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Funeral set for victim of local fire — Below Sports
Tourney underway R-S Central opened the annual Lady Hilltoppers Holiday Classic on Saturday
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Sunday, December 27, 2009, Forest City, N.C.
NATION
Day after Christmas is time to shop By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer
Nation’s midsection still buried
Page 10A
SPORTS
FOREST CITY — Approaching the check-out counter at Rose’s here, shopper Lou O’Dell was behind a shopping cart filled with After-Christmas bargain. With family birthdays in March, April and June, O’Dell discovered several toys 50 percent off prices as well gift wrap for next Christmas. Elsewhere in the store, Wanda Cash, was checking out her latest bargain, buying animated singing and dancing Santa Claus. “I collect these and buy one every year after Christmas,” she said. Standing in front of an empty wall where shoppers had already found bargains, Cash also had other toys in her shopping card to give to family next year. “We have a large family so I always shop early,” she said. “I’m especially finding these things that are marked down,” she added. Although she said, she shops on Black Friday, she prefers the day after Christmas shopPlease see Shopping, Page 6A
Tar Heels battled No. 17 Panthers in Charlotte Page 1B
GAS PRICES
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DEATHS Forest City
Emily Price Patricia Hughes Ronald Dobson Elsewhere Doyle Sisk Page 5A
WEATHER
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53 29 Today, mostly sunny. Tonight, clear. Complete forecast, Page 10A
INSIDE Classifieds . . . 4-7B Sports . . . B Section County scene . . . 6A Opinion . . . . . . . 4A Vol. 41, No. 308
Jean Gordon/Daily Courier
In front of an empty wall at Rose’s in Forest City, Wanda Cash of Sandy Mush was among hundreds of after-Christmas bargain shopper Saturday.
Airport interim manager extended
Education challenged during ’09 By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer
FOREST CITY – The year 2009 brought economic woes not just to those in manufacturing and other business, but those in the business of educating children and adults in Rutherford County. With budget freezes and reversions back to the state, those in education said 2009 proved challenging, but those challenges also provided new opportunities. “One significant occurrence has been the impact of the economy,” said Dr. John Kinlaw, superintendent of Rutherford County Schools. “Everything that happens in this community affects the school system.” One of the measures Rutherford County Schools took this year to lessen the impact of a declining economy was the revision of its transportation plan. At the start of the 2009-2010 school year, there were 11 fewer buses on the roads, with schools staggering start times in order to share buses. In May, the system learned it would have to revert back money to the state, a financial burden shared by Isothermal Community College. “The community college system as a whole has been doing reversions before all of this, but this was truly dire straits,” said Isothermal President Dr. Myra Johnson. Starting in February, Johnson said, the college was in financial lockdown – which didn’t affect the college’s budget but did put it into a no cash flow situation. “We could hire part-time instructors and asked about filling critical positions, but those requests were denied,” she said. In its 2009-2010 budget request to Rutherford County Commissioners, the college did not ask for an increase but rather a decreased allocation. “We certainly understand what the county faces and we kept all of that in focus Please see Education, Page 6A
By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer
feel overall? A: For a year where we faced such significant challenges, I’m really pleased with our accomplishments and proud of our staff. We’ve been able to weather the economic tempest with frugality and creativity and without drastic cuts or diminishment of services. We’ve got a great new mayor and council after the most spirited election in years. We’ve worked hard to put in place well-considered legislation on the tough issue of vacation rental activity in residential districts. We’ve been blessed with lots of rain! Personally, I’ve
RUTHERFORDTON — Rutherford County’s airport will begin 2010 as a field in transition, with a western hangar expansion project setting up and a temporary airport manager. Greg Turner will continue to be the manager at Marchman Field for at least 60 more days, but the decision didn’t sit well with county commissioners when they voted on it at a special meeting on Dec. 21. In July, the airport board voted to have Turner work 40 hours a week as interim airport manager and an assistant to work 25 hours a week at a cost of $9,848 for both of them for those next 60 days. The hours of operation for the airport are now Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Turner has continued to serve as airport manager since July, far longer than the originally voted on 60 days and has continued to report to the board at each of their meetings. “It has been almost 120 days and we only approved it for 90 days before,” Commissioner Margaret Helton asked of Airport Authority Chairman Alan Guffey. “Why have there been no applications and why do we have no (Fixed Base Operator) applications at this point?” Guffey said the airport board was asking county commissioners for an emergency, short-term action. “We’ve only asked for shortterm action on the emergency airport management to keep the fire behind us,” Guffey said. “We do have one strong candidate for FBO and there are negotiations on-going that look very promising, but our first request is going to expire
Please see Lake Lure, Page 3A
Please see Airport, Page 6A
Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
Investigators are still attempting to determine what ignited the fire that claimed two lives on Duncan’s Creek Church Road Wednesday.
Fire victim’s service today By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer
BOSTIC —The funeral service for teenaged fire victim, Jonathan Lee McSwain, 17, of Bostic, is today at 3 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Cooke and the Rev. William Swink officiating. Nyashia Gray, 19, also perished in the house fire Wednesday, Dec. 23. Her funeral service has not been scheduled. The teenagers died after the fire broke out at about 3 a.m. off Duncan Creek Church
Road, Hollis. The home was rented by his mother, Micki Lynn Capps McSwain. Jonathan was a native of Rutherford County, a son of Stacy Allison McSwain of Charlotte and Micki Lynn Capps McSwain of Bostic and was a student at the Rutherford Opportunity Center. He also played basketball at the Spindale House. He attended Bear Creek Bible Church. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two Please see Service, Page 5A
A look at Lake Lure in ’09 By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer
LAKE LURE — This resort community has seen a year of conflict and far-reaching policy. With an election that saw the town’s first new mayor in a decade, and a bitterly fought battle over regulations for the town’s vacation rental properties, 2009 will be remembered as a year of long ranging changes. Town Manager Chris Braund — himself a new addition this year — offered his thoughts on the year that was in the following Q & A: Q: Since this was first year as town manager, how do you
Now on the Web: www.thedigitalcourier.com
2A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
LOCAL/STATE SHE WILL STAND UP FOR CHILDREN
Blood donors needed; drive is set Monday From Staff Reports
Contributed photo
Chief District Court Judge C. Randy Pool swore in Guardian ad Litem volunteer Judith Muencho Nov. 19. The mission of the N.C. Guardian ad Litem program is to provide trained, independent advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in the state court system and to work expediently toward a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe, permanent home.”
If you are still looking for ways to give now that Christmas is over, the Rutherford County American Red Cross urges you to give blood this holiday season. “All of the blood drives in Western North Carolina last Friday, Saturday and Sunday were cancelled due to the weather, and some even on Monday due to power loss,” said Nelson Long, director of the chapter. If you would like to give, two drives are planned Monday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. – one at the chapter on Oakland Road and another at Mount Vernon Baptist Church on Hudlow Road. While the summer months are when the need for blood sometimes becomes critical, Long said that any time people are travelling or get busy blood gets scarce. “People are so busy with the holidays and giving blood can take a back seat,” he said. To schedule an appointment at the chapter drive, call 287-5916; to schedule one for the church, call 429-0447. All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of three pairs of Delta Airline tickets.
State effort to help sterilization victims still not established RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — State officials are still working to set up a special foundation which could eventually be used to pay reparations to North Carolinians who were sterilized by a state program. Lawmakers set aside $250,000 in this year’s budget to set up the foundation. But the WinstonSalem Journal reports little of the money has been spent six months into the budget year. “There’s not an office. There’s not a hiring. It’s all still in progress,” said Jill Lucas, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina Department of Administration, where the foundation will be housed. North Carolina sterilized more than 7,600 people under its so-called eugenics program between 1933 and 1973. The program was intended to keep people considered mentally disabled or otherwise genetically inferior from having children. The program targeted the poor and people living in prisons and state institutions. While officials obtained written consent from patients or their guardians, many didn’t know what they were signing and were essentially coerced, state historians said. It will take time to get the foundation up and running, said Lucas, whose department is currently writing a job description for the person who will set up the organization. “They’re not going to just put up a sign and open the door without knowing exactly how things are going to operate,” she said. The state has estimated about 2,800 victims of the program are still alive, and there are several different proposals about how to compensate them. Rep. Larry Womble, D-Forsyth, suggests giving each victim $20,000, which could cost North Carolina more than $55 million.
Carolinas Today ATV crash Friday claims rider MARS HILL, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say a man has died after his all-terrain vehicle overturned early Christmas morning on a road in the North Carolina mountains. Troopers tell the Asheville Citizen-Times that the crash happened around 2 a.m. Friday. Authorities say the victim, whose name has not been released, was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene.
Group offer inmates holiday cheer RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — For more than a decade, a group of North Carolina activists have stood outside a prison and tried to share a little Christmas cheer with the inmates inside. The News & Observer of Raleigh reports about 40 of them gathered on a railroad trestle Friday morning outside Central Prison in Raleigh as they have for the past 13 years.
Kids R Us, Inc. Forest City Center 247-1717 – Pat
Rutherfordton Center 286-9979 - Ellen
Now Enrolling Children 0-12 years. 1st and 2nd Shifts Weekend Care Rutherford Center only Transportation Provided (if needed in general area) Diapers & Wipes Provided at Forest City Center Healthy Meals & Snacks Professional Speech Therapist available thru Alpha & Omega (screening)
The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009 — 3A
LOCAL/STATE Lake Lure
Continued from Page 1A
enjoyed the challenge of assessing all of our departments and capabilities, prioritizing the areas of greatest need and putting solutions in motion. It’s something I’ve done for many years in the private sector and it’s great to be able to see the fruits of your efforts where you live. Q: Was there something at your job that really made you laugh this year? A: Watching the video of me getting tasered by our police during a training session and thinking ‘You know, the next time I get an idea to volunteer for something, I should probably think it through a bit more.’ Q: What kinds of things do you think will have long-ranging effects from this year? A: We’re making significant structural changes in the way we operate areas like the golf course and wastewater treatment plant. In the long run, I’m confident that we’ll be more effective and lower our costs. Our energies in bringing a school to the area will bring long-term economic and social changes to the area .... in a way even more profoundly beneficial than the arrival of the Ingles grocery store. We completed a major overhaul of our dredging spoils system that puts us better prepared to respond future floods. The enhancements to our zoning regulations over the past few years — like stricter guidelines for development on steep slopes — have positioned us to be better prepared for both the opportunities and threats of the next wave of real estate development.” A: Did anything really surprise you this year? Q: I was a bit surprised at how well our staff handled the transition to a new manager — particularly one with little previous public sector experience. They have been flexible to changes, open to innovation and patient with my learning curve. I was surprised that we were awarded a $3 million stimulus grant to address issues with our aging sewer pipes. I was excited to see how well our residents and visitors responded to the Donald Ross Nature Trails, now one of our most-utilized facilities. Unfortunately, I was also surprised at the state of much of our infrastructure. Our situation is not unlike most of the nation — we’re facing some critical maintenance and enhancement work to our systems — water, sewer, roads, dam, hydroelectric plant, buildings and grounds — and we don’t have enough in savings to cover it. A: What are your goals for next year? Q: To help the Lake Lure Classical Academy to open, to give the golf course a complete facelift, to make cosmetic and mechanical upgrades to the hydroelectric plant and to work with the council to prepare a budget that includes beginning to rebuild our fund balances. Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.
South Carolina police help out small Va. town
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Clinchco, Va., has 420 people, a grocery store and a town truck the locals call “Fred Flintstone” because you can see through the floorboards. It also has a police department, with four officers and two police cars. With a town budget of less than $100,000, Police Chief Marty Davis was close to shutting the department down earlier this year. But Davis, who also works as a park ranger with the Army Corps of Engineers, remembered a job offer he had from the Columbia Police Department in 1983, before he was old enough to drink. He thought if the department was willing to help him 26 years ago, maybe it would help him now. The Columbia Police Department, which has had to furlough officers and cut its equipment budget to zero, sent shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, batons, cameras and blue lights, among
other things, to the struggling department. Davis said the donations, while small, have allowed him to keep his department going. “I’ve been able to bring on two auxiliary officers as well as uniform some of the officers we’ve brought on instead of me having to ... buy all of those uniforms,” Davis said. Clinchco is on the western side of Virginia, in the Allegheny Mountains. Most of the land is so rocky it can’t be used commercially.
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Carl Suffredini fills around septic tanks in front of his new house in Apex, N.C. Suffredini built his own house over five years, including the framing, the wiring, and the plumbing. He used wood from his own land for two-thirds of the trim. For his office he used red oak trees felled from Hurricane Fran.
Associated Press
Man spends five years building home By JOSH SHAFFER The (Raleigh) News & Observer
APEX, N.C. — Some men build tree houses, pounding thumbs with hammers. Other do-ityourselfers aspire to sheds, decks and backyard chicken coops. For five years, Carl Suffredini slowly built his family’s 4,250-square foot house — framing it, wiring it, installing the plumbing and scavenging much of the lumber from his own yard. Nearly finished, the three-story home modeled on the Craftsman style stands as a monument to disciplined, almost obsessive, Harry Homemaker fever. It’s one thing to design your dream home and get an architect to sign off on your plans. It’s another to actually complete the thing and to move into your own home office made from oaks felled by Hurricane Fran. He saved money. He gained space. But you get the feeling Suffredini would have taken on this project even if it hadn’t been practical, even if it wasn’t a model for resourcefulness in a down economy, even if it hadn’t taken half a decade. “I don’t like to sit still,” said Suffredini, 47. “This is a bit much for a family of three. In some respects, it’s embarrassing.
But it’s what I’ve always wanted.” An IT consultant, he left IBM in the early ’90s. Working on his own gives him a flexible schedule, but he muses in middle age about whether he should have built homes instead. In many ways, the work is more satisfying. “In software,” he said, “you’re working on something that fits inside a computer. You can’t see it.” This house wasn’t his first mammoth job. A California native, he longed for a swimming pool. So he dug his own with a little green John Deere backhoe. Then five years ago, he noticed the 1,750 square foot house off Holly Springs Road getting a little snug for him, his wife and their son. He thought about expanding, but the more they mulled the idea, the smarter it looked and cheaper it looked to move the old house over 200 feet on the six-acre property. So that’s what he did, and three years ago, he poured the footings for the new place. Much of what Suffredini built is invisible: the frame, the wiring, the pipes. He took a bricklaying class. He studied plumbing and electrical codes. He hired a lot of help, haunting
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Regency Park in Cary to find good trim crews and tile workers. Two-thirds of the trim on Suffredini’s house came from his own land. More of his timber fills the wood-fired boiler that provides heat. The place has the look of a house built a century ago: tapered columns, recessed shelves and nooks cut into all the rooms, high wainscoting, a pair of fireplaces — one of them original to the old house. Over five years, he spent about $500,000 — half what he figures it would have cost without his work. And now, he can use the old house as a rental. “It’s extremely unusual,” said architect Carol Rogers, who helped with the project. “He had it all planned out with very sophisticated graphics software. Really, the only thing we did was consulting.” But when Suffredini and his family move in, they’ll know every inch of their house. They’ll walk up the stairs and remember how hard they were to fit in place. They’ll feel heat radiating through the floor and remember how it took four weeks to lay the pex pipe beneath them. When Suffredini takes on his next IT project, He’ll see his own work every where.
828-245-1626
4A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009 ■ A daily forum for opinion, commentary and editorials on the news that affects us all.
James R. Brown/ 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 2010 — a year of opportunity
W
ith Christmas just barely in our rearview mirror, it’s time to start thinking about the new year. What does Rutherford County need to start the uphill climb to prosperity in 2010? Better schools? The boards of the public, private and charter schools are hard at work to provide a 21st century education for our children. An answer to the county’s drug problem? While we don’t have a detailed picture of the problem, the arrests and seizures that are made hint that the problem is of considerable size. An arm of the United Way of Rutherford County is working to forge a program that will help people remove the shackles of their addictions and resume positive, productive lives. More jobs? Now we are getting close to the core. People working are less likely to abuse drugs and, we hope, encourage their children to strive in their efforts at school. The one thing we must not forget is that Rutherford County is an excellent place to live. There is diversity here where once manufacturing was the end-all and be-all. Farming is coming back into vogue, thanks to Foothills Connect’s farm fresh project and efforts continue to spread broadband access to the Internet to all corners of the county. There are many people hard at work to improve life in Rutherford County. Let’s all pitch in during 2010.
Video poker — it’s hard to kill RALEIGH — It’s not over. A recent state Court of Appeals decision upholding the state’s ban on video poker machines doesn’t mean that an industry associated with one of the worst political scandals in North Carolina history is going away just yet. Video poker, after all, is kind of like the villain in a slasher movie. It doesn’t matter how many times you shoot it, stab it, or toss it from the roof of a building, it always comes back. There is always a sequel, shabbier and more ridiculous than its predecessor. So, court rulings become one shovel over the head or push from a second-story window, allowing only a brief escape from the monster. Still, the latest decision from a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals could be setting up a final, fatal blow. The unanimous decision found that a 2006 law banning the machines did not violate machine owners’ rights. The owners claimed that an Indian gaming pact allowing the Eastern Band of the Cherokee to operate a casino on its reservation should permit video gambling elsewhere in the state. The court ruled that the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act allows states to grant Native
Today in North Carolina Scott Mooneyham
American tribes preferential gaming rights as part of an effort to encourage economic development and political stability. But the ruling overturns just one of two significant lower court decisions that had invalidated the video poker ban. Another lower court ruling, this one by Guilford County Superior Court Judge John Craig, found that video sweepstakes machines didn’t really permit gambling because winners were already predetermined by the cards bought by players in order to play. Using that same logic, the lottery and even slot machines aren’t gambling either. Craig issued an injunction following his ruling to block any further enforcement of the state law. The results have been swift. “Sweepstakes machines” can now be found in bars and convenience stores across the state, pulling in the same crowd that once played the old video poker machines. Some people may wonder why
all the fuss regarding these machines. The Cherokees have their casino. The state has its lottery. Why shouldn’t the legislature allow video poker across the state? The simple answer is that the private video gaming industry, operating outside a highly-regulated casino setting, isn’t trustworthy. Before 2006, many machine owners handed out illegal cash payouts to lure customers and boost profits. Former House Speaker Jim Black protected the industry, and that protection helped launched a federal investigation that ultimately led to his imprisonment. Not long after, former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford went to prison for shaking down and protecting video poker operators. The same Court of Appeals that just dealt one blow to this resurgent, corrupt industry will soon review Craig’s decision. A final death blow may be in the works. Or, perhaps some bizarre sequel looms, with more contorted legal maneuvering that proves red is blue and gambling is actually knitting. Freddy Krueger is hard to kill. Scott Mooneyham is executive director of The Capitol News Service.
Looking to 2010 with blessed hope, expectation Some may wonder how I could make such a statement about the coming year in having hope, considering the capricious times in which we live. As the Scriptures say,” We walk by faith not by sight.” With that we move into a New Year. Christmas seems to pass too quickly. Now, our family leaves decorations up until Epiphany. You know, the 12 days of Christmas. Why? One reason is we want to reflect upon not only the Savior’s birth, but also how His birth affects our lives. It is one thing to have toys, tools and things under the tree and another thing to open and use them. If we follow the Christmas story onward, we will see lives changed forever by the incarnation of the Christ. Faith is like a gift that must be opened and used. Faith is the basis of hope and earnest expectations. I think of the shepherds in the field at night. Does the fact of night have any significance upon us? I think so. When the angels made this pronouncement to the shepherds, the nighttime was a spiritual reminder to us of our spiritual condition. Coming to them at night would be a metaphor of the human race and the condition of every heart. God’s light shines in a dark world and needs to shine in dark hearts. Many religions offer
Sunday Conversation Fr. Jonathan Lankford
humanity a way upward, a kind of spiritual mobility of sorts, like climbing the corporate ladder. The incarnation is the reverse of that. It is God coming to man because God knew humanity was fallen and was unable to attain to spiritual heights. St. Paul articulates this when he tells the Ephesians they are seated in “heavenly places”. In other words, the coming of God to earth has reached out to us and through, initially, a spiritual resurrection; we have ascended into heavenly realms. Isn’t this the story of novels and fables and the heart cry of humanity; to find the door back into paradise? One day there will be a literal physical resurrection according to the Scriptures. The world was in darkness and the shepherds are symbols of many. But let us not forget that the words that heralded the coming of the Christ-child were accompanied with “the glory of the Lord shining around them.” This too would be a metaphor of hope as well. The good news of the Gospel is a light to us. With that
good news there is hope and light and the promise of our being able to find our way. The pronouncement made to the shepherds would indicate to us that we should follow those saving words that would lead us to the Redeemer. Those words and manifest glory would light their way, even as ours needs to be lighted this coming year. It was not enough for the shepherds to simply hear that Jesus was born. The real issue is walking by faith to the promise. The promise is there. The promise is a person and He must be born and made a visible reality and He must be embraced. Truly, we need to come to Bethlehem and see. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” The shepherd’s lives were changed when they found the King of Kings, not just heard about Him. They feasted on His presence. Many have heard the story of Jesus Christ or even read the Bible or a tract. But salvation is found as we move further in our search and actually find Him. We are lost not He. “You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger”. They did not come to a King sitting upon a glorious throne, arrayed in purple and gold, in a magnificent castle. They found a babe, the epitome of humility and
simplicity. Facing another year is really about “how” we will face it. Will we look for the extravagant or magnificent? Will we follow, like the shepherds, what has already been revealed? And when we come to the place of destiny, will we embrace, by faith what sometimes seems too simple? Do we sometimes make life just too hard by refusing to appreciate and seek out the simple things of life? The faithful shepherds followed what seemed to be a simple path. It is a path that led them to a manger. In that manger, which many believe to be a feeding trough, lay the Son of God. Yes, in that wooden container that held grain for food, would be the Bread of Life. Again, a prophetic picture is given to us once again. Mankind was starving and needed to be fed. Jesus is the Bread of Life, living Manna. 2010 will be a year that we will need more than ever to be spiritually fed. In the night watches of your soul, an acclaiming voice comes to draw you to a place of peace and spiritual strength. It is a voice that comes and says,” go see the Savior, He is here, and He has come.” Bethlehem was busy and filled with faces and voices coming to pay their Roman tribute. In the midst of all of that, lay the Christ in a manger. The innkeeper had
no room in the inn. Had he known just whom it was he had turned away things would have been different. The New Year will come and with it will come our need to believe and possess hope. The shepherds came and saw and believed. They left that place and their God in the manger and told all who would hear about the hope of their lives and the world’s. It all seemed too simple for some. Sometimes things just do not make intellectual sense. So we either walk by faith or by sight. To make a difficult journey to see a newborn kid lying in a feeding trough may not make a whole lot of sense to some, but to the believing shepherds, it was a visit to God born into His kingdom called earth. Resisting culture, night and a challenging journey, the shepherds sought out a precious gift, by faith. We too can walk into a new day and year regardless of what circumstances say. We can hear heralding voices that give us hope. ”There is born unto you, this day, a Savior.” This and everyday is the offer of a Savior. “A Savior” becomes “my Savior”, through faith. Mary conceived because Mary believed. The shepherds received a word, saw and believed. So come to Bethlehem and see! Have faith in God and have a blessed New Year.
The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
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5A
obituaries/police notes Pet of the Week
Obituaries Emily Price
Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
This cat is an orange, eight-month-old male looking to find a good home. He is available for adoption in the cat room at the Rutherford County Animal Shelter on Laurel Hill Drive in Rutherfordton. The shelter’s hours are noon to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information call 2876025. For the Community Pet Center volunteers office, call 2877738.
Police Notes Blues fire blamed on electrical fault
FOREST CITY — A fire that destroyed Ol’ Blue’s House of Barbecue, Piney Ridge Road, Forest City, was caused due to an electrical problem in a light, said S-D-O fire chief Greg Ruppe. He was joined at the scene by Rutherford County Fire Marshal Roger Hollifield and Forest City Fire Chief Mark McCurry, who assisted in the primary investigation. The fire broke out at 11:55 a.m. Christmas Day and when firefighters arrived at the scene, it was difficult to determine the extent of the fire due to the heavy smoke in the area. “The entire road was completely covered (with smoke),” said Ruppe.
Once the firefighters were able to get a quick knockdown of the fire, the shell of the building was actually salvaged, but its contents are gone. The building, owned by Charlie Hardin of Forest City, was not insured. Restaurant owners, Thom and Amy White had renters’ insurance on the restaurant equipment. The couple opened the restaurant in the spring.
Sheriff’s Reports
n The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Dept. responded to 83 E-911 calls Christmas day.
Rutherfordton
n The Rutherfordton Police Department responded to 20 E-911 calls Christmas day.
Spindale
n The Spindale Police Department responded to 17 E-911 calls Christmas day.
Forest City
n The Forest City Police Department responded to 20
Online condolences at: www. crowemortuary.com
Patricia Hughes
Patricia Rose Calhoun Hughes 52, of Autumn E-911 calls on Christmas day. Care of Forest City died on Saturday Dec. 26. 2009, at Rutherford Hospital. She Arrests was born in Washington, n Lisa Marie Santana, D.C., and was the daughter 29, of Hwy. 74, was charged of the late Guy and Marjorie Saturday morning with Simpson Calhoun. assault with a deadly She had worked as a certiweapon, simple possession fied nursing assistant (CNA) of Scheduled V1 controlled and was a member of the substance, possess drug Immaculate Conception paraphernalia and resisting Church in Forest City. She public officer; placed in the Rutherford County Detention was the widow of Jerry Hughes. Facility under a 48 hr. hold She is survived by two sisand $1,500 bond. (RCSD) ters, Karen Ruppe of Union n Kimuel Turand Mills and Sandra Toms of McCluney, 23, of 3073 Bill’s Creek Road, Lake Lure, was Forest City and a number of nieces and nephews. A charged Monday with driving while impaired; released funeral mass will be held on from custody under a $1,000 Tuesday Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception unsecured bond. (RCSD) Catholic Church in Forest n Darrin Smith, 42, of City. Southers Road, is charged Burial will follow in with assault on female; Round Hill Baptist Church placed in jail under a 48-hr Cemetery in Union Mills. hold; (RCSD) n Cathy Tisdale Murray, 51, of 236 Ledford Road, driving while impaired; custody release; (NCHP). n Candace Elizabeth Continued from Page 1A Cummings, 53,of 288 Brady Hampton Road, charged with driving while impaired; ers, Brandon Ross and custody release; (NCHP) Ethan McSwain; two sisters, n Derrick Allison 27, of 120 Samantha McSwain and Philbeck Street, assault on Alicia McSwain; grandparfemale; placed in jail under a ents Mary and Rick McAbee 48-hour hold. (RCSD) and Sonny and Nancy Capps; great grandmother Janie Sims, and a number of aunts, EMS uncles, and cousins. n Rutherford County The bodies of the two Emergency Medical Services responded to 83 calls Christmas day and 15 calls were answered by Rescue.
Services
Fire Calls n Cliffside, Ellenboro and Sandy Mush fire fighters responded to motor vehicle accidents Christmas day. n S-D-O responded to a fire at Ole’ Blues Barbecue Christmas morning. Assisting were Sandy Mush and Forest City. n Green Hill firefighters were dispatched to a fire alarm.
Black bears looking for new homes, report says
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Experts say black bears are crossing North Carolina from both the west and the east. For most of the past century, black bears could only be found in the western mountains and eastern swamps of North Carolina. But as their numbers increased, they began to find new homes. Biologists tell The News & Observer of Raleigh they plan to try to figure out how far the bears have spread next nection with the Dec. 20 kill- year. The Wildlife Resources ing of a Russian man whose Commission reports there body was found behind an were about 11,000 bears livauto body shop in Stallings. Plyler was unsure if Rudenko ing on nearly 10 million acres in North Carolina in 2008, had an attorney. compared to the 1971 count Police couldn’t confirm of 4,000 bears occupying 2.5 whether Rudenko is the million acres. minor league hockey player Before European settlers of the same name and age came to North Carolina and who last played for the began hunting them relentdefunct Twin City Cyclones lessly, black bears roamed in Winston-Salem, N.C. in across the entire state. the 2008-9 season.
NC fugitive arrested, faces extradition bid
STALLINGS, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say a Russian man wanted in a North Carolina murder case faces an extradition hearing on Monday in Colorado. Stallings (STAY-lings) police chief Larke Plyler said 32-year-old Bogdan Rudenko of Charlotte, N.C., was arrested Friday as a fugitive from justice at a Colorado Springs, Colo. hotel. Plyler said there is a murder warrant for Rudenko in con-
Emily Stone Price, 66, of Forest City, died Friday, December 25, 2009, at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Emily was a native of Abbeville, Ga., retired as an registered nurse for Rutherford County Mental Health and a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Price, and parents, David Jackson Stone Sr. and Martha Etta Teal Stone. Surviving are a daughter Mary Richardson of Forest City; brothers, David Stone Jr. of Smyrna, GA, and Marcy Stone of Abbeville, GA; sisters, Nancy Harman of Kingston, TN., Kay Stone of Abbeville, GA, and Jennifer Sharpe of Bluff City, TN. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Crowe’s Funeral Home in Rutherfordton. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. The Rev. Richard Bass will officiate. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043
Online condolences can be made at www.crowemortuary.com
Ronald Dodson Ronald “Ron” W. Dodson, age 61, of Forest City, NC, died Saturday, Dec.26, 2009, at Hospice House. Mr. Dodson on was born on Sept.12, 1948, in Rutherford County to Oscar Junior Dodson and the late Hazel Virginia Lawson Dodson. He was a veteran, having served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked in management most of his life and was a long-time member of Bethany Baptist Church. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and on the board of directors for the SDO Fire Department. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Barry Allen. Besides his father, survivors include his wife, Janine Dodson; three daughters, Melissa Carlisle of Forest City, Angie Greene of Louisa, VA, and Cheryl Apple of Advance, NC; one son, Alan Tessnear of Windsor, NC.; seven grandchildren; his step-mother Genell Newton Dodson of Shelby; three nieces; one nephew; two step-brothers, Roger Newton and Christopher Newton of Shelby and one step-sister, Christine Pennington of Mooresboro. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 at Bethany Baptist Church with the Rev. Marvin Green and the Rev. Jerry Ruppe officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be sent to Bethany Baptist Church Building Fund, 760 Bethany Church Road, Forest City, NC 28043. Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the Dodson Family. An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com
Doyle Sisk Doyle Edward Sisk, 63, of Margate Circle, Chesnee,
victims were transported Wednesday to UNC Hospitals for autopsies. County Coroner Shane Earley said the reports should be complete by Monday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Rutherford County Fire Marshal Roger Hollifield and the SBI. There was no electricity at the house, said Oscar Ramirez, a third person at the house, who escaped the inferno. Three fire departments, Cherry Mountain, Ellenboro and Bostic, were dispatched to the house and upon arrival, the house was fully involved. Contact Gordon via email:jgordon@thedigitalcourier. com 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.
SC, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, at Mary Black Hospital in Spartanburg. He was a native of Forest City, NC and a son of the late Charles Robert “Bo” Sisk and Loree Allen Sisk; a member of Missionary Wesleyan Church and along with his wife was the co-owner of Sisk Restaurant in Forest City. Survivors include his wife, Brenda Jolley-Sisk of the home; a son, Charles Jeffrey Sisk of Ellenboro; a sister, Merry Sisk Wiley of Weddington, NC; a step-son, Kipp Jolley of Chesnee, SC. There also two grandchildren and a step- grandson. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, in the Missionary Wesleyan Church with the Rev. Keith Nanney and the Rev. Jamie Hamrick officiating. Interment will follow in the Cool Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at The Padgett and King Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1428 Orchard Lake Drive, Charlotte, NC 28270. The family will be at the home of his son, 140 Dakota St., Ellenboro, NC. The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com
Ronald W. Dodson
Ronald “Ron” W. Dodson, age 61, of Forest City, NC, died Saturday, December 26, 2009, at Hospice House. Ron was born on Sept. 12, 1948, in Rutherford County to Oscar Junior Dodson and the late Hazel Virginia Lawson Dodson. He was a veteran, having served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked in management most of his life and was a longtime member of Bethany Baptist Church. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and on the board of directors for the SDO Fire Department. He enjoyed fishing and flying and loved his family and church dearly. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Barry Allen. Besides his father, survivors include his wife, Janine Dodson; three daughters, Melissa Carlisle, and her husband, Jonathan, of Forest City, Angie Greene and her husband, Sammy, of Louisa, VA and Cheryl Apple of Advance, NC; one son, Alan Tessnear of Windsor, NC; seven grandchildren; his step-mother Genell Newton Dodson of Shelby; three nieces, Tracy Duke and her husband, Ted, of Apex, NC, Cindy Irvin and her husband, Guy, of Forest City and Angie Anders and her husband, Mike, of Mt. Airy, NC; one nephew, Jeff Dodson and his wife, Beverly, of Winston-Salem, NC; one sister in-law, Janet Stack; two step-brothers, Roger Newton and his wife, Rhonda, of Greenville, SC and Christopher Newton of Shelby and one step-sister, Christine Pennington of Mooresboro. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, at Bethany Baptist Church with the Rev. Marvin Green and the Rev. Jerry Ruppe officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be sent to Bethany Baptist Church Building Fund, 760 Bethany Church Road, Forest City, NC 28043. Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the Dodson Family. An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com Paid Obit
6A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
Calendar/Local
Health/education 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. The Medication Assistance Program provides access to medications at reduced rates or free of charge to those who qualify, call 288-8872.
Red Cross Blood drives scheduled: Dec. 28 — Red Cross Chapter House, 2 to 6:30 p.m., call 287-5916 for an appointment.
Students/schools Financial aid workshop: Monday, Jan. 4, 6 to 8 p.m., R-S Central High School.
Work continues on the new elementary school for Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy.
Religion
Education
Lessons and Carols service: Sunday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m. worship service, Advent Lutheran Church; scripture passages relating to the nativity will be read accompanied by a Christmas carol related to it; Jeff Brooks, organist, will provide special music; congregational members will serve as readers and liturgists for the service; church located at 102 Reveley Street, Spindale; a time of fellowship will follow. New Year’s Eve service: Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to noon, Faith Temple Christian Church, 111 Kentucky St., Spindale; guest speaker, Carolyn Knuckles of Inman, S.C.; special music, praise and worship.
Music/concerts Concert: Sunday, Dec. 27, 6 p.m., Missionary Wesleyan Church, Doggett Road, Forest City; featuring James Rainey, pianist for the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, and special guest, Roger Queen. Concert: 37th Annual Gospel Concert, featuring Soul Harvest, Master’s Singers and Ronnie Felker “Fearless Fife” on Thursday, Dec. 31, at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4251 Chesnee Road (Parris Bridge Road). Concert begins at 8 p.m. Special midnight candlelight service with Rev. Butch Osborne. Singing: Sunday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m., Riverside Baptist Church, Hogan Road, Harris; featuring The Servant Call. Singing: Sunday, Jan. 3, 2 p.m.; Village Chapel Church, 141 Huntley St., Forest City; featuring Living By Faith.
Reunions Cole family reunion: Saturday, Jan. 9, covered dish meal 2:30 p.m., Goode’s Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall; bring well-filled basket. McNair 20th anniversary: The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation will celebrate its 20th year anniversary on May 14, 2010. If you are a McNair ROPE recipient, contact the foundation at rope2010@att.net or www. mcnairedfoundation.org. Band reunion: East Rutherford Cavalier Band (1966-1976) members under W.W. Jacobus (1966-1976); planned for August 7, 2010 at the high school cafeteria; to be added to the mailing list email cavalierbanderhs@yahoo.com or by mail, P.O. Box 934, Forest City.
Miscellaneous Community Pet Center: The Rutherford County Animal Control Facility and the Community Pet Center office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 27, and reopen Monday, Dec. 28, at 12 p.m. Holiday hours: All Rutherford County convenience centers and the central landfill will resume regular hours will resume Saturday, Dec. 26. Veteran services: Adult day care is available for veterans 2-3 times per week, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at LIFECare. If you are caring for a veteran, contact LIFECare at 288-1697. Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program is accepting applications for eligible clients for possible assistance. Applicants must provide proof of ownership, verification of income on each household member and past 12 months usage history on their utility bills. It is also open to tenants, providing the landlord gives written permission and contributes a portion of the cost to receive Weatherization measures. For more information contact Becky McKelvey at 287-2281 ext. 1238.
Continued from Page 1A
worked on the budget,” Johnson said in May when the two boards met in a joint budget meeting. Although the work of educating Rutherford County children and adults were done under budget constraints, both Rutherford County Schools and Isothermal were able to add new services through grants. RCS added a graduation coach through a dropout prevention grant from the state. Around 50 students have come back to school through working with the coach, said Assistant Superintendent Janet Mason. “We have personalized what they need to graduate – we are asking ‘How do we help you get a high school diploma?’” Mason said. Mason said the coach also works with those students who are displaying tendencies of dropping out. “I refer to it as a tourniquet, but what we are trying to do is address their needs before they ever drop out,” she said. “Any drop out is one too many,” Kinlaw added. In May Isothermal learned it would receive funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 for the JobsNOW Program, designed to offer occupational training in 12 different areas in six months
Airport Continued from Page 1A
expire before we have an agreement.” Helton replied, “Do you have many applications? Or just one?” Guffey explained the authority had several requests for information from potential FBO companies, but only one had sent back a request for pro-
Shopping Continued from Page 1A
ping. “It is less crowded and more things are marked down 50 percent,” she said. “I’ll be shopping all day,” she added. When she and her family gathered for Christmas meals and gift giving, most of her gifts were bought after
Daily Courier file photo
or less. The program got underway in September and classes will continue through September 2008, the duration of the grant. The college also received a Math Works grant to provide tutoring for students in math and sciences. “We were also just notified of a $250,000 grant from Duke on sustainable programming,” Johnson said “We’ve been fortunate.” New opportunities and new services will be continued by both RCS and the college in 2010. Both will be taking part in a World View program to send teachers and instructors to India over the spring break. “For our teachers, World View will offer them either a chance to travel or to learn more about India through symposiums,” Mason said. Both will provide teachers to bring to their students information on how the world around them connects to their classroom and the county. In a global age, both Mason and Kinlaw said it is important for students to understand they must utilize all different methods of learning. “They will have to be flexible in the way they learn because their jobs could change even in the same career,” Mason said. Isothermal will be equipped to better serve new students coming to the college through a new advising center set to open early next year. “It will be staffed with people to answer questions and help point stu-
dents in the right direction,” Johnson said. “We almost have registration going on all the time now.” Rutherford County Schools celebrated the opening of a new school – Rutherfordton Elementary’s new location on Bob Hardin Road – in August and Isothermal celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Foundation in September. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy will open a new grammar school in 2010. “We’re very excited about the completion of the school, which will have new computers, Promethean boards and other technology,” said Headmaster Joe Maimone. A change that will come with the opening of the new school, he said, is that students in kindergarten through sixth grades will be at the location in Forest City while students in ninth through twelfth grades will be at the Henrietta campus. The Lake Lure Classical Academy is set to have classes in the 2010-2011 on a temporary site – which was once home to the old Lake Lure School, Maimone said. “It should open in 2011 or 2012,” he said. Overall, area educators feel good about the year ahead. “Yes, there have been challenges, but we’ve been able to look for silver linings,” Johnson said.
posal. “We have broadcast it out there in many different ways but I’m not able to address everything we’ve done in that area,” Guffey said. “It has been in the Internet and trade publications in the airport industry and various ways. There have been more than 20 requests for information.” The commissioners voted three to two to approve the extension of Turner’s service for the next 60 to
90 days and to move funds from the airport’s fuel sales and airplane tiedown fees to the appropriate account to pay Turner and his assistant’s salary. Helton and Commissioner Susan Crowe voted against the measure, with Commissioners Eddie Holland, Paul McIntosh and Brent Washburn voting yes.
Christmas 2008. Rose’s parking lot was nearly full as other shoppers arrived before 11 a.m. hoping for more bargain. And most folks were planning to shop all day. Connie Terry and Jennifer Mathis were planningto shop all day. “We’re looking for the deals,” they said. And while many were shopping, others were returning gifts. Rose’s employee, Sarah Hawkins, with 32 years at the work, was busy
trying to figure out what was wrong with a plastic gun and dart bullets. Lauren Edwards was assisting at the Customer Service desk helping folks with returns and bargains. The scene was similar across the county at retail stores as returns were taken care of and shopper discovered impressive bargain.
Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@thedigitalcourier.com.
Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com
Contact Gordon via email:jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com
About us... Circulation
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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, December 27, 2009 — 7A
Business Briefs
Google targets mobile marketing MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer
Tom Toney named new GM at KCH KCH Engineered Systems’ CEO Ken Hankinson announced this past week that Tommy Toney has been promoted to general manager. Tommy has worked at KCH Services since 1985. His position in the company for the last 20 years has been production manager. Tommy is a 1982 graduate of R-S Central High School. He is married to Renee Lee Toney, and they have two daughToney ters, Jessica and Rebecca. Renee is a full-time student at Isothermal Community College, Jessica is a senior at N.C. State and Rebecca attends Ellenboro Elementary. Tommy has danced with Little Broadway Studios for 18 years and has been a member of the Dads & Dolls Competition Dance team since 1999. He has competed in events with both his daughters. He attends Race Path Baptist Church. He enjoys fishing, deer and duck hunting. He is an avid golfer and plays for KCH Services in local business sponsored tournaments several times a year. KCH Engineered Systems opened in 1979 in Rutherford County. The company designs and manufacturers Commercial Corrosion Resistant Ventilation Systems and currently has about 35 employees.
Michigan receives $1.8M for broadband LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Public Service Commission says the state has received a $1.8 million federal stimulus grant to start a broadband mapping and planning program called Connect Michigan. The money from the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration will let Michigan collect data and develop a detailed map of existing broadband service. In a statement, Gov. Jennifer Granholm says Michigan can create jobs and boost its economy by “extending high-speed Internet access to every corner of the state.” Connect Michigan is a partnership of the Public Service Commission and Connected Nation, a national broadband mapping group. The state says the first map should be out by spring 2010.
Las Vegas resorts to open new towers LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two more casino resorts are preparing to open new hotel towers, less than two weeks after the debut of the 4,000-room Aria casino-hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. The 1,201-room PH Towers at the Planet Hollywood Resort, and the 374-room HRH Tower at the Hard Rock Hotel are set to open Monday. Planet Hollywood Resort President Bill Feather says rooms in the 52-story PH tower on the Las Vegas Strip are for the “upscale customer.” Hard Rock Hotel chief Randy Kwasniewski says the HRH tower is part of a $750 million expansion aimed at attracting customers looking for a “boutique experience.”
SAN MATEO, Calif. — Four years ago, Omar Hamoui was just another ineffectual entrepreneur trying to spruce up his resume in graduate school. Now, he’s poised to become Google Inc.’s newest weapon as the company aims to extend its dominance of online advertising from computers to mobile devices. Google is buying Hamoui’s expertise in a $750 million acquisition of AdMob, a network for ads on iPhones and similar gadgets. He launched the business while strugAssociated Press gling to support his wife Omar Hamoui, founder and CEO of AdMob, poses at his company’s offices in San Mateo, Calif. and children as a student at the University of introduction of the iPhone — which investing aggressively in mobile techPennsylvania’s Wharton created a platform for applications nology. The Internet search leader School. chosen by users. has developed a free software system, Hamoui, 32, changed his life by setThat has spawned more than Android, that runs mobile devices and ting up a system for advertising on 100,000 mobile “apps” for doing is experimenting with its own phone, mobile devices. Though that sounds called Nexus One, that could be sold simple, it was a breakthrough because everything from bird watching to cooking poultry. The revenue from directly to consumers. Hamoui’s network got around stiAdMob’s ad network is one of the Google believes explosive growth fling controls that wireless carriers main reasons application developers in mobile advertising will justify had imposed on the content their can give the programs away or just its spending. For now, the market customers could see on their phones. charge a few bucks. remains relatively small, with U.S. The crack that AdMob opened in the “Omar was absolutely the tip of the mobile advertising revenue expected carriers’ “walled gardens” made it spear in this mobile media revolution,” to reach $416 million this year, easier for independent programmers according to the research firm eMarto profit from applications planted on says Jason Spero, general manager of AdMob’s North America operations. keter Inc. mobile phones. If Google’s proposed acquisition is AdMob has delivered nearly 140 “It took a lot of guts because (the approved by the U.S. Federal Trade billion ads on mobile Web sites and carriers) were the gatekeepers of the applications since its inception. That industry,” says Rich Wong, an AdMob Commission, Hamoui thinks he and AdMob’s 150 employees will be in an has helped AdMob double its revenue investor and board member who is even better position to turn mobile this year after tripling it last year. with Accel Partners. “Back then, it phones into moneymaking magnets. Hamoui won’t be more specific, leavwas sort of like if you said no to the Google is banking on it. ing it to analysts to estimate that Godfather. Bad things could happen.” Drawing upon the more than $20 AdMob’s revenue this year will range More than a year after Hamoui billion in revenue that it generates between $45 million and $60 million. ignited the fuse, Apple Inc. blew up from Internet ads, Google has been the status quo with the June 2007 Please see Google, Page 8A
Here’s what to consider on opening a 529 plan By CANDICE CHOI,AP Personal Finance Writer
NEW YORK — Your child is in high school. Is it too late to start a 529 college savings plan? The reluctance to dive in so late in the game is understandable, given the stock market swoons in the past two years. You might worry about not recovering from any turbulence in time. As with retirement funds, however, there are 529 options for investors of every stripe. That means that even if your child is just a few years away from college, there could still be reason to open an account. If your child is a college freshman, you could sock money away for the final years of schooling. For the uninitiated, 529 plans encourage families to save by letting them withdraw proceeds tax free for college, including tuition, books and room and board. Each state offers its own plans, but generally you can pick one from any state. Some states offer perks for selecting a plan from home. If you’re thinking about opening an account, here’s what to consider.
TAX AND OTHER BENEFITS Many states offer financial incentives for 529 plan contributions. So you can still reap benefits, even if the money won’t be in an account for long. In Pennsylvania, you can deduct up to $13,000 in contributions from taxable income if you invest in the state’s program. That alone could save a couple hundred dollars in the year you make contributions. Given the short time horizon, consider fund options within the 529 plan that protect your contributions. These may be called “principal protection,” ‘’stable value” or “guaranteed option” funds. The returns may not be as high, but they’ll still likely beat current CD rates, notes Peter Mazareas, vice chair of College Savings Foundation, which tracks the industry. TIAA-CREF, for example, promises
Associated Press
Student guide Coreyn Kosik, center, points out campus sites to prospective students and their parents during a tour of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. For the uninitiated, 529 plans let families set aside money for college, including tuition, books and room and board. Each state offers its own plans, but you can usually pick one from any state. Distributions are tax-free, and some states offer additional perks for selecting a plan from home.
a minimum annual interest rate of 1 percent to 3 percent on its guaranteed option fund in Georgia. And as with any 529 plan, distributions are tax free. Some states also offer matching contributions for lower-income families. A Kansas plan, for example, matches up to $600 a year for households that earn less than twice the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that means income would have to be below about $44,100 to qualify.
CALIBRATING RISK Most states offer fund options designed to limit risk based on a child’s age. These funds spread assets over a mix of stocks, bonds and shortterm investments or money market accounts. As the child grows older, a larger share of the funds are automatically shifted out of stock and into more stable investments.
For example, Vanguard’s age-based plans for high school juniors allocate a maximum of 25 percent stocks for aggressive investors. Moderate and conservative plans for the same age have no stock exposure. “The analogy is very similar to retirement funds — you should be more aggressive the more time you have,” said Mazareas of the College Savings Foundation. As with any mutual fund, there are inherent risks with 529 plans. So even with age-based plans, there’s no guarantee you’ll have a set dollar amount by the time your child is ready for college. The blend of stocks and bonds also varies by firm, so be sure you know the specific mix of the plan you’re considering. To get a sense of how plans with different asset mixes fared during the recent market swings, consider Please see 529 Plans, Page 8A
8A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
STOCKS/BUSINESS
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
WEEKLY STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS
u
NYSE
7,255.00+168.81
GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)
Name Last Kngswy g 2.01 AtlasPplH 6.57 SauerDanf 11.86 Newcastle 2.17 PMI Grp 2.67 Furmanite 3.81 DoralFncl 3.62 MBIA 4.33 W Hld rs lf 22.60 RadianGrp 7.55
Chg +.81 +2.47 +3.42 +.55 +.67 +.86 +.72 +.86 +4.38 +1.39
%Chg +67.5 +60.2 +40.5 +34.0 +33.5 +29.2 +24.8 +24.8 +24.0 +22.6
u
AMEX
1,824.38 +57.34
GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)
Name Last Merrimac 15.90 IEC Elec n 4.80 TravelCtrs 4.45 Energy Inc 10.72 NovaGld g 6.49 MercBcp 3.50 CheniereE 12.20 AmO&G 4.39 ChNEPet n 7.96 EvolPetrol 4.51
Chg +5.69 +1.31 +1.02 +2.34 +1.36 +.57 +1.94 +.60 +1.08 +.60
%Chg +55.7 +37.5 +29.7 +27.9 +26.5 +19.5 +18.9 +15.8 +15.7 +15.3
u
NASDAQ
2,285.69 +74.00
GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)
Name Last Athersys 5.52 Camtek h 2.56 ChinaInfra 3.03 CentrueF 2.41 ADA-ES 6.50 Compugn 4.08 FSI Intl 2.80 Dataram 4.31 Quixte 2.56 ZionO&G wt 5.00
Chg +4.52 +1.11 +1.26 +.96 +2.21 +1.33 +.86 +1.16 +.66 +1.26
%Chg +452.0 +76.6 +70.8 +66.2 +51.5 +48.4 +44.3 +36.8 +34.7 +33.7
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LOSERS ($2 OR MORE) Name Last Chg %Chg UnvSecInst 5.42 -2.19 -28.8 SearchM wt 2.30 -.59 -20.4 AvalonHld 2.15 -.30 -12.2 Cohen&Co 4.73 -.57 -10.8 ExeterR g 7.61 -.89 -10.5 Nevsun g 2.62 -.30 -10.3 AmShrd 2.69 -.26 -8.8 B&HO 3.10 -.29 -8.6 Invitel 4.79 -.43 -8.2 Arrhythm 3.30 -.27 -7.6
LOSERS ($2 OR MORE) Name Last Chg %Chg BkCarol 4.95 -3.75 -43.1 ReadgIntB 5.51 -3.99 -42.0 CambLrn n 4.07 -1.93 -32.2 OncoGenex22.37 -7.28 -24.6 KandiTech 4.39 -1.40 -24.2 GigaMed 3.18 -.97 -23.4 Manntch 3.10 -.79 -20.3 Kforce 11.62 -2.63 -18.5 KellySB 12.32 -2.67 -17.8 MGP Ing 7.78 -1.64 -17.4
MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg Citigrp 15344480 3.35 -.05 BkofAm 3911178 15.25 +.22 SPDR 3058810 112.48 +2.27 BrMySq 1955495 25.76 -.02 FordM 1889597 10.13 +.45 iShEMkts 1766802 41.20 +1.17 GenElec 1612133 15.44 -.05 MicronT 1509166 10.16 +1.38 iShR2K 1413803 63.36 +2.44 SPDR Fncl 1370054 14.53 +.31
MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg NovaGld g 218320 6.49 +1.36 GoldStr g 132331 3.25 +.17 JavelinPh 74174 1.29 -.01 NthgtM g 72869 3.13 +.23 Rentech 69282 1.29 +.02 Taseko 63628 4.40 +.09 Oilsands g 58786 1.16 +.03 GrtBasG g 54085 1.74 +.21 NwGold g 49748 3.70 +.27 EndvrInt 46636 1.04 +.07
MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg PwShs QQQ2301382 45.98 +1.52 ETrade 1544862 1.81 +.03 Intel 1346045 20.33 +.70 Microsoft 1142443 31.00 +.64 Athersys 1091742 5.52 +4.52 Cisco 962192 23.96 +.63 Dell Inc 801608 14.79 +1.05 Oracle 775479 24.95 +.61 Apple Inc 637457 209.04+13.61 RschMotn 621353 66.92 -3.08
Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume
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293 166 62 521 24 2 52,355,721
Google Continued from Page 7A
That’s less revenue than Google generates in a day. Nevertheless, AdMob’s early lead in mobile advertising could raise worry antitrust regulators already concerned about Google’s growing power. The Federal Trade Commission is assessing whether the deal would undermine competition in the mobile ad market, which is expected to quadruple in size during the next four years. Only two of Google’s acquisitions have been bigger than the proposed AdMob deal. Regulators quickly approved Google’s $1.76 billion acquisition of the Internet’s top video channel, YouTube, in 2006 but took a year before signing off on the $3.2 billion purchase of another Internet ad service, DoubleClick Inc., in 2008. (By coincidence, AdMob is headquartered across the street from where YouTube started in San Mateo, Calif.) Google contends its AdMob acquisition won’t hurt competition. Among other things, Google points to other mobile ad networks from rivals such as Jumptap, Mojiva and AOL and argues that mobile ads still don’t generate attract enough spending to be considered a distinct market. Hamoui started AdMob out of frustration a few months after he enrolled in graduate school. He was building a phone-friendly Web site to make it easier for people to share photos with their family and friends, but he couldn’t seem to attract much traffic. To get the word out, Hamoui bought ads that would appear alongside certain search results at Google, Yahoo and other engines. That ended up costing him about $30 per referral, which he couldn’t afford. So Hamoui decided to try advertising his site on other mobile Web sites, which are specially designed to work with the small screens and technological restraints of mobile phones. Hamoui found a mobile Web site willing to run his ad for dramatically less money and wound up paying just 10 cents per referral. The experience resonated with Hamoui’s studies on efficient markets, and inspired him to build a network that would make it easier to advertise on mobile devices.
WEEKLY DOW JONES
ASK ABOUT AN INSURANCE HAVE YOU REVIEWED YOUR Dow Jones industrials 85.25 50.79 1.51 53.66 CLOSED
Advanced Declined New Highs New Lows Total issues Unchanged Volume
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2,066 806 338 53 2,932 60 5,798,725,620
NEEdS ANAlySIS. LIFE INSURANCE LATELY? Close: 10,520.10
1-week change: 191.21 (1.9%)
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Wk Wk YTD Div Last Chg %Chg%Chg
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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 28.10 +.78 +2.9 -1.4 ... 138.47 +9.99 +7.8+170.0 ... 11.89 +.82 +7.4+317.2 .60 25.87 +.34 +1.3 -5.8 .04 15.25 +.22 +1.5 +8.3 ...98895.00-2004.00-2.0+2.4 ... 23.96 +.63 +2.7 +47.0 2.01 76.63 +1.37 +1.8 +21.7 ... 14.79 +1.05 +7.6 +44.4 .96 17.27 -.12 -0.7 +15.1 1.68 68.66 +.45 +0.7 -14.0 .54 28.02 -.27 -1.0 +7.5 .04 10.23 +.41 +4.2 +23.8 1.20 162.89 +8.88 +5.8 +6.6 .40 15.44 -.05 -0.3 -4.7 1.40 163.97 +.78 +0.5 +94.3 ... 618.48+22.06 +3.7+101.0 ... 2.98 +.24 +8.8 +77.4
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 .36 .36 1.80 1.09
20.45 23.65 31.00 59.57 54.96 41.36 31.36 53.40 12.45 10.90 30.31 20.58 17.49 24.55 58.12 53.60
+.48 +.03 +.64 +1.79 +.97 +.16 +2.09 +1.88 +.51 +.94 +1.13 +.35 +.72 +.68 +.14 +.75
+2.4 +34.6 +0.1 +9.9 +2.1 +59.5 +3.1 +40.4 +1.8 +29.2 +0.4 +3.8 +7.1+137.2 +3.6 +80.0 +4.3 +27.2 +9.4+173.9 +3.9 +30.9 +1.7 +30.7 +4.3 +8.6 +2.8 +25.1 +0.2 +5.4 +1.4 -4.4
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 $1. Volume in hundreds of shares. Source: The Associated Press. Sales figures are unofficial.
Dow Jones Industrials Dow Jones Transportation Dow Jones Utilities NYSE Composite AMEX Index Nasdaq Composite S&P 500 Wilshire 5000 Russell 2000 Lipper Growth Index
10,520.10 4,187.86 403.37 7,255.00 1,824.38 2,285.69 1,126.48 11,668.88 634.07 3,087.60
Total Assets Name Obj ($Mlns) NAV PIMCO TotRetIs CI 114,653 10.82 American Funds GrthAmA m LG 65,022 27.54 American Funds CapIncBuA m IH 58,268 47.93 Vanguard TotStIdx LB 56,221 27.74 American Funds CpWldGrIA m WS 56,060 34.14 Fidelity Contra LG 55,503 58.50 American Funds IncAmerA m MA 49,018 15.53 American Funds InvCoAmA m LB 48,458 26.19 Vanguard 500Inv LB 47,844 104.34 Vanguard InstIdx LB 43,018 103.69 American Funds EurPacGrA m FB 40,409 38.42 Dodge & Cox Stock LV 39,492 97.25 American Funds WAMutInvA m LV 38,894 24.86 Dodge & Cox IntlStk FV 35,777 31.87 American Funds NewPerspA m WS 32,502 25.76 Fidelity DivrIntl d FG 31,850 27.98 American Funds FnInvA m LB 30,369 33.01 PIMCO TotRetAdm b CI 30,253 10.82 American Funds BalA m MA 29,744 16.31 FrankTemp-Franklin Income A mCA 28,628 2.07 Vanguard Welltn MA 28,113 29.20 Vanguard 500Adml LB 27,983 104.37 American Funds BondA m CI 27,836 11.80 Fidelity GrowCo LG 27,285 69.63 Vanguard TotStIAdm LB 26,873 27.75 Vanguard TotIntl FB 25,417 14.75 Vanguard InstPlus LB 24,423 103.70 Fidelity LowPriStk d MB 23,633 32.17 T Rowe Price EqtyInc LV 15,231 21.22 Hartford CapAprA m LB 9,646 30.84 Pioneer PioneerA m LB 4,251 36.02 Goldman Sachs ShDuGovA m GS 1,416 10.33 Alliance Bernstein GrowIncA m LV 1,228 2.97 DWS-Scudder REstA m SR 415 14.41 Hartford GrowthL m LG 185 15.12
Wk Chg
+191.21 +59.33 +.89 +168.81 +57.34 +74.00 +24.01 +295.03 +23.50 +89.31
Wk YTD 12-mo %Chg %Chg %Chg
+1.85 +19.87 +1.44 +18.40 +.22 +8.80 +2.38 +26.02 +3.24 +30.54 +3.35 +44.94 +2.18 +24.71 +2.59 +28.41 +3.85 +26.95 +2.98 +40.50
Total Return/Rank 4-wk 12-mo 5-year -0.5 +15.1/C +6.9/A +2.5 +40.2/C +3.2/A -0.7 +23.9/D +3.8/C +2.9 +35.8/B +1.2/B -0.1 +37.6/C +6.3/A +2.6 +34.3/D +4.9/A +0.5 +28.4/C +2.8/B +2.2 +32.7/C +2.0/B +2.1 +33.0/C +0.6/C +2.1 +33.1/C +0.7/C -1.7 +41.8/B +7.7/A +2.4 +39.4/A -0.3/D +1.5 +25.0/D +0.4/C +0.9 +55.4/A +5.9/A +1.6 +43.2/B +6.0/A +0.4 +38.6/D +4.1/C +2.3 +39.7/A +4.3/A -0.5 +14.8/C +6.6/A +0.1 +24.4/D +2.0/C +3.1 +43.6/A +3.8/B +0.4 +26.4/D +4.9/A +2.1 +33.1/C +0.7/C -0.6 +15.9/B +2.4/E +5.3 +47.7/B +4.8/A +3.0 +36.0/B +1.3/B +0.1 +43.8/A +5.6/B +2.1 +33.2/C +0.7/C +3.7 +46.9/B +3.6/A +2.4 +32.6/B +0.9/B +2.4 +49.8/A +3.9/A +2.3 +30.8/D +1.4/B -0.3 +4.5/B +4.7/A +1.9 +29.0/C -1.5/E +11.0 +41.2/B +1.3/B +2.4 +40.0/C +0.1/D
+24.23 +25.42 +12.66 +32.21 +37.15 +49.89 +29.76 +33.95 +34.77 +46.05
Pct Min Init Load Invt NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 5.75 250 NL 3,000 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 5.75 250 NL 3,000 NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 4.25 1,000 NL 10,000 NL 100,000 3.75 250 NL 2,500 NL 100,000 NL 3,000 NL200,000,000 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.
529 Plans Continued from Page 7A
a Vanguard plan that is fixed at 50 percent stock. If you put $10,000 into the fund on Sept. 30, 2007, before the market began its descent, it would be worth $9,768 as of Nov. 30. That’s assuming there were no additional contributions. Compare that to a Vanguard plan that was 25 percent stock; that $10,000 contribution would be worth $10,720 as of Nov. 30. In a plan with no stock exposure, it’d be worth $11,385.
AVOIDING FEES If your child is already in high school, minimizing fees should be a priority. It’s one reason to avoid adviser-sold plans, which usually charge commissions of 5 percent to 6 percent of the contribution. For a $10,000 contribution, that’s $500 to $600. “If you’re going to pull the money out in year or two, it doesn’t make sense to pay that,” said John Heywood, who heads the 529 business at Vanguard. Families tend to go with advisersold plans if they’re already working with a broker. Others simply prefer making financial decisions with professional guidance. But if you’re comfortable picking a plan on your own, you can get a direct-sold plan from the state plan’s Web site or the
investment firm that handles it. To start researching, go to www. SavingForCollege.com, which gives quarterly updates ranking the top performing plans. The site also monitors fees for direct-sold plans; its latest study found Ohio, Kansas and Illinois have some of the lowest-cost options. You can also compare plans by features such as matching contributions and enrollment fees.
OTHER CONCERNS A common concern is that building a sizable 529 account will hurt your child’s ability to win financial aid. But as long as the plan is in a parent’s name (with the child as a beneficiary), the impact should be minimal when applying for aid. Only a small percentage of parents’ savings are assessed in aid formulas. If you put the 529 in a grandparent’s or other relative’s name, there’s no impact on aid applications. Another worry is that your child will decide not to attend college. One option in that scenario is to change the beneficiary of the plan to a younger sibling, future grandchildren or even yourself. If you ultimately need to tap your 529 for reasons other than college, the earnings will be taxable at your ordinary income rate plus a 10-percent penalty rate. All told, there are myriad factors to consider when opening a 529 plan — not just a child’s age. If you decide it’s right for you, you can start estimating how much you need to save each month at www.SallieMae.com/invest.
Sparse shelves greet shoppers By the Associated Press
Shoppers headed to America’s malls Saturday, many with gift cards in hand, hoping to snag afterChristmas discounts. They were greeted with big markdowns — in some cases topping 75 percent off — but often found limited selection. “Everything’s been picked over,” said Donna Brown, a 52-year-old hairdresser from Seaford, Del., as she sorted through what was left of the
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If nothing else, he thought he might be able to turn the ad network into a project that would let him get out of having a conventional internship during his summer break in 2006. As it happened, AdMob created enough buzz that Hamoui dropped out of Wharton in the spring. One key element of his system is that it lets programmers specify when and where ads can show up while their apps are running on a phone. Advertisers, which range from mass merchants to other app makers, can aim their messages widely — for instance, to everyone with an iPhone. Or ads can be aimed at a particular demographic. An ad for the movie “Fast and Furious” might show up on a mobile game such as “Tap Tap Revenge” that’s popular among young men. The targeting frequently hits the mark: Users tend to click on mobile ads five to eight times more often than they do on PC ads, Hamoui says. Jim Goetz, who joined AdMob’s board after his firm, Sequoia Capital, put up the first $4 million of the $47 million in venture capital raised by AdMob, likens Hamoui to some of the other successful entrepreneurs that Sequoia has backed. That group includes Apple’s Steve Jobs, Yahoo co-founders Jerry Yang and David Filo, and Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page. “Omar is a lot like them,” Goetz says. “He has the ambition, the intelligence and that special sparkle.” By selling his startup to a larger company, Hamoui is doing something those other entrepreneurs didn’t. His investors say he didn’t do it for the money — AdMob still had plenty in the bank, and Hamoui doesn’t seem to be driven by striking it rich. He still drives a lime-green Toyota Camry that elicits goodnatured gibes around AdMob’s offices. When he splurges, he does so frugally. AdMob’s holiday party is being held next month when the prices are cheaper. “It just seemed like we would be able to do the things we want a lot faster and a lot better with the resources we will have at Google,” Hamoui says. “We already have achieved a big part of what we wanted to do — getting mobile advertising going and making it possible for people to start a mobile company without having to do a deal with a carrier first.”
*Not eligible with a gift certificate *Excludes alcohol *Not Valid with Christmas Parties
STOCK MARKET INDEXES
52-Week High Low
Vassey & Hemphill Jewelers 110 West Main St. Spindale
fleece pajamas marked down 60 percent to $11.99 at a J.C. Penney store in Salisbury, Md. Crowds were mixed during the kickoff of the week after Christmas, which last year accounted for nearly 15 percent of holiday retail sales. This year, it could be more important because snowstorms that socked much of the country cut sales by 2.1 percent for the weekend before Christmas compared with the same weekend a year earlier, according to research firm ShopperTrak. Retailers are counting on the days after Christmas to perk up overall holiday sales in a season that looks like it’s been only modestly better than last year’s disaster. This year the calendar
provides a full weekend just after Christmas for merchants to try to entice shoppers to ring up more sales before many close out the year. “Nothing was amazingly stellar,” NPD Group analyst Marshal Cohen said of the holiday season so far. “This is not going to go down as a Christmas for most people to really remember.” This Saturday, stores made a push to woo gift-card-toting shoppers Saturday by opening early, slashing prices and advertising big sales. “Wasn’t under the tree? Get it now at the Apple Store,” read one ad from Apple Inc. Many shoppers hunted for clearance Christmas items like ornaments, decorations and glassware.
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NATION
Nigerian man charged in airline attack By COREY WILLIAMS and LARRY MARGASAK Associated Press Writers
DETROIT — A 23-year-old Nigerian man who claimed to have ties to al-Qaida was charged Saturday with trying to destroy a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day, as authorities around the world urgently sought to learn more about him. Some airline passengers traveling Saturday felt the consequences of the frightening attack. They were told that new U.S. regulations prevented them from leaving their seats beginning an hour before landing. The Justice Department charged that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab had a device containing a high explosive attached to his body. An affidavit with the indictment said that as Northwest Flight 253 descended toward Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Abdulmutallab set off the device — sparking a fire instead of an explosion. According to the affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit, a preliminary analysis of the device showed it contained PETN, also known as pentaerythritol. The government alleged that Abdulmutallab told passengers that his stomach was upset, then pulled a blanket over himself. Passengers then heard popping noises. Abdulmutallab, who had a valid U.S. visa, was in a terrorism database but not on a no-fly list. He lived in a posh London neighborhood, but a law enforcement official said the suspect acknowledged he received training and instructions from al-Qaida operatives in Yemen. President Barack Obama, on vacation in Hawaii, was briefed about developments
Associated Press
Transportation Security Administration agent Paul Marshall helps an international traveler at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Mich., Saturday. Officials were trying to calm traveler’s fears a day after an attempted terrorist attack aboard a Northwest Airlines flight as it was about to land in Detroit.
in the attack. National Security Council chief of staff Denis McDonough was holed up in a secure hotel room in Hawaii to receive briefings, and other traveling presidential aides were kept shut away to monitor new information. Abdulmutallab appeared on the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment database maintained by the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, said a U.S. official who received a briefing.
Pilot of jet that crashed on beach praises his crew JUNO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The pilot of an American Airlines jet that overshot the runway in Jamaica said Saturday that he’s happy to be home with his family for the holidays, and praised his crew for their quick thinking and professionalism. “This is the best Christmas,” Captain Brian Cole told The Associated Press at his South Florida home. “I am just so happy to be home with my family.” Flight 331 skidded off the runway as it landed in Kingston, Jamaica, in heavy rain Tuesday night, arriving from Washington’s Reagan National Airport by way of Miami. The Boeing 737-800’s fuselage cracked open, the left main landing gear collapsed and the nose was crushed as the plane lurched to a halt at the ocean’s edge. All 154 people aboard survived. Ninetytwo were taken to hospitals, with no injuries considered life-threatening. The U.S. State Department said 76 of the passengers were Americans. Cole walked away “pretty banged up” with bruises on his forearms, chest and stomach, but no broken bones. “It’s a testament to the professionalism of American Airlines,” he said. “I have the highest praise for my first officer and eternal gratitude for the way the flight attendants reacted in their professionalism to get all the passengers home to their families, as well.” Cole spent Christmas with friends and family, and chatted by phone with crew members and flight attendants Saturday as he relaxed at home, thankful that the outcome wasn’t much worse. He said he could not speak further about the crash, because of the ongoing investigation.
Containing some 550,000 names, the database includes people with known or suspected ties to a terrorist organization. However, it is not a list that would prohibit a person from boarding a U.S.-bound airplane. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, said Abdulmutallab was not on the no-fly list. In Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, the man’s father, told The Associated Press, “I
believe he might have been to Yemen, but we are investigating to determine that.” The father was chairman of First Bank of Nigeria from 1999 through this month. The banker said his son is a former university student in London but had left Britain to travel abroad. London’s Metropolitan Police also were working with U.S. officials, said a spokeswoman who spoke on condition of anonymity because of department policy.
Va. lab helps name ‘nameless’ WASHINGTON (AP) — Victoria Avila was 1 when her father went missing, snatched up by agents of Argentina’s former military dictatorship in 1977. Now, Victor Hugo Avila is no longer among the ranks of the disappeared. Thanks to DNA tests conducted at a lab in Lorton, Va., scientists are helping families of the long-lost victims of a defunct junta identify the remains of loved ones — with 42 matches in 2009 alone. Advances in DNA testing are making it cheaper and faster to identify victims of South American atrocities, raising hopes among their relatives that in the years ahead science will answer painful questions from Argentina’s 1976-83 dictatorship. For Victoria Avila, 33, learning of her father’s fate has brought “a strange feeling, a weird kind of happiness, because after all, it’s not like he was alive, but at least his remains were with us. “After 32 years my mother can finally call herself a widow,” Avila said at her home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital. Victor Avila’s identification began with bone fragments exhumed in Argentina and ended in the lab of the Bode Technology Group Inc., where samples from some 600 skeletons are being compared with thousands of blood samples supplied by victims’ relatives. Some 12,000 people are officially listed as dead or missing from the junta’s “Dirty War” on dissent; human rights activists
put the figure at nearly 30,000. An independent group called the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team has led efforts to exhume graves and urged relatives to provide blood samples. Luis Fondebrider, a forensic anthropologist and president of the group, said he’s often asked whether the bones showed signs of torture — something he says is almost impossible to tell. He says loved ones are given the option of viewing the skeleton in the lab. Fondebrider recalls one man, who upon learning his father had been identified, asked to see the remains. The man took his guitar to play a song in front of the skeleton with his young son present. “I think the man, with that song, was trying to link those three generations,” Fondebrider said. About two years ago, the anthropology team began a wide campaign to solicit blood samples, posting ads on TV and banners at soccer stadiums. Bode, a private facility whose experts have helped identify victims from Bosnia, Hurricane Katrina and the Sept. 11 attacks, outbid several labs to work for the Argentina team. The U.S. Congress provided $1.4 million for the first two years of the campaign, while Argentina is helping cover costs in 2010. Scientists store the bones in a freezer, helping to preserve the remaining DNA that has been exposed to soil for three decades. To extract DNA, lab workers
pulverize bone samples, mix the powder with liquids and use chemical reactions to generate many copies of the DNA. That provides plenty of genetic material to test, said Ed Huffine, vice president for humanitarian missions at Bode. Seeking to avoid contamination, scientists wear gloves, coats and face masks and insert their arms under a hood when handling the bones, which contain little DNA. “There’s so much more than what ‘CSI’ shows on TV,” Huffine said. “It’s not that simple. It’s a multiple-day process and it takes years of practice.” Obtaining DNA from blood samples is less complicated. Lab workers create a DNA profile for each bone and blood sample. Then a computer compares the profiles with others in a database, seeking matches. The more surviving family members whose DNA profiles are in the database the better for scientists to find a possible match. If a match is found, experts in Argentina check the identity against the personal and medical histories of the individual for final verification. Besides the 42 IDs this year, about 100 additional identifications are awaiting confirmation. Argentine author Alicia Partnoy, now an associate professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles who was jailed in 1977 for her student activism and later exiled, said identifying the victims offers a measure of triumph over a brutal regime.
Grant W. Patten
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A search was conducted Saturday at an apartment building in a posh West London neighborhood where the suspect is said to have lived. University College London issued a statement saying a student named Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab studied mechanical engineering there between September 2005 and June 2008. But the college said it wasn’t certain the student was the same person who was on the plane.
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10A — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
weather/nation WEATHER The Daily Courier Weather Today
Tonight
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Mostly Sunny
Clear
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Precip Chance: 5%
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Precip Chance: 30%
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Almanac
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Around Our State Today
Statistics provided by Broad River Water Authority through 7 a.m. yesterday.
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Precipitation 24 hrs through 7 a.m. yest. .1.00" Month to date . . . . . . . . .9.23" Year to date . . . . . . . . .59.81"
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High yesterday . . . . . . .29.97"
Relative Humidity High yesterday . . . . . . . . .87%
Full 12/31
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Last 1/7
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Asheville . . . . . . .48/25 Cape Hatteras . . .56/41 Charlotte . . . . . . .55/31 Fayetteville . . . . .57/33 Greensboro . . . . .53/29 Greenville . . . . . .61/36 Hickory . . . . . . . . . .51/29 Jacksonville . . . .60/35 Kitty Hawk . . . . . .57/42 New Bern . . . . . .61/36 Raleigh . . . . . . . .56/31 Southern Pines . .57/32 Wilmington . . . . .60/37 Winston-Salem . .52/28
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Weather (Wx): cl/cloudy; pc/partly cloudy; ra/rain; rs/rain & snow; s/sunny; sh/showers; sn/snow; t/thunderstorms; w/windy
North Carolina Forecast
Greensboro 53/29
Asheville 48/25
Forest City 53/29 Charlotte 55/31
Today
Atlanta . . . . . . . . Baltimore . . . . . . Chicago . . . . . . . Detroit . . . . . . . . Indianapolis . . . Los Angeles . . . Miami . . . . . . . . . New York . . . . . . Philadelphia . . . Sacramento . . . . San Francisco . . Seattle . . . . . . . . Tampa . . . . . . . . Washington, DC
.53/28 .45/32 .28/23 .30/23 .31/18 .66/47 .76/66 .49/34 .48/34 .54/40 .59/46 .44/34 .64/50 .47/32
48/26 40/24 27/20 31/18 29/20 70/46 75/55 40/21 39/23 51/38 59/47 44/34 67/43 41/24
Kinston 61/36 Wilmington 60/37
Storm strands travelers
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Associated Press Writer
OMAHA, Neb. — Drifting snow and cold rain that have plagued much of the country for days strandL 30s ed drivers and airline passengers Saturday trying to get home after 40s 50s 60s Christmas. 60s H Storms from Texas to the Upper Midwest that dumped 23.9 inches 70s 60s of snow in Grand Forks, N.D., and 18 inches near Norfolk, Neb., began L H subsiding, but blowing and drifting snow hampered visibility in many areas. Warmer temperatures and rains in the East began melting and washing away last week’s record-setting snowfalls, threatening the region with down people with health problems. flooding. Eventually, all Americans would be A woman and her teenage daughrequired to carry health insurance, ter in Middletown, Pa., a suburb of with government subsidies to make Philadelphia, were rescued from a premiums more affordable for many rain-swollen creek after their SUV of them. went off the road Saturday. Rescue Those covered by big employers workers found the 14-year-old clingwouldn’t see major changes, but indiing to a log; her mother was trapped viduals buying their own policies and in the vehicle. small businesses would be able to In Chicago, one of the nation’s busishop for competitively priced plans est travel hubs, snow and ice along in an insurance supermarket called with rain on the East Coast canceled an exchange. Medicare cuts and an or delayed more than 50 flights. assortment of taxes and fees would Shannon Fullmer drove two hours pay for the bills. from his home in Freeport, Ill., to Democrats are under pressure to Chicago’s O’Hare International reconcile the House and Senate verAirport on Saturday to pick up his sions before Obama’s first State of 12-year-old son. But the flight from the Union speech. Not yet scheduled, New Jersey was delayed more than it’s usually delivered in late January three hours. or early February. Republicans will The 38-year-old waited in a long wage legislative guerrilla warfare line to get through security so that he to delay an agreement. There’s not could wait by the gate where his son’s much time, and apparently not much plane was expected to arrive about give either. Senate moderates say 7:30 p.m. CST. they won’t vote for a bill that changes Fullmer said he would wait “as long the basic terms they agreed to with as I have to.” Majority Leader Harry Reid. “It doesn’t do any good to get More difficult to solve is the issue of angry,” he said. how to restrict taxpayer funding for A few dozen flights were delayed abortions. Obama will probably have and a few canceled Saturday afterto step in to settle disputes and keep noon in southern Wisconsin. The things moving. National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory through Saturday evening. Three to five inches of snow was expected by Sunday morning. Flights also were delayed at the three major airports in the New York area, which was getting rain and patchy fog.
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Associated Press
Linesmen use two boom trucks to repair an electrical power line along U.S. 71 in western Carroll County, Iowa on Friday, following a storm that caused power outages in rural areas. Carroll County Emergency Management estimated service was lost to nearly 1,500 homes following a winter storm that dumped one-quarter inch of freezing rain and nearly five inches of snow on the area.
Today’s National Map
City
s s sn sn sn mc mc pc s sh sh pc ra s
Greenville 61/36
Raleigh 56/31
Fayetteville 57/33
Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.
Across Our Nation
Elizabeth City 56/36
Durham 55/30
Winston-Salem 52/28
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This map shows high temperatures, type of precipitation expected and location of frontal systems at noon. Cold Front
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Next health talks crucial By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — How many Americans will get subsidized medical coverage — plus who will pay for it — will be front-burner issues when Congress returns next month to complete President Barack Obama’s health care remake. Pocketbook concerns join abortion and whether Uncle Sam should peddle insurance as the top bones of contention for negotiators who must resolve difference between the House and Senate bills. The negotiations are the last chance for Democrats to shape the legislation to deliver concrete benefits to Americans skeptical that it will help control skyrocketing premiums as it expands coverage to millions more. “People will really begin to focus on some of the core issues that have received less attention,” said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., a member of the House leadership. “These are the bread-and-butter issues that will have the most significant impact on people’s pocketbooks.” Broadly speaking, both bills would gradually expand coverage, while banning objectionable insurance industry practices such as turning
Some travelers arriving at Newark Liberty International had delays of nearly 2 1/2 hours. Most New York area delays were weather-related but some were worsened by stricter security precautions after an airplane bombing attempt in Detroit, said Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the area’s airports. Transportation officials closed a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between Goodland, Kan., and Burlington, Colo. Officials also have closed interstate highways in Nebraska, the Dakotas and Wyoming, but some reopened as the storm began to abate. In South Dakota, state troopers assisted 182 people who were stranded in their vehicles or needed help getting through snowy roads, Col. Dan Mosteller said. Hundreds of customers remained without power for a third day in southeastern Nebraska and southcentral South Dakota. Mark Becker of the Nebraska Public Power District said high winds could cause additional power failures during the weekend. Chad Omitt, a meteorologist in Topeka, Kan., said the storm knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes, including in Topeka where about 15,000 were without power at the peak. His own sons — ages 9, 6 and 4 — opened their presents by the light of flashlights and candles after waking up around 5:45 a.m. on Christmas morning in a chilly house that was without electricity. “I don’t know how enjoyable it was for them,” he said. South Dakota officials reported several roof collapses from the weight of the snow, including a livestock barn near Baltic, where at least 25 cattle were trapped and some of them killed. Meanwhile, parts of the East began preparations for flooding as rain or freezing rain fell and temperatures rose, helping to melt snow in areas where as much as 2 feet fell last weekend. A wintry mix of rain, freezing rain and light snow made for slippery travel in parts of New England.
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PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix police have identified a suspect accused of kidnapping and molesting a 5-yearold girl before a patrol officer spotted his car and helped rescue the child. Forty-five-year-old Larry Jon Ladwig was booked into jail early Saturday on charges of kidnapping, sexual molestation of a child, aggravated assault of a police officer and felony flight.Police say the girl is doing well and called her rescue a “Christmas miracle.”
The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009 — 1B
Inside Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . Page 2B NCAA Football . . . . . Page 3B NFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8B
Off The Wall Scott Bowers
My ‘other’ Steelers are doing well You must forgive today’s effort, as I have just returned from my Christmas vacation and my mind is still a’wandering. My kids took in a huge haul from Santa and the grandparents, and my house looks a lot like a toy store right now. Today is also ‘Fantasy Football Championship,’ weekend in thousands of fantasy football leagues all around the country and yours truly is playing for his second consecutive Yahoo! Fantasy Football championship. My Steelers are 11-3 on the year and Chris Johnson got me off to a great start with a 23.9 point effort against the Chargers on Friday. Now, if the rest of my team will perform that well, I will be sipping fantasy champagne during my fantasy trip to Disney World. Such are the spoils of leading a truly great fantasy football team. Panthers’ Impersonators There are two emerging stories out of Charlotte regarding people impersonating Carolina Panthers. The first involves Panthers’ offensive tackle Travelle Wharton and a case of cyberstalking. Someone, allegedly, has gone around the Charlottearea taking folks money while passing themselves off as Wharton. The second case involves the person who pretended to be Julius Peppers during the Panthers game against the Minnesota Vikings, last Sunday. The Panthers are trying to discover who that person was so they can sign him to a $250 million deal. Oddly, no one has stepped forward to claim responsibility and the real Peppers isn’t talking. Brave New Moves Take heart Braves’ fans — there is a Santa Clause. Or, a General Manager working in Atlanta. The trade of pitcher Javier Vasquez was a little steep, and the Yankees got the better of the deal, but the Braves had too many arms. I was hoping the Braves would unload Derek Lowe and his $45 million, but at least the Braves made a move. The addition of Troy Glaus could be solid. However, we’ll need to watch and see if Glaus is healed from his shoulder injury. 2009 Top Stories Here’s a little year-ending list of my favorite local sports stories of the year: No. 3 — R-S Central Hilltoppers. The 2009 Hilltoppers completed a solid 9-5 season with a playoff win over South Rowan. The win came exactly 20 years to the day of their last playoff win. No. 2 — Gayshawna Watkins. East Rutherford’s Watkins, who graduated in June, won 2A state titles in both the Indoor and Outdoor Shot Put Championships. She remains the only Rutherford County athlete that I can find who won two state titles in the same school year. No. 1 — Forest City Owls. The Owls were clearly the local sports story of the year. The Owls put together an incredible 51-9 run that ended with a 2009 Petitt Cup championship and a No. 1 ranking in the Perfect Game/Crosschecker’s Top 10 Summer League Poll. The ’09 Owls became the first of several different generations of Owls to win a league title.
Lady Hilltoppers Classic underway By KEVIN CARVER Sports Reporter
RUTHERFORDTON— Senior guard Melissa McLaughlin scored 27 points as R-S Central advanced into the semifinals of their own tournament with a 71-49 victory over Crest, Saturday night. “I felt like the rotation of Taylor (Gray), Alyssia (Watkins), and Cheyenne (Miller) sparked us on defense and we needed somebody to step after the first few minutes,” R-S Central girls basketball coach Darius Fuller said. “Those three were the
ones who did it, but I was overall happy with us playing together as a team tonight.” Crest, with Shaliah Degree on the inside, put up the first four points of the contest, but R-S Central began to use defensive pressure that turned into a multitude of turnovers, changing the momentum for Lady Hilltoppers. McLaughlin created back-to-back, 3-point plays as Central took the lead, and blocks by Aaliyah Davis and Cheyenne Miller built additional momentum that the Lady Hilltoppers
wouldn’t relinquish. Central held Crest to just one field goal in their last 10 attempts of the first quarter. Central’s 19-2 run closed out the opening period. Degree reeled Crest back into the game to start the second period, but another blocked shot from Central’s Taylor McDaniel sparked the Hilltoppers once more. Miller and Alyssia Watkins each counted layups and Taylor Gray’s baseline jumper ended the half as Central led 38-17. Please see Classic, Page 3B
Home For The Bowl-idays
Pittsburgh’s Dom Decicco (31) grabs the face mask of North Carolina’s Erik Highsmith (88) during the first half of the Meineke Bowl NCAA college football game in Charlotte, Saturday. Associated Press
No. 17 Pitt takes down Tar Heels CHARLOTTE (AP) — It wasn’t the bowl Pittsburgh wanted to be in, but the Panthers made a case that they’ve returned to prominence. Dion Lewis rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown to pass Tony Dorsett as Pittsburgh’s top freshman rusher, and Dan Hutchins kicked a 33-yard field goal with 52 seconds left to give the 17thranked Panthers a 19-17 win over North Carolina on Saturday in the Meineke Bowl. Winning 10 games for the first time since Dan Marino was the quarterback in 1981, Pitt (10-3) overcame a disappointing loss to Cincinnati three weeks ago that cost it a Sugar Bowl berth and staged a late rally in front of a hostile crowd. Pitt converted on fourth down at its Associated Press own 30 and took advantage of a key off- North Carolina’s Zack Pianalto (17) reaches out to catch a pass during the first half Please see Tar Heels, Page 3B of the Meineke Bowl NCAA college football game in Charlotte, Saturday.
Giants face Panthers in stadium farewell TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After starting the season with five straight wins, the New York Giants had a feeling there would be postseason games in their final season at Giants Stadium. They guessed wrong. A tailspin has the Giants (8-6) in desperate need of wins and help down the stretch. The only so-called playoff game at the 34-year-old stadium in the Meadowlands sports complex will be New York’s crucial contest against the Carolina Panthers (6-8) on Sunday. The Giants trail Dallas and Green Bay by a game in the wild-card race and they probably will have to win their last two games and hope either the Cowboys or Packers lose one to get to the postseason. New York owns the tiebreaker with both teams. The Jets, who also play in Giants Stadium and will be the Giants’ partner in the new ballpark that opens next season, actually will play the final game in this building when they host the Please see Panthers, Page 8B
Carolina Panthers’ Jonathan Stewart (28) runs past Minnesota Vikings’ Jimmy Kennedy (73) in the second half of the Panthers’ 26-7 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, Sunday. Associated Press
2B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
sports
Scoreboard (ESPN2)
FOOTBALL National Football League AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF New England 9 5 0 .643 365 Miami 7 7 0 .500 316 N.Y. Jets 7 7 0 .500 282 Buffalo 5 9 0 .357 225
Associated Press
West Virginia’s Devin Ebanks, right, puts up a shot as he is guarded by Seton Hall’s Herb Pope during overtime of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, in Newark, N.J. West Virginia won 90-84 in overtime.
West Virginia needs OT to remain undefeated
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Devin Ebanks scored 22 points, Da’Sean Butler had 21 and Kevin Jones added 19 to lead No. 6 West Virginia to a 90-84 overtime victory over Seton Hall on Saturday, keeping the Mountaineers one of six unbeaten teams in Division I. Ebanks had 17 rebounds and Jones grabbed 14 for the Mountaineers (10-0) in the Big East opener for both teams. Jeremy Hazell had a career-high 41 points for the Pirates (9-2), who closed regulation with a 12-2 run to force the extra 5 minutes in the only game in the country on Saturday involving a Division I team. Butler hit a 3-pointer 34 seconds into the overtime to give West Virginia the lead for good. The biggest plays of the overtime belonged to Jones, a freshman forward. Ebanks missed a jumper as the shot clock wound down with 56 seconds to play and Jones grabbed the rebound. With 32 seconds left, Jones hit a 3 to give West Virginia an 87-80 lead and the Pirates didn’t get closer than six points the rest of the way. That Seton Hall even had a chance to get the game to overtime was surprising considering the Pirates finished 6 of 30 from 3-point range — 4 of 19 by Hazell — and they shot less than 50 percent from the free throw line (16 of 33), including going 8 of 20 from the line after halftime. Butler’s three-point play with 57 seconds left in regulation gave the Mountaineers a 75-65 lead. Hazell hit a 3 to cap a 9-0 run that brought Seton Hall within 75-74 with 15 seconds left. Butler made two free throws for a three-point lead with 12.9 seconds left. Hazell hit a 3 with 6.9 seconds left to tie it and Ebanks missed a chance to win it when his 3-point attempt bounced off the rim at the buzzer. West Virginia has won five straight games in the series, including a 92-66 blowout last season.
Ron Artest falls at home
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest suffered a concussion and injured his left elbow after falling at his home. Artest didn’t travel with the Lakers to Saturday’s game at Sacramento after tripping over a box and falling down a flight of stairs at his home on Christmas night, the team said in a news release. He was treated at UCLA Medical Center, undergoing a CT scan and receiving stitches in the back of his head and his elbow. A neurologist examined him on Saturday and confirmed he had a concussion, the team said. Artest is day to day. Artest scored 13 points and fouled out while guarding LeBron James in the Lakers’ 102-87 loss to Cleveland earlier Friday. Artest is averaging 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in his first season with Los Angeles after signing as a free agent. Lakers coach Phil Jackson allowed his players to stay home with their families on Christmas night.
x-Indianapolis Jacksonville Houston Tennessee
W 14 7 7 7
South L T 0 0 7 0 7 0 8 0
PA 244 333 221 288
Pct PF 1.000 394 .500 266 .500 327 .467 337
PA 248 322 286 389
Cincinnati Baltimore Pittsburgh Cleveland
North W L T 9 5 0 8 6 0 7 7 0 3 11 0
Pct .643 .571 .500 .214
PF 288 350 315 199
PA 244 225 280 349
x-San Diego Denver Oakland Kansas City
West W L T 12 3 0 8 6 0 5 9 0 3 11 0
Pct .800 .571 .357 .214
PF 431 275 175 240
PA 300 250 335 383
NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF 10 4 0 .714 399 9 5 0 .643 320 8 6 0 .571 386 4 10 0 .286 246
PA 286 250 342 296
y-Philadelphia Dallas N.Y. Giants Washington
South W L T x-New Orleans 13 1 0 Atlanta 7 7 0 Carolina 6 8 0 Tampa Bay 2 12 0
Pct .929 .500 .429 .143
PF 483 312 251 214
PA 298 312 289 363
North W L T 11 3 0 9 5 0 5 9 0 2 12 0
Pct .786 .643 .357 .143
PF 396 380 254 233
PA 269 280 322 437
x-Minnesota Green Bay Chicago Detroit
West W L T x-Arizona 9 5 0 San Francisco 6 8 0 Seattle 5 9 0 St. Louis 1 13 0
Pct .643 .429 .357 .071
PF 337 282 257 159
PA 282 269 325 377
x-clinched division y-clinched playoff spot Friday’s Games San Diego 42, Tennessee 17 Sunday’s Games Buffalo at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Houston at Miami, 1 p.m. Seattle at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Oakland at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at New England, 1 p.m. Detroit at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. St. Louis at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis, 4:15 p.m. Denver at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m. Dallas at Washington, 8:20 p.m. Monday’s Game Minnesota at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3 Chicago at Detroit, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at Dallas, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Miami, 1 p.m. New England at Houston, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Buffalo, 1 p.m. San Francisco at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Cleveland, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Seattle, 4:15 p.m. Washington at San Diego, 4:15 p.m. Kansas City at Denver, 4:15 p.m. Baltimore at Oakland, 4:15 p.m. Green Bay at Arizona, 4:15 p.m. Bowl Glance Saturday, Dec. 19 New Mexico Bowl At Albuquerque Wyoming 35, Fresno State 28, 2OT St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Rutgers 45, UCF 24 Sunday, Dec. 20 New Orleans Bowl Middle Tennessee 42, Southern Miss. 32 Tuesday, Dec. 22 Las Vegas Bowl BYU 44, Oregon State 20 Wednesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego Utah 37, California 27 Thursday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu SMU 45, Nevada 10 Saturday, Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl At Detroit Marshall 21, Ohio 17 Meineke Bowl At Charlotte Pittsburgh 19, North Carolina 17 Emerald Bowl At San Francisco Southern Cal (8-4) vs. Boston College (8-4), late, (ESPN) Sunday, Dec. 27 Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Clemson (8-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 28 Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5), 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 29 EagleBank Bowl At Washington Temple (9-3) vs. UCLA (6-6), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Champs Sports Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Miami (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (9-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Dec. 30 Humanitarian Bowl At Boise, Idaho Bowling Green (7-5) vs. Idaho (7-5), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl At San Diego Nebraska (9-4) vs. Arizona (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Dec. 31 Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Air Force (7-5) vs. Houston (10-3), Noon (ESPN) Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Stanford (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (7-5), 2 p.m. (CBS) Texas Bowl At Houston Missouri (8-4) vs. Navy (9-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Insight Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Minnesota (6-6) vs. Iowa State (6-6), 6 p.m. (NFL) Chick-fil-A Bowl At Atlanta Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. Tennessee (7-5), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Northwestern (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5), 11 a.m. (ESPN) Capital One Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Penn State (10-2) vs. LSU (9-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Gator Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Florida State (6-6) vs. West Virginia (9-3), 1 p.m. (CBS) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Ohio State (10-2) vs. Oregon (10-2), 5 p.m. (ABC) Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Florida (12-1) vs. Cincinnati (12-0), 8:30 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 2 International Bowl At Toronto South Florida (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (7-5), Noon (ESPN2) Cotton Bowl At Arlington, Texas Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Mississippi (8-4), 2 p.m. (FOX) PapaJohns.com Bowl At Birmingham, Ala. Connecticut (7-5) vs. South Carolina (7-5), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. East Carolina (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4), 9 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 4 Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Boise State (13-0) vs. TCU (12-0), 8 p.m. (FOX) Tuesday, Jan. 5 Orange Bowl At Miami Iowa (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech (11-2), 8 p.m. (FOX) Wednesday, Jan. 6 GMAC Bowl Mobile, Ala. Central Michigan (11-2) vs. Troy (9-3), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 7 BCS National Championship At Pasadena, Calif. Alabama (13-0) vs. Texas (13-0), 8 p.m. (ABC) Saturday, Jan. 23 East-West Shrine Classic At Orlando, Fla. East vs. West, 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 4 p.m. (NFL) Saturday, Feb. 6 Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge At El Paso, Texas Texas vs. Nation, 3 p.m. (CBSC)
BASKETBALL
Orlando Atlanta Miami Charlotte Washington Cleveland Milwaukee Detroit Chicago Indiana
GB — 10 1/2 12 1/2 16 21 1/2
Southeast Division W L Pct 22 8 .733 20 8 .714 15 12 .556 11 16 .407 10 17 .370
GB — 1 5 1/2 9 1/2 10 1/2
Central Division W L Pct 23 8 .742 12 15 .444 11 18 .379 10 17 .370 9 18 .333
GB — 9 11 11 12
WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division
W L Pct 20 9 .690 17 12 .586 15 11 .577 13 14 .481 13 15 .464 Northwest Division W L Pct Denver 20 10 .667 Portland 20 12 .625 Utah 16 13 .552 Oklahoma City 14 14 .500 Minnesota 6 24 .200 Pacific Division W L Pct L.A. Lakers 23 5 .821 Phoenix 19 11 .633 Sacramento 13 15 .464 L.A. Clippers 12 17 .414 Golden State 7 21 .250
GB — 3 3 1/2 6 6 1/2 GB — 1 3 1/2 5 14 GB — 5 10 11 1/2 16
Friday’s Games Miami 93, New York 87 Boston 86, Orlando 77 Cleveland 102, L.A. Lakers 87 Phoenix 124, L.A. Clippers 93 Portland 107, Denver 96 Saturday’s Games Dallas 106, Memphis 101 Atlanta 110, Indiana 98 Houston at New Jersey, late Washington at Minnesota, late Charlotte at Oklahoma City, late New Orleans at Chicago, late San Antonio at Milwaukee, late Philadelphia at Utah, late L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, late Phoenix at Golden State, late Sunday’s Games Detroit at Toronto, 1 p.m. San Antonio at New York, 6 p.m. Indiana at Miami, 6 p.m. Houston at Cleveland, 6 p.m. Dallas at Denver, 8 p.m. Boston at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 p.m. Saturday’s College Basketball Major Scores EAST West Virginia 90, Seton Hall 84, OT
HOCKEY National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF New Jersey 35 26 8 1 53 106 Pittsburgh 38 26 11 1 53 124 N.Y. Rangers 37 18 16 3 39 103 N.Y. Islanders 38 14 17 7 35 93 Philadelphia 36 16 18 2 34 100 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF 36 22 11 3 47 96 36 18 11 7 43 96 37 18 15 4 40 102 39 18 18 3 39 102 38 13 17 8 34 107 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Washington 37 23 8 6 52 135 Atlanta 36 18 14 4 40 119 Florida 39 16 16 7 39 112 Tampa Bay 37 13 15 9 35 93 Carolina 37 9 22 6 24 90 Buffalo Boston Ottawa Montreal Toronto
WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF Chicago 36 24 9 3 51 108 Nashville 37 22 12 3 47 107 Detroit 37 18 14 5 41 98 St. Louis 36 17 14 5 39 93 Columbus 38 14 17 7 35 106 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF Colorado 39 21 12 6 48 115 Calgary 36 20 11 5 45 102 Vancouver 37 21 16 0 42 114 Minnesota 37 18 16 3 39 96 Edmonton 37 15 18 4 34 108 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF San Jose 37 22 8 7 51 122 Phoenix 38 23 13 2 48 100 Los Angeles 37 22 12 3 47 111 Dallas 37 16 10 11 43 110 Anaheim 37 15 15 7 37 103
GA 75 97 103 121 105 GA 81 91 111 108 133 GA 102 114 126 114 136 GA 74 105 99 98 134 GA 114 89 94 104 123 GA 97 85 108 113 117
Saturday’s Games Montreal at Toronto, late Philadelphia at Carolina, late Detroit 2, Columbus 1 Washington 4, New Jersey 1 N.Y. Islanders at N.Y. Rangers, late Ottawa at Buffalo, late Atlanta at Tampa Bay, late St. Louis at Minnesota, late Chicago at Nashville, late Dallas at Colorado, late Los Angeles at Phoenix, late Edmonton at Vancouver, late Anaheim at San Jose, late
TRANSACTIONS
National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct Boston 23 5 .821 Toronto 14 17 .452 New York 11 18 .379 Philadelphia 7 21 .250 New Jersey 2 27 .069
Dallas Houston San Antonio New Orleans Memphis
BASKETBALL National Basketball Association BOSTON CELTICS—Activated F Glen Davis from the injured list. FOOTBALL National Football League KANSAS CITY CHIEFS—Signed S Reshard Langford from Philadelphia’s practice squad.
LOCAL SPORTS BASKETBALL R-S Central’s Lady Hilltoppers Holiday Classic at R-S Central High Monday, Dec. 28 2 p.m. Chase vs Kings Mountain 3:30 p.m. Hibriten vs Crest 5 p.m. Gaffney vs Ashebrook 6:30 p.m. Shelby vs R-S Central East Rutherford’s Cavaliers Christmas Classic at East Rutherford High Monday, Dec. 28 6 p.m. Asheville School vs. R-S Central 7:30 p.m. Chase vs. East Rutherford
The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009 — 3B
sports
Urban Meyer stepping down
Associated Press
Marshall’s Andre Booker (38) is pursued by Ohio’s Paul Hershey while returning a punt 58 yards for a touchdown during the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday, in Detroit.
Marshall holds on to beat Ohio in Pizza Bowl
DETROIT (AP) — Martin Ward ran for two touchdowns in the first half Saturday and Marshall held off Ohio 21-17 in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. DeQuan Bembry’s interception with 40 seconds left sealed the victory for the Thundering Herd (7-6), who led by three touchdowns midway through the second quarter. The Bobcats (9-5) rallied with Shannon Ballard’s 75-yard return off a fumble in the second quarter, Terrence McCrae’s TD catch and Matt Weller’s field goal. Ohio had chances to complete the comeback but was stunted on the drive before its final possession. The game looked like it was going to be a route when Ward’s 2-yard run put Marshall ahead 21-0 with 7:21 left in the first half. Ward scored on a 12-yard run late in the first quarter and Andre Booker had 58-yard punt return for a touchdown at the end of the quarter. Just when it appeared as if the Herd were going to make the game lopsided, Ballard returned a fumble 75 yards and gave Ohio a much-needed spark. The Bobcats carried the momentum into the second half, when Theo Scott connected with a leaping McCrae in the end zone on an 8-yard pass midway through the third quarter. Weller’s 46-yard field goal made it 21-17. Marshall didn’t have a first down after halftime until its fourth possession, then it negated a 20-yard gain with a holding penalty and was forced to punt. Ohio drove to the Marshall 13 on the ensuing drive — taking advantage of two late-hit penalties against the Herd — but stalled and missed a field goal that would’ve pulled the Bobcats within a point early in the fourth quarter. The Bobcats stayed in the game despite just 123 yards of offense. Marshall didn’t exactly move up and down the field at will, but it scored enough early in the game to win. Brian Anderson was 12 of 17 for 85 yards for the Herd, and Ward ran for 72 yards and two scores on nine carries. Scott was 14 of 26 for 111 yards with a TD and an interception for Ohio. Chris Garrett was held to 30 yards on 10 carries and Taylor Price caught four passes for 49 yards. The schools, located 82 miles apart, played 52 times between 1905 and 2004 in “The Battle for the Bell,” with the trophy symbolizing the Ohio River separating Ohio and West Virginia. They hadn’t played since Marshall left the MidAmerican Conference for Conference USA in 2005. Ohio was led by Frank Solich, the former Nebraska coach, while the Herd had interim coach Rick Minter on their sideline. Mark Snyder resigned at Marshall after the season and will be replaced by John “Doc” Holliday, who was an assistant to Urban Meyer on Florida’s 2006 national championship team. Sarah Thomas made history during the game, becoming the first woman to officiate a bowl game, according to a Little Caesars Bowl spokesman. She was the first woman to be an official for a major college football game in 2007 and is on the NFL’s list of officiating prospects.
Tar Heels Continued from Page 1B
sides penalty to set up Hutchins’ fourth field goal. T.J. Yates threw two touchdown passes to Greg Little, but his incomplete pass on fourthand-10 from his own 49 with 6 seconds left sent the Tar Heels
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Urban Meyer is stepping down as coach at Florida because of health concerns that came to light when he was admitted to a hospital because of chest pains following the Southeastern Conference championship game. The 45-year-old Meyer resigned Saturday, calling it quits after five seasons in Gainesville and two national titles. He leaves Florida with a 56-10 record that includes a 32-8 mark in league play and a school-record 22-game winning streak snapped early this month against Alabama. “I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program,” Meyer said in a statement. “I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family.” Meyer said he consulted with his family, his doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it is in his best interest to focus on his health and family. Meyer will hold a news conference in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon and will coach his final game in the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati on New Year’s Day. “Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I real-
Classic Continued from Page 1B
Central received 10 points and eight rebounds from Shannon Hines. Watkins finished with nine points, while Miller closed with five. Crest was led by Degree with 20 and Kendyl McWhirter added 12 for the Lady Chargers.
Ashbrook 59, Chase 32 RUTHERFORDTON — Chase had three huge problems to deal with in game one of Saturday’s Lady Hilltoppers Classic. The first two consisted of how to stop a penetrating guard and a wide-bodied center for Ashbrook. The last issue to deal with was shooting woes as Ashbrook took down Chase 59-32 at R-S Central High School. Green Wave guard Justin Taylor and the powerful inside presence of 6-foot-2 center Whitney Collins combined for 20 first half points and a 14-0 start that the Lady Trojans couldn’t overcome. Chase hit just 1-of-14 from the field in the first quarter, while Collins out-rebounded and putback all eight of her first half points in the first period from inside the paint. Euletha Davis’ outlet pass to Claudette Miller for a deuce ended the first quarter field goal drought for the Lady Trojans, but Chase still trailed 16-2 at the end of the period.
Associated Press
Florida coach Urban Meyer stands on the sideline during the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta in this Dec. 5, 2009 file photo. The Associated Press reports on Saturday that Meyer is stepping down as coach of the University of Florida football team.
ize how hard this was for him to reach this decision,” Foley said. “But the bottom line is that coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what
he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship.”
Three straight Ashbrook turnovers followed Kaitlyn Smart’s basket from the inside for Chase sparked an 8-0 run that cut the Ashbrook lead to 16-10. However, Taylor finished off her 12 first half points in the second quarter as she drove the lane for two and capped off an 11-6 run. Ashbrook led 27-16 at the half and Chase never got any closer. Chase was led by Miller’s 11 points, while Davis posted nine and Kendra Holcombe added eight. Taylor closed with 23 points and Collins added 19 for the Lady Green Wave.
pulled away from that point. The Lady Indians had another stellar quarter in the third, producing a 16-6 run with seven field goals versus the Lady Mountaineers three. Gaffney led 44-20 at the end of the third period. Davidson and Leach led the way with 12 points each for Gaffney. Brittney Roberts paced Kings Mountain with 14 and Tiara McClain chipped in 10.
Gaffney 54, Kings Mountain 40 RUTHERFORDTON — Defense proved the most worthy for Gaffney as their press defense and traps kept Kings Mountain on defense for the most part in a 54-40 win for the South Carolina school. Kings Mountain was held to two second quarter field goals as Gaffney was able to post nine during the period and keep a nice halftime lead that held the rest of the contest. Parris Davidson opened the game up on a 3-point play for Gaffney in the opening quarter, but a late 3-ball by the Lady Indians Keisha Leach gave Gaffney a 12-10 lead after the first quarter. Gaffney had six different scorers in the second quarter and the press defense suffocated the Lady Mountaineers as Gaffney
Shelby 52, Hibriten 35 RUTHERFORDTON — Hibriten was its own worst enemy Saturday afternoon, going 0-for-13 from the field in the first quarter and Shelby’s relentless pressure on the ball forced a 59-32 decision in favor of Shelby. With the proverbial lid that stayed glued to cylinder, Hibriten established just three first half field goals and never recovered throughout the match. Shelby, who had first-day problems in the Lady Hilltoppers Classic over the past two seasons, didn’t have to worry about that this year with Hibriten. Clarissa Hunt started Shelby off with a lay up off the opening tip, Kellie Camp posted up backto-back baskets off steals and Kelantra Allen’s three, highlighted a 12-0 beginning. Shelby led 20-1 after the first quarter and 30-8 at halftime. Allen led Shelby with 12 points. Hibriten was led by Keisha Corpening with 17 and Brianna Wilder added 11, most of those points coming in the second half.
Person of interest named in Panthers impersonation CHARLOTTE (AP) — Police say a man wanted for cyberstalking may be the same person pretending to be Carolina Panthers left tackle Travelle Wharton. A misdemeanor cyberstalk-
(8-5) to their second straight loss. Lewis surpassed Dorsett’s freshman rushing record of 1,686 yards in the first quarter and finished with 1,799, behind only Dorsett’s 2,150 in his Heisman Trophy-winning, national championship season of 1976. Yates was 19 of 32 for 183
ing warrant has been issued for Christon Brewer, who has lived in Charlotte and Monroe. The Panthers announced last week that a Wharton impostor defrauded a handful of people
yards and an interception while Little caught seven passes for 87 yards and Ryan Houston rushed for 83 yards. But North Carolina’s defense, which came in sixth in the nation overall and ninth against the run, struggled to contain the shifty Lewis and continued a trend of struggling to close out games over the past two seasons under coach Butch Davis.
out of about $25,000 in bogus investment scams over the past year. No arrests have been made and at this time Brewer is only a “person of interest.”
4B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, SUNDAY, December 27, 2009 Ask the Guys Dear Classified Guys, I've been looking for the perfect job for a long time, and a few weeks ago I picked up the classifieds and saw it in print. Seizing the opportunity, I jazzed up my resume and landed an interview. I brushed up on my interview skills and even made my wife ask me questions so I could practice. I really felt prepared. Then on the day of my interview, I was totally disappointed. After meeting with the HR manager for a few minutes, he directed me to the guy doing the hiring, the new boss. I quickly realized this guy was completely unqualified to do an interview. At first he was vague about the job. Then once I got him talking, he turned out to be a total chatterbox. I don't think he asked but a few questions. I listened to him for almost 40 minutes. I like the company and the job as it was defined in the ad, but feel I got shafted on this interview. Are there any ways to salvage this opportunity?
•
•
•
Carry: Unfortunately when you're
hunting for a job, you don't always get to choose your boss. Sometimes you have to make the best of the situation. Cash: The circumstances you encountered are the reason many companies
Duane “Cash” Holze & Todd “Carry” Holze 12/27/09 ©2009 The Classified Guys®
leave the hiring to a human resources department. Some managers, while quite qualified to supervise a department, lack the skills to conduct a good interview. Carry: It's unfortunate that you've run into that case. However, all hope is not lost. Cash: Considering how your interview unfolded, you may be in a better position than you think. Even though you were not asked many questions about yourself, you obviously connected with "the boss" well enough for him to feel comfortable in talking about himself. Carry: It may have simply been important for you to make a good impression during the interview and not
necessary to discuss your background in detail. If your resume is in order, and you listed your credentials effectively, then that may be enough to speak for your qualifications. Cash: While your perception of the interview left you thinking it went poorly, your future boss may not have had the same opinion. Allowing him to talk may have made a very good first impression. After all, it's difficult to judge how well an interview goes when you're the one participating. Carry: So for now, there may be no need to salvage anything. Your best bet is to follow up with a thank you note and wait for the call for your perfect job!
Fast Facts Good Job
Reader Humor Doesn't Add Up
Most people would love to have their dream job, but what is the perfect job? A new study released this year to find the best and worst jobs reviewed 200 professions based on five criteria including environment, income, physical demand, employment outlook and stress. The # 1 occupation was mathematician, followed by actuary, statistician, biologist and software engineer. The worst jobs, ranking with the lowest scores, were lumberjack, dairy farmer, taxi driver, seaman and EMT. But then again, the perfect job is the one you love!
After applying for a job and having two interviews with partners at an accounting firm, I was finally sitting in the manager's office to discuss salary. He was a jovial gentleman who tried to make me feel comfortable, but I was still nervous about receiving an offer. As I sat there awaiting him to say something, he took out a piece of paper and said that he would write down an offer for a starting salary. When he finished, he folded it and pushed it across the desk. Upon opening it, my eyes practically burst and I blurted out, "Wow, that's seven figures!" "You're right," the manager laughed, "and as an accountant, your first job is to figure out where to put the decimal!" (Thanks to David H.)
Keep Talking Almost anyone can carry out an interview, but not everyone is good at it. Celebrities like Oprah and Jay Leno have mastered the art and had great success with their careers. Unfortunately, being a celebrity isn't enough to guarantee success. The road to talk shows is littered with those who didn't quite make it. Among the stars that tried their hand at interviewing were Chevy Chase, John McEnroe, Sharon Osborne, Richard Bey, Carnie Wilson, Richard Simmons, Magic Johnson and even the puppet Alf. •
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Laughs For Sale This "hair" styling job will keep you hopping.
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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.
WANTED nal fessio Seeking Pro lists. Hare Sty mission. Salary + Comterview. in an r fo Call
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 1 WEEK SPECIAL
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
*4 line minimum on all ads Apartments
Apartments
Special $100 dep.! 1, 2 & 3BR Nice, large Townhomes Priv. decks, w/d hook up. Water incld.! Starting at $375/mo. 1-888-684-5072
Nice 2 Bedroom Townhouse Apt & 1 Bedroom Apt across from Super 8 Motel in Spindale $385/mo. & $515/mo. Call 828-447-1989
Classic & charming
Homes
Apt. with storage garage. Clean 2 Bedroom Brick
For Rent
at 433 E. Main St., Forest City $475/mo.
Call 828-447-3233
Beautiful country cottage Hudlow Rd. 2BR/1BA $500/mo. 704-376-8081
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1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM
HOUSES & APTS. FOR RENT! $285/mo.-$750/mo.
Rentals Unlimited
245-7400 2BR/1BA Dual pane windows, ceiling fans, window a/c, w/d hookup. East Court St., Rfdtn. $310/mo. 1/2 off 2nd month App. 828-748-8801
Homes For Rent or Sale Houses, mobile homes & apartments for sale & rent. Owner fin. avail. 453-9946
Mobile Homes For Rent Single wide Shiloh: 2BR/2BA No Pets! $425/mo. + $300 dep. 245-5703 or 286-8665
GREAT STARTER in Cleveland County! 3BR/1BA Brick ranch w/great features - brick fireplace in family room, large eat-in kitchen, hardwoods, in-ground pool, large fenced backyard, swing set and 2 storage sheds remain. $94,900 #45277 Coldwell Banker Mountain View Real Estate Contact Marsha Brown 704-284-0137
Real Estate Wanted Mobile home w/land or
house. Need owner fin. $2,500 DP $350-$425/ mo. 864-972-0498
ROSEDALE PHASE I APARTMENTS 121 Holly Lane Forest City, NC 28043 Family Households
1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS Units for Persons with Disabilities Available Section 8 Accepted
Please Call (1) 828-245-3417 TDD/TYY # (1) 800-735-2962 “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer”
*Private party customers only! This special must be mentioned at the time of ad placement. Valid 12/28/09 - 12/31/09
Instruction
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Lost
Professional Truck Driver Training
Immediate openings in Rutherford Co. for Substance Abuse Counselors & Mental Health Therapists. LCSW,
WANTED 23 PEOPLE TO LOSE 5-100 POUNDS! I LOST 35 LBS. IN 6 WKS! 888-382-5176 www.
Male Grey Tabby Cat 10-12 lbs., 3 yrs. old. Needs meds! Lost 12/14 from Grayson Bostic Rd./ Bethany Church Rd. area. Call 289-5989 or 245-0222
LPC, CCS, LCAS or CSAC preferred.
For Sale
Carriers Hiring Today!
Fax resumes to: 828-245-2548
Contour Adjustable Bed, 2 positions, massage, heat, wave. New. $400. 287-5299
• PTDI Certified Course • One Student Per Truck • Potential Tuition Reimbursement • Approved WIA & TAA provider • Possible Earnings $34,000 First Year SAGE Technical Services
&
(828)286-3636 ext. 221 www.isothermal.edu/truck
Help Wanted Part Time RN/LPN Phlebotomy exp. req. Mobile insurance exams. Fax resume to 828-254-2441
CLINICAL DIRECTOR Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency to supervise community-based services and design treatment protocols for medium sized NC company. Position based in Forest City office. Must be licensed in N.C. as LCSW, Psychological Associate, LPC, LMFT, Addiction Specialist, or Certified Clinical Supervisor. Call HomeCare Management Corporation at 828-247-1700 for position description and application
iLostThirtyPounds.com
Autos 1998 VOLVO S70 181,500 mi. New tires, roters, brake pads & battery. Good cond.! $4,000 828-674-0027
Lost M Walker Coon Hound w/red Harley collar. Part of right ear missing, 3 yrs. old. 12/15: Kiser Rd., Bostic 447-2376
Found
Key w/ I Love Reading key chain. Found 12/21 in The Daily Courier parking lot in FC. Call 245-6431 or come by the office at 601 Oak St.
Black Cat Approx. 4 mo. Found on Main St., Spindale, 1st wk of Dec. Needs home. 828-202 5700
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Male Siberian Husky 4 years old Missing since 12/15 from Old Gilberttown Rd., Rfdtn. 287-5010 or 223-5010
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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, SUNDAY, December 27, 2009 — 5B STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF RUTHERFORD IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FILE NO.: 09-SP-515 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES WILLIAMS AND KRISTEN WILLIAMS DATED DECEMBER 29, 2005, AND RECORDED DECEMBER 29, 2005, IN BOOK 878 PAGE 594 IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE: Dawson & Albritton, P.A. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Pursuant to a Court Order and under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of a violation of the provisions of said deed of trust and a failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements therein contained, and pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said deed of trust, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 2:00 P.M. on January 11, 2010 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, situated in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 35 as shown on survey by R. L. Greene, PLS entitled “Greyrock Subdivision Phase 1A as recorded in Plat Book 25 at Page 189 said plat being one of a series of plats recorded in Plat Book 25, Pages 188 through 192 of the Rutherford County, NC Registry, reference to said recorded plats being made for a more particular description of said Lot 35. TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO all easements, restrictions and rights of ways of record and a non-exclusive appurtenant easement for ingress, egress and regress is conveyed over and upon all private subdivision roads for GreyRock at Lake Lure as shown on the above-described plats and to the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for GreyRock as recorded in Book 858, at Page 122 of the Rutherford County, NC Registry and also being recorded in Book 3827, page 764 of the Buncombe County, NC Registry. BEING a portion of that property conveyed to LR Buffalo Creek, LLC by deeds recorded in Deed Book 855, at Page 816 of the Rutherford County, NC Registry and as recorded in Deed Book 3793, at Page 665 of the Buncombe County, NC Registry. ALSO BEING the Deed conveyed from LR Buffalo Creek, LLC to Carl Patrick Moore, II recorded in Deed Book 891, Page 229 of the Rutherford County, NC Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that person must pay the tax of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. A cash deposit or cashier’s check (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, EXCEPT AS STATED BELOW IN THE INSTANCE OF BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. This 8th day of December, 2009. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE Dawson & Albritton, P.A. P.O. Box 6003 (27835) 3219 Landmark Street, Ste. 4 Greenville, NC 27834 252.752.2485
A TO Z, IT’S IN THE
CLASSIFIEDS! NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 534 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by RONALD BERG AND Ruth Berg, married to each other and Linda Morard and Oliver Morard, married to each other to PRLAP, INC., Trustee(s), which was dated July 18, 2006 and recorded on July 20, 2006 in Book 909 at Page 282, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Brock & Scott, PLLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 6, 2010 at 11:30AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF Lot 232 as shown on survey by R. L. Greene, PLS entitled GreyRock Subdivision Phase 2A as recorded in Plat Book 26 at page 115, said plat being one of a series of plats recorded in Plat Book 26, Page 114 through Page 118 of the Rutherford County, NC Registry, reference to said recorded plats being made for a more particular description of said Lot 232. TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO all easements, restrictions and rights of ways of record and an non-exclusive appurtenant easement for ingress, egress and regress is conveyed over and upon all private subdivision roads for GreyRock at Lake Lure as shown on the above described plats and the plats for Phase 1A as shown on plats recorded in Plat Book 25, at Pages 188 through 192, plats for 1B as shown on plats recorded in Plat Book 25 at Pages 205 through Page 208, plats for Phase 2A as shown on plats recorded in Plat Book 26, Pages 114 through Pages 118 and to the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for GreyRock as recorded in Book 858, at Page 122 of the Rutherford County Registry and also being recorded in Book 3827, Page 764, of the Buncombe County, NC Registry. BEING a portion of that property coveyed to LR Buffalo Creek, LLC by deeds recorded in Deed Book 855, at Page 816, of the Rutherford County, NC Registry and as recorded in Deed Book 3793, at Page 665 of the Buncombe County NC Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as: Lot 232 Grey Rock, Lake Lure, NC 28746 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, and the court costs of Forty-Five Cents (45¢) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) pursuant to NCGS 7A-308(a)(1). A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Ronald Berg and Ruth Berg, married to each other and Linda Morard and Oliver Morard, married to each other. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Jeremy B. Wilkins, NCSB No. 32346 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 09-22547-FC01
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6B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, SUNDAY, December 27, 2009 NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF RUTHERFORD NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 520
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Travis Lee Hurdt, unmarried to A. Jervis Arledge, Trustee(s), which was dated June 11, 2007 and recorded on June 12, 2007 in Book 961 at Page 501, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Brock & Scott, PLLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 6, 2010 at 11:30AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to wit: LYING and being in Colfax Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being a part of the property described in that deed recorded in Deed Book 586, on Page 663, Rutherford County Registry, and being described by metes and bounds according to a survey by Jack H. Davis dated February 12, 1992 as follows: BEGINNING at an unmarked point in Robert Church Road, State Road No. 1774, which point is the northeast corner of that said property described in that deed recorded in Deed Book 586, at Page 663, Rutherford County Registry, said beginning point also being the northwest corner of the property of Kim Willis Putman and wife, Karen Putman as described in that deed recorded in Deed Book 531, at Page 386, Rutherford County Registry, and runs thence with the old eastern line South 06 degrees 55 minutes 11 seconds West passing through an iron stake at 31.84 feet, a total distance of 497.54 feet to an iron stake; thence North 66 degrees 06 minutes 55 seconds West 228.44 feet to an iron stake; thence North 13 degrees 38 minutes 50 seconds East passing through an iron stake at 479.77 feet, a total distance of 514.77 feet to a point in Robert Church Road, State Road No. 1774; thence along said road the following three (3) calls: South 52 degrees 38 minutes 30 seconds East 81.03 to a point; thence South 56 degrees 05 minutes 26 seconds East 62.45 feet to a point, and thence South 64 degrees 34 minutes 10 seconds East 34.47 feet to the BEGINNING and containing 2.2180 acres more or less. Being the same and identical property which was conveyed by Paulette Allison, single to Travis Lee Hurdt by deed dated June 11, 2008 and of record in Deed Book 935, at Page 309, Rutherford County Registry.
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FILE NO.: 09-SP-531 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RAUL C. GONZALEZ AND DAMARIS A. GONZALEZ DATED SEPTEMBER 5, 2007, AND RECORDED SEPTEMBER 11, 2007, IN BOOK 975 PAGE 747 IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE: Dawson & Albritton, P.A. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Pursuant to a Court Order and under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of a violation of the provisions of said deed of trust and a failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements therein contained, and pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said deed of trust, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 2:00 P.M. on January 11, 2010 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, situated in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 11 of The Estates at Greenhill as shown on plats thereof recorded in Plat Book 28 at Pages 121 and 122, Rutherford County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with a right of way for ingress, egress and regress over and upon the roadways of The Estates at Greenhill as shown on the above plats. The above Lot is subject to taxes for the current year, easements, restrictions and rights of way of record, including, but not limited to, that Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for The Estates at Greenhill recorded in Book 933 at Page 199, Rutherford County Registry, which Declaration includes a Repurchase Option in favor of Grantor in Section 3.22. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that person must pay the tax of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as: 290 Robert Church Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, and the court costs of Forty-Five Cents (45¢) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) pursuant to NCGS 7A-308(a)(1). A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Travis Lee Hurdt. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Jeremy B. Wilkins, NCSB No. 32346 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 09-21516-FC01
The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. A cash deposit or cashier’s check (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, EXCEPT AS STATED BELOW IN THE INSTANCE OF BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. This 8th day of December, 2009. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE Dawson & Albritton, P.A. P.O. Box 6003 (27835) 3219 Landmark Street, Ste. 4 Greenville, NC 27834 252.752.2485
STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK AUCTIONS •CONSTRUCTION * TRUCK AUCTION- Tuesday, December 29 @ 8:00 AM, Lumberton, NC. 250 Absolute items on sale site. 3% buyers premium. www.meekinsauction.com. NCLN 858 * 910-739-0547. •ABSOLUTE BANKRUPTCY AUCTION- Antiques, Collectibles, Civil War pictures and more! Wednesday, December 30 @ 10:00 AM. 318 Camden Road, Wadesboro, NC. BK-CH-7 #09-30750. Gary Boyd Auction, NCAL#2750 - 704-982-5633. www.garyboydauction.com 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 •RV Delivery Drivers needed. Deliver RVs, boats and trucks for PAY! Deliver to all 48 states and Canada. For details log on to www.RVdeliveryjobs.com •DRIVERS CDL/A FLATBED Up to 40 CPM. Home Time. Benefits. OTR Experience Required. No felonies. Top earner potential $69,000. Carrier since 1928! 800-441-4271, x NC-100 •KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION- Charlotte Division. Hiring OTR Drivers. Must have 6 mos OTR experience, Clean MVR, No DUI/DWI. No Felonies/Accidents. Apply online www.knighttrans.com 704-998-2700. •DRIVER- CDL-A. Attention Flatbed Drivers! Steady Freight & Miles. Limited Tarping. Paycheck deposited to ComData Card, $25 Bonus for every clean DOT inspection. Must have TWIC Card or apply within 30 days of hire. Western Express. Class A CDL, 22 years old, 1 year experience. 866-863-4117. •By Invitation Only...Drivers Wanted! Where: Cypress Truck Lines. When: Now! What: Great Pay & Benefits! How: CDL-A & 2 years experience. RSVP: 800-545-1351. www.cypresstruck.com REAL ESTATE •LAND OR DEVELOPMENTS WANTED. We buy or market development lots. Mountain or Waterfront Communities in NC, SC, AL, GA and 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 •COOKWARE- We stopped doing dinner parties! We have some beautiful 22-piece sets for sale! Waterless, Surgical Stainless Steel! Lifetime Warranty. Retail $1899, now $299! 1-800-434-4628.
The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, SUNDAY, December 27, 2009 — 7B
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8B — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
sports Panthers Continued from Page 1B
Cincinnati Bengals a week from Sunday. For the Giants, though, this will be their final game in the stadium that opened in 1976, and there is extra motivation for the players. Defensive end Justin Tuck said winning would be everything for him. “These fans come out in sunshine, rain, wind, and they are always there rooting us on,” Tuck said. “I am excited about being able to play the last game in Giants Stadium and, hopefully, we can go out there and put on a show and let them know how much we appreciate them and the stadium and all the memories and all the players that have played here before. We want to send Giants Stadium out on a W.” There are tons of memories. For the bad times, there is always Joe Pisarcik and “The Fumble” in 1978; the ‘snowball’ game against the Chargers in 1995; and playoff losses to the Rams (‘89 season), Vikings (‘97) and Eagles (‘08). The good times saw the Giants draft Lawrence Taylor; advance to Super Bowls in four seasons, and win three championships, the last in February 2008 in the shocking upset of the thenunbeaten New England Patriots. “I have only been here six years, but I have a lot of fond memories and great wins,” Giants quarterback Eli Manning said. “Obviously for the fans and the ownership, it’s a special game for them. You think about how many great teams and great games have been played in Giants Stadium. It will be a special day for us.” The Giants and Panthers come into the game off outstanding performances. Carolina, which is playing for pride at this point, stunned Minnesota 27-6 on Sunday night. Matt Moore threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns and the Panthers’ defense limited the Vikings to 237 yards, with 63 coming on a pass play with the
NFL Picks Houston (plus 3) at Miami Of the 7-7 AFC squads, Dolphins are best bet to sneak into playoffs. DOLPHINS, 27-20 Oakland (plus 3) at Cleveland Browns have won two in a row, Raiders have taken three of five. Go with the better coaching. RAIDERS, 13-10 N.Y. Jets (plus 7) at Indianapolis Jets have enough defense to keep it interesting, too little offense to pull off a stunner. COLTS, 20-10 Minnesota (minus 7½) at Chicago L’affaire Favre/Childress gives the Vikings another reason to beat up on the Bears. VIKINGS, 24-10 Seattle (plus 13½) at Green Bay Green Bay defense needs to reassert itself, and this is perfect opponent. PACKERS, 21-7 Kansas City (plus 13½) at Cincinnati Time for Bengals to put away AFC North and turn their sights to the playoffs. BENGALS, 20-3 Jacksonville (plus 8) at New England Time for Patriots to put away AFC East and turn their sights on the playoffs. PATRIOTS, 20-14 Carolina (plus 7) at N.Y. Giants Panthers have little play for, but always make it tough on Giants at Meadowlands. GIANTS, 21-17 Tampa Bay (plus 16) at New Orleans Saints will clinch NFC home-field advantage, allowing them to rest regulars in finale. SAINTS, 35-14 Associated Press Baltimore (plus 2) at Pittsburgh New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) catches a pass in front Sorry, just can’t see Steelers going 1-5 in the diviof New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (32) in the second half of their NFL football game in New Orleans in this Oct. 18, 2009 file photo. sion. STEELERS, 21-20 Denver (plus 8) at Philadelphia Critical game for both teams, although Eagles game decided. playoffs. already own playoff spot. They also are surging, Panthers linebacker Na’il Diggs Then both the Giants and EAGLES, 23-14 isn’t concerned about either the Panthers were eliminated in the Giants or this being their last NFC semifinals, so the home Dallas (minus 6) at Washington game in the stadium. field didn’t mean anything. Cowboys playing like they want to keep head “It’s more about us,” Diggs said. “I feel that we’re a very dancoach. Redskins appear to have quit on their “We’ve got our own set of accom- gerous team because we’re talcoach. plishments that we’ve still got to ented but don’t have the record COWBOYS, 27-10 achieve. No, we’re not going to to stand behind it,” Diggs said. St. Louis (plus 14) at Arizona the playoffs. No, we’re not where “But we’re a talented team and Ken Whisenhunt wants a sharp bunch finishwe want to be. But we’ve still got we can get the job done. We have ing out the season, even if sloppy didn’t hurt the some work to do in these next nothing to lose and everything Cardinals before the 2008 playoffs. couple of weeks in-house. We’re to gain.” CARDINALS, 30-9 not worrying about whose party New York played its finest Buffalo (plus 7) at Atlanta we’re messing up.” game in almost two months, Falcons never have had two straight winning Diggs said last week’s permanhandling the Redskins in records. They’re 7-7 now and want to erase that formance gave confidence to a Washington 45-12 on Monday fact. team that also remembers last night. Manning threw for three FALCONS, 17-9 year’s meeting with the Giants. touchdowns and the defense Detroit (plus 11½) at San Francisco New York posted a 34-28 overintercepted three passes and had All the incentive here belongs to Niners, who time win to edge the Panthers five sacks and 12 quarterback want to break six-season string of losing records. for home-field advantage in the hits. 49ERS, 23-10
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Sunday Brunch Jean Gordon
Beezer had a good home; where’d he go? “Beezer, Beezer,” I shouted Tuesday afternoon standing in the middle of an unfamiliar driveway about three miles from my house. Someone read the advertisement in our paper about my missing cat and called to tell me there was a couple in the neighborhood. Beezer didn’t respond. I know if he’d heard me, he would have come. On Monday Dec. 14, Beezer went outdoors as I left for work, which was his daily routine. Both Boots and Beezer are indoor/outdoor cats, although Boots prefers indoors when the weather is frightful. Monday was as foggy as I’ve ever seen it here. When I arrived home about 5:30 p.m. and Beezer wasn’t at his usual place on the stoop, I was a little surprised, but not alarmed. He greets me every day and usually runs through the yard waiting for me to open my car door and pat his head. He thinks he’s a dog. I went to dinner that night and upon returning about two hours later, still no Beezer. Then I was alarmed. A friend came over and with flashlights and no visibility whatsoever, we combed the fields, pastures and nearby woods, calling out to him. No response. I feared the worse. After hanging out my car window as my friend drove down Bethany Church and Grayson Bostic roads, hollering like crazy, still no Beezer. Sleepless in my bed, I ventured outside several times during the night, calling for him. The next morning when Beezer wasn’t on my porch, I became very concerned. He had never not come home. More than 10 days later, I still look for Beezer when I arrive home. Mornings, evenings and nights I call for him and investigate all sightings of him. Beezer has one bad eye that needs medication and he doesn’t see as well as he once did. I’m afraid he has lost his way. This is the now 11-pound cat set out on my road three years ago when he was a frightened, hungry kitten. When I picked him up the first time, he attached himself to my blouse immediately and started suckling. Someone had taken him away from his mama way too early. Several months passed before Boots, my 13-year-old cat, became a little friendly with Beezer, but Boots never missed an opportunity to slap Beezer across his face or rump, as he crept past. They played hide and seek, running behind the couch and chairs, hiding under afghans. I do recall a couple instances when I was awakened early in the morning and Boots was giving Beezer his bath and vice versa. Sweet. Unlike, Boots, Beezer was wide open. Before he wandered away, he pulled my Christmas tablecloth off my sun porch table and with it came a full lamp of oil, spilling all over the floor. He’d run into the living room, jump on the coffee table and slide to the end taking with him at least 10 small framed family pictures. He enjoyed life to the fullest. I enjoyed him and I miss him. He has short hair, is gray with stripes — no white — a cloudy eye, and will answer, sometimes, to “B-e-e-z-e-r.” Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com.
Daily Courier file photo
Participants leap into the icy waters of the Rocky Broad River New Year’s Day 2009, as part of the Polar Plunge. This year’s plunge will be held in Lake Lure at noon, Jan. 1.
Brrr! Taking the plunge By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer
FOREST CITY — New Year’s Day at noon, folks will run from Lake’s Lure sandy beach into its frigid waters for a cause. In the second annual “New Year’s Polar Plunge, We’re Freezin’ for a Reason,” everyone is invited to plunge into the lake to raise money for Yokefellow Service Center and all the Hickory Nut Gorge emergency personnel. For just $35 per person, participants have an opportunity to receive a Polar Plunge Sweatshirt and a 2010 Plunge patch. There is no fee for spectators
and there will be plenty of food and bonfires. Teams of five can enter for $150. Awards will be given at 2 p.m. for Best Costume, Most Team Spirit and Furthest Traveled. The gates will open at 11 a.m. at the
beach, across from the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa. The plunge into Lake Lure is at noon and an Extreme Plunge event is at 1:30 p.m. into the Rocky Broad River at The Geneva Riverside, the scene of the inaugural event last January 1. The awards ceremony will be at The Geneva Riverside. Money raised from the event will go to Yokefellow, a United Way supported agency; Lake Lure area fire departments, Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and chamber of commerce. For more information call 1-828625-2725 or visit www.newyearspolarplunge.com for registration forms.
Here is the best way to cool it!
Polar Bear Plungers: First Timer Tips n Do wear your plunge ‘attire’ under your clothes — then you don’t have to change into them at the plunge. n Do choose your plunge ‘attire’ knowing that you will be cold and your fingers will possibly be numb, so loose-fitting and easy off clothes are best. n Do remember that you will be exiting the water quickly, so do not wear anything that may be heavy when wet. n Do bring a robe, blankets, towels or jacket to wear while waiting to plunge. Volunteers will be on hand to hold items for you while you are plunging.
n Do wear tennis or water shoes — the ground is freezing. n Do bring extra towels to dry off with and to stand on. n Do bring loose fitting clothing and shoes to change into after the plunge.
n Do have a parent or guardian sign the waiver if you are under 18. n Do bring a plastic bag for wet clothes. n Do plunge with friends – it is more fun. Especially if you create crazy plunge costumes (within reason). n Do not plunge if you have any heart conditions or serious medical conditions. If unsure, consult with your doctor before taking the plunge.
n Absolutely no diving, cannonballs or somersaults, the water is shallow; this is a safety regulation that will be enforced. n Do not wear a wet suit or dry suit — that would be cheating. Only the divers in the water may wear dry suits. n Do not get your head wet .... only get wet up to your neck. There is no pressure to fully submerge yourself. n Do not show up at the plunge right before the start time. You will need time to check-in and prepare for the plunge. n Do not forget to smile – photographers are on hand to capture your moment of fame. All photos will be posted at www. newyearspolarplunge.com
Contributed photo
Symphony of Rutherford County will present its winter concert Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. at The
Foundation at ICC. The Symphony was founded in 1988, and has grown from a 15-member string ensemble to a full orchestra with more than 60 volunteer members ranging in age from teenagers to octogenarians. Wilbert Kimple is music director. All concerts are free to the public. The Symphony of Rutherford County is a tax-exempt organization financed by donations from members and friends, as well as corporate donations and grants.
2C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
local
Out & About Fun With Santa at Hollywild
Darby Rumbles’ Dolls
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The Bennick family of Rutherfordton visited Santa at Hollywild Animal Park last week for Hollywild’s annual Holiday Lights Safari. The lights will run through January 2 at the park.
Tristen Lail (left) and Stephanie Sprouse pose for a photo backstage prior to the Rutherford County Arts Council presentation of their Christmas musical, “Darby Rumbles’ Dolls,� recently at The Foundation at Isothermal Community College.
Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
“The snow was awesome. What a great way to add a little extra to Christmas time,� said Brad Boris of the official 6 inches of snow Friday. Boris is the plant superintendent at the Broad River Water Authority and collects weather data for the National Weather Service. Forest City planning Danielle Withrow was spotted in the grocery store late Saturday afternoon, making her own grocery run. Since the final carriage rides of the season had been cancelled due to inclement weather, she was heading home for the evening, after a busy, busy Christmas season. “Hey� she said as she walked away, “Santa is still here in the Santa’s House.� From Ben and Emily Okello of Kenya: “We the family of Ben and Emily Okello, wish to express our deepest gratitude to all those
who shared with us the touching moments of our dad Joseph Opiyo Mayi’s final journey. We thank God for the sharing of wonderful life with our dad. We were overwhelmed by the faithful support given to us through prayers, condolence messages from our mission headquarters in USA and special messages from all our fellow missionaries serving in different parts of the world. We also thank all those who made phone calls, text messages, personal visits and generous giving both financial and emotional by family, co-workers and friends. Since it is not possible to thank each and everyone individually, we humbly ask you to accept this as our sincere message of appreciation.� The Okellos receive support from the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church and spent several weeks in the area in 2007, visiting the church family and friends.
A Pasture of Snow
Munching on grass peaking through snow covered pastures, these horses were cooling it off Golden Valley Church Road. Jean Gordon/Daily Courier
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The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009 — 3C
Cartin’ In The Snow
local College News Bowen inducted into Phi Theta Kappa honor society
Jean Gordon/Daily Courier
Savannah Jenkins, shown here with her grandpa Steve Butler, gets a cool ride on the golf cart Sunday afternoon at the Butler’s residence off Piney Ridge Road, Forest City.
Local soccer association receives funds
FOREST CITY— Rutherford County Soccer Association has received more than $540 in both funds and equipment from Barry’s Tire & Exhaust Inc. and Uniroyal® Tire as part of an ongoing commitment. The program is in its tenth year of supporting youth soccer across the nation through the Uniroyal Soccer Program. Since its founding in 2000, the Uniroyal Soccer Program has touched countless players and teams. This year the program is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, with nearly $12 million in funds and equipment, including nearly one million soccer balls, given to youth soccer organizations across the country. And after 10 years of dedication, the program continues to grow, supporting more communities each year. “This program is about making lasting relationships in the community and supporting our local youth,” said Barry Sullens from Barry’s Tire & Exhaust Inc. “Contributing to the Rutherford County Soccer Association through a larger youth movement gives us a great sense of accomplishment. The program is an opportunity to connect with the community, and we are delighted to see
the players’ smiling faces when they receive their soccer ball.” “This grassroots initiative started originally with 200 dealers and has become a huge success,” said Jill Weninger Goulette, Uniroyal Tire marketing communications manager. “With 10 years of commitment and hard work, the program has grown to include over 1,000 passionate dealers like Barry’s Tire & Exhaust Inc. throughout North America. Bringing value and quality to families is what Uniroyal Tire strives for, and the soccer program enables us to do so in an unmatched way.” To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the program, Uniroyal has also given away a soccer ball every day in 2009. Each daily winner is being entered into the Soccer Season Survival Giveaway for a grand prize of the 10 ten things needed for a great soccer season, including a $500 gas card, a set of Uniroyal tires, a GPS system, a video recorder and more. To enter, or to get more details, go to www.UniroyalTires.com/ sweeps. To learn more about Barry’s Tire & Exhaust Inc., please contact Barry Sullens, 828-245-1997, located at 168 Frontage Road in Forest City.
BOSSIER CITY, La. — Andrea Dawn Bowen was inducted into the Alpha Rho Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Bossier Parish Community College on Dec. 11. A native of Rutherford County, Bowen Andrea is the daughter of Steve and Judy Humphries of Forest City. She is married to Mitchell Bowen of Shelby and they are currently stationed with the Air Force in Bossier City, La. Andrea’s major is in accounting. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society serving twoyear colleges around the world. The Society recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of twoyear college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming. Students must rank in the top 20 percent of the class to be invited to membership in Phi Theta Kappa and must maintain high academic standing during their enrollment in the two-year college.
Alpha Chi Society, GWU BOILING SPRINGS – GardnerWebb University has anounced that James Martin Withrow from Hollis was among 40 students overall
named to the Alpha Chi Society during the recent 38th annual induction ceremony at GWU. James is the son of William and Genna Withrow. Membership in Alpha Chi is the most significant academic honor available to students at GardnerWebb University. In order to qualify for membership, students must be juniors or seniors with a GPA placing them in the top ten percent of their class. Alpha Chi inductees must also have demonstrated good character. Alpha Chi is a general honor society that admits students from all academic disciplines with nearly 300 chapters from across the United States. The name Alpha Chi is the initial letters of the Greek words ALETHEIA and CHARAKTER, meaning Truth and Character. Gardner-Webb’s Alpha Chi chapter was begun in 1972.
Honor society names Crotts DAYTON, Tenn. – Aimee Crotts of Forest City, has been inducted into the Bryan College chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an English honor society. Sigma Tau Delta is open to English students who have distinguished themselves academically and who are interested in promoting interest in literature and the English language. Crotts is the daughter of Edward and Susan Crotts of Forest City. Bryan is a four-year Christian liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 18 areas. The college has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for 15 consecutive years as being among the Top Tier of Southern liberal arts colleges.
New Arrivals RUTHERFORDTON — The following babies were born at Rutherford Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Nix, Forest City, a boy, Jake Shawn Nix, Nov. 29. Joshua and Christy Ledbetter, Forest City, a girl, Adelyn Faith Ledbetter, Dec. 2. Laura Melendez and Cesar Mendoza Lopez, Rutherfordton, a boy, Cesar Julian Mendoza Lopez, Dec. 4. Hugo Escalera and Andrea Rocha, Forest City, a girl, Alondra Escalera Rocha, Dec. 4. Johnathon and Teri Goforth, Forest City, a boy, Nathaniel Robert Goforth, Dec. 4.
Drs. Sumy and Mathew Joseph, Rutherfordton, a boy, Naveen Dominic Joseph, Dec. 5. Mr. and Mrs. Rex Miller, Forest City, a boy, Jaxen Cole Miller, Dec. 6. Kevin and Kristy Walker Hicks, Ellenboro, a girl, Faith Elana Hicks, Dec. 7. Jason Elliott and Ashley Roland, Rutherfordton, a boy, Austin Dwayne Allen Elliott, Dec. 10. Jody Ray Davis and Amber McCurry, Forest City, a girl, Braelyn Ann Davis, Dec. 11. Chelsea Wilkerson, Forest City, a girl, Deanna Sky Wilkerson, Dec. 11. Amanda Ogle, Rutherfordton, a boy, Landon Carter Ogle, Dec. 13.
TJCA Holds Annual Diaper Drive
Contributed photos
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy’s middle school student council sponsored its annual Diaper Drive to benefit the Hands of Hope Center in Forest City. This year the group brought in an incredible 28,296 diapers. Betty Turner’s 7th grade homeroom won the friendly competition to bring in the most diapers with 7,675 donated by her class. Student council members and sponsor Kelly Scruggs. Hands of Hope Center assists young mothers in need.
ATTENTION ADULTS AGE 55+ Happy New Year From Eastwood Village In these unusual economic times, planning for future health care needs is more crucial than ever. One option available is EASTWOOD VILLAGE, Rutherford County’s only complete retirement and health care concept. Homes are individually owned and designed for maintenance-free living with the following amenities: • • • • •
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4C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
local Anniversaries
Raffle Winner
Contributed photos
Rev. and Mrs. Donald Morrison
Rhondda Norris, above center, recently won a raffle held at Seams to Be Fabrics. Norris is pictured with Karen Willette and sewing student Angel Perry. Karen’s sister, Toni Carter presented Norris with a handmade Christmas stocking (below) overflowing with a vareity of sewing items.
Couple celebrates 50th anniversary
Rev. and Mrs. Donald G. Morrison of Union Mills, were honored with a dinner and reception in September at Pisgah United Methodist Church in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. The event was hosted by the couple’s children, Luanne Wellborn of Rutherfordton, Lori Jones, Donald G. Morrison, Jr., and Stan Morrison, all of Union Mills, and their spouses. Also assisting were family and friends, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. The anniversary cake was frosted white and featured a photo of the couple on their wedding day surrounded by a pattern of daisies. The cake was placed on the entrance table along with the couple’s original wedding photos and others. A slide show of the couple throughout the years was shown during the celebration. The outdoor barbecue was pre-
sented picnic style on the church grounds. A DJ provided music from the 50s and 60s as well as the song “I Love You Truly,” which was played on the couple’s wedding day. Catherine and Donald met as children. They went to school together and were involved in many sports and other activities. Donald holds a degree in agriculture and Catherine has a degree in business. She worked as a secretary at Reeves Brothers for a number of years, and Donald retired from Rutherford County Extension Office, Soil and Water Conservation programs. Donald later received a degree in ministry and now pastors Trinity Methodist Church in Dysartsville, and Carson’s Chapel in Marion. Catherine serves as pianist at both churches. The couple was married September 20, 1959 at Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church.
Santa gets some help from ‘Elves’
Ragtime orchestra
Contributed photo
Paragon Ragtime Orchestra “The Clown Princes” features three silent films by Chaplin, Keaton and Lloyd, will be presented Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Isothermal Community College. The original musical score to each film is performed by the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, the world’s only year-round, professional ensemble re-creating “America’s Original Music.” Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
Santa – multiple Santas – and elves gathered at R-S Central High School Wednesday to load up bags of gifts for 68 Rutherford County children for Everyday Elves, an organization created by concerned citizens in the county. Organizer Laura Morse said word of mouth served as a means for advertising the group’s mission. Gift items included not only clothes and toys, but essentials such as food and toiletries. Volunteers also worked on Monday to shop for items, which took 12 hours said organizer Laura Morse, and on Tuesday packaging items. More information is available about the organization on its Web site, www.everydayelves.org.
Norris Library announces new books RUTHERFORDTON — New books at Norris Public Library are: Adult Books “Backyard Guide to the Night Sky” by Howard Schneider “Betrayal in Death” by J.D. Robb “Blindman’s Bluff” by Faye Kellerman “Colorado Clash” by Jon Sharpe “Curveball”by Rich Wallace “Double Fudge” by Judy Blume “Fearless Fourteen” Janet Evanovich “Full Circle” by Danielle Steel “Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom “Intervention” by Robin Cook “South of Broad” by Pat Conroy “The Beach House” by Mary Alice Monroe “The Murder of King Tut” by James Patterson
“The Traffickers” by W.E.B. Griffin “The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt” by Douglas Brinkley “Where Are You Now?” by Mary Higgins Clark “Windows Vista for Dummies” by Andy Rathbone Children’s Books “Though Waters Roar” by Lynn N. Austin “How the Cat Swallowed Thunder” by Lloyd/Alexander, Lloyd “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” by Judi Barrett “Little Polar Bear, Take Me Home” by Hans de Beer “Hugo, the Flying Firefighter” by Lorette Broekstra “Squanto’s Journey” Joseph Bruchac “How About a Hug?” by Nancy L. Carlson
The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5C
LOCAL
Ski and snow season kicks off
FOREST CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ski season is under way as all the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ski and tubing attractions. The resorts feature several new activities and special deals. Visitors traveling to North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Country resorts near Boone are reminded that these areas are easily accessible through a variety of routes despite the detour on U.S. 321 between Lenoir and Blowing Rock. For more information on skiing in North Carolina, go to VisitNC. com. Sugar Mountain celebrated SugarFest to kick off its 40th anniversary as one of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier ski resorts. Hawksnest Snow Tubing has all four parks open for snow tubing and now offers one of the only winter zip lines in the nation. North Carolina features the highest ski areas and the largest snow tubing resort in the eastern U.S. Visitors to Western North Carolina can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and a winter zip line or just sitting in a warm cozy lodge drinking hot cocoa. Here is an overview of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities open for the weekend.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Appalachian Ski Mountain is now the home for Burton Snowboardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first Progression Park in North Carolina. With the completion of a multitude of ski area improvement projects, Appalachian Ski Mountain has now
The Town of Beech Mountain once again offers children a winter full of fun with its free youth sledding hill, one of the highest sledding hills in the eastern United States. The hill is adjacent to Town Hall and provides good sledding conditions Contributed photo
North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ski season has begun and resorts in the mountains offer not only skiing, but sno tubing and sledding.
invested $3 million in snowmaking and other improvements in the last three years. More snow blowing fan guns were installed this summer; Appalachian Ski Mountain now has the greatest snowmaking capacity per acre in the Southeast. 828-2957828; www.appskimtn. com
Cataloochee Ski Area
Cataloochee Ski Area, located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina is traditionally the first ski resort in the MidAtlantic region to make snow and open for the season. The oldest winter area in North Carolina, Cataloochee continues to make significant improvements to its snowmaking capabilities, allowing the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operational staff to be aggressive in helping skiers and snowboarders with their first tracks of the season. 828-926-0285; www. cataloochee.com
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zip line Course
A new addition this year is the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest zip line course. The Hawksnest zip line
course is 1.5 miles long and is open all year. In addition to the longest zip line course, Hawksnest has taken snow tubing to new levels of fun. Hawksnestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expanded snow tubing operation makes it the biggest on the East Coast. Hawksnest Snow Tubing has four different areas to snow tube with more than 20 lanes of fun. Lanes are 400 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1000 feet long with two moving carpet lifts to take guests back to the top. Hawksnest has 100 percent snowmaking and lighting on all lanes to provide the best possible conditions and fun for the whole family. 828-963-6561 or 800-822-4295; www. hawksnesttubing.com
Sapphire Ski Valley Resort and Frozen Falls Tube Park
Sapphire Ski Resort is a four-season resort located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sapphire prides itself on being a learning and group-friendly facility. Sapphire is also a family friendly resort for those who are looking to spend quality time with their loved ones. Sapphire Ski Resort features skiing, snow-
boarding and a tube park. 828-743-7663; www.sapphirevalleyresort.com
Ski Beech at Beech Mountain
At Ski Beech the popular Oz run returns this winter with new padded quad chairs and newly installed airless electrical snowmaking hookups along the run so the slope can be blown in within 24 hours. Also this winter a second terrain park will be unveiled with a fully functional lift that will access a multi-featured park with rails, boxes and jumps for intermediate to advanced freestyle riders. The resort also features a tubing park. Additionally, all reservoir lakes have been dredged to push the mountainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water capacity to eight-million gallons. 828-387-2011 or 1-800-438-2093; www. skibeech.com
Sugar Mountain Resort
Sugar Mountain Resort is even sweeter this year with special programs and deals throughout the season to honor its 40th anniversary. The Resort opened in 1969 with four lifts and 11 slopes
for skiing. Since then Sugar has grown to include seven lifts and 20 slopes for skiers and snowboarders. Winter activity offerings have expanded over the years to include snowshoeing, tubing and ice skating. 828-898-4521 or 1-800-SUGARMT; www.skisugar.com
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Formerly Wolf Laurel Slopes, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort offers 15 acres of additional ski slopes, a new quad lift, a new terrain park and much more. There is something for everyone from beginner to expert at this family-oriented resort now with an expanded 82 acres of ski terrain. 828-689-4111; www.skiwolfridgenc. com
MORE WINTER ACTIVITIES:
North Carolina also has a number of other snow related activities. Snow tubing and sledding, though not as big as skiing, is a fun family friendly activity that everyone can enjoy. Here are more of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities. Beech Mountain Sledding Park
with a combination of man-made and natural snow. Beech Mountain, at an elevation of 5,506 feet, is the highest town in Eastern America with an average annual snowfall of more than 80 inches. The Beech Mountain sledding hill is for kids age 12 and under, although parents may ride with smaller children. Plastic sleds are required. 828-3879283; www.beechmtn. com Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center Scaly Mountain offers year-round tubing with snow in the winter and artificial turf in the summer. The resort even offers a kiddie slope for young tubers and plans to open a skating rink in 2009. Opening for the season on Saturday. 828-5263737; www.scalymountain.com Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Located six miles south of Linville, Jonas Ridge features three tubing runs. They also offer night tubing. Will open for the season on Sunday - will maybe open on Saturday if conditions allow. Call to confirm opening and hours. 828-733-4155
Visitor guide features CRP, other attractions
Christmas Cheer
Jean Gordon/Daily Courier
FOREST CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A new visitor guide is available in 2010 for visitors vacationing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This guide provides highlights of the 10-county region in the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes comprehensive information on everything from Asheville hotels and Blue Ridge vacation rentals to area attractions such as the Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock Park and natural attractions from the Appalachian Trail to the Pisgah National Forest. The 2010 Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina visitor guide will also feature historical and cultural highlights along the Blue Ridge Parkway. In 2010, the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates its 75th anniversary with festivities scheduled in
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Christmas Cheer Center volunteers sort toy/food items during distribution day last week. More than 1,100 families receives gifts and food through the center operated by the Salvation Army.
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many of the charming mountain communities it winds its way past. The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is a both a scenic byway and a spectacular national park, complete with hiking trails, towering trees, diverse wildlife and cultural points of interest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favorite Driveâ&#x20AC;? makes it way past many points of interest in the Blue Ridge Mountains; Linville Falls, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, Mount Mitchell State Park, Craggy Gardens alive with rhododendron, the Folk Art Center and Mount Pisgah are a few. Individual copies of the 2010 Blue Ridge Mountain Host Visitor Guide are available for visitors in February 2010 by calling 1-800807-3391.
Liberty Daycare
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for all ages ď&#x20AC; Openings Serving Ellenboro and the surrounding areas ! open 6.30am to 6.00 pm ď&#x20AC; ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x192;ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x201E;ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;ď&#x20AC;&#x192;ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x2020;ď&#x20AC;&#x2021;ď&#x20AC;&#x2C6;ď&#x20AC;&#x2030;ď&#x20AC;&#x160;ď&#x20AC;&#x2026; Providing Loving Care in a Christian Environment State approved food program
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teach them the good way to walkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 1 Kings 8:37
6C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
Plan your itinerary using social networking By ANNE WALLACE ALLEN For The Associated Press
Isahrai Azaria is heading to Austin, Texas, in February, and thanks to Facebook, she already has 40 acquaintances, an invitation to go water tubing, and a line on the best vegetarian lunch place in town. “It’s been unbelievable,” said Azaria, a singer who lives in San Francisco. “It was just a quick post on Facebook, but one of my Facebook friends is friends with some people in Austin,” and those friends sent her tips on everything from yoga studios to local bus service. Social media is changing
the way people travel. It’s replacing recommendations from experts and strangers with a targeted selection of information from acquaintances and their networks. “Social media and travel are a perfect fit, because they both are built around this idea of sharing experiences and storytelling,” said Mary Madden, a senior researcher at the Pew Internet and American Life Project in Washington, D.C. “Content, whether that’s a blog post about your favorite restaurant or the story from your latest trip to Greece and photos of that trip, is a form of social currency that you share with other people who
frequent your social media space.” Travelers have used the Internet for years to find hotels, restaurants and other attractions. Some Web sites offer recommendations from guidebook writers, critics and other experts, while others — like TripAdvisor. com, Yelp and Chowhound — offer feedback from individuals about their personal experiences. But credibility can be an issue. A good review could be written by the business owners themselves or their friends, while bad reviews could come from their competitors. A destination Web site might only list businesses that pay
to be featured. In contrast, a recommendation from a Facebook connection or your Twitter feed may feel more trustworthy and less random than something you stumble across on a Web site — even when the tweet or Facebook message is from someone you don’t know. “I see my social media network as a big focus group, a big travel guide,” said Jessica Flynn, who owns Red Sky Public Relations in Boise. “I don’t know all the people directly who I follow on Twitter, but I just find them interesting.” Last summer, Flynn let it be known on Twitter and Facebook that she and her
boyfriend were headed to Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. She heard back from the owners of cheese shops, wine bars, and bed-and-breakfasts. “It is commercial, in a way, but it also gives me a connection that I would never have had,” said Flynn. “I wrote back, ‘I’ll be 30 miles south of you. What do you know about that area?’ And then they responded and gave me something.” Airlines, hotel chains, tourism agencies and companies like Orbitz also use Facebook to keep fans up-to-date on specials and deals. Facebook applications like Dopplr let users share travel plans and add reviews.
OFFICIAL BALLOT FOR THE 2009 “BEST OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY”
THE
BEST
People
1. Best Contractor Name 2. Best Electrician Name
4. Best Doctor Name Location
6. Best Dentist Name 7. Best Optometrist Name
Rutherford County 2009
8. Best Insurance Agent Name Business 9. Best Waiter/Waitress Name Restaurant 10. Best Car Salesperson Name 11. Best Hair Stylist Name Salon 12. Best Sales Team Business 13. Best Auto Mechanic Name Business 14. Best Attorney Name 15. Best Service Team Business 16. Best Real Estate Team Business 17. Best Real Estate Agent Name 18. Best Dental Hygienist Name Office 19. Best CPA Name
Dining
OF
3. Best Pharmacist Name
5. Best Nurse Name
Your ballot automatically enters you in the 2009 “BEST OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY” SWEEPSTAKES!
Firm
20. Best Chiropractor Name 21. Best Physical Therapist Name
Goods & Services 22. Best Bank Bank 23. Best Tires Business 24. Best Department Store Business 25. Best Funeral Home Business 26. Best Jewelry Store Business 27. Best Used Cars Business
28. Best Assited Care/Nursing Facility Business
47. Best Nail Salon Business
29. Best Fitness Center Business
48. Best Barber Shop Business
30. Best Computer Sales/Service Business
49. Best Carpet Dealer Business
31. Best Car Rental Business
50. Best Drug Store Business
32. Best Dry Cleaner Business 33. Best Hair Salon Business 34. Best Furniture Store Business 35. Best Video Rental Store Business 36. Best Gas/Service Station Business 37. Best New Cars Business 38. Best Dance Studio Business 39. Best Garage (Automotive) Business 40. Best Florist Business 41. Best Home Improvement Company Business 42. Best Nursery/Garden Center Business 43. Best Kennel Boarding Business 44. Best Tattoo Parlor Business 45. Best Gift Shop Business
1. At least 50% of the questions must be answered on your ballot. 2. When voting on names, please put the first and last names and put “Jr.”, “III”, etc. when applicable. 3. When voting the name of a chain (for example: Hardee’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, McDonalds, etc.) be sure to specify which location.
Name (Please Print) Phone (Home)
70. Best Quick Food Restaurant
74. Best Coffee Shop Restaurant or Store 75. Best Pancake and Waffles Restaurant 76. Best Deli Subs Restaurant or Deli 77. Best Hot Dogs Restaurant or Grill 78. Best Hamburgers Restaurant or Grill
53. Best Appliance Store Business
79. Best Barbeque Restaurant
54. Best Pawn Shop Business
80. Best Fried Chicken Restaurant
55. Best Mattress Dealer Business 56. Best Heating & Cooling CO. Business 57. Best Preschool or Day Care Center 58. Best Book Store 59. Best Hotel/Bed & Breakfast Business 60. Best Photography Business
81. Best Hushpuppies Restaurant 82. Best Soups Restaurant or Grill 83. Best Salad Bar Restaurant or Grill 84. Best Mexican Restaurant Restaurant or Deli 85. Best Pizza Restaurant or Delivery Service 86. Best Steaks Restaurant
61. Best Golf Course Business
87. Best Seafood Restaurant
62. Best Veterinarian Business
88. Best Iced Tea Restaurant or Grill
63. Best Massage Therapist Name
89. Best Ice Cream/Milkshakes Location
65. Best Interior Designer/Decorator Name
(Day)
69. Best “Southern Style” Meal Restaurant
73. Best Chinese Food Restaurant
52. Best Plumbing Company Business
RULES FOR ENTRY
68. Best Value Meal Restaurant
72. Best Italian Food Restaurant
51. Best Manufactured Homes Business
4. No mechanical reproductions (copies) of “answered ballots” will be accepted. 5. All answers must be applicable to Rutherford County for eligibility.
67. Best Home-Cooked Breakfast Business
71. Best French Fries Restaurant
64. Best Insurance Company Name
46. Best Groomer Business
66. Best Restaurant Restaurant
90. Best Desserts Restaurant, Deli or Bakery
6. Send your completed entries to “The Best of Rutherford County” 601 Oak Street, Forest City, NC 28043 7. Ballots must be received by December 29, 2009 8. One entry per person. 9. Must be 18 years or older to participate.
Address Signature
The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009 — 7C
Sunday Break
Mother afraid to leave home wants options for kids Dear Abby: I’m a homemaker with two sweet little girls. As precious as they are to me, I have a problem that is preventing me from giving them the kind of life they deserve. I hate to leave my house. Anytime I have to leave the house I start sweating, my heart starts pounding, and by the time I return home I’m exhausted and can do nothing more for the rest of the day. My girls are asking to go to parties, have me volunteer in their classrooms, and they want to join Girl Scouts. I don’t know what to do! I want them to experience all of these things, but the thought of how I’ll have to
Dear Abby Abigail van Buren
leave the house and all the people I will have to meet and try to converse with brings me to tears. I don’t want my anxieties to rub off onto my children. What should I do? — Homebound Dear Homebound: Call your doctor and have a frank conversation about how stressful it is for you to leave the house and interact with people. Then ask for a referral to a mental health professional who treats panic and phobic disorders, because
it appears you have at least one. Fortunately, problems such as yours are treatable — but in order to get the help you need, you will have to ASK for it. Make it your first New Year’s resolution. Dear Abby: At a recent social gathering I was taking digital photos and handed my camera to a friend so she could view the last shot. She then proceeded to scroll backward through a large number of previous shots I had taken, most of them from other events. She even questioned me about one of them. I think what she did was uncalled-for and intrusive.
What do you think? I have since dumped the camera’s contents onto a computer and purged them from my camera. — Robert Dear Robert: Those must have been some “hot” shots to have elicited such a strong defensive reaction. If you didn’t want your friend to see the pictures you had shot previously, you shouldn’t have handed her the camera. Dear Abby: I have been keeping company with a man for the past 10 years. Our spouses are deceased. He sometimes receives invitations to weddings, parties, etc. addressed only to him. Without consulting me, he will call and tell these people
that if I am not invited, then he will not attend — so they are forced to tell him it’s OK if I come, too. I am very uncomfortable about these situations. I feel that after 10 years my name, or at least “and guest,” should appear on the invitation or I should not go. Because I don’t want him to stay home, I usually end up going. What do you think about this? — Uncomfortable Dear Uncomfortable: Your gentleman friend’s behavior is rude. Guest lists are usually limited for economic reasons. He should not be attempting to “blackmail” his prospective hosts.
Leg ulcer needs second opinion
Remember the Christmas we got a cat
Dear Dr. Gott: I’m in a desperate situation at age 82 and need someone to tell me what to do. For more than a year, I have been seeing a dermatologist who says that I have an ulcer on my left leg that won’t heal. I go twice a week for so-called “treatment.” All they do is observe the wound drainage, scrub it aggressively with soap and a washcloth, and then pick the dead skin off. Then comes the most puzzling part: The nurse applies a cream to the wound, which is intended for jock itch, and several medicated gauze pads are applied to protect the area from bacteria. My leg is then wrapped from just below the knee to the end of my toes with an elastic bandage, which is wrapped tightly in a couple of layers. The wrap is so tight that it feels as if it is cutting off my circulation and is extremely painful. I see the doctor every four days, and the same procedure is repeated. Between visits, I must cut the bandage in several places to relieve the unbearable pain. The doctor says the wound is healing, and the sores are better; however, the bandage rubs my skin so badly that it creates new sores. It surprises me that he has never used a medication specified for my
By Diane Niemeyer ‘Twas the night after Christmas, the time to replay The events of that most hectic annual day. The stockings, once hung by the chimney with care, Were chewed on and drooled on and torn past repair. No one was nestled all snug in his bed; There was spilt milk and Friskies to clean up instead. And me in my ‘kerchief, and Dad in his cap, Wished we’d settled down for a much-needed nap, When somewhere downstairs there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my chores to see what was the matter. Away down the steps I flew like a flash, Just as I heard one more thunderous crash. The moon wasn’t out, so I switched on the light, Still hoping to see everything was all right, When, what for my wondering eyes was in store, But my family-room curtains a-heap on the floor. I re-hung the drapes, but to end all this “fun,” I knew in a moment more work must be done. More rapid than eagles I rushed all around, To make certain everything was safe and sound. Out, tinsel! Out, ribbons! Out bright-colored bow! Out, garland! Out, ivy! Out, all mistletoe! From the poinsettia plant, to the yarn in the hall, It’s throw away! Throw away! Throw away all! Next I turned my attention to the Christmas tree, Making sure it was totally temptation-free. I moved ornaments up, for 3 feet or so, And no strand of lights was left dangling low. When then, in a twinkling, I heard soft and sweet, The prancing and pawing of four little feet. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, By the chimney this character came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And was covered all over with ashes and soot; The ears stood straight up on this bold little elf, And he looked overwhelmingly pleased with himself. His eyes - how they twinkled! He purred like a glutton! His tongue, pink and raspy; his nose, like a button! His droll little tail was drawn up like a bow, And those whiskers of his looked like yester-
PUZZLE
Ask Dr. Gott Dr. Peter M. Gott
particular condition. At one time, I had an infection on a finger that rubs another finger owing to my severe arthritis. My primary-care doctor applied an antibiotic cream medication and gave me some to use. It cleared the sore within a week. When I returned to the dermatologist for my leg treatment, I told him about this cream and how well it worked on another sore. He wrote it down, but he has never used it, doesn’t mention it or any other medication that might work, and continues to use the same old treatment. It seems to me that I will have to go through this for the rest of my life. If you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated, as it seems that I’m stuck at a dead end. Dear Reader: You need to get a second opinion from another dermatologist. I don’t believe you are receiving appropriate care. I have never heard of using jock-itch cream to treat a chronic leg ulcer, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t beneficial. Antibiotic creams are much more commonly used.
IN THE STARS Your Birthday, Dec. 27; You might look to friends and family to help you escape from the uncomfortable and unfriendly in life, which is fine. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Watch what you say because you might have more influence over your listeners than you intend and not like the way they react to your words of “wisdom.” AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Those who care about you will sincerely try to figure out ways to help improve your lot in life. Even if you don’t like what they try to do, be gracious. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — It’s important to believe in your hopes and expectations, but only if they are realistic. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You may find yourself completely fascinated and in love with a new idea, but be careful. Before spending wads of money on it, be sure that it’s not just a passing fancy. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You may think that the world has suddenly changed considerably, but it’s likely to be your own head in the clouds that provides this distorted view. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — A past acquaintance might want to renew the relationship, but it could be a passing fancy. Don’t put much stock in his or her overtures. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Finding common ground over something that has been disturbing in your relationship with a person of importance may come easier. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Overindulging with some favorite foods or substances should be avoided. Remember that you’ll pay the price tomorrow. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Change could enter your life with regard to how you feel about a serious relationship or commitment, but chances are it will only be temporary. Your emotions are merely running high. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Focus your efforts on doing for others, and you will be the one who comes out the best. The very people you help will end up doing more for you than you’ll do for them. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You could find yourself thoroughly fascinated by someone you meet, but be careful. It might merely be a passing fancy. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — This might be a day to avoid shopping. Certainly, you will find what you’re looking for. Sadly, though, it won’t look good tomorrow.
The Pet Project Produced by Jo-Ann Close and Lynne Faltraco Community Pet Center
day’s snow. I had not a doubt that this bundle of gray Was the cause of the chaos at our house today. How proudly he strolled, with what grace and what style, As he tracked soot and ashes all over the tile. He was chubby and plump and out to impress, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of the mess. I scooped up the imp, and I patted his head, But he seemed to sense he had something to dread; I spoke not a word, but went straight for the sink, Where I washed him and dried him, as quick as a wink. Then he darted away and stopped on a stair, And giving a nod, he fell sound asleep there. He dreamt and he kneaded and purred; all the while I regarded him with half-frown and halfsmile. And you’d hear me exclaim, as I cleaned up our flat, “I’ll remember the Christmas that we got a cat.”
You can waste less of your food Buying in larger quantities can save money, but that’s only if you use it up before it goes bad. Many households waste food. Having a by Sara Noel waste-not, want-not kitchen can be a key strategy in this economy. How do you waste less food? Here are a few suggestions. FRUIT: Ripe bananas can be frozen to be used later in banana bread, pancakes, muffins or a simple fruit smoothie. Apples can be used in baked goods or turned into applesauce or apple butter. If they’re mushy and bruised, use them in a simmering potpourri. Simply put it in a pot of water on the stove, add some water, and simmer to fill your home with a wonderful aroma. Ripe fruit can be blended into yogurt, ice cream, cereal, salads and gelatin. If you have small amounts of fruit, mash or puree and place into ice-cube trays. Once they’re frozen, pop them out and transfer to freezer bags. PLAN: Dedicate one day a week to use up any leftovers from meals. Get into the habit of freezing leftovers for later use, too. Label and date these leftovers. A simple weekly or monthly meal plan will help you stick to buying what you need and using what you already have. Borrow books or visit Web sites such as Recipe Matcher (www.recipematcher.com), Cooking by Numbers (www.cookingbynumbers.com) and Super Cook (www. supercook.com) for ideas on how to plan meals around ingredients you have on hand. INVENTORY: Keep track of what you have and when it expires. You can use a dry erase board or an index card in your kitchen to create a master list. Not only can you use a simple slash system as you use up items (a slash for what you have and an “X” when it’s gone), but you can jot down when you opened food such as mayonnaise and salad dressing. Rotate your food, too. Place older items in the front so that you use them first. Know the shelf life of your stored foods. Visit Still Tasty (www. stilltasty.com) for information on food storage and shelf life. CLEAN REGULARLY: Organize what you have in your kitchen so you can see it and reach it easily. Keep shelves clean to prevent food from getting infested with pests such as moths or ants. Periodically remove all items from your pantry. Check for expired items, dented cans, near-empty boxes and spilled food. Vacuum and wipe down shelves with a bleach-and-water solution, with special attention to corners and crevices. Don’t overlook cleaning your refrigerator and freezer inside and out, too. Group like items together and shorter items where you can see them. Containers work well for many smaller items. Invest in containers to organize or reuse small boxes, jars, bins or baskets you already have. A Lazy Susan works well in the refrigerator or pantry. Containers or storage bags are important for food storage, too. Get into the habit of going through your refrigerator on a weekly basis. Remember to check bagged items such as potatoes, berries, onions or fruit for any that may have gone bad so you can remove it before the entire bag is bad.
Frugal Living
8C — The Sunday Courier, Forest City, NC, Sunday, December 27, 2009
LOCAL
Leisure
Do you want to soar? Do it at KidSenses RUTHERFORDTON — Experience all the action of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver without leaving the KidSenses Children’s Museum. Experience alpine skiing, bobsled as the driver, luge at Olympic speed, ice hockey as the goalie, and exciting ski jump events. The Virtual Reality Ride — Olympic Experience kicks off with special Monday hours on Dec. 28 from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. The Virtual Reality Ride – Olympic Experience is available to Museum general admission guests on Fridays after 3 p.m. and Saturdays 9 am — 5 p. m. The Experience is now available for field trips. Call KidSenses today to schedule an adventure your students will never forget! The Virtual Reality Ride uses a state of the art, DLP projection systems and hydraulic motion simulation platform to take you on an exhilarating and memorable ride. Also, the The KidSenses traveling planetarium, The Explorer Dome, now offers three unique programs
Friday, Jan. 1, 2010 11 a.m. Lake Lure beach 2nd annual Polar Plunge “We’re Freezin for a Reason
that are curriculum—based and ready to excite your students about science, geography, Earth science, and much more: Our Solar Neighborhood: explores our home (Earth) and its neighboring planets, all of which are moving around the Sun. Did you know that the Sun alone makes up 98% of the total mass of our entire solar system? We’ll fly to all the planets, check out our solar system, and even travel to the outer regions of the universe! Earth’s Weather Engines: Did you know that all weather on Earth is driven by the Sun? Find out why Earth experiences weather, discuss the differences between weather and climate, and explore what drives the seasons we experience on our planet. Our Moving Solar System: What makes a star different from a planet? Why does the moon move around the Earth and not the other way around? We’ll compare how fast each planet is travelling around the Sun and examine moons, stars, and even some satellites in motion in our solar system!
Saturday, Jan. 2 9 p.m. Rutherford Outdoor Coalition Full Moon hike/bonfire Saturday, Jan 8 Author Event: Nicole Seitz 4 p.m. Fireside Books & Gifts Sunday,Jan. 9 10 a.m. Blue Ridge Wedding Show Carolina Event, Conference Center Mother-Daughter Brunch Thursday, Jan. 14 7 p.m. Carolina Gospel Assoc. R-S Central High School The Florida Boys with special guests, Good News Trio Jan. 15 6 p.m. Around the World With Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Larkin’s on the Lake, Lake Lure Jan. 22 Comedian James Gregory “The Funniest Man in America” 8 p.m, The Foundation Isothermal Community College Tickets available at box office 286-9998 For more than20 years, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt un-tucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a
down-home, hilarious comedy experience. It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of James Gregory’s comedy: rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch. James is heard weekly on syndicated radio shows such as Rick and Bubba, John Boy and Billy and Bob and Tom. Gregory’s success, like his comedy, is the direct result of the values he grew up with and it is this unique brand of humor that packs the crowds into his sold-out shows. The absence of vulgarity sets James apart and his stories are carefully crafted art. “I have lived long enough to know people, know life”, Gregory reflects. “My comedy is based on my life experiences. It’s real, it’s funny and the audience loves it. That’s why I’m still in business.” Adults: $27 Students: $22 Groups of 10+: $22 Friday, Jan. 29 7:30 p.m., The Foundation Isothermal Community College Paragon Ragtime Orchestra “The Clown Princes” features three silent films by Chaplin, Keaton and Lloyd. The original musical score to each film is performed by the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, the world’s only year-round, professional ensemble re-creating “America’s Original Music.” The orchestra’s repertoire also features the syncopated sounds of early musical theater and vintage dance. Adult: $16 & $20 Youth: $5 & $7
Seitz to sign books at Fireside
In “Saving Cicadas,” Seitz paints an original FOREST CITY — story about love, families Nicole Seitz will bring and the power of choice her new novel, “Saving in a surprisingly creative Cicadas,” to Fireside tale that will leave readBooks & Gifts Jan. 8 for ers guessing until the a book signing at 4 p.m. end. “Saving Cicadas,” told “She has written with through the voice of a purpose and passion young child, is a moving about the things that narrative about family, are closest to her heart,” loss and longing and the said River Jordan, transforming power of author of “Saints in truth. “Saving Cicadas” Nicole Seitz: Author to Limbo,” “The Messenger is an eloquent reminder visit Jan. 8 of Magnolia Street” and that life is a miracle “The Gin Girl.” —and even the smallest Seitz grew up on soul is always a gift, said Hilton Head Island, where she was book publicist Peter Wentworth. surrounded by palmetto trees, marsh Seitz’s writing has been praised by grass, sandy beaches and unique Library Journal, observing Seitz’s Southern characters. As an author, writing style recalls that of Southern artist and speaker, her work is deeply authors like Kaye Gibbons, Anne influenced by her faith and the mysRivers Siddons and Sue Monk Kidd. tique and charm of the Lowcountry. The book is the revelatory and Seitz was named “Best Local haunting journey of a struggling Author Who Also Paints” in single mother from South Carolina Charleston City Paper’s Best of who discovers she’s expecting Charleston 2009, and in 2007, another child. Unafraid to confront she was named one of Charleston issues with no simple answers, Seitz Regional Business Journal’s “Forty has constructed a story of ultimate Under 40” for her professional sucredemption in “Saving Cicada,” told cesses and community involvement. through the voice of an 8-year-old She recently appeared on Oprah. girl. From staff reports
Contributed Photo
The new Florida Boys Quartet
will be be in concert Thursday, Jan. 14, at R-S Central High School for a Carolina Gospel Association event at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. Featuring Dustin Bearden, tenor; Charlie Waller, lead; Buddy Burton, baritone, Chip Cooper, (right) bass and Joshua Pope, piano, the group will be joined by special guests Good News Trio. Cooper is a Rutherford County native, the son of long-time gospel vocalist Miles Cooper, who founded the Pine Ridge Boys Quartet with Wally Fowler in the 60’s. Chip has had a 33-year career with groups likeThe Goodnewsmen, Pine Ridge Boys, Tar-Heel State and the Mystery Men. In 2007, the Florida Boys had two personnel changes at relatively the same time and later performed its farewell concert June 2007 at the National Quartet Convention. Prior to the concert, a spaghetti supper will be held in the cafeteria; donations $6 per plate will go to the Rutherford Housing Partnership to make urgent repairs to homes of the needy in Rutherford County. The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m.
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