOARDCROSS With Jacobellis out of the finals, Maelle Ricker won Canada’s second gold of the Vancouver Olympics.

Jacobellis won the consolation race to go down as the fifthplace finisher.

U.S. MEN’S HOCKEY

Associated Press

Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown reacts as his team falls behind by double digits to the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 10493 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Monday, Jan. 25, 2010.

Brown: Jordan wants to buy the Bobcats CHARLOTTE (AP) — Michael Jordan has been called the NBA’s greatest player, a supreme competitor and top pitchman.

Jordan soon could have a much different role: team owner.

Charlotte coach Larry Brown said Monday night that Jordan has told him he’s doing all he can to buy majority control of the Bobcats from owner Bob Johnson.

“He said he’s doing his best to put himself in a position to get the team,” Brown said after practice. “He wants it badly.”

Johnson is eager to sell the unprofitable club, and NBA commissioner David Stern said Saturday he expects a deal to be completed within two months.

“I didn’t talk to him about the particulars,” Brown said of his conversation with Jordan last week. “I’m hopeful that Michael will be running the Bobcats.”

Bobby Ryan scored late in the first period, and David Backes and Ryan Malone added goals in the second period.

Ryan Miller was solid in the net — although he was missing the “Miller Time” painted on his mask, forced to cover it with tape.

Despite the lack of NHL talent and household names outside of Switzerland, the Swiss club is considered dangerous — largely because of goalie Jonas Hiller.

ALPINE DELAYS Lindsey Vonn was as happy to see the snowstorm as any kid who gets a snow day home from school. No time on the slopes

Associated Press

American curlers Jeff Isaacson, left, and John Benton, sweep in a round robin session 1 loss to Germany at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday. Jason Smith looks on after delivering the stone, at top.

means more time to rest her bruised shin, which she especially needs after a bumpy training run Monday.

“She’ll for sure be racing tomorrow,” her husband, Thomas Vonn, told The Associated Press.

Vonn said his wife’s shin was “definitely sore today, much more sore than it had been in a couple of days.”

The women’s event remains scheduled for Wednesday, so all she missed was more training, which she also could’ve skipped.

But the wipeout means her foes can’t gain an advantage by getting more familiar with the course.

The men’s super-combined has been rescheduled for Sunday.

The men’s giant slalom was supposed to be Sunday has been shifted to next Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Dry weather is forecast for

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Of the four Alpine races scheduled so far, only the men’s downhill has been held.

“The situation is challenging,” race director Guenter Hujara said. “But we are quite optimistic. We still have quite a few days in reserve.”

CURLING U.S. men curlers better start sweeping faster. Or slower. They need to do something different to turn around the missed scoring chances that cost them against a strong German squad.

“It’s one of those weird deals where you’re very close,” U.S. skip John Shuster said.

The Americans, ranked fourth in the world, get another chance Tuesday night against Norway.

The women were playing Japan in the afternoon.

10A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Weather/Nation Weather The Daily Courier Weather Today

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Precipitation 24 hrs through 7 a.m. yest. .0.06" Month to date . . . . . . . . .3.52" Year to date . . . . . . . . .10.43"

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Barometric Pressure High yesterday . . . . . . .29.83"

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North Carolina Forecast

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Nation Today Palin rips ‘Family Guy’ JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Sarah Palin is lashing out at the portrayal of a character with Down syndrome on the Fox animated comedy “Family Guy.” In a Facebook posting headlined “Fox Hollywood — What a Disappointment,” the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee and current Fox News contributor said Sunday night’s episode felt like “another kick in the gut.” Palin’s youngest son, Trig, has Down syndrome.

The episode features the character Chris falling for a girl with Down syndrome. On a date, he asks what her parents do.

She replies: “My dad’s an accountant, and my mom is the former governor of Alaska.”

Palin resigned as Alaska governor last summer.

Palin’s oldest daughter, Bristol, also was quoted on her mother’s Facebook page, calling the show’s writers “heartless jerks.”

N.C. woman guilty SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A California jury has found a North Carolina woman guilty of murdering a fortuneteller and her daughter.

The Orange County jury on Tuesday found 45-year-old Tanya Nelson guilty of masterminding the murders of Ha “Jade” Smith and Anita Vo five years ago.

Prosecutors say Nelson hired Smith, a popular fortuneteller in the Vietnamese community, to bring her ex-lover back. When the soothsayer told Nelson she couldn’t change reality, she became upset and plotted to drive across the country to kill her.

Nelson is accused of luring her accomplice Phillipe Zamora into the murder scheme by promising to fix

him up with gay sex partners.

Zamora pleaded guilty last year to two counts of first-degree murder and testified against Nelson.

Body recovered SEATTLE (AP) — The body of a veteran climber who fell 1,500 feet into the crater atop Mount St. Helens was recovered Tuesday after he spent more than a day in the snow, authorities said.

Clouds and wind had hampered efforts to reach Joseph Bohlig, 52, who was posing for a picture Monday on the rim of the dormant crater when a snow overhang gave way and he fell into the volcano.

Suspect admits killing ALLISON, Iowa (AP) — A tearful former football player told Iowa police that he repeatedly shot his high school coach because he believed him to be a devil who turned students “into dead people,” according to an interview with the murder suspect recorded just hours after Ed Thomas’ death.

The scratchy, muddled audio recording of 24-year-old Mark Becker’s confession was played to a packed Butler County courtroom on Tuesday, the second day of his trial for first-degree murder. Becker has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Prosecutors say Becker calmly walked into the weight room at Aplington-Parkersburg High School on the morning of June 24 and killed Thomas in front of a group of teenage students.

“I put one in his head, then I put two more in his head, then I put one in the knee,” Becker said in the recording of his interview with Division of Criminal Investigation agent Chris Callaway less than two hours after Thomas was shot dead.

No Enrollment Fee Get Paid to Get Fit

Associated Press

Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., talks with his family following a news conference announcing he will not seek re-election in Indianapolis Monday. Bayh, a centrist Democrat from a Republican-leaning state, is serving his second six-year term in the Senate.

Moderates are giving up on the Congress WASHINGTON (AP) — The moderate middle is disappearing from Congress.

Evan Bayh is just the latest senator to forgo a re-election bid, joining a growing line of pragmatic, finda-way politicians who are abandoning Washington. Still here: evermore-polarized colleagues locked in gridlock — exactly what voters say they don’t like about politics in the nation’s capital.

Politics runs in cycles, and the Senate has seen flights of self-styled centrists before. In 1996, for example, 10 senators who could boast strong bipartisan credentials chose to retire rather than re-up. Many of them complained how lonely a place the middle ground of American politics had become. But to some, the center has become even lonelier.

More than their feelings are at stake. The moderates in the middle are the ones who tend to make deals and sometimes resolve standoffs blocking decisions that affect programs — not to mention taxes — that touch virtually every American.

Former Sen. William Cohen says what’s happening now is a continuation of the “hollowing out of the middle.” An article he wrote when he left his Senate seat in 1996, lamenting partisan gridlock, could just as easily be reprinted now, subbing his name for that of Bayh, the Indiana Democrat who announced on Monday he won’t run again.

“There is this sort of purging in both parties,” Cohen said in an interview. “They insist on moving to the left or moving to the right, and I think you’re seeing over the years the moderates have disappeared and continue to disappear.”

The few left in the middle can gain outsized power to decide the fate of closely fought issues. But that comes at a price more and more of them say is too high: crushing pressure to conform, shrill media barbs and the increased fight for cash to shape one’s own campaign narrative.

“I simply reached a conclusion that I could get more done to help my state and the American people by doing something in the private sector,” said Bayh, the two-term senator and former governor, on ABC’s Good Morning America on Tuesday.

That’s an extraordinary statement on the anniversary of the $787 billion stimulus package that was supposed to energize the economy. Rather than heed President Barack Obama’s appeal for pragmatism, Congress is losing its value as a problem-solver and becoming more unworkable, according to Bayh.

Polls say voters hate that about national politics. Lawmakers profess to dislike the polarization, too, but they still engage in it, on the House or Senate floor, in private meetings, or both. And on the campaign trail, the truth is there’s cash to be made by taking sides and, in effect, becoming a dependable brand.

“If you’re on either fringe of the party, you have an easier time raising money,” said one who would know, Sen. Arlen Specter, who left the GOP for the Democrats when he found he could not win a Pennsylvania Republican primary. “I have to work a lot harder than somebody who has

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an ideological base.”

Calling from a fundraising swing through California, Nevada, Arizona and Tennessee, Specter said sticking around awhile — three decades in his case — can produce a brand of independence he is hoping fits the public’s populist streak.

“I think the independents are going to be in a position to pick the winners and losers,” he said.

And moderates? An endangered species?

Moderates, said Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies at the Brookings Institution, are “going the way of the dinosaur.”

“Soon we’re going be able to go to museums to the see the skeletons of the centrists and learn about what they were,” West said.

It could be argued that fresh blood may be a good thing for an institution many view as broken.

But some fresh faces are turning down the chance to run, even after being asked by the president.

In Illinois, a would-be strong candidate, Lisa Madigan, spurned Obama’s pressure to run. That could reflect Obama’s lack of pull — one year into office — but it also says something about the desirability of serving on Capitol Hill given the public’s disdain for Congress.

The lament of partisan gridlock is a well-worn element of lawmakers’ farewell speeches. Former Republican Senate leader Bill Frist of Tennessee, a physician, lectured his colleagues about it on the way out the door in 2006. Former Republican Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi appeared with former Democratic President Bill Clinton and former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich earlier this year to urge the parties to get along.

But tellingly, no Republicans were present in the Senate when Democrat Paul Kirk, turning over the seat held by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy to Republican Scott Brown earlier this month, spoke about the lack of comity in the chamber.

Not so long ago, Senate seats were among the most sought-after positions in the land. They meant power and prestige, some posturing but also some significant problem-solving.

Now, many believe the $174,000 salary just isn’t worth it.

Besides the personal costs — being a lawmaker means being screamed at during summer town hall meetings and vilified around the clock in multimedia fashion — the more polarized Congress becomes, the less its members can accomplish.

There’s “too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problemsolving” on Capitol Hill, Bayh said as he announced his retirement. “I do not love Congress.”

Veteran Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said Bayh could do more to change that by staying.

“I don’t understand how you make things better from the outside. I share the frustration, but I would have hoped he would have stayed around.”

Plenty of lawmakers are still hoping to do that. But a long and bipartisan list of Senate leaders who have chosen to fight for re-election are feeling the anti-incumbent squeeze.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 — 11A

business/finance

THE MARKET IN REVIEW

STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

u

NYSE

7,013.35+138.79

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg Enterra gh 2.55 +.58 Terra 40.69 +7.44 Stonerdg 7.95 +1.03 Barclay 19.03 +2.35 Medifast 21.70 +2.66 Gramrcy 3.43 +.39 USEC 4.74 +.51 Culp Inc h 14.68 +1.48 Westpac 113.73+11.08 Unifi 3.74 +.36

%Chg +29.4 +22.4 +14.9 +14.1 +14.0 +12.8 +12.1 +11.2 +10.8 +10.7

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg CapTr12 pf 2.17 -.38 BkA BM RE 4.57 -.75 CitiFnSpdr107.60 -.90 PSBMetDS17.42 -2.03 CBIZ Inc 6.19 -.70 PrUPSM40071.38-8.02 BRT 4.77 -.50 DirREBear 13.61 -1.27 PSCrudeDS69.69 -6.25 PrUPShR2K70.17-6.22

%Chg -14.9 -14.1 -10.6 -10.4 -10.2 -10.1 -9.5 -8.5 -8.2 -8.1

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg Citigrp 2839921 3.31 +.13 BkofAm 2021501 15.16 +.71 S&P500ETF1413589109.74+1.70 SPDR Fncl 1064223 14.24 +.29 iShEMkts 694151 39.43 +.99 GenElec 688706 16.04 +.49 Terra 636843 40.69 +7.44 Pfizer 630591 17.72 -.08 FordM 616691 11.32 +.20 DirFBear rs 548602 19.13 -1.42 Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

DIARY

2,554 520 107 3,181 123 3 4,210,413,591

u

AMEX

1,857.24 +16.30

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last PudaCoal n 5.60 SwGA Fn 15.90 AdcareHlt 4.70 CKX Lands12.97 AdcareH wt 2.35 NA Pall g 4.14 TravelCtrs 4.97 MagHRes 2.46 NIVS IntT n 3.13 UraniumEn 3.69

Chg +.70 +1.90 +.55 +1.37 +.21 +.34 +.39 +.19 +.24 +.26

%Chg +14.3 +13.6 +13.3 +11.8 +9.6 +8.9 +8.5 +8.4 +8.3 +7.6

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last UltEscapes 3.00 CornerstStr 9.60 CornstProg 6.05 TiensBio 2.32 Ever-Glory 3.78 B&HO 2.92 BowlA 12.86 Intellichk 2.78 FiveStar 3.29 WLbtyBcp 7.10

Chg %Chg -.32 -9.6 -.81 -7.8 -.49 -7.5 -.18 -7.2 -.27 -6.7 -.19 -6.1 -.84 -6.1 -.17 -5.8 -.19 -5.5 -.40 -5.3

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg RexahnPh 65012 1.51 +.29 NovaGld g 30856 6.06 +.01 NA Pall g 28078 4.14 +.34 NthgtM g 23368 2.75 +.10 GoldStr g 22739 3.16 +.06 NwGold g 21941 4.74 +.22 Taseko 21748 4.54 +.15 InovioBio 21211 1.39 +.11 KodiakO g 19788 2.55 ...

Corriente g 17566 8.11 +.08 DIARY

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

330 160 49 539 11 3 109,280,177

u

DAILY DOW JONES

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REVIEWED YOUR retiring let’s talk.

10,320

NASDAQ 2,214.19 +30.66

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last FstFrnkln 6.95 LightPath 2.67 CmtyPtrBc 3.73 Netlist 4.16 ChinaPStl 2.30 HstnAEn 10.01 GenVec 2.40 Sequenom 5.26 Mediwre 8.51 HghwyH 2.15

Chg +1.40 +.49 +.67 +.66 +.36 +1.49 +.35 +.74 +1.11 +.27

%Chg +25.3 +22.5 +21.9 +18.9 +18.6 +17.5 +17.1 +16.4 +15.0 +14.4

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Tufco 2.93 EnerNOC 29.66 KellySB 13.60 Aware 2.42 SuprtlH pfA 8.00 MercBank 3.36 MaysJ 14.74 DermaSci n 5.21 ChinaBio h 8.02 STEC 13.55

Chg -.47 -4.11 -1.87 -.32 -.99 -.41 -1.76 -.59 -.90 -1.47

%Chg -13.8 -12.2 -12.1 -11.7 -11.0 -10.9 -10.7 -10.2 -10.1 -9.8

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE)

Name Vol (00) PwShs QQQ742859 Intel 613248 Microsoft 509000 Cisco 459529 Qualcom 339237 ETrade 271409 MicronT 249171 Oracle 211950 ApldMatl 209677 Yahoo 203563

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

Last Chg 44.32 +.56 20.72 +.29 28.35 +.55 24.00 +.24 39.02 +.18 1.52 +.03 8.63 +.19 23.81 +.40 12.95 +.48 15.41 +.24

DIARY

1,938 757 129 2,824 107 9 1,972,144,993

Dow JonesINSURANCE industrials LIFE LATELY? Close: 10,268.81

10,729.89 4,265.61 408.57 7,471.31 1,908.81 2,326.28 1,150.45 755.91 11,941.95 649.15

10,060

Change: 169.67 (1.7%)

9,800

10,800

STOCK MARKET INDEXES

52-Week High Low

10 DAYS

10,400 10,000

Name

6,469.95 2,134.21 288.66 4,181.75 1,234.81 1,265.52 666.79 397.97 6,772.29 342.59

Last

Dow Industrials 10,268.81 +169.67 Dow Transportation 3,997.86 +80.30 Dow Utilities 371.55 +7.00 NYSE Composite 7,013.35 +138.79 Amex Market Value 1,857.24 +16.30 Nasdaq Composite 2,214.19 +30.66 S&P 500 1,094.87 +19.36 S&P MidCap 727.68 +11.72 Wilshire 5000 11,401.54 +199.97 Russell 2000 620.84 +10.12

YTD %Chg %Chg

+1.68 +2.05 +1.92 +2.02 +.89 +1.40 +1.80 +1.64 +1.79 +1.66

-1.53 -2.48 -6.65 -2.39 +1.77 -2.42 -1.81 +.14 -1.27 -.73

12-mo %Chg

+35.96 +42.60 +6.84 +42.00 +36.12 +50.56 +38.74 +50.31 +42.27 +44.75

MUTUAL FUNDS

9,600 9,200

Net Chg

A

S

O

N

D

J

Name

F

PIMCO TotRetIs American Funds GrthAmA m Vanguard TotStIdx American Funds CapIncBuA m TOCKS OF OCAL NTEREST Fidelity Contra American Funds CpWldGrIA m YTD YTD American Funds IncAmerA m Name Div Yld PE Last Chg%Chg Name Div Yld PE Last Chg %Chg American Funds InvCoAmA m AT&T Inc 1.68 6.6 12 25.32 +.25 -9.7 LeggPlat 1.04 5.4 26 19.39 +.61 -5.0 Vanguard 500Inv Vanguard InstIdx Amazon ... ... 58 117.53 -2.13 -12.6 Lowes .36 1.6 19 22.74 +.58 -2.8 Dodge & Cox Stock ArvMerit ... ... ... 9.80 +.43 -12.3 Microsoft .52 1.8 16 28.35 +.55 -7.0 American Funds EurPacGrA m American Funds WAMutInvA m BB&T Cp .60 2.2 23 27.41 +.49 +8.0 PPG 2.16 3.5 21 61.42 +1.06 +4.9 Dodge & Cox IntlStk BkofAm .04 .3 ... 15.16 +.71 +.7 ParkerHan 1.00 1.7 33 57.25 +1.42 +6.3 American Funds NewPerspA m BerkHa A ... ... 35113964.00-36.00 +14.9 PIMCO TotRetAdm b Cisco ... ... 23 24.00 +.24 +.3 ProgrssEn 2.48 6.6 12 37.84 +.53 -7.7 Fidelity DivrIntl d ... ... 70 28.54 +.68 -7.6 American Funds FnInvA m Delhaize 2.01 2.6 ... 78.05 -.02 +1.7 RedHat Dell Inc ... ... 19 14.14 +.30 -1.5 RoyalBk g 2.00 ... ... 53.41 +.73 -.3 FrankTemp-Franklin Income A m DukeEngy .96 5.9 14 16.25 +.10 -5.6 SaraLee .44 3.3 12 13.43 +.45 +10.3 American Funds BalA m Vanguard Welltn ExxonMbl 1.68 2.5 17 66.28 +1.48 -2.8 SonicAut ... ... ... 9.61 +.26 -7.5 American Funds BondA m FamilyDlr .62 1.9 15 32.29 +.66 +16.0 SonocoP 1.08 3.7 20 29.18 +.32 -.2 Vanguard 500Adml Vanguard TotStIAdm FifthThird .04 .3 17 12.08 +.47 +23.9 SpectraEn 1.00 4.7 16 21.30 +.57 +3.9 Fidelity GrowCo FCtzBA 1.20 .7 16 175.85 +3.68 +7.2 SpeedM .36 2.2 ... 16.67 -.03 -5.4 Vanguard TotIntl d GenElec .40 2.5 16 16.04 +.49 +6.0 .36 1.4 ... 25.33 +.52 +6.8 PIMCO TotRetA m GoldmanS 1.40 .9 7 157.40 +3.47 -6.8 Timken Vanguard InstPlus 1.88 3.3 26 57.33 +1.18 -.1 T Rowe Price EqtyInc Google ... ... 27 541.30 +8.18 -12.7 UPS B KrispKrm ... ... ... 3.20 +.21 +8.5 WalMart 1.09 2.0 16 53.56 +.66 +.2 Hartford CapAprA m Pioneer PioneerA m Goldman Sachs ShDuGovA m 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 least 50 Alliance Bernstein GrowIncA m percent within the past year. rt = Right to buy security at a specified price. s = Stock has split by at least 20 percent within the DWS-Scudder REstA m Hartford GrowthL m last year. un = Units. vj = In bankruptcy or receivership. wd = When distributed. wi = When issued. wt = Warrants.

S

L

I

Mutual Fund Footnotes: b = Fee covering market costs is paid from fund assets. d = Deferred sales charge, or redemption fee. 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: The Associated Press.

Sales figures are unofficial.

Total Assets Obj ($Mlns) NAV

Total Return/Rank Pct Min Init 4-wk 12-mo 5-year Load Invt

CI 120,690 LG 62,872 LB 57,210 IH 56,411 LG 54,252 WS 53,325 MA 48,112 LB 46,864 LB 46,604 LB 43,152 LV 39,228 FB 38,266 LV 37,278 FV 35,646 WS 31,178 CI 31,078 FG 29,974 LB 29,675 CA 29,617 MA 29,215 MA 27,900 CI 27,514 LB 27,342 LB 27,014 LG 26,376 FB 25,013 CI 24,642 LB 24,167 LV 15,084 LB 9,451 LB 4,142 GS 1,487 LV 1,193 SR 408 LG 176

+0.2 +14.3/C -3.7 +36.2/C -3.1 +37.8/B -3.3 +26.2/C -2.6 +32.8/D -6.2 +38.4/C -2.8 +31.7/B -4.1 +33.1/D -3.5 +35.5/C -3.4 +35.6/C -3.8 +44.6/A -6.7 +42.8/B -3.3 +29.3/D -6.5 +60.6/A -4.7 +40.6/C +0.1 +14.0/C -7.2 +39.5/C -4.2 +38.0/B -3.7 +36.4/A -1.9 +28.1/C -2.7 +27.1/C -0.1 +16.4/B -3.4 +35.7/C -3.1 +38.0/B -2.6 +39.8/B -7.4 +47.1/A +0.1 +13.8/C -3.4 +35.7/C -3.7 +42.8/A -4.7 +48.4/A -3.2 +32.7/D +0.3 +4.1/B -2.0 +24.6/E -3.0 +68.5/B -4.4 +32.6/D

10.94 26.75 27.12 46.77 56.83 32.37 15.23 25.37 101.05 100.39 95.34 36.39 24.26 30.59 24.81 10.94 26.55 32.02 2.01 16.21 28.58 11.92 101.07 27.13 67.77 13.74 10.94 100.39 20.76 29.98 35.24 10.39 2.93 13.44 14.69

+7.1/A +2.4/B +0.7/B +3.2/C +3.9/A +4.7/A +2.3/B +1.2/B 0.0/C +0.1/C -0.9/C +6.4/A -0.1/C +4.1/A +5.1/A +6.9/A +2.5/D +3.5/A +3.3/B +2.0/C +4.4/A +2.6/E +0.1/C +0.8/B +4.5/A +4.1/B +6.6/A +0.1/C +0.4/B +3.0/A +0.9/B +4.9/A -2.2/E +0.3/B 0.0/D

NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 NL 3,000 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 5.75 250 5.75 250 NL 3,000 NL 5,000,000 NL 2,500 5.75 250 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 NL 5,000,000 NL 2,500 5.75 250 4.25 1,000 5.75 250 NL 10,000 3.75 250 NL 100,000 NL 100,000 NL 2,500 NL 3,000 3.75 1,000 NL200,000,000 NL 2,500 5.50 1,000 5.75 1,000 1.50 1,000 4.25 2,500 5.75 1,000 4.75 0

CA -Conservative Allocation, CI -Intermediate-Term Bond, ES -Europe Stock, FB -Foreign Large Blend, FG -Foreign LargeGrowth, FV -Foreign Large 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 with same objective: A is in top 20%, E in bottom 20%. Min Init Invt: Minimum $ needed to invest in fund. Source: Morningstar.

Business Notes Court upholds Google breaks In this Feb. 1 file photo, trader Stephen Mara, right, works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Positive economic signs gave the market a boost of optimism Tuesday.

Associated Press

Stock market posts solid gains NEW YORK (AP) — Signs that the economy is indeed strengthening gave investors a surge of optimism and sent stocks sharply higher.

The Dow Jones industrials soared almost 170 points Tuesday on upbeat earnings reports and corporate deals.

Investors who have been anxious in recent weeks about economic problems overseas were able to put aside their concerns for the time being. They focused instead on the domestic economy.

The dollar fell as investors felt less of a need to stash their money in safer investments. Oil, gold and other commodities joined stocks as the beneficiaries of the market’s renewed confidence.

And the stocks of energy and materials producers were among the day’s big winners.

European markets also rose following new plans by European Union leaders to push Greece to get its budget under control. European officials gave Greece one month to prove it can cut its deficits. Debt problems in European countries including Greece, Portugal and Spain have been a major factor behind weakness in global stock markets in recent weeks.

A strong earnings report from Barclays, a major European bank, also gave the market some relie. European banks have been slower to recover than their U.S. counterparts, and investors saw the bounceback at Barclays as an encouraging sign.

In the U.S., Kraft Foods

Inc. and apparel retailer Abercrombie & Fitch reported earnings that beat expectations, while drugmaker Merck & Co. said profits jumped after the company bought its longtime partner Schering-Plough Corp.

Earnings reports over the past month have mostly come in better than expected, but problems in the global economy have overshadowed that good news and pushed the market lower.

“Earnings have been good, but pushed to the back seat,” behind Europe’s problems, said Alan B. Lancz, president of Alan B. Lancz & Associates in Toledo, Ohio. The strong reports Tuesday “superseded some of these worries.”

Meanwhile a bold acquisition move by the nation’s largest mall owner raised hopes that businesses are feeling more confident about the economy.

Simon Property Group has offered to acquire its ailing rival, General Growth Properties, for $10 billion. General Growth, the No. 2 mall operator, filed for bankruptcy protection last year.

According to preliminary calculations, the Dow rose 169.67, or 1.7 percent, to 10,268.81. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 19.36, or 1.8 percent, to 1,094.87, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 30.66, or 1.4 percent, to 2,214.19.

About five stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to 1.08 billion shares.

In other deal news, JPMorgan

Chase & Co. said it was buying RBS Sempra Commodities’ global oil, global metals and European power and gas assets in a deal worth about $1.7 billion. The move nearly doubles JPMorgan’s corporate client base for commodities.

Economic reports throughout the holiday-shortened week will also provide insight into the economy. Market were closed Monday for President’s Day. A report on manufacturing in the New York area was stronger than expected. The Empire State manufacturing index rose to 24.91 this month, compared with a forecast of 18, according to economists polled by Thomson Reuters. The index was 15.92 last month.

Reports on housing starts, jobless claims and inflation are due out later this week.

Bond prices edged higher as concerns about the Greek debt crisis began to wane. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, fell to 3.67 percent from 3.70 percent late Friday.

The dollar fell. Crude oil jumped $2.88 or 4 percent to settle at $77.01 a barrel.

The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 10.12, or 1.7 percent, to 620.84.

Overseas, Britain’s FTSE 100 rose 1.5 percent, Germany’s DAX index gained 1.7 percent, and France’s CAC-40 rose 1.7 percent. Japan’s Nikkei stock average rose 0.2 percent.

RALEIGH (AP) — A North Carolina appeals court has ruled that only specific taxpayers who are negatively affected by a tax break can sue to challenge the special benefits available to some companies but not others.

The state Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that three taxpayers weren’t recognized under state law as eligible to sue because of tax breaks used to lure Google Inc., to Caldwell County.

Lawmakers approved exemptions from the state’s retail sales and use tax, worth about $90 million over 30 years, in exchange for Google building an Internet data center in Lenoir. The data center was to create up to 210 jobs.

The North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law challenged Google’s tax breaks, claiming it forces other taxpayers to pay more. The group earlier failed to reverse incentives given to computer maker Dell Inc.

Sara Lee to buy back stock DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (AP) — Sara Lee Corp. said Tuesday that it plans to use proceeds from the sale of its international household and body care segment to repurchase about $2.5 billion to $3 billion of its shares over a three-year period.

The food maker said it will likely buy back approximately $1 billion to $1.3 billion of the shares this year, which should improve its earnings per share.

Sara Lee, which makes Jimmy Dean sausages, Hillshire Farm deli meats and its namesake baked goods, said late last year it planned to sell its body care operations to Unilever and its air freshener business to Procter & Gamble Co. for a total of approximately 1.6 billion euros ($2.18 billion). The two components make up about two-thirds of the household and body care segment. Sara Lee said its “highly confident” it can find a buyer for the rest.

Retailer Express plans IPO NEW YORK (AP) — The owner of the Express retail apparel chain said Tuesday it is planning to go public.

Express Parent LLC, based in Columbus, Ohio, said in a regulatory filing that it could raise as much as $200 million in its initial public offering.

It did not give a date for going public or say how many shares would be offered.

The 30-year-old chain, made up of 573 stores, sells clothes aimed at men and women in their 20s.

It said it seeks to recapture market share and plans to open about 30 new stores a year for the next five years as the retail sector recovers from the recession.

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12A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Nation/world

Marines link up in Taliban stronghold MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) — Marines moving by land from the north linked up Tuesday with U.S. units that have faced nearly constant Taliban attack in the four days since they were dropped by helicopter into this insurgent stronghold in southern Afghanistan.

Also Tuesday, U.S. artillery fired non-lethal smoke rounds to disperse Taliban fighters in Marjah — the first time cannons have been used in the fight to drive the militants from their logistical and opium poppy-smuggling base. Commanders refused a Marine request to fire deadly high-explosive rounds because the unit on the ground could not be sure civilians weren’t at risk.

The linkup between the two Marine rifle companies and their Afghan army partners will enable the U.S. to expand its control in Marjah, situated in Helmand province 380 miles (610 kilometers) southwest of Kabul.

Lima Company of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines moved through fields of hidden bombs and bobby traps and braved heavy sniper fire to join up with the same battalion’s Kilo Company, which was airdropped into the town in the first hours of the operation Saturday.

Lt. Gordon Emmanuel, a platoon commander in Kilo Company, said the Marines landed without encountering Taliban fire but came under sustained attack as they fanned out from the landing zone.

“When it is daytime, there is nonstop contact until the sun goes down ... every day,” Emmanuel said.

A Taliban spokesman, however, claimed that insurgents retain control of the town and that coalition forces who “descended from helicopters in limited areas of Marjah” were now “under siege.”

Spokesman Tariq Ghazniwal extended an invitation by e-mail to foreign

Associated Press

A U.S. Marine from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment peers out from a hole in a wall of a compound in Marjah in Afghanistan’s Helmand province on Tuesday.

journalists to visit Marjah, saying the trip would “show who have the upper hand in the area.”

About 15,000 NATO and Afghan troops are taking part in the big offensive around Marjah, which has an estimated 80,000 inhabitants and was the largest southern town under Taliban control. NATO hopes to rush in aid and public services as soon as the town is secured to try to win the loyalty of the population.

A top Taliban commander, Mullah Abdul Razaq Akhund, dismissed the offensive as NATO propaganda and said on the group’s Web site that Marjah was militarily insignificant.

He said the main goal of the offensive was to “restore the place of the defeated military general in Afghanistan,” Gen. Stanley McChrystal, “even taking over a small village in Helmand temporarily and showing it to the Western world via video,” according to

a translation from the SITE Intelligence Group, which montors extremist messages.

NATO said a service member taking part in the Marjah operation was killed by a roadside bomb Tuesday — the third confirmed death among international forces since the attack on the town began. An American and a Briton were killed on Saturday.

NATO did not identify the latest victim by nationality.

Afghan military spokesman Lt. Mohammad Esah said Tuesday one Afghan soldier died in the offensive. But he did not say when.

U.S. officials said Taliban resistance in Marjah seemed more disorganized Tuesday than in previous days, when small teams of insurgents swarmed around Marine and Afghan army positions firing rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

“We’re not seeing coordinated attacks like we did originally. We’re still getting small-arms fire, but it’s spo-

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radic, and hit-and-run tactics,” said Marine spokesman Capt. Abraham Sipe. “As a whole, while there is still resistance, it is of a disorganized nature.”

Nevertheless, Taliban have not given up. Insurgent snipers hiding in haystacks in poppy fields exchanged fire with Marines and Afghan troops as they swept south.

Insurgents tried but failed to shoot down an Osprey aircraft with rocket-propelled grenades as Cobra attack helicopters fired missiles at Taliban positions, including a machine gun bunker.

Marines and Afghan soldiers continued house-tohouse searches, removing bombs and booby-traps as they moved through town.

Inside some compounds Tuesday, squads found small doses of heroin, a Taliban photo album with fighters posing with AK-47s, and large propaganda wall paintings of insurgents shooting down helicopters.

Residents said they were

scared to be seen with NATO forces. As Marines searched his compound, one man, Wali Mohammad, warned an AP reporter, “Don’t take pictures or the Taliban will come back to kill me.”

Mohammad said he strongly suspected insurgents would return to the area as soon as the Marines moved on. He said Taliban fighters had targeted U.S. and Afghan troops, firing from his neighbors’ houses.

“When they come, we try to tell them not to use our house, but they have guns so they do what they want,” the poppy farmer said.

Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault, NATO forces said, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making civilians safer.

The deaths — in three separate incidents — come after two U.S. missiles struck a house on the outskirts of Marjah on Sunday, killing 12 people, half of them children.

Afghan officials said three Taliban fighters were in the house at the time.

NATO first said the missiles went 300 yards (meters) off target and hit the house.

On Tuesday, however, British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, commander of NATO forces in the south, told reporters in London via a video link that the rockets hit the intended target.

As the NATO offensive aims to break the Taliban influence in southern Afghanistan, the militant group received another blow with the news of its top military commander’s arrest in Pakistan.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the group’s No. 2 leader behind Afghan Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar and a close associate of Osama bin Laden, was captured in the port city of Karachi, U.S. and Pakistani officials said.

Three world powers criticize Iran VIENNA (AP) — Russia, the U.S. and France have urged Iran to stop enriching uranium to higher levels and suggested the project reinforces suspicions that Tehran is seeking to make nuclear weapons. The joint statement, made public Tuesday, reflects unified Russian and Western opposition to Iran’s increased enrichment.

Shrugging off international con-

cerns, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced the country was moving ahead to expand its enrichment capacities by installing more advanced machinery at its main enrichment facility.

Ahmadinejad told reporters in Tehran Tuesday the new centrifuges are not yet operational but are five times more efficient than the model now in use.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 — 1B

Inside Honor Rolls. . . . . . . Page 2B Comics. . . . . . . . . . . Page 4B Classifieds . . . . . . Pages 5-7B

Humor Me Abbe Byers

Oceans apart, but still close knit East Middle teacher takes handmade scarves to Ukraine

Snow daze... how about this winter weather?

Wow. How about this winter weather? Snow is such a beautiful sign of God’s handiwork .... and He’s really been showing off this winter.

While writing this column (Tuesday) the skies are clear and the sun is shining, yet, more evidence of His handiwork. Don’t get too excited, though. They (weather officials) say winter’s not over. Extended forecasts predict more cold temperatures and the possibility of more white stuff in days to come.

I can’t remember the last time we’ve had this much snow, not to mention, starting before Christmas.

I love the snow. The way it blankets the earth and how amazingly quiet it is as it falls.

So peaceful and serene. I could sit in my window for hours when it snows, watching the Cardinals and other feathered friends feed in my front yard.

But, with the beauty comes some complications, especially for drivers, school employees and students, and those holding fundraisers and other events that have been planned and rescheduled and replanned and rescheduled or cancelled until spring.

A lot of folks are starting to complain. No more snow.

Enough, all ready. I wouldn’t go that far, but that’s just me.

My sister-in-law has one of those magnetic covers on her mailbox. It depicts a happy snowman surrounded by snowflakes and reads Let it Snow!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

When I pass by there I think, “Boy, that mailbox message sure is doing it’s job.” It even occurred to me that some might consider it a curse .... a snow curse, if you will.

On Saturday I picked her up to attend a baby shower (which had also been rescheduled due to snow) when she got in the car laughing.

“What’s so funny?” I asked.

She said her husband told her, “You need to take that thing off the mailbox, so all this snow will go away.” (He owns a construction business. Need I say more?) Then I got really tickled because I had the snow curse idea.

I also have a running joke with my uncle who lives in Minnesota. I tell him every year to send us some snow. Last year when I sent my request, he let me know real quick that I was welcome to the snow and his shovel. Point taken.

Uncle Bob (my Dad’s middle brother) grew up in Caroleen, but he met his wife while in the military and has been in St. Paul ever since. He gets a big kick out of it when I send him pictures of our snows, which pale in comparison to his. He sends photos of snow up to the top railing of his deck, and I sent him a photo of the three inches in my yard. Then again, a major difference between here and there is they’re equipped to handle that volume of snow, and we’re not.

Our pattern seems to go like this, several mild winters and then a couple of severe winters (or what we deem severe here in the Thermal Belt). Whatever the case may be, we’ll take it as it comes.

After all, there is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under heaven — and this season has us snowdazed.

Don’t you just love God’s handiwork?

Contact Byers via e-mail at abyers@thedigitalcourier.com.

Contributed Photo

The East Middle School Seafarers group helped prepare scarves, bracelets, toys and other gifts for children in the Ukraine, delivered by their teacher Lisa Cooper during a Christmas break mission trip.

Text by Jean Gordon When East Middle School teacher Lisa Cooper traveled 6,000 miles to the Ukraine during Christmas break, she traveled with the well wishes of her own students and nearly 170 handmade scarves they made for the children and students there.

Cooper teaches sixth grade Social Studies at East Middle and during their study of Europe she told her classes about her January trip to the Ukraine where she would visit orphanages and school students. A student in her class responded immediately and wanted to make scarves for the orphans.

The project was underway immediately. Three women from “In today’s Cooper’s church, society when it Liberty Baptist, seems we hear Ellenboro — Paula Sundell, many things Geraldine about how Hodge and Kathy Shaffer — children care offered to teach only about the sixth gradthemselves, ers how to knit.

One day a week this was not after school the the case with women taught many students students, the from East Seafarers Team, to knit or croMiddle.”

- Lisa Cooper, chet.

“They worked East Middle Teacher hard and gave their time and

Contributed Photo

In addition to the scarves and bracelets, the students in Ukraine also received care packages in boxes including some books, school supplies and treats.

energy willingly to help my students,” Cooper said of the church ladies.

Students knitted and crocheted 166 scarves for students in the Ukraine.

“In today’s society when it seems we hear many things about how children care only about themselves, this was not the case with many students from

East Middle,” Cooper continued.

They worked hard to make scarves and also brought small stuffed animals and toys to distribute to the children.

As the project continued, Cooper heard from other churches who See Knit, Page 8

Contributed Photo

Students from from the Ukrainian school played their instruments to perform for the missionaries. During one of the days of Cooper’s visit, the students at the Ukrainian school faced temperatures that were 14 degrees below zero. They were very thankful to receive the gifts from the American students and missionaries.

2B — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

LOCAL Honor Rolls Mt. Vernon/ Ruth Elementary School

MaKayla Redmon, Savannah Redmon, Bennett Ruff, Sadie Scripps, Patrick Ward, Trinity Wilkins, Dennis Yelton III.

The third six weeks honor roll at Mt. Vernon/Ruth Elementary School has been announced by Keith Ezell, principal.

Those students named to the list are: A Honor Roll 3rd grade Haley Chavez, Ethan Cooper, Jasmine Dinh, Abigail Hamrick, Sierra Lewis, Matthew Long, Kinsley Mayse, Elisabeth Norris, Tradd Richardson.

4th grade Jace Crowe, Victoria Dinh, Adam Hudson, Lydia McMahan, Jacalyn Poole, Blakely Robbins, Olivia Turner.

5th grade Kinsley Buchanan, Victoria GuTierrez, Henry Scripps.

istrator.

Those students named to the list are: A Honor Roll 3rd grade Zeke Wilkerson.

4th grade Chloe Parton, Amber Thompson.

5th grade Lesley Ann Wells, Ali Parton.

6th grade Alexis Burch, Hannah Crowder, Bailey Goode, Skylar Martinez, Mikayla Wilkins.

8th grade Meagan Yelton, Cassie Ramsey, Sarah Dale.

Showstopper plants for 2010 are selected The North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension have selected five Showstopper Plants for 2010 which will be featured in Extension’s Successful Gardener Learning Centers at home and garden shows this spring.

These featured plants are promising new cultivars or iron-clad plants that will thrive across the region.

This year’s selections include `Winter Sun’ Mahonia, `Crown Jewel’ Gardenia, ‘Lo & Behold Blue Chip’ Butterfly Bush, Pink Muhly Grass and `Emerald Pagoda’ Japanese Snowbell.

Extension News

eS¸dS a^`cQSR eS¸dS c^ ]c` a^`cQSR c^ ]c` `Sac[S need a reason `Sac[S eS¸dS b]] to start your B Honor Roll 3rd grade Terry Cardwell, Cassidy Ellenburg, Jacob Fry, Christopher Hutchins, Rachel Lane, Brooklyn Martin, Marcy McDowell, Richard McFadden, Autumn Morgan, Jeremiah Morrow,

4th grade Stephen Hargett, Eli Morrison, Jamie Owens, Rachel Parker, Samantha Phipps, Michael Price, Tripper Reynolds, Landon Smith, Tyler Weaver, Haley White, Caleb Woods.

5th grade Matthew Bailey, Kynlie Bradley, Kanaan Brock, Alina Chavez, Elise Crowe, Matthew Davis, Samantha Ellenburg, Ana GarcisVelasquez, Ben Gordon, Matthew Lattimore, Austin Luckadoo, Avery McFadden, Dillion McMahan, Spencier Norris, Conrad Ruff, Hunter Shoenfelt, Mark Smith, Savanna SmithD’Addio, Euguene Stafford, Makenna Teague, Brianna Watson.

Trinity School

The honor roll at Trinity School for the second nine weeks has been announced by Lewis Freeman, admin-

A/B Honor Roll 3rd grade David Pendleton, Brooke Williams, Mitchell Guarriello, James Tuong, Kayla Penson.

4th grade Nicholas Bradley, Sarah Cain, Jaxon Gardinier, Saylor Hardin, Karsten Kemick, Haleigh Wilson.

5th grade Erin Biggerstaff, Angela Hargett, Cole Higgins, Juliet Lambert, Levi White, Preston Walker, Lauren Flack.

7th grade Tanner Riley, Laura Robbins, Sarah Yelton.

Real Estate Seminar set for February 20 ASHEVILLE ­— The non-profit Carolinas Real Estate Investors Association will hold “Real Estate in 2010,� a seminar focusing on “short sales� and buying

foreclosures February 20 in Asheville.

The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (with registration at the door beginning at 8:30 a.m.) in the

She’s informed. Are you?

Read

Simpson Auditorium on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville.

Cost of the seminar is $35 for CREIA members and $45 for non-members. Register online at www.creianc. org and get more information on the website under “eventsâ€? or call (828) 777-8277.Â

‘Winter Sun’ Mahonia creates a beautiful focal point for winter gardens. In December, it lights up any garden with bright yellow flower spikes in contrast to it’s evergreen holly-looking foliage. This hybrid mahonia has a more compact habit of growth and more fragrant flowers than Leatherleaf Mahonia. ‘Crown Jewel’ Gardenia has attractive dark green evergreen foliage on a plant that will grow only 2 feet in height and 5 feet in width. It is product of a formal plant breeding project out of Siler City, North Carolina. Use ‘Crown Jewel’ as a low hedge, foundation plant, or in a group planting in a sunny welldrained area.

Few deciduous plants are as colorful in the summer garden as the Butterfly Bush, which is typically a 6- to 8-foot shrub. From plant breeding efforts at NC State University, a hardy miniature Buddleia called ‘Lo & Beholdtm Blue Chip’ is available for Carolina gardens. With its low spreading habit (2 to 3 feet in height), you can use it in the front of landscape beds or in mass plantings. ‘Emerald Pagoda’ Japanese Snowbell is an upright, vase-shaped deciduous tree that would make an excellent patio tree where its interesting bark and fragrant 1-inch flowers can be seen up close. In ten years this cultivar will have grown to 10 feet in height with a spread of

Jan McGuinn

20 feet wide. A great choice where a small tree is desired.

A source for late season color, Pink Muhly Grass is a great ornamental grass to compliment landscape beds with fading summer annuals. Its delicate pink plumes of flower panicles create a striking pink haze above its foliage. Give it plenty of sunlight and transplant into soil that is well drained. A North American native, this ornamental grass tolerates heat, humidity, and drought.

As we gear up for spring, a reminder that the Rutherford Extension Center will host our Spring Garden School on Saturday, March 6th from 8:30 am to 12 noon. There is a $5.00 registration fee, and preregistration is required by March 1, 2010.

The Spring Garden School will offer you new techniques to enhance your gardening efforts. In keeping with our theme of growing green, you will learn how to utilize and maintain plant materials in a variety of ways. This year’s program includes: Hardscaping Principles-Using What You Have, sessions geared towards our new gardeners in Rutherford County & beginning gardeners with Learning the Soil’s Needs, Proper Planning & PlantingTechniques to Ensure Success and sessions for those veteran gardeners who are ready to learn more with Pruning-Making the Right Cuts and Plant Propagation: Cuttings & Divisions. This year’s Spring Garden School will also feature Rutherford County Extension & Community Association members showcasing tips for the home. For additional information, contact the Rutherford Extension Center at (828) 287-6011.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 — 3B

LOCAL/STATE Vendors sought for 2010 Got to Be NC Festival

CHASE’S NEW BAND UNIFORMS

RALEIGH — Commercial vendor space is available for the Got to Be NC Festival, Mike Whittemore of which will be held Stanbury Uniforms preMay 21-23 at the State sented the new Chase Fairground.

High Band uniforms Businesses, organiTuesday night during the zations and concesband’s booster meetsion vendors looking ing. The new uniform, to make contact with designed specifically for thousands of festivalChase, is completely goers can find an appliwashable. The band is hosting the Trojan Concert cation online at www.

Series to raise money to ncagfest.com. Indoor pay for the uniforms. A and outdoor spaces are gospel showcase featuravailable. Direct sales ing the Millwood Family, In to patrons are allowed, His Glory, Mercy’s Touch and exhibit space costs and the Golden Valley $30 per front foot, Crusaders Feb. 19 at the with a $300 minimum school. Cost is $10 at the (additional costs may be door, and proceeds will benefit the uniform fund. incurred for electrical needs).

Allison Flynn/Daily Courier The Got to Be NC Festival will feature a carnival, live music, a food and wine expo, tractor pulls, draft horse pulls, Harley Davidson motorcycles, a barbecue cook-off and more.

“We’re expecting over 100,000 patrons through the fairgrounds for the festival and other events that weekend, and it’s a great opportunity for vendors,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Batt Humphreys, Troxler. “The festival author of “Dead Weight,” will be at attracts families, young Fireside, Friday to adults and seniors from read and sign copies. urban and rural locations, and is becoming Contributed Photo quite a destination event for folks across North Carolina.”

Festival hours are 9 a.m to midnight May 21 and 22, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 23.

Admission and parking for the festival are free.

There is a fee for grandstand events.

Other events at the fairgrounds that weekend include the Raleigh Summer Boat Show and Sale, Raleigh Health and Fitness Expo, Wake County 4-H Horse Show, District 4-H Horse Show and the Raleigh Flea Market.

All events are free to the public.

Unveiling ceremony for Simone sculpture will be held sunday TRYON — A sculpture of the late jazz singer Nina Simone will be unveiled Sunday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. during a dedication ceremony, 54 S. Trade Street, Tryon. A concert follows at 4 p.m. at the Polk County High School auditorium.

The 8-foot figure was created by sculptor Zenos Frudakis and cast at the Laran Bronze Foundry in Chester, Pa. Sunday’s unveiling ceremony is being held on Simone’s 77th birthday. The ceremony will be attended by the singer’s daughter, who posed as a life model for Frudakis and Stephen Marley.

The sculpture will serve as the focal point of a public art installation in Tryon’s central downtown district at Nina Simone Plaza. The portion of Simone’s remains, donated by her daughter, will be encased within the sculpture.

The Eunice Waymon-Nina Simone Memorial Project (NSP) was created to commemorate the life and legacy of Simone. The project’s mission statement includes the goals of funding educational scholarships, creating a Trans-World Music Festival and commissioning the sculpture project.

The Nina Simone Scholarship was launched in 2007 after a $25,000 donation by North Carolina-based plastics recycling firm EcoResin.

Since then, Stephen, Damien and Julian Marley’s Ghetto Youths Foundation has partnered with the NSP with a scholarship donation, and in addition Stephen Marley has donated half of the profits from his forthcoming Nina Simone cover CD to the NSP.

Former CBS news producer brings new legal thriller to Fireside Friday From staff reports

FOREST CITY — Former CBS News producer and Shelby native Batt Humphreys will be at Fireside Books & Gifts Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. to read and sign The NSP sponsors two general scholarships copies of his new novel, each year, open to applicants worldwide, and “Dead Weight.” the awards may be used for both academic study and cultural enrichment opportunities. In In 2007 Humphreys 2009 Erica Wilkins and Andrew Fletcher were left CBS News in New selected as the scholarships recipients, and each York after a distinreceived a $1,000 stipend. During her lifetime guished and eventful Simone put a focus on charities related to cancer career in network news research, arts programming, the prevention of to return to his the domestic abuse and AIDS research and care. The South. But it wasn’t NSP aims to support these causes in Simone’s long until the lure of the name. story brought him back to a headline. In this The final goal the NSP hopes to accomplish case, the headline was a is a Trans-World Music Festival. The prototype century old. of the festival—tentatively named NinaFest—is Based on the true anticipated to launch in September 2010 in tan- story of the State vs. dem with Tryon’s 125th anniversary. The festival Daniel Duncan, “Dead will include all musical forms as a nod to Simone Weight” details the who crossed the musical spectrum from classical 1910 trial, conviction to gospel to jazz and rock and roll. and execution of Daniel

Cornelius “Nealy” Duncan, a young black man of respectable employment and temperament, arrested on the eve of his wedding for the murder of a local merchant. In this heartbreaking tale about the role of race in the southern criminal justice system of the 20th century, reasonable doubt was disregarded, and there is every reason to believe an innocent man was hanged.

somewhere he will know and somehow we will have helped restore what was taken from him.”

More information about the Got to Be NC Festival is available online at www.ncagfest. com.

Humphreys has petitioned the state of South Carolina to pardon Duncan. “The pardon is a chance to correct an injustice and to restore honor, even if it never connects to his immediate family.

For those who believe in the continuity of souls,

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4B — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 SHOE by Chris Cassat and Gary Brookins

THE GRIZZWELLS by Bill Schoor

BROOM-HILDA by Russell Myers

DILBERT by Scott Adams

GIL THORP by Jerry Jenkins, Ray Burns and Frank McLaughlin

THE BORN LOSER by Art and Chip Sansom

ARLO AND JANIS by Jimmy Johnson

FRANK AND ERNEST by Bob Thaves

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510 520 500 540 530

310 340 300 318 350

512 526 501 537 520

6:35 } The Wrestler

} The Strangers } › Miss March Coed Devil Wears Christine (‘83) } ›› Bring It On :45 } The House Bunny } ›› Class Act Pettigrew Big Love Big Love Big Love 24/7 Black Bill Maher Meet Browns Diary Trac. Pauly Shore Ins. NASCAR La La Trac. Ins. NASCAR Harv :35 } ››› Black Hawk Down Spartacus } ›› Blow (‘01) Å

Roommate shares more than space Dear Abby: I walked into my dorm room and heard my roommate having sex in the bathroom. I promptly called my girlfriend to ask if she wanted to meet me. No sooner had I entered her number than I heard my girlfriend’s ring tone coming from our bathroom. It was her.

I clicked off, left the room and stayed at a friend’s for the night.

Please tell me, did I do the right thing and what do I do now? — Betrayed Dear Betrayed: I’m sorry you walked out. You should have ordered a pizza and invited some (true) friends over so they could be there when the two of them emerged.

Here’s what to do now: Tell your girlfriend the romance is history, and start looking for a roommate with enough character and intellect that he understands boundaries.

Dear Abby: I am shocked at what my young children tell me they have overheard while other “carpool moms” chat on their cell phones as they ferry children back and forth to school. Cell phones have opened up a whole new adult world to children.

My children have heard mothers bad-mouth teachers, other parents and even their classmates. Parents, please remember that little children have big ears and listen to everything you say! — Hang it Up Dear Hang it Up: Thank you for

Dear Abby Abigail van Buren

writing. As tempted as I am to use your letter as yet another reason to discourage the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, no state can legislate that its citizens use common sense. Too bad.

Dear Abby: Please warn all those poor trusting souls out there never to give out their passwords — ever!

I work in an office with about 20 people, mostly middle-aged women, many of whom are going through divorces. I have noticed a disturbing trend — cyberstalking. Several of the women use passwords provided to them in the past, when the relationships were good, to access personal data.

One woman accesses her husband’s bank account so they can all have a good laugh at how he’s struggling financially. The latest is the use of an ex-husband’s password to spy on his online dating account.

Tell your readers out there to safeguard their passwords. —Sick Dear Sick: I’m sure your letter will cause readers of both sexes to do a double take.

Fibromyalgia or polymyalgia?

Dear Dr. Gott: I recently read in one of your newsletters about fibromyalgia. I have polymyalgia. Could you please explain the difference between the two?

Dear Reader: Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread pain of muscles and ligaments, coupled with a painful response to even gentle touch. The symptoms may wax and wane and can be vague. Women are more prone to the disorder and typically experience pain throughout the entire body. Men, on the other hand, often report facial pain or discomfort in a specific part of the body.

This is often a diagnosis of exclusion, because so many symptoms mimic other disorders, making it difficult for a physician to diagnose.

Fibromyalgia cannot be confirmed

by X-ray or other specific testing.

Weather and physical and emotional stress levels play important roles in day-to-day pain levels and functioning. Relaxation and stress

PUZZLE

Ask Dr. Gott Dr. Peter M. Gott

reduction are both vital components for pain control. Initially, sufferers should speak with a physician for recommendations for appropriate over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Then these people should set up a plan of regular exercise, reduce consumption of products that contain caffeine and high-fructose corn syrup, and, finally, coordinate a sleep schedule that will provide a refreshing start to each day. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory, arthritic syndrome causing fatigue, weakness, anemia, weight loss, widespread muscle aches, pains and stiffness of the neck, shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs.

IN THE STARS

Your Birthday, Feb. 17;

In the year ahead, utilize your penchant for reorganizing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You can project a warm and interesting presence that others find quite appealing.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Any gains will come from cerebral efforts rather than physical ones.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — The larger the organization or group with which you have dealings, the better you’re likely to do.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Don’t ignore any powerful hunches with regard to consequential matters.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — An opportunity to re-establish several relationships you once enjoyed is likely to occupy your time.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — A mental endeavor for which you haven’t had much time previously might now get your attention.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your decisions are apt to be extremely wise and fair.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Be sure your own evaluation decides the worth of a method, system or product.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Social contacts you make at this time are likely to prove extremely valuable to your present plans.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Industriousness enhances your probabilities for success, but timing will be the real key to your good fortune.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You are never afraid to express views and opinions, even when in the presence of important people.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Largerthan-usual benefits can be derived from material affairs, but you will have to speak up and be counted.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, WEDNESDAY, February 17, 2010 — 5B

CLASSIFIEDS Contact Erika Meyer to place your ad!

Call: 828-245-6431 Fax: 828-248-2790 Email: emeyer@thedigitalcourier.com In person: 601 Oak St., Forest City 1 WEEK SPECIAL

DEADLINES: New Ads, Cancellations & Changes Tuesday Edition.............Monday, 12pm Wednesday Edition......Tuesday, 2pm Thursday Edition......Wednesday, 2pm Friday Edition...............Thursday, 2pm Saturday Edition................Friday, 2pm Sunday Edition......................Friday, 2pm

Run ad 6 consecutive days and only pay for 5 days*

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

2 WEEK SPECIAL Run ad 12 consecutive days and only pay for 9 days*

3 DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL YARD SALE SPECIAL Run a 20 word yard sale ad Thurs., Fri., & Sat. for ONLY $20.

Additional words are only 75¢ each. Deadline: Wed. at 2 p.m.

*Private party customers only! This special must be mentioned at the time of ad placement.

Valid 2/15/10 - 2/19/10

Apartments

Apartments

Homes

Mobile Homes

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

3BR/2BA single level town home, with attached garage, great neighborhood, conveniently located inside Rfdtn city limits.

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

For Rent

For Rent

Little Red School: 2 year old teacher, must have early childhood credentials and 12 or more edu. credits.

Classroom exp. a plus.

Apply at center

Heritage Classic Wovens, LLC has an immediate need for an experienced tie-in person. Weaving experience and Uster tie-in machine experience a plus.

Must be available to work any shift. We offer paid holidays and an excellent benefit package. Please apply in person at 155 Westerly Hills Dr. Forest City, NC 28043 Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm. No phone calls please. EOE.

No pets! 828-429-4288

Arlington Ridge

Spacious 1 & 2BR Some utilities paid by landlord.

Winter special: 1 mo. rent free w/1 yr. lease!

Call 828-447-3233 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 Equal Housing Opportunity.

Income Based Rent.

Vacation year round Furnished 2BR/3BA condo on golf course w/fireplace. $800/mo.

Call 287-9638 or 828-223-1112 STUDIO APARTMENT in Oakland. Security deposit + $300/month Call 287-2323

3BR/2BA in Rfdtn w/ lg. living room, hdwd floors, giant yard. $900/mo. 2BR/1BA duplex in Rfdtn. $450/mo. 625-5554

Commercial

Homes For

Property

Rent or Sale 2BR/1BA Beautiful country cottage on 3.5 ac. on Hudlow Rd. $500/mo. 704-376-8081

3BR/2BA Mobile Home for sale or rent in park in Gilkey.

Call 429-6670

For sale or rent on Main St. in Rfdtn $450/mo. 287-9638 828-223-1112

Office Space

Homes For Rent

Mobile Homes For Sale

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM

HOUSES & APTS. FOR RENT!

Spring Time Specials!!

$285/mo.-$750/mo.

Spring is on the way.

Call 828-433-8412 and be in a new home by Spring. Use your Taxes as Down Payment Plus Get $6,500-$8,000 back to move in

Rentals Unlimited

245-7400

PRODUCTION OPERATOR Manufacturing facility needs production operators. Repetitive lifting of 50+ lbs. required. Must be able to work overtime and able to work any shift.

We offer competitive wages & benefits.

Applications taken at the plant: IMC-METALSAMERICA, LLC 135 Old Boiling Springs Road Shelby, NC 28152

828-433-8412

Homes R Us Single Wides, Double Wides and Modulars.

We’ve Got you covered!

Plus Receive $6,500 - $8,000 for purchasing a home.

Call 828-433-8455

For rent on Main St. in Rfdtn. All utilities furn. $550/mo. 287-9638 or 828-223-1112

Business Services Overnight Nanny Max. stay 1 wk. Exc. ref’s. nannyservices2010@ gmail.com for info

Help Wanted Claddaugh Home Care is now accepting applications for NC licensed CNA’s in the Rutherford/Marion areas. Must have valid NC driver’s license.

Hours vary according to assignment.

Contact 828-288-3833

Full time Small Engine

Tech Minimum 2 yrs. experience on 2 Cycle and 4 Cycle engines.

Computer skills needed. Benefits include: insurance, vacation, holiday pay and retirement plan.

Mail resume to: PO Box 1001 Forest City, NC 28043 Attn: Small Engine Tech

For Sale

We need full time RN for first shift charge.

Salary negotiable.

Apply in person at Fair Haven Nursing Home, 149 Fairhaven Dr., Bostic, NC 28018

2 Burial Plots Sunset Memorial Park, Mem. Garden 1, Lot 322.

Call 336-407-0468

Full time Diesel Technician Minimum 2 yrs exp. Computer skills needed. Benefits include: Insurance, vacation, holiday pay & retirement plan.

Mail resume to: PO Box 1001 Forest City, NC 28043 Attn: Diesel Tech

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! CALL 245-6431

General Electric Top Freezer refrig. 17.6 cuft.

10 yrs. old, good. cond.

$100 obo 286-9736 Ruth. Mem. Cemetery 2 spaces in eternity sec. $1,050 ea. + deed transfer 803-581-6846

Want To Buy I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up to $10 per 100 ct. Call Bob 828-577-4197

Want To Buy

WILL BUY YOUR JUNK Cars & Trucks Pick up at your convenience!

Call 223-0277 Pets Boston Terrier Pups 8 wks old. 2 females & 1 male. $300 each Call 828-625-1579 Free to good home 3 Male Boxadors Half boxer/half black lab. 6 weeks old. Call 245-0123 or 245-5369 Needs home ASAP FREE female hound mix. Call 245-1871

Lost Male Gray & white cat with black stripes. Lost 1/26 on Brooks Rd. in Sunshine area. Family misses him! 429-0803

Found Cat found on Edwards St., Rfdtn, near Hospital.

Appears to be young adult. Please call to identify 429-0122 Black/brown Female Rottweiler with collar.

Found 2/13 Chase High school area.

Call Julie 245-5501

Yard Sales Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Feb 17th, 18th & 19th 8A-until Big variety and bake sale items. 397 Mt. Pleasant Ch. Rd., FC Rain/shine!

FILL UP ON

V A L U E Shop the Classifieds!

The Daily Courier Call 828-245-6431 to place your ad.

NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 417

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 561

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Debra Grant and Glenn E. Grant to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated February 02, 2007, and recorded in Book 940, Page 57, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina.

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Benjamin T. Smith and Linda H. Smith to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated May 15, 2007, and recorded in Book 956, Page 665, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Rutherford County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at the Courthouse Door in Rutherford County, North Carolina, at 10:30AM on March 03, 2010, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Morgan Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being Lot Number 12 of Queen's Gap, Phase I, as described more fully in plat recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 280-292, ("the Plat"), Rutherford County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more full and accurate description. Subject to Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Queen's Gap as recorded in Book 917, Page 402-442, Rutherford County Register of Deeds, and recorded in Book 891, Page 624-664, McDowell County Register of Deeds, and any amendments and supplements thereto. Subject to all matters shown on subdivision plat of Queen's Gap, Phase I, as recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 280-292, Rutherford County Register of Deeds, and Plat Book 13, Pages 60-72, McDowell County Register of Deeds, hereinafter referred to as "the Plat".

Said property is commonly known as: 12 Queens Gap, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof or Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), whichever is greater. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Debra Grant and Glenn E. Grant.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Rutherford County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at the Courthouse Door in Rutherford County, North Carolina, at 10:30AM on March 03, 2010, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Morgan Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being Lot Number 22 of Queen's Gap, Phase I, as described more fully in plat recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 280-292, ("the Plat"), Rutherford County registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more full and accurate description. Subject to declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions for Queen's Gap as recorded in Book 917, Page 402-442, Rutherford County register of deeds, and recorded in Book 891, Page 624-664, McDowell County register of deeds, and any amendments and supplements thereto. Subject to all matters shown on subdivision plat of Queen's Gap, Phase I, as recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 280-292, Rutherford County register of deeds, and Plat Book 13, Pages 6072, McDowell County register of deeds, hereinafter referred to as "the Plat".

Said property is commonly known as: Lot #22 of Queens Gap Subdivision, Phase 1, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof or Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), whichever is greater. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Benjamin T. Smith and Linda H. Smith.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days' written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, that tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days' written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, that tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

___________________________________ Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee 1587 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 (770) 234-9181 Our File No.: 158.0930246NC Publication Dates: 02/17/2010 & 02/24/2010

___________________________________ Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee 1587 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 (770) 234-9181 Our File No.: 158.0935782NC Publication Dates: 02/17/2010 & 02/24/2010

6B — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, WEDNESDAY, February 17, 2010 NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA RUTHERFORD COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 552

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by John T Snell to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated March 19, 2007, and recorded in Book 946, Page 614, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Rutherford County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at the Courthouse Door in Rutherford County, North Carolina, at 10:00AM on February 24, 2010, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Morgan Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being Lot Number 20 of Queen's Gap, Phase I, as described more fully in plat recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 280-292, ("the Plat"), Rutherford County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more full and accurate description. Subject to Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Queen's Gap as recorded in Book 917, Page 402-442, Rutherford County Register of Deeds, and recorded in Book 891, Page 624-664, McDowell County Register of Deeds, and any amendments and supplements thereto. Subject to all matters shown on subdivision plat of Queen's Gap, Phase I, as recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 280-292, Rutherford County Register of Deeds, and Plat Book 13, Page 60-72, McDowell County Register of Deeds, hereinafter referred to as "the Plat".

Said property is commonly known as: Lot 20 Cian Drive, Queen's Gap Phase 1, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof or Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), whichever is greater. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are John T Snell.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days' written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, that tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. ___________________________________ Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee 1587 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 (770) 234-9181 Our File No.: 432.0935761NC Publication Dates: 02/10/2010 & 02/17/2010

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK 09 SP 563 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JOHN A. SYKES, JR. AND WIFE, DANNA C. SYKES DATED June 9, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 843, PAGE 785, RUTHERFORD COUNTY REGISTRY, TO BB&T COLLATERAL SERVICE CORP, TRUSTEE. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in that certain deed of trust executed by JOHN A. SYKES, JR. AND WIFE, DANNA C. SYKES dated June 9, 2005 to BB&T COLLATERAL SERVICE CORPORATION, Trustee for BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY, recorded in Book 843, Page 785, RUTHERFORD County Registry; default having been made in payment of the indebtedness thereby secured; and the necessary findings to permit foreclosure having been made by the Clerk of Superior Court of RUTHERFORD County, North Carolina; the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, the property conveyed in said deed of trust, the same lying and being in the County of RUTHERFORD and State of North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in Chimney Rock Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being Lot 10 of the Brookside Forest Subdivision, Phase 1, as shown on plat recorded in Plat Book 26, Page 25, Rutherford County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more complete and accurate description.

PROPERTY ADDRESS/LOCATION: Lot 10, Phase 1, Brookside Forest Subdivision, Brookside Parkway, Lake Lure, NC 28746 DATE OF SALE: February 18, 2010 TIME OF SALE: 10:30 A.M. LOCATION OF SALE: RUTHERFORD County Courthouse RECORD OWNER(S): John A. Sykes, Jr. and Danna C. Sykes TERMS OF THE SALE: (1) This sale will be made subject to: (a) all prior liens, encumbrances, easements, right-of-ways, restrictive covenants or other restrictions of record affecting the property; (b) property taxes and assessments for the year in which the sale occurs, as well as any prior years; (c) federal tax liens with respect to which proper notice was not given to the Internal Revenue Service; and (d) federal tax liens to which proper notice was given to the Internal Revenue Service and to which the right of redemption applies.

(2) The property is being sold "as is". Neither the beneficiary of the deed of trust, nor the undersigned Substitute Trustee, makes any warranties or representations concerning the property, including but not limited to, the physical or environmental condition of the property.

Further, the undersigned Substitute Trustee makes no title warranties with respect to the title to the property.

(3) The highest bidder will be responsible for the payment of revenue stamps payable to the Registerof Deeds and any final court and/or auditing fees payable to the Clerk of Superior Court which are assessed on the high bid resulting from this foreclosure sale.

(4) At the time of the sale, the highest bidder will be required to make a cash deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid, or $750.00, whichever is greater, with the remaining balance of the bid amount to be paid on the day following the expiration of the applicable ten (10) day upset bid period.

(5) Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

(6) An order for possession of the property being sold may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession, by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

This the 20th day of January, 2010.

NORTH CAROLINA RUTHERFORD COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK 09 SP 562 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MARLENE W. DOMINGUEZ AND RAMON W. DOMINGUEZ DATED August 29, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 975, PAGE 191, RUTHERFORD COUNTY REGISTRY, TO BB&T COLLATERAL SERVICE CORP, TRUSTEE. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in that certain deed of trust executed by MARLENE W. DOMINGUEZ AND RAMON W. DOMINGUEZ dated August 29, 2007 to BB&T COLLATERAL SERVICE CORPORATON, Trustee for BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY, recorded in Book 975, Page 191, RUTHERFORD County Registry; default having been made in payment of the indebtedness thereby secured; and the necessary findings to permit foreclosure having been made by the Clerk of Superior Court of RUTHERFORD County, North Carolina; the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, the property conveyed in said deed of trust, the same lying and being in the County of RUTHERFORD and State of North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 39 of The Estates at Greenhill as shown on plats thereof recorded in Plat Book 28 at Pages 121 and 122, Rutherford County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with a right of way for ingress, egress and regress over and upon the roadways of The Estates at Greenhill as shown on the above plats.

The above Lot is subject to easements, restrictions and rights of way of record, including, but not limited to, that Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for The Estates at Greenhill recorded in Book 933 at Page 199, Rutherford County Registry, which Declaration includes a Repurchase Option in favor of Grantor in Section 3.22.

PROPERTY ADDRESS/LOCATION: Lot 39 The Estates at Greenhill Subdivision, Hickory Loop, Rutherfordton NC 28139 DATE OF SALE: February 18, 2010 TIME OF SALE: 10:30 A.M. LOCATION OF SALE: RUTHERFORD County Courthouse

SMITH DEBNAM NARRON DRAKE SAINTSING & MYERS, L.L.P. _______________________________________ Jeff D. Rogers, Substitute Trustee P. O. Box 26268 Raleigh, NC 27611-6268 (919) 250-2000 KMA 97392202

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF RUTHERFORD NOTICE OF SALE File No: 09 SP 257 TAKE NOTICE THAT: Raintree Realty and Construction, Inc., Substitute Trustee, has begun proceedings to FORECLOSE under the Deed of Trust described below, and under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in such Deed of Trust, and an Order entered by the Clerk of Superior Court of the above County, will sell the below described property at public auction as follows: 1. The instrument pursuant to which such sale will be held is a Deed of Trust executed by Marie L. Peterson and Joseph Lee Peterson, original mortgagors, and recorded in the Office of the Rutherford County Register of Deeds in Deed of Trust Book 977 at Page 83. The record owner of such property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds not more than ten (10) days prior to posting this Notice of Sale, if not the original mortgagors, is: N/A 2. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee at 12:30 p.m. on the 23rd day of February, 2010 at the Courthouse door in the City of Rutherfordton, North Carolina.

The real property to be sold is known located at 248 Lillian’s Farm Lane, Rutherford County, Forest City, North Carolina, and more fully described as follows: BEING all of Lot No. 5 and No. 6 of the Lillian’s Farms Subdivision as shown on plat duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Rutherford County, NC in Plat Book 25, at Page 35, to which reference is hereby made for a more full and complete description.

TAX PIN No. 16-36517 and 16-36518.

RECORD OWNER(S): Marlene W. Dominquez

Subject to the restrictions recorded in Deed Book 846, at Page 438, Rutherford County Registry.

TERMS OF THE SALE: (1) This sale will be made subject to: (a) all prior liens, encumbrances, easements, right-of-ways, restrictive covenants or other restrictions of record affecting the property; (b) property taxes and assessments for the year in which the sale occurs, as well as any prior years; (c) federal tax liens with respect to which proper notice was not given to the Internal Revenue Service; and (d) federal tax liens to which proper notice was given to the Internal Revenue Service and to which the right of redemption applies.

(2) The property is being sold "as is". Neither the beneficiary of the deed of trust, nor the undersigned Substitute Trustee, makes any warranties or representations concerning the property, including but not limited to, the physical or environmental condition of the property.

Further, the undersigned Substitute Trustee makes no title warranties with respect to the title to the property.

(3) The highest bidder will be responsible for the payment of revenue stamps payable to the Registerof Deeds and any final court and/or auditing fees payable to the Clerk of Superior Court which are assessed on the high bid resulting from this foreclosure sale.

(4) At the time of the sale, the highest bidder will be required to make a cash deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid, or $750.00, whichever is greater, with the remaining balance of the bid amount to be paid on the day following the expiration of the applicable ten (10) day upset bid period.

(5) Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

(6) An order for possession of the property being sold may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession, by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

3. Any buildings located on the above-described property are also included in the sale.

4. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee to the highest bidder for CASH. The highest bidder will be required to deposit IN CASH with the Substitute Trustee at the date and time of the sale the greater of five percent (5.0%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty and no/100 Dollars ($750.00).

5. All bidders bid for the property AS IS on the date of sale. Absolutely no warranties are made as to the condition, value or title of the property. While the Substitute Trustee believes the title to be good, all bidders are advised that they should obtain independent counsel to examine record title as the property is sold subject to prior record interests. The Noteholder has reserved the right to withdraw the sale up to and until the Deed is delivered by the Substitute Trustee.

6. The property will be sold subject to all unpaid taxes and special assessments.

7. The property being sold is all of that property described in Deed of Trust except as specifically set forth above. It is the intention to extinguish any and all rights or interests in the property subordinate to the Deed of Trust.

8. Additional Notice Where the Real Property is Residential with Less Than 15 Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the Notice of Sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

This the 20th day of January, 2010.

This the 21st day of January, 2010.

SMITH DEBNAM NARRON DRAKE SAINTSING & MYERS, L.L.P. _______________________________________ Jeff D. Rogers, Substitute Trustee P. O. Box 26268 Raleigh, NC 27611-6268 (919) 250-2000 CBM 97392235

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE: RAINTREE REALTY AND CONSTRUCTION, INC. A. Robert York, President PO Box 8942 Asheville, NC 28814-8942 Phone: 828.777.5250 Dates: February 10, 2010 and February 17, 2010

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, WEDNESDAY, February 17, 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 7B STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF RUTHERFORD NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Ethel G. Ruppe, late of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before April 27, 2010, or this Notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 27th day of January, 2010.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of RUBY AILEEN(E) SHERRILL of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said RUBY AILEEN(E) SHERRILL to present them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of April, 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This is the 27th day of January, 2010.

Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of RONALD EUGENE AMOS of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said RONALD EUGENE AMOS to present them to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of May, 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This is the 3rd day of February, 2010.

Judy Ann Robertson, Executor 1691 Oakland Road Forest City, NC 28043

Judy Lee Carswell Amos, Administrator 161 Goldfinch Lane Rutherfordton, NC 28139

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8B — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Knit Continued from Page 1

donated toys and bracelets and another woman donated hats and another toothpaste.

“I wish each person who gave something could have seen the smiles on the faces of the people,” Cooper continued.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for my students to reach out to children on the other side of the world, nearly 6,000 miles away.

“It may seem like a small gift, but to the people who received a scarf, it was really special and very much appreciated. It was our hope to make the children a little warmer and let them know students in America care about them,” Cooper added.

Cooper and 28 other

volunteers traveled with The Master’s Mission from Ware Shoals, S.C. from Jan. 18-Jan. 27. Five others from Liberty Baptist —Whitney Callahan, an East Rutherford High student; Paula Sundell and Eric Sundell, mother and son; Liz Blanton and Kevin Jones — also went to the Ukraine.

The team’s mission to the Ukraine was for two purposes. One was to share the love of Jesus with the people and to distribute Joy boxes (a shoebox of small gifts) to the children.

The team visited schools and orphanages, and had opportunities to visit some families in the villages.

“The people were so welcoming to us and did everything they could to make us feel comfortable. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to go, because it was very humbling and also an

honor for me to experience their culture and share the love of Jesus with everyone. It was difficult to see how hard life can be for some people. The poverty rate is very high and the people have a hard time just having the necessities of life,” Cooper said.

Cooper and the team visited some of the poorest people in the area.

“I will never forget the excitement the children of all ages would get over a Matchbox car or the lady that got up at 5 a.m. to make lunch for the Americans. She had very little by the world’s standards, but she gave her best to us that day,” Cooper said.

Cooper plans to go back to the Ukraine when she has the opportunity.

Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com.

Contributed Photo

In addition to making the scarves with crocheting and knitting, students also made bracelets to share with the Ukraine students. The bracelets and other goodies were included in the care packages that Cooper took with her to distribute.

ATTENTION ADULTS 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.

Contributed Photo

Paula Sundell (right) teaches knitting to East Middle School student Stephany Guiterrez. Students learned about knitting one day a week after school. The seafarers team knitted and crocheted 166 scarves to take to the children at orphanages in the Ukraine.

Contributed Photo

Toys and stuffed animals accompanied the handmade gifts. “The people were so welcoming to us and did everything they could to make us feel comfortable. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to go,” Cooper said.

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