daily courier february 27 2010

Lady Hilltoppers looked to top Erwin — Page 7 Sports The Big Chill Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb played host in the North-South Challenge at McNair Field

Page 7

Saturday, February 27, 2010, Forest City, N.C.

NATION

50¢

Election races are set

By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — Ballots are set for candidates seeking office in Rutherford County, including candidates filing for the North Carolina General Assembly and the State Senate.

As filing ended Friday at 12 p.m., two candidates, Paul McIntosh and Freddie Garrett, beat the deadline and joined the political arena, setting the stage for the May 4 primary election and the Nov. 2 general election.

Economic growth rate is slowing

Elections Supervisor Debbie Bedford said she expects there will be a second primary because of the number of candidates filing in several races, including county commission seats and the N.C. District 112 House seat. If necessary a second primary will be June 22.

Incumbent County Commissioner Paul McIntosh was the first to file Friday morning, seeking re-election to his District 1 seat. Republican McIntosh of Rutherfordton has

Jean Gordon/Daily Courier

As filing for the May 4 primary election ended at 12:00 p.m., Elections Supervisor Debbie Bedford peered out Please see Election, Page 6 the office window, announcing, “that’s it.”

Norovirus causing problems in area

WIND POWERED

Page 11

SPORTS

From staff reports

Braves prospect doing damage with his bat

With an abundance of high western winds blowing through the county in the past couple of days, strong gusts up to 30 mph were reported in spots. Here this windmill at a home in Forest City comes to life as it catches a passing breeze Friday.

Page 8

GAS PRICES

Low: High: Avg.:

$2.59 $2.74 $2.67

DEATHS

Garrett Byers/ Daily Courier

FOREST CITY — Recent outbreaks of norovirus, a common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness, have been sickening children, teens and older people across the state, including Rutherford County.

According to Rutherford County’s Interim Health Director Phillip Melton, people in longterm care facilities, schools and child care centers, restaurants, and other settings have also been sick with norovirus.

Noroviruses are very contagious.

Helen White, program director at the health department, said there has not been a major outbreak in Rutherford County, however people have had the virus and some young children and senior citizens have had to be hospitalized as they became dehydrated and had to have IV fluids.

White said there have been more reports of the norovirus in Polk County and across the state line in Landrum, S.C. People can get sick through direct contact with a person who has the virus, by touching Please see Virus, Page 3

Lake Lure

BRWA water lines extensions under way

Golden Valley

By SCOTT BAUGHMAN

Coy Bumgarner Mary Freeman Page 5

WEATHER

High

Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — Broad River Water Authority is hoping to add about 80 new residential customers with the completion of a waterline extension on Weeks Road and a new line on U.S. 221 between Coxe Road and Poors Ford Road.

The construction was delayed for a few days due to recent rain and snow fall, but construction crews with Kennedy Concrete and Utilities of Shelby are putting the finishing touches on landscaping and repair to homeowner’s yards.

But beautification and utility service aren’t the only benefits.

By ALLISON FLYNN

50 29

Daily Courier Staff Writer

Today, sunny.

Tonight, partly cloudy.

Complete forecast, Page 10

INSIDE

Vol. 42, No. 50

Please see BRWA, Page 6

Teen is example of the variety that 4-H offers

Low

Classifieds . . . 14-15 Sports . . . . . . . . 7-9 County scene . . . . 6 Opinion . . . . . . . . 4

“About 95 percent of the waterline is eight inch ductile iron pipe and includes hydrants for fire protection,” BRWA Manager Maria Hunnicutt said. “These projects extend waterlines three miles and have the potential to serve over 80

Garrett Byers

Nicole Bradley’s 4-H experience clearly demonstrates the variety of opportunity the youth organization offers.

Here she and fellow 4-Her Todd Elliott perform at KidSenses.

Now on the Web: www.thedigitalcourier.com

RUTHERFORDTON — Nicole Bradley has been a member of 4-H in Rutherford County for 11 years, and never once has she milked a cow or shown a goat.

The idea that 4-H is just for youth who live on farms or are involved in agriculture is one that’s just not accurate, said Rutherford County 4-H Extension Agent Cynthia Robbins.

That’s not to say you can’t take part in those type activities in 4-H, but there’s a world more than you might imagine to do through the organization.

“I think the closest animal-related thing I’ve done was an embryology project,” Bradley said. “We’ve never had any kinds of animals or farms.”

What she has done, Bradley said, is gain experience in public speaking and community service projects.

Being in 4-H has allowed Bradley to share her passion, music, with other people in the county and state.

“We’ll do shows as part of our community service, which is an opportunity to perform and be in front of people,” Bradley said.

Bradley’s taken part in various 4-H talent events, singing and playing piano. Performing through 4-H has given her exposure and the chance for people to invite her to take part in other events, said Bradley’s mother, Janett.

Bradley, a senior at R-S Central High School, was homeschooled in Please see 4-H, Page 6

2

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010

local Church News Music/concerts

Singing: Sunday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.; Bostic Missionary Methodist Church; featuring Tony Burchette.

Singing: Sunday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m., Plain View Baptist Church, 289 J.M. Lovelace Road, Ellenboro; featuring the Blood Bought Trio.

Singing: Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m., Full Gospel Revival Church, 4799 US 64/74A, Green Hill community; featuring the Golden Trumpets.

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.

The Primitive Quartet of Candler, will sing Sunday, March 14, at Harriett Memorial Free Will Baptist Church, 1938 Hwy. 221A in Caroleen. Music begins at 6 p.m. Love offering concert.

The Royal Quartet will be in concert Saturday, March 13, at Holy Ground Community Church, 139 S. Powell St., Forest City (beside the post office).

Singing begins at 6 p.m.

Singing: Sunday, March 7, 2 p.m., Village Chapel Church, 141 Huntley St., Forest City; featuring The Ray Davis Family of Forest City.

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

Special services Revival: Feb. 24-28, 7 nightly, Cooper Springs Congregational Holiness Church, in the Sunshine community; guest speaker, Rev. Cody Shew from Lenoir.

Lenten services: St. Francis Episcopal Church, Rutherfordton, every Tuesday through March 30; “Great Souls,” a journey into the lives of Billy Graham (Salvation), Elie Wiesel (Remembrance), Pope John Paul II (Human Dignity), Mother Teresa (Compassion), and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (Truth); soup/bread supper 6 p.m., service begins at 6:15 p.m.

Black History program: Sunday, Feb. 28, worship service 11 a.m., St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Lake Lure; student interns from Davidson College will be in attendance; program presented by Yvonne Gordon; dinner served afterwards; Edgar L. Waters, pastor.

Special service: Sunday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m., Victory Temple Bibleway Church, 171

Maple Creek Road, Rutherfordton; Pastor Daemon Moss will lead the sermon on Extreme Makeover Part II.

The Snyder Family Band

Black History program: Sunday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m.; Piney Ridge CME Church, Union Mills; chronicle of gospel music from the time of slavery until present will be performed in drama and song; Rev. Johnny L. Searight, pastor.

Annual Fellowship service: Sunday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m.; at New Salem CME Church, 784 Pleasant Hill Loop Road, Rutherfordton; Elder Jerry Lee Washburn, assistant pastor of The House of Shammah, Gastonia, will speak.

Guest speaker: March 4-6, 7 nightly, Temple of Jesus Church, US 74, Lake Lure; the Rev. Jackie Turner of Kentucky, will be the guest speaker; Lloyd Montgomery, pastor.

Missions Conference: March 14-17, 7 nightly, Cornerstone Baptist Church, 4357 W. Dixon Blvd., near the intersection of US 74 and N. Academy St., Mooresboro, (at the caution light); different speakers each night; nursery available.

Rainbow Tea: Sunday, March 14, 3 p.m., Union Hill AME Zion Church; sponsored by the Home Mission Department.

Revival: March 14-18, Robertson Creek Free Will Baptist Church,

The Snyder Family Band will be in concert Saturday, March 6, at Big Springs Baptist Church, Hollis Road, Ellenboro. Singing begins at 7 p.m. A love offering will be accepted. Public invited.

Pea Ridge Road, Bostic; guest speaker, Rev. Jeff Duncan from Going Home FWB Church in Marion; Sunday service 6 p.m.; MondayThursday, 7 nightly.

Lenten services: Advent Lutheran Church, 102 Reveley St., Spindale, every Wednesday through March 24, from 7 to 7:30 p.m.; soup and sandwich supper at 6:30 p.m., reservations appreciated for the meal; call 287-2056 by noon each Tuesday.

Lenten services: Spindale United Methodist Church, each Wednesday through March 24 with different speakers and topics weekly; meal at 5:15 p.m., each week, program begins at 6 p.m.

How To Be A Christian Gentleman Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

R.S.V. Colossians 3:12-13

The idea of being a “Christian gentleman” is perhaps redundant. After all, are not Christians called to be gentle and forbearing, and to act with moral propriety, and are not these the defining characteristics of a gentleman?

The American Heritage Dictionary defines gentleman as “a well-mannered and considerate man with high standards of proper behavior.” But, the image we sometimes have of a gentleman is that of a slightly effete snob who is overly concerned with protocol and etiquette, perhaps even to the point of being obnoxious.

In reality, the gentleman is someone who, while holding himself to high standards of polite and considerate behavior, is forgiving of those who do not themselves have such high standards, whether because of ignorance on their part or just lack of “refinement.”

The gentleman should be first and foremost a gentle man. And, this entails forbearance over those whom one may have power, whether these are subordinate employees, those who are less educated, or the socially or materially disadvantaged.

Therefore, the real essence of the gentleman is more accurately a heartfelt concern and consideration for the feelings of others.

So, if we make every effort to be a gentleman, we should find that in addition, we are trying to be a good Christian.

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Lenten services: First Baptist Church of Spindale, 105 East Wilson St., each Wednesday through March 31; worship time at noon; lunch promptly at 12:30 p.m.; lunch $4 per person; different speakers and topics each week.

Fundraisers Country ham, chicken pie supper: Saturday, Feb. 27, begins at 4:30 p.m., at Mt. Vernon Clubhouse; adults $8; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and under free; proceeds go toward the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church children and youth programs; also, please bring one non-perishable food item to help stock the community food pantry.

Soup and chili sale: Saturday, Feb. 27, noon to 5 p.m.; Union Hill AME Zion Church; sponsored by the stewardess board.

Luncheon/tea: 3rd Annual Community Luncheon and Tea; Saturday, Feb. 27, 2 to 5 p.m., at Gold Hill Baptist Church Association building, Spindale; $10 per person.

Vegetable soup sale: The UMW of Spindale United Methodist Church will take orders for homemade vegetable soup through Saturday, Feb. 27. Concentrated ($6 per quart), freezes well. Pick up March 6, 9 a.m. until noon.

Breakfast buffet: Saturday, Feb. 27, 7 to 10 a.m.; Long Branch Road Baptist Church, 621 Long Branch Road, Forest City; no set price, donations accepted; proceeds for a new fellowship hall.

Chicken, fish sandwich sale: Saturday, Feb. 27, begins at 11 a.m., St. Paul AME Zion Church, 200 Lawing Road, Forest City; chicken sandwich $3.75, fish sandwich, $4, drinks 50 cents.

Fish fry: Friday, March 5, begins at 4 p.m., Harriett Memorial Free Will Baptist Church; adults $6; ages 6-12, $3; under 6 free; take outs available; church located at 1938 Hwy. 221-A in Caroleen; proceeds go to the grounds committee for church projects; to place an order call 657-9446.

Country ham supper: Saturday, March 6, 4 to 8 p.m., Duncan’s Creek Presbyterian Church, 1658 Duncan’s Creek Road, Ellenboro.

Soup dinner: Saturday, March 6, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; High Shoal Baptist Church, Henrietta; soups, cornbread, sandwiches, desserts, drinks and more; adults $5; ages 6-12,

$2.50; under 6 free; proceeds to the Needy Family Christmas Fund.

Other Food giveaway: Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in the Sandy Mush area will be distributing food (one box per family) to those in need, on Saturday, Feb. 27, beginning at 11 a.m.

Food will be given until it runs out.

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.

Preschool registration: Crestview Baptist Church Preschool is now accepting students for the 2010-11 school year. Ages 2 1/2 to 4 1/2, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 245-1924 for more information.

Preschool registration: The kindergarten preschool of First United Methodist Church, 341 East Main St., Forest City, is now taking fall registration for ages 2-5. Limited openings. Contact Preschool Director Jill Smith at 245-6446, or drop by the church office.

Fall registration: The Tot Learning Center at First United Methodist Church, Rutherfordton, will begin registration for fall classes on March 1. Contact Cathy Watson at 287-3704 for more information.

Mom’s Hope is a ministry that offers hope and support for mothers who face daily struggles and fears when their children are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Missionary Wesleyan Church, 811 Doggett Rd., Forest City. Next meeting Feb. 11. For more information contact Chris at 287-3687.

“The Way Home”: A support group for anyone recovering from an addiction; meetings are held each Monday at noon, in the basement of Harvest House Church, Big Springs Ave., Forest City; call Sheila at 828-447-1880 for more information.

“Celebrate Recovery” is a weekly Christcentered program that meets every Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 1186 Hudlow Rd., Forest City. The group is open to anyone who wishes to find healing no matter what you’re going through.

For more information call 245-3639.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010 — 3

Local

Master Gardener class sign-up deadline Monday

ALL FIXED UP

From staff reports

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Tina and Dave Hendrix of Ellenboro Pet & Livestock Supply put newly engraved identification collars on dog owner Jeff Enloe’s English Pointers Molly, left, and Roc. Enloe was out and about with his hunting dogs Friday and stopped by the Hendrix’s shop to have the custom collars made.

TDA reduces budget; discusses Web site

By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — The Tourism Development Authority decreased its proposed 2010-2011 budget by 9 percent. The proposed operating budget, $478,711, was approved Thursday approved at TDA’s regular business meeting. The total budget will be $628,711, but the proposal must be approved by County Commissioners, who will review it as part of their meeting Monday.

The meeting was held at Bennett’s Classic Car Museum.

The board also passed a resolution asking the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose any efforts to allow travel booking Web sites such as Expedia.com, Travelocity. com and others to circumvent local occupancy taxes. An effort to include an exemption for services like those is part of the recent jobs bill being debated in Washington.

Occupancy tax collections for the county were up about 1.6 percent in January.

“We are still farther ahead for the eight months of the fiscal year than we were expecting,” TDA Director Michelle Whitaker said. “But you can see where during the past few months many categories like campgrounds and cabins have been down.”

“I don’t understand how we can be down in so many individual categories, but ahead on the overall,” TDA Board Member Keven McCammon asked. “Is there an error there?”

Paula Roach of the county finance

Virus Continued from Page 1

contaminated surfaces, or by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus.

Noroviruses are tough to kill said Dr. Megan Davies, State Epidemiologist.

The most important way to prevent spread is thorough hand-washing using soap and water. Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.

The symptoms of norovirus illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Some people may also have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The illness begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people, the illness lasts for about 1 or 2 days. However, some especially young children and the elderly can quickly get dehydrated and might require medical care or even hospitalization. There are no specific medications to treat norovirus.

To protect yourself and your family,

department explained that even when smaller categories like cabins or bed and breakfasts were down, larger categories like Rumbling Bald Resort or Holiday Inn Express could average out the numbers to show a gain because they have so many beds to fill.

In other business, the board also learned that the TDA Web sites may not be drawing as much traffic as thought.

“We’ve had some questions about the reliability of the data for our sites,” Whitaker reported. “It looks like we need to get into the way our sites are set up to see if we can drive more traffic. Our clickthrough rates may not be what we thought.”

The clickthrough rates — a measure of how many people are visiting the site and which parts receive the most attention — may have to be revised.

And the board also wanted to investigate why the sites were not ranking very high on popular search engines like Google.

“This might be a case where we need to look at how our keywords and metatags are organized,” Whitaker explained. “We aren’t rating very high on Google right now.”

“You have to adjust that constantly,” McCammon added. “I mean, almost daily.”

The board asked Whitaker to work with their Web site designers and hosting company to see if improvements could be made.

Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.

the health department recommends the following: n Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after toilet visits and before preparing, serving or eating food or drink. Hand sanitizer gels are not effective against norovirus. n Clean up vomit and diarrhea immediately with a mixture of Clorox and water. n Stay home when sick. n Do not prepare food when sick and for at least 48 hours afterward. n Many commonly used disinfectants are not effective against norovirus. Cleaning with a diluted bleach solution is recommended to disinfect surfaces after an episode of illness.

In an another health matter, White reminds people in Rutherford County there are HINI vaccines and seasonal vaccines still available at the health department on Callahan-Koon Road, Spindale.

The vaccines are free and can be received from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday.

Health officials in North Carolina are warning the H1N1 flu outbreak is not over. Seven H1N1-related deaths have occurred in North Carolina in the past month.

SPINDALE — Monday is the deadline to register for the Spring Garden School scheduled for Saturday, March 6, at the Rutherford Extension Center.

Sessions will include: principles of hardscaping, learning the soil’s needs, proper planning and planting techniques, pruning, and plant propagation.

The school is sponsored by North Carolina Cooperative ExtensionRutherford County Center and Rutherford County Master Gardener volunteers.

The school will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

A general session will be held from 8:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. Ben Burgin will instruct “Principles of Hardscaping, Including Using What You Already Have,” and Jan McGuinn will teach “Location, Location, Location.”

Burgin’s hardscaping class will broaden the idea of landscaping to include screening walls, patios, outdoor lighting, walks and decks. Burgin is owner of Southern Landscape Solutions.

McGuinn will concentrate on the selection of the right plants for the right area. She also will talk about how microclimates impact a landscape. McGuinn is an agricultural extension agent.

Concurrent sessions are then planned from 10:30 to 11:50.

Session A will be “Pruning: Making the Right Cuts,” taught by Cindy Street, and “Plant Propagation: Cuttings & Divisions,” taught by Chuck Sane and Joyce Rutland.

Street will instruct participants in how to improve plant growth

through using different pruning techniques. Street is a Rutherford County Master Gardener volunteer.

Sane and Rutland, also Master Gardener volunteers, will show how to create new plants from stem cuttings and divisions. A hands-on demonstration will allow participants to take home new plants.

Session B will be targeted at new county residents and beginning gardeners.

Rich Davis will teach “Learning the Soil’s Needs,” and McGuinn will instruct “Planning and Planting for Success.”

Davis, owner of Earth Perks, will cover soil preparation, amendments and composting. A brochure on the school notes, “In developing any area for gardening, preparing the soil is one of the most important steps.”

McGuinn will offer a hands-on demonstration in how to plant everything from seeds to transplants, and shrubs and trees.

Exhibits at the school will include Extension and Community Association tips for the home, bee friendly gardens, water-wise landscapes, “Be Healthy—Grow What You Eat,” and Master Gardener volunteers.

A nonrefundable fee of $5 will include an informational packet and refreshments.

Checks should be made payable to Rutherford County Extension Advisory Council.

For more information on registration, call the Extension Center at 287-6011. The center is located at 193 Callahan-Koon Road.

For accommodations for persons with disabilities, call McGuinn on Monday at 287-6015.

Historical Society book club to meet RUTHERFORDTON — The Rutherford County Historical Society’s book club and history discussion group will continue to explore the life and works of Southern writer Carson McCullers on Tuesday, March 2, at the historic St. John’s Church in Rutherfordton. The program begins at 7 p.m.

The group has been reading The Lonely Hunter: The Life of Carson McCullers, by Virginia Spencer Carr.

McCullers wrote several classic works of Southern fiction, including The Member of the Wedding, and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.

On April 13, the group will discuss the recently published book, The Most They Ever Had, by Rick Bragg. Bragg’s book focuses on the life of textile mill families and the social culture of textile towns. For more information contact Robin S. Lattimore at (828) 447-1474.

SAVING WITH THE COUPON QUEEN Jill Cataldo saves hundreds on groceries by making the cost of the common coupon count. You can, too.

Couponing’s best-kept secrets: Big store, bigger discounts

JILL JILLCATALDO CATALDO

In the past couple of months, I’ve shared some of the best and most exciting Super-Couponing secrets with you. This week, I have another. Like some of my previous tips, this one may challenge your assumptions about getting the best possible price when you shop.

Super-Couponing Secret: Shopping at the “more expensive” stores may save you more money!

In many areas, shoppers have several grocery stores to choose from. The same area may have smaller grocery markets, discount grocers that offer “everyday low prices” and large-scale, major-chain supermarkets. Many people tend to consider large supermarkets to be more expensive than their low-price, themed counterparts. This is a reputation that the large supermarkets typically don’t deserve, as they can be some of the best places to save big.

Consider this point: Grocery stores that offer “everyday low prices” definitely have prices that are not too high. But prices here are also usually not too low, either. These stores offer the same prices on items week to week, with few to no sales. By contrast, the larger supermarkets offer “high/low” prices. On any given day, it’s true that about half the items’ prices will be higher at the supermarket than at an “everyday low price” store. But prices on the other half of the items will be lower. Those are the items that SuperCouponers watch for price drops on. When the prices take a big dip, that’s when we can move in with our coupons and bring the price down even more.

This is an advantage supermarkets can have over other stores.

During a typical 12-week sales cycle at a supermarket, the price of any particular item will fluctuate from high to low. But just once during that time does the price hit its lowest low – we call this the “12-week-low.” This is the lowest price that item will appear at during the price cycle.

Why is it a good idea to watch for these 12-week-lows? That 12-week-low price is typically 50 percent lower than the regular shelf price. Any time we’re able to buy something for half the original price, even without a coupon, it’s time to buy it! Of course, we also want to use coupons at that point to bring the price down even more. With coupons we can often save 70 percent or more off the original price.

Here’s an example. A box of granola bars is usually $3.29 at my large supermarket. The same brand of granola bars is $2.99 at an “every-day low price” grocery in town. The grocery store doesn’t change or cycle its prices; the granola bars are $2.99 every single day.

But at the supermarket, the granola bars will go on sale numerous times over the next 12 weeks. Some weeks the bars will be the full $3.29, but other weeks the price will be lower… and lower still. I watched the bars over several weeks and saw them go on sale for $2.99, and $2.49 and $1.99. But one week, the bars dropped again, to “2 for $3,” or $1.50 a box.

During this entire time, I was holding onto a $1 coupon for the granola bars. When the bars hit $1.50, they were now on sale for less than half their original price. I used my $1 coupon and took the box home for 50 cents. If I had purchased the granola bars at the “everyday low price” store with my $1 coupon, I would still have paid $1.99 a box. But I picked them up for a quarter of that price… at the larger, so-called “more expensive” supermarket!

4

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 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 There is a way to get change

W

hile many Americans watched Thursday, President Obama and members of the Congress held a health care summit in Washington.

When the day ended, neither side had moved much, and the nation was stuck right where it was before.

What truly makes this sad is that not one of the participants took advantage of several opportunities that arose.

During the discussions, a number of good ideas were presented, some key issues addressed and there were obviously points on which both sides agreed.

President Obama has made health care reform a cornerstone issue in his presidency. It appears now that he is going to put all his eggs in one basket and push forward with the plans that have created such great division in the Congress and in the public.

We hope that he will reconsider that decision in the coming days.

The smarter move would be to take the ideas where there is already agreement and hammer out a bill that deals with those. That move could be followed by a focused effort on dealing with the issues on which there are still differences.

The point is that everyone knows the need to address our health care problems is real. A multi-pronged effort will at least get some motion going toward reform.

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, factual accuracy and length.

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

Our readers’ views Offers answers to a writer’s questions To the editor: Ray Crawford recently submitted a litany of questions and one in particular, “What are we doing in Afghanistan?” is one that I have seriously reflected on.

Like many of my fellow conservatives, I put my trust in the GOP leadership and took for granted our presence in this region was to fight back the tide of terrorism.

Upon reflection, I was wrong. My trust began to erode during the previous administrations second term. The budgets Bush and congress approved along with the stimulus package they warmly embraced as he left office tipped me off to the fact that we are being steered down a bad road.

Poor economics and eroding freedoms have made me question everything, including our troop movement in Iraq and Afghanistan. My eyes have been opened to the fact this military strategy is on the same rocky path as our domestic policy.

Recently, I read a letter from a soldier in Afghanistan who made these remarks, “We have not gained anything positive from our efforts in Iraq and the nation is not our ally. The same is true for Afghanistan. I will go as far as saying that the Iraqis are our enemies — enemies better equipped to wage jihad against us than they have ever been. We will regret what we have done.

We will regret that we created this officially Islamic nation. And we will regret that we created an officially Islamic Afghanistan.”

These remarks did not come from a leftist or a liberal but

rather from a conservative minded person like myself. This soldier reflects what many are now thinking.

Mr. Crawford went on to rail against the previous administration by calling the former VP into question but conspicuously failed to direct innuendo’s toward the current White House leadership.

Secretaty Clinton and President Obama campaigned in 08 to diminish troop involvement in these countries.

Obama scorned the Bush deficits and budgets in his debates.

So we changed the party running the country and what have we gotten? A deficit on steroids, more troop deployment, continued fighting, higher unemployment, a First Lady with a staff fit for a queen, an army of taxpayer funded czars that would make a Russian Premier blush, and a second stimulus that appears to have done more for corporate CEO’s than hard working America.

I believe the question Mr. Crawford most appropriately should have asked is “When will Americans stop giving blind allegiance to party affiliation?” I may not be a tea drinker, but I’m hitchhiking and praying not to get run over as I hope to get off this highway to the poorhouse.

Bruce Duncan Lake Lure

Says public can get the facts if they want To the editor: You don’t have to listen to anyone, be it Republican of Democrat or whoever, do your own research. Investigate and

make your own determination as I have.

Bottom line, did you know the Republican political party receives millions and millions of the American consumer’s dollars paid to the insurance companies in contribution for their campaigns and their political gain (do the research).

Therefore, they have to fight for the insurance companies, with no compassion for the American consumer, but only their political gain. Did you know, that the CEOs of the majority of the insurance companies make a salary of 10 million dollars or more per year (do the research).

Since 1945, the insurance companies have neglected to obey the rules of our U,S, House and Senate Act, also with no regard to the American consumer. That’s you and me. They (the insurance companies) continue to make their own rules and pass their own laws and regulations with the help of the Republican political party (do the research). Can we trust either?

As the insurance premiums continue to rise as do the copays, where the amounts paid for medical services rendered continue to drop. If the insurance companies continue to pass their own regulations, pre-existing or out of network, which means you see our doctors or we will not pay (do the research). This has happened to me. If you continue to support the insurance companies alone with the Republican political party, then you can bet the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer (do the research).

Zale Coffey Ellenboro

Big questions are facing North Carolina now RALEIGH – As one of the nation’s chief political battlegrounds for decades, North Carolina has never lacked for breaking news or interesting trends. At the present moment, with so much going on, it may be helpful to consider North Carolina’s political future by asking three big questions: n Can North Carolina compete? n Will former Gov. Mike Easley be indicted? n Will Republicans take over the state legislature?

These are not unrelated questions. The first is, in many ways, the toughest one to answer – and, no, it’s not some oblique reference to the prowess of the Tar Heel basketball team.

Our state’s political class has yet to grasp the reality that North Carolina is in the bottom half of the United States on key measures of fiscal, economic, and social health.

In December, the state’s unemployment rate was 11.2 percent, one of the worst in the nation. In some coun-

John Hood Syndicated columnist

ties, the rate was closer to 15 percent. Not only is North Carolina having a worse recession than the average state, but it also had a worsethan-average recession a decade ago, and a weakerthan-average recovery from that previous recession.

In short, North Carolina is no longer an economic leader. It’s a laggard.

Some of the state’s challenges are far beyond the control of government. If any politician tells you he can effectively block international trends or technological innovations that render existing businesses uncompetitive, he is telling you a fib. But the truth is that North Carolina hasn’t made it sufficiently attractive for investors and entrepreneurs to create new businesses to replace declining industries.

Our cost structure is uncompetitive. While our relative lack of unionization is attractive, our costs are higher in other areas, such as taxes, energy, and regulation.

Our marginal income tax rates are among the highest in the country. Big firms can escape them by negotiating big incentive packages for occasional relocations, but start-up firms cannot.

The quality and quantity of our infrastructure have improved somewhat in recent years, but remain inadequate. Our human capital, produced both by formal education and informal job training, is also inadequate.

For all the money poured into higher education, and all the expensive fads embraced at the K-12 level, North Carolinians are not better educated than their peers. All the spin in the world won’t change these realities.

If candidates for federal, state, and local office aren’t talking bluntly and frequently about these fundamental issues of competitiveness during the 2010 election

cycle, North Carolina voters should ignore them and find better leaders.

There is no clearer illustration of the state’s leadership deficit than to consider the career of former Gov. Mike Easley. While North Carolina was falling behind, Easley was flying around or hiding out.

If he had devoted as much attention to crafting innovative policies and managing state government as he devoted to his personal recreation and finances, perhaps things would be a little better.

As it is, Easley is currently the target of a wide-ranging federal corruption probe.

One of his closest political aides, Ruffin Poole, has been indicted. To answer the second question, it is virtually guaranteed that Easley will himself be indicted. The results, both political and cultural, would be difficult to exaggerate.

Still, to get to the third question, if North Carolina Republicans think they need only ride an anti-Easley,

anti-corruption bandwagon into legislative power in Raleigh, they are mistaken.

While some voters will have scandal on their minds in November, most will be thinking about the first question – about whether North Carolina can recover its competitiveness and create economic opportunity for current and future generations.

If GOP candidates can communicate a coherent, persuasive message of reform and growth to those voters, they can prevail. The math isn’t impossible. Republicans need to win 9 of about 20 competitive seats with Democratic incumbents to take the NC House. They must win 6 Democratic seats in the N.C. Senate, a feasible scenario thanks to retirements and other recent political developments.

These are three big questions in North Carolina politics. I guess we’ll start getting answers soon.

Hood is president of the John Locke Foundation

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010

Obituaries Coy Bumgarner

Associated Press

Sen. Soles enters guilty plea in connection with shooting

Joe Cheshire, an attorney representing Soles, said his client will serve the remainder of his term. Cheshire has said his client was acting in self-defense when he shot Thomas Kyle Blackburn.

“He did feel like his house was under attack and he was under attack,” Cheshire said.

The felony charge would

have carried up to two years and seven months in prison if Soles, with a previously clean criminal record, had been convicted at trial.

“It will not affect his political career in the state Senate in any way or his license as a lawyer in any way,” Cheshire said.

Authorities said Soles shot Blackburn, 22, after two intruders kicked in the front door of the lawmaker’s secluded Tabor City home last August. Blackburn wasn’t badly hurt. After the incident, Blackburn filed an affidavit asking prosecutors not to charge Soles with a crime.

Attorney General Roy Cooper’s office handled Soles’ prosecution after the local district attorney stepped aside because of his long ties to the powerful lawmaker.

“We felt under the circumstances we could not allow him to take the law into his own hands and he had to be accountable,” James J. Coman, a senior deputy attorney general, told the judge.

Soles did not speak in court except to answer the judge’s yes or no questions.

Afterward, he told reporters that he was sorry.

“I thought I was in the right. Sometimes you make bad judgments,” he said.

Sen. Marc Basnight, a 13-term senator and president of the Senate, said he and Soles have been friends for a long time.

“This is a sad day for R.C. Soles and a sad day for me,” Basnight said.

Soles, a Democrat representing Columbus, Brunswick and Pender counties, announced in December he wouldn’t seek re-election this year. He said the investigation was one reason he opted not to run. Soles served in the House for four two-year terms before joining the Senate in 1977. Soles plans to finish his turn and return to his law practice.

Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said he was surprised the punishment was only $1,000 given the assault.

Police Notes Sheriff’s Reports

n The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to 112 E-911 calls Thursday. n Elizabeth J. Kallai reported vandalism to fencing.

Rutherfordton

n The Rutherfordton Police Department responded to 29 E-911 calls Thursday.

Spindale

n The Spindale Police Department responded to 21 E-911 Thursday.

Lake Lure

n The Lake Lure Police Department responded to three E-911 calls Thursday.

Forest City

n The Forest City Police Department responded to 66 E-911 calls Thursday. n An employee of AT&T, on Withrow Road, reported a larceny by an employee. n An employee of the Dollar General, on West Main Street, reported an incident shoplifting/ concealment. (See arrest of McCurry.) n An employee of WilcoHess, on West Main Street, reported a larceny. (See arrest of McCurry.) n Elizabeth Mace reported an incident of assault on a female and injury to personal property. (See arrest of Taylor.)

Arrests

n Jeffery Taylor, 23, of Willow Run Drive, Forest City; charged with assault on a female and injury to personal property; placed under a 48-hour hold. (FCPD) n Wade Anthony

5

Local/Obituaries/State

State Sen. R.C. Soles, D-Columbus, sits with his attorney Joe Cheshire after he pleaded guilty Thursday at the Columbus County Courthouse in Whiteville to misdemeanor assault for shooting a former client in a case that earlier had been deemed a felony.

WHITEVILLE (AP) — North Carolina’s longestserving lawmaker won’t serve jail time after pleading guilty Thursday to misdemeanor assault for shooting a former client in a case that earlier had been deemed a felony.

Columbus County Superior Court Judge D. Jack Hooks accepted the guilty plea from Sen. R.C. Soles, D-Columbus, and fined Soles $1,000. Soles had been indicted last month on a felony assault charge.

The state constitution would have disqualified Soles from public office had he been convicted of a felony.

First elected to the General Assembly in 1968, Soles is the state’s longest continuously serving lawmaker.

—

McCallister, 41, of 906 Kirkwood Court; charged with driving while license revoked and speeding; no bond listed. (NCHP) n Tasha Leigh Miller, 38, of 261 W. Third St.; charged with no liability insurance; released on a written promise to appear. (RCSD) n Gary Anthony Robbins, 45, of 211 Wilde Ave.; charged with failure to appear on assault on a female and communicating threats; placed under a $1,000 secured bond. (RCSD) n David Hugh Cole, 37, of 2169 Oakland Road; charged with true bill felony larceny and true bill possession of stolen goods/ property; placed under a $30,000 secured bond. (RCSD) n Jacob Matthews Sellars, 17, of 1631 U.S. 221A; charged with true bill attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and common law true bill attempted murder; placed under a $250,000 secured bond.

(RCSD) n Larry Wallace Taylor, 59, of 288 McDade Road; charged with impersonate law enforcement, eight counts of harassing phone call, misdemeanor stalking and cyberstalking; placed under a $16,000 secured bond. (RCSD) n Chad Lee Bevis, 33, of 228 Hicks Grove Road Extension; charged with assault on a female; placed under a 48-hour hold.

(RCSD) n Franklin Hines, 47, of 439 Seitz Drive; charged with three counts of nonsupport of child; placed under a $3,500 cash bond. (RCSD) n George Washington Vickers Jr., 43, of 160 Huber Court, Mount Vernon; charged with driving while impaired, driving while

license revoked and possession of schedule II controlled substance; placed under a $1,500 secured bond. (RPD) n Jacob Charles Walker Parkes, 19, of 294 W. Court St., Rutherfordton; charged with driving while license revoked and unsafe movement; freed on a custody release. (RPD)

Citations n Patricia Shires, 45, of Ledford Road in Ellenboro; cited for possession of misbranded drugs; released on a written promise to appear.

(FCPD) n Donna Dixon, 39, of Marshall Street, Forest City; cited for possession of misbranded drugs and charged with driving while license revoked. (FCPD) n Jason Lee McCurry, 32, of West Main Street, Forest City; cited for damage to property and larceny; released on a written promise to appear. (FCPD) n Jason Lee McCurry, 32, of West Main Street, Forest City; cited for larceny; released on a written promise to appear. (FCPD)

EMS/Rescue n The Rutherford County EMS responded to 23 E-911 calls Thursday. n The Volunteer Life Saving and Rescue, Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rutherford County Rescue responded to nine calls Thursday.

Fire Calls n Forest City firefighters responded to a smoke report. n Spindale firefighters responded to a grass fire. n Sandy Mush firefighters responded to a motor vehicle crash.

Coy Eugene Bumgarner, 74, of Golden Valley, died Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.

He was a son of the late Oscar Harland Bumgardner and Sally Eunice Chapman Bumgardner, and stepson of the late Fannie Lee Hipps Bumgardner.

He was a former logger and sawmill worker, retired as a used car dealer. He was a member of First Broad Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shelby Jean Buchanan Bumgarner; three daughters, Donna Smith of Golden Valley, Gloria Bowman of Polkville, and Lisa Philbeck of Ellenboro; a son, Mitchell Bumgarner of Cherryville; two sisters, Mary Sue Terry and Nina Cathleen Hipps, both of Polkville; three half sisters, Brenda Bridges and Judy Gettys, both of Polkville, and Gail Bumgardner of Charlotte; two half brothers, Jerry Bumgardner and Ronnie Bumgardner, both of Polkville; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at First Broad Baptist Church.

The Revs. Kevin Towery, Charles Battle and Gary Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., prior to the service at the church. The body will lie in state during the visitation hours.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Deaths J.C. Elder STATESVILLE (AP) — J.C. Elder, known as “Suitcase Jake” during his long tenure as a NASCAR crew chief with the likes of star drivers David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip, has died. He was 73.

Elder died Wednesday of natural causes at Autumn Care of Statesville, the Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home said Thursday.

Elder was the crew chief for Pearson’s 1968 and 1969 series champions and directed Earnhardt to his first Cup victory in 1979 at Bristol.

Rick Harman MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Rick Harman, one of 10 men’s basketball players to earn All-American honors at Kansas State, has died. He was 82.

Harman died Tuesday, according to the school. The cause of death was not available. He had been living in Johnson County in the suburban Kansas City area.

The Hoisington native was a four-year letterman who helped the Wildcats to two Big Seven Conference titles and the school’s first trip the Final Four in 1948. He led Kansas State in scoring as a senior in 1949-50 and was voted first-team AllAmerican by The Sporting News.

After graduating, Harman went into the restaurant industry and became president of the Missouri and National Restaurant Associations.

He also was the Republican candidate for Kansas governor in 1968 and served stints on the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Kansas Board of Regents.

Online condolences www.washburndorsey.com.

Mary Freeman Funeral services for the Rev. Dr. Mary Freeman, 79, of Lake Lure, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Another service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 1, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Lake Lure with visitation one hour prior to the service.

She was a daughter of the late Columbus Christopher and Onnie Freeman.

She joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Lake Lure, at an early age and graduated from New Hope High School and Mullens Bible School.

She continued her religious studies at Manna Bible Institute, where she received an advanced teacher certificate and a diploma in Christian studies. Mary also holds a bachelor of theology, master’s of theology, and an honorary doctor of divinity degree. She was ordained into the ministry in 1986 at Fellowship Baptist Church.

Thompson’s Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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.

The Digital Courier, $6.50 a month for non-subscribers to The Daily Courier. Payment may be made at the website: www.thedigitalcourier. com The Daily Courier is not responsible for advance subscription payments made to carriers, all of who are independent contractors.

Kenneth Trantham Kenneth Hendrix Trantham, 84, went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 25.

Known by many as “Pop” he was the loving husband of Margaret Wilson Trantham for 61 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Debbie Wilson and her husband, Stanley of Lake Lure and Connie Trantham of Rutherfordton; two grandchildren, Derick Wilson and his wife, Leann of Rutherfordton and Kenya Hoffart and her husband, William of Fairview; and two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Megan Hoffart of Fairview. A third great-grandchild will be welcomed by Derick and Leann in October.

Mr. Trantham was proceeded in death by his parents, Curtis and Thelma Trantham, and all of his siblings: Garvin, Guy, Granvel, Marie, Miles, Carolyn and Margaret.

Born and raised in Fairview, Mr. Trantham and his wife moved to Rutherford County in 1979. He retired from the VA Hospital where he worked in the heating and air department for 27 years.

He was a US Army veteran of Word World II. An avid cattle farmer, Mr. Trantham spent his last years working on his farm, something he had dreamed of owning all his life.

Services will be held Saturday, February 27 at Big Level Baptist Church in Mill Spring. Rev. Robert Orr and Brother Jeff Bowen will officiate. Visitation will be at 2 pm, followed by the funeral and graveside services at 3 pm. Pallbearers will be Stanley Wilson, Derick Wilson, William Hoffart, David Presley, Tommy Aley and Kenny Craig. Honorary pallbearers will be Dewayne Presley, Alex Henson and Zac Crowder.

Crowes Mortuary and Chapel are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Online guest register is available at: www.crowemortuary.com Paid obit.

6

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010

Calendar/Local Filing Continued from Page 1

Red Cross Blood drives schedule: March 6 — Goodes Creek Baptist Church, Mooresboro, 7:30 a.m. to noon, call 245-3513 for an appointment; March 12 — Rutherford Hospital, noon to 5 p.m., call 286-5338 for an appointment; March 13 — Cliffside Masonic Lodge, Cliffside, 7:30 a.m. to noon, call 245-7606 for an appointment.

March 22 — Red Cross Chapter, Forest City, 2 to 6:30 p.m., call 2875916 Class schedule: Free Adult CPR — March 13, 9 a.m. until noon, ICC gymnasium Adult CPR — March 15, begins at 6 p.m.

Child and Infant CPR — March 16, begins at 6 p.m.

First Aid — March 20, begins at 8:30 a.m., Preventing Disease Transmission All classes must be paid in advance.

Call 287-5916 for further information.

Meetings/other Athletic Boosters: Chase High Athletic Boosters will meet Monday, March 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the office conference room. Also, the winter sports banquet is Monday, March 8. Refreshments 6:30 p.m., awards program at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Book club meeting: The Rutherford County Historical Society’s book club and history discussion group will meet Tuesday, March 2, at St. John’s Historic Church in Rutherfordton, beginning at 7 p.m. The discussion will focus on the book “The Lonely Hunter: The Life of Carson McCullers,” by Virginia Spencer Carr; for more information contact Robin S. Lattimore at 447-1474.

NSDAR Chapter meeting: Griffith Rutherford NSDAR Chapter will meet Wednesday, March 3, at the county annex. The meeting begins at 3 p.m. A program will be presented about Crossnore School.

Public meeting: Consumer & Family Advisory Committee; to learn about the Medicaid waiver for mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities; Wednesday, March 3, 5:30 p.m., Western Highlands office, 356 Biltmore Ave., Asheville; for more information call 800-951-3792.

Miscellaneous Low-cost rabies clinic: Saturday, March 13, noon to 1 p.m.; Thunder Road Animal Hospital; $10 cash, one-year rabies; $12 cash, threeyear rabies; other discounted vaccines available; call 286-0033.

Fundraisers Bingo: Friday, March 5, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Spindale House; $1 per card; sponsored by the ‘98 Rutherford Rumble Team.

Relay for Life fundraiser: March 5 and 6, at Rutherford Internal Medicine; Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; wedding dresses and formal gowns (new and used) on sale.

Benefit spaghetti supper: For Marshall Baynard, (retired Assistant Chief FCFD); Saturday, March 6, begins at 4 p.m., Forest City Clubhouse; ages 13 and up, $7; ages 4-12, $4; under 4 free; take outs available; all proceeds to help defray medical expense.

Benefit singing: Saturday, March 6, 7 p.m., Isothermal Community College, library auditorium; sponsored by REaCH students Shelley Stacy and Carina Escalera as part of their senior project; proceeds for Terry Griffin (kidney transplant patient) and children’s kidney research.

Art classes

served two terms as county commission and is seeking his third term.

“I want to move forward with the ground work we’ve laid for the past eight years,” McIntosh said. “And as the economy gets better, Rutherford County will explode and get healthy and I want to continue to do what we’re doing and make it better.”

McIntosh will face Bill Eckler in the primary election on May 4. In 2006, McIntosh and Eckler ran for the seat with McIntosh receiving 62 percent of the vote and Eckler receiving 38 percent.

Also seeking the District 1 seat is Eddie Parker, Democrat, of Rutherfordton.

Also filing Friday is Freddie Monroe Garrett, Republican candidate for County Coroner. Garrett said he has always wanted to be involved in the community and be a servant in the community and he decided to file for the office. He is a pervious owner of Dockside Seafood and now owns a construction business.

No one from Rutherford County filed for the N.C. Senate District 46 Seat held by Republican Debbie Clary of Cleveland County. Clary, who is seeking her second term of office, is running unopposed as no other candidates in Rutherford and Cleveland counties.

Another Cleveland County Republican, Dennis Davis, filed Friday morning at the Cleveland County Board of Elections for the NC House District 112 seat, held by Rep. Bob England. He joined three other Rutherford County Republicans and one Democrat for England’s set.

Contact Gordon via email:jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com.

BRWA Continued from Page 1

new residential customers. We have been pleased that we have received no complaints of traffic issues or mud in the roads.”

The county’s “50/50” program has been instrumental in helping with completion of the project. Begun in 2002, the program has been helpful in getting public water service to hundreds of families in the county.

“Conceptually, the county began this program to assist water and sewer providers extend their existing lines into the rural areas of the county by funding 50 percent of the eligible cost of the projects that meet certain criteria,” said County Manager John Condrey. “The revenue source for the fund is 7 percent of the one cent of

4-H Continued from Page 1

elementary school and her mother said 4-H provided resources for that.

“We take every experience as an education opportunity,” she said.

“We’ll take one year and put it in a project book, so we have a real record of her life.”

Project books are required for each 4-H’er, Clark said. Projects can be done on a wide range of topics; Bradley has used music, pets and other topics in hers of the years.

“I think the project books have helped narrow down what her interests are,” Janett Bradley said. “From those we’ve seen she’s very gifted in writing, public speaking and music.”

There’s also opportunity to take part in state and national events in

The Visual Arts Center is located at 160 N. Main St., Rutherfordton.

Register for the above classes by calling 288-5009 or download an application from www.rcvag.com.

N.C. House District 112 Jim Proctor (D) Mike Hager (R) Jim Wayne Newton (R) Alan Toney (R) Dennis Davis (R) N.C. Senate District 46 Debbie Clary (R) (I) County Commissioner District 1 Eddie Parker (D) Bill Eckler (R) Paul McIntosh (R) (I) County Commissioner District 4 Margaret Putman Helton (D) (I) Gail McBrayer Strickland (D) Roger (Bo) Richard (R) County Commissioner District 5 Bob Howard(D) Rodney Robbins (D) Robert (Rob) Bole (D) Julius R. Owens (R) Harry Waters (R) Sheriff Jack L. Conner (D) (I) Chris Francis (R) Darren Hodge (R) Clerk of Superior Court Ramona Hall (D) Donnie H. Henson (D) Libby Parton (D) Robynn Spence (R) (I) Edna Walker (R) Coroner William G. (Bill) Moore (D) Freddie Monroe Garrett (R) Randy Bennett (R) Tommy Raye (R) U.S. Senate (Dem) Marcus W. Williams Ann Worthy

county sales tax and dollar amount per tap fees that are made on the lines funded by the program.”

Residents in the area of U.S. 221 to be serviced and on Weeks Road have made multiple requests over the years to get public water service in their areas. When the projects are complete they’ll be able to connect with reduced tap fees.

“Residents will have three months after completion of each portion to take advantage of a reduced tap fee of $750,” Hunnicutt said. “After the initial three months, the tap fee will be $1,000 for conversion from a well and $1,500 for a new house or structure.

“Potential customers on Weeks Road have been given a letter stating that they have until June 1 to take advantage of the discounted tap fee.

We estimate that the U.S. 221 project will be complete in three months, so

4-H. Bradley has attended National Congress, which she described as an “amazing experience.” In order to take part in National 4-H Congress, Bradley had to go through an application, resume and interview process.

“That was the first resume I’d ever done, and during the interview process you were in a big room with a table and the interviewers,” she said.

“After that, doing all the senior stuff, like applying for college and doing my senior project was like old news.”

Bradley has also held leadership positions with 4-H, serving as the county’s 4-H president last year.

Bradley is a member of the Betsy Ross 4-H Club, which is one of 12 clubs in Rutherford County. While Betsy Ross doesn’t have a specific focus, some clubs do.

“Community clubs vary based on what the youth who are members are interested in,” Robbins said. “There

Elaine Marshall Ken Lewis Susan Harris Cal Cunningham U.S. Senate (REP) Larry Linney Brad Jones Eddie Burks Richard Burr (I) U.S. Senate (LIB) Michael Beitler District Attorney District 29A Brad Greenway (D) (I) District Court Judge District 29A Brian K. Plemmons Tommy Davis (I) District Court Judge District 29A Marvin Sparrow C. Randy Pool (I) District Court Judge District 29A Laura Anne Powell (I) U.S. House District 10 (DEM) Jeff Gregory Anne N. Fischer U.S. House District 10 (REP) Vance Patterson Patrick McHenry (I) Scott Keadle David Michael Boldon U.S. House District 11 (DEM) Aixa Wilson Heath Shuler (I) U.S. House District 11 (REP) Kenny West Gregory A. Newman Jeff Miller Ed Krause James (Jake) Howard Dan Eichenbaum (I) = Incumbent

customers in that area will likely have until the end of August for the discounted tap fee.”

The utility company will get help from the county on costs.

“Both of these waterline extension projects were approved in the Authority’s fiscal year 2010 budget and are being partially funded with County 50/50 funds. The total estimated cost of both projects is $400,000, of which BRWA will be responsible for half.”

Some of the tap fees go back to the County’s 50/50 program. For the first three months, $500 per tap will be going to the county, and $750 for every tap after the initial three month period.

Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.

are project clubs, too, which focus on a particular area, such as a horse club or an electric club. You can pick what you’re interested in, not mandated what you have to do.”

The choices are part of the appeal of 4-H for Bradley.

“The cool thing is it doesn’t focus on one thing,” she said. “There’s a category for anything you can think of – and if there’s not, you can start it.”

Rutherford County 4-H is open to youth ages 5 to 18, and the 4-H year coincides with the calendar year.

Youth who are interested in joining may contact 4-H Extension Agent Cynthia Robbins at 287-6190. There is no joining fee and the volunteer-led clubs typically meet once each month, Robbins said.

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

About us...

The Visual Arts Center offers the following classes: So You Want to Be an Artist: Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m., beginning March 3; for teen students with a serious interest in art; Kay Latham, instructor; fee $48 includes some materials.

Basket-Making Workshop: Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Ruby Lowery will teach the making of a Williamsburg basket; limited space.

Photography Exhibit: The Earthly Treasurers and Flower Photography Exhibit; Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild members Susan Brooks and Nancy Hoopes are on display through March at the Norris Library, 132 N. Main St., Rutherfordton; reception March 5, 3 to 5 p.m.; library hours 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., M-F, and 10 to noon on Saturdays.

Who’s Running?

Circulation

David Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 Virle Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208

Business office

Administration

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

Newsroom

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

Phone: 245-6431

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010 — 7

Inside Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Atlanta Braves . . . . . . . . Page 8 Olympics . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Erwin downs R-S Central

By KEVIN CARVER Sports Reporter

East Middle captures Tri-County crown LAWNDALE — Devonte Boykins scored 30 points to lead the East Vikings over Burns Middle, Thursday, 58-49, in the Tri-County basketball title game.

Boykins, the younger brother of East Rutherford guard Devince Boykins, posted 22 of his 30 points after the half as the Vikings overcame a 10-point deficit to take the title.

The Vikings took the lead, in the third, after Roddick Ross and Darius Beckett hit backto-back 3s.

East Middle was the Western Division champ, while Burns had won the Eastern Division to set up the title tilt.

Local Sports

R-S Central’s Shannon Hines.

LEICESTER — There will be no Elite Eight for R-S Central’s girls basketball team.

A 12-0 run by Erwin early in the fourth quarter preserved a 75-55 win for the Lady Warriors during the third round of the 3A NCHSAA playoffs, Friday night.

Central, who scraped to tie the game at 53-all with 5:48 to go in the game, watched as Erwin’s Sarah Maloy (24 points) took the lead back for the Lady Warriors with a baseline lay up to begin the run. The Lady Hilltoppers missed their next 11 field goal attempts and hit just six overall in the second half to end the season.

Hines, who had 23 points on the night, was held to just two points in the second half.

“Their intensity out-matched us late and a great crowd here that helped them as a sixth man,” R-S Central

coach Darius Fuller said. “That Batman and Robin duo of Davis and Maloy were just unstoppable tonight, but I am proud of my team and how far we went this year.”

Central (18-9) took the lead twice in the first quarter. The first off a tapback by Taylor McDaniel and the second on a corner 3 by Hines. However, an Alexis Davis freebie was the difference as Erwin lead 18-17 after the first period.

The game held close throughout the second quarter, but once Mercedes Davis nailed a top of the key 3 for Central to take the lead late in the period, they would hold a 39-36 lead at the half.

After the break, it was all Central as Hines hit for two in the lane and Alyssia Watkins grabbed a backcourt steal and score to push the Lady Hilltoppers lead to 43-36, forcing Please see Central, Page 8

North-South Challenge

BASEBALL North-South Challenge at McNair Field 1 p.m. Marist College vs.

Appalachian State 5 p.m. Niagara University vs.

Gardner-Webb

On TV 7:30 a.m. (ESPN2) English Premier League Soccer Chelsea vs. Manchester City.

12 p.m. (WBTV) (WSPA) College Basketball Kentucky at Tennessee.

12 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball Michigan at Ohio State.

12 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Northeastern at George Mason.

12 p.m. (FSS) College Basketball Boston College at Georgia Tech.

1 p.m. (WYFF) XXI Winter Olympics Cross-Country Skiing, Speed Skating, Snowboarding. Cross-country skiing: women’s; speed skating; snowboarding: men’s.

1:30 p.m. (WYCW) College Basketball Vanderbilt at Arkansas.

2 p.m. (WBTV) (WSPA) College Basketball North Carolina at Wake Forest.

2 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball Texas at Texas A&M. 2 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Mississippi at Alabama.

3 p.m. (FSS) College Basketball Arizona State at California.

3 p.m. (TS) College Basketball UT-Chattanooga at Western Carolina.

4 p.m. (WBTV) (WLOS) College Basketball North Carolina State at Miami.

4 p.m. (WSPA) College Basketball Kansas at Oklahoma State.

4 p.m. (WMYA) College Basketball Maryland at Virginia Tech.

4 p.m. (WYCW) College Basketball Florida at Georgia.

4:30 p.m. (ESPN2) NASCAR Racing Nationwide Series: Sam’s Town 300.

5 p.m. (FSS) Women’s College Basketball UCLA at Oregon.

5 p.m. (TS) Women’s College Basketball Oklahoma at Texas.

6 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball Mississippi State at South Carolina.

7 p.m. (FSS) College Basketball LSU at Auburn.

7 p.m. (WGN-A) NBA Basketball Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers.

8 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Illinois State at Northern Iowa.

9 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball Villanova at Syracuse.

Appalachian State’s Tyler Zupcic (6), at bat, looks on as a teammate Hector Crespo (4) steals home during the game against Niagara University at McNair Field Friday.

Garrett Byers/ Daily Courier

App State, GWU headline tourney n Three-day

event at McNair Field continues today, Sunday.

By JACOB CONLEY Daily Courier Sports Reporter

FOREST CITY — The first ever NorthSouth Challenge began on Friday at McNair Field with Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb University hosting baseball games against two northern universities.

App State knocked off Niagara University in the day’s first game, 13-4, to improve to 4-0 on the season, while Gardner-Webb was thwarted by visiting Marist College.

The series resumes today at 1 p.m. when App State will face Marist, while Gardner-Webb will take to the field against Niagara at 5 p.m.

Appalachian State 13, Niagara 4

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Appalachian State’s Ryan Arrowood (21) pops a hit into the outfield during the game against Niagara Friday at McNair Field in Forest City.

FOREST CITY — Appalachian State plated five runs in the 2nd inning and never looked back, blitzing the Niagara Purple Eagles 13-4 in game one of the North-South Challenge Friday at McNair Field.

Please see Baseball, Page 8

NASCAR’s Kurt Busch wins pole at Las Vegas LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kurt Busch visited Victory Lane last year at his home track.

He was there to congratulate his little brother, Kyle, who became the first Busch brother to win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

He wants his own party this year.

Kurt Busch shattered his brother’s track record Friday with a pole-winning role at Las Vegas, the track he and Kyle Busch consider to be among the most important on the series. The Las Vegas natives watched construction of the track, hopeful to one day

get a chance to race there — and maybe even win.

“I’m pretty stoked,” Kurt Busch said.

“It’s something you can’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched, but this would be a special win. It’s hard to play what-if.”

Busch grew emotional in his polewinners press conference, having to stop to compose himself and wipe away tears when he recognized one of his father’s former racing rivals, who was at the track in a media role.

“I just love Vegas,” he said. “It’s the

people that make it special to me. It’s just fun seeing everybody.”

Busch turned a lap of 188.719 mph to claim the top starting spot for Sunday’s race. Jeff Gordon was second with a lap at 188.646. Ryan Newman qualified third and was followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch.

Kyle Busch held the previous track record of 185.995 mph. In all, 18 drivers bettered that speed.

Busch, who is winless in nine previous starts at Las Vegas, credited new crew chief Steve Addington for his strong qualifying run.

8

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010

sports

Scoreboard OLYMPICS Winter Olympic Medals Table Nation United States Germany Norway Canada Austria Russia South Korea China France Switzerland Sweden Netherlands Czech Republic Poland Japan Italy Australia Belarus Slovakia Slovenia Finland Latvia Croatia Britain Estonia Kazakhstan

G S 8 12 9 11 8 6 8 6 4 5 3 5 6 4 4 2 2 3 6 0 4 2 4 1 2 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1

B 12 7 6 3 6 7 1 4 5 2 2 2 4 1 2 3 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0

Tot 32 27 20 17 15 15 11 10 10 8 8 7 6 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1

BASKETBALL Associated Press

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward waits on a fly ball during spring training baseball practice, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, in Kissimmee, Fla.

Jason Heyward’s blasts are doing serious damage

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Jason Heyward’s batting practice drives are costing the Atlanta Braves — but local body shops aren’t complaining.

Heyward launched a shot over the right-field wall this week that smashed through the sun roof of assistant general manager Bruce Manno’s car. The bill was $3,400.

Heyward has dented other vehicles, too. So much damage, in fact, the young slugger is turning the parking lot into Jason’s Junkyard.

The daily demolition derby has forced the Braves to take action. Stadium workers are installing protective netting to safeguard the cars and any unsuspecting people walking around.

The Braves spent 12 years at their spring training home without worrying. Heyward, a 20-year-old outfielder and perhaps the top prospect in baseball, forced a change after one week of workouts.

“I guess they just figured it’s time to stop waiting around on that,” Heyward said.

Other hitters reached the lot long before Heyward. But the frequency with which the 6-foot5, 245-pound masher sends line drives over the wall made it necessary to take immediate steps.

“It’s more pronounced this spring with everyone looking at Heyward and he’s the one doing it,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said Friday.

The parking lot is behind the bullpen at Champion Stadium on the Disney World property.

Behind the parking lot is a wall about 20 feet tall — Cox calls it the Yellow Monster and Heyward has also cleared that wall, sparing some cars broken glass.

Manno wasn’t so fortunate. On Friday, he was still without his car, which was damaged Tuesday.

“Half of the roof was shattered and the track that the glass slides back and forth on was damaged,” Manno said. “It was bent. The entire thing had to be replaced.”

“I don’t know what happened to the ball. I wish I had the ball. I would have had Jason sign it,” he said.

It’s not as if the left-handed hitting Heyward pulls every ball. He’s tries to avoid turning every round of batting practice into a home-run derby.

Aiming for all fields, he hit the distant video board behind the wall in right-center on Thursday.

Heyward hit a combined .323 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs in 99 games at Class A, Double-A and Triple-A last year. Showing a good eye, he drew 51 walks with 51 strikeouts.

Heyward has a chance to earn the Braves’ starting job in right field.

“He’s all he’s made up to be,” said veteran Eric Hinske, who joined Heyward’s four-man group during the first week of batting practice.

“Everything you read is all there. The body is there.

The swing. He’s got a unique sound when the ball comes off his bat, and he can hit the ball really far.”

“He’s amazing, he really is, the way he takes batting practice,” he said.

Heyward seems to be the only person in the Braves’ camp who is not buzzing about the homers. He just shrugged when asked about similarly impressive shots in his past.

“I just try to hit the ball hard,” he said.

National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

W L Pct Boston 36 20 .643 Toronto 31 25 .554 Philadelphia 22 35 .386 New York 19 37 .339 New Jersey 5 52 .088 Southeast Division

W L Pct Orlando 39 19 .672 Atlanta 36 20 .643 Miami 29 29 .500 Charlotte 27 29 .482 Washington 20 35 .364 Central Division

W L Pct Cleveland 45 14 .763 Chicago 30 27 .526 Milwaukee 29 28 .509 Detroit 21 36 .368 Indiana 19 39 .328 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

W L Pct Dallas 37 21 .638 San Antonio 32 23 .582 New Orleans 30 28 .517 Memphis 29 28 .509 Houston 28 28 .500 Northwest Division

W L Pct Denver 38 19 .667 Utah 37 20 .649 Oklahoma City 33 23 .589 Portland 34 26 .567 Minnesota 14 45 .237 Pacific Division

W L Pct L.A. Lakers 43 15 .741 Phoenix 36 23 .610 L.A. Clippers 24 33 .421 Sacramento 18 39 .316 Golden State 16 41 .281

GB — 5 14 1/2 17 31 1/2 GB — 2 10 11 17 1/2 GB — 14 15 23 25 1/2 GB — 3 1/2 7 7 1/2 8 GB — 1 4 1/2 5 1/2 25 GB — 7 1/2 18 1/2 24 1/2 26 1/2

Thursday’s Games Milwaukee 112, Indiana 110 Cleveland 108, Boston 88 Denver 127, Golden State 112 Friday’s Games Dallas 111, Atlanta 103, OT New York 118, Washington 116, OT

HOCKEY National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic 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 Chicago 61 41 15 5 87 199 Nashville 61 33 23 5 71 170 Detroit 61 28 21 12 68 159 St. Louis 62 28 25 9 65 163 Columbus 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 Calgary 62 30 23 9 69 156 Minnesota 61 30 27 4 64 171 Edmonton 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

No initiation fee through the month of February.

Ask about Carolina Hill’s Homesites!

GA 177 182 194 177 194 GA 146 173 164 172 203 GA 152 158 156 178 211 GA 153 158 166 186 189

Friday’s Sports Transactions

Continued from Page 7

Erwin to call for time with 6:53 to play in the third.

Unfortunately, Maloy sped past the defense or Alexis Davis, who scored 30 on the night would make Central pay in the paint

in a 17-5 run by Erwin. Erwin tied the game on a late pass that Maloy layed in and she helped stretch the lead to four, 52-48, at the end of the third period.

Melissa McLaughlin soon carried the Central team on her back by getting to the free throw line and tying the game at 53-53 in the fourth. But, Central’s

Baseball Continued from Page 7

Mountaineers starter Matt Andress pitched six strong innings to earn the win, while Wes Hobson lead the charge at the plate going 2-for-4 to help App State improve to 4-0 on the season.

Rutherford County native Ryan Arrowood was held in check by Niagara, going 0-for-3 at the plate.

Marist 11, Gardner-Webb 5 FOREST CITY — Marist College rode the strong starting pitching of Kyle Putnam, who carried a no-hit bid into the 6th, and used a big six-run, second inning to grab an 11-5 win, Friday night, over Gardner-Webb in game two of the North-South Challenge.

After a quick 1-2-3 inning in the 1st inning from both squads, the Bulldogs ran into trouble in the second as the Red Foxes sent 12 men to the plate en route to a 6-0 lead before the inning ended.

GWU’s offense on the other hand was no hit through the first six frames as Putnam cruised through the Bulldog batting order. The Bulldogs’ Aaron Miller ended the no-hitter with a single in the 7th inning.

2010 Ford Fusion Available for immediate delivery at

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GA 179 152 154 176 208

TRANSACTIONS

Central

HUNNICUTTFORD 565 OAK STREET, FOREST CITY

GA 144 179 160 169 194

Thursday’s Games No games scheduled Friday’s Games No games scheduled Saturday’s Games No games scheduled

1-866-863-2690 www.meadowbrookgolfclub.com

Memberships Available

BASEBALL American League KANSAS CITY ROYALS—Agreed to terms with RHP Anthony Lerew, INF Mike Aviles and OF Mitch Maier on one-year contracts.

National League FLORIDA MARLINS—Agreed to terms with RHP Jay Buente, RHP Jose Ceda, RHP Brett Sinkbeil, 3B Jorge Jimenez, C Brett Hayes and Gaby Sanchez on one-year contracts.

HOUSTON ASTROS—Agreed to terms with INF Tommy Manzella on a one-year contract.

American Association LINCOLN SALTDOGS—Signed LHP Donald Furrow.

PENSACOLA PELICANS—Traded INF Jason Diaz to Grand Prairie for future considerations.

SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS—Signed RHP Eddy De La Cruz.

Can-Am League BROCKTON ROX—Traded C Jon Gossard to Sussex for a player to be named.

SUSSEX SKYHAWKS—Signed RHP Andy Schon.

Northern League GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS—Announced the retirement of LHP Tony Cogan.

JOLIET JACKHAMMERS—Agreed to terms with OF Ryan Besham and OF Jon Nelson.

KANSAS CITY T-BONES—Agreed to terms with OF Dwayne White.

ROCKFORD RIVERHAWKS—Assigned 1B Jason Colson to the inactive list.

SCHAUMBURG FLYERS—Agreed to terms with RHP Benjamin Reeser.

Cleveland 126, Toronto 118, OT Portland at Chicago, late Charlotte at Memphis, late Minnesota at Oklahoma City, late San Antonio at Houston, late Detroit at Denver, late L.A. Clippers at Phoenix, late Orlando at New Orleans, late Utah at Sacramento, late Philadelphia at L.A. Lakers, late Saturday’s Games New Jersey at Boston, 1 p.m.

Milwaukee at Miami, 3:30 p.m.

Chicago at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Memphis at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Portland at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Houston at Utah, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Phoenix at San Antonio, 1 p.m.

Denver at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m.

Milwaukee at Atlanta, 6 p.m.

Washington at New Jersey, 6 p.m.

Toronto at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

Miami at Orlando, 7 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

New Orleans at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association NBA—Fined Los Angeles Lakets C Andrew Bynum $25,000 for publicly criticizing game officials following a Feb. 24 game against Dallas.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS—Recalled F Darnell Jackson from Erie (NBADL).

WASHINGTON WIZARDS—Signed G Shaun Livingston to a 10-day contract.

FOOTBALL National Football League WASHINGTON REDSKINS—Named Malcolm Blacken and Chad Englehart assistant strength and conditioning coaches. Canadian Football League WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS—Named Jim Bell president. Released DB Lenny Walls. Traded DE Gavin Walls to Montreal for DE Stan van Sichem.

HOCKEY National Hockey League NEW YORK RANGERS—Reassigned F Andres Ambuhl to Hartford (AHL) from the Swiss National Team. Assigned G Chad Johnson to Hartford.

Recalled G Miika Wiikman from Hartford.

OTTAWA SENATORS—Signed RW Ryan Shannon to a one-year contract.

PHOENIX COYOTES—Re-assigned D Anders Eriksson, F Joel Perrault and F Brett MacLean to San Antonio (AHL). American Hockey League BINGHAMTON SENATORS—Assigned F Keegan Dansereau and F Matt Lowry to Elmira (ECHL).

ECHL ELMIRA JACKALS—Loaned LW Maxime Gratchev to Rochester (AHL).

READING ROYALS—Announced F Matt Marquardt has been re-assigned to the team from Providence (AHL). Released G Shane Davis.

SYRACUSE CRUNCH—Recalled G Dan Taylor from Gwinnett (ECHL).

MOTORSPORTS NASCAR—Suspended R3 Motorsports crewman Keneth Luna indefinitely from the Nationwide Series for violating the substance abuse policy.

SOCCER Major Indoor Soccer League PHILADELPHIA KIXX—Agreed to terms with F Shawn Boney.

COLLEGE UNLV—Named Chad Brown men’s interim soccer coach.

tired legs and Erwin’s drive to win overpowered the Lady Hilltoppers in the end.

Central would go four minutes without a basket until Watkins answered on a put back.

McLaughlin, who ends her career with over 1,000 points as a Lady Hilltoppers, score nine in her final game for Central.

No. 22 edges struggling Lady Tar Heels, 64-57 ATLANTA (AP) — Alex Montgomery had 20 points and a career-high 15 rebounds and Brigitte Ardossi added 18 points in No. 22 Georgia Tech’s 64-57 victory over struggling North Carolina on Friday night.

Georgia Tech (22-7, 8-5 ACC) won its second straight and improved its home record to 12-2.

Cetera DeGraffenreid had 25 points for North Carolina (17-10, 5-8), which has lost seven of eight.

Sasha Goodlett gave Tech the lead for good at 56-55 with 1:36 left when she made one of two free throws. A 3-point basket by DeGraffenreid with 28.2 seconds left got the Tar Heels to 59-57 but Tech made five of six free throws the rest of the way — two each by Metra Walthour and Montgomery and one by Deja Foster, who added 11 points.

Ardossi, Tech’s leading scorer, had 12 second-half points and was 10 for 10 at the free throw line.

Tech won despite 23 turnovers. North Carolina had 21.

North Carolina had been ranked as high as No. 4 and had won at least 28 games in previous five seasons, including four straight ACC tournament titles and two Final Fours.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010 — 9

sports

US routs Finland, 6-1 n 30

years after “Miracle on Ice,” hockey team will go for gold

Associated Press

No. 5 Duke leads the ACC, but as Selection Sunday approaches questions surround just how many ACC teams will make the cut. One that won’t, last year’s national champ, North Carolina.

Selection Sunday closing in quickly

By JIM O’CONNELL AP Basketball Writer

There are three weekends of changing channels and checking computer ratings before the day the bracket appears: Selection Sunday.

No one knows what’s going to be happening when the Tournament Selection Committee gets together in Indianapolis to decide the field of 65. Here are a few things that may help sort out who’s in and who’s out. Then again, it may just make it all more confusing.

THE COMMITTEE Chairman: Dan Guerrero, UCLA athletic director; Gene Smith, Ohio State athletic director; Laing Kennedy, Kent State athletic director; Stan Morrison, UC-Riverside athletic director; Jeff Hathaway, Connecticut athletic director; Lynn Hickey, Texas-San Antonio athletic director; Mike Bobinski, Xavier athletic director; Dab Beebe, Big 12 commissioner; Doug Fullerton, Big Sky commissioner; and Ron Wellman, Wake Forest athletic director.

THE RPI The Ratings Percentage Index is used as a supplement by the committee to help determine the 34 at-large berths in the field. The RPI, according to Collegiate Basketball News, uses three component factors: winning percentage against Division I teams (25 percent), schedule strength (50 percent), and opponents’ schedule strength (25 percent).

Games against non-Division I teams are not used in calculating the RPI. No. 1 SEEDS Kansas and Kentucky, the only one-loss teams, are pretty much assured of being two of the No. 1 seeds with Syracuse, Purdue, which will play the rest of the season without second-leading scorer and rebounder Robbie Hummel, Duke, Villanova and Kansas State all in the mix.

NO WORRIES Any team with an RPI in the 30s is almost assured of making the field as either a conference champion or an at-large team. Backing up that are the statistics from Collegiate Basketball News that since 1991 99.3 percent of the teams ranked 1 through 30 in RPI have made the field as an atlarge. Then the odds start dropping: 31 through 40 82.9 percent; 41 through 50 55.1 percent; 51 through 60 25.7 percent. Since 1991, only 10 teams with an RPI over 61 have made the field as an atlarge team.

BUBBLING OVER The word “bubble” is used this time of year as much as “trick or treat” is in late October and then disappears for 11 months. There are plenty of teams considered on the “bubble” right now and the big advantage goes to those from the power conferences because they have a chance at a quality win, especially in the postseason tournament, while teams from the mid-major leagues have to avoid losses because quality wins are tough to come by.

The teams from the conferences outside this season’s top seven on the power list — Big 12, Big East, Atlantic Coast, Southeastern, Big Ten, Atlantic 10, Mountain West — had their chance at quality wins by playing tough nonconference schedules with Butler, Gonzaga and Northern Iowa the best examples.

TOURNEY TIME The 30 conference tournaments get under way Tuesday with the Big South, Horizon League and Ohio Valley opening things up. The first ones to determine automatic bids are the Big South, Atlantic Sun and Ohio Valley, which all end on March 6.

The Atlantic Coast, Atlantic 10, Big Ten, MidEastern Athletic and Southeastern don’t have their championships games until Selection Sunday, something which only makes the committee’s job harder.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The torment began almost immediately.

The shot by Ryan Malone of the United States into a wideopen net left Finland goalie Miikka Kiprusoff staring at the ceiling and shaking his head.

What happened next in this semifinal jolted Canada Hockey Place: The Americans scored four times on Kiprusoff in a sixgoal first period, surging into the Olympic gold-medal game with a 6-1 rout of Finland on Friday.

“We haven’t won anything yet,” forward Zach Parise said. “We’re getting better and that’d the most important and rewarding thing.”

The U.S. will meet the CanadaSlovakia winner on Sunday, 50 years to the day after capturing gold in 1960 at Squaw Valley, Calif.

By the time Kiprusoff left the game 10:08 in, the U.S. had a 4-0 lead on only seven shots.

The Calgary Flames goalie had allowed four goals total on 75 Olympic shots in three previous games, giving him the top save percentage in the tournament.

Kiprusoff said coach Jukka Jalonen told him he would be out after a fourth goal.

“If you let in four goals in the first period, it’s the right call to make,” Kiprusoff said.

Backup goalie Niklas Backstrom was still wearing his baseball cap as he scurried on the ice to get ready to bail out Kiprusoff.

Kiprusoff’s day appeared to be over after Eric Johnson made it 3-0 with a power-play goal at 8:36 that prompted Jalonen to call timeout. Kiprusoff stayed in, but was back at the bench 1:32

Associated Press

USA’s goalie Tim Thomas (30) greets fellow USA goalie Ryan Miller (39) as Miller is given a rest with a 6-0 lead over Finland in the third period of a men’s semifinal round ice hockey game at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Friday.

later when Patrick Kane scored the first of his two goals.

This time, Kiprusoff kept his mask on and marched straight down the tunnel toward the dressing room. He returned to the bench soon after and was in place in the corner in time to see Backstrom allow two goals on the first four shots he faced.

“The losing is fine as long as you play your best game and the other team beats you,” forward Teemu Selanne said, “but today’s case it was a nightmare.”

Kiprusoff had only himself to blame for his misery. The U.S. cleared its defensive zone with a nudge of the puck that slid slowly in toward Kiprusoff. Phil Kessel raced up ice and forced Kiprusoff to come way out of his crease to play the puck. The

Vonn-couver Olympics fail to materialize VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — So these won’t be remembered as the Vonncouver Olympics after all.

Vonn was supposed to win all sorts of Alpine medals. Although she is going home with a gold and a bronze, she also had three DNFs for failing to finish her other events, including the slalom on Friday.

Injuries certainly took a toll, from a broken right pinkie to a collection of bruises from chin to shin. But she refused to give up, which may be the bottom line on her performance at these games.

“I’m totally satisfied with everything I have done here,” Vonn said. “I went out there fighting — it just wasn’t my day.

I didn’t want to give up, that’s my personality.”

Vonn’s close friend Maria Riesch won the event for her second gold in Vancouver and the ninth for Germany, taking over the lead in that category.

The U.S. leads the overall medal race with 32 — but actually is already guaranteed 34, matching the country’s record set at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Americans have clinched silver or gold in men’s hockey and the men’s speedskating team pursuit.

Also Friday, Ole Einar Bjoerndalen of Norway added to his tremendous Olympics resume by anchoring Norway’s victory in the men’s biathlon relay. This was his first gold

medal since sweeping all four events in 2002, and the 11th medal of his career. That leaves him one behind Bjorn Daehlie’s Winter Games record of 12.

Other medals still to be decided Friday included Apolo Anton Ohno going for a pair in shorttrack speedskating.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY FALLOUT The Canadian Olympic Committee better check its mail. A letter is coming from the International Olympic Committee seeking details about the gold-winning women’s hockey team having celebrated its victory by swigging champagne and beer, and lighting cigars, on the ice.

While one IOC official called the behavior inappropriate, committee spokesman Mark Adams said the letter does not qualify as the start of an investigation.

Hockey Canada apologized in a statement late Thursday, saying it regrets any embarrassment caused by taking their party beyond “the confines of our dressing room.”

SLALOM Riesch’s victory made the German women 3-of-5 in Alpine events. Vonn was waiting for her at the finish.

“Awesome,” she said.

Riesch is competing at her first

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SPEEDSKATING More agony for Sven Kramer, lots of joy for the United States.

The American men upset Kramer and the powerful Dutch team in one team pursuit semifinal, and the U.S. women knocked off Canada in their quarterfinal.

The men will face Canada in the gold-medal race Saturday.

The women will face defending Olympic champion Germany in a semifinal Saturday.

BIATHLON The 36-year-old Bjoerndalen nailed all 10 of his targets, then skied across the finish waving a flag and flashing a big smile.

“I’m really satisfied with my race,” he said. “It was perfect.”

The Americans were 13th out of 19 countries.

CURLING There’s a new international power in curling: China, which is going home from its first Olympic curling competition with a bronze medal.

The Chinese beat Switzerland, bringing joy to their Canadianbred coach and disappointment to the Swiss skip who’d brought home back-to-back silver medals from the last two Olympics.

outh S h t r No ge at Challenr Field McNai Appalachian State, Gardner-Webb, Niagara, Marist College Game Times 3 pm and 7 pm Friday, 1 pm and 5 pm Saturday and Sunday

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Olympics at age 25 after being sidelined by a season-ending injury four years ago.

February 26-28

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goalie gently swept it away, but right onto the stick of Malone, who quickly fired a shot from the top of the left circle into the vacated net at 2:04 for his third goal.

Captain Jamie Langenbrunner slammed his stick against the boards as his teammates hugged on the bench as the clock ran out.

This is the second time in three Olympics the American men will play for gold. They haven’t claimed the top spot on the podium since the 1980 Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid, N.Y. Canada edged the U.S. for gold during the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, and a rematch could be in store. The Americans (5-0) topped the host nation 5-3 to conclude preliminary play.

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10

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010

Weather/Nation Weather The Daily Courier Weather Today

Tonight

Sunday

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Precip Chance: 0%

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50º

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Almanac

Local UV Index

Around Our State Today

Statistics provided by Broad River Water Authority through 7 a.m. yesterday.

0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+

Temperatures

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

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Precipitation 24 hrs through 7 a.m. yest. .0.00" Month to date . . . . . . . . .3.87" Year to date . . . . . . . . .10.78"

Barometric Pressure

City

Sun and Moon Sunrise today .

Sunset tonight .

Moonrise today Moonset today .

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.6:59 .6:21 .5:30 .6:04

a.m. p.m. p.m. a.m.

Moon Phases

High yesterday . . . . . . .29.92"

Relative Humidity High yesterday . . . . . . . . .59%

Full 2/28

New 3/15

Last 3/7

Sunday

Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

Asheville . . . . . . .44/25 Cape Hatteras . . .48/34 Charlotte . . . . . . .51/29 Fayetteville . . . . .55/31 Greensboro . . . . .47/30 Greenville . . . . . .50/31 Hickory . . . . . . . . . .47/28 Jacksonville . . . .52/29 Kitty Hawk . . . . . .45/34 New Bern . . . . . .52/30 Raleigh . . . . . . . .52/29 Southern Pines . .52/29 Wilmington . . . . .54/32 Winston-Salem . .47/29

s s pc s s s pc s s s s s s s

45/27 48/41 52/29 56/33 49/30 52/31 50/29 53/32 47/38 53/32 52/32 53/33 55/34 49/30

sn pc s s s pc s pc pc pc s s s s

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

First 3/23

North Carolina Forecast

Greensboro 47/30

Asheville 44/25

Forest City 50/29 Charlotte 51/29

Today

City

.53/27 .43/33 .31/26 .37/28 .33/24 .61/47 .71/47 .37/30 .41/29 .59/46 .63/49 .52/44 .55/39 .44/32

s pc cl sn sn sh t sn cl t t sh sh pc

Raleigh 52/29

Kinston 51/30 Wilmington 54/32

Today’s National Map

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Sacramento . . . .

San Francisco . .

Seattle . . . . . . . .

Tampa . . . . . . . .

Washington, DC

Greenville 50/31

Fayetteville 55/31

Shown is today’s weather.

Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Across Our Nation

Elizabeth City 49/29

Durham 50/28

Winston-Salem 47/29

53/32 45/31 35/26 37/25 38/24 65/50 69/48 38/29 43/28 64/46 64/49 54/41 62/44 45/30

s mc mc sn mc s s sn mc s s pc s mc

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60s 60s This map shows high temperatures, type of precipitation expected and location of frontal systems at noon.

Cold Front

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Nation Today Wash. teacher killed

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A man who appeared to have an intense but intermittent obsession with a special education teacher shot and killed her as she walked into her elementary school Friday, shortly before classes were to begin.

The suspect was killed in a shootout with a deputy a short time later about 10 miles away, said Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer.

The man had posted bail Monday, a few days after he was arrested for violating a protective order the teacher, Jennifer Paulson, obtained in September 2008.

He described the 30-year-old as a devout Christian, and said she had been pestered by the shooter, Jed Waits, of Ellensburg, for years.

The two had known each other since she was in college, when they worked together at a cafeteria at Seattle Pacific University.

Man charged with murder

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey man accused of abandoning his toddler daughter at a gas station in Delaware has been charged with killing a woman believed to be her mother.

Middlesex County prosecutors filed a murder charge against 25-year-old Dwayne Jackson, of Edison, on Thursday night. Bail was increased from $750,000 to $2 million, and he remained in the county jail Friday. Jail officials say they don’t know if he has an attorney.

Jackson already was charged with kidnapping and child endangerment in New Jersey and reckless endangerment in Delaware.

Mail lost in wilderness

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) — A cargo plane door opened in flight over Montana and likely turned two

bags into air mail.

Crews are searching the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex for the two priority mail bags that might have fallen out of the plane last weekend.

Alpine Air reported that a cargo hatch on the twin-engine turboprop opened during the flight between Billings and Kalispell and the pilot was unable to close it. The plane carried about 3,000 pounds of mail.

Postal workers aren’t sure any mail is missing, but if any is, they say it’s likely two bags, or about 25 packages.

Weather hampered the search on Thursday for the bright orange mail bags.

Kalispell customers who believe they’re missing priority mail packages are asked to call the Kalispell Post Office.

NH fire destroys block HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) — A fire that started in an unoccupied oceanfront hotel was fanned by hurricane-force winds and spread to several nearby buildings, engulfing and destroying an entire block of businesses on a stretch of Hampton Beach popular with summer tourists. No injuries were reported.

The ferocious blaze started late Thursday or early Friday at the three-story Surf Hotel, Hampton Fire Capt. David Lang said. The block of five wood-frame buildings, including an arcade, a storage facility and a building that housed a gift shop and apartments quickly caught fire.

Hampton is a densely populated community along the Atlantic coast, about an hour north of Boston, and many of the area’s businesses, including the Surf Hotel, are only open in the summer. No one was in any of the buildings that burned.

About a dozen people who lived nearby were evacuated.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A slowmoving winter storm smacked the Northeast on Friday, unleashing heavy snow, rain and hurricane-force winds as it knocked out power to more than a million homes and businesses. It turned Maine beachfront streets into rivers and piled on the misery in places hit by three major blizzards in less than a month.

Every form of travel was miserable if not impossible. More than 1,000 flights were canceled, bus service across northern New Jersey was knocked out and roads from Ohio to West Virginia to Maine were closed.

State troopers used snowmobiles to reach motorists stranded for hours on an eastern New York highway.

“We’re buried,” said Graham Foster, highway superintendent in the town of Wappinger, one of the hardest hit areas in upstate New York. “My men have been out since 7 yesterday morning and we’re not making much headway because there are so many trees down and wires down.”

Foster, who was working on one hour of sleep Friday, said one of his big concerns was getting more diesel fuel for his constantly running plows.

Many local gas pumps were inoperable because of widespread power outages.

Power failures were so severe and widespread in New Hampshire — 340,000 of the state’s roughly 800,000 customers — that even the state Emergency Operations Center was operating on a generator. Gov. John Lynch said it could take a week for all those lights to flicker back on.

It was wind and rain rather than snow that wreaked havoc in that famously frigid state and its neighbor Maine. Parts of southern Maine were hit with more than 8 inches of rain.

Areas to the south, meanwhile, got their third heavy dumping of snow this month. Monroe, N.Y., received 31 inches, and New York City got more than 20.

A man was killed by a falling snowladen tree branch in Central Park in New York City, one of at least three deaths being blamed on the storm.

Much of the region, particularly Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, only recently finished cleaning up from a pair of storms a few weeks ago.

Friday’s storm made February the snowiest month ever for New Brunswick, N.J.; it has gotten 37 inches so far. This had already been the snowiest winter for Philadelphia and Atlantic City, N.J., before the latest storm dropped another 4 to 5 inches by midmorning Friday.

Blowing, drifting snow blinded and stranded drivers in mountainous parts of West Virginia, shutting down countless roads, and National Guard troops were mobilized to help.

It was bad enough that mail service was suspended in six counties.

“The drifts are 15 feet deep over the roads, and highways can’t move fast enough to keep them open,” said Marvin Hill, emergency manager for Randolph County.

Even skiers in the area got bad news. Snowshoe Mountain Resort had boasted the best conditions in its 36-year history this week, but a jackknifed tractor-trailer blocked the only road in Friday.

The highest wind reported was 91

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mph off Portsmouth, N.H. — well above hurricane force of 74 mph.

Gusts also hit 60 mph or more from the mountains of West Virginia to New York’s Long Island and Massachusetts.

In Epping, N.H., howling winds crashed a tree onto Joe and Laurie Mantini’s rural home late Thursday night; another tree crushed their parked recreational trailer. On Friday, a tarp covered the right side of their home as a contractor and an insurance adjuster were at work.

“Luckily nobody was hurt,” said Laurie Mantini, 38. “I don’t know what we’re going to do tonight.”

In the coastal town of Hampton, N.H., the unoccupied Surf Hotel caught fire, and the howling winds quickly spread the blaze to the rest of the block. Five wood-frame buildings, including an arcade and a restaurant, burned. The cause was unknown.

Downed trees were scattered along a residential street in Hampton, including an oak that punched a hole in the summer cottage Dick Paquin had just renovated last year.

The 62-year-old semiretired consultant from Raymond was on the roof with a chain saw trying to clear the branches.

“You feel so helpless,” Paquin said.

In Maine, waves crashing ashore at high tide Friday morning flooded streets in Saco, where storms have claimed several homes over the years.

Water from a storm-swollen pond was spilling over a 300-year-old dam in Freetown, Mass.; about a dozen people were advised to temporarily leave their homes as a precaution.

At the peak of the outages early Friday, there were 260,000 customers without power in Connecticut, and 220,000 customers in New York, mostly in the Hudson Valley north of New York City. There were 140,000 in Maine, 100,000 in Massachusetts, 25,000 in Vermont, and 11,000 in New Jersey. Those numbers began falling Friday as crews got to work, in some places contending with toppled trees and deep snow that made it difficult to move around.

Thousands of schools were closed, including in New York City, where Mayor Michael Bloomberg acquiesced after vowing to keep them open.

About 1,000 flights were canceled in Boston, Philadelphia and the New York area, according to the Air Transport Association. But by late morning, things began clearing up to the south, with three of Philadelphia International Airport’s four runways open.

The weather snarled traffic across the Northeast, including on some major highways. A tractor-trailer jackknifed and as many as 20 trucks piled up on a mile of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, forcing closure of a 60-mile stretch in the hills of central Pennsylvania. Two injuries were reported.

Public transit also was a rough ride.

Rail service in New Jersey and Long Island was suspended or delayed, and New Jersey Transit has canceled morning buses that tens of thousands of people rely on to get to New York City.

In New York, a nearly 40-mile stretch of snow-clogged Interstate 84 was closed for about five hours.

Virus-hit cruise ship home CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A cruise ship hit by a virus outbreak that sickened hundreds returned Friday with passengers glad to be back and praising the crew for the way they handled the challenge.

Celebrity Cruise spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez said at the height of the outbreak earlier this week 413 of the more than 2,600 passengers and crew came down with intestinal ailments.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010 — 11

Business/finance

THE MARKET IN REVIEW

STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

u

NYSE

7,035.04 +21.59

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last CKE Rst 11.37 RosettaSt n22.00 AtlasPplH 6.50 Prime pfB 3.96 Compx 9.29 Trex 19.99 Calgon 15.51 Interpublic 7.50 VersoP h 3.29 MS Nik10 27.70

Chg +2.46 +4.66 +.83 +.46 +1.03 +2.16 +1.61 +.75 +.33 +2.55

%Chg +27.6 +26.9 +14.6 +13.1 +12.5 +12.1 +11.6 +11.1 +11.1 +10.1

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last WtWatch 25.72 BcpSouth 19.47 FTI Cnslt 36.74 AIntlGp rs 24.77 Caplease 4.40 AIntGr62 16.48 ArborRT 2.28 DoralFncl 3.13 TutorPerini 19.77 CapTr12 pf 2.87

Chg -4.43 -3.10 -5.30 -2.74 -.45 -1.49 -.19 -.26 -1.62 -.23

%Chg -14.7 -13.7 -12.6 -10.0 -9.3 -8.3 -7.7 -7.7 -7.6 -7.4

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg BkofAm 3036202 16.66 +.11 S&P500ETF1572350110.74 +.07 Citigrp 1524733 3.40 +.01 SPDR Fncl 864591 14.68 +.09 FordM 706382 11.74 -.04 JPMorgCh 666065 41.97 +1.33 iShEMkts 596379 38.96 +.39 GenElec 595670 16.06 +.14 Pfizer 584205 17.55 -.14 iShR2K 508419 62.80 -.26 Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

DIARY

1,828 1,232 114 3,174 184 4 4,218,572,588

u

AMEX

1,845.71 +11.50

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last ChiArmM 5.24 NewConcEn3.99 ShengInn n 9.08 AcmeU 9.77 EngySvc un 3.20 TrnsatlPt n 3.18 IncOpR 6.26 SeabGld g 24.35 TanzRy g 4.18 ChNEPet n 9.23

Chg %Chg +.75 +16.7 +.51 +14.7 +.64 +7.6 +.62 +6.8 +.20 +6.7 +.20 +6.7 +.38 +6.5 +1.41 +6.1 +.23 +5.8 +.50 +5.7

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last StreamGSv 5.75 Gerova un 5.78 UtdCap 23.22 Chrmcft 2.23 Continucre 4.17 Barnwell 4.00 LaBarg 12.01 IEC Elec n 5.64 HMG 5.10 EvolPetrol 4.46

Chg %Chg -.97 -14.4 -.83 -12.6 -1.80 -7.2 -.17 -7.1 -.24 -5.4 -.20 -4.8 -.51 -4.1 -.24 -4.0 -.20 -3.8 -.17 -3.7

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg GoldStr g 25950 3.14 +.11 NthgtM g 22705 2.72 +.14 Rentech 21999 1.07 +.04 Hyperdyn 20717 1.22 +.10 NA Pall g 20658 4.06 +.12 PolyMet g 20173 2.35 +.01 TanzRy g 20069 4.18 +.23 EV LtdDur 16520 15.26 -.45 NovaGld g 14754 5.82 +.13 GranTrra g 12859 5.49 -.02 DIARY

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

295 187 49 531 16 4 79,541,875

u

DAILY DOW JONES

HAVE YOUsoon?

REVIEWED YOUR retiring let’s talk.

10,440

NASDAQ 2,238.26 +4.04

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg NuVasive 40.00+10.31 WSB Hldgs 3.99 +.99 AtlBcGp 3.84 +.73 Entorian rs 4.50 +.86 CarrollB 6.70 +1.17 Westway n 4.74 +.72 GulfIsland 19.95 +2.69 AnnapBcp 3.95 +.50 RepubAir 6.09 +.77 SecNtl lf 3.42 +.42

%Chg +34.7 +33.0 +23.5 +23.5 +21.2 +17.9 +15.6 +14.5 +14.5 +14.0

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name RckwllM NthnStat VSE Corp athenahlth Isramco KewnSc VillBk&Tr OnlineRes MonrchCB PMFG

Last 5.96 2.93 42.53 36.84 56.04 13.90 3.50 3.67 2.27 14.00

Chg -2.18 -.69 -8.94 -6.68 -8.81 -2.15 -.52 -.53 -.32 -1.84

%Chg -26.8 -19.1 -17.4 -15.3 -13.6 -13.4 -12.9 -12.6 -12.4 -11.6

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE)

Name Vol (00) SiriusXM h 1413993 ETrade 840683 PwShs QQQ615150 Palm Inc 600028 Intel 460899 BrcdeCm 415156 Microsoft 390899 DiscCm A 344814 Qualcom 302666 Cisco 302596

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

Last Chg 1.02 -.05 1.61 +.05 44.76 +.16 6.09 -.44 20.53 -.10 5.82 +.15 28.67 +.07 31.15 -.24 36.68 -.50 24.33 ...

DIARY

1,241 1,429 133 2,803 104 11 2,163,390,642

Dow JonesINSURANCE industrials LIFE LATELY? Close: 10,325.26 10,200

Change: 4.23 (flat)

9,960

10,800

10 DAYS

10,400 10,000

52-Week High Low

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

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

STOCK MARKET INDEXES Name

Last

Dow Industrials 10,325.26 Dow Transportation 4,134.57 Dow Utilities 367.39 NYSE Composite 7,035.04 Amex Market Value 1,845.71 Nasdaq Composite 2,238.26 S&P 500 1,104.49 S&P MidCap 738.36 Wilshire 5000 11,512.41 Russell 2000 628.56

S

O

N

D

J

F

Name

Inconsistent reports are a part of economic recoveries but the size of the problems like unemployment and housing have brought concerns that a recovery will stall.

+.04 +.50 -.66 +.31 +.63 +.18 +.14 +.06 +.13 -.30

-.99 +.85 -7.69 -2.09 +1.14 -1.36 -.95 +1.61 -.31 +.51

12-mo %Chg

+46.19 +65.44 +13.40 +52.37 +38.52 +62.45 +50.25 +64.28 +54.03 +61.58

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 6.8 12 24.81 +.04 -11.5 LeggPlat 1.04 5.5 25 18.95 +.10 -7.1 Vanguard 500Inv Vanguard InstIdx Amazon ... ... 58 118.40 +.20 -12.0 Lowes .36 1.5 20 23.71 -.11 +1.4 Dodge & Cox Stock ArvMerit ... ... ... 11.66 +.54 +4.3 Microsoft .52 1.8 16 28.67 +.07 -5.9 American Funds EurPacGrA m American Funds WAMutInvA m BB&T Cp .60 2.1 24 28.53 +.30 +12.5 PPG 2.16 3.5 21 61.54 +.48 +5.1 Dodge & Cox IntlStk BkofAm .04 .2 ... 16.66 +.11 +10.6 ParkerHan 1.00 1.7 35 60.31 +1.41 +11.9 American Funds NewPerspA m BerkHa A ... ... 36119800.00+1000.00+20.8 PIMCO TotRetAdm b Cisco ... ... 23 24.33 ... +1.6 ProgrssEn 2.48 6.5 12 38.29 -.19 -6.6 Fidelity DivrIntl d ... ... 68 28.05 -.09 -9.2 American Funds FnInvA m Delhaize 2.01 2.6 ... 77.32 -.21 +.8 RedHat Dell Inc ... ... 18 13.24 -.05 -7.8 RoyalBk g 2.00 ... ... 54.05 +.10 +.9 FrankTemp-Franklin Income A m DukeEngy .96 5.9 14 16.35 -.03 -5.0 SaraLee .44 3.2 12 13.56 -.05 +11.3 American Funds BalA m Vanguard Welltn ExxonMbl 1.68 2.6 16 65.00 -.14 -4.7 SonicAut ... ... 10 10.30 -.18 -.9 American Funds BondA m FamilyDlr .62 1.9 15 32.99 +.24 +18.5 SonocoP 1.08 3.7 20 29.58 -.27 +1.1 Vanguard 500Adml Vanguard TotStIAdm FifthThird .04 .3 17 12.21 +.01 +25.2 SpectraEn 1.00 4.6 17 21.80 +.05 +6.3 Fidelity GrowCo FCtzBA 1.20 .7 17 182.99 +1.99 +11.6 SpeedM .40 2.3 ... 17.48 -.43 -.8 Vanguard TotIntl d GenElec .40 2.5 16 16.06 +.14 +6.1 .36 1.4 ... 26.23 +.02 +10.6 PIMCO TotRetA m GoldmanS 1.40 .9 7 156.35 +.26 -7.4 Timken Vanguard InstPlus 1.88 3.2 27 58.74 +.32 +2.4 T Rowe Price EqtyInc Google ... ... 26 526.80 +.37 -15.0 UPS B KrispKrm ... ... ... 3.51 +.04 +19.0 WalMart 1.09 2.0 15 54.07 -.08 +1.2 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

+0.5 +16.7/C +3.0 +49.7/C +3.4 +56.3/B +0.2 +33.6/C +2.8 +45.0/D 0.0 +50.1/D +1.3 +41.5/B +2.3 +47.2/D +3.1 +53.6/B +3.1 +53.8/B +2.0 +67.8/A -0.2 +52.9/C +1.7 +45.4/D -0.5 +79.4/A +1.8 +54.3/C +0.5 +16.4/C -0.2 +52.1/D +2.2 +52.0/C +0.1 +49.6/A +1.7 +39.4/C +1.4 +37.8/C +0.4 +18.9/B +3.1 +53.8/B +3.4 +56.5/B +4.1 +55.7/B +0.2 +63.4/A +0.5 +16.2/C +3.1 +53.8/B +2.6 +61.8/A +1.5 +65.5/A +3.1 +51.2/C +0.2 +4.1/C +3.5 +43.5/E +5.6 +97.0/B +3.2 +47.6/D

10.99 26.90 27.38 46.63 57.10 32.22 15.33 25.50 102.03 101.36 96.15 36.14 24.31 30.42 24.77 10.99 26.50 32.15 2.04 16.31 28.77 11.98 102.05 27.39 67.91 13.71 10.99 101.37 20.92 30.10 35.60 10.39 2.95 13.90 14.69

+7.3/A +2.6/B +1.0/B +3.2/C +4.0/A +4.4/A +2.5/B +1.2/B +0.3/C +0.4/C -0.8/D +5.9/A -0.1/C +3.6/A +4.9/A +7.1/A +2.1/D +3.4/A +3.5/B +2.2/C +4.5/A +2.8/E +0.4/C +1.1/B +5.0/A +3.6/B +6.8/A +0.4/C +0.5/B +2.9/A +0.9/B +4.9/A -1.9/E +1.5/C +0.6/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.

Markets eke out slight gains to end week

NEW YORK (AP) — The stock market eked out a gain Friday as investors took downbeat economic news in stride.

The modest gains still left stocks with a loss for the week but the Dow Jones industrial average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index logged their best month since November.

The latest bad news came from several corners including the financial industry. Insurer American International Group Inc. reported a larger than expected fourth-quarter loss. The company said its primary insurance business was hurt in part by the economy.

The National Association of Realtors said sales of previously occupied homes fell 7.2 percent in January. It marks the second straight month of a big drop. Analysts had predicted a gain.

The Realtors’ report comes two days after the Commerce Department said that new home sales fell last month.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Department reported that the nation’s economy grew at a faster pace than initially estimated for the end of 2009. The stronger growth from the third quarter to the fourth quarter was welcome news but analysts say much of the gain is tied to businesses rebuilding inventories. Gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 5.9 percent, above the 5.7 percent previous estimate. Growth is expected to slow in the coming quarters.

The mixed reports added to investors’ confusion about the economy. Analysts are divided over whether a recovery is on track. That has led to swings in the stock market after nearly a year of huge gains. Major stock indexes were strong in February but are down about 1 percent for the year. This week, stocks have fallen, jumped and slid again as worries about the economy intensified and eased.

“We’re in a time period where the range of potential outcomes is probably wider than it’s been for some time,” said Colleen Supran, a portfolio manager at Bingham, Osborn & Scarborough in San Francisco. She pointed to concerns about everything from unemployment and housing to heavy debt loads in Greece and other parts of Europe causing another recession.

“Are we going to have a double dip? Are corporations going to be able to grow earnings? That’s sort of the bottom line for stock prices in the long run.”

The Dow rose 4.23, or less than 0.1 percent, to 10,325.26. It fell 0.7 percent for the week but rose 2.6 percent for the month. That’s the best run since it jumped 6.5 percent in November.

The broader S&P 500 index rose 1.55, or 0.1 percent, to 1,104.49. It fell 0.4 percent for the week and climbed 2.9 percent in February.

The Nasdaq composite index rose 4.04, or 0.2 percent, to 2,238.26. It fell 0.3 percent for the week. For February, the gain came to 4.2 percent.

Bond prices rose, pushing yields lower. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell to 3.62 percent from 3.64 percent late Thursday.

The dollar fell against other major currencies.

Gold rose.

Crude oil rose $1.49 to $79.66 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Trading volume was light Friday in part because of a winter storm hitting the Northeast. More than 20 inches fell in New York’s Central Park.

Investors were unwilling to make big moves ahead of economic reports next week. Most important, the Labor Department is expected to release its February payrolls report on Friday. Reports are also due on personal income and spending, manufacturing, construction spending and home sales.

+4.23 +20.76 -2.43 +21.59 +11.50 +4.04 +1.55 +.47 +15.50 -1.90

YTD %Chg %Chg

MUTUAL FUNDS

9,600 9,200

Net Chg

A construction worker digs a trench at the construction site of luxury rental homes in Burbank.

Calif. on Friday. The fresh reading on the nation’s economic standing, released by the Commerce Department on Friday, was better than the government’s initial estimate a month ago of 5.7 percent growth. It would mark the strongest showing in six years.

Associated Press

Economic growth rate slowing WASHINGTON (AP) — The recovery is losing steam.

The economy is now likely expanding at just half the brisk 5.9 percent pace at which the government on Friday estimated it grew last quarter.

Business spending will make up for some of a slowdown in consumer spending — but not likely enough to reduce the jobless rate much.

All that adds up to a long slog ahead for an economy trying to get back on firm footing after the worst recession since the 1930s. The economy continues to grow. But it won’t feel like much of a recovery this year amid high unemployment, recordhigh home foreclosures and tight credit.

Stuart Hoffman, chief economist at PNC Financial Services Group, called the year-end growth spurt “a one-hit wonder.”

In a fresh reading on the nation’s economic standing, the Commerce Department bumped up its growth estimate for the final quarter of 2009, from a 5.7 percent growth rate estimated a month ago. It was the strongest showing in six years.

Roughly two-thirds of the

growth came from a burst of manufacturing — but not because consumer demand was especially strong. In fact, consumer spending weakened at the end of the year, even more than the government first thought.

Instead, factories were churning out goods for businesses that had let their stockpiles dwindle to save cash. If consumer spending remains lackluster as expected, that burst of manufacturing — and its contribution to economic activity — will fade.

The signs aren’t hopeful.

Consumer confidence took an unexpected dive in February, and unemployment stands at 9.7 percent.

After losing his job in October, Kevin Young, 44, has been cutting back on spending.

Two weeks ago, he disconnected his cable service. Before that, he cut his cell phone plan and car insurance to the minimum.

“I don’t go out at all,” said Young, who’s attending Washington University in St. Louis in the evenings to earn his certification in project management.

Not only is the late 2009 growth spurt fading, but the wobbly housing market is show-

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ing fresh signs of weakness.

Sales of previously occupied homes fell sharply in January for the second straight month, to their lowest point since summer.

The results were far worse than forecast.

The National Association for Business Economics predicts the economy will expand at only a 3 percent pace in the first quarter of this year. The next two quarters should log similar growth, the association’s forecasters say.

Unlike past rebounds driven by the spending of shoppers, this one is hinging more on spending by businesses and foreigners.

Businesses boosted spending on equipment and software at a sizzling 18.2 percent pace, the fastest in nine years.

And foreigners snapped up U.S.-made goods and services, which propelled exports to grow at 22.4 pace, the most in 13 years.

Economists don’t think higher business spending can make up for the slowdown by consumers, whose spending powers about 70 percent of the economy. But some industries, including technology, are turning cautiously more optimistic.

Seams to Be

Fabrics

Sewing Center

New class line up has been prepared. classes include quilting, garment construction, bags and more for the beginner and advanced sewers, along with serger instructions that will be held at the end of the month. due to computer problems the website won’t be updated until later this week.

Feel free to stop by the store for details.

526 US Hwy 74 Business • Bostic, NC 828 245-5400 • www.seamstobefabrics.com

12

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010

Nation

Health care odds long, but Dems press forward

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats pushed hard to revive President Barack Obama’s stalled health care overhaul on Friday — and pointed to glimmers of hope — but the long odds facing them seemed little changed after Obama’s extraordinary summit with both parties’ leaders.

At the White House, press secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama would unveil a “way forward” next week on legislation that has been his foremost domestic priority. Obama, who will first discuss the strategy with Democratic congressional leaders, said at Thursday’s bipartisan marathon that he’s open to several Republican ideas, including medical malpractice changes.

There were signs of intensified activity on Capitol Hill.

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and top adviser David Axelrod discussed health care in an early evening meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. And a spokesman for Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said White House officials have asked the senator to submit details of suggestions he made at Thursday’s meeting on rooting out fraud from the medical system.

In addition, a pair of retiring Democrats who opposed the legislation when the House approved it in November appeared willing to reconsider. And some supporters of a House provision strictly banning federal financing for abortion — a complicated sticking point — indicated an openness to different language.

The outcome could affect nearly all Americans, remaking the way they pay for health care, the kinds of care they’re likely to receive and where they’re likely to get it. Or there could be smaller changes — or none — outcomes the Democrats say will lead to crushing budget problems and tens of millions of people still being left out. Republicans see problems in the health care system, too, but recommend less-far-reaching prescriptions.

Despite the signs of movement, a day after televi-

Associated Press

President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, right, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., walks back to the White House, from the Blair House in Washington Thursday after meeting all day with Republican and Democrat lawmakers to renew his struggle to reform health care.

sion cameras brought the nation Obama’s unusual daylong discussion with top Republicans and Democrats there were no clear indications of a major change in Congress. The equation remained the same: Democratic leaders, especially in the House, will have to scramble to find votes to pass any health legislation and they’re almost certainly going to have to do it without Republican support.

And there are Democratic doubts, as well.

“People who voted ’yes’ would love a second bite at the apple to vote ’no’ this time, because they went home and got an unpleasant experience” because of their votes, said Rep. Jason Altmire, a moderate Democrat from Pennsylvania. “On the other hand,” he added, “I don’t know anybody who voted ’no’ who regrets it.”

Top Democrats spoke of plunging ahead anyway.

Pelosi said she saw “good prospects for passing” health legislation and contended Thursday’s meeting showed a GOP content to accept the status quo of insurance companies bullying consumers.

That was echoed in the

Senate by No. 2 Democratic leader Richard Durbin of Illinois, who said, “We are not going to wait.”

The Democrats seem ready to use “reconciliation,” a seldom-used procedure that could let them push legislation through the Senate with a simple majority. Until now, Republicans have used a filibuster to force Democrats to find 60 votes in the 100-member Senate — one more than they have.

Republicans say reconciliation should be used for budget changes, not a dramatic reshaping of national health care policy. With polls showing some voters consider the process unfair, some moderate Democrats have expressed a reluctance to support it. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., said Friday she will be a “definite no” if it is used.

But in an interview with The Associated Press, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said she was open to using the process “because the Republicans have just decided that they don’t want to negotiate.”

Spokesmen for the House and Senate Republican leaders said Friday their party does not plan a formal

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response to Obama, having made clear a belief that Democrats should scrap their bills.

The primary problem for Democratic leaders is the House. That chamber approved its bill 220-215 in November. But one of those “yes” votes came from the only Republican who supported the bill, Rep. Joseph Cao of Louisiana, who now says he will oppose the bill.

Three other “yes” votes came from Reps. John Murtha, D-Pa., who died this month, Robert Wexler, D-Fla., who has left the House, and Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, who retires this weekend to run for governor of his state.

In fact, Democrats following the legislation say House Democratic support for the legislation has sunk to 200 votes or less in recent weeks, following the stunning GOP victory in last month’s special Massachusetts Senate election and the bill’s modest showing in polls.

Providing the Democrats with some hope were indications that two retiring party members who voted against the legislation would consider switching. Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash., said he is now “totally undecided” and

liked how Thursday’s summit showed Obama had reached out to Republicans for support. And Rep. Bart Gordon, D-Tenn., said it was time to look at “everything fresh.”

There were even signs of possible flexibility among Democratic foes of federally financed abortion, many of whom have threatened to oppose the health measure if House-approved restrictions are eased. Altmire did not rule out supporting slightly less strict Senate abortion curbs if they are part of an overall health measure he liked.

But abortion remained an unresolved issue, with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reiterating Friday that it was opposing the overall Senate bill on the grounds that it would open the door to some federal support for abortion.

And for every Democrat touting optimism about the overall bill, there was another expressing wariness about legislation that polls show gets mixed reviews from the public.

Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., said he chatted at the House gym Friday morning with fellow conservative Democrats and found that Obama’s session had produced no new momentum.

“I don’t think it made a nickel’s worth of difference,” he said, adding, “It’s fair to say the trend is going against the bill.”

At the summit, Obama said he was open to several Republican ideas — including medical malpractice changes to address the issue of defensive medicine. He is also open to other ideas, such as programs that encourage hospitals and doctors to promptly admit mistakes, offer financial restitution and fix problems to prevent more patients from being harmed.

The legislation would curb insurance industry practices like denying coverage to people who are already sick, extend coverage to about 30 million uninsured people,and help many lowincome people pay for it, financed by Medicare cuts and new taxes on higher earning Americans and health providers.

Ethics panel finds Rangel in violation of House rules WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Charles Rangel, the most powerful tax-writing lawmaker in Congress and a 40-year veteran of Capitol Hill, acknowledged Thursday that an ethics panel has accused him of accepting corporate money for Caribbean trips in violation of House rules.

The findings are certain to raise questions of whether Rangel, a New York Democrat, can continue as Ways and Means Committee chairman in an election year. Democrats took over the House in 2006 on a campaign promise to “end a culture of corruption” in Congress that they blamed on 12 years of Republican rule.

The ethics panel also ended another widespread investigation Thursday, saying it found no violations of House rules by seven lawmakers who steered government money and projects and contracts to favored companies that donated to their re-election campaigns.

A copy of the letters and an accompanying report on them were obtained by The Associated Press. All seven — five Democrats and two Republicans — are or were senior members of the House Appropriations Committee.

The most prominent of the them was the late Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., the former chairman of the defense appropriations subcommittee who died earlier this month. The other six lawmakers exonerated in that probe are Reps. Norman Dicks, D-Wash.; Jim Moran, D-Va.; Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio; Peter Visclosky, D-Ind.; Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan.; and C.W. “Bill” Young, R-Fla. The appropriations went to companies represented by a now-defunct lobbying firm known as PMA Group — formerly Paul Magliocchetti Associates.

The Justice Department was conducting an investigation of its own into PMA. It is unclear whether that inquiry is still alive. At one point, a federal grand jury subpoenaed docu-

Associated Press

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., leaves the House chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington Friday.

ments from Visclosky’s office, campaign committees and some of his employees. The chief of staff for the Indiana Democrat resigned after the subpoenas were delivered.

The House committee’s report said its investigators “found no evidence” that members or their official staffs considered or sought contributions in return for appropriations.

The committee also found that PMA used “strong-arm” tactics, threatening to withdraw financial support or encourage businesses to leave a member’s district if the lawmaker opposed appropriations to companies represented by the firm.

In the Rangel case, the ethics committee exonerated five other members of the Congressional Black Caucus who also were on the 2007 and 2008 trips to Antigua and St. Maarten but told them they will have to pay the costs of them.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010 — 13 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

EVENING

FEBRUARY 27 DSH DTV 7:00

7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30

BROADCAST STATIONS

# WBTV $ WYFF _ WSPA ) WSOC ` WLOS 0 WGGS 5 WHNS A WUNF H WMYA Q WRET Æ WYCW

3 4 7 13 2 12 6 8 97 10

3 4 7 9 13 16 21 33 40 62

Without Griffi Griffi Insi King Hope For Jeop Jeru His Two Two Welk Stars Jerseys Candleford Fam Fam

265 329 249 202 278 206 209 360 248 258 312 229 269 252 299 241 244 247 256 280 245 296 649 242 307

Green Ml } › Gone in Sixty Seconds (‘00) Sea Sea Sea Gone in Sixty } ››› New Jack City } Phantom Punch (‘08) The Unit The Unit } ›› Office Space (‘99) } ›› Hot Rod (‘07) Å Chap Chap Chap Chap Newsroom Camp. Brown Larry King Newsroom Camp. Brown Larry King Planet Planet Planet Planet Planet Planet Basketball GameDay College Basketball SportsCenter Å Final NASCAR College Basketball Poker Poker Poker FOX Report Huckabee Glenn Beck Geraldo Jour Watch Red Eye College Basketball World Poker Boxing Final World Target } › Armageddon (‘98) Bruce Willis. } The Fast and the Furious Sis Ava } ›› Terror Train (‘80) } ›› Terror Train (‘80) Terror Train } Love’s Unfolding Dream } Love Takes Wing (‘09) } Love Finds a Home (‘09) For House De Sarah Out Block House House House House Out Block WWII in HD WWII in HD WWII in HD WWII in HD Sex in WWII WWII in HD Positively True Adventures } ›› Sydney White (‘07) } ›› Sydney White (‘07) iCarly iCarly iCarly Jack Troop iCarly Lopez Lopez Nanny Nanny Nanny Nanny Star Wars: Episode II Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge of Sith Star War I } Yeti (‘08) Peter DeLuise.

Beauty and the Beasts } Beyond Sherwood Forest Sein Sein Brow Brow Brow Brow Brow Brow Payne Payne Payne Payne Nun’s Story } ›››› Tom Jones (‘63) :15 } ›››› Titanic (‘97) Kate Winslet Dateline Dateline Dateline Dateline Dateline Dateline Replacemt } ›› The Longest Yard (‘05) Å } ››› Independence Day (‘96) Bak Hero Titans Bat Satur Whe King King Strok Boon Metal Bleac Golf At College Basketball 3 Whips Wm. Basketball Law & Order Law & Order Law & Order Law & Order Law & Order Burn Notice NBA Basketball: Bulls at Pacers Fun WGN News Scru } The Sixth Sense

8651 8182 8181 8650 8180 8192 8183 8190 8184 8185

CABLE CHANNELS

A&E BET COM CNN DISC ESPN ESPN2 FNC FSS FX FXM HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK SPIKE SYFY TBS TCM TLC TNT TOON TS USA WGN-A

23 17 46 27 24 25 37 15 20 36 38 16 29 43 35 40 44 45 30 42 28 19 14 33 32 -

118 124 107 200 182 140 144 205 137 133 187 112 120 108 170 168 122 139 132 183 138 176 437 105 239

PREMIUM CHANNELS

MAX ENC HBO SHO STARZ

510 520 500 540 530

310 340 300 318 350

512 526 501 537 520

NUMB3RS Cold Case 48 Hours.

News Without Ath XXI Winter Olympics News Saturday Night Live NUMB3RS Cold Case 48 Hours.

News WSSL Trax Paid Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix News :35 CSI: NY Anat.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix News Paid Housewives Joyful Os Home Gospel V’Im Gaither Sp. Studio Best-Harvest Cops Cops Most Wanted News Wanda Sykes Sit Paid Bing Crosby Great Performances Å MI-5 Å Austin } ›› Radio (‘03, Drama) Housewives Access H. TMZ (N) Å Sher. Holmes Keep Sum Ballykiss.

Austin City Soundstage CSI: NY Å CSI: NY Å News Office CSI: Miami CSI: Miami

I Leg :45 } ››› Basic Instinct (‘92) Day Earth Stood Still Life on Top 04 Housesitter } ››› Bad Boys (‘95) } The Mummy Returns (‘01) Desperado Fifth Element } ›› Fast & Furious (‘09) Forgetting Sarah Marshall Fast-Furious For Fight Diary Trac. } ›› Rambo (‘08) Bangkok Dangerous Striptease :05 } Pineapple Express } ›› Year One Spartacus Jurassic Park III (‘01)

Teen should talk to dad about sex Dear Abby: My girlfriend is very sweet. The problem is, she wants to have sex with me. I don’t think I am ready for that. I also don’t know how to approach my parents about this. I really need some help — fast! — Not Ready Dear Not Ready: Your girlfriend may not be as interested in having sex with you as she may be in doing what she thinks you may expect from her. That’s why you should have a talk with her and tell her that, at this point, you don’t think you are ready.

You may find she’s relieved to hear it.

Because you find this subject too delicate to talk to both your parents about, I recommend you bring it up with one of them — your father, perhaps. You don’t have to start the talk by announcing that you’re being pressured into sex. Instead, start out by saying there is talk around your school about the number of kids who are having sex and you’d like to talk about it. If he isn’t comfortable with discussing this with you — and I’m pretty sure that won’t be the case — then talk to a counselor at school about the fact that you need some direction.

Dear Abby: My daughter “Kayley” has been asking me to set up a playdate for her and her friend “Julie.”

I have met Julie’s parents on a few occasions — the playground, school events, etc. For some reason, I

Dear Abby Abigail van Buren

feel uncomfortable around them.

I thought I smelled alcohol on her father’s breath when we were at the playground, and he also said some things that seemed inappropriate.

I’ve been avoiding the playdate request because I know if we invite Julie, she will probably invite my daughter to her house to reciprocate.

I don’t think I can leave Kayley at their house.

I keep making up excuses, but Kayley is persistent. I don’t want to tell her that I’m not comfortable with Julie’s parents or the prospect of having her go to their house because I’m afraid she might repeat what I say to Julie. What should I do? — At A Loss Dear At A Loss: Stop making excuses and invite Julie to play at your home. When Julie’s mother offers to reciprocate, tell her — sweetly — that you prefer playdates be at your home. Period. Do not be defensive about it, just firm.

P.S. You may be worried over nothing because Julie’s mother may not make that offer you’re dreading.

Did fall cause loss of taste and smell?

Dear Dr. Gott: About 18 months ago, I tripped on city cobblestones and fell. The accident was serious enough that I had to be taken to the emergency room. I was diagnosed with a concussion and treated for lacerations to my forehead, nose and mouth. Shortly after this incident, I realized that I could no longer smell or taste.

My family doctor told me to be patient, to allow myself time to heal and that these senses would likely return. After nine months with no improvement, I was sent to an earnose-and-throat specialist. There, my hearing was tested and I underwent an endoscopic procedure on my nose.

I was then prescribed Medrol and Flonase, which I took exactly as prescribed. Unfortunately, they did not help.

When I returned to the ENT after finishing both prescriptions, I was told that nothing else could be done.

I asked about further testing and

PUZZLE

Ask Dr. Gott Dr. Peter M. Gott

possible renewal of the medications, but I only received a very negative response.

I hope that you will be able to provide me with some help.

I am an otherwise healthy 77-yearold woman. I take Lipitor and Fosamax.

Dear Reader: The complete inability to taste is rare, with distortion being more common. The tongue can detect four or five tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami (savory), which is not yet widely recognized.

What most people consider taste is actually smell; therefore, smell disorders can often distort the way foods taste.

IN THE STARS

Your Birthday, Feb. 27;

It is always an advantage to continually keep up with the latest findings in your field of endeavor.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you don’t have the patience for concentrating on the small stuff, temporarily shelve those tasks.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Enjoy socializing with friends, keep your business issues or problems to yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — The best way to get others to accept you for who you are is to first accept yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — You may mean well and only want to help, but it’s best not to attempt to instruct another.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a verbal commitment.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — It’s nice to be accommodating, but don’t put yourself in the company of a backseat driver.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Avoid discussing a co-worker’s problems, regardless of how kindly you phrase your remarks.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Strive to be tolerant and forgiving if you are placed in charge of youngsters.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Someone skilled at manipulating others might have you in his or her sights.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — The views of one with whom you have an adversarial relationship could be thrown in your face again.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You’re not likely to run out and make some major purchases that will put you in a hole.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —Make a concerted effort to be considerate when discussing new ideas with others.

14 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, SATURDAY, February 27, 2010

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1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM

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DARLING 3BR/2BA HOUSE in Sunnyview, Polk Co. Ready for your pets and ready for your garden! Great backyard including work sheds! $139,000 Riverbend Realty and Lands 828-625-5263 or 828-779-2254

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

Business

Call 828-447-3233

For Sale

3 DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL

Mobile Homes

HOUSES & APTS. FOR RENT!

Homes

Run ad 12 consecutive days and only pay for 9 days*

Homes For

Some utilities paid by landlord.

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

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.

2 WEEK SPECIAL

FOR OUR WEEKLY SPECIAL POSTED EVERY SUNDAY IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Homes

Spacious 1 & 2BR

2BR/1BA central h/a, w/d hookup, stove, refrig. incld. FC area. $375/mo. 657-4510 or 828-305-3727

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

$285/mo.-$750/mo.

245-7400 3BR/2BA in Rfdtn w/ lg. living room, hdwd floors, giant yard. $900/mo. 2BR/1BA duplex in Rfdtn. $450/mo. 625-5554 Rooms & 1BR house for rent Mostly furnished.

Security dep. can be spread out. 589-6012 2BR/2.5BA home on 64/74 1 mile from Lake Lure Beach, Chimney Rock and Ingles. Lake Lure view. $600/mo.

Also, 2BR/2BA on 2 ac. in Rumbling Bald Resort, washer /dryer, cen. h/a. $750/mo. Call Eddy Zappel 828-289-9151 or Marco 954-275-0735

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the estate of DOROTHY C. MELTON of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said DOROTHY C. MELTON to present them to the undersigned on or before the 13th 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 13th day of February, 2010.

Don Calton Melton, Executor 3520 NC Hwy 226 Bostic, NC 28018

Houses, mobile homes & apartments for sale & rent. Owner fin. avail. 453-9946

Clean 3BR/2BA in quiet area. Stove, refrig. No pets! $400/ mo. + dep. 287-7043

Want

2BR/2BA in Ellenboro. Cent. heat & gas logs. $100/wk + $200 dep. 453-8250

to Rent Couple in mid 50’s seeking a place to live in exchange (or partly in exchange) for rent. Will do upkeep, maintenance, etc.

Call 828-748-7291 Would like to rent or poss. lease/purchase option 4+BR home w/large yard in quiet clean area. 289-8311

Mobile Homes For Rent 2BR/2BA on Taylor Rd. in Rfdtn. Washer/ dryer, stove, refrig. $350/mo. + $350 dep.

No pets. Call 287-2511 (2) 2BR/1BA 1 near FC, 1 Harris, private lot. $75/week + $200 dep. Call 245-6312

3BR/2BA in Rfdtn!

RENT TO OWN! Fixer Upper! Will Finance! No Banks!

Hurry! You pay no lot rent, ins., taxes or interest! Neg. $75 wk. + dep. 704-806-6686

2BR/2BA on large lot in Rfdtn area $350/mo. + $300 dep. Landlord ref’s. Call 286-4333

GOOD NEWS, Merle Girls.... Tryon’s Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio at 158 N. Trade St. is now open and ready to meet your beauty needs. We have a lovely gift with purchase of two items.

828-859-5299

Help Wanted BAYADA NURSES

Instruction

Professional Truck Driver Training Carriers Hiring Today!

• PTDI Certified Course • One Student Per Truck • Potential Tuition Reimbursement • Approved WIA & TAA provider • Possible Earnings $34,000 First Year SAGE Technical Services

&

MUST SEE! Like new

(828)286-3636 ext. 221

3BR/2BA in Rfdtn. $650/mo. + securities.

748-0658 or 286-1982

www.isothermal.edu/truck

CARPENTER DESIGN, INC. 217 Belt Court, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 PALLET MANUFACTURER AND WOOD GRINDING APPLYING FOR NC AIR PERMIT MODIFICATION TO ALLOW THE ADDITION OF 1 GRINDER.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of CEDRIC EDWARDS of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said CEDRIC EDWARDS to present them to the undersigned on or before the 20th 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 20th day of February, 2010.

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of MARTHA HARVIN of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said MARTHA HARVIN to present them to the undersigned on or before the 13th 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 13th day of February, 2010

Steve Edwards, Executor P.O. Box 1086 Ellenboro, NC 28040

Virginia F. Duffey, Executor 1012 Miller St. Spindale, NC 28160

is now hiring full and part time CNA’s for Polk County area.

Call 828-696-1900 to apply 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 Rehab Administrative Assistant Position St. Luke’s Hospital Outpatient Rehab.

Part time position, 12:30pm-5:30pm Monday-Friday with potential to flex to full-time if needed. 2-5 yrs. experience, high school diploma. Skills needed: computer skills including Microsoft Office, patient reception & scheduling, office organization, clerical duties and monthly statistic tracking.

Please email resume to: smcdermott@ saintlukeshospital.com

or fax 828-894-0538

Part time groomer kennel help. Requires detail oriented person who loves four legged friends. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., some weekend hours.

Non-smokers only.

Call 828-447-2686 btwn 9a-4p M-F Kids R Us Rutherfordton area, seeking qualified lead teacher for part time, 2nd shift hours 2:308:30P Call 247-1717 All K Scruggs Heating & Air Conditioning has immediate openings for Service technician with 5-10 yrs. exp. and Installer with 3-5 yrs. exp. Mail resume to: 1200 Ferry Rd., Mooresboro, NC 28114 or fax 657-0087

We need part time CNA Med Tech for second shift. Apply in person at Fair Haven Nursing Home 149 Fairhaven Dr., Bostic, NC 28018

For Sale Wolff Tanning Bed 16x power Like new condition! $600 Call 245-1316

Want To Buy LOOKING TO BUY A SMALL, USED DOUBLE WIDE. CALL 828-748-7291 I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up to $10 per 100 ct. Call Bob 828-577-4197

Plaid couch, love seat and chair, 3 rugs, 2 lamps. Best offer! Call 287-7745

Reward! Chihuahua black/tan, male, 11 yrs. old. Lost 2/20 from New House Rd. Needs meds! Call 453-1104 Male Gray & white cat with black stripes. Lost 1/26 on Brooks Rd. in Sunshine area. Family misses him! 429-0803

Found

Trucks

F DOG, possible red bone/yellow lab mix.

Young, healthy & very friendly. Found 2/22 on Union Rd. 287-7904

1987 Ford 250 Diesel Automatic, 2wd. Runs good, no rust in the bed! $2,500 429-5262

Found small dog on 2/23 around 4:30pm Coxe Rd. in Rfdtn Call to describe 286-4105

Farm

Black Male Chihuahua Found 2/22 Henrietta/ Caroleen area Call to identify 828-223-4266

Equipment 2004 John Deere 5103 Tractor 177 hours, 44 HP $10,200 Call 429-3008

Pets

F Coon Hound Found end of Jan., Ellenboro area. Vet checked, spayed, shots. Needs home! Call 453-1104

AKC Male German Rottweiler 16 months Good with kids! $150 Call 828-429-8455

M Brindle Chihuahua Found February 26 in Ellenboro area. Call to identify 245-9303

Free to loving home Female wired hair Jack Russell. Brown/white, good with children & other pets! 453-1317

Schnauzer Found 2/23 near Vance St. in FC. Call Foothills Animal Clinic at 248-2168 to describe

Boston Terrier Pupppy 9 wks old. one male. $300 each Call 828-625-1579

Lost or found a pet? Are you giving something away for free?

Place an ad at no cost to you! Runs for one week!

Call 245-6431 or stop by the office Mon.Fri. 8am-5pm

For Sale 2 Landscape Trailers 5x9 & 8x16 w/bin & 2 John Deere walk behind mowers GS45 Great cond.! 286-2223

Lost

Black male poodle 2 yrs. old, house trained.

AKC Registered. $150 Call 286-2774

START YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY! CALL THE CIRCULATION DEPT AT 245-6431 NORTH CAROLINA MECKLENBURG COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION 09-CvD-4725 Johnny Lovelace vs.

Margie Vernice Simmons Lovelace

Yard Sales Factory Yard Sale: Oh Suzannah, 101 Callahan-Koon Rd., Spindale Saturday, Feb 27th 8AM-12PM Sewing supplies, finished goods, etc.

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of RUTH MORROW MOORE of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said RUTH MORROW MOORE to present them to the undersigned on or before the 27th 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 27th day of February, 2010.

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of HERBERT FARRELL ROBBINS of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said HERBERT FARRELL ROBBINS to present them to the undersigned on or before the 27th 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 27th day of February, 2010.

Gary Edward Moore, Executor PO Box 5844 North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597

Margie Annette Robbins, Executor 1813 Harris-Henrietta Road Mooresboro, NC 28114

TO: Margie Vernice Simmons Lovelace, Defendant TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action, wherein the plaintiff is seeking an absolute divorce. YOU ARE required to make defense to such pleading not later than April 9, 2010, exclusive of said date, and upon failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for summary judgment for the relief sought on or after the week of April 29, 2010.

This February 24, 2010.

John G. Walker, (State Bar ID #4520) PO Box 222111 Charlotte, NC 28222

FC: 124 Rollins Rd. Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 8A-3P Lighting, novelty household.

Many new items, must go! Don’t miss this!

YARD SALES ARE A GREAT PLACE TO FIND A DEAL!

A TO Z, IT’S IN THE

CLASSIFIEDS!

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, SATURDAY, February 27, 2010 — 15

WEB DIRECTORY Visit the advertisers below by entering their Web address

AUTO DEALERSHIPS

HEALTH CARE

NEWSPAPER

REAL ESTATE

HUNNICUTT FORD (828) 245-1626 www.hunnicuttfordmercury.com

BUSINESS&SERVICE DIRECTORY (828) 245-6431 www.thedigitalcourier.com

(828) 245-0095 www.hospiceofrutherford.org

(828) 286-1311 www.keeverrealestate.com

To List Your Website In This Directory, Contact The Daily Courier Classified Department at (828) 245-6431 Erika Meyer, Ext. 205

CONSTRUCTION

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Hutchins Remodeling

NC License 6757 • SC License 4299 FAST RELIABLE SERVICE ON ALL BRANDS Free Estimates • Best Warranties All Work Guaranteed Service • Installation • Duct Cleaning • IAQ Gas / Oil / Heat Pumps / Geothermal / Boilers Residential & Commercial 24 Hour Emergency Service

245-1141 www.shelbyheating.com

GUTTERS

828-245-1986

“We’re Not Comfortable Until You Are� “Serving Rutherford & Cleveland County For 30 Years�

Seamless Gutters Decks Porches RooďŹ ng Painting Handicap Ramps Room Additions Free Estimates ~Lance Hutchins~

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

SPINDALE SEAMLESS GUTTER AND VINYL SIDING

-

FREE ESTIMATES! WORK GUARANTEED!

828-657-6006

Licensed and Insured Benjamin Greene

828-289-2743

$

INSTALLED - 199*

*up to 101 UI

Wood & Vinyl Decks • Vinyl Siding • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Reface Your Cabinets, Don't Replace Them!

Licensed Contractor with 35 Years Experience

245-6367 HOME IMPROVEMENT

Does your business need a boost? Let us design an eye catching ad for your business! Business & Services Directory ads get results! Call the Classified Department!

Clean up at the end of each day GUARANTEED

245-6431

H & M Industries, Inc.

828-248-1681

704-434-9900

Website - hmindustries.com

Visa Mastercard Discover

HOME REPAIR

HYDRAULIC REPAIR

M&E MACHINE & EQUIPMENT REBUILD Repairs on Hydraulic and Pneumatic Cylinders, New and Reconditioned Pumps and Valves, Parker hose Assemblies, Fittings and Adaptors.All types of Welding Available: Steel, Aluminum and Stainless Steel

No Job Too Small Discount for Senior Citizens

. 2IDGECREST !VE s 2UTHERFORDTON .#

828-657-6518 828-223-0310

828-286-1477

ROOFING

GARY LEE QUEEN’S ROOFING

Golden Valley Community Over 35 Years Experience ✓ All work guaranteed ✓ Specializing in all types of roofing, new & old ✓ References furnished ✓ Vinyl Siding ✓ 10% DISCOUNT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS CHURCHES & COMMUNITY BUILDINGS ALSO METAL ROOFS

5 YEAR WARRANTY ON LABOR FREE ESTIMATES

Call today! 245-8215

PAINTING

Interior & Exterior 22 years experience

Great references Free Estimates John 3:16

TREE TREE CARE CARE

Todd McGinnis Roofing

Carolina Tree Care

828-286-2306 828-223-0633

• Painting • Replacement Windows • Decks Licensed Contractor 30 Years Experience

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!

PAINTING

Campbell’s Paint Interior & Exterior Residential and Commercial

FREE ESTIMATES 38 yrs experience

Charles Campbell

ROOFING

FREE ESTIMATES

• Remodeling

No Job Too Small or Too Big

(old New Hope School – 1/4 mile N. of hospital)

Rubberized/Roofing Metal, Fix Leaks

David Francis

429-5151

For All Your Hydraulic Repairs And Custom Welding. Call or Stop By * roofing * concrete * decks & steps * painting * carpentry * skirting * plumbing * sheet rock * room additions * metal roofing

STORM DOORS Free Estimates & Fully Insured Licensed Contractor

HOME IMPROVEMENT

FREE LOW E AND ARGON!

FREE ESTIMATE

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Free Estimates

Vinyl Replacement Windows Double Pane, Double Hung 3/4" Glass, Energy-Star Rated

Track Hoe Work, Tractor Work , Dozer Work, Bobcat Work, Trenching, Grading and Land Clearing, Hauling Gravel, Sand, Dirt, Etc.

Family Owned & Operated Local Business

828-289-4564

Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Vinyl DH Windows

We do it all No job too small

ENTRANCE DOORS

Carpentry Paint Tile Hardwood Flooring Landscape Services

Specializing In Metal Roofing.....Offered In Many Colors

DAVID’S GRADING

WINDOWS & SIDING

J. ABRAMS

286-2094 245-7779

Residential & Commercial s !DDITIONS s $ECKS s 2EMODELING s 3IDING s 7INDOWS

GRADING & HAULING

Bill Gardner Construction, Inc

Blue Mountain Home Improvements

Installs Gutter Guards Cleans Gutters Repairs New & Old Vinyl Siding

CONSTRUCTION Greene Construction

& Stump Grinding

10% discount Topping & work Removal on all Stump Grinding Valid 9/17-11/1/09

• Low RatesInsured Fully •Free Good Clean Work Estimates Guaranteed 20• Satisfaction Years Experience • Fully Insured Senior Citizens & • Free Estimates

Veterans Discounts

ChadReid Sisk Mark (828) 289-7092 828-289-1871 Senior Citizen Discounts

828-289-6520 VETERINARIAN Thunder Road Animal Bi-Lo Hospital Super 8 Motel 74 Bypass

Spindale Denny’s 286-0033 *Dog/Cat spay/neuter program *Low-cost monthly shot clinic *Flea & tick control *Heart worm prevention *SALE* Save Up To $4600 Today

16

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, February 27, 2010

Nation/world World Today Earthquake hits south of Japan

An unidentified man raises his hands as he walks away from the scene of an explosion at a guesthouse in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday.

Associated Press

Suicide bombs hit heart of Kabul

KABUL (AP) — Insurgents struck in the heart of the Afghan capital Friday with suicide attackers and a car bomb, targeting hotels used by foreigners and killing at least 16 people and wounding dozens, police said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks, which Afghan President Hamid Karzai said were aimed at Indians working in Kabul.

The Taliban has long opposed India’s involvement in the country and its ties to the Northern Alliance that helped the U.S. oust the Taliban regime in 2001 and formed the backbone of Karzai’s government.

Six Indians were killed in the attacks, a spokesman for the country’s foreign ministry said, revising the number from the ministry’s original estimate of up to nine Indians dead. An Italian diplomat and a French filmmaker were also among the dead. Three Afghan police were killed, and six more officers were among the 36 people wounded, Afghan government officials said.

The four-hour assault began about 6:30 a.m. with a car bombing that leveled a residential hotel used by Indian doctors. A series of explosions and

gunbattles left blood and debris in the rain-slicked streets and underscored the militants’ ability to strike in the heavily defended capital even as NATO marshals its forces against them in the volatile south.

Dr. Subodh Sanjivpaul of India said he was holed up in his bathroom for three hours inside one of the small hotels where he lived with other Indians.

“Today’s suicide attack took place in our residential complex,” Sanjivpaul said at a military hospital where his wounded foot was bandaged. “When I was coming out, I found two or three dead bodies. When firing was going on, the first car bomb exploded and the full roof came on my head.”

The Kabul attacks came two weeks into a major offensive against the southern Taliban stronghold of Marjah, where thousands of U.S., Afghan and NATO soldiers are battling to drive out insurgents. The British government said one of its soldiers was killed Friday by an explosion while on a foot patrol — the 14th NATO service member to die in the operation.

In recent weeks, more than two dozen senior and midlevel Taliban figures have been

detained in Pakistan, suggesting the attacks in the capital could be a way for the militants to show the insurgency remains potent.

In a statement, Karzai condemned Friday’s assault as a “terrorist attack against Indian citizens” who were helping the Afghan people. He said it would not affect relations between India and Afghanistan.

Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna called the attacks “barbaric” and a matter of “deep concern.”

“These are the handiwork of those who are desperate to undermine the friendship between India and Afghanistan,” he said in a statement.

Initially, it was believed that nine Indians had been killed but Vishhnu Prakash, spokesman for India’s Foreign Ministry, gave a lower figure of six dead several hours later.

The Indian Embassy in Kabul has been the target of two major attacks, one in July 2008 that killed more than 60 and another last October that killed 17.

India accused archrival Pakistan’s main spy agency of involvement in the July 2008 attack.

HURRY HURRY

*0% s o m 0 6

*0%

*0% for 60 m os 60 mos.

Limited Time

2010 Honda Civic LX

Drive it for

STK#F4899 MSRP $19,115 Auto., air, power windows & locks, cruise, CD, & more.

*125.98

*Based on 36 mo. lease w/3000 cash down, plus tax, tag, $699 doc fee & any other dealer installed options. Residual of 11,660.15 approved on Super Preferred credit thru AHFC. *Rates subject to change without prior notice.

ALL VEHICLES RUN THROUGH

2010 Honda Accord LX

Drive it for

STK#F4696 MSRP $22,565 Auto., power windows & locks, tilt, cruise, CD player.

*164.14

*Based on 36 mo. lease w/3000 cash down, plus tax, tag, $699 doc fee & any other dealer installed options.

Residual of 13,539.00 approved on Super Preferred credit thru AHFC. *Rates subject to change without prior notice.

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE! 3 MONTH/3,000 MILE WARRANTY AVAILABLE*

9,990

$

2004 Nissan Murano

2006 Dodge Caravan

STK#F4242A

STK#F832P

Loaded, MUST SEE!

10,333

STK#F4878A

Only 15K Miles, Loaded

2000 Mercury Sable

2008 Honda Odyssey EXL

STK#F4817A

STK#4834A

DVD, Navi., Local Trade

CHEAP!!!

$

2004 Jeep Wrangler

ONLY $5,990

11,999

$

2007 Chrysler Sebring

2008 Pontiac G6

STK# F835P

STK# F4821A

A/T, LOADED

wow!

2003 Nissian Altima Local, One Owner

STK# F4777A

STK# F4878AA

Local, One Owner Trade, Low Miles

A/T, LOCAL TRADE, ONE OWNER

STK# F4843B

2008 Honda Civic

2003 Pontiac Bonneville

A/T, Loaded, Low Miles

2008 Toyota Corolla STK# F4687C

Local, One Owner

10,990

$

2009 Chevy Malibu LT STK# F4836A

Loaded Only 9k Miles

2009 Hyndai Sonata STK#F830P.

Local Trade.

2008 Nissan Altima STK# F4781C

Loaded, 12k Miles

2007 Honda CRV STK#F4892B

Local, One Owner

*Dealer to buy down rate, customer to pay full price based on Super Preferred Credit thru AHFC on Accords and Civics only.

284 Daniel Rd., Forest City, NC

828-286-2614 1-877-60-HONDA

Sale Hrs: Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm Sat. 9am-6pm

TOKYO (AP) — A magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit off Japan’s southern coast early Saturday, shaking Okinawa and nearby islands, where a tsunami warning was briefly issued, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said.

The quake occurred off the coast of the island of Okinawa at a depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) at 5:31 a.m. Saturday (2031 GMT Friday), the agency said.

There have been no reports of major damage or casualties so far, except for reports of ruptured water pipes in two locations, Okinawa police official Noritomi Kikuzato said.

The Meteorological Agency had initially predicted a tsunami up to 6 feet (2 meters) near the Okinawan coast, warning nearby residents to stay away from the coastline. The agency later lifted the warning within two hours after observing only a small swelling of tide.

Ryota Ueno, a town official in the Nishihara district of Okinawa, said, “I was fast asleep when the quake hit, and I jumped out of bed. It felt like the shaking lasted forever.”

Three die in cruise liner accident AL-ARISH, Egypt (AP) — A luxury cruise liner carrying nearly 1,500 passengers slammed into the pier as it docked Friday at an Egyptian Red Sea resort in fierce winds, leaving three crew members dead, officials said.

The ship’s owner, Costa Crociera, said the vessel sprung a leak on the right side after banging into the dock at about 4:45 a.m.

“We sadly have to confirm the deaths of 3 crew members,” the company said in a statement. “The ship is now safely docked in port.”

Other passengers were being put up in hotels and arrangements were being made to return them to their home countries, according to the company.

Witnesses said fierce winds had rocked the area overnight and the ship was slammed part way onto the pier.

Bad weather was believed to be the cause of the collision, which left a 2 meter (yard) hole in the body of the ship, according to an Egyptian security official.

The Costa Europa ship had been on an 18-day cruise from Dubai to Savona and had 1,437 guests on board, Italy.

Iraq to reinstate army officers BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq on Friday reinstated 20,000 former army officers dismissed after the U.S.-led invasion, a landmark gesture at reconciliation ahead of the March 7 elections.

It’s a move designed to allay some of the bitterness that still rankles Iraq — years after the Bush administration first made the controversial decision to dismantle Saddam Hussein’s army.

The 20,000 returnees are the largest known group to rejoin the officer corps.

The timing of the announcement also raised suspicions that Shiite Prime Minister Nouri alMaliki and his allies were just currying favor ahead of the election for a new, 325-seat parliament.

News of the reinstatement was followed by a U.N. announcement that Iraq was gaining momentum with its bid to end U.N. sanctions imposed after Saddam’s army invaded Kuwait in 1990. The U.N. Security Council pledged “to review, with a view toward lifting” the sanctions once Iraq’s safeguards against acquiring weapons of mass destruction are shown to be sufficient.

The 2003 order by Iraq’s then-American governor L. Paul Bremer to dissolve Saddam’s 400,000-strong army, the largest in the Middle East on the eve of the 2003 invasion, is widely seen as a key factor that fed the alienation many Sunnis felt toward the new Iraq.

That rancor fueled a Sunni insurgency that broke out later that year and still claims lives in Iraq.

507-carat rough diamond sold LONDON (AP) — A 507-carat diamond as big as a chicken’s egg sold for $35.3 million (€25.8 million), breaking the record for the highest price ever paid for a rough diamond, the supplier said Friday.

The stone — which weighs just over 100 grams (3.53 ounces) — was estimated to be among the world’s top 20 high-quality rough diamonds. It was discovered in September at South Africa’s Cullinan mine.

London-listed diamond supplier Petra Diamonds Ltd. said the gem was purchased by Hong Kong-based private jewelry retailer Chow Tai Fook Jewelry Co. Ltd. The price reflected “the incredible rarity of the diamond, which combines its remarkable size with exceptional color and clarity, and at 507.5 carats it is the 19th largest gem diamond ever discovered,” Petra CEO Johan Dippenaar said in a statement.

2 icebergs let loose off Antarctica SYDNEY (AP) — A massive iceberg struck Antarctica, dislodging another giant block of ice from a glacier, Australian and French scientists said Friday.

The two icebergs are drifting together about 62 to 93 miles (100 to 150 kilometers) off eastern Antarctica following the collision on Feb. 12 or 13, said Australian Antarctic Division glaciologist Neal Young.

“It gave it a pretty big nudge,” Young said of the 60-mile (97-kilometer) -long iceberg, about the size of Luxembourg, that collided with the giant floating Mertz Glacier and shaved off a new iceberg. “They are now floating right next to each other.”

The new iceberg is 48 miles (78 kilometers) long and about 24 miles (39 kilometers) wide and holds roughly the equivalent of a fifth of the world’s annual total water usage, Young told The Associated Press.