Daily Courier March 7, 2010 by Digital Courier

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Junior looks for turnaround — Page 1B Sports

Renew the rivalry North Carolina went to Cameron Indoor Stadium to face Duke Saturday.

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Sunday, March 7, 2010, Forest City, N.C.

LOCAL

Health director takes his office By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

Arts Guild moves to a new location

SPINDALE – Rutherford Polk McDowell District Health Department has a new leader. Jimmy Hines, who previously worked for 20 years for Cleveland County Health Department, began as the district’s health director Monday. Hines served as Cleveland County’s community health services leader and also taught health programs at Gardner-Webb University, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Winthrop Garrett Byers/Daily Courier University. The new health director for the Rutherford Polk McDowell District Health “This is my fifth day and I’ve been sworn in in Department, Jimmy Hines (center), was sworn in Monday at the Rutherford County Courthouse by Rutherford County Clerk of Court Robynn Spence. Hines’ wife, each county,” Hines said on Friday. Going from a Please see Health, Page 6A

Shelly, as well as Rutherford County Commissioner Paul McIntosh were in attendance

Spotlight

Sanitary District facing big challenges

SPORTS

By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer

The Spindale Dairy Goat Festival and Parade is scheduled May 22 along Main Street. Kenneth Higginbotham, one of the organizers of the event, said the idea for the festival came about because of a casual remark. “Beverly (Kalinowski, an artist) had been walking up and down Main Street looking for windows to paint,” Higginbotham noted

CLIFFSIDE — Cliffside’s Sanitary District was once a thriving public works project, providing millions of gallons a month of sewer service and drinking water for this former mill town. Now, as many of the mills are now crumbling ruins, the sanitary district is a shell of its former self. County Commissioners are considering taking over the operation, but before a decision is made they have directed County Manager John Condrey to do a study of the plant. This month, the N.C. Rural Center announced a $32,900 grant to help fund the study. Commissioners contributed $16,450 in matching funds for the grant giving the study a budget of $49,350. Forest City engineering firm Odom and Associates have been hired to do the study. The system has been slowly encountering problems over the years. Drinking water operations were turned over to Broad River Water Authority in 2002. When Cone Mills ceased all plant operations in 2005, cracks in the setup started to show — figuratively and literally. The system was designed to handle 1.75 million gallons a day of sewer service. The average day now sees just 30,000 gallons. Rates have also gone up. The average bill was $13 a month in the system’s heyday, but is now $35 a month per home. “Cliffside Sanitary District has a number of problems that must

Please see Festival, Page 10A

Please see District, Page 6A

Conley will take a bike ride to the sea Page 1B Natalie Holland feeds a goat. The dairy goat will be the focus of the county’s newest festival when Spindale hosts the first Dairy Goat Festival and Parade this spring.

GAS PRICES

Contributed photo

Low: $2.69 High: $2.74 Avg.: $2.72

DEATHS Forest City

William Hamilton

Elsewhere

Jack Evans Jr. Ozie Hamrick Page 5A

WEATHER

High

Goat festival promises fun By LARRY DALE Daily Courier Staff Writer

SPINDALE — What began as a whimsical comment will, in less than three months from now, blossom into the town’s first dairy goat festival. And there may be no more fitting place for such an event, since Spindale is the longtime home of the American Dairy Goat Association, a national registry organization, which is helping organize the festival.

Fire victim making slow, steady recovery

Low

62 35

By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer

Today and tonight, sunny and clear. Complete forecast, Page 10A

INSIDE Classifieds . . . 5-7B Sports . . . B Section County scene . . . 6A Opinion . . . . . . . 4A Vol. 42, No. 57

Jean Gordon/Daily Courier

Brenda McEntyre (center) with her husband Don McEntyre, her mother, Martha Suttle (right) and daughter, Shelly Hollifield, at Shelly’s home.

Now on the Web: www.thedigitalcourier.com

GREEN HILL — Brenda McEntyre celebrated her 62nd birthday Wednesday with a trip to the Cracker Barrel and a brief shopping trip to buy clothes. Two months ago, Jan. 8, when Brenda and Don McEntyre’s house on Chase High Road was destroyed by a fire, she was so badly burned, she wasn’t expected to see another birthday. Don, also sustained burns and spent three days in Rutherford Hospital. Brenda was at the burn center in Augusta, Ga. from Jan. 8 to Feb. 19. “I’m making progress,” Brenda said Thursday morning as she walked with the aid of a walker toward her chair at her daughter’s house in Green Hill. “I’m glad I’m alive.” She sustained burns over most of her body as her pajamas literally melted into her skin. She had five surgeries while at the burn center, including four skin graphs. Recovery will be long, but Brenda believes her life was spared for a Please see Fire, Page 3A

2A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

Local

ICC’s 6th annual Writer’s Workshop scheduled By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY – Beginning to veteran writers are invited to attend the Sixth Annual Isothermal Writer’s Workshop, set for March 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Isothermal Community College campus. Dr. Nancy Womack, former dean of arts and sciences at the college, helped start the event in 2004, said Dr. Kathy Ackerman, current dean of arts and sciences. “She is a writer herself and had envisioned Isothermal having a writer’s workshop,” Ackerman said. “In 2004 she began working on a writerin-residence program.” Womack said during her time at Isothermal she was fortunate to have both Ackerman – then an English instructor – and Tom Tucker, another English instructor, as published writers on staff. “We talked about how nice it would be if there were a program serving our own

Watson

Presnell

writers and others in the community,” Womack said. Tucker and Ackerman are responsible for finding writers for the event, Ackerman said. “I generally know of some folks through some organizations and I read a lot of poetry,” she said. “I usually have a list of writers I admire. “Mr. Tucker, because he has published book reviews, has contacts and will ask people.” In years past the event has featured writers Robert Inman and Alan Michael

Arnoult

Parker. Presenters for this year’s workshop are Darnell Arnoult, Barbara Presnell and Kevin Watson. Arnoult is the prize-winning author of What Travels With Us: Poems and the novel Sufficient Grace. In 2007 she was named Tennessee Writer of the Year by the Tennessee Writers Alliance. Arnoult will lead a session on building a novel from the ground up, and will also be the speaker for the Spratt Literary Series event on March 26.

Presnell’s collection Piece Work won the 2006 Cleveland State University Poetry Center’s First Book Prize and was published by CSU in 2007. She is a 2002 and 2008 recipient of a North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship and lives in Lexington. Presnell’s session, “I Think I’m Hearing Voices,” will focus on writing poetry and prose that relies on character development. Watson is founder of Press 53 and serves as the Short Fiction Editor. As a writer, his short stories, poetry and essays have appeared in numerous publications, and he serves as an advisor for the screenwriting faculty at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking in Winston-Salem. Watson will lead a session on creative strategies for writers throughout the entire writing process. The event draws participants from across the state, Ackerman said, some from

as far away as Burlington. Seating is limited, she said, and attendance is limited to 40. Last year, the workshop was not held due to budget constraints, and it is possible it could become an every other year event, Ackerman said. This year will be the first Womack will attend as a participant and “as a totally non-Isothermal person,” she said. Her dream speaker for the workshop, Ackerman said, would be fiction writer John Ehle. Cost for the workshop is $20 per person and includes coffee, breakfast pastries and lunch. For more information, contact Dr. Kathy Ackerman at kackerman@isothermal.edu or Tom Tucker at ttucker@ isothermal.edu. A brochure for the event can be found online at http://www.isothermal.edu/ pio/2010.02.11.news2.htm.

Rutherford Notes Women’s lifestyle show scheduled

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FOREST CITY — Time Out Management, Rutherford Hospital and Rutherford OBGYN will present the Foothills Women’s Lifestyle Show Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carolina Event and Conference Center, 374 Hudlow Road. Breakout sessions include breast health and mammograms, the well woman, energy solutions, fitness tips and an ice cream social. Prizes will be given away by presenting organizations as well. Presenters include Luke Person of Rutherford Radiological Associates; Douglas Sheets, President of the North Carolina Medical Society; Dr. Danielle Rogers and Dr. Sarah Merrisen of Carolina Chiropractic Plus of Forest City; and Dr. Mike Greene of Changing Lives Fitness Center. The first 250 women arriving at the event will receive a special bag from Rutherford Hospital. Any woman who completes a survey at the Rutherford Woman exhibit will be entitled to a threeday, two-night stay at various destinations. Admission is $3 per person and $5 for mothers and daughters who attend together. For more information, visit www.foothillswomenshow.com.

Rogers

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CPR classes planned FOREST CITY – The Rutherford County Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering free Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation classes to area residents Saturday, March 13, at ICC. The chapter is waiving the usual $35 fee to learn the life-saving skills for one day only on “CPR Sheets Saturday.” Eaton Corporation is sponsoring the classes which will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instruction will be given at 15 locations in eight Western North Carolina counties, said Nelson Long, executive director, American Red Cross, Rutherford County Chapter. Pre-registration is required for participation. Interested persons should call 287-5916 for more information on times, locations and reservations. “For one day each year, our chapter offers these valuable life-saving skills for free to area residents,” Long said. “Whether required for a particular job or as a skill someone wants to learn, the fact is that CPR saves lives.” He added “Thanks to Eaton Corporation’s sponsorship of this event, free textbooks will be given to all participants in Rutherford County.”

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C0250-Forest City Daily Courier-7x15-4C-3.7

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 — 3A

Local Fire Continued from Page 1A

reason. “I had one more blast of a birthday,” Brenda said, surrounded by Don, her mother, Martha Suttle and daughter, Shelly Hollifield. At the Crackle Barrel where she went for lunch Wednesday, Brenda had meat loaf, country ham and chicken/dumplings. Since the family lost everything in the fire, Shelly drove them to nearby Hamrick’s for clothes. “I got jogging pants for $2 or $3,” Brenda said. Before the horrifying fire that destroyed the McEntyre’s home, Shelly was already the fulltime caregiver for her grandmother, Martha Suttle. She were living in Shelly’s single wide trailer near Green Hill, when her mother’s house was completely destroyed, leaving Brenda and Don Contributed photo homeless. Shelly opened her home to Joseph’s 11 brothers and other Egyptian characters are: (l-r) front row — Chris them. Cobb, Jake Wells, Matt Dill; second row, Luke Jones, Billy Salyers, Austin Smith, In the little home, Shelly has given Kip Arrowood, Clyde Keller, Richard Brown and Bud Tanner. up her bedroom for her parents and she is sleeping on the couch. “We don’t have any privacy anymore,” quipped Suttle, but the family is grateful to be together and alive. Shelly has been disabled for several years with several lung problems and is unable to work. Shelly’s cat is also at home in Green Hill and the McEntyre’s dog lives in a FOREST CITY — Rutherford solo Narrator and as Mrs. Potiphar; kennel. Their eight cats didn’t survive County Arts Council has announced Stephanie Blanton, Darcy Dalziel, the fire. the leads for its production of Melanie Greenway, Deborah Keller Mrs. Suttle, whose husband was Andrew Lloyd’s Webber’s Joseph and and Tara Owens as solo Narrators; William Crawford Suttle (Sutt), the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Kristan Blender, Angela Bradley, recalled the morning of Jan. 8. to be presented on Saturday, March Haley Johnson, Julia Morgan and It was horrible to get a call at 3:30 20, at 7 p.m. at the Foundation Lauren Rivas as Narrator Quintet a.m,” she began. “It was my son Bill. Performing Arts Center. and Egyptian dancers. ‘Mom I’ve got some bad news. Brenda The perennially popular musical The Foundation Box Office for proand Don’s house burned up and they re-tells the well-known Bible story of duction of Joseph and the Amazing have lost everything. They don’t know Joseph and his brothers using various Technicolor Dreamcoat will open if Brenda is going to make it’,” Mrs. entertaining musical styles, including on Tuesday, March 9, for those who Suttle said of the conversation. country, disco, rock and roll (Elvis wish to be patrons of the producShe learned her son-in-law was style), French ballad (a la Maurice tion, and on Friday, March 12, for the taken to Rutherford Hospital and Chevalier) and others. general public. All seats are reserved. Brenda was being flown to Augusta, In addition to the intricate arrange- Tickets will also be available at the Ga. ments for choir and chorus which door. General admission prices are Mrs. Suttle told her son she’d stay at Webber’s shows are known for, $15, $20, $25 (boxes), with half price the house. She didn’t think she could Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor for students K-12. Group rates are stand it. Dreamcoat features numerous soloavailable. Tickets may be purchased Brenda remembers everything ists as characters and as narrators. online at www.foundationshows.org about the fire up until she was being Heading the soloists, playing the or picked during box office hours, 11 airlifted to the hospital. She even title role of Joseph, will be Ben a.m. to 5 p.m. remembers Sandy Mush firefighters Limehouse, who has played promitalking to her. nent roles in numerous Arts Council Patron tickets are $75 per person “I’d gotten up at 3:30 to go to the productions since his debut in 1996 ($25 tax deductible), and include bathroom,” Brenda began. “I was in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. a four-course dinner at 191 Prime back in the bed and reached over to Playing Joseph’s 11 brothers and Restaurant in Rutherfordton and turn the light-off and it exploded,” various Egyptian characters will be choice of any available seat in the she said. The explosion immediately the following: Billy Salyers as Dan auditorium, including boxes, at the ignited a fire, Brenda said. and as Pharoah, Clyde Keller as Levi time of purchase. The dinner menu “I went outside and I went back in and as Potiphar, Richard Brown as includes choice of appetizer–Shrimp the house five times to get my husSimeon, Bud Tanner as Reuben, Luke Cocktail, Classic Bruschetta, or Fried band up,” she said. Don was on mediJones as Judah and as Pharoah’s Ravioli; choice of entree–Grilled NY Butler, Austin Smith as Naphtali Strip, Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Slow- cation for cancer treatment and was it difficult to wake him. and as Pharoah’s Baker, Jake Wells cooked Pork Ribs, or Honey Chicky; “I was trying to let him know we’re as Benjamin, Matthew Dill as Gad, choice of garden salad or Caesar salburning,” Brenda said. Finally he Kip Arrowood as Asher, Jay Mills as ad; and choice of side dish. Drinks got up, opened a door for the dog to Issachar and Chris Cobb as Zebulun. and your choice of dessert shots are run out, but the cats hid. The couple Playing the narrators and other also included. grabbed a fire extinguisher but it characters will be Laura Link as Dinner will begin at 5 p.m., didn’t work and the fire was spreading quickly. “I ran to the front porch and the house exploded,” Brenda said. She recalls the explosion literally blew her off the porch. “And I was caught in the middle of a fire ball. I was on fire and I couldn’t roll. I could only scoot,” she said. “I was blown into the yard. The fire had engulfed me. I heard one explosion after another,” she said. She remembers calling for her husband to help her. He pulled her away from the house near the road where rescue personnel began administering emergency help. Before the fire, Brenda had to use oxygen and there were several oxygen bottles in the house, but after the fire most of the bottles were accounted for. After Brenda’s hospital stay, she is

Arts Council announces leads for upcoming show

Contributed photo

Female lead roles in “Joseph” are: (l-r) front row — Haley Johnson, Julia Morgan; second row — Angela Bradley, Lauren Revis, Laura Link, Tara Owens, Melanie Greenway, Deborah Keller, Doris Dalziel, and Stephanie Blanton.

no longer on oxygen. “God makes miracles,” Brenda said as the only explanation for her lungs being in better shape. “It’s a miracle you are even here,” Mrs. Suttle said. The injuries to Brenda broke her heart, the 88-yearold said. When Brenda arrived at the burn center, she was put in a drug-induced coma for weeks. She said there is a motto on the hospital’s fourth floor intensive care unit, “You’re not going to hurt on our floor” and Brenda said that was the truth. She said if she even grunted a little sound, nurses were there to give her pain medicine. She stayed in intensive care her entire hospital stay except the last week. She had to undergo a physical therapy regiment to strengthen her body enough to go home. Shelly brought her home Feb. 19 and is taking care of all her family members. Brenda remains on a lot of medication and has to wear a watusi-collar to strengthen her neck. Her head and upper body sustained a lot of burns and her head was later shaved. So her mother wouldn’t be the only one with short hair, Shelly cut her hair short, too. Brenda knows recuperation will take more than a year, but she’s planning to get better. A week before the fire, Brenda was released from Rutherford Hospital after a bout of pneumonia. The morning of the fire, when Don ran next door to ask a neighbor to call 911, they assumed Brenda was sick again when they saw him at the door. The McEntyres lost their family photos from generations ago and “reels and reels” of silent movies Mr. Suttle made of the family. They lost medications and their eyeglasses. The American Red Cross assisted the family with clothes and medications and this week will replace their eyeglasses. “We had insurance, but it can’t replace memories,” Brenda said. And unless the couple rebuilds on the same location as the fire, they will not receive full insurance benefits. But Brenda said she can never go back there. The memories of the fire are too painful. She hasn’t seen the house since the fire and she doesn’t plan to go. Don has been back. The couple’s vehicles were also destroyed. As temperatures were expected to be below 20 degrees on Jan. 7, Don said he pulled the cars up close to the house and put a light bulb under the hoods to keep the engines warm so the vehicles would be easy to start the next day. The couple hopes one day to move into a double-wide trailer near Shelly’s house. They do not have the money for a septic tank or well. “We had planned to build on this land,” Brenda said. Don draws his social security, Brenda will file for disability and Shelly is on disability. The family is struggling with financial problems, as well as emotional ones, but they agree, “we’re doing the best we can.” But they are not giving up. “I’d tell anyone, just not to give up,” Brenda said. “God will come through for you.” Now as most the family is hoping for spring and no more snow, Brenda said she’d like to have another snow. “I’d like to make snow cream,” she said. “Just one more time this year.” A bank account has been established at Carolina First Bank: Brenda Suttle McEntyre account. If you want to help the family, send checks and donations to: Carolina First Bank, 340 Charlotte Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28043 or 142 N. Watkins Drive, Forest City. Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@ thedigitalcourier.com

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4A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 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 Small business efforts neeeded

ov. Bev Perdue this week unveiled a new, two-pronged effort aimed at getting the state’s community banks and small businesses working together. The goal of the effort is to help more state businesses win federal small business loans and to get banks involved in those borrowing programs. It will involve providing assistance to business to help them learn to write winning loan applications and training “boot camps” for loan officers and community bank officials. The effort will be one more step toward loosening the current tight credit markets which are hampering growth in small business. The Governor said in announcing the program that she wants to see Congress and the President do more to help ease credit markets. Access to affordable credit is essential to getting small businesses working again as the economic recovery gains steam. The twist here is that until those small businesses are growing, the economic recovery will continue to be hampered. Simply put, until we see small business growth we will continue to see job shortages and higher unemployment. When small businesses are hiring, people go to work. When people are working our economy can grow. Every sensible effort to drive this rebound in small business must be pursued.

Buying milk at hardware store RALEIGH — Would you pay a gardener to fix your car’s breaks? Would you go to a hardware store to buy a gallon of milk? Some North Carolina law firms apparently believe there’s nothing wrong with such nonsense. In fact, they’re encouraging state officials to do exactly that -- buy services from them despite an obvious lack of expertise. The law firms hope to get a piece of the action as State Treasurer Janet Cowell and Attorney General Roy Cooper begin looking to hire outside legal help in case the state’s $60 billion pension fund decides to sue any wayward companies for securities fraud. Over the last decade, these securities fraud lawsuits have become big business as charges of stock manipulation and overstated earnings by companies like Enron, WorldCom and Tyco have made headlines worldwide. Federal law gives public pension funds, as huge institutional investors and leading investors in individual companies, an advantage in becoming a lead plaintiff in these lawsuits. As a lead plaintiff, pension funds are likely to receive the largest court awards. It makes perfect sense that

Today in North Carolina Scott Mooneyham

Cowell and Cooper are cooperating to establish a list of law firms to use should the state ever decide to pursue such a lawsuit. Cowell’s predecessor, Richard Moore, fought with Cooper over the same issue, a turf war that spilled over into a federal court case, with lawyers from the two state agencies filing opposing legal briefs. Cowell and Cooper apparently want to avoid a repeat of the embarrassment. But in other states, the hiring of outside securities litigation firms has been accompanied by allegations of influence peddling and pay-to-play politics. Now, back to that buying milk with your hammer and nails. So far, 45 law firms have applied to be considered by a selection committee to be set up by Cooper and Cowell. Most of the firms are not from North Carolina. They’re main offices are in places like New

York, Philadelphia and Boston. And most have vast experience in securities fraud litigation. A few have won court cases that you’ve read or heard about. So, why would anyone hire a Raleigh law firm that has never handled one of these cases and has no securities litigation specialists in its shop over a nationally-known firm that has successfully sued WorldCom? The local law firms would probably answer by talking about their local knowledge and understanding of local issues. It’s worth noting, though, that these cases would be brought in federal court, not state courts. The notion that these local firms, which want to piggy-back with the national firms to get a cut of the lucrative business, could somehow help these securities specialists seems a stretch. Then again, maybe what they are really selling is the ability -or at least, the perception of the ability -- to actually line up the business for these national firms. In other words, you want to buy milk? You gotta buy nails from me first. Mooneyham is executive director of the Capitol Press Association.

We are never able to walk the road of life alone The reality of the human experience is we are motivated out of need and oriented to experience. We see this even with a child, for as soon as it is able, anything and everything that it can grasp makes its way into its mouth. There is just something about us that, even from infancy, we are taking something into our selves, sometimes good, sometimes bad. Our intrinsic needs are the impetus that moves us on a path to seek fulfillment in some fashion or another. Sin is actually an offer by our spiritual enemy to fulfill that need apart and separate from God, as we see with our first parents, Adam and Eve. That is the essence of temptation: you are capable of going it alone; without God, the raising of self to a height that competes with God and His Sovereignty. The Devil tried it and failed and so will we. As needy and frail human beings, we will go to extreme measures to “find what we are looking for.” The heart is a world unto itself, an immeasurable array of emotion, desire and energy and, as Jeremiah writes, “evil and desperately wicked.” Clothed upon with meager transient flesh and blood, an unseen soul within manifests its desires and frustrations in a material and temporal world. We call it life. We are all on a journey and we are looking for something; or, in reality, Someone. I capital-

Sunday Conversation Fr. Jonathan Lankford

ize “someone” because we are looking for a relationship with God, our benevolent Creator. We are earnestly and frustratingly trying to find our way back into a place we know we have lost. We, spiritually, stand knocking on a door crying,” let me in.” It is a desperate voyage upon stormy seas and many lives simply end in shipwreck. The accoutrements of the world hold no answers. Centuries ago a painting depicted a man sitting outside a beautiful garden, sad and weeping. That man is Adam the human father of humanity. Why is Adam portrayed as such? He disobeyed his Father, avoided responsibility, is fearful and realizes his loss of paradise. Could words adequately describe what he must have felt? Has he not passed on to his posterity that sense of failure and sense of nakedness and deep need to be spiritually and emotionally clothed? As we grow older there is the increasing sense within us that something is missing. So we take a deep breath, pull up our trousers and with the best facade we can build, begin our walk into life. But after playing this game for a

while there is an awareness that sets in that we find hard to face. The hole in our heart and soul just won’t go away. What are we looking for? We are looking to get back into Eden. We are looking for a paradise that we crave and need from cradle to grave. The answer is veiled in the acts and language of Luke 24. This story of the two disciples walking to Emmaus on the afternoon of the day of the Lord’s resurrection speaks volumes to our need. As these two were walking, Jesus, who has on that day arisen from the dead, catches up with them. Jesus then asked them what they were discussing. They stood still, their faces downcast and Cleopas asked, “Have you not heard all that happened in Jerusalem?” Jesus asked “What things?” They replied, “about Jesus of Nazareth, the prophet who was powerful in word and deed and how he was crucified and how we were hoping He would be the one who would redeem Israel?” They continued on with their disappointment regarding the empty tomb, and how Jesus was not to be found. Let us follow this scene. Here are two on a journey even as we are on a journey. Their hearts are sad and hopelessness pervades their thoughts as their expectations go unmet. Then Jesus, unknown to them, joins them on their journey. How often we are like these two, possess-

ing spiritual ignorance of the ways and presence of our Lord as we needlessly agonize over things already settled in the heavens. Here was the risen Lord, joining them on their journey of hopelessness and sadness ready and willing to meet their need. Here Jesus does something for them before He becomes something to them. We, as they, are blinded. We walk in darkness, the Scriptures tell us, until a spiritual light penetrates the darkness of our understanding. Generation after generation walks on a path of sad contemplation not recognizing the presence of our Lord with us. At that moment of futility, Jesus began to explain the Word of God to them. He opened up the Scriptures and taught them that the Christ must suffer these things, expounding the words of Moses and the Prophets. As they approached the village, the two travelers asked the Lord to stay with them so Jesus obliged. Jesus sat with them, broke bead with them after giving thanks gave it to them. Then, after being fed the bread of Life, their “eyes were opened.” They “recognized who Jesus was and would proclaim, “Did our hearts not burn within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures?” The answer was on the journey with them. As we walk through life we recognize that something or

“Someone” is missing in our quest. Sadly, we settle for things that will never satisfy. Adam lost paradise but more importantly, he lost his close and personal walk with his Father and Adam certainly missed that precious voice that spoke to him in the cool of the day. These two disciples were in severe need of finding a door back into Eden, the epitome of our relationship with God. These are simple desires of humanity, to share a good meal and have someone to talk to. These were things lost by the banishment from Paradise. Adam lost the privilege to eat from the tree of life, to stand in the presence of his Maker and talk face to face. Christ is the door and entrance back into paradise. The season of Lent offers a time to remove the clutter, stop the profligate spiral downward, so we can lay hold of and possess that which will last for eternity. The laying aside of weights and sins truly lightens our spiritual load. As we walk the road of life, Christ our Savior is there to speak to our hearts and to break bread with us. What we are looking for is, oh, so close. Let our eyes be opened and let our hearts burn within us as He speaks revealing and encouraging words of life on our journey. Rev. Lankford is pastor of St. Luke’s Church. He can be contact at 286-8078 or by e-mail: revjlankford@gmail.com.

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

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Local/Obituaries/state PET OF THE WEEK

Obituaries Jack Evans Jr.

This 4-year-old Feist is named Lady. She is looking to find a good home and available for adoption at the Rutherford County Animal Shelter on Laurel Hill Drive in Rutherfordton. Her pet ID Number is 012298 The shelter’s hours are noon to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information call 287-6025. For the Community Pet Center volunteers office, call 2877738. Garrett Byers/ Daily Courier

Jack Allen Evans Jr., 78, of Spartanburg, S.C., died Friday, March 5, 2010, at his home after an extended illness. Born Feb. 26, 1932, in Rome, Ga., he was the son of the late Jack Allen Evans Sr. and the late Grace Ryals Davis. After graduating from Shorter College in Rome, Ga., in 1958, he received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1962, completed a urology residency in 1967 and moved to Spartanburg, where he practiced urology until his retirement in 2002. He was a member of the South Carolina Medical Society and the Spartanburg County Medical Society, serving as president in 1980. He served as a member of the South Carolina Medical Society Constitution and Bylaws Committee for six years, was a member of the Board of Governors S.C. Patients Compensation Fund for 22 years, was a member of the South Carolina Medical Society Disciplinary Commission for 15 years and was on the South Carolina (RCSD) Medical Society Medical n Tatinsha Hull, 37, of 182 Ethics Committee for eight Odessa Park Road; charged years. with failure to appear and He served one term as chief two counts of resisting a of staff at Doctors Memorial public officer; placed under Hospital. He was a founda $1,000 bond and a $500 ing member of the Piedmont cash bond. (RCSD) n Timmy Foster Gist, 36, of Blood Center, serving as vice president for 20 years, and as 266 Carolina Ave.; charged president for six years. with felony flee/elude arrest He served on the board of with a motor vehicle, driving Total Ministries for eight while license revoked and years, and after retirement reckless driving to endanserved as staff physician ger; placed under a $16,000 of Mountainview Nursing bond. (RCSD) Home, and as a board memn Michael Wayne Brandber of Spartanburg Area enburg, 45, of 1164 Bethany Mental Health Center. Church Road; charged with He served in the Navy from felony conversion; placed 1950 to 1954, and saw duty under a $15,000 bond. (RPD) n Johnnie Mayberry Shytle, as a medical corpsman in the 49, of 419 Stonecutter Road; Korean War. He was a deacon and longtime member of charged with assault on a female and violation of pretrial release; 48-hour hold. (RPD) n Monteria Lareece Watkins, 25, of 5125 Cherry Creek; charged with simple possession of schedule II controlled substance, simple possession of schedule III GREENSBORO (AP) — controlled substance, simple Work on a $26 million green possession of schedule IV space through a downtown controlled substance, misdearea has dislodged a halfmeanor possession of scheddozen homeless people living ule VI controlled substance, in a tent city, a newspaper possession of open container/ reported Saturday. consume alcohol in passenger The News & Record of area of a motor vehicle and Greensboro says the 4-mile felony possession of schedscenic bike and walking ule II controlled substance; trail will connect several placed under a $13,000 Greensboro neighborhoods, bond. (RPD) but its path through a section of woods is forcing the homeEMS/Rescue less to move. “They told us we had to go, n The Rutherford County tents and everything,” said EMS responded to 22 E-911 Keith Owens, 45, an unemcalls Friday. ployed equipment operator n The Volunteer Life who has lived at the camp Saving and Rescue, Hickory for a year. “They did give us a Nut Gorge EMS and little bit of warning. Anybody Rutherford County Rescue dreads moving. It’s just a litresponded to 11 calls Friday. tle harder out here.”

Police Notes Sheriff’s Reports n The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to 144 E-911 calls Friday.

Rutherfordton n The Rutherfordton Police responded to 72 E-911 calls.

Spindale n The Spindale Police respon-ded to 25 E-911.

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

Forest City n The Forest City Police responded to 70 E-911 calls.

Arrests n Michael Lee Brown, 28, of 247 Arlington St.; charged with driving while impaired; custody release. (FCPD) n Golden Lonnie Shelton, 56, of 180 Frontage Road; charged with driving while impaired; placed under a $1,000 bond. (FCPD) n Anthony Eugene Adams, 33, of 1426 Billy Bob Drive; charged with driving while impaired and driving while license revoked; placed under a $2,000 bond. (FCPD) n Shelly Renee Wilson, 35, of 279 Maryland Drive; charged with aid and abet impaired driving and aid and abet driving while license revoked; released on an unsecured bond. (FCPD) n Christopher George Whiteside, 16, of 258 Pine St.; charged with misdemeanor larceny, simple possession of schedule VI controlled substance, failure to appear on misdemeanor intoxicated and disruptive and failure to appear; placed under a $6,000 bond. (RCSD) n Akeem Leemar Vinson, 18, of 859 S. Broadway St.; charged with misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods/ property; placed under a $2,000 bond.

Fernwood Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Daisy Tucker Evans of Spartanburg; three sons, Jack Allen Evans III of Greenville, S.C., Emory Tucker Evans of El Cajon, Calif., and Guy Davis Evans of Morganton; one sister, Nancy Evans King of Greenville, S.C.; two granddaughters; and a nephew and a niece. Memorial services will be held Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Fernwood Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. P. Randall Wright and the Rev. Stuart L. Jones. The family will receive friends following the service in the Easley Family Life Center. A family committal service will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Piedmont Blood Center, 175 Dunbar St., Spartanburg, SC 29306; Fernwood Baptist Church, 200 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307; Total Ministries, P.O. Box 2461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; or to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 110 Dillon Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307. The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

William Hamilton William Arthur Hamilton, 65, died Friday, March 5, 2010, at Hospice House of Forest City. He is survived by a daughter, Michelle A. White of Asheville; a son, Derek Durham of Ohio; four sisters, Bessie Davis and Jean Jones, both of Forest City, Shirley Hamilton of Bostic and Brenda Hamilton of Rutherfordton; and a num-

ber of other family members. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel. Crowe’s Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be placed at www.crowemortuary.com

Ozie Hamrick Ozie Cooper Hamrick, 92, formerly of Boiling Springs, died Saturday, March 6, 2010, at White Oak Manor in Rutherfordton. A native of Cherokee County, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Grady Poston Cooper and Nannie Sentell Cooper. She also was preceded in death by her husband, Jonas Mintz Hamrick and by three sons and a daughter. She was a homemaker and a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Geneva Hamrick Carter of Greenville, S.C., and Brenda Hamrick Hunt of Ellenboro; a son, Dennis Hamrick of Boiling Springs; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Monday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Cleveland Funeral Services, with the service to follow at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Keith Dixon officiating. Burial will be in Cleveland Memorial Park. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Rutherford County. The family will be at the home of Brenda and Clarence Hunt. Cleveland Funeral Services of Shelby is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.cleveland funeralservice. com

Project displaces homeless tent city

Fire Calls n Forest City responded to a house fire. n Hudlow responded to a residential fire alarm. n SDO responded to an industrial fire alarm.

Last summer, there were 15 men and two women living at the camp, according to the homeless outreach group StreetWatch. But severe winter weather whittled that down to six by last week.

MASTER GARDENER CLASS

Larry Dale/Daily Courier

Chuck Sane, a Master Gardener volunteer, talks about plant propagation during the Spring Garden School on Saturday at the Rutherford Extension Center in Spindale. Other topics at the half-day school were principles of hardscaping, learning the soil’s needs, proper planning and planting techniques, and pruning.

The group moved the encampment across a chainlink fence to adjoining property where an AM radio tower stands. Elliot Mitchell’s family owns the WKEW tower property and he says his family doesn’t mind the encampment on its property. “I wasn’t upset,” Mitchell said. “They need somewhere to go.” Mitchell said he discovered a previous camp a year ago when he spotted a campfire. “They’re pretty much down on their luck, and keeping to themselves. Ideally, maybe we can find another place for them to stay,” he said. Police Sgt. Bud Blaylock, who routinely checks on the downtown homeless, said the camp has been there for at least 20 years because he remembers taking pictures of the tent city when he was a rookie. He estimates that several hundred homeless live in Greensboro’s downtown. 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.

Charles “Charlie Bob” Robert Williams Charles “Charlie Bob” Robert Williams, 72, of Spindale, NC passed away March 5, at Hospice House. A native of Rutherford County, Charlie was a retired manager of Spindale Farm and Garden, son of the late Claude and Bertie Williams, and widower of the late Frances Hendley Williams. He was a member of Second Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters, Vickie Ward of Rutherfordton, Leisa Snyder and husband, Dale of Rutherfordton; two sisters, Sybil Hamrick of Spindale and Geraldine Laughter of Marion; five grandchildren, Kevin Smith of Spindale, Ashley Mayse and husband, Roger of Rutherfordton, Brooke Scruggs of Spindale, Brent Matheny and wife, Nicole of Henrietta and Clint Atchley of Spindale; three great grandchildren, Macy Scruggs of Spindale, Anthony Mayes of Rutherfordton and Selena Matheny of Henrietta. In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Lewis Virgil Williams and Donald Ray Williams. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 7 at 3:00 PM at Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton with Dr. Keith Stephenson and Rev. Brandon Wood officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Crowe’s Funeral Home, Saturday, March 6 from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. An online guest register is available at: www.crowmortuary.com Paid obit.

Linking People with Services

6A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

Calendar/Local ACCIDENT VICTIM AIRLIFTED

Health/education Diabetic Shoe Clinic: Friday, March 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rutherford County Senior Center, 193 Callahan-Koon Road, Spindale; for people covered by Medicare Part B; a specialist will measure each patient and provide a prescription form to be filled out by a physician. Community Health Clinic of Rutherford County provides access to primary medical care, wellness education, medications and preventative programs. The clinic, open Monday through Thursday, is located at 127 E. Trade St., B 100, Forest City. Patients seen by appointment only. The clinic does not accept patients with private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. Call 245-0400.

Meetings/other Carolina Nature Photographers Association, Foothill Region, Rutherford County, will meet Monday, March 8, at the county annex Building at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 429-5096. Sports recognition program: Chase High Athletic Boosters will hold its winter sports banquet Monday, March 8. Refreshments 6:30 p.m., awards program at 7 p.m., in the auditorium. Alumni breakfast: Harris High School alumni breakfast; Tuesday, March 9, begins at 9 a.m., at Turner’s Restaurant, Chesnee, S.C.; Dutch treat; for more information, contact Joan at 245-2658. Monthly meeting: Rutherford County Beekeeper’s Club will meet Tuesday, March 16, at the Cooperative Extension Office. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. NC Bee Inspector Jack Hanel will speak on diseases and pests.

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. Reading program: KidSenses will offer its second session of the “Littlest Readers” program; begins March 10, 9 to 10 a.m., every Wednesday for six weeks; ages birth - 3; call to register, 286-2120; $55 for members, $65 non-members, payment plans available. Scholarship opportunity: The Women’s Conference Committee from the Doggett Grove Community offers two scholarships to graduating seniors at Chase, East and R-S Central high schools. To obtain an application contact Denise McKinney (248-2812), Mary Harris (245-7372), or Tinnie Dawkins (245-1419). Foothills Harvest Outreach Ministries will hold a 75 percent sale on all winter items March 8-13. The store is located at 120 E. Trade St., Forest City. Cosmetology specials: Open to the public March 23-26. The specials include hair cut, perm or relaxer, and style for $10 (regular rates $28). Appointments are requested but walk-ins will be accepted. TWTh, clients will be accepted between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Friday 26th, 8:15 and 11 a.m. only. We do have a huskins (high school) afternoon class that could be a part of this special taking clients at 1:00 PM only Tuesday - Thursday. 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. The Visual Arts Center is located at 160 N. Main St., Rutherfordton. Register for classes by calling 288-5009 or download application from www.rcvag.com.

Fundraisers Haiti benefit: Saturday, March 13, 5 to 7 p.m., open fire cooking including chili beans, fried cabbage, boiled potatoes, cornbread and apple cobbler. Proceeds will benefit Danita’s Orphanage in Haiti. Fish fry, rib plates: Saturday, March 13, begins at 11 a.m., Unionville Lodge, 703 Ledbetter Road, Spindale; plates $6; sandwiches $3; NY stuled hot dogs $2; carry outs available; all proceeds for the building fund. Benefit steer raff le: Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. to noon, West Pawn and Trading, 1304 West Main St., Forest City; hot dog sale, half and half raffle, baked goods and more; all proceeds to sponsor deaf children at a 3-day summer camp, Strength of HIS Hands Ranch, Forest City; for information contact Angel West at 828-223-3855. Benefit ride: For 12-year-old Hayden Clark (diagnosed with Myoepithelioma); Saturday, March 20, at Rutherford County Moose Lodge; yard sale begins at 7 a.m.; barbecue plates, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; benefit ride starts at 2 p.m., $15 per single rider, $20 for doubles; music by Bandana and Double Cross, 6 to 9 p.m.; door prizes, T-shirts, 50/50 tickets and more; for information call 429-5195.

Larry Dale/Daily Courier

A accident victim was airlifted by Regional One to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center on Saturday afternoon. The landing zone for the helicopter was set up at the Sandy Mush Volunteer Fire Department. Rutherford County Rescue and the North Carolina Highway Patrol also worked at the scene. No further information was available by press time.

Health Continued from Page 1A

one county department to one that covers three is a challenge. “I have to remember where I’m going,” Hines said, laughing. With a background in public health education, Hines worked as a health educator for Cleveland County Schools and also as principal for Boiling Springs Elementary. He was also director of Cleveland County Community Organization for Drug Abuse Prevention. Working with the three counties on the substance abuse problem through education is one of many goals Hines has set. “The unemployment rate and people not working is related to health care and health lifestyles,” Hines said. “One of my visions is to look at how we can help people serve their own

District Continued from Page 1A

be addressed,” Condrey wrote in a memo to commissioners. “These problems include heavy infiltration (of storm water) and breaks in existing lines; operating revenues that are not adequate to meet expenses and a serious lack of operational structure or even a functioning governing body.” On paper, the district has its own board of directors which are elected by customers and residents of Cliffside. But in the last election, no one filed for the seats. Barry Jones is the last board member serving. Following his recent retirement, Jones has told commissioners he will stay on the Cliffside Sanitary District

needs.” Hines praised the department’s work on tobacco prevention programs, saying partnerships with schools and other community organizations had led to the success. Involving the community in ways to improve health is key. “We need to be the catalysts for improving health,” he said. Hines said another goal he has is to be visible in the district to develop those partnerships and relationships. In Cleveland County, he said, partnerships with local schools was one of the accomplishments he is most proud of. “Wise Guys, a program for young male athletes to understand their role in parenting, was one such program,” Hines said. “Internally, I am proud of the focus the department put on quality, service and customer service. Our customers should always come first.” Hines’ wife, Shelly Lowery Hines, is a native of Rutherford County, making the job change even better.

board until a replacement can be found or a new arrangement is made. The system serves 19 businesses, 67 residences and two schools — Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Cliffside Elementary. “The sewer lines are about 40 years old,” Condrey wrote. “Infiltration is extremely bad with a typical rain event raising the flow from 30,000 gallons per day to over 200,000. Some of the lines are simply failing with leaks out of the system and into area yards, streets and ditches. “The Broad River Water Authority receives calls every month from different distraught residents trying to get in touch with someone at the district to report a spill from the lines,” Condrey said. These spills are not reported to the

“I like the leadership opportunity the health director has to be an advocate for better health,” Hines said. “I think that will be extremely important. The other thing that’s important is to work with the board of health. I think it’s a great advocacy for health programs in the community.” County Commissioner and Board of Health Member Paul McIntosh said Hines had the qualifications the district was looking for in a director. “Once the applications were reviewed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services we invited people to interview and from there narrowed it down to two candidates,”McIntosh said. “We’re excited to have him on board.” Hines replaces Buck Wilson, who resigned in June 2009 after serving as the director for four years. Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@thedigitalcourier.com.

state because the district has no genuine operating and reporting structure, Condrey explained. “It is our desire to assist the county in developing a long term solution to the challenges this system currently faces,” said David Odom, engineer with Odom and Associates. “In order to complete the flow testing during the rainy season, we propose to begin the project immediately upon notification from the Rural Center.” Odom and Associates will report their findings of where the leaks are, where the operational problems lie and their recommendations to fix them after the study is completed on May 31. Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.

About us... Circulation

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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

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Missed your paper? If you did not receive your paper today please call 245-6431 and ask for circulation. If you call by 9 a.m. on Monday through Friday, a paper will be brought to your home. If you call after 9 a.m., we will make sure your carrier brings you the missed paper in the morning with that day’s edition. If you do not receive your paper on either Saturday or Sunday and call by 8 a.m., a customer service representative will bring you a paper. If you call after 8 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday, the missed paper will be brought out on Monday morning. Our carriers are instructed to deliver your paper by 6 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. on Sunday. Remember, call 245-6431 for circulation customer service.

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 — 7A

Banks are still facing failures

Business Notes RHI welcomes new psychiatrist to Medical Staff RUTHERFORDTON – Rutherford Hospital Inc. has added James Lee, M.D., psychiatrist, to its medical staff. Dr. Lee comes to RHI from Piedmont Neuropsychiatry in Durham and Charlotte, where he served as physician and medical director. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Duke University where he also completed his Dr. Lee residency and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. Diagnoses that Dr. Lee evaluates and treats include ADD/ HD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, mood disorder, OCD, Asperger’s, autism, sleep disorders, pervasive developmental delays, genetic and developmental syndromes, tics, Tourette’s, PANDAS, brain injury, headaches, dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, nutritional deficiencies and psychiatric difficulties in a wide variety of medical conditions. Dr. Lee joins Mathew Joseph, M.D., at RHI’s Insights Psychiatric Resources, which comprises two distinct programs – the mental health clinic that has relocated to 393 Oak St. in Spindale and an inpatient behavioral health unit located on the fifth floor of RHI. Rutherford Hospital Inc. CEO Dave Bixler said, “We have earned a regional reputation for high quality care and service. That quality is grounded in our exceptional medical and clinical staff and their sensitivity to the needs and concerns of our patients and families. Through our effective treatment services, many people have found new hope and new tools for healthy living. Dr. Lee and Dr. Joseph give us an outstanding set of experts to help meet the needs of Rutherford County and surrounding communities.”

Pierre Foods adding 500 jobs in WNC RALEIGH (AP) — A food products maker plans to expand its operations in Western North Carolina, adding 500 jobs. State officials said on Friday that Cincinnati-based Pierre Foods Inc. plans to invest $16.8 million during the next three years in Claremont in Catawba County. The company already has 700 workers at its facility there. The new jobs will pay an average annual salary of $26,467.

Rick and Deborah Davis of Earthperks.

“The store’s name comes from the Davis’s desire to ‘feed the earth.’ It also refers to the ‘perks’ (benefits) we get from the earth,” he said. “We have products here for sustainable farmers, everything from seed to fertilizer,” Davis said. In the future, they plan to offer organic beef, chicken and pork. They credit Foothills Connect with helping them reach a new generation of farmers, through the business and technology’s sustainable horticulture school and its online FarmFreshMarket.org project. The latter connects local farmers with chefs in Charlotte who order fresh local produce. Foothills also helps, Davis said, by providing a support group where farmers can share information and help each other.

CHARLOTTE (AP) — Regulators on Friday shuttered banks in Florida, Illinois, Maryland and Utah, boosting to 26 the number of bank failures in the U.S. so far this year following the 140 brought down in 2009 by mounting loan defaults and the recession. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. took over Sun American Bank, based in Boca Raton, Fla., with $535.7 million in assets and $443.5 million in deposits. Also seized were Bank of Illinois of Normal, Ill., with $211.7 million in assets and $198.5 million in deposits; Waterfield Bank in Germantown, Md., with $155.6 million in assets and $156.4 million in deposits; and Centennial Bank in Ogden, Utah, with $215.2 million in assets and $205.1 million in deposits. First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co., based in Raleigh, N.C., agreed to assume the assets and deposits of Sun American Bank and to share losses with the FDIC on $433 million of the failed bank’s loans and other assets. It was FirstCitizens’ fourth acquisition of assets of a failed bank since last July; the others were First Regional Bank of Los Angeles, Venture Bank of Lacey, Wash., and Temecula Valley Bank of Temecula, Calif. Heartland Bank and Trust Co., based in Bloomington, Ill., is buying the assets and deposits of Bank of Illinois, and is sharing losses with the FDIC on $166.6 million in loans and other assets. For Waterfield Bank, because no buyer was found, the FDIC set up a new savings institution that will operate until April 5 to allow customers access to their deposits and give them time to open accounts at other banks. The FDIC was also unable to find a buyer for Centennial Bank, and it approved the payout of the institution’s insured deposits. As a result, checks to the retail depositors for their insured funds will be mailed on

Please see Organic, Page 8A

Please see Banks, Page 8A

Contributed photo

County couple launches organic farm supply store Special to The Daily Courier

FOREST CITY — Rich and Deborah Davis love the land, the earth. They want to help others who have the same passion. Earlier this week, they finished unloading a delivery of organic fertilizer and explained why they have opened an organic farm store at 975 Poors Ford Road called Earthperks. It is situated across the street from their home and farm. The Davises started the store because they could not find organic fertilizer and other “amendments” close by. They had to travel to Asheville to meet a big truck. “We thought, ‘Let’s get enough for everyone,” Davis said. Supporting local organic farmers is a major goal of Earthperks, which also carries seeds and other organic materials needed by gardeners and farmers.

A&G Construction joins with Lester SPINDALE — A&G Construction Company, Inc., a general contractor located in Spindale, has been appointed as a dealer for Lester Building Systems, LLC, a major supplier of pre-engineered postframe buildings. The company will serve southwestern North Carolina. Established in 1947, Lester Buildings designs and manufactures all types of wood postframe buildings for the agricultural, equestrian, suburbanhobby and commercial building markets. The company is based in Lester Prairie, Minn., and has regional facilities in Clear Brook, Va., and Charleston, Ill.. Find out more information at www.lesterbuildings.com. A&G Construction Company Inc. can be contacted by calling them at 828-286-3671 or visit their website, www.agconstructioncompany.com.

Timothy Silvers looks at the pigs at R-S Central High School’s farm. Contributed photo

Pig project teaches farming business From staff reports

RUTHERFORDTON — At R-S Central High School, agriculture students are learning the value of a dollar while also learning about sustainable agriculture. And now the community can help by buying pork directly from the school. Over the past year students have

worked on building a herd of pigs that grow well on pasture. “Pigs are instinctive rooters and thrive in conditions where they have new ground to root,” said Brandon Higgins, an agriculture teacher at the school. “Each group of pigs gets a new piece of overgrown land to till. The pigs are far cheaper than running a bulldozer.” He noted that the students also

learn that by rotating the paddocks and resting the ground in between litters the impact on soil revitalization is enhanced. The teacher emphasized the huge difference between the school’s pork operation and that of a large commercial farm. “These animals,” Higgins said, “get Please see Pig, Page 8A

8A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

business/finance

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

WEEKLY STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

NYSE

7,291.31+256.27

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg Wabash 4.36 +1.42 NACCO 67.67+20.87 AldIrish 3.85 +1.02 CallonP h 3.90 +.94 Dillards 22.14 +5.27 PatriotCoal 21.67 +5.01 StMotr 10.51 +2.40 SunriseSen 5.06 +1.13 ScrippsEW 9.70 +2.08 QuakerCh 25.19 +5.38

%Chg +48.3 +44.6 +36.0 +31.8 +31.2 +30.1 +29.6 +28.8 +27.3 +27.2

AMEX

1,919.00 +73.29

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last ChiArmM 9.60 GenMoly 3.99 EmersnR h 3.71 PudaCoal n 9.89 ChiGengM 3.77 AmBiltrt 3.17 Aerocntry 20.00 AvalonHld 3.28 DGSE 2.16 MetroHlth 2.96 Name ManSang PolyMet g Libbey DocuSec GerovaFn Gerova un SwGA Fn Daxor NovaBayP SL Ind

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg Citigrp 10715637 3.50 +.10 BkofAm 8074862 16.70 +.05 S&P500ETF6974592114.25 +3.51 FordM 6784268 13.00 +1.26 Pfizer 3334677 17.48 -.07 iShEMkts 3233138 40.95 +1.99 GenElec 3092361 16.35 +.29 SPDR Fncl 2871962 15.22 +.54 iShR2K 2578701 66.62 +3.82 DirFBear rs2530998 15.84 -1.81

Name ChiArmM GenMoly Rentech NthgtM g NovaGld g GoldStr g NA Pall g YM Bio g InterlknG VirnetX

DIARY

2,605 487 92 3,184 453 1 4,242,117,413

%Chg +83.2 +69.8 +62.0 +49.4 +48.4 +44.1 +34.5 +33.4 +33.3 +20.8

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE) Name Last Chg %Chg Prime pfB 3.10 -.86 -21.7 ArenaRes 33.60 -7.83 -18.9 Mistras n 11.27 -2.37 -17.4 DirxSCBear 7.70 -1.55 -16.8 PrUPShR2K56.28-11.10 -16.5 DirEMBr rs 47.95 -7.95 -14.2 Prud UK 15.89 -2.61 -14.1 DirLatBear 40.45 -6.36 -13.6 Methode 10.85 -1.59 -12.8 TerraNitro 87.73-12.62 -12.6

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

Chg +4.36 +1.64 +1.42 +3.27 +1.23 +.97 +5.13 +.82 +.54 +.51

Last 2.60 2.09 11.78 3.96 5.45 5.25 12.60 11.37 2.02 7.40

Chg -.37 -.26 -1.42 -.44 -.55 -.53 -1.15 -1.03 -.18 -.65

%Chg -12.4 -11.1 -10.8 -10.0 -9.2 -9.2 -8.4 -8.3 -8.2 -8.1

WEEKLY DOW JONES YOUR HAVE YOU REVIEWED retiring soon? let’s-9.22talk. 78.53 2.19 47.38 122.06

LIFE INSURANCE LATELY? Dow Jones industrials

NASDAQ

Close: 10,566.20 1-week change: 240.94 (2.3%)

2,326.35 +88.09

11,000

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg SinoCkg n 46.50+27.02 WestwdO n11.39 +5.26 TiVo Inc 17.50 +8.02 InterMune 23.28 +9.54 SwWater 10.35 +3.63 OSI Phrm 56.99+19.97 Irid wt13 2.61 +.84 Cowlitz rs 8.00 +2.50 NewBrdgeB 3.38 +1.00 ColdwtrCrk 7.34 +2.15

%Chg +138.7 +85.8 +84.6 +69.4 +54.0 +53.9 +47.5 +45.5 +42.0 +41.4

10,500

9,500 9,000

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE) Name Last Chg %Chg Medivation 12.13-23.88 -66.3 VisnChina 4.90 -2.80 -36.4 ChXDPls n 5.90 -2.25 -27.6 ZionO&G wt 3.55 -1.35 -27.6 InfoLogx rs 6.51 -1.78 -21.5 HghwyH 2.31 -.57 -19.8 ShandaG n 6.81 -1.46 -17.7 AtlBcGp 3.17 -.67 -17.4 NuHoriz lf 3.62 -.73 -16.8 Cyanotech 3.68 -.71 -16.2

DIARY

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

328 164 46 538 34 ... 153,591,754

DIARY

WED

THUR

10,729.89 4,265.61 408.57 7,471.31 1,919.00 2,327.03 1,150.45 11,941.95 666.02 3,158.96

FRI

www.edwardjones.com S

Member SIPC J

STOCKS OF LOCAL INTEREST

Name Vol (00) Last Chg PwShs QQQ3175633 46.44 +1.68 Microsoft 2825703 28.59 -.08 Intel 2666090 20.79 +.26 Cisco 2388648 25.21 +.88 Qualcom 2321840 38.76 +2.08 Novell 1843288 5.91 +1.21 MicronT 1394435 9.46 +.40 Staples 1291126 23.29 -2.47 Palm Inc 1229047 5.71 -.38 BrcdeCm 1225787 5.81 -.01

Advanced Declined New Highs New Lows Total issues Unchanged Volume

TUES

George A. Allen Financial Advisor 612 Oak Street Forest City, NC 828-245-1158

10,000

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Vol (00) Last Chg 154247 9.60 +4.36 137912 3.99 +1.64 131622 1.12 +.05 129044 3.06 +.34 124943 6.35 +.53 118528 3.43 +.29 99863 4.42 +.36 89356 1.14 -.34 84755 1.04 -.12 79211 6.00 -.04

MON

2,338 541 454 35 2,920 41 11,970,501,765

Name

Wk Wk YTD Div Last Chg %Chg%Chg

Name

Wk Wk YTD Div Last Chg %Chg%Chg

AT&T Inc Amazon ArvMerit BB&T Cp BkofAm BerkHa A Cisco Delhaize Dell Inc DukeEngy ExxonMbl FamilyDlr FifthThird FCtzBA GenElec GoldmanS Google KrispKrm

1.68 24.99 +.18 +0.7 -10.8 ... 128.91+10.51 +8.9 -4.2 ... 12.30 +.64 +5.5 +10.0 .60 28.53 ... ... +12.5 .04 16.70 +.05 +0.3 +10.9 ...125000.00+5200.00+4.3+26.0 ... 25.21 +.88 +3.6 +5.3 2.01 80.48 +3.16 +4.1 +4.9 ... 13.88 +.64 +4.8 -3.3 .96 16.46 +.11 +0.7 -4.4 1.68 66.47 +1.47 +2.3 -2.5 .62 35.47 +2.48 +7.5 +27.5 .04 12.73 +.52 +4.3 +30.6 1.20 185.40 +2.41 +1.3 +13.0 .40 16.35 +.29 +1.8 +8.1 1.40 167.18+10.83 +6.9 -1.0 ... 564.21+37.41 +7.1 -9.0 ... 3.70 +.19 +5.4 +25.4

LeggPlat Lowes Microsoft PPG ParkerHan ProgrssEn RedHat RoyalBk g SaraLee SonicAut SonocoP SpectraEn SpeedM Timken UPS B WalMart

1.04 .36 .52 2.16 1.00 2.48 ... 2.00 .44 ... 1.08 1.00 .40 .36 1.88 1.21

20.61 24.05 28.59 63.29 62.93 38.88 30.27 56.24 13.95 11.82 29.98 22.10 16.75 27.74 59.49 54.14

+1.66 +8.8 +.34 +1.4 -.08 -0.3 +1.75 +2.8 +2.62 +4.3 +.59 +1.5 +2.22 +7.9 +2.19 +4.1 +.39 +2.9 +1.52+14.8 +.40 +1.4 +.30 +1.4 -.73 -4.2 +1.51 +5.8 +.75 +1.3 +.07 +0.1

+1.0 +2.8 -6.2 +8.1 +16.8 -5.2 -2.0 +5.0 +14.5 +13.8 +2.5 +7.8 -4.9 +17.0 +3.7 +1.3

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 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 last year. un = Units. vj = In bankruptcy or receivership. wd = When distributed. wi = When issued. wt = Warrants. Mutual Fund Footnotes: b = Fee covering market costs is paid from fund assets. d = Deferred sales charge, or 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.

STOCK MARKET INDEXES

52-Week High Low

Name

6,469.95 2,134.21 288.66 4,181.75 1,234.81 1,265.52 666.79 6,772.29 342.59 1,789.23

Last

Dow Jones Industrials Dow Jones Transportation Dow Jones Utilities NYSE Composite AMEX Index Nasdaq Composite S&P 500 Wilshire 5000 Russell 2000 Lipper Growth Index

10,566.20 4,195.84 378.20 7,291.31 1,919.00 2,326.35 1,138.70 11,906.56 666.02 3,158.96

MUTUAL FUNDS

Total Assets Name Obj ($Mlns) NAV PIMCO TotRetIs CI 122,927 10.99 American Funds GrthAmA m LG 62,872 27.84 Vanguard TotStIdx LB 59,564 28.32 American Funds CapIncBuA m IH 56,411 47.66 Fidelity Contra LG 55,524 59.19 American Funds CpWldGrIA m WS 53,325 33.42 American Funds IncAmerA m MA 48,112 15.64 Vanguard 500Inv LB 47,853 105.21 American Funds InvCoAmA m LB 46,864 26.09 Vanguard InstIdx LB 44,500 104.52 Dodge & Cox Stock LV 40,010 99.41 American Funds EurPacGrA m FB 38,266 37.63 American Funds WAMutInvA m LV 37,278 25.00 Dodge & Cox IntlStk FV 35,758 31.94 PIMCO TotRetAdm b CI 31,614 10.99 American Funds NewPerspA m WS 31,178 25.68 Fidelity DivrIntl d FG 29,870 27.53 American Funds FnInvA m LB 29,675 33.25 FrankTemp-Franklin Income A mCA 29,675 2.06 American Funds BalA m MA 29,215 16.53 Vanguard 500Adml LB 28,279 105.23 Vanguard TotStIAdm LB 28,262 28.33 Vanguard Welltn MA 28,252 29.36 American Funds BondA m CI 27,514 11.97 Fidelity GrowCo LG 27,150 71.00 PIMCO TotRetA m CI 25,333 10.99 Vanguard TotIntl d FB 25,302 14.30 Fidelity LowPriStk d MB 24,867 33.69 T Rowe Price EqtyInc LV 15,084 21.61 Hartford CapAprA m LB 9,595 31.26 Pioneer PioneerA m LB 4,231 36.76 Goldman Sachs ShDuGovA m GS 1,496 10.38 Alliance Bernstein GrowIncA m LV 1,216 3.02 DWS-Scudder REstA m SR 430 14.42 Hartford GrowthL m LG 180 15.32

+240.94 +61.27 +10.81 +256.27 +73.29 +88.09 +34.21 +394.15 +37.46 +120.24

Wk YTD 12-mo %Chg %Chg %Chg

+2.33 +1.48 +2.94 +3.64 +3.97 +3.94 +3.10 +3.42 +5.96 +3.96

Total Return/Rank 4-wk 12-mo 5-year +0.4 +17.1/C +7.3/A +7.4 +63.0/C +3.0/B +7.7 +74.6/B +1.4/B +4.2 +41.5/C +3.5/C +7.6 +57.9/D +4.5/A +6.9 +65.2/D +4.9/A +4.4 +50.9/B +2.7/B +7.0 +70.5/B +0.6/C +5.8 +59.1/E +1.4/B +7.0 +70.7/B +0.7/C +6.8 +87.2/A -0.4/C +7.1 +67.3/C +6.5/A +5.6 +62.0/D +0.2/C +7.0+100.2/A +4.3/A +0.4 +16.8/C +7.0/A +7.2 +68.6/C +5.4/A +7.0 +67.5/D +2.6/D +7.1 +67.5/C +3.8/A +3.1 +60.4/A +3.6/B +3.6 +48.3/C +2.2/C +7.0 +70.7/B +0.7/C +7.8 +74.8/B +1.5/B +4.4 +47.0/C +4.7/A +0.2 +19.1/B +2.8/E +9.4 +72.3/B +5.8/A +0.4 +16.6/C +6.8/A +7.7 +80.3/A +4.3/B +8.2 +87.1/B +3.8/A +7.2 +84.4/A +0.9/B +6.8 +83.9/A +3.4/A +7.8 +68.0/C +1.3/B -0.1 +3.8/B +4.9/A +6.7 +60.0/E -1.7/E +10.0+126.4/C +1.6/C +8.1 +63.2/C +1.1/D

+1.32 +2.35 -4.98 +1.48 +5.15 +2.52 +2.12 +3.10 +6.50 +3.29

+59.44 +91.16 +27.39 +70.18 +51.36 +79.80 +66.63 +71.68 +89.72 +74.37

Pct Min Init Load Invt NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 NL 3,000 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 5.75 250 NL 3,000 5.75 250 NL 5,000,000 NL 2,500 5.75 250 5.75 250 NL 2,500 NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 4.25 1,000 5.75 250 NL 100,000 NL 100,000 NL 10,000 3.75 250 NL 2,500 3.75 1,000 NL 3,000 NL 2,500 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 - MidCap 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.

Banks

Organic

Continued from Page 7A

The Davises also run a CSA (community-supported agriculture program) out of their farm. Each year, they take on 30 “partners” who buy a share of the farm for a season and in return receive a fresh bag of produce each week. The Davises grow a large variety of crops, including tomatoes, squash, greens, kales, blueberries, shitake mushrooms and melons, and also have eggs. Mrs. Davis said an effort is made to make sure CSA members receive diverse produce each week. This year, they already have 15 members and expect a surge in CSA members during April, but they can only take 30. “First-come, first-served,” Davis said. Earthperks also offers cover crop seed, garden seeds, botanicals, natural pest controls — “safer pest controls” — and transplants. A sign is in the works, but already farmers are coming by to buy fertilizer and other products. “Farm fertility is one of our things,” Davis said. “We want to get out of having a carbon footprint to run a farm.” “Yes,” his wife said, “safe, clean food.” Down the road, Davis would like to see bluegrass jamborees and harvest celebrations at the farm in the fall. The store will open from “dawn to dusk” on Thursday through Saturday. Davis said farmers can call anytime if they need a particular product.

Wk Chg

Contributed photo

Amber Swink holds a piglet at R-S Central High School.

Pig Continued from Page 7A

to express their ‘pigness,’ unlike their cousins in the big confinement facilities who never get to walk on soil and spend their entire lives on concrete or slatted floors.” Students are actively involved in the Central farm, and learning opportunities are enhanced as a result. “During this whole process students learn how to grind and mix their own feed rations,” Higgins said. “Corn, oats and soybeans are purchased from local farmers, and the students formulate their feed rations, send samples to North Carolina State University to be analyzed for protein content, and monitor the pigs’ growth rate. “Students also have to learn to keep records of feed cost, processing cost, profitability and marketing.”

The students also learn that the animals are not pets. “At the end of the pigs’ six-month life, the ground is ready to plant grass for pasture and the pigs are off to Wells Jenkins Wells to be processed and vacuum sealed in a USDA-inspected facility,” Higgins said. Students have approached several local restaurants about carrying their antibiotic–free product and are anxiously waiting to get a response. “R-S Central FFA would also like to open the market to our community,” Higgins added. “We are currently selling mild breakfast sausage for $4 per pound, Bratwurst and Italian link sausage for $5 per pound.” The FFA will offer bulk discounts for orders over 25 pounds. Contact FFA advisers Brandon or Lisa Higgins at 828-289-5439 or bhiggins@ rcsnc.org to place an order.

Monday. Zions First National Bank in Salt Lake City agreed to accept the failed bank’s direct deposits from the federal government, including Social Security and Veterans’ payments. The failure of Sun American Bank is expected to cost the federal deposit insurance fund $103.8 million. The cost of resolving Bank of Illinois is estimated at $53.7 million; that of Waterfield Bank is $51 million; and Centennial Bank is $96.3 million. The pace of bank seizures this year is likely to accelerate in coming months, FDIC officials have said. As the economy has weakened, with unemployment rising, home prices tumbling and loan defaults soaring, bank failures have mounted, sapping billions of dollars out of the deposit insurance fund. It fell into the red last year, hitting a $20.9 billion deficit as of Dec. 31. Banks, meanwhile, have tightened their lending standards. U.S. bank lending last year posted its steepest drop since World War II, as the volume of loans fell $587.3 billion, or 7.5 percent, from 2008, the FDIC reported recently. President Barack Obama recently promoted a $30 billion plan to provide money to community banks if they boost lending to small businesses. The program, which must be approved by Congress, would use money repaid by banks to the $700 billion federal bailout fund. But many lawmakers want the $30 billion sent directly to the federal Small Business Administration. It would then decide which businesses should get loans. The number of banks on the FDIC’s confidential “problem” list jumped to 702 in the fourth quarter from 552 three months earlier, even as the industry squeezed out a small profit. Banks earned $914 million, compared with a $37.8 billion loss in the fourth quarter of 2008, at the height of the financial crisis. Still, nearly one in every three banks reported a net loss for the latest quarter. The 140 bank failures last year were the highest annual tally since 1992, at the height of the savings and loan crisis. They cost the insurance fund more than $30 billion. There were 25 bank failures in 2008 and just three in 2007. The FDIC expects the cost of resolving failed banks to grow to about $100 billion over the next four years.

Florida chill takes zest out of tomato market ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A frigid Florida winter is taking its toll on your sandwich. The Sunshine State is the main U.S. source for fresh winter tomatoes, and its growers lost some 70 percent of their crop during January’s prolonged cold snap.

Wholesale prices are up nearly five times over last year. An unusually cold January in Florida destroyed entire fields of tomatoes — along with some green beans, sweet corn and squash. The cold scarred the tomatoes, damaged their vines, and forced many farmers to

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delay their harvest. The average wholesale price for a 25-pound box of tomatoes is now $30, up from $6.50 a year ago. Florida’s growers would normally ship about 25 million pounds of tomatoes a week; right now, they’re shipping less than a quarter of that.

Happy 1st Birthday! March 7th

Harrison Coffey Parents are Todd and Nikki Coffey Sisters are Hannah and Haley Coffey.

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 — 9A

Iraq’s election is a key test for its democracy BAGHDAD (AP) — Billed as a key test of Iraq’s nascent democracy, Iraqis fear Sunday’s parliamentary election will lead to a protracted period of uncertainty as the winners and losers try to cobble together a new government — even as American forces prepare to go home. None of the main political coalitions is expected to win an outright majority, which could mean months of negotiations and more violence despite hopes the balloting will boost efforts to reconcile Iraq’s divided ethnic and religious groups. Iraq’s second nationwide election for a full parliamentary term comes at a vastly different time than the first in December 2005. The U.S., which has lost more than 4,300 troops in the nearly seven-year conflict, has fewer than 100,000 troops in the country and their presence on the streets has all but vanished. The monthly American death toll has plummeted. Overall violence is down dramatically, although attacks continue and insurgents have threatened voters. A car bomb targeted Iraqi and Iranian pilgrims in the Shiite holy city of Najaf on Saturday, killing at least three people, including two Iranians, and wounding more than 50, officials said. The balloting for a new 325-seat legislature has been billed as a major step in Iraq’s democratic evolution. Iraqis hope it will help them achieve national reconciliation at a time when the United States has vowed to stick to President Barack Obama’s timetable that calls for the withdrawal of combat forces by late summer and all American troops by the end of next year. But many observers have predicted it could take months for rival factions to form a new government. The bloc with the most votes will be able to nominate a prime minister but is probably going to need support from others to gain a majority due to the fractured nature of Iraqi politics. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government will stay in place until the new government is formed but on the practical side, not a lot of work may get done as ministers who are worried about retaining their jobs or scrambling for new ones lose focus on the day-to-day running of the government. The instability also would leave the door open for more violence as political groups that don’t get what they want at the negotiating table take to the streets. “This is a cause of considerable concern because there would be a kind of a vacuum,” said Adnan Pachachi, the elder statesman of Iraqi politics who is also running for parliament. “It is in everyone’s interest to try to form a government very soon.” The vibrant political campaigning has seen largescale rallies, town-hall style meetings and campaign posters and television ads that blanket the city and the airwaves, reflecting the high stakes involved. More than 6,200 candidates are vying for a seat. Al-Maliki heads the State of Law Coalition, a largely Shiite group that presents itself as nonsectarian but is dominated by the religious Dawa party. Al-Maliki has risen to popularity as violence has diminished but his image has been tarnished by the government’s inability to stop large-scale bombings in Baghdad or provide basic services like electricity. The U.S.-backed leader also faces intense pressure from his former Shiite allies — the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council and the Sadrist Trend led by anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr — who are closely allied with Iran and have teamed up in a separate alliance. In a surprise move ahead of the election, al-Sadr made a rare public appearance Saturday in neighboring Iran, where he’s believed to have been living for the past two years, studying at Iran’s foremost seat of Shiite learning, Qom. Speaking from Tehran, al-Sadr — flanked by two Iraqi flags — urged Iraqis to turn out in large numbers Sunday and give their support to those who he said were “faithful” to the Iraqi people.

NAtion/world

Assocviated Press

President Barack Obama stands with Daniel Yates, second right, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of OPOWER, a smart grid and energy efficiency software company that works with utility companies to help customers use less energy, as he meets employees before he speaks about clean energy and job creation Friday, The recent push on the health care reform bill has left some asking what happened to the jobs priority.

Health care push raises questions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama’s furious, final push to get a health care bill passed threatens to shove aside the message he promised would top his list this year: creating jobs. Even as the White House juggles several enormous issues at once, the public takes its cues about the president’s chief concern from how he spends his time, energy and capital. As Obama himself put it on Wednesday, from now until Congress takes a final vote on a health care overhaul, “I will do everything in my power to make the case for reform.” That kind of now-or-never campaign means the nation can expect a debate consumed by health care, again, for weeks. The White House is trying mightily to focus it on real people and the human cost of inaction. But there will be no escaping the same slog that turned off so many people in 2009 — congressional process, arm-twisting and doomsday rhetoric. So what unfolds over the next few weeks will affect millions of Americans and alter the course of Obama’s presidency. He has a shrinking window in which to find enough votes within his party to pass health care legislation so he can free himself to spend more bully pulpit time on the single issue that has stoked the public ire since he became president — disappearing jobs. Polling shows the economy remains a bigger personal worry to people than the cost, access and coverage problems endemic to the health care system. There is a huge economic element to health care as people struggle to pay premiums or keep their insurance. Yet to many, the astounding loss of jobs is a singular issue that demands constant, bold attention. It is just this competition — the economy versus health care

— that helped define Obama’s grueling first year in office and prompted howls within his own party for a recalibrated jobs-first agenda. Obama responded with a State of the Union speech on Jan. 27 that was remarkably focused on the economy, dwarfing all other issues. “Creating jobs has to be our number one priority in 2010,” Obama emphasized the next day at a stop in Tampa, Fla. Yet it was always the reality that Obama would consolidate his attention on health care again, at least for one last blitz. Beyond all the policy implications, Obama has spent a year on it and never intended to let that effort go to waste. The White House’s political calculation is that the next few weeks are their last chance to push through an overhaul of health coverage. But aides also know it cannot drag on, as every day focused on process overshadows their message. There is no expectation within the West Wing that voters’ moods will change until they see their lives improving. Senior Obama adviser David Axelrod said the plan is to keep plugging away on an agenda to shore up the economy for the long haul. “We’re going to still be out there on jobs,” Axelrod said, dismissing any worry that the economy-first message will be obscured. “We’re going to be focused on health care for the next few weeks, but we’re still going to be doing jobs.” To get votes, Obama is lobbying lawmakers, many of whom are teetering in this election year. He’s calling on his 2008 campaign supporters to push Congress for a vote. He’s staging health care events in Philadelphia and St. Louis this coming week. “They are looking at the election in November, and they need to have one big victory that they can claim,” said Michael

Iceland voters reject debt pay plan REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Still smarting from the crippling aftermath of the global financial crisis, Iceland’s voters on Saturday resoundingly rejected a $5.3 billion plan to pay off Britain and the Netherlands for debts spawned by the collapse of an Icelandic Internet bank, according to initial results. Results returned from around 83,500 ballots — or more than 40 percent of the total ballots expected — counted so far showed that 93 percent of voters said “no” in the referendum, compared to just 1.5 percent who said “yes.” Final results are expected overnight. The referendum results are indicative of how angry many Icelanders are at bankers and politicians as the tiny island nation struggles to recover from a deep recession. The global financial crisis wreaked political and economic havoc on Iceland, as its banks collapsed within the space of a week in October 2008 during the credit crunch and its currency, the krona, plummeted. The Icelandic government was the first to fall as a result of the meltdown. Icelanders were deciding whether to back a plan outlin-

ing the payment of $3.5 billion to Britain and $1.8 billion to the Netherlands as compensation for funds that those governments paid to around 340,000 of their citizens who had accounts with the collapsed bank Icesave, an Icelandic Internet bank that offered high interest rates before it failed along with its parent, Landsbanki. Many voters object to the tough terms of the deal imposed by the debtor countries, not the idea of payment itself. “This result is no surprise,” Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said. “Now we must turn to the task of finishing the negotiations on Icesave.” Icelandic authorities have recently been in talks with Britain and the Netherlands to come up with a better deal to try to avert Saturday’s referendum, which was forced by the refusal of Iceland’s president to agree to the so-called Icesave bill. Last minute talks between the three countries broke down this week, despite the debtor countries saying they offered better terms for a new deal — including a significant cut on the 5.5 percent interest rate in the original deal hammered out at the end of last year.

The vote could jeopardize Iceland’s credit ratings, making it harder to access much-needed funding to fuel an economic recovery. Unemployment has surged since the crisis began, to about 9 percent in January, and inflation is running at about 7 percent annually, while the island’s economy continues to shrink. The British say their “best and final offer has been turned down,” but Iceland’s Foreign Ministry said late Saturday it remained confident a solution acceptable to all parties can be achieved. The debt owed to Britain and the Netherlands is a small sum compared to the massive amounts spent to rescue other victims of the global meltdown — $182.5 billion was paid out to keep U.S. insurance giant American International Group Inc. alive — but many taxpayers in the country of just about 320,000 say they can’t afford to pay it. The deal would require each person to pay around $135 a month for eight years — the equivalent of a quarter of an average four-member family’s salary.

Lind, policy director of the economic growth program at the New America Foundation, a Washington think tank. “This is not the victory they would have chosen, because even if it does help the economy, it won’t help most people for years to come. The problem is, there just doesn’t seem to be the ability to do anything significant about jobs this year.” The House and Senate have passed versions of a $35 billion bill that offers a tax break to companies that hire workers and extends federal highway programs, but even supporters doubt it will create many jobs. By comparison, the economic stimulus bill enacted last year — and not nearly spent out yet — was an $862 billion measure. Lawmakers plan more steps this year. But there is less political will to keep spending on big jolts to the economy. Obama has always argued that overhauling health care is not just about health, but also an economic imperative for families who will suffer “if we let this opportunity pass for another year or another decade or another generation” — a message he conveyed Saturday in his weekly radio and Internet address. Part of Obama’s final argument to Democratic lawmakers is that getting health care done will give them momentum on other issues. It’s possible that the opposite is true, and a defeat now could undermine him on other fronts. Gov. Martin O’Malley, D-Md., said Obama understands that the rising costs of health care are hurting U.S. economic interests long term. Still, he urged Obama to finish up this priority and pivot back to a heavier jobs message. “If we wrap this up, if we get this passed, it will become clear that health care was always about jobs,” he said.

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10A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

Weather/Local Weather The Daily Courier Weather Today

Tonight

Monday

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Sunny

Clear

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Precip Chance: 0%

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Precipitation 24 hrs through 7 a.m. yest. .0.00" Month to date . . . . . . . . .0.20" Year to date . . . . . . . . .10.98"

Around Our State

Sun and Moon Sunrise today . . . . .6:49 Sunset tonight . . . . .6:28 Moonrise today . . . .1:28 Moonset today . . . .11:10

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Asheville . . . . . . .57/28 Cape Hatteras . . .53/41 Charlotte . . . . . . .62/33 Fayetteville . . . . .63/34 Greensboro . . . . .61/33 Greenville . . . . . .62/34 Hickory . . . . . . . . . .61/33 Jacksonville . . . .60/33 Kitty Hawk . . . . . .52/40 New Bern . . . . . .59/34 Raleigh . . . . . . . .63/32 Southern Pines . .63/34 Wilmington . . . . .60/40 Winston-Salem . .60/33

s s s s s s s s s s s s s s

61/39 56/48 66/41 66/41 62/39 66/40 64/40 66/42 56/44 66/41 65/40 66/41 63/43 61/39

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Larry Dale/Daily Courier

From left, Shirley McKenzie, Kenneth Higginbotham and Beverly Kalinowski are among those organizing the goat festival in Spindale.

Festival Continued from Page 1A

Friday afternoon, “and she said, ‘Did you know that the American dairy High yesterday . . . . . . .30.02" goat headquarters is right here in Weather (Wx): cl/cloudy; pc/partly cloudy; Relative Humidity Spindale?’ I said, ‘You’re kidding. We ra/rain; rs/rain & snow; s/sunny; sh/showers; Last Full First New High yesterday . . . . . . . . .87% ought to have a goat parade.’” sn/snow; t/thunderstorms; w/windy 3/7 3/29 3/23 3/15 Then he added with a laugh, “And, North Carolina Forecast boy, I shouldn’t have said that.” Kalinowski continued the story. Elizabeth City “From that,” she said, “we came up Durham Winston-Salem 55/34 with a kind of plan for incorporating 62/32 60/33 a festival to celebrate dairy goats and Greenville possibly having a dairy goat show Greensboro Asheville 62/34 and having a Heifer International 61/33 57/28 Raleigh fund-raising.” Higginbotham said that from the 63/32 Forest City beginning the goat festival was conKinston 62/35 Charlotte ceived as being something out of the Fayetteville 61/34 62/33 ordinary. 63/34 Shown is today’s weather. “We wanted to try to do something Temperatures are today’s highs that would break the mold of your Wilmington and tonight’s lows. typical weekend street event in any 60/40 community USA,” he said. Across Our Nation Today’s National Map With that concept in mind, the organizers of the festival have come Today Monday up with an event that heavily stresses City Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx H 30s 40s 30s the local community, but that also 40s L Atlanta . . . . . . . . .63/37 s 67/44 s includes a much broader perspective. 50s Baltimore . . . . . . .54/34 s 57/37 s H Festival organizers hope to raise Chicago . . . . . . . .43/38 ra 42/40 pc 50s funds for Heifer International, a Detroit . . . . . . . . .42/32 sh 44/30 pc H humanitarian organization whose Indianapolis . . . .48/36 sh 53/39 mc Los Angeles . . . .63/48 sh 67/46 s mission is ending world hunger and 60s 60s Miami . . . . . . . . . .71/59 s 75/61 s poverty and caring for the earth. New York . . . . . . .52/33 s 52/37 s The group provides farm animals to Philadelphia . . . .53/34 s 56/37 s needy people. Sacramento . . . . .63/47 s 59/46 sh 70s 70s San Francisco . . .63/49 mc 56/47 mc This map shows high temperatures, “Heifer International is a nontype of precipitation expected and Seattle . . . . . . . . .55/42 ra 50/39 sh location of frontal systems at noon. profit group that provides dairy Tampa . . . . . . . . .69/48 s 71/50 s L H goats, among other farm animals,” Washington, DC .56/32 s 57/36 s Kalinowskis said. “We focused on the dairy goats since we’re doing a dairy goat festival. They provide farm animals to needy families from Appalachia to Africa. And they don’t just give people a goat. They go in SPINDALE – Nominations for building on Isothermal’s Spindale and build a structure for the anithe 2010 Robert Wendell Eaves campus. Forms can also be picked up mals, and they teach you how to raise Award for Distinguished Teaching at at the library and at the Polk Campus them. And the people have to make a Isothermal Community College will in Columbus. commitment to pass on the gift. They be taken until Tuesday, March 30. Division secretaries in the Arts get a goat, and their families prosper The award is given each year to an and Sciences, Applied Sciences and and get good nutrition. And wheninstructor who demonstrates excelTechnology, and Business Sciences ever the goats have kids, they pass on lence in teaching and a true zeal for divisions will also have nominathe gift to another family. And that’s service to students. It was established tion forms. Forms are also available a wonderful thing. Our little comby the Eaves family in 1982 to honor by mail by calling 828-286-3636 munity potentially could have global the late Dr. Eaves and his distin(Spindale Campus) or 828-894-3092 outreach.” guished career in education. Each (Polk Campus). He noted that there are many year, the recipient is selected by a The nomination form can also places in Africa that have lost adult committee composed of past award be viewed and printed from the men to warfare and other problems, recipients from nominations submitIsothermal Community College Web “leaving behind whole villages of ted by students, alumni, college persite at www.isothermal.edu. children and old folks and women sonnel and members of the general The application may also be with no way to sustain life. And for public. accessed by clicking on the quick a very small effort, by our standards, The committee officially began links section at www.isothermal.edu. we can raise their living standard taking nominations on Tuesday, Nominations can be delivered to the tremendously. We’re not trying to March 2. Any full-time employee of information desk in the administramake this an event that focuses on Isothermal who spends at least 25 tive building from 8 a.m. to 4:30 that, but we want to make it an event percent of his or her time on the job p.m., Monday through Friday. that focuses on our community and in teaching is eligible for the award. on the benefits that we have, and on Nomination forms for the 2010 For information, please contact sharing and being together. But havaward are available at the informaCathy Alexander, the 2010 Eaves ing that impact, completely outside of tion desk/switchboard, located on Committee chairperson, at 828-286- our area, and to know we can provide the first floor of the administration 3636, ext. 318. many years of sustenance. It’s a very selfish thing in some ways because the feeling of knowing we have done something that is so significant is a wonderful feeling.” But organizers emphasize that the Barometric Pressure

Cold Front

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ICC seeking Eaves nominations

festival day is about people coming out and having a good time. Two of the fun events are the parade down Main Street, with a best costume award, and the goat beauty contest. Shirley McKenzie, manager of the American Dairy Goat Association, said some people go all out for their goats, so don’t be surprised to see goats with pearls or sequins. But the serious side of goat raising will be on display too. The festival will play host to an ADGA-sanctioned dairy goat show, the first ever in Spindale. Since the festival will spotlight the dairy goat, goat milk products such as cheese, ice cream and fudge will be available, McKenzie said. A wine and cheese tasting is planned the night before the festival, for example, as is a North Carolina beer sampling with goat cheeses. Music will be a featured part of the festival. Part of Main Street will be closed off for the festival, and a concert stage will span the street. Musicians from the region will be featured, too. The children’s area will center on Spindale House, and organizers are working to make the day fun and educational for families, with games and interactive events planned. A baby goat petting area also is planned. Vendors will be set up along Main Street, too. Higginbotham said a goal there is to emphasize made in the USA. The vendors will complement local restaurants and businesses, not be a form of competition. “We want to support local businesses and local craftspeople and local artists and musicians and local farmers,” he said. “We need to see our communities begin to prosper again.” Higginbotham also noted, “We’re delighted that the town has been so receptive. The council people have been wonderful and the mayor has sent us a letter of support. We want as many people in the community to be able to benefit and enjoy this as possible.” The festival also is working directly with Cooperative Extension. Organizers noted that they are at the point where they need sponsors to make the event a success. Sponsor opportunities range from $25 to $2,500. Friends of the Festival options are in the range of $20 to $100. Also, ads from $30 to $170 are being sold for the souvenir program. For more information, visit www. GoatFestival.com Higginbotham summed up the festival by saying, “We’re so excited that we are going to shine a little spotlight on a little town and bring folks in for a moment of joy that we hope will be repeated annually.” And a festival brochure adds, “It’s a brand new day in Spindale, North Carolina.” Contact Dale via e-mail at ldale@thedigitalcourier.com

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 — 1B

Inside Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . Page 2B NCAA . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3B NASCAR . . . . . . . . . . Page 8B

Off The Wall

A special ride to the sea for Conley Editor’s note: In April, Daily Courier Sports Reporter Jacob Conley will be taking part in the 11th Annual Cycle to the Sea. The Courier asked Conley to tell his story about the training, the fundraising and the upcoming ride.

Scott Bowers

Selections should be interesting We are a week away from Selection Sunday for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, more commonly known as March Madness. The next 30 days or so will see a huge increase in the number of basketball fans, as folks, who normally can’t spell, ‘Krzyzewski,’ scream their heads off for Cornell, Winthrop, or any number of low-seeded teams that they might need to win. We at the Courier cannot condone office pools, nor would we ever suggest that anyone would fill out a bracket simply for monetary gain. However, across the country folks have been known to do such things. Currently, yes, I am trying to learn more about Ohio State, Weber State, Murray State, Sam Houston State, Kent State, and even Mississippi State. But, I have three children to send to college someday and knowing which of those programs offers a solid basketball team, that might pull an early round upset, is always good to know. I won’t send my kids to just any old state school you know. The blowing wind of television experts seem to believe that this is a year in which the ACC is, ‘down.’ I can only assume this is because they glance at the ACC standings and see that North Carolina is in the bottom four. The ‘down’ trend of the ACC as these same television experts, and a large array of Internet experts, see it will result in fewer than normal selections in the tournament. The ACC should, according to them, receive six invites to the Big Dance. That may expand to seven if one of the bottom seven from the ACC pulls off a minor miracle and wins the ACC Tournament. This is the sole remaining hope of Tar Heels’ fans.

By JACOB CONLEY Special to the Courier

Contributed Photo

Jacob Conley, front, and trainer Seth Alhadeff prepare for the Cycle to the Sea, which will be held in April.

HARRIS — I love a challenge, any kind of challenge, especially when it comes from someone else. This simple fact has led to many experiences; some pleasant and others that would make former Fear Factor host Joe Rogan turn green. That’s why when my therapist, Seth Alhadeff, from OneSource

Rehab, challenged me to participate in a 180-mile bike ride from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach, I had little choice but to accept. This ride, however, is no Tour de France, and in many ways what is accomplished in one weekend is far more impressive than the feats of Lance Armstrong. You see, the 11th annual Cycle to the Sea, sponsored by the Charlotte Institute Rehab’s Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program, brings together disabled cyclist from across the Carolinas to raise money for the ASAP Program. I plan to join this hearty band

Please see Conley, Page 2B

Clash On Tobacco Road

Duke’s Kyle Singler, middle, shoots between North Carolina’s Deon Thompson (21) and Dexter Strickland (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, Saturday. Duke’s Brian Zoubek, above, blocks as North Carolina’s Will Graves (13) shoots during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, Saturday. Associated Press

Please visit thedigitalcourier.com for story

Conley’s ride: Please read the story at the top of the sports page today about Courier correspondent Jacob Conley. Conley will be making the 180-mile trek on a handcycle from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach in April. Conley’s determination and courage to complete this journey will inspire you. Hey Now: The Atlanta Braves prospect Jason Heyward is drawing rave reviews from all quarters. Manager Bobby Cox claimed he hadn’t heard a ball come off the bat, like it does Heyward’s, since Hank Aaron. That’s high praise. Former Braves outfielder Dale Murphy also related a story that Cox is very relaxed around Heyward. The implication being that Cox is normally a little hard on younger players. Heyward has now reached base in five straight games, and he continues to hit moon shots in batting practice. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed. What’s next: Jake Delhomme left Carolina in an emotional press conference on Friday and the immediate question is — who will QB the Panthers in 2010? The early money is of course on Matt Moore. But, the Panthers are going to be active in looking at veteran QBs and don’t be totally surprised if Derek Anderson pays a visit. And, no, Michael Vick will not be in Carolina. No matter how bad he would like to be.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. climbs out of his car after qualifying for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 auto race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., Friday. Earnhardt will start on the pole. Associated Press

Junior hopes for turnaround in Atlanta PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer

HAMPTON, Ga. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. is doing his best to forget 2009. Not a bad way to start. Junior will be on the pole for the first time in nearly two years on Sunday for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, giving the popular, second-generation driver another reason to believe that he’s left

behind the most dismal season of his career. “It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” he said. Then again, Earnhardt has more in mind than just starting races out front. He wants to be there at the end, too. “We are starving for a good finish,” said Earnhardt, who’s gone 70 races since his last Cup win on June 15,

2008, at Michigan. “That is really all we can think about.” Earnhardt’s confidence was devastated during a winless 2009. His crew chief was fired midway through the season in hopes of turning things around, but nothing worked. Junior cracked the top five only twice and led a mere 146 laps in 36 races. Please see Junior, Page 8B

2B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

sports

Scoreboard

Conley Continued from Page 1B

on their 180-mile trek on April 22-24. Each rider has to face their own set of challenges in order to complete the ride. For me, as a rookie rider, the first challenge I had to do was get used to a handcycle. For those not familiar with the concept of a handcycle, it is similar to a bicycle, except it sits low to the ground and is pedaled by hand. At first I began training at the cemetery across from Chase High, and I made great strides in improving my endurance. But, since the path to Myrtle Beach is not circular, and I needed to practice riding on the road, I switched venues to Cowpens Battleground where I train Monday through Saturday for at least an hour. On Sundays, I ride with a group of professors and students from Gardner-Webb University, known as team Conley Hot Dawgs around town, to get used to traffic and riding with other cyclist. Thanks to this regiment, I have reached the point where I can travel nine miles in one hour; well on my way to the 12 miles per hour required to participate. Another challenge is overcoming my disability. I know this may sound repetitive since almost everyone on the ride has a disability of some sort, but I’ve been told that no one with my particular disability, cerebral palsy, has ever finished the entire 180 miles. This fact just makes me more determined to finish, proving to everyone, including myself, that I can do it. That’s really what this whole ride and the ASAP program is about, helping people with disabilities realize that they can accomplish great things, overcome odds and be successful. Through the median of sports, such as wheelchair basketball, waterskiing, rugby and countless others, ASAP has helped give disabled children and adults a chance to stay active and an opportunity to showcase talents in the realm of athletics. Since the Cycle to the Sea is the major fundraiser for this worthy cause, each cyclist must raise $1,000 to participate. Seth is also going on the ride as my assistant and needs to raise the same amount. Anyone wishing to find out more about Cycle to the Sea, the ASAP program, or how to make donations can visit: cycletothesea.org or join the Facebook group. Deadline for donations is April 15. With your help, I know I can meet these challenges and overcome them.

Gryphons JV comes up with diamond win

ASHEVILLE — Lucas Cole worked four innings from the hill to help lead the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy JV baseball team to an 11-7 win over Asheville High, Saturday. The Junior Gryphons’ McKinnon Martin slugged his way to a 3-for-5 day at the plate, with two runs scored, while his teammate Daniel Moss collected 2 RBI and scored twice. Cole struck out four in the win as TJCA (1-0) opened the season with a win.

Thomas Jefferson 7, Newton-Conover 0

LAWNDALE — Thomas Jefferson’s girls soccer team blasted Newton-Conover, 7-0, Saturday. The Lady Gryphons’ Anna Dedmon scored four times, while Kayla Flack, Courtney Flack and Eleora Albala each added a goal in the win.

GWU basketball coach Rick Scruggs released

BOILING SPRINGS — Gardner-Webb University will not retain Rick Scruggs as head coach of its men’s basketball program, vice president for athletics Chuck Burch announced Friday afternoon. Scruggs recently completed his 15th season as head coach at Gardner-Webb, and compiled a record of 199-218 during his time with the Runnin’ Bulldogs. Gardner-Webb finished the 2009-10 season with an 8-21 overall mark and a 5-13 record within the Big South Conference. Scruggs has gone 377-333 overall in 23 seasons as a college head coach. “During his career at Gardner-Webb, Rick Scruggs played an important role in several memorable victories and moments for our basketball program,” said Burch.

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BASEBALL Major League Baseball Spring Training Glance AMERICAN LEAGUE W L Pct Cleveland 1 0 1.000 Detroit 3 1 .750 Tampa Bay 3 1 .750 Toronto 3 1 .750 Boston 2 2 .500 Kansas City 1 1 .500 Oakland 1 1 .500 Texas 1 1 .500 Minnesota 1 2 .333 Seattle 1 2 .333 Baltimore 1 3 .250 New York 1 3 .250 Chicago 0 1 .000 Los Angeles 0 1 .000 NATIONAL LEAGUE W L Chicago 2 0 Florida 3 0 Los Angeles 1 0 San Francisco 3 0 Colorado 2 1 Houston 2 1 New York 4 2 Atlanta 3 2 Philadelphia 1 1 San Diego 1 1 Pittsburgh 1 2 Arizona 0 2 Cincinnati 0 1 Milwaukee 0 2 St. Louis 0 3 Washington 0 4

Pct 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 .667 .667 .667 .600 .500 .500 .333 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000

Friday’s Games Minnesota 5, Boston 0 Toronto 14, Philadelphia 9 Atlanta 11, Washington 8 N.Y. Mets (ss) 7, St. Louis 3 Detroit 17, Houston 7 Tampa Bay 12, N.Y. Yankees 7 Florida 4, N.Y. Mets (ss) 3, 10 innings Colorado (ss) 7, L.A. Angels 5 Oakland 8, Milwaukee 7 Cleveland 9, Cincinnati 2 Kansas City 4, Texas 2 Chicago Cubs 8, Arizona 7 San Francisco 7, Colorado (ss) 4 L.A. Dodgers 8, Chicago White Sox 3 San Diego 9, Seattle 3 Pittsburgh 5, Baltimore 3 Saturday’s Games Toronto 9, N.Y. Yankees 1 N.Y. Mets 14, Washington 6 Detroit 9, Baltimore 5 Pittsburgh 3, Philadelphia 3, tie, 10 innings Boston (ss) 9, Minnesota 3 Tampa Bay 6, Boston (ss) 4 Houston 3, Atlanta 0 Florida 6, St. Louis 5, 10 innings Seattle 7, San Diego 4 Milwaukee (ss) 12, San Francisco (ss) 1 Cleveland 4, Cincinnati 2 San Francisco (ss) 12, Arizona 6 Chicago White Sox (ss) 15, Chicago Cubs 3 Kansas City 2, Texas 1 Oakland 4, L.A. Angels 2 Colorado 8, Milwaukee (ss) 6 Chicago White Sox (ss) vs L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Ariz., late Sunday’s Games Detroit vs Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Minnesota (ss) vs Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Florida vs St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Houston vs Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Boston vs Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Tampa Bay vs Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees vs Minnesota (ss) at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Washington vs N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m. Cincinnati vs Milwaukee at Phoenix, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Oakland vs L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs (ss) at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Texas vs Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs (ss) vs Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. San Diego vs Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Colorado (ss) vs Arizona (ss) at Tucson, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. San Francisco vs Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Arizona (ss) vs Colorado (ss) at Tucson, Ariz., 3:10 p.m. Monday’s Games N.Y. Yankees (ss) vs Pittsburgh (ss) at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets vs Florida (ss) at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Philadelphia vs N.Y. Yankees (ss) at Tampa, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Pittsburgh (ss) vs Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Minnesota vs Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Atlanta vs Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Florida (ss) vs Washington at Viera, Fla., 1:05 p.m. St. Louis vs Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Seattle (ss) vs Milwaukee at Phoenix, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers vs San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Colorado vs San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs vs Oakland at Phoenix, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. L.A. Angels vs Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Seattle (ss) vs Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Cleveland vs Arizona at Tucson, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Kansas City vs Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct Boston 39 21 .650 Toronto 32 28 .533 Philadelphia 22 39 .361 New York 21 40 .344 New Jersey 6 55 .098 Southeast Division W L Pct Orlando 43 20 .683 Atlanta 40 21 .656 Miami 31 31 .500 Charlotte 29 31 .483 Washington 21 38 .356 Central Division

GB — 7 17 1/2 18 1/2 33 1/2 GB — 2 11 1/2 12 1/2 20

Cleveland Milwaukee Chicago Detroit Indiana

W 49 32 31 21 20

L 14 29 30 41 42

Pct .778 .525 .508 .339 .323

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct Dallas 42 21 .667 San Antonio 35 24 .593 Memphis 32 30 .516 Houston 30 30 .500 New Orleans 31 32 .492 Northwest Division W L Pct Denver 41 21 .661 Utah 39 22 .639 Oklahoma City 37 24 .607 Portland 37 27 .578 Minnesota 14 48 .226 Pacific Division W L Pct L.A. Lakers 46 17 .730 Phoenix 39 25 .609 L.A. Clippers 25 37 .403 Sacramento 21 41 .339 Golden State 17 44 .279

GB — 16 17 27 1/2 28 1/2 GB — 5 9 1/2 10 1/2 11 GB — 1 1/2 3 1/2 5 27 GB — 7 1/2 20 1/2 24 1/2 28

Friday’s Games Charlotte 98, L.A. Lakers 83 Milwaukee 102, Washington 74 Cleveland 99, Detroit 92 Toronto 102, New York 96 Boston 96, Philadelphia 86 Atlanta 127, Golden State 122 Orlando 97, New Jersey 87 Dallas 108, Sacramento 100 Denver 122, Indiana 114 San Antonio 102, New Orleans 91 Oklahoma City 104, L.A. Clippers 87 Saturday’s Games Charlotte 101, Golden State 90 Atlanta at Miami, late New Jersey 113, New York 93 Dallas at Chicago, late San Antonio at Memphis, late Houston at Minnesota, late Cleveland at Milwaukee, late L.A. Clippers at Utah, late Indiana at Phoenix, late Sunday’s Games Philadelphia at Toronto, 12 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 2:30 p.m. Houston at Detroit, 6 p.m. Washington at Boston, 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Sacramento, 9 p.m. Portland at Denver, 10:30 p.m. Monday’s Games San Antonio at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Atlanta at New York, 7:30 p.m. New Jersey at Memphis, 8 p.m. Dallas at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Golden State at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

64 43 16 5 91 213 64 35 24 5 75 180 64 30 22 12 72 170 64 30 25 9 69 174 64 25 28 11 61 169 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF Vancouver 64 39 23 2 80 207 Colorado 64 36 22 6 78 185 Calgary 64 31 24 9 71 161 Minnesota 63 31 27 5 67 176 Edmonton 64 20 38 6 46 160 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF San Jose 64 41 14 9 91 210 Phoenix 65 38 22 5 81 172 Los Angeles 63 38 21 4 80 192 Dallas 64 28 24 12 68 180 Anaheim 63 30 26 7 67 180

156 183 174 175 207 GA 164 167 163 180 221 GA 159 164 171 203 193

Friday’s Games Edmonton 2, Minnesota 1, SO Buffalo 3, Philadelphia 2, OT Detroit 5, Nashville 2 Chicago 6, Vancouver 3 Calgary 5, New Jersey 3 Saturday’s Games Pittsburgh 6, Dallas 3 Boston 3, N.Y. Islanders 2 Toronto at Ottawa, late Washington 2, N.Y. Rangers 0 Florida 4, Carolina 1 Atlanta at Tampa Bay, late Anaheim at Phoenix, late St. Louis at Colorado, late Montreal at Los Angeles, late Columbus at San Jose, late Sunday’s Games Detroit at Chicago, 12:30 p.m. Boston at Pittsburgh, 3 p.m. Vancouver at Nashville, 3 p.m. Calgary at Minnesota, 3 p.m. Carolina at Atlanta, 5 p.m. Buffalo at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. Toronto at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. New Jersey at Edmonton, 8 p.m. Montreal at Anaheim, 8 p.m. Monday’s Games Dallas at Washington, 7 p.m. Columbus at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS Saturday’s Sports Transactions

Saturday’s College Basketball Scores EAST Columbia 65, Brown 56 Cornell 79, Yale 59 Georgetown 74, Cincinnati 47 Massachusetts 69, Rhode Island 67 Penn 78, Dartmouth 68 Pittsburgh 83, Rutgers 54 Princeton 54, Harvard 51 Purdue 64, Penn St. 60 Saint Joseph’s 74, La Salle 59 Seton Hall 92, Providence 80 Temple 70, George Washington 57 West Virginia 68, Villanova 66, OT SOUTH Alabama 73, Auburn 61 Alabama A&M 81, Grambling St. 60 Alcorn St. 69, Prairie View 67 Cent. Arkansas 76, McNeese St. 72 Florida St. 61, Miami 60 Jackson St. 60, Alabama St. 59 LSU 50, Georgia 48 Louisville 78, Syracuse 68 Maryland 74, Virginia 68 Memphis 75, Tulsa 53 Nicholls St. 73, Lamar 61 Richmond 89, Charlotte 84, OT SE Louisiana 86, Northwestern St. 77 South Carolina 77, Vanderbilt 73 South Florida 75, Connecticut 68 Tennessee 75, Mississippi St. 59 Texas Southern 66, Southern U. 62 Virginia Tech 88, Georgia Tech 82 MIDWEST Chicago St. 81, N.J. Tech 75 Indiana 88, Northwestern 80, OT Iowa St. 85, Kansas St. 82, OT Kansas 77, Missouri 56 Notre Dame 63, Marquette 60, OT Saint Louis 71, Dayton 66 Texas-Pan American 71, North Dakota 68 Xavier 93, St. Bonaventure 72 SOUTHWEST BYU 107, TCU 77 Baylor 92, Texas 77 Mississippi 68, Arkansas 66 Oklahoma St. 74, Nebraska 55 Texas A&M 69, Oklahoma 54 Texas St. 101, Sam Houston St. 97, OT UCF 66, Rice 59 UTSA 65, Stephen F.Austin 63 FAR WEST Arizona 86, Southern Cal 84, 2OT Arizona St. 56, UCLA 46 Boise St. 85, San Jose St. 56 California 71, Stanford 61 Colorado 101, Texas Tech 90 Colorado St. 76, Utah 67 Seattle 74, Utah Valley 64 UNLV 74, Wyoming 56 Big South Conference Championship Winthrop 64, Coastal Carolina 53

HOCKEY National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF Pittsburgh 65 39 22 4 82 209 New Jersey 63 38 22 3 79 169 Philadelphia 63 33 26 4 70 192 N.Y. Rangers 64 29 27 8 66 169 N.Y. Islanders 65 26 31 8 60 169 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Buffalo 63 34 20 9 77 172 Ottawa 65 36 25 4 76 180 Boston 63 29 23 11 69 156 Montreal 65 30 29 6 66 170 Toronto 63 19 32 12 50 165 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Washington 64 43 13 8 94 255 Atlanta 62 28 24 10 66 192 Tampa Bay 63 26 26 11 63 166 Florida 63 25 28 10 60 164 Carolina 63 26 30 7 59 177

GA 182 199 194 185 196

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF

Chicago Nashville Detroit St. Louis Columbus

GA 188 152 172 175 206 GA 160 187 162 180 216

FOOTBALL National Football League ATLANTA FALCONS-Signed CB Dunta Robinson to a six-year contract. GREEN BAY PACKERS-Re-signed OT Chad Clifton. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS-Signed WR Kassim Osgood to a three-year contract. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS-Agreed to terms with DL Vince Wilfork. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS-Agreed to terms with OL Nick Leckey and S Pierson Prioleau on oneyear contracts. NEW YORK GIANTS-Signed S Antrel Rolle. Released S Aaron Rouse and DB Londen Fryar. ST. LOUIS RAMS-Signed QB A.J. Feeley.

HOCKEY National Hockey League NHL-Suspended Minnesota F Derek Boogaard for two games as a result of a kneeing incident against F Ryan Jones during a March 5 game against Edmonton. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS-Activated RW Adam Burish off injured reserve. NASHVILLE PREDATORS-Recalled D Cody Franson from Milwaukee (AHL). OTTAWA SENATORS-Recalled F Zack Smith from Binghamton (AHL). TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING-Recalled C Paul Szczechura from Norfolk (AHL). ECHL ELMIRA JACKALS-Announced G Andy Chiodo has been reassigned to the team from Binghamton (AHL). SOCCER Women’s Professional Soccer SKY BLUE FC-Signed D Brittany Taylor to a three-year contract.

COLLEGE IDAHO-Suspended senior G Kashif Watson indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the men’s basletball program. VIRGINIA-Suspended sophomore basketball G Sylven Landesberg for the remainder of the season for failing to meet his academic obligations.

TELEVISION 12 p.m. (WBTV) (WSPA) College Basketball Florida at Kentucky. 12 p.m. (WHNS) NASCAR Racing Sprint Cup: Kobalt Tools 500. 12 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball Wisconsin at Illinois. 12 p.m. (TS) Women’s College Basketball Southern Conference Tournament, First Semifinal: Teams TBA. 12:30 p.m. (WYFF) NHL Hockey Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks. 1 p.m. (FSS) Women’s College Basketball ACC Tournament, Final: Teams TBA. 2 p.m. (WBTV) (WMYA) College Basketball Boston College at North Carolina State. 2 p.m. (WSPA) College Basketball MVC Tournament, Final: Teams TBA. 2:30 p.m. (WSOC) (WLOS) NBA Basketball Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic. 2:30 p.m. (TS) Women’s College Basketball Southern Conference Tournament, Second Semifinal. 3 p.m. (WYFF) PGA Tour Golf Honda Classic, Final Round. 3 p.m. (WGN-A) MLB Preseason Baseball Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox. 3:30 p.m. (FSS) Women’s College Basketball Texas at Baylor. 4 p.m. (WBTV) (WSPA) College Basketball Michigan at Michigan State. 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Women’s College Basketball Big Ten Tournament, Final: Teams TBA. 6 p.m. (FSS) College Basketball Clemson at Wake Forest. 6 p.m. (TS) College Basketball Southern Conference Tournament, First Semifinal: Teams TBA. 6:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Women’s College Basketball SEC Tournament, Final: Teams TBA. 8 p.m. (ESPN) NBA Basketball Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics. 8:30 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball West Coast Conference Tournament, First Semifinal: Teams TBA. 8:30 p.m. (TS) College Basketball Southern Conference Tournament, Second Semifinal: Teams TBA. 10:30 p.m. (ESPN) NBA Basketball Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets. From the Pepsi Center in Denver. 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball West Coast Conference Tournament, Second Semifinal: Teams TBA.

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 3B

sports

Louisville stuffs No. 1 Syracuse LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kyle Kuric scored a career-high 22 points all in the second half, and Louisville upset No. 1 Syracuse 78-68 on Saturday to provide one more highlight at Freedom Hall. Louisville (20-11, 11-7 Big East) may also have earned a return trip to the NCAA tournament by sweeping the season series from the Orange (28-3, 15-3), whose only other loss came to Pitt. Kuric made 9 of 11 shots â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including four 3-pointers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to make for a happy ending at Freedom Hall, before Louisville moves from its 54-year-old home into a new downtown arena this fall. Scoop Jardine led Syracuse with 20 points.

No. 2 Kansas 77, Missouri 56

Associated Press

North Carolina Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bonae Holston (22) is fouled by Boston Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kerri Shields (10) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Greensboro, Saturday.

No. 9 Duke tops Ga Tech in ACC semis

GREENSBORO (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jasmine Thomas scored all 10 of her points in the second half and No. 9 Duke pulled away late to beat Georgia Tech 67-55 on Saturday in an ACC semifinal. The only nationally ranked team remaining in the field used a late 20-7 run to earn its 31st straight win against the fourth-seeded Yellow Jackets and advance to the league title game for the third time in coach Joanne P. McCallieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three seasons. Alex Montgomery had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Georgia Tech (22-9), which hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beaten Duke since 1994 and was denied its first berth in the ACC championship game since 1994. Duke, a five-time ACC champion, is in the title game for the 11th time and will face the Boston College-North Carolina State winner on Sunday.

N.C. State 63, Boston College 57

GREENSBORO (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Nikitta Gartrell scored a career-high 25 points to help North Carolina State rally past Boston College 63-57 in Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Atlantic Coast Conference tournament semifinals. Gartrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big day helped the sixth-seeded Wolfpack (20-12) reach the championship game for the first time since their surprise run there three years ago. After helping N.C. State rally from a 10-point second-half deficit, Gartrell hit a goahead free throws with 1:23 left. Then, after a defensive stop, Gartrell buried a jumper over Mickel Picco to beat the shot clock and give N.C. State a 60-56 lead with 37.4 seconds left. She also finished with nine rebounds and hit four 3-pointers, sending the Wolfpack into Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final against ninth-ranked and top-seeded Duke. Carolyn Swords had 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the seventh-seeded Eagles (17-15).

Winthrop wins Big South title over Coastal

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winthrop used its smothering defense to beat top-seeded Coastal Carolina 64-53 on Saturday, winning another Big South Conference title and earning its fifth trip to the NCAA tournament in the past six years. Mantoris Robinson scored 14 points to lead the Eagles (19-13), who have gone to an opponentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home floor two of the past three years to win the title. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re headed for the NCAA tournament for the ninth time since 1999. After forcing a shot clock violation, Reggie Middletonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bucket with 9:49 to go put No. 3 seed Winthrop ahead 38-37, and it outscored the Chanticleers 26-17 the rest of the way. Chad Gray had 16 points to lead Coastal Carolina (28-6), which shot just 36.5 percent from the floor. The teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading scorer, Joseph Harris, was held to just three points.

Richmond 89, Charlotte 84, OT

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Marcus Morris shook off a scary collision with a scorerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s table to notch double-double and the No. 2 Jayhawks used two big runs in each half to beat their rival. Kansas (29-2, 15-1 Big 12) led by 16 after a 20-4 run in the first half, then put together another 20-4 spurt after Morrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; injury to beat the Tigers for the eighth time in nine games. Missouri (22-9, 10-6) struggled with Kansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; depth and size inside for the second time this season, giving up 42 points in the paint and 17 more rebounds in its final home game.

Iowa State 85, No. 5 Kansas State 82, OT MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Diante Garrett scored five points in overtime and Iowa State shocked stunned the No. 5 Wildcats to snap a 21-game losing streak against ranked teams. The Cyclones (15-16, 4-12 Big 12) hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t won in Manhattan since 2001 and were just 7-104 in their last 111 games against ranked teams on the road. Kansas State (24-6, 11-5), the No. 2 seed in next weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big 12 tournament, shot 34 percent for the game but still managed overtime when Denis Clemente hit a 3 about a minute left. Craig Brackins had 19 points before fouling out for Iowa State.

No. 7 Purdue 64, Penn St. 60 STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JaJuan Johnson had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Keaton Grant scored 17 as the No. 7 Boilermakers clinched a share of its first Big Ten title in 14 years. Purdue (26-4, 14-4) never trailed but held off a late Penn State charge to win their second straight without top forward Robbie Hummel. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out for the year with a right knee injury. Purdue led by as much as 13 in the second half before Penn State (11-19, 3-15) closed to 61-60 with 18 seconds left after three foul shots by Chris Babb. He finished with 17 points.

No. 10 West Virginia 68, No. 9 Villanova 66, OT PHILADELPHIA (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sean Butler scored 21 points, including the decisive basket with 5.8 seconds left in overtime to give the No. 10 Mountaineers the win. Butler also grabbed 10 rebounds for the Mountaineers (24-6, 13-5). His winning drive came after West Virginia had taken possession with 26 seconds left, when ninth-ranked Villanova was forced into a 35-second shot clock violation. Scottie Reynolds, who led the Wildcats (14-6, 13-5) with 17 points, missed an open 3-point

Associated Press

Kansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Thomas Robinson, top right, and teammate Marcus Morris, top left, celebrate on the court after they beat Missouri 77-56 in an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, in Columbia, Mo.

attempt from the corner at the buzzer.

them wrap up the No. 2 seed in the Big East tournament.

South Carolina 77, No. 13 Vanderbilt 73

No. 19 Georgetown 74, Cincinnati 47

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Devan Downey scored 26 points, including a 3-pointer with 1:48 left that broke a 69-all tie in an upset of the No. 13 Commodores. Sam Muldrow added 20 points as South Carolina (15-15, 6-10 SEC) snapped a six-game skid. Jermaine Beal finished with 21 for Vandy (23-7, 12-4), which blew a 10-point lead after going cold from the floor for 9:20. A.J. Ogilvy added 15 points and Jeff Taylor had 13.

No. 14 BYU 107, TCU 77 FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jonathan Tavernari scored 23 points, Jackson Emery and Charles Abouo added 22 each and the No. 14 Cougars won their 12th straight against TCU. Jimmer Fredette added 18 points for BYU (28-4, 13-3 Mountain West), which will have the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament next week in Las Vegas. Ronnie Moss had 17 points to pace TCU (13-18, 5-11).

No. 16 Tennessee 75, Mississippi State 59 STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J.P. Prince had 16 points, Scotty Hopson added 14 and the No. 16 Vols held on for their third straight win. Seniors Wayne Chism and Quinn Cannington have a school-record 99 wins at Tennessee (23-7, 11-5 SEC), although Chism had to be restrained by an assistant following a verbal confrontation with Mississippi State players after the game.

No. 17 Pittsburgh 83, Rutgers 54 PITTSBURGH (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Gilbert Brown scored 19 points and the No. 17 Panthers took control early with a 19-2 run that helped

WASHINGTON (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Six days after being diagnosed with diabetes, Austin Freeman scored 24 points to help the No. 19 Hoyas clinch a first-round bye in the Big East tournament.

No. 20 Temple 70, George Washington 57 PHILADELPHIA (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Micheal Eric scored 18 points to help No. 20 Temple win a share of the Atlantic 10 title and earn the top need in next weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference tournament.

No. 21 Baylor 92, Texas 77 WACO, Texas (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; LaceDarius Dunn scored 30 points, Quincy Acy had 10 dunks among his 24 points and No. 21 Baylor wrapped up its winningest regular season in 64 years.

No. 22 Maryland 74, Virginia 68 CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Greivis Vasquez scored 23 points, and No. 22 Maryland made the most of a late technical foul on Virginia coach Tony Bennett to withstand a spirited comeback.

No. 23 Texas A&M 69, Oklahoma 54 NORMAN, Okla. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Khris Middleton scored 15 points, Bryan Davis added 13 points and 10 rebounds and No. 23 Texas A&M handed the Sooners their eighth straight loss.

No. 25 Xavier 93, St. Bonaventure 72 CINCINNATI (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jordan Crawford scored 22 points as No. 25 Xavier won a share of its fourth straight Atlantic 10 regular-season title.

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4B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

sports

Lindsey Vonn is airborne as she races on her way to win an alpine ski, Women’s World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana, Switzerland, Saturday. Associated Press Associated Press

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket as Charlotte Bobcats’ D.J. Augustin defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, in Charlotte.

Vonn wins 3rd straight Bobcats spoil WCup downhill title Curry’s return

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — Lindsey Vonn won her third straight downhill title Saturday and tied Bode Miller for the most career World Cup victories by an American at 32. She defeated Johanna Schnarf of Italy by a mere 0.01 seconds in her first race since the Vancouver Olympics, where she won gold in the downhill. Vonn finished the Nationale downhill course in 1 minute, 35.26 seconds. “It’s been a great season and I’m really happy with everything that’s happened,” Vonn said. “I think of all the titles, I am most proud of winning the Olympic downhill gold — that was the highlight of the season for me.” Vonn clinched the Crystal Globe for the downhill title by increasing her lead to 189 points over Maria Riesch of Germany with just one race left. Marianne Abderhalden of Switzerland was third, 0.38 seconds behind.

Vonn earned her sixth win in seven World Cup downhill races this season. She extended her lead in the overall World Cup standings to 197 points ahead of Riesch, who was sixth. Anja Paerson of Sweden, who is third in the overall and downhill standings, broke off her run after an apparent problem with her goggles. A dramatic change of conditions at the top of the course midway through the event allowed several slower skiers to

Happy

to Charlotte

CHARLOTTE (AP) — D.J. Augustin scored 19 points off the bench, Gerald Wallace added 18 before getting ejected, and the Charlotte Bobcats pulled away late to beat the Golden State Warriors 101-90 on Saturday night and spoil Stephen Curry’s return home. With much fanfare, the Charlotte native and former Davidson star played his first game as a pro here in front of sellout crowd that gave him a standing ovation and cheered most of his made baskets. Curry scored 25 points, but shot just 8 of 23 and the depleted Warriors faded in the fourth Associated Press quarter in their fourth straight loss. Lindsey Vonn, center, winner of an alpine ski, Women’s World Cup Wallace scored all of his points in the second downhill, celebrates on the podium with second placed Johanna Schnarf half and added 10 rebounds, but was tossed after of Italy, left, and third placed Marianne Abderhalden of Switzerland, in elbowing Anthony Tolliver in the face in a tussle Crans Montana, Switzerland, Saturday. with 59 seconds left. It was an odd ending to an electric evening as one of the city’s favored sons returned home. post impressive times, including reschedule the event, prompting Curry, the son of former Charlotte Hornets fan Schnarf and Abderhalden who Vonn and the U.S. Ski Team to favorite Dell Curry, grew up attending NBA shootcelebrated their first World Cup claim she had won the superarounds and practices, starred in high school here, podium finishes. Marusa Ferk of combined title. Slovenia was fourth, followed by However, only two events have then did the unthinkable in leading tiny Davidson to within a missed 3-pointer of the 2008 Final Germany’s Viktoria Rebensburg, been held this season and FIS Four. a surprise winner in the giant rules stipulate that three races “Pretty much everything I’ve done in my life has slalom at the Olympics. must be run, making it unclear been within a 30-mile radius of Charlotte,” Curry Vonn started 16th in a field of whether the federation would said. 48 under poor visibility and an officially hand Vonn the title. Curry arrived wearing a suit and hugged several icy wind that forced organizers Vonn already has an unbeatBobcats and arena employees as camera crews to cancel Friday’s super-comable lead in the super-G standtagged along. His pregame availability was moved bined race for safety reasons. ings. to the interview room to fit the crush of reporters, “It was a tough race out there,” The final World Cup races and he said he bought 105 tickets. Vonn said. “Sometimes there will be held next weekend That didn’t include Dell Curry, who works as would be a headwind, sometimes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a television analyst for the Bobcats, leading to a tail wind. It was snowing really Germany. hard, and there was a lot of new “I’m going to keep things going an odd exchange in his pregame interview with snow on the track.” through to finals and, hopefully, Charlotte coach Larry Brown. “I’ve got to ask about a guy I know pretty well in The International Ski I can stay in the lead in the overthat locker room — Curry — having a pretty good Federation said it would not all,” Vonn said. year,” he said. Brown then interrupted him. “Are you saying that? He’s having a great year,” he said.

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Panthers end ’Canes win streak at seven SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Michael Frolik and Kamil Kreps scored in a 1:11 span of the first period, Tomas Vokoun made 31 saves and the Florida Panthers beat Carolina 4-1 on Saturday night to snap the Hurricanes’ winning streak at seven games. Cory Stillman scored late in the third period, and Kreps added an empty-net goal to help Florida win its second straight game after a seven-game losing streak. Justin Peters made 26 saves while suffering his first career loss following three straight wins. Jussi Jokinen scored his 25th goal for Carolina. Frolik scored his 16th goal with 6:02 left in the first period. Dmitry Kulikov’s pass toward the crease deflected of Carolina’s Joni Pitkanen and Frolik quickly put the puck into the net. Kreps made it 2-0 when he took a pass from Nick Tarnasky in the slot and fired the puck between Peters’ legs. Tarnasky grabbed the puck after Carolina’s Alexandre Picard failed to clear from near the left side boards. Carolina pulled to 2-1 on Jokinen’s goal at 7:58 of the third. After Vokoun stopped Brandon Sutter’s shot from the right circle, the goalie went to his knees and reached for the puck just as Jokinen hit the puck. The puck popped up and over Vokoun and into the net. Stillman scored his 12th goal when he wristed a shot from the slot past Peters. The Hurricanes failed to score during a 5-on-3 advantage for 1:42 of the second period. Carolina won its last five games before the Olympic break, before winning 5-1 at Toronto on Tuesday night and beating Ottawa 4-1 on Thursday night.

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 — 5B

sports

Rutherford County Sports Profiles Allison Nicholson pursues her passion

HARRIS — Allison Nicholson is a senior member of the Chase Swim team, who has been in the program all four years. “I started swimming competitively when I was five-years-old and my cousin really got me started in this, but I really do like to just be in the water,” Nicholson said. Allison’s dad and mom are Charles and Janice. Charles is a manufacturing manager while Janice works at Farm Service Agency. Allison has one sister, a freshman at Chase, Kathleen. Charles formerly played football and swam at Garinger High School in Charlotte. Janice was a threesport athlete at East Rutherford by joining the basketball, softball and the tennis teams. Allison’s favorite school subject is Science. Away from the classroom, she likes to play tennis, play the guitar and is very involved in her youth group. She also likes to exhibit livestock when there is time. Following high school, she would like to enroll into a pharmacy program for college. Her favorite TV show is NCIS, but is an avid Burn Notice and White Collar watcher. On swim competition days, she swims the 200-yard Medley Relay, the 100-yard Breaststroke, plus the 50 and 100-yard Freestyle. Allison’s favorite event of those to swim is the 200-yard Medley Relay.

Devince Boykins plays for love of game FOREST CITY — Devince Boykins

is a junior and three-year starter of the East Rutherford High School basketball team. Boykins also quarterbacked the football team during his freshman and sophomore season, but opted to just focus on basketball during his junior year. He is the son of Robert and Atoniea Boykins. Boykins has two younger siblings, a brother, Devonte and sister, Devoria. Both his parents work at East Rutherford High School and are former basketball players at Johnson C. Smith University. Boykins’ dad even played ball overseas in Korea, Germany, Israel and the Dominican Republic. While in the classroom, Boykins states that his favorite subject is math and is a member of the FBLA. As to why he likes math and basketball, Boykins put that into simple terms. “I am just good with numbers and prefer that subject over everything else, but with basketball, I just love the game, period,” Boykins said. Away from school, Boykins likes to sing, dance and play the piano. The hobby of playing the piano was picked up last year by his grandparents teachings. On TV, Boykins likes to watch the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Game, but enjoys all types of music except for Rock. Boykins favorite teams include the alma mater of East Rutherford High, the Duke Blue Devils and the Carolina Panthers. Boykins favorite sports moment thus far in high school came in the Cavs upset victory at home against basketball powerhouse, Shelby during his sophomore year.

After high school, Boykins collegiate interests include enrolling in Forensic Sciences at schools such as: Marquette, University of Miami, the University of South Carolina, Liberty, Virginia Commonwealth and Johnson C. Smith University.

Leah Whitton exhilarated by soccer, math RUTHERFORDTON — Leah Whitton is a junior at R-S Central High School and a forward on the Lady Hilltoppers soccer team. Whitton, who is a three year member of the team, was quick to point out why she picked soccer of all sports to play. “It’s just the most exhilarating and fun sport to play in high school,” Whitton said. “There is nothing like scoring goals.” Andrew and Traci Whitton are her parents, plus she has two siblings, a brother, Alex Whitton, and a sister, Logan Bridges. At school, Whitton is a member of student council, the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. In the classroom, she claims her favorite subject to be math. Her interests away from Central include finding a body of water for some wakeboarding and hanging out with friends. On TV, Whitton loves to watch Family Guy and she enjoys listening to the music of Lil Wayne. While her favorite sports team is Clemson, she is interested in going to UNC-Chapel Hill and majoring in Pre-Med.

Anna Dedmon has busy freshman campaign

AVONDALE — While in her freshman campaign at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, Anna Dedmon enjoys playing on the basketball court and on the soccer field. Anna is a guard on the Lady Gryphons basketball team and a forward on the Lady Gryphons soccer team. Anna’s parents are Karen and Ted, but she has a two siblings, brother Michael, who also is also a student at TJCA and a sister, Allie. Karen works at North Shelby School and Ted is employed by Cleveland Lumber. Both of her parents played basketball, ran track and swam during their high school days. Currently, Anna’s is torn as to which is her favorite subject, but she says that it comes down to English or Gym. She is also a member of the yearbook staff. When Anna has time, she enjoys the company in hanging out with friends and playing or watching sports. On TV, Anna is normally watching CSI Miami or Man vs. Wild. She likes all genres of music except for Country, Jazz and Heavy Metal. While Anna states that UNC, Appalachian St, Gardner-Webb and Duke are her favorite teams from around the area, but she also likes, USA, Brazil, Italy and Japan on a global scale in soccer. Following high school, Anna aspires to go to college and major in Criminal Law and or Physical Education. The Daily Courier’s Kevin Carver compiles the sports profiles. The profiles run twice a month.

Villegas still the leader after 3 rounds at Honda

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Ashes fell from the sky, smoke filled the air and a thick haze hovered over PGA National. Some might have found breathing difficult at the Honda Classic. Camilo Villegas wasn’t among them. Once threatening to run away after a sizzling start, Villegas came back to the pack on his back nine and wound up rallying to take a three-shot lead over Nathan Green and Vijay Singh after three rounds. Villegas is at 11-under 199, so even after making three bogeys in a five-hole stretch in what became a round of 67, he’ll be the one to catch on Sunday. “I’m sleeping in my own bed this week, which is always nice,” said Villegas, one of many tour players who call South Florida home. “I’ve been nice and relaxed. So we’ll show up tomorrow the same way and try to play some good golf.” Green (67) and Singh (69) are at 8 under, while George McNeill (66) and Matt Every (69) were tied for fourth at 6 under. Anthony Kim, who shared the 36-hole lead with Villegas, shot 73 and wound up six shots back entering the final round, tied with Michael Connell (69). All the talk before the tournament was about the difficulty of the course, before conversations on Thursday shifted to the gusting breezes and how they left players guessing. On Saturday, a controlled burn left its mark on the Honda. Earth, wind and fire, indeed. A planned fire in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, about 14 miles north of PGA National Resort and Spa, made an already tough course even tougher. The wind shifted a bit after the fire

started, sending thick plumes of smoke, ash and haze down directly toward the course. Play wasn’t halted, though the day was clearly affected. “It’s not great, but everyone’s dealing with it,” said Green, an asthmatic who once worked in a crematorium his parents manage. “It’s strange when you’re looking down, hitting your putt and you’ve got ashes sort of going past your ball. We had that a few holes in, I think on 13 and 14. It’s different. I don’t think guys are really worried about it. You can just sort of smell it and taste it.” Singh shot his third straight round in the 60s, a 69 to keep him in the mix for what would be his first win since capturing the FedExCup in 2008. Also with a third-straight sub-70 round was Sam Saunders, who shot his third straight 69 and is tied for 10th, eight shots behind Villegas. His coach isn’t expected to be with him on Sunday. By the way, Saunders’ coach is his grandfather, Arnold Palmer. “The King” knows that if he’s in the gallery on Sunday, the buzz he’ll create — on a course redesigned by Jack Nicklaus — might take away from what his grandkid is trying to do inside the ropes, so Saunders thinks he’ll stay away. “Hopefully, someday, and I’ve said this many times before, that my game will become good enough and I’ll become a good enough player that I’ll be known as Sam Saunders and Arnold Palmer’s grandson,” Saunders said. “I think I’m getting there, but right now, it’s fine. If I’m Arnold Palmer’s grandson, that’s kind of the deal. I understand that.” Saunders has drawn his share

of attention before, first playing as a 14-year-old non-competing marker with Peter Jacobsen at Bay Hill — Arnie’s tournament — and then caddying for his grandfather at Palmer’s final Masters. Now, he’s just trying to play his way into some spotlight. He’s in the Honda on a sponsor’s exemption. “I’m not out there just trying to eke out a good round,” Saunders said. “I’m watching that leaderboard and I see myself getting up there and I’m thinking about winning this thing. I’m not really thinking, ‘Oh, I want a good finish.’ I’m trying to get myself in position where I can win. And tomorrow, if the course plays tough, you never know.” Villegas has tamed it so far. He made four birdies on the front side — including the par4 6th hole, the tournament’s toughest this week, for the second straight day. And after a bogey at the 10th seemed to derail him a bit, Villegas rolled in a 20-footer for birdie on the next hole, punching the air as the putt dropped. Villegas had only four top-10 finishes in 21 tour starts last season, after winning back-toback starts in September 2008 and thinking he was ready for a big breakthrough. Maybe this is the year. So far in 2010, he was third at Match Play and then tied for eighth last week at the Phoenix Open. “We have our good years, average years and bad years,” Villegas said. “I decided to look at the good side of it and work on those little things that I needed to get better, and show up this year a little more excited to be out here.” A win and a $1.008 million check Sunday would make him plenty excited.

Ga. assault still under investigation

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — For the second time in a year, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is being accused of sexual misconduct, with police investigating him Saturday for an alleged assault at a nightclub in a Georgia college town. Police in Milledgeville were examining the claim of a 20-year-old student, who told an officer that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early Friday. The police department had no plans to comment further until Monday at the earliest. The case comes as Roethlisberger faces a lawsuit filed last July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a

Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he strongly denies. Roethlisberger, who was not in custody, has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit. Still, to hear it on the airwaves in Pittsburgh, this latest situation seems to have shaken fans of the star quarterback, a man who has never hidden the fact he enjoys the nightlife. He has been spotted gambling in Las Vegas and is sometimes seen in public with small groups of friends and bodyguards. Deputy Police Chief Richard Malone said Friday that Roethlisberger had been with three other people who were

mingling with another group that included the alleged victim. Malone said the woman and her party contacted a nearby police officer following the alleged assault. “He’s been identified as being at the scene and there are allegations naming him as the perpetrator,” Malone said. The nature of the assault was not described, but Malone did say it was being termed a sexual assault, not a rape. Police said Roethlisberger and his attorney were cooperating with investigators. He was not in custody. Roethlisberger and the alleged victim were interviewed and the woman was taken to a hospital.

Atlanta Braves’ Yunel Escobar.

Astros down Braves KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Roy Oswalt threw two rocky, yet scoreless innings in his spring debut and the Houston Astros beat the Atlanta Braves 3-0 Saturday. Oswalt walked three and loaded the bases in the first. He allowed just one hit and struck out two while throwing 44 pitches, 25 for strikes. Braves outfield prospect Jason Heyward extended his streak of reaching base to five straight games thanks to a walk in the first and a double in the fifth. “He’s been outstanding every ballgame,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said. He’s done something good whether it’s base running, catching the ball or hitting it or taking walks. He’s very, very impressive.”

Your Full Service Funeral Home Family Owned & Operated Since 1953

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6B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, SUNDAY, March 7, 2010 Ask the Guys Dear Classified Guys, I love music, but I certainly don't have a musician's ear. When I hum a tune at a red light, the cars next to me roll up their windows! My wife, on the other hand, grew up playing the piano and singing, but didn't play much while raising our three children. The other day we saw a piano in the lobby of a restaurant where we were waiting. It took a little nudging, but I encouraged her to play a tune. She sounded magnificent and those waiting even applauded. Since her birthday is coming and our kids are all grown, I thought I'd surprise her with a piano of her own. I often see "free" pianos listed in our newspaper that say they just need a tuning. I'm all for keeping something out of the landfill, but without knowing much about the instrument, how do I know if they are still good? Can I just pick one and get it tuned or is there more to it than meets the eye?

•

Cash: You're in luck. Being able to

carry a tune is not a requirement for buying a piano, although don't be surprised if no one asks you to sing along! Carry: Despite a piano's simple

appearance, they are very complex instruments. Their internal structure of strings, hammers and sounding boards give them a beautiful sound when they are in tune, but parts can wear out, stretch or warp if not properly maintained. Cash: It is possible to find an older piano for a reasonable price or even free. The trick is to determine which one is worth having tuned or repaired. And since moving any piano can be quite the task, you want to make sure you only do it once! Carry: Before you invest too much time and energy hunting for the birthday piano, it may be worth surprising

your wife with the idea. Considering she is the one who will be playing, she may have a preference as to which style or type she'd like to play and add to your home. Cash: There are hundreds of manufacturers, each with a different "feel" and sound so the selection can be quite vast. Her background with playing the instrument can prove very helpful to finding one in good condition. Carry: Since your wife was adventurous enough to play in a restaurant lobby, your gift idea is sure to be well received. And who knows, maybe one day she'll return the favor and surprise you with singing lessons!

Fast Facts Black and White

Reader Humor Practice Makes Perfect

Piano brands like Steinway or Baldwin are two of the original makers of pianos and have been around for a long time. However today, there are over 50 major brand-names of pianos, and in the last 100 years there have been over 5000 different manufacturers. Since about 75% of all piano buyers only purchase one piano in their lifetime, choosing the right one can take some time. There are 13 different size categories of pianos, with names like upright, baby grand or spinet, and each have their own style and sound quality.

Years ago, I worked my way through law school by teaching piano lessons. When I passed the bar, I put that job behind me, or so I thought. Many years later while pleading a client's case to the court, the judge looked at me and asked if I used to teach piano. It turned out that I taught his son during my time in law school. After hearing my case, he then set judgment on my client. "Despite having no priors, I'm sentencing your client to two years probation," he said. He must have noticed my disappointment because he continued, "And for the record, that's a far lesser punishment than having to listen to my son practice piano after your lessons!" (Thanks to Jeremy O.)

Stay Composed There have been many famous piano players throughout history, but in the 1950's one stood out as a very flamboyant entertainer. Wladziu Valentino Liberace, commonly known as "Liberace", won the hearts of millions. Armed with outrageous outfits, a signature Candelabra and an amazing ability to play the piano, he became the highest paid entertainer in the world from the 1950's through the 1970's. After a lifetime of entertaining, Liberace passed away in 1987 at the age of 67. •

•

Laughs For Sale This "upright" needs to relax.

•

ght Piano. FREE Upti king and or w In perfect ndition. cosmetic co

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

www.ClassifiedGuys.com

CLASSIFIEDS Contact Erika Meyer to place your ad! Call: 828-245-6431 Fax: 828-248-2790 Email: emeyer@thedigitalcourier.com In person: 601 Oak St., Forest City DEADLINES: New Ads, Cancellations & Changes Please check your ad on the first day that it runs. Call us before the deadline for the next edition with corrections. We will rerun the ad or credit your account for no more than one day.

Tuesday Edition.............Monday, 12pm Wednesday Edition......Tuesday, 2pm Thursday Edition......Wednesday, 2pm Friday Edition...............Thursday, 2pm Saturday Edition................Friday, 2pm Sunday Edition......................Friday, 2pm

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1 WEEK SPECIAL Run ad 6 consecutive days and only pay for 5 days*

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

3 DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL YARD SALE SPECIAL Run a 20 word yard sale ad Thurs., Fri., & Sat. for ONLY $20. Additional words are only 75¢ each. Deadline: Wed. at 2 p.m.

*Private party customers only! This special must be mentioned at the time of ad placement. Valid 3/8/10 - 3/12/10

Apartments

Homes

Mobile Homes

1BR APT Bostic area Appliances & water furnished. No pets or smoking. $350/mo. + dep. Call 245-1883

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.

For Sale

For Rent

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FSBO 3BR/2BA Upper Greenhill Owner fin. w/10% down. $161,000 Call 828-287-1022

3BR/1BA Brick home in Chase area. $725/mo. + dep. Call 828-748-8801

2BR/1BA House in FC. Cent. h/a, range, refrig. No pets! $450/ mo. + ref’s. & sec. dep. Call 245-9247

Special $200 dep.! 2BR/2BA Nice, large Townhome Private deck, w/d hook up. Water included! $485/mo.

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Homes

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

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK AUCTIONS •AUCTION- WILSON COUNTY FARMLAND, Saturday, March 13, 12Noon. 43+/- Acres offered in 3 tracts, one with farmhouse. United Country/Stone Auction & Realty. NCAL 561. Call for appointment, 252-235-2200, or www.stone-auction.com •RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT AUCTION- Wednesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. 201 S. Central Ave., Locust, NC. 3 Tractor Trailers of Catering Equipment & 2 of Restaurant Equipment. www.ClassicAuctions.com 704-888-1647. NCAF5479. •AUCTION- Construction Equipment & Trucks, March 12, 9 a.m., Richmond, VA. 600+ Lots, Excavators, Dozers, Dumps & More. Accepting Items Daily. Motley's Auction & Realty Group, 804-232-3300, www.motleys.com, VAAL#16. AUTOMOBILE DONATION •DONATE YOUR VEHICLE- Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer info: www.ubcf.info. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners Accepted, 1-888-468-5964. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY •ALL CASH VENDING! Do You Earn Up to $800/day (potential)? Your own local route. 25 Machines and Candy. All for $9,995. 1-888-753-3458, MultiVend, LLC. HELP WANTED •PART-TIME JOB with FULL-TIME BENEFITS. You can receive cash bonus, monthly pay check, job training, money for technical training or college, travel, health benefits, retirement, and much, much more! Call now and learn how the National Guard can benefit you and your family! 1-800-GO-GUARD. •SLT NEEDS CLASS A Team Drivers with Hazmat. $2,000 Bonus. Split $0.68 for all miles. Regional contractor positions available. 1-800-835-9471. •Drivers- FOOD TANKER Drivers Needed. OTR positions available NOW! CDL-A w/Tanker Required. Outstanding Pay and Benefits! Call a Recruiter TODAY! 877-484-3066. www.oakleytransport.com •KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION- While other companies are cutting jobs, we are creating CAREERS! Take advantage of our financial strength & rest easy knowing you will get the pay you earn & deserve! Come work for an industry leader! Great Benefits, Assigned Driver Manager no matter what part of the country you are in. Flexible Schedules, Great Equipment. Walk-ins welcome for immediate interviews or Apply online www.knighttrans.com 800-489-6467. •DRIVER- CDL-A. Great Flatbed Opportunity! High Miles. Limited Tarping. Professional Equipment. Excellent Pay - Deposited Weekly. Must have TWIC Card or apply within 30 days of hire. Western Express. Class A CDL and good driving record required. 866-863-4117. •WWW.CARGOTRANSPORTERS.COM- Qualified CDL-A Drivers: 39 CPM + Bonuses! Superior Benefits/Equipment! Need one year recent OTR experience. Good Work History. No Felonies. High School Diploma/GED. 800-374-8328 •SALES REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED. Most earn $50K-$100K or more. Call our branch office at 828-328-4765. Ask for Lori Roper, or e-mail lori.roper@insphereis.com. Visit www. insphereinsurancesolutions.com •PTL OTR Drivers. NEW PAY PACKAGE! Great Miles! Up to 41 cpm. 12 months experience required. 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Career opportunity, will train, relocation required, no medical or legal issues. Good pay, full benefits, money for college. Call Mon-Fri, 800-662-7419 for local interview. REAL ESTATE •REAL ESTATE AUCTION- 6 Homes & 4+/- AC in Cumberland, Robeson, Hertford, Nash, Halifax & Brunswick Counties, 3/11/10. Iron Horse Auction, 910-997-2248. NCAL3936. www.ironhorseauction.com •ABSOLUTE AUCTIONS Ocean Front Home & 2 Lots Figure 8 Island (Wilmington NC). Mar 27 + 6.5A on Tidal Creek with access to ICW Sneads Ferry NC Mar 28 10% BP Mike Harper NCAL 8286 www.harperauctionandrealty.com 843-729-4996 •LAND OR DEVELOPMENTS WANTED. We buy or market development lots. Mountain or Waterfront Communities in NC, SC, VA, TN, AL, GA, FL. Call 800-455-1981, Ext.1034. SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION •ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Accounting, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 888-899-6918. www.CenturaOnline.com •AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Housing available. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 349-5387. MISC FOR SALE •DISH NETWORK $19.99/Mo. Free Activation, Free HBO & Free Showtime. Ask about our no-credit promo. 48hr Free Install - Call Now 888-929-2580. BuyDishToday.com •NEW Norwood SAWMILLS- LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34" diameter, mills boards 28" wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N. 1-800-661-7746, ext. 300N. •DISH NETWORK $19.99/month (for 12 months) Over 120 Channels. FREE Standard Professional Installation - Up to 6 Rooms. Plus $400+ New Customer Bonus! 1-888-679-4649. •WANTED 10 HOMES For 2010 to advertise siding, windows, sunrooms or roofs. Save hundreds of dollars. Free Washer/Dryer or Refrigerator with Job. All credit accepted. Payments $89/month. 1-866-668-8681.

The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, SUNDAY, March 7, 2010 — 7B Mobile Homes

Mobile Homes

Help Wanted

Pets

For Rent

Autumn Care of Forest City has the following position: 2nd shift LPN 3pm-11pm and every other weekend. Great benefits and competitive salary. Please apply in person: 830 Bethany Church Rd., FC, Gina Walker, RN, DON or April Sisk, RN, ADON 828-245-2852 or fax resume: 828-248-2590 or email Admin122@ autumncorp.com EOE

Part time customer service Afternoons & Sat. Apply in person at Folk’s Cleaners in the Rockwood Plaza

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

Free to a good home Male and female cats. All shots, neutered and/or spayed. Call 828-245-9795

2BR near East High $300/mo. Dep. & ref’s req. Senior discount. Call 248-1909

2BR/1BA on Taylor Rd. in Rfdtn $300/mo. + $300 dep. No pets. Call 287-2511

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

Instruction

3BR DW in Harris. Water & sewer incld. $450/mo. + dep. 828-748-8801

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICE OFFICER FOR TOWN OF FOREST CITY The Town of Forest City is accepting applications for a police officer with starting salary of $33,259.00. Preferred applications will have a good knowledge of modern police practices, laws relating to arrest, search and seizure, apprehension of criminals and traffic control. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must possess NC General Law Enforcement Certification, high school diploma/GED, establish county residence within one year of employment, have no felony convictions and a valid NC class “C” driver’s license. Prior to employment, applicants must successfully complete a physical/drug screen examination, psychological, polygraph and extensive background investigation.

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

Application packets may be received in person at Forest City Police Department or by contacting Lacey Euten at (828) 245-5555 ext. 2101. For consideration the completed application packets must be returned to Chief Jay S. Jackson, 187 South Church Street, Forest City, NC 28043 by March 12, 2010.

(828)286-3636 ext. 221 www.isothermal.edu/truck

Work Wanted

Local company is seeking a Professional individual to join our team in the Operations Dept. Responsibilities will include, but not limited to, customer service and invoicing. Successful candidate will possess excellent communication, computer and organizational skills. Dependability is a must. This is a 3rd shift position. Please send resume, references & salary requirements to: PO Box 1149 • Box B Forest City, NC 28043

BAYADA NURSES is now hiring full and part time CNA’s for Polk County area. Call 828-696-1900 to apply Full time electrician and helper wanted. Minimum 5 yrs. exp.,

DRIVERS NEEDED Best of the Best only!

valid NC driver’s license

Send resume to: PO Box 1149 • Box A Forest City, NC 28043 Semi Truck & Car Mechanic w/tools. Pay is DOE. Some benefits. Call for appt 248-9723 Now hiring experienced Kitchen Manager or Asst Kitchen Manager Competitive salary and benefits. Call for appt. La Strada at Lake Lure 828-625-1118 after 10am www. lastradaatlakelure.com

Male Miniature Pincher

Black with brown trim, pure bread, no papers.

Born 2/4 $200 453-1876

Lost

For Sale Cemetery plot and concrete vault at Sunset. Vault value $1,200. Both for $1,000. 245-6694

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

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8B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

sports

Kevin Harvick wins truck race at Atlanta

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Kevin Harvick has won his third straight start in the NASCAR truck series, cruising to an easy victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He led 100 of 130 laps Saturday and pulled away to a 1.308-second victory over fellow Sprint Cup driver Kyle Busch. Harvick, who has seven truck victories in his career, won his final two starts of 2009 and made it to Victory Lane again in his season debut. Four-time and defending series champion Ron Hornaday, who started from the pole, was running third when a blown tire sent him slamming Associated Press into the wall between turns three and four, causing Dale Earnhardt Jr. practices for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 auto race at Atlanta severe damage to the rear deck of his truck. Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., Saturday. He’s off to a tough start this season, following up a 27th-place finish in the opening race at Daytona by placing 34th out of 36 trucks in Atlanta.

Martin to lunch with fans in SC

Junior

Continued from Page 1B

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Darlington Raceway is bringing its fans lunch with NASCAR star Mark Martin. Track president Chris Browning said Wednesday that last year’s Southern 500 winner would attend a luncheon at the Florence Civic Center. There will be a question-and-answer session with Martin, who at age 50 won a Sprint Cup event at Darlington Raceway for the first time since 1993. Browning said track leaders wanted to create an event fans could take part in before the race. Since Martin is among the most popular NASCAR drivers, Browning said it was a perfect fit for a fan event. The Southern 500 is set for May 8.

It wasn’t like he was with a mediocre team, either. Earnhardt’s three Hendrick Motorsports teammates — Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon — went 1-2-3 in the season standings. Junior didn’t even make the Chase for the Championship and wound up 25th overall. “We just got beat down last year,” Earnhardt said. During the offseason, car owner Rick Hendrick called on his considerable resources to turn things around with for No. 88 TNT hires Alexander as announcer team. Martin’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, was persuaded to let ATLANTA (AP) — TNT has hired Adam go of two crew members, includAlexander as its play-by-play announcer for the six ing his lead race engineer. He NASCAR races the network broadcasts during the also was steered toward a partsummer. nership with Earnhardt crew Alexander replaces Bill Weber, who did not call chief Lance McGrew, the sort the final three races of TNT’s coverage last season of relationship that has made for what the network termed a “private matter.” Johnson and Gordon such a Alexander is a reporter for SPEED, and has dynamic pairing. also worked as a play-by-play announcer for “We’ve seen race teams comMotor Racing Network. He’ll be joined in the pletely change their identity in booth by returning analysts Kyle Petty and Wally offseasons before,” Earnhardt Dallenbach. said. “I hope that’s what we’ve TNT also says that Lindsay Czarniak will host been able to do.” its pre-race show. She will also host TNT and Earnhardt’s redemption season NASCAR.com’s post-race coverage, and give midgot off to a promising start: a race updates and reports. hard-charging second-place finTNT takes over NASCAR coverage on June 6 at ish at Daytona, where he’s had Pocono through the July 10 race at Chicago. some of his greatest successes and was dealt his most devastating loss — the 2001 death of his father in a last-turn crash. Earnhardt knew a strong run at NASCAR’s most famous track wasn’t necessarily an indication that he’d be a contender anywhere else, though. It’s about doing it week after week. “We’re not the total package,” Earnhardt conceded. “We haven’t cured everything, obviously.” He was doomed by a broken axle at California, finishing 12 laps behind. He qualified fourth at Las Vegas last week and was in contention for a top-10 finish, though he dropped to 16th. Now, he’s on the pole for the Kobalt Tools 500 — the first time he’ll lead the field into a race since April 2008 at Texas. Earnhardt’s blistering lap of 192.761 mph was the fastest pole speed since 2007, before the boxier Car of Tomorrow made its full-time Cup debut. In fact, nearly everyone went faster than Associated Press the pole-winning speed for the Driver Kevin Harvick celebrates in victory lane after spring race at Atlanta a year ago. winning NASCAR Camping World Series E-Z-Go 200 “It’s actually crazy how fast it truck race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., is,” said Juan Pablo Montoya, Saturday. who’ll start inside the second

Associated Press

Dale Earnhardt Jr. climbs out of his car after qualifying for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 auto race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., Friday, March 5, 2010.

row. The speeds won’t be as quick on race day, but Earnhardt showed in the final practice Saturday that his qualifying effort was no fluke. He put up the second-fastest lap (185.517), only a thousandth of a second behind Martin on the 1.54-mile trioval. “It builds a lot of confidence,” Earnhardt said. “It’s just a matter of time. If we keep performing like this, it should leak over to our performance on Sunday and we can get to where we want to be as a race team.” Where he wants to be is where Johnson already is. The winner of an unprecedented four straight Cup championships shows no signs of letting up in his quest for five, rolling into Atlanta off back-to-back victories. “To have so many people working in the right direction and have their career paths peaking at the same point collectively as a group is pretty cool,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t happen often in sports.” He is one away from his 50th career win. If it comes in his 295th start, Johnson will be the fourth-fastest to achieve that feat, trailing only Gordon, David Pearson and Darrell Waltrip. “I definitely never dreamed of being in this position,” he said. “To be here and living this is pretty damn cool, and weird,

and amazing. I’m very proud of what I’ve done as a driver and very proud of what we’ve done as a team and how we’ve worked together over the years.” Johnson is not satisfied, either. “I feel we have a lot more to prove and a lot more that we can still do as a race team,” the 34-year-old said. “We are fairly young as a whole, I would say coming into the middle part of our careers. I think there is a lot of racing left in all of us.” NASCAR is surely pulling for someone to step up as a potential challenger. TV ratings are down, empty seats are becoming more and more the norm. The struggling economy has surely had an impact, but Johnson’s extended dominance isn’t making it any easier to sell the oncehip sport. Earnhardt getting back into the mix would undoubtedly boost interest. That said, there’s no denying Johnson’s greatness. “There’s probably a belief that the garage area has this animosity or negative energy about the 48 (Johnson’s car) and Hendrick Motorsports in general,” Jeff Burton said. “I just don’t have that. “I want it to be me and, don’t get me wrong, I’m not cheering for them. But I also respect a great deal of what they’ve done. It’s unbelievable what they’ve been able to do.”

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Inside Engagements . . . . . Page 4C Sunday Break. . . . . Page 7C

Sunday Brunch Jean Gordon

Clicking buttons could mean . 20 new roofs Want to roof a house for a senior citizen or low-income homeowner? Even if you can’t climb and put on shingles, with a click of a couple buttons on your computer, you can help Rutherford Housing Partnership win another national grant to roof houses. “Pepsi Refresh” has selected RHP to be in the running for one of its $25,000 grants this month and if awarded, RHP will put new roofs on at least 10 frame homes and 10 mobile homes in Rutherford County. The voting site is: http:// www.refresheverything.com/ rutherfordhousingpartnership “Pepsi Refresh” grant voting, gives you 10 opportunities each day to vote, but only for RHP once a day all month. Nell Bovender, RHP’s executive director, says the thing that has amazed her most about the online voting, “is how many people took it personally the first time around.” Last fall RHP won $20,000 in grant money from Tom’s of Maine because people from the area and across the state went online and voted for RHP. “The whole idea is you have strangers voting because we are so connected,” he said. “The beauty of the online voting thing, everybody has a chance to contribute to a greater cause,” Bovender said. She has sent the online address to people in other counties and states and folks everywhere are voting for RHP. “There is a huge interest in it,” she said. Non-profits have these opportunities for grants on a regular basis and when Bovender and the RHP board learned of the Pepsi Refresh, they got the application prepared and submitted. She encourages other nonprofits to get their application ready and try. “It is all online,” she said, adding we are all being forced to do the social networking, but it is definitely working. Like me, she doesn’t do much social networking, but for new roofs, she’ll click on the vote and ask everyone else to do the same. “Life is changing,” she added of social networking and how it is affecting so many lives. And because of that, life will possibly change for the 20 or more homeowners in Rutherford County who could get a new roof faster than thought. There are lots of people who are putting buckets all over the house to catch rain because of worn out and dilapidated roofs. You can help change a life. Because you voted last fall for the Tom’s of Maine grant, RHP received $20,000 for handicapped ramp construction. In fact, some of the $20,000 from Tom’s is already at work. Just recently Bethel Baptist Church constructed a ramp in Ellenboro for a disabled senior adult and was the first of an estimated 25 that will be constructed this year with money from Tom’s grant as the result of on-line voting. So go ahead all you social networkers out there, visit the site, vote 10 times a day and ask your friends to do the same. Folks can certainly use our help. And if you do like heights and like to climb or if you want to stand on the ground and build ramps, give RHP a call. The more volunteers, the more work can be done. Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com.

Contributed photo

Inside the new home of the Visual Arts Center, located at 160 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, is a variety of works of more than 65 artists. After less than a year, the center moved into a larger facility on Main Street and celebrated the move recently.

More room for art Less than a year after opening, RCVAG has moved to larger building

RUTHERFORDTON — Whether it’s green travel, antebellum architecture or thriving artists in rural settings – whether it’s printing, painting, or pottery – or all of the above – travelers looking for experiences in any of these areas should check out three “don’t miss” weekends on tap for April. n Experience “Days of Clay”— April 9 and 10: During “Days of Clay,” potter Ken Sedberry will be on location at historic Wood Winds Farm demonstrating the techniques he uses to create his unique sculptural effigy pots. Potter Daniel Bair, well-known for his graceful 3-foot tall pots, will host participants at his studio for demonstrations of his combination of throw and coil techniques.

By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer

RUTHERFORDTON — A dream in December 2008 has come true in a greater way than expected for artists in Rutherford County and surrounding areas. The Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild celebrated its successful year and its move to a larger facility during a gala at the new location Friday night. The center is located at 160 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, on the corner next door to the Chamber of Commerce. Guild president Sandy Fox shared with artists and guests the history of the center and its successful growth. “Now it is a dream come true,” Fox said of the vision they had just over a year ago. “At the end of our first year, the Visual Arts Center had become so successful that we expanded into new space in order to pursue new opportunities.” Over the past year, the Guild has grown in membership to more than 120 artists and friends and the Visual Arts Center displays the work of more than 65 artists, giving them a central marketplace for commission sales. The center includes a studio classroom in daily use, and a corps of dedicated teachers offering classes in watercolor, drawing and knitting

‘Arts in April’ begins April 9

n Celebrate “Earth Day” Creating Naturally —April 16 and 17: As a great way to celebrate Earth Day, nature lovers will be able to take home a frameable print from the “Art of Nature Printing” workshop. Using natural materials gathered on location at the 90-acre West Point Farms along the Broad River, participants will learn to capture on paper the delicate features of ferns and flowers. No previous art experience is necessary. Contributed photo

Missy Hughes (above) took part in a weaving class at the Visual Arts Center. Susan Brooks jewelry (left) is for sale at the RCVAG’s center.

classes. Fox said the classes have attracted nearly 50 students from across the area. Last summer’s “Tour of the Arts” for children provided a much needed opportunity for community outreach to 20 participants in three week-long sessions. Fox said the events occurred even while the Guild was busy sponsoring its annual Spring Art Hop studio tours and the fall Celebration of the Please see Guild, Page 8C

n Art and Antebellum Architecture — April 23 and 24: The “Art and Architecture” workshop is an opportunity to paint in the charming antebellum neighborhood of Rutherfordton. This area has the largest standing cluster of antebellum structures in Western North Carolina. Artists will work on site among historic 19th century houses and the 1849 St. John’s Church. Instruction will be available from experienced teachers in oil, watercolor, acrylic and pastel. These workshops are sponsored by the Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild and take place in various locations around the town of Rutherfordton. Additional information about each workshop is on the Visual Arts Guild website www. rcvag.com or contact the Guild directly at 828-288-5009.

Sailors featured artist for March at RCVAG

Contributed photo

Rutherford County native and artist Holly Ann Sailors will display her work at the Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild throughout the month of March.

RUTHERFORDTON — Holly Ann Sailors is the March featured artist at the Rutherford Visual Artist Gallery in Rutherfordton. Sailors creates paintings and drawings that use symbolism, metaphor, illustration and narrative. Sailors’ artwork is complicated, intricate and detailed. “My work is decorative and uses religious imagery to explore the ever-present connection to ritual, tradition and history,” Sailors said. “The figurative, the decorative and the dramatic attract me.” Eleven pieces of her work can be seen at the arts gallery on North Main Street until March 31. Sailors grew up in Cliffside and attended high school in Rutherford County. “My family has been very supportive of my career choices, and I look to them for inspiration in my work,” she said. “Since a child, I have been driven to make art. Western North Carolina has been a place where I have learned to find humor in any situation, and have learned never to take myself too seriously. Life is about change, experimentation, trials, failures and attempts Please see Sailors, Page 8C

2C â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

local

Out & About Heart To Heart Luncheon

Sealy Mattress Giveaway

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The Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auxiliary Gold Hill Missionary Baptist Association sponsored its third annual Heart to Heart Luncheon and Tea Saturday. During the luncheon, a $1,000 check was presented to Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place director Travis McEntyre, for the operation of the center. More than 200 women and guests attended the event that included lunch and guest speakers Judge Laura Bridges, Lula Price and Jackie Hampton. Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place is a home for women who are transitioning from incarceration or rehabilitation into job training and seeking employment.

Contributed photo

The Thomas Jefferson High School Academic Team traveled to Raleigh this past weekend to compete against 27 of the top high school academic teams in North Carolina and the south east region. The team placed third in this regional competition. Two team members, Jonathan Bass of Boiling Springs, and Regina Maimone of Green Hill, ranked in the top 20 students across the state of North Carolina spanning five state-wide competitions this season. The TJCA

team will compete in the state academic team championships in Greensboro on Saturday, March 13.

When Joe and Barbara Freemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandson, Ryder Crayton Freeman, was born Friday, Feb. 5 in Winston-Salem, in the middle of the second snow storm of the season, his grandparents werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too surprised. After all, Ryderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents, Ryan and Shannon Freemen exchanged their vows at Herbert Glacier, Alaska, a few years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What can you expect when your par-

ents get married at the Glaciers,â&#x20AC;? Barbara quipped.

After council gave its approval to allow the town churches to utilize the town cemetery for the Easter Sunrise service, even before they asked Mayor Jimmy Dancy said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it in faith before they even ask.â&#x20AC;?

As Tuesday afternoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s snowfall began, two Chimney Rock State Park employees were headed to Hendersonville for a meeting. As the snow increased, Mary Jaeger-

Stephanie Wright (right) was the winner of Holland Furnitureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual drawing held on Jan. 31, at the store in Henrietta. Wright won a Sealy mattress set. Also pictured is store owner Eddie Holland.

Gale and Meghan Rogers decided they had better get back home before they were snowed in. That was a good decision. Hendersonville got 8 to 10 inches of snow. Upper Chimney Rock received 4 inches.

Dave Johnson, husband of Susan Johnson of Forest City, is back in Norfolk, Va. following his deployment to Haiti just days after the earthquake According to

Susan, Dave went from 105-degree weather in Haiti to arriving in Norfolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 36 degrees with a windchill of 27 degrees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quit a contrast in five hours time,â&#x20AC;? Susan says. The goal of getting the surgical hospitals up and running in Haiti was completed with 50 of the 59 surgical hospitals in operation again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;An extraordinary accomplishment in only six weeks,â&#x20AC;? she said. Haiti is still experiencing two to three aftershocks each week.

After Rutherfordton Town Council gave Kevin Dinga the goahead to plan his 5K run in Rutherfordton on May 1, Councilman Kevin Cobb told the R-S Central senior, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you in any capacity as long as I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to run.â&#x20AC;? The Severe Weather Awarenesss Drill, Rutherford County Schools was cancelled Tuesday due to the weather, the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th snowfall of the season.

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 — 3C

local Hospice of Rutherford County offers services FOREST CITY — Hospice of Rutherford County offers the following services: GRACE support groups: Meets the first Tuesday of each month at Rutherford LifeCare from 4 to 5:30 p.m.; and the third Friday of each month at the Senior Center from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; GRACE is for anyone caring for a loved one in the community. The programs scheduled are: March 2, “Yoga Tips for Caregivers,” with Kay Sheets; March 19, “Self Care” with Patty Olson; April 6, “Nutrition and Feeding Tips” with Maggie Fekete, Dietician at Rutherford Hospital, (held at LIFECare); April 16, “Self Care, Stress Management, and Sharing Experiences” with Patty Olson, (held at Senior Center); May 4, “Self Care, Stress Management, and Sharing

Experiences” with Patty Olson, (held at LIFECare); May 21, Larry Reeves, Director of Western Chapter of the Alz. Assoc., will present information regarding dementia caregiving. HOPE support group: Tuesdays for four weeks beginning March 2 at the Center of Living. This group is for any adult who has lost a loved one. Hospice Memorial service: April 22, 6 p.m., at CECC featuring Rev. Billy Honeycutt. On My Own Series workshop: Thursday, March 25, 1 p.m., at the Carolina Event and Conference Center; topic “Lawn and Yard Maintenance”; this seminar is for anyone living on their own due to the loss of a loved one to death or illness. PROMISE Support Group: This group is for parents who

have lost adult children. The group is conducted in four week increments. Call for details. Widow/Widower’s Lunch Bunch meeting: Third Friday of each month at the Carolina Event and Conference Center. Dutch treat, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone in the community who has lost a spouse. Volunteer training: April 12-14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the HNG office in Lake Lure; and April 26-29 at the Carolina Event and Conference Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Training is also available on DVD. Hospice Library: Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY —Rutherford Housing Partnership has been selected by Pepsi to be in the running for one of its $25,000 “Pepsi Refresh” grants for March and folks are encouraged to visit the Web site and vote for the project, http:// www. refresheverything.com/rutherfordhousingpartnership RHP is aiming for repairing roofs in the “Project Cover-Up.” Online voters have 10 opportunities each day to vote, but only for RHP once a day all month. Persons have to register on Facebook or directly with Pepsi the first time, but then click on the link and go from there, says Nell Bovender, RHP executive director. The goal for RHP is to repair or replace at least one-half of the roofs on the RHP database. An overview of the roof project posted on the site says: “Due to our ailing economy and skyrocketing roofing materials, low-income homeowners in the community are finding it more difficult than ever to repair the roofs of their homes, which are dilapidated, weathered, leaky and extremely

worn. Many of these folks are living with buckets throughout their house to catch the water. To make matters even worse, Rutherford County has seen the most rainfall in about 20 years and record snowfall. The average cost to replace a roof to RHP is $2,000. “We want to ‘cover up’ the roofs, and make the homeowners once again proud to call their home, a home.” Bovender explained is RHP received the $25,000 grant, $20,000 will be used to replace 10 frame house roofs and $5,000 would be used to replace 10 mobile home roofs. Last year RHP was awarded a $20,000 grant from Tom’s of Maine, also through online voting. The grant is for handicapped ramps and already, RHP has begun constructing the new ramps with the Tom’s of Maine grant. RHP provides urgent repairs to the homes of low-income homeowners, and roofs are one of the most frequent urgent requests. Web site www.refresheverything.com/rutherfordhousingpartnership.

Crowe

Dobbins

Horn

Ledford

Lineberry

Strickland

Swink

Nine seniors awarded GWU scholarships

BOILING SPRINGS — Gardner-Webb University has named nine Rutherford County high school seniors as GWU scholarship recipients. Those students include: Haylee Champion, daughter of Jeff and Dale Champion of Cliffside, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy; Emily Cogdell, daughter of Brian and Crystal Boone of Rutherfordton, Contact Gordon via email:jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com R-S Central High School; Heidi Crowe, daughter of Jimmy and Tracy Crowe of Rutherfordton, R-S Central High School; Tyler Dobbins, son of Tim and Tina Dobbins of Ellenboro, East Rutherford High School;

More winning photographers in ‘Faces and Places’ exhibit RALEIGH — Striking faces and special places of North Carolina are showing up in an eastern and western route of the “Celebrate North Carolina: Faces and Places” photography exhibit. An initiative of First Gentleman Bob Eaves, in cooperation with the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, there are even more reasons to celebrate now. Two members of the N.C. Press Photographers Association, Ethan Hyman and Corey Lowenstein, who have photographs on the tour, recently won photography awards from the photographers’ association. The exhibit has 30 exceptional photographs and will travel to 30 venues at libraries or museums from Murphy to Kill Devil Hills. Each venue will show four images from winners of the 2009 N.C. State Fair, eight from the State Archives, and 18 from members of the N.C. Press Photographers Association. The tour is one of several events from the Office of

Cogdell

Contact Hospice at 245-0095 to register for any of the support groups or events listed.

RHP up for Pepsi Refresh grants, online voting By JEAN GORDON

Champion

Heather Horn, daughter of Terry and Crystal Horn of Ellenboro, East Rutherford High School; Justin Ledford, son of Larry and Kim Ledford of Ellenboro, REaCH; Letha Lineberry, daughter of Jerry and Millie Lineberry of Forest City, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy; Allen Strickland, son of Joey and Denise Strickland of Ellenboro, East Rutherford High School; Jessica Swink, daughter of Dan and Teresa Swink of Hollis, East Rutherford High School; Gardner Webb in a private, co-educational, regional university with an enrollment of 3,800 students.

Top volunteer deadline soon FOREST CITY — Rutherford County is conducting its annual search for the county’s top Volunteer of the Year, with the winner landing a $1,000 donation for the agency he or she most helps. Nomination forms are due by Friday, March 19. Volunteers are lifelines for the organizations they serve, said Faye C. Hassell, executive director of United Way of Rutherford County, the sponsor of the $1,000 award. “The donation draws attention to the value of volContributed photo unteers in this community,” she said. Corey Lowenstein’s Durham Divine Divas showcases a cheering squad of senior Applications for the 2010 Ruther-ford County citizens, and took second place in the feature category. Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service are now available. The annual volunteer recognition program is the First Gentlemen and the Cameron Durham Divine Divas coordinated by Volunteer Rutherford. The proto “Celebrate North Village Branch of the showcases a cheering gram is sponsored by the Rutherford County Carolina.” It started Wake County Public squad of senior citiCommissioners. on March 1, at the Library in Raleigh. zens, and took second Volunteers may be nominated in five categoCaldwell County Public Museums were invited place in the feature cat- ries – individuals, youth (18 years and younger), Library in Lenoir, to complete the geoegory. Winning State senior adults (60 years and older), group or team, and also at the Public graphic distribution of Fair images on the and business. Any individual, group, business or Library of Smithfield the tour. east tour are Ripley’s organization whose volunteer activities benefit the and Johnston County Hyman’s winning pic- Believe It Or Not, by community in a substantial, important or unique in Smithfield. The ture Not so easy, took Diana Bloomfield; way is eligible. libraries responded to honorable mention in Kaitlyn Lacombe, by All nominees will be honored at the annual lunan invitation from the press photographers Brian Cyr; Historic cheon Friday, April 23. State Library of North feature category, and Mecca Restaurant, Nomination forms are available at the Carolina to participate. shows a pedestrian Downtown Raleigh, by Cooperative Extension office, 193 Callahan Koon It concludes on Feb. 19, leaping across a huge Anthony Sammarco; Road, Spindale, or at the Habitat ReStore, 686 W. 2011, at the Durham puddle on his way to Main St., Forest City. For an online application call Please See Exhibit Page 4C County Public Library lunch. Lowenstein’s Cynthia Clark, 287-6190

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4C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

local Engagements Christiana Dawn Wilson and Brian Scott Baynard Christiana Dawn Wilson and Brian Scott Baynard are engaged and plan to be married Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. Christiana is the granddaughter of Cread and Annette Wilson of Forest City. She is a 2005 graduate of R-S Central High School and employed by Universal Mental Health and Rutherford County Communications Center. Brian is the son of Marshal and Linda Baynard of Forest City, and Vanessa Baynard of Ellenboro. He is a 1995 graduate of R-S Central High School and employed by Parton Lumber Company.

Baynard, Wilson

Jamie Louise Hutchins, Robert Jonathon Carver Greg and Beth Hutchins of Forest City, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jamie Louise, to Robert Jonathon Carver, son of Robert and Kathy Carver of Rutherfordton. The bride-elect is a 2006 graduate of R-S Central High School and a student at Gardner-Webb University, where she will graduate in December 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Jamie is employed as the head volleyball coach at R-S Central High School. The groom-elect is a 2005 graduate of R-S Central High School and a 2008 graduate of Isothermal Community College with a degree in criminal justice. Jonathon is employed by Food Lion LLC. A May 22, 2010 wedding is Carver, Hutchins planned at Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

Contributed photo

Trinity Christian School Headmaster Lewis Freeman holds a collection jar for students to place money in during the school’s Clean Water for Children campaign for Samaritan’s Purse. For 28 days, students collected coins for the drive and gathered a little more than $700.

Students collect for Samaritan’s Purse RUTHERFORDTON — Trinity Christian School students took part in collecting coins for Clean Water for Children through Samaritan’s Purse for 28 days in January and February. Students collected coins based on a calendar sent home by the school; on the first day students were to give five cents for each cookbook in their house and on other days to donate 25 cents for each TV in their home. The purpose of each calendar, said the school’s Parent

Teacher Co-Op, was to help facilitate a conversation between parents and children on the importance of having clean drinking water. Students learned that less fortunate people in some countries are forced to drink unsanitary water which causes serious illness and even death. Students collected a little more than $700, enough money for Samaritan’s Purse to purchase seven water filters.

Steam Station Workers

Rutherford County Schools

Kindergarten Registration In Progress

State law requires that children be five years of age on or before August 31, 2010 to enroll. Where: All RCS Elementary Schools When: What:

Regular School Hours

Your Child’s Birth Certificate, Social Security Number, and immunization Records

IT’S THE LAW!

A physical exam and required immunizations should be completed prior to the beginning of school. Don’t wait until the last minute! Schedule a physical exam and immunizations NOW.

Register NOW and BE READY for Kindergarten Orientation on April 29 from 4:00-6:00 PM. For more information, contact the elementary school in your school attendance district, or call Rutherford County Schools at 245-0252, Ext. 132

She’s informed. Are you? Read

Two employees at the Duke Energy Cliffside Steam Station work high above the project last week. Contributed photo

Exhibit Continued from Page 3C

and Cape Moon Rising, by Miriam Sutton. State Fair winning photographs on the west tour are Sonia’s Yard – The Bird Cage, by Ellen Giamportone; City Market, Raleigh, by Brian Potter; Walton Green Likes Trucks, by Candace Green; and Hummingbird, by Christa Rice.

For additional information, call (919) 807-7389. The State Library of North Carolina is a division of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency with the mission to enrich lives and communities, and the vision to harness the state’s cultural resources to build North Carolina’s social, cultural and economic future. Information is available 24/7 at HYPERLINK “http://www.ncculture.com” www. ncculture.com.

Trinity Christian School

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 — 5C

local College News Wingate releases fall dean’s list WINGATE — Wingate University has named the two students from Rutherford County to the Dean’s List for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement during the fall 2009 semester. The Dean’s List requires a term GPA of3.30 or at least 12 quality point academic hours with no grade below a C. Those named are: Vada Katlyn Haynes and Sarah Elizabeth Rome, both of Forest City. Wingate University has also named two students from Rutherford County to the President’s List for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement during the fall 2009 semester. The President’s List requires a term GPA of3.80 on at least 12 quality point academic hours with no grade below a C. Those named are: Jordan Tyler Crowe and Kathryne Elizabeth Ensley, both of Rutherfordton.

New Arrivals RUTHERFORDTON — The following babies were born at Rutherford Hospital. Kevin Pruett and Tabitha Kay Broyles, Bostic, a girl, Katelyn Leann Pruett, Feb. 15. Scott Tucker and Constance Lancaster, Bostic, a girl, Payton Nicole Tucker, Feb. 16. Thomas Robinson and Samantha Maness, Marion, a boy, Joshua Thomas Robinson, Feb. 16. Jason and Jennifer Fowler, Ellenboro, a girl, Lilly Hope Fowler, Feb 17. Justin Rector and Gabrielle Toney, Forest City, a boy, Hayden Nolan Reep, Feb. 17. Jessica Ayers, Mooresboro, a girl, Kelsey Marie Ayers, Feb. 18. Mr. and Mrs. Travis W. Hodge, Forest City, a boy, Henry Wayne Hodge, Feb. 19. Andrew and Tasha Kegley, Spindale, a boy, Aiden Matthew Kegley, Feb. 20. Paul O. Yoder and Brittany N. Hartley, Rutherfordton, a girl, Breanna Lin Yoder, Feb. 21. James and Sarah Trautman, Mill Spring, a boy, Jesse Emory Trautman, Feb. 23. Pablo Torrez and Brigitte Reithel-Duarte, Rutherfordton, a boy, Pablo Jr. Torrez Reithel, Feb. 22. Mr. and Mrs. Tyree L. Hickman, Forest City, a boy, Khalil Lebron Hickman, Feb. 23. Kayla Hutchins, Forest City, a boy, Cameron Scott Hutchins, Feb. 23. Alonso Munoz and Katherine Waters, Rutherfordton, a boy, Alonzo Giovanni, Feb. 24. Travis Moore and Sandi Ruppe, Ellenboro, a boy, Robert Braxton Moore, Feb. 24. Mr. and Mrs. Joel James McDaniel Jr., Lake Lure, a boy, Jacob River McDaniel, Feb. 24. Darrell Nixon and Meshell Butler, Forest City, a boy, Darrell Jermaine Nixon Jr., Feb. 24. Christopher Joiner and Heather Shehan, Forest City, a boy, Hezekiah Jamell Joiner, Feb. 24. Travis Queen and April Thompson, Rutherfordton, a girl, Jaden Marie Queen, Feb. 26.

Symphony to perform Beethoven’s Emperor RALEIGH, N.C.— after guest soloists. Pianist Antonio Pompa- Naturally, he has the Baldi takes the stage skill and stage presence with Music Director to match. Charleston Grant Llewellyn and Gazette music critic the North Carolina David Williams hailed Symphony to perform Pompa-Baldi’s perforBeethoven’s powerful mance of the “Emperor” “Emperor” Concerto, Concerto last year as April 8-10. The con“the finest performance cert also highlights the of a Beethoven concerto Symphony’s world-class I have ever heard,” addwind and brass secing that “his tone was tions with commanding never forced or steely. works by Stravinsky, Even in the loudest pasBach and Arvo Pärt. sages there was remarkThe performances able warmth. This was begin at Memorial Hall one of the finest perforon the campus of the mances I have heard in University of North 18 seasons as a music Carolina at Chapel Hill, critic.” Thursday, April 8, folBalancing the expanlowed by two weekend sive, rich texture of the concerts at Meymandi “Emperor” Concerto Concert Hall in downwill be Stravinsky’s town Raleigh’s Progress Octet for Winds and Energy Center for the Bach’s first Orchestral Performing Arts, Friday Suite, both emphaand Saturday, April sizing purity of the 9-10. All concerts begin Symphony’s wind at 8:00 p.m. instruments. Stravinsky Following prizewinsaid that his piece “is ning performances not an 'emotive' work, in world-renowned but a musical composipiano competitions, as tion based on elements well as appearances which are sufficient in in venues from New themselves.” York’s Lincoln Center The evening also feato Beijing’s Forbidden tures North Carolina City Concert Hall, Symphony principal Antonio Pompa-Baldi has earned a reputaPlease See Symphony Page tion as one of classical 6C music’s most sought-

Contributed photo

The R-S Central JROTC first-year rifle team displays medals and plaque won in the 2010 Aviation Ordnance Association Postal Rifle Match. From left, Cadet Staff Sergeant Alex Murray; Cadet Lance Corporal Amber Swink; Cadet Corpral Courtney Blair; and Cadets Lance Corporal Samantha Morris and Steven Murphy.

Central MCJROTC takes Postal Match awards RUTHERFORDTON — The R-S Central MCJROTC Rifle Team posted strong finishes in several recent matches. Several times throughout the season, the team competed in postal matches in which they fired targets at their home range and sent them to the sponsoring organization for scoring. The first-year team, composed only of shooters in the first year of competition, did especially well. In the Aviation Ordnance Postal, R-S Central finished first in the novice division among a field of thirty-two teams. With 170 shooters competing, Cadet Lance Corporal Steven Murphy finished first overall and earned three medals. Cadet Staff Sergeant Alex Murray took third, capturing two more med-

als, while Cadet Lance Corporal Amber Swink took one. In the Pasco High School (FL) Postal Match, R-S Central finished second of fifty-one teams in the veteran category. Cadet First Sergeant Logan Hartzog took second place overall while also earning a position medal. Cadet Second Lieutenant Jessica Eberhart earned a medal as well. In the novice category, the team finished first of sixteen teams. Murphy was again the match champion, taking first overall as well as first in each of the three positions. Murray earned three medals and Cadet Lance Corporal Samantha Morris captured one. In the highly competitive Mountain Grove (MO) Postal, R-S Central earned the fourth

place trophy in the novice division and took fifth place, just out of trophy contention, in the veteran division. The team faced 81 veteran teams as well as 68 teams in the novice division. Murphy brought home the team’s sole individual award with a prone medal in the novice division. The American Legion Postal match is one of the biggest of the year featuring the top JROTC units, high school teams and shooting clubs from throughout the U.S. R-S Central was named the North Carolina champion and one of a select number of teams chosen to advance to the next round. In addition, Eberhart finished well enough to shoot in the follow-on round as an individual, as well.

Salvation Army Thrift Store Relocates

Jean Gordon/Daily Courier

Gary Creswell, a director of Salvation Army Thrift stores across the state, was at the thrift store in Forest City last week preparing for the opening of the new store on Duke Street. . The new store opened at Friday at 9:30 a.m. The center was relocated about 200 feet from its former location and is behind the driver’s license office off Withrow Road.

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6C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

local Red Cross

Chase Middle Students Serve at Banquet

FOREST CITY — The need for blood remains constant and it is important to take the time to give blood and platelets during these coming months. All those donating blood or platelets until March 31 has an opportunity to win a $1,000 gift card. 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 287-5916.

Symphony

$30 to $45. Meymandi Concert Hall is located in the Progress Continued from Page 5C Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh, NC trumpet Paul Randall 27601. Memorial Hall is for Estonian composer located on E. Cameron Avro Pärt’s Concerto Ave, Chapel Hill, NC Piccolo after B-A-C-H. 27514. Regular tickets to Classical Series perforFor information visit mances in Raleigh and ncsymphony.org or call Chapel Hill range from 919.733.2750.

Contributed photo

Chase Middle School Life Skills students participated in serving at Chase High School’s FFA Banquet last week. Pictured are (l-r): in front — Gaither Rollins, Ricky Chavez, Maggie Upton, Mia Chapman and Madison Francis; in back — Tiffany Barnes, Trent Head, Eric Brigman.

Mrytle Beach offers ways to save bucks on vacations MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — Myrtle Beach has a reputation as a family beach — a workingman’s destination where a week of sun and fun with the kids won’t break the bank. In a time of layoffs, high unemployment and recession, that makes the Grand Strand — the 60 miles of shoreline from Georgetown, S.C. to the North Carolina state line — especially attractive. The area offers a bit of everything: weathered beach bungalows at Pawleys Island and mom-and-pop hotels amid pricier high-rise condos in Myrtle Beach; amusement parks where you pay by the ride; and golf challenges ranging from tilting at minigolf windmills to making the green on windswept layouts winding through stands of oak. But the main attraction is, and always has been, the beach. Start your visit at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce — better yet go online before you arrive: http://www.visitmyrtlebeach. com. The main office is a few blocks off the shore in the heart of Myrtle Beach. There’s a second visitor center at the airport and a third in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet to the south. The chamber folks are invaluable at helping with reservations and sorting through an array of options. GETTING AROUND: Most visitors arrive by car. On busy beach weekends, that can mean traffic snarls. New roads in recent years have helped. The Carolina Bays Parkway, state Route 31, and the Conway Bypass, state Route 22, now provide expressway alternatives to what was once stop-and-go traffic. An interstate link, I-73, is also in the works. On the visitmyrtlebeach. com site, you can click on a city of origin and get an estimate of gas costs for the trip. That can help ensure your budget isn’t bushwacked even before you arrive.

FREE, OR NEARLY FREE, FAVES: A new milelong, $6 million boardwalk, set to be completed this spring, is being built along the shore in the center of Myrtle Beach. It will have green spaces to sit and old-fashioned street lamps. During the summer, there are street performers, face painters and free concerts; http://www.myrtlebeachdowntown.com Broadway At the Beach, between the shore and the Intracoastal Waterway, is a 350-acre entertainment and shopping complex featuring everything from an IMAX 3-D theater to Ripley’s Aquarium and from Hard Rock Cafe to burger restaurants and pubs. As the weather warms up, there are free concerts with regional acts followed by fireworks; http://www.broadwayatthebeach.com. A change of pace from the lights and bustle of downtown Myrtle Beach is the free Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk in nearby Murrells Inlet. It offers picturesque views of the fishing boats and wildlife such as heron and gulls in a quiet walk along the inlet. On the mainland side, the walk connects with a string of eight seafood restaurants in the town locals like to call “The Seafood Capital of South Carolina;” http://www.murrellsinletmarshwalk.com Festival season along the Grand Strand includes concerts, parades and other free events, kicking off with the annual Canadian-American Days Festival, March 13-21 — which is only fitting, since Canadians and other Northerners are the only ones in the water that early in the year. The Sun Fun Festival takes place in June and the Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival winds up the season at Labor Day; http:// www.grandstrandevents. com. From June through August, the Market Common, a shopping complex on what was

once the old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, offers a KidZone every Monday with jumping castles and the like. Kids can jump all day for $10. Friday nights the complex’s Valor Park has free live music; http://www.marketcommonevents.com If you’re looking for something beyond sand and surf, stop by the Franklin G. Burroughs Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. The museum, also free, has displayed contemporary art by Southern artists since 1977; http:// www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: The Myrtle Beach area offers a variety of amusement and water parks. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is the only seaside amusement park in the area. Dating to 1966, it features the signature Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster and the largest Ferris wheel in South Carolina. There’s no admission to the park itself, so parents won’t have to pay if it’s only the kids who want to ride. There are individual ride tickets or a $33 combo pass for unlimited rides for a day at both the amusement and water parks; http:// www.FamilyKingdomFun. com The famous beachfront Myrtle Beach Pavilion closed down several years back. But a number of the smaller rides, and the funnel cake stand, have been relocated to the smaller Pavilion Nostalgia Park at Broadway at the Beach. A newcomer to the amusement park scene, Freestyle Music Park, formerly known as Hard Rock Park, is looking for investors and it’s unclear whether operators will come up with the money to open this year. During spring and fall, you’ll find more people on the golf course than on the beach. With 100 regulation golf courses, there’s something for every golfer and most courses are public. More than four million rounds of golf are played

Central Rutherford County Churches (formerly the Churches of Spindale) 2010 Lenten Services (11th Annual)

Theme: The Emotions of the Cross First Baptist of Spindale Worship: 12:00 PM Lunch: 12:30 PM Cost of Lunch: $4.00

Jennine Watts

annually and each fall the PGA Tour Superstore World Amateur Handicap Championship is held on 70 different courses along the Grand Strand. One place to start is the Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday Web site, where you can log in with details about your trip plans and get quotes on golf packages with accommodations; http:// www.golfholiday.com. Golfers not trying to pitch out of a bunker are often trying to putt past buccaneers. The Grand Stand has more than 50 miniature golf courses, many with nautical themes. Full-price tickets run $8 for adults and about $6 for kids — but most courses offer discounts if you play during the day rather than during the busier evening hours. Another big draw is shopping. You’ll find outlet stores, national chains like Victoria’s Secret and everything in between. The Grand Strand has 326 gift, novelty and souvenir stores, including the ubiquitous beachwear shops. The most popular souvenir? Anything from gym shorts to T-shirts and from paperweights to drinking glasses with “Myrtle Beach” on them, says Kimberly Miles, the public relations manager for the chamber. The Grand Strand also boasts 1,700 full-service restaurants. And it’s not just seafood. You’ll find everything from pancakes and country cooking to ribs, barbecue, and international cuisine. LODGING: With 60 miles of coastline, it’s not hard, or expensive, to find a room with a view of the water or one within a block or two of the shore. The Grand Strand has nearly 90,000 rooms for rent, from upscale hotels to mom-and-pop motels to villas and condos on golf courses. For the latter, the chamber can direct visitors to a half-dozen agencies that rent to vacationers. Or book your own online: Online rates for

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many condos and hotels in late March and April range from under $100 to over $200 a night. Many hotels in spring and fall offer specials, giving visitors a free night or two if they stay a specified number of nights. You can also stretch your dollar by looking at amenities. The Dunes Village Resort has a full-fledged 15,000-squarefoot indoor water park, free for guests, with a slide big enough for adults, so there’s no need for a trip to an amusement park; http:// www.dunesvillage.com. If the ocean is too cold for you in spring, many condo towers on the beach have free indoor-outdoor water complexes with pools, hot tubs and lazy rivers. For camping out, Myrtle Beach State Park offers 350 campsites along with nature programs and hiking trails. Huntington Beach State Park, farther south, has 133 campsites and features a castle-like home, Atalaya, once the winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband; http://www. SouthCarolinaParks.com. If you’re bringing the RV, the Lakewood Camping Resort offers 1,100 campsites and 85 villas on a 200-acre oceanfront campground. The resort is said to be the eighth-largest camping resort in the world; http:// www.Lakewoodcampground. com. TRAVEL TIPS: Fall and spring are increasingly popular times for golfing and shopping, and you’ll find plenty of vacationers from cold places like Buffalo, N.Y., or Vermont who think the weather’s perfect here for the beach in April. But the most popular season is still summer, with July Fourth as the busiest weekend. July is also the hottest month; temperatures average 87 degrees and the seaside humidity can make it feel hotter, but often the afternoon brings a sea breeze or even a thunder shower.

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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010 — 7C

Sunday Break

Happy family life eludes grasp of career focused woman Dear Abby: I’m 27 and in a three-year-long relationship that has been slowly falling apart. A year before it began, I ended a two-year union with another guy. While the two men are completely different, both relationships ended for similar reasons. I am a successful, independent woman. Apparently, this made each one feel like less of a man. While I’m told my qualities are part of the reason I’m attractive, men want to “prove themselves” before they commit to marriage. Things usually fall apart when their career plans shift and they feel like they’re starting over. I try to be supportive, but nothing works. They begin resenting me for everything I have accomplished. I am on

Dear Abby Abigail van Buren

a path to achieve everything I can before I scale back to have children and put my family first. I have two master’s degrees. I’m working on my license in a traditionally male profession. I’m on the board of directors of several nonprofits. I own my own home. But I’m beginning to be afraid I’ll never have the family life I have always wanted. Should I resign myself to the fact that I can’t have it all? — Successful...on paper Dear Successful...on paper:

Reader needs help finding product Dear Dr. Gott: I am trying to find a particular drawing salve that my grandmother, mother and I have used. It looks like a large Tootsie Roll and comes wrapped in a tan piece of rolled paper with black lettering. You melt a couple of drops of it onto a bandage and apply it where you have a sliver or piece of metal or glass. In a day or two, when you remove it, the sliver comes out. I have looked everywhere for it, but no one even knows what I’m talking about. I’m originally from Connecticut but now live in Virginia. I am hoping that because you are from Connecticut, maybe you know what I’m talking about and possibly know the actual name of the product. I have about 1 inch of my roll left, but don’t want to use it because I may never get it again. I would love to get hold of several rolls and lock them up in a safe for future use. Thanks for any help you can provide. Dear Reader: While I do not know the exact brand of which you are speaking, I believe that the product in question is ichthammol ointment. This product has been around for years and is typically used to treat slivers, boils and minor skin irritations, such as rashes or eczema.

PUZZLE

Ask Dr. Gott Dr. Peter M. Gott

The good news is that the product is still available in many pharmacies and chain stores. However, the particular product and packaging you have is likely to be old and no longer available, so you will have to do with the more modern ichthammol, which comes in small jars or tubes. The product is much easier to apply to affected areas because of its softer consistency. Dear Dr. Gott: I’ve been on your diet plan for four weeks with much success. I would like you to clarify one point. In your cookbook, it states that bacon is allowed; however, bacon has sugar because it is part of the curing process. Is this an error? Dear Reader: Sugar is part of the curing process for most bacon; however, sugar-free bacon is available. Also, the amount of sugar is likely small because, according to the nutrition labels of most brands, there are zero carbs (which means no sugars). Therefore, bacon is an acceptable part of my No Flour, No Sugar Diet.

Please don’t. And don’t give up and lower any of your goals, either. What you need is a man who is more secure within himself than those you have been involved with. The traditional roles of men and women have been turned upside down in the last few years, and the last thing you need is someone who would resent you if he couldn’t match or surpass your achievements. At 27 you are hardly over the hill. Keep your options open until you find someone who appreciates that a husband and wife are a team to which both bring their own strengths and weaknesses, and who will revel along with you when you succeed. As long as a couple is compatible, it doesn’t matter who is the larger wage earner.

Please don’t settle. Dear Abby: My friend, “Gail,” is estranged from her family and has no significant other. She is always trying to improve herself. She works out at a gym daily and has spent a fortune on plastic surgery. People have told me that Gail’s laugh is loud and embarrassing. Abby, it’s not just her laugh that’s grating, but her speaking voice is equally unpleasant. She is so loud that she has been asked to “lower the volume” in restaurants. How can I tell her that her money would be better spent on voice lessons? — Sounding Off Dear Sounding Off: Because your friend speaks so loudly that she has been asked

to quiet down, the first thing to do is suggest to her that she have her hearing checked by an audiologist. It’s possible that she is suffering from a hearing loss. If that’s not the case, then tell her that since she has done so much to improve her appearance, you think she could benefit from some sessions with a speech therapist because it would make her picture perfect. It may not be what she wants to hear, but sometimes it take a friend to tell the unvarnished truth. The acid test for situations like this is to ask yourself: “Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?” And in this case, the answer to all three questions is yes.

Snapshot of CPC programs

The Community Pet Center works to assist Rutherford County pet owners. In 2009, the Community Pet Center raised and contributed $104,927.35 to help community families and their pets. Following is a snapshot of our Community Pet Center Programs run completely by volunteers and made possible by generous community donors.

*Animal Cruelty-state-certified volunteers worked on 42 cases with Rutherford County Animal Control Officers. *Education- the Community Pet Center partners with teachers and students in 14 local schools on an ongoing basis. *Cat and Dog Foster Care-volunteers foster animals until they are adopted or rescued. *New Leash on Life-matches inmate handlers with shelter dogs under the guidance of our Community Pet Center canine training director. *Pads for Pets-volunteers built, refurbished and delivered 14 pet houses to Rutherford County families during the current winter beginning in October 2009 and ongoing. *Paws-A-Tive Obedience Classes-Our canine training director offers low-cost classes using positive reinforcement for dogs and their families. *Pet Food Pantry-assisted 72 families and their pets. *Peticare-helped the families of 110 pets get immediate veterinary emergency care. *Rescue-volunteer staff at Animal Control screen and select animals for rescue organizations throughout the North and Southeast. These animals are then transported to a number of out of state rescue groups (14).

IN THE STARS Your Birthday, March 7; There could be more than your share of lucky opportunities in the year ahead, and if you provide your best effort, they could all be quite rewarding. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — You could be exceptionally lucky dealing with ventures or projects you can manage and/or obtain a majority control. There is no doubt about your ability to succeed. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You’ll be exceptionally adept at handling the little things that occur behind the scenes when putting together something that a large group considers meaningful. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Whether you’re trying to or not, you will make those in your company feel exhilaration and joy. In fact, you might even be the catalyst for a fun activity. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — If you’re in a competitive situation at work or play, set your sights high and give it everything you have. Your chances are excellent for scoring big. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Your caring personality is far more magnetic at this time than usual. Don’t be surprised if family members, neighbors and friends all seem to cluster around you. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Although some of your methods to achieve a major accomplishment may seem unorthodox to others, they are exactly what you must do to reach the objective. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — If you need to brainstorm ideas and concepts, use this day to get together with several trustworthy friends whose intellect you greatly respect. They won’t let you down. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Even if this isn’t a workday, there’s a strong possibility you could be inspired to find ways to increase your income. Work things out in your mind, and try things out as soon as possible. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Friends you encounter socially could be of considerable help in furthering your self-interests. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — By maintaining a good attitude about things, a positive scenario is likely to unfold. Your perceptions will be critical in drawing good influences into your life. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If a unique thought is swirling in your head, dare to design something different. It’s an extremely favorable time. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don’t be intimidated by developments that cost more than you thought, especially if luck is required to meet the price.

The Pet Project Produced by Jo-Ann Close and Lynne Faltraco Community Pet Center

This program has saved and re-homed 389 animals in this past year alone. *Spay and Neuter Low-Cost Financial Assistance-In 2009, the Community Pet Center subsidized surgeries for the owners of 593 including 241 surgeries done with the assistance of our local veterinary clinics in October alone during our special Blitz Program. The Community Pet Center also assisted the owners of an additional 139 animals in getting their pets sterilized at highly discounted prices. The total number of animals spayed or neutered through the efforts of Community Pet Center volunteers during the past 12 months is 732. *Therapy Dogs-dogs and their volunteer handlers visit Hospice, local schools, and nursing homes. *Volunteers-We are proud to be able to say that we have 75 adult and 20 youth volunteers providing 400-750 hours of volunteering service each month.

Chill out with retro desserts Gelatin is a tasty ingredient to add to desserts. It’s cheap and comes in a wide variety of flavors. Strawberry Pretzel Gelatin 2 cups crushed pretzels 3/4 cup melted butter 1-1/4 cups sugar 8 ounces cream cheese 1 9-ounce tub whipped topping 2 3-ounce packages strawberry gelatin 1 cup boiling water 1 16-ounce package frozen sweetened strawberries Crust: Combine pretzels, butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into 9-by-13-inch baking dish and bake in preheated 350 F oven for 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature. White Layer: Cream together cream cheese and 1 cup sugar. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over pretzel crust. Red Layer: Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in frozen strawberries. Chill until partially set, about 1 hour, and spread over white layer. Chill until set and serve. — Michelle S., Massachusetts Gelatin Milkshake 1 cup milk 1 package (4-serving size) gelatin, any flavor 1 pint softened vanilla ice cream Pour 1 cup milk into blender, and add gelatin. Cover and blend 30 seconds. Add softened ice cream and blend 1 minute longer. — Ellise, South Carolina Strawberry Chocolate Pie 1 package (4-serving size) strawberry gelatin 1-1/4 cups boiling water 1 pint vanilla ice cream, soft-

Frugal Living by Sara Noel

ened 1 package chocolate crumb crust 3 tablespoons margarine 2 squares Baker’s SemiSweet Chocolate whipped topping, thawed (optional) fresh strawberries (optional) Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Spoon in ice cream. Stir until melted and smooth. Chill until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour into crust. Chill until firm, about 2 hours. Melt margarine with chocolate; cool. Spread over pie. With knife, lightly score pie into serving-size pieces. Chill until chocolate. — Lori, Illinois

Creamy Gelatin 4 cups boiling water 1 3-ounce package cherry gelatin 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, sliced into fourths 1 3-ounce package lemon gelatin 1 3-ounce package lime gelatin 1 3-ounce package orange gelatin Add 1 cup boiling water to package of cherry gelatin and stir. Add 1/4 of the vanilla ice cream and use a whisk to whip with the gelatin. Pour into a clear 9-by-13-inch pan for 15 minutes or until set. Add 1 cup of boiling water to package of lemon gelatin. Add 1/4 of the vanilla ice cream and use a whisk to whip with the gelatin. Pour on top of the cherry layer for 15 minutes or until set. Repeat. — Brenda, Missouri

8C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, March 7, 2010

LOCAL

Contributed photos

Dan Bair’s pottery (left) and Grant McRorie’s woodwork (above) are on display at the Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild.

Guild

Fun Nights and a very “successful Christmas Boutique,” Fox Continued from Page 1C explained. Economically the Arts at the Foundation. center has proven very Other events at the successful for its guild center last year includmembers. Art sales ed the “Wheel & Coil through the gallery & Slab” juried pottotaled $21,000 with tery exhibit, Dulcimer members receiving Music Nights, Art for $14,000 in commis-

sions. Classes and special events brought in $4,000 and donations and grants brought in another, $7,500. “None of this would have been possible without our volunteers,” Fox continued. “There is no way to count the thousands of hours that have been spent in preparing

the spaces, displaying the art works, staffing the Center, teaching the classes, keeping the books, developing programs and planning events. Just keeping the Center open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. five days a week for a year comes to a total of 7,800 hours. Many, many

Sailors

art as a therapy to cancer patients.

Continued from Page 1C

at proving yourself capable of something. My artwork has flourished from the time I lived in Western North Carolina. I have constantly drawn from my experiences there as a source of motivation.” Sailors gaduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University in 2009 and her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has been included in the permanent collection of Art at the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia. She attended Savannah College of Art and Design for a summer program in 2004, and studied abroad with the University of Georgia in Cortona, Italy, in 2008. Sailors studied for 10 years at Annette’s School of Art, in Forest City, before attending college. During college in Eastern North Carolina, Sailors taught Fine Art and worked in the hospital providing

more hours are spent behind the scenes.” Fox said not only have members been generous with their time, “they have also been generous in their support, making donations of materials and money,” Fox added. “All in all, 2009 has been a year of excite-

ment, a year that has brought new energy to the Visual Arts community. We hope that your enthusiasm will continue to sustain us in the coming years as it has this past year.” Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com.

After college, Sailors was awarded a grant to be N.C. Arts Council’s Community Arts Administration Intern for Fall 2009. She recently received a 2010 Regional Artist Project Grant Award from the North Carolina Arts Council. The NCAC will help fund the professional development and reproduction of her artwork for sales in galleries and museums. The Regional Artist Project grant is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Sailors is a selfemployed artist who is beginning her masters of fine arts degree in Painting. She has been accepted to the NY Academy of Art for Fall 2010. Sailors can be contacted for commission such as portraits and custom artwork. Her work can be seen at www.hollyannsailors.com or purchased from the Rutherford County Visual Artist Gallery in downtown Rutherfordton.

Contributed photo

Other works by Holly Ann Sailors include Distressed, Three Graces, American Miracle and Dust off Shoes. Sailors is the featured artist at Visual Arts Center.

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