The Daily Courier December 24, 2009 by Digital Courier

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!! Sports Holiday action Rutherford County prep basketball teams have a short holiday break as tourney action gets under way on Saturday

Page 7

Thursday, December 24, 2009, Forest City, N.C.

50¢

Shoppers getting down to the wire

No paper Friday AM The Courier will not print a Christmas Day edition to allow employees to spend the holiday with their families. The office will close at 3 p.m. today. Normal delivery and production schedules resume Saturday morning. Happy holidays to all our customers.

By JESSICA OSBORNE Courier Correspondent

“It was fully engulfed,” Hollified said. Around 9:40 Wednesday morning firefighters were spraying the blackened floors of the home. Some had stripped out of their gear, baring their arms to the cold morning air. Snowy and icy conditions that remained from last Friday’s winter storm caused a few problems for responders, Hollifield said. “We did have a few who slipped on ice in the road, but no one was hurt,” he said. The deaths mark the first fire-related fatalities for the year. “It’s difficult any time we have one, but particularly at this time of year,” Hollifield said. The victims were in the house, Hollifield said, and based on what firefighters could tell were in a bedroom. “As far as an attempt to get out, I don’t know,”

FOREST CITY — One thing you can expect to see around the holidays is people shopping for last minute gifts. It’s Christmas Eve and there are many people — by choice or by accident — who still have lists that have to be filled. The major snowstorm that hit the Rutherford County area last Friday may have forced some people to put off their shopping until the last minute this year. Still, there are others who make the last-minute shopping trip a part of their holiday tradition. “I started in October but leave the big stuff until late,” said Nancy Hermann of Forest City. “I wait because I’m busy and I like to be in the Christmas spirit when I shop. I also enjoy shopping with the kids so they like what they get.” Nancy Carson of Rutherfordton remembers a Christmas shopping tradition started by her father 45 years ago. “My dad always waited until the last minute because he loved the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve and the Christmas spirit that seemed to be generated from shopping on that day,” said Carson. “So he started a tradition about 45 years ago called ‘one thing shopping.’”

Please see Fire, Page 6

Please see Shopping, Page 6

SPORTS Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Firefighters with Cherry Mountain Fire Department work their way through the smoldering remains of a house that caught fire and burned early Wednesday morning on Duncans Creek Road. There were two fatalities in the fire, but victims have not been identified. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Two teens die in fire By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

Tennessee looks to keep historic rebound going Page 9

GAS PRICES

Low: High: Avg.:

BOSTIC — Two teenagers died in an early morning house fire Wednesday and only a charred corner and a brick chimney of the wood frame house off Duncans Creek Road remained as investigators combed through debris to find a cause of the fire. The victims have not been identified. A person at the fire scene said the teenagers were a 17-year-old female and a 19-year-old male, but Rutherford County Fire Marshal Roger Hollifield and County Coroner Shane Earley said the identities would not be made public until autopsies have been completed. Rutherford County Communications received the call on the fire around 3 a.m. and firefighters arrived on the scene around 3:15, said Rutherford County Fire Marshal Roger Hollifield.

WALKING TO THE MANGER

$2.51 $2.61 $2.56

DEATHS Rutherfordton

Alton Edgerton

Mooresboro

Lula Hamrick

Lake Lure

“And she brought forth her first born son . . .” Gospel writer Luke tells the greatest story ever told, portrayed here by Joseph (Todd Wallace) and Mary (Marisa Wallace) with Baby Jesus in the manger. Participants in the walk to the Manager program which was held three nights this week, listened to the re-enactment of the Christmas story and sang Christmas carols at the manger scene at Main Street Baptist Church in Spindale.

Emma Stamper Albert Nelson Page 5

WEATHER

Jean Gordon/Daily Courier

High

Low

61 30 Today and tonight, mostly cloudy. Tomorrow, rain likely. Complete forecast, Page 10

INSIDE Classifieds . . . 16-19 Sports . . . . . . . . 7-9 County scene . . . . 6 Opinion . . . . . . . . 4 Vol. 41, No. 306

Seniors share their Christmas memories By JESSICA OSBORNE Courier Correspondent

SPINDALE — Members of the Senior Center in Spindale share their favorite Christmas memories and traditions. Many seniors gathered with friends in the lobby playing cards or catching up on the latest gossip while others sat in the dining hall eating lunch. “I remember at Christmas, each member of the family would get a treat about the size of a coal bag full of fruit, nuts and small candy sticks,” said Slyvia

Now on the Web: www.thedigitalcourier.com

Downey of Rutherfordton. Another favorite tradition of Downey’s is going to Sunday night service at church and watching the children’s plays and seeing the Christmas lights in town. “Knowing what we’re celebrating is my favorite thing,” said Downey. “It’s a birthday celebration for Jesus.” “Every Christmas, family members come to the house, and we’ll have snacks and open presents,” said Laura Crawford. “The next day we’ll have Christmas dinner and then I’ll go to my sister’s house to celebrate. Just enjoying Christmas, that’s

my favorite.” Louanne Camilletti remembers a favorite memory she shared with her Sorority sisters. “My favorite memory of Christmas was when I was in a sorority and we helped a needy family,” said Camilletti. “It really made my Christmas because we got the father a job and the children toys and clothes. Also being out of school for snow and going sledding was a fun part of Christmas growing up as child up North.” Please see Memories, Page 6

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009

In this season of giving, we’d like to give you our thanks and best wishes for the very merriest holiday season ever! Robbins Auto Parts 1891 Harris Henrietta Rd. Henrietta 657-5732 www.robbinsrepairables.com

Community Pet Center 287-7738 www.rutherfordpets.org

Medicine Box of Rutherfordton 200 Charlotte Road Rutherfordton 287-7117

Kimbrell’s Furniture 207 East Main Street Forest City 245-4563 www.kimbrells.com

Hardin’s Carpet 1016 E. Main Street Spindale 286-3527

Forest Dale Motors 822 W. Main Street Forest City 247-1540

Shelby Heating & Air Conditioning

Barry’s Tire & Exhaust

1990 Eaves Road Shelby 704-487-7877 828-245-1141 www.shelbyheating.com

168 Frontage Road Forest City 245-1997

Hospice of Rutherford County 374 Hudlow Road Forest City 245-0095 www.hospiceofrutherford.org

Thera-ssage 431 S. Main St., Suite 2 Rutherfordton 288-3727 www.thera-ssage.com

Medicine Box of Forest City 664 South Broadway St. Forest City 245-1696 www.medicineboxfc.com

Greenhill Store 2751 US Hwy 64/74 Rutherfordton 287-0571

Duffie’s Copier Consultants, LLC 671 Oak St., Suite 100 Forest City 245-5116

Holly Springs Senior Citizens Home 1881 Big Island Road Rutherfordton 245-7781

Stallings Jewelry 126 West Main Street Forest City 245-2166

Ellenburg’s Garage 110 Lawing-Mill Rd. Rutherfordton 287-7996

The Wine Shop 838 N. Washington St. Rutherfordton 287-9191

Conner Computer Consultants, Inc. 230 N. Main Street Rutherfordton 287-0003 www.theccc.us

Northland Communications 1108 W. Main Street Forest City 245-1633 www.northlandcabletv.com

Ace Equipment Sales & Service

Harrelson Funeral Home

126 Park Lane Rutherfordton 286-9781 www.aceequipmentnc.com

1251 US Hwy 221A Forest City 657-6383

The Daily Courier

Loving Care Kennels

601 Oak Street Forest City 245-6431 www.thedigitalcourier.com

245 Airport Road Rutherfordton 287-7040

CourtSide 161 Park Lane Rutherfordton 286-3855

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009 — 3

State

Investigators: Woman’s corpse hidden in home

WILMINGTON (AP) — When coastal North Carolina authorities found the nearly mummified corpse of an elderly woman in a bed where her family had hidden it for seven months, they thought they might have a homicide case. Now officials say they’re collecting evidence to charge 87-year-old Blanche Matilda Roth’s daughter with fraud.

Carolinas Today Census: NC ranks 3rd in population gain

RALEIGH (AP) — A new U.S. Census report shows that North Carolina had the thirdlargest population gain in the country in the past year. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Wednesday that for the year ending in July, North Carolina gained more than 130,000 residents, bringing the total population to about 9.4 million. Texas and California were the only states to gain more residents. The new estimates show North Carolina’s population grew by a rate of 1.4 percent — the 9th fastest growth rate in the nation. Wyoming was the fastest-growing state at a rate of just over 2 percent. Michigan, Maine and Rhode Island saw a drop in population. Official figures come after April’s census survey.

Testing finds swine flu in pigs at two NC farms

RALEIGH (AP) — Federal testing has identified the swine flu in pigs at two North Carolina farms. The results released Wednesday makes North Carolina the 10th state with identified cases of swine flu in animals. State Veterinarian David Marshall said the presence of swine flu in pigs is not unexpected and the cases show that the surveillance system is working. Health officials said people cannot contract the swine flu from handling or consuming pork products. They said it appears the pigs at both farms caught the virus from humans. The states of Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois have confirmed cases of swine flu in pigs. The virus also been identified in cats, ferrets, turkeys, a dog and a cheetah in other states.

Charlotte Symphony hits fundraising goal

CHARLOTTE (AP) — The struggling symphony orchestra in North Carolina’s largest city has hit the right note with donors and will play for another season. The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday that the Charlotte Symphony reached its yearend goal of raising $500,000 to match an anonymous $500,000 grant offered in August. The previously anonymous donors have identified themselves as Sandra and Leon Levine.

Since their challenge grant was announced in August, the symphony received nearly 100 donations of between $5 and $200,000.

They say Amy Stewart continued to receive Roth’s benefits after she died in June. They also revealed in a search warrant what they found when they entered the Wilmington home on Dec. 15: Roth’s nearly mummified body in a bed covered by blankets in a room with multiple containers of air freshener. Authorities have charged

47-year-old Stewart with concealing a corpse in the house she shared with her family. Stewart is free on bond. New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Charles Smith said Stewart continued to receive unspecified benefits after her mother died in June. Investigators seized bank statements, checks and other financial

documents. The sheriff’s office expects to file fraudrelated charges, Smith said. A search warrant from the sheriff’s office said deputies were prepared to investigate a homicide before searching Stewart’s home. But officials say the medical examiner has ruled out foul play and the case is no longer considered a homicide.

The warrant says Stewart’s mother-in-law, Catherine Stewart, found Roth’s body last week when she came to the house with her husband to check on the woman. Stewart’s father-in-law called 911 and told an operator that Roth’s body was in the house. An EMS worker discovered Roth’s body “in an advanced state of decomposition to the point of mummification.”

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 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 Yes, Virginia there is a Santa “DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. “Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. “Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’ “Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus? “VIRGINIA O’HANLON. “115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.” VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. The Courier has made a tradition of publishing this classic editorial from the New York Sun, first published in 1897.

Our Reader’s Views Bus driver, family say thanks for the help To the editor: On Dec. 11, my husband became seriously ill on school bus No. 30. With quick response of Rutherford County bus garage supervisor, Curtis Hodge, and Rutherford County EMS, he was stabilized at the scene and then transported by Regional One helicopter to Spartanburg Regional Healthcare Center. There, Dr. Davis, Dr. Green, Dr Garrol and several other doctors, performed every test possible. Upon his arrival, the doctors thought he was not going to pull through. He was placed on a respirator and taken to the Neuro ICU. He was not responding at all. Saturday at my 2 p.m. visit, the nurse said he was starting to respond a little. At my 4 p.m. visit, the team was getting ready to take him off the respirator because he was breathing on his own. On Sunday, things were even better. He was fully awake and doing well. Monday, he was moved to a regular room. On Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. He was released from the hospital. We are at home now and he is doing well. We would like to thank everyone for their support, calls, cards, money and especially their prayers, because prayer is surely what pulled him through. Even through the doctors still don’t understand what happened, and all the tests were normal, Roger and I know that God had a purpose and that

He touched and performed our Christmas miracle. Jesus is truly the reason for the season. May the Lord bless you and your families this Christmas. Roger and Lynn Sims Forest City

Says it’s time to speak for freedom of religion To the editor: I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of picking up a newspaper or turning on the news and hearing about someone being offended by a group of people saying a prayer or someone being offended by a manger scene being put up in front of a public building. What has happened to this country of ours? Since when did anything having to do with religion become a dirty word? What has happened to the majority rules? Just because one person has their feelings hurt, or they don’t want their children exposed to anything religious, then the people in charge of schools or any public office bow down and give in to these people. Since when did the use of the word God become offensive? It seems to me that it is time for the churches to stand up and speak out on this issue. This country of ours was founded on the basic principles of religion. Since when did saying Merry Christmas become dirty words? I am tired of people telling me they do not want to offend anyone. I am offended if you don’t say

Merry Christmas. I am offended if I go to a public meeting and they do not have a prayer or say the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Just recently in the Daily Courier, some fellow wrote a letter to the editor. Seems he has a problem with, of all things, the words, “In God We Trust,” being printed on the good old U.S. dollar bill. If you can not trust God, who can you trust? Besides, the words, “In God We Trust,” is the national motto of the United States of America. It was adopted by Congress on July 30, 1956. If he has a problem with the national motto, he should take it up with his Congressman. Good luck with getting the national motto changed. Some people say this is 2009 and it is a sign of progress. It seems to me that moving away from God and the religious principles this country was founded on is moving the country in the wrong direction. And what about “One Nation Under God?” I know someone, somewhere is offended by these words. It is time for you to stand up and speak out on your freedom of religion — whatever your choice of religion. If you do not stand up for your religious beliefs, then someday in the future, someone might be offended by you attending church. Think about it. Johnny Lowery Henrietta

Christmas Eve, remembering dad

uring the afternoon of Christmas Eve 2002, our telephone rang and upon answering it, I found my younger brother on the other end with the words, “David, dad died about an hour ago.” We talked for a while before ending the call, and then I just sat there in shock. Lynn of course, had heard my end of the conversation and so did the most selfless and the most thoughtful thing she could have possibly have done for me, she made me a cup of hot tea! (English born and raised, hot tea is still my favorite “cure all.”) How do I cope? Many people believe the timing of dad’s death must surely ruin every Christmas, but the exact opposite is true. I actually believe Christmas Eve was the best time for dad to leave us, if there is such a thing. While growing up, my parents always made sure Christmas was an extra special time for my sister, brother and I. We counted down the days,

Guest column David Robinson

decorated the tree, went caroling and then hardly slept a wink Christmas Eve. As dad decorated the living room, he would be at the top of the step ladder pinning balloons, decorations and the like and when at the top, he’d balance there on one leg with his arms outstretched and shout, “Look kids, no hands,” and my mother would fuss at him to be careful. Then as Christmas Day drew to a close, dad would tease us and say, “OK, Christmas is finished, let’s take the tree and everything down” and then he would laugh at our loud protests. Yes, I miss dad each and every day, especially at Christmas, but I make sure I enjoy every single

Mr. Robinson’s father.

minute of the festive season because that’s how dad would want it. And I’m certain that at the precise moment he slipped from this life into the next, as his sweet spirit left his earthly body his last words were, “Look kids, no hands!” David Robinson is the Innkeeper at The Firehouse Inn, Rutherfordton, NC.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009

Obituaries Lula Hamrick

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Everyday Elves wrap up their holiday charity efforts

FOREST CITY — Decked in red and green, wearing hats with pointed ears, the Everyday Elves packed up their “sleighs” and headed out Wednesday afternoon to deliver gifts to 68 children in Rutherford County.

and then contacted parents to get sizes and wish lists for each child. “We went shopping Monday for everything and left around 11,” Morse said, from the elves’ headquarters at R-S Central High School. “We got back around midnight.”

This is the first year for the organization, which became incorporated just after Thanksgiving. It was organized by a group of concerned citizens to address the needs of Rutherford County; inspiration for the organization came from Santa’s Helpers, a similar program on the campus of Wake Forest University. In order to find families to help, Everyday Elves’ founder Laura Morse talked with teachers at R-S Middle and Pinnacle Elementary Schools

Tuesday was spent sorting and bagging up Santa’s packs, with help from the R-S Central girls’ basketball team and members of the East High School Key Club. “It was hard work, but it was fun,” Morse said. “We left pretty exhausted.” Elves and Santas left the school Wednesday afternoon in five directions to deliver the items. Those items included not only toys and clothes, but also essentials like food and toiletries. “One mom said all her

Daily Courier Staff Writer

son had asked for was longjohns,” Morse said in an earlier article with The Daily Courier. Volunteers said taking part in the delivery had made their Christmases more meaningful. “It’s the real spirit of Christmas,” said Cameron Long. “It’s really just heartwarming,” said another volunteer, Caitlin Choun. “In the past I would’ve been sitting around – now I’m bringing Christmas to other people.” For information on how you can help Everyday Elves, contact Morse by e-mail at everydayelves@gmail.com or visit the organization’s Web site at www.everydayelves. org. Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@thedigitalcourier.com.

Sweepstakes parlors skirt law

RALEIGH (AP) — Businesses that offer video sweepstakes have been able to keep giving cash payouts even as a North Carolina appeals court upheld a law outlawing similar video poker machines. The North Carolina Court of Appeals on Tuesday ruled the state can ban video poker statewide, even while allowing it in a Cherokee casino. For now, however, the sweepstakes games are legal, The News & Observer reported Wednesday. In the sweepstakes parlors, which cropped up around the state after poker machines

disappeared, customers buy a prepaid phone card or Internet time on a terminal. The purchase includes the chance to win cash. But instead of peeling or scratching off a game ticket, players sit in front of a computer screen that shows a hand of poker or the image of a slot machine. A Superior Court judge in High Point has blocked law officers from investigating the machines to see if they violate the video poker ban. Sweepstakes operators say their business isn’t gambling because patrons are paying

for computer time or a phone card. Parlor operators contend the hands of video poker or spinning dials of virtual slot machines are promotional devices that coax people to buy a product and get a chance to win a prize. Legislative leaders say they plan to keep an eye on the sweepstakes parlors and a lawsuit challenging them. State Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin, D-Richmond, said she will push a new law to ban the sweepstakes parlors if a judge decides they are legal.

Police Notes Sheriff’s Reports

n The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to 112 E-911 calls Tuesday.

Rutherfordton

n The Rutherfordton Police Department responded to 27 E-911 calls Tuesday.

Spindale

n The Spindale Police Department responded to 15 E-911 calls Tuesday.

Lake Lure

n The Lake Lure Police Department responded to seven E-911 calls Tuesday.

Forest City

n The Forest City Police Department responded to 62 E-911 calls Tuesday. n An employee of Dollar General, on West Main Street, reported an incident of shoplifting/ concealment.

Arrests

n Dillion Hill, 22, of Summey Street, Forest City; arrested on warrants for possession with intent to sell and deliver schedule VI controlled substance, possession of non-tax-paid liquor, two counts of simple possession of schedule IV controlled

Local/Obituaries

This group of Everday Elves organize gift bags to be delivered to children throughout Rutherford County.

By ALLISON FLYNN

—

substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; placed under an $18,000 secured bond. (FCPD) n Marie Wesley, 46, of First Street, Forest City; charged with second-degree trespassing and resisting a public officer; placed under a $1,000 secured bond. (FCPD) n Lewis Samuel Clark, 37, of West Main Street, Forest City; charged with assault on a female and violation of a court order; placed under a $5,000 secured bond. (FCPD) n Harley Hamlin, 27, of Unity Drive, Brevard; arrested on a warrant for obtaining property by false pretenses; released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. (FCPD) n Brandon Lee Gibson, 32, of 238 Keeter Rd.; charged with possession of burglary tools, possession of drug paraphernalia, breaking/ entering and larceny, larceny after break/ enter and six counts of larceny of a firearm; placed under a $131,000 secured bond. (RCSD) n Amanda Brooke Conner, 21, of 2518 U.S. 221 South; charged with resisting a public officer; placed under a $1,000 secured bond. (RCSD) n Danny Joe Stites, 30, no address available; charged

with possession of burglary tools; placed under a $10,000 secured bond. (RCSD) n Ashley Nichole Walker, 17, of 194 Boiler Rd.; charged with shoplifting/ concealment of goods; freed on a custody release. (RCSD) n Brittany Marie Moore, 19, of 149 Mary’s Lane; charged with misdemeanor larceny; freed on a written promise to appear. (RPD)

EMS/Rescue n The Rutherford County EMS responded to 31 E-911 calls Tuesday. n The Volunteer Life Saving and Rescue, Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rutherford County Rescue responded to eight E-911 calls Tuesday.

Fire Calls n Cherry Mountain firefighters responded to a house fire, assisted by Bostic and Ellenboro firefighters. n Forest City firefighters responded to a motor vehicle accident. n Rutherfordton firefighters responded to a woods fire. n Spindale firefighters responded to a motor vehicle accident.

Lula Belle Parris Hamrick, 88, of Mooresboro died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Cherokee County, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Leo and Eva Parris; and was the widow of J.C. Hamrick. She retired from Gaffney Manufacturing and was a member of State Line Baptist Church. She is survived by a son, James Kenneth Hamrick; a daughter, Brenda Gail Hamrick of Mooresboro; a sister, Ruby Gail Hamrick of Cherryville; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgranddaughter. Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. at State Line Baptist Church with the Revs. Larry Fleming and Joey Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to State Line Baptist Church Senior Citizens, 1328 State Line Road, Gaffney, S.C. 29341. A guest register is available at www.mckinneylandrethfuneralhome.com.

Albert Nelson Albert Jerome Nelson, 91, of Lake Lure died Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Lincoln County, Maine, he was a retired contractor; an Army veteran, served in World War II; a member of Cane Creek Missionary Baptist Church and a former president of the Lake Lure Lions Club. He is survived by his wife, Helen Nelon Nelson of Lake Lure; one daughter, Helene Falzarano of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; two step daughters, Carol Boissier and Karen Ray of Lake Lure; and three grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Cane Creek Missionary Baptist Church will military rites provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Rutherford County Honor Guard, 303 Fairground Road, Spindale, NC 28160 or Cane Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 365 Hwy 9N, Mill Spring, NC 28756. Online condolences at www. crowemortuary.com

Emma Stamper Emma Ann Rose Stamper, 45, of Lake Lure died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at Hospice of Rutherford County. A native of Banner Elk, she was a daughter of Hazel Louise Freeman Stroud of Lake Lure and the late Gary Wallace Rose. She was a homemaker. In addition to her mother, she is also survived by her husband, Sam Stamper of Forest City; three children, Samuel Stamper and Matthew Stamper, both of Forest City and Christopher 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.

Stamper of Lake Lure; a sister, Becky Lewis of Rutherfordton. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Westmoreland Chapel with the Rev. Ricky Poteat officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Stroud Cemetery in Marion. An online register is available at www.westmorelandfuneralhome. com.

Alton Edgerton Alton Edgerton, 94, of Rutherfordton, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, at Willow Ridge in Rutherfordton. A native of Rutherford County, he was a son of the late John Harris Edgerton and the late Estelle Weeks. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church; was retired from Doncaster/ Tanner Corp.; was married to Fannie Edgerton. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by one son, Randy Edgerton of Rutherfordton; two sisters, Ethel Metcalf and Mildred Waters, both of Rutherfordton; one brother, Hoyle Edgerton Sr., of Rutherfordton; two grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service. Dr. Jim Whitlow will officiate. Interment will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105-1905 or to the McDaniel Sunday School Class at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 2676, Hudlow Road, Forest City, NC 28043. Online condolences are: ww.mcmahansfuneralhome.com

Lula Belle Hamrick Lula Belle Parris Hamrick, 88,of Mooresboro died Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Cherokee County SC, she was born February 2, 1921, a daughter of the late Leo and Eva Parris. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Hamrick. Lula Belle was retired from Gaffney Manufacturing and was a member of State Line Baptist Church. She is survived by one son, James Kenneth Hamrick and wife, Carol of Ovideo Florida; one daughter, Brenda Gail Hamrick of Mooresboro; one sister Ruby Lee Huss of Cherryville; five grandchildren, Jeffery Caldwell and wife, Trina, Michael Caldwell and wife, Chris, Cameron Pucci and husband, Louis, Ashley Hamrick, Julie Hagge and husband, Scott; seven great-grandchildren Tara Toney and husband, Clayton, Dalton Caldwell, Ashton Caldwell, Zac Caldwell, Jacob Pucci, Megan Hagge, Alexis Hagge, and one great-great-granddaughter Haidyn Toney. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, December 24, 2009 at State Line Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Fleming and Rev. Joey Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to State Line Baptist Church Senior Citizens, 1328 State Line Road, Gaffney, SC 29341. A guest register is available at www.mckinneylandrethfuneralhome.com

McKinney-Landreth Funeral Home is serving the family. Paid obit.

Take time to help our area blood banks with your much needed donation. You Could Save A Life!

American Red Cross 838 Oakland Road, Spindale

Call 828-287-5916 for more information.

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 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.

Firefighters check the scene of a deadly house fire in Bostic Wednesday.

Christmas

Fire

Christmas Eve candlelight service: Thursday, Dec. 24, 9 p.m., Ellenboro Presbyterian Church; special music by Justin Radford; Bill Kirk, pastor. Christmas Eve candlelight service: Thursday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m., Caroleen Baptist Church; the service will conclude with communion. Christmas Eve services with Holy Communion (family-oriented) Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton, Thursday, Dec. 24, begins at 7:30 p.m. A reception with dessert refreshments (around 9:30 p.m.) will follow in the parish hall. Singing of Christmas Caroles 10:30 p.m., Christmas Celebration of the Holy Eucharist (midnight mass) beginning at 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service: Drop-in communion service at Spindale United Methodist Church, Thursday, Dec. 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve services: Candlelighting and Holy communion at First United Methodist Church, Rutherfordton; Thursday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m., later that night at 11, Christmas message “A People of His Own,” followed by candle-lighting and Holy communion. Christmas Eve service: 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Forest City; worship service of carols and candles; nursery is provided; Benjamin Moore is the church choir director; Alison Moore, pianist and Sharon Lawrence, guest violinist for the service. Christmas services with St. Francis Church, 408 North Main St., Rutherfordton; Dec. 24, Christmas Eve family service, 5:30 p.m., midnight mass, 10:30 p.m.; Dec. 25, Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.; New Year’s Eve service, Thursday, Dec. 31, 11:30 p.m. 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.

Continued from Page 1

he said. By Wednesday afternoon, Hollifield confirmed the bodies were being sent to Chapel Hill for autopsy. “With the holiday coming, it’s likely we won’t have that until after Christmas,” he said. “We won’t release any names until positive identification can be made.” Meredith Gettys Queen of Shelby owned the home. She said Wednesday afternoon she learned of the fire around 9 a.m. when her brother called her. “I’m the postmaster in Vale and he called to tell me and I went home then,” she said.

Shopping Continued from Page 1

“He would take us “one thing shopping” on Christmas Eve and we were allowed to get one thing which he would pay for it,” she said. “The joy expressed on his face as we each selected our one thing and presented it to him for purchase was priceless. “Over the years my sisters and I got married so the husbands were included, and then the grandchildren. You would think that everyone would want the most expensive thing that could be found but that wasn’t always

Memories Continued from Page 1

Pat Harris remembers one particular Christmas growing up as a child in Greenville, SC. “It had snowed a lot, and we had lost our power,” said Harris. “My father wanted duck that year so my mother bought a duck and a chicken. Well we were only able to cook over the fireplace so my dad fixed a skewer to place the duck and the chicken over the fireplace and it ended up being burned and raw. We didn’t really get many toys for Christmas, mainly fruit and things like that.” Roy Humphries of Rutherfordton remembers back when he was 10-years old and got a dollar watch, an air plane and a pair of socks for Christmas. Now he gets together with his nephew and family every

Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Queen said she went to see the house, which was built by her father, and at first couldn’t get to it because the road was blocked. “My parents died 10 days apart in 2007 and I inherited it,” Queen said. “That was where we grew up. It was a two bedroom, one bath house and they were heating it with wood, which was the way we heated it when we lived there.” Mickey Capps and her boyfriend were living in the home, Queen said. “My brother had let them live there because they had no place to live,” she said. “I’m sorry for the loss of the people who got killed.” Cherry Mountain, Bostic and Ellenboro Fire Departments responded to the scene as well as Rutherford County EMS and Rutherford County Rescue. Detectives from

the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department and the State Bureau of Investigation Arson team were also investigating the fire. “Obviously, it’s going to take some time to gather all the information we need to gather,” Hollifield said. “We’ve not ruled it as anything yet.” “This is always terrible, but right before Christmas, it’s terrible, said Tommy Blanton, Rutherfordton Fire Chief. Rutherfordton Fire Department responded to a fire fatality a few years ago on Tom Camp Road. In 2008, both Forest City and S-D-O Fire Departments had fire fatalities.

the case. “One year my son, Ben, selected a huge peppermint candy cane and another year a Santa hat,” Carson said. “I have several items that I treasure to this day that were purchased during our “one thing shopping” spree. My dad died 9 years ago, but my mom continues the tradition of “one thing shopping” on Christmas Eve and part of the joy is the family time and memories generated from waiting until Christmas Eve to go shopping.” While traditions may bring some out shopping on this last day before Christmas, others will be out because

they procrastinated or are in a lastsecond bid to find better deals. This year, others may be joining the list to make up for time lost last weekend, generally one of the busiest shopping weekends of the season, due to snow and ice. And for all those shoppers out there, there will be plenty of retail workers on the job to help them and enjoy the fun and games. “Oh I love to see the men come to shop at the last minute,” said Myra Branch. “One of the funniest things is that their wife is always your size. If you like it, she will. Rule of thumb — always do gift receipts!”

Christmas. Lavonda Pleasant remembers one Christmas where her daddy went to get a tree and dragged it back to the house. “We popped popcorn and strung it around the tree,” said Pleasant. “We just had an old-fashioned Christmas.” Rutherford County native, Martha Dobbins has good memories of growing up on a farm as a child during Christmas. “We roamed the woods to get a tree and put homemade ornaments on it,” said Dobbins. “When I had my own family we did Christmas differently.” Dobbins has nine grandchildren who will all be with her for Christmas. Eunice Yelton remembers going to the woods during Christmas and getting holly to put on all the pictures in the house. She also remembers getting a tree and putting strings of pop-

corn around it for decoration. Wallace Ruppe remembers getting up early every Christmas morning and going to the fireplace and checking the stockings for fruit and other goodies like that. “The main thing about Christmas is to remember the reason for the season,” said Pauline McClellan. “We’re getting away from the reason, and going more towards Christmas being about presents and Santa. Gift giving is still good for the children because it teaches them to give, but Christmas has become too commercialized. We need to get back to the real reason which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Jean Gordon contributed to this report. Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@thedigitalcourier.com.

A big concensus among most, was that they were glad to still have their health and they were still able to spend time with their families during the holidays.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009 — 7

Inside Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 NFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 College hoops . . . . . . . . Page 8

Preps set for holiday tourney play By KEVIN CARVER Sports Reporter

Panthers without top 3 RBs at practice CHARLOTTE (AP) — The Carolina Panthers’ top three running backs are banged up. DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Tyrell Sutton all missed practice on Wednesday with injuries. Quarterback Jake Delhomme also remained out with a broken finger on his throwing hand. Williams missed Carolina’s win over Minnesota Sunday with a sprained ankle. Stewart has routinely missed Wednesday practices this season to rest his sore Achilles’ tendon. Sutton has been slowed by a calf injury. Cornerback Richard Marshall also sat out Wednesday with a lingering ankle injury.

For local sports fans looking for a little home grown entertainment after Christmas, boys and girls prep basketball teams will take to the court in holiday tournament action this week and into next. R-S Central High School will take center stage first as the three-day Lady Hilltoppers Holiday Classic tournament begins on Saturday and

concludes on Tuesday night. The Lady Trojans of Chase (3-4, 1-2) start the tourney off in game one versus Ashbrook at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Gaffney will take on Kings Mountain at 3:30 p.m. In game three, Hibriten plays Shelby at 5 p.m. and R-S Central (6-3, 2-1) hosts Crest at 6:30 p.m. in the final game of the night. The tourney will take a day off on Sunday, but resumes on Monday and finishes up Tuesday night. Harding

beat Vance in an exciting 57-56 title game last year. Meanwhile, East Rutherford’s girls (7-1, 1-1) will travel to the South of the Border Christmas Tourney in Landrum, S.C., again this season. East has won back-to-back tournament titles at Landrum High School and looks for a three-peat when action begins on Monday,. They will Please see Tourney, Page 8

Steroids’ shadow is 2009 top story By NANCY ARMOUR AP National Writer

TCU’s Patterson is AP Coach of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — TCU’s Gary Patterson was voted The Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year for leading the Horned Frogs to a perfect regular season and their first BCS appearance. No. 3 TCU plays No. 6 Boise State (13-0) in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 4. In a close vote released Wednesday, Patterson received 21 votes from the AP college football poll panel to edge Brian Kelly. The former Cincinnati coach, now with Notre Dame, received 19 votes and Alabama’s Nick Saban got 14 votes. Chip Kelly of Oregon received three votes and Boise State’s Chris Petersen and Texas’ Mack Brown each got one vote.

Wharton impostor has defrauded people CHARLOTTE (AP) — The Carolina Panthers say a man impersonating left tackle Travelle Wharton has defrauded a handful of people out of about $25,000. Panthers director of security Gene Brown said Tuesday that the man has an identification card with Wharton’s name and has been able to dupe “about four or five people” into investment scams. Brown said the first incident was about a year ago.

On TV THURSDAY 8 p.m. (ESPN) College Football Sheraton Hawaii Bowl — Nevada vs. Southern Methodist. From Honolulu. FRIDAY Noon (ESPN) NBA Basketball Miami Heat at New York Knicks. From Madison Square Garden in New York. 2:30 p.m. (WSOC) (WLOS) NBA Basketball Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic. From Amway Arena in Orlando, Fla. 5 p.m. (WSOC) (WLOS) NBA Basketball Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers. From Staples Center in Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Consolation Game: Teams TBA. From Honolulu. 8 p.m. (ESPN) NBA Basketball Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns. From US Airways Center in Phoenix. 10 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Final: Teams TBA. From Honolulu. 10:30 p.m. (ESPN) NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers. From the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.

ed discussion” on the sideline. That came after Childress benched Bryant McKinnie, a well respected tackle who was overwhelmed by Peppers. “I felt the pressure on a lot of plays,” Favre said after the game. “Peppers played a great game.” It didn’t lead to an end to Peppers’ nearly season-long silence. Despite a league rule that all players must be available to the media after games, Peppers was nowhere to be found. “Not right now,” Pepper said Wednesday when approached by reporters before bolting to the weight room. The 6-foot-7 Peppers provided the type of game-changing performance the Panthers had banked on when they gave him the NFL’s highest-single season salary of more than $1 million a game. It came after the Panthers placed the restrictive franchise tag on him in the offseason, defying Peppers’ wishes to leave in free agency. The Panthers face a big decision in the offseason. They could restrict his move

The dark shadow that performance-enhancing drugs continue to cast on baseball was picked as the sports Story of the Year by members of The Associated Press, even surpassing the Tiger Woods sex scandal. Some of the biggest names in the game — Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and David “Big Papi” Ortiz — were linked to performanceenhancing drugs this year, which swayed editors to pick the steroid scandal over Woods’ fall from grace. “The impact that that story had made it the story of the year,” said Lance Hanlin, sports editor of the Beaufort (S.C.) Gazette and The (Hilton Head) Island Packet. “It was a big, ongoing, overall story.” In fact, the Woods scandal finished fifth in the top story voting. Jimmie Johnson’s historic fourth straight NASCAR championship was second, followed by Roger Federer winning his 15th Grand Slam and Brett Favre ending his (second) retirement to lead the Minnesota Vikings to the division title. This year’s balloting was unusual in that a major story — Woods’ accident on Nov. 27 and the salacious revelations that followed — happened after voting had started. By then, 37 of 161 ballots had been submitted by editors at U.S. newspapers which are members of the AP. The voters were asked to rank the top 10 sports stories of the year, with the first-place story getting 10 points, the second-place story receiving nine points, and so on. Given the extraordinary nature of the Woods story,

Please see Peppers, Page 9

Please see Story, Page 9

Associated Press

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre, front, is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, back, in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte Sunday,

Peppers’ play will make Panthers’ decision tough CHARLOTTE (AP) — He was so good, a topflight left tackle got benched and Minnesota’s coach feared for Brett Favre’s safety. Julius Peppers’ dominant game for the Carolina on Sunday also might make the Panthers’ offseason decision on the impending free agent defensive end even more difficult. Three days after the $16.7 million man manhandled Favre and the Vikings’ offensive line in a stunning 26-7 upset of the Vikings, there was still a buzz in the Carolina locker room about the four-time Pro Bowl pick’s performance. “He was playing possessed,” linebacker Na’il Diggs said Wednesday. Added safety Charles Godfrey: “That’s the best I’ve seen him play, all-around game, pressuring the quarterback, playing the run, just demolishing people.” Peppers had just one sack and was credited with five quarterback hurries by the coaching staff But he was so disruptive Vikings coach Brad Childress wanted to take the immobile Favre out of the game in the third quarter with Minnesota up 7-6, leading to what Favre called a “heat-

A FRIENDLY MEETING

Associated Press

North Carolina head coach Butch Davis, left, and Pittsburgh head coach Dave Wannstedt, left, chat at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord Wednesday. North Carolina plays Pittsburgh in the Meineke Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday.

Canadiens rout hapless Hurricanes RALEIGH (AP) — Glen Metropolit scored two power-play goals after Andrei Markov had his third in three games, and the Montreal Canadiens routed the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory. Jaroslav Halak made 46 saves for the Canadiens, who led 4-1 in the first period. Andrei Kostitsyn, Sergei Kostitsyn and Glen Metropolit added goals while Tomas Plekanec and Scott Gomez had three assists apiece. Montreal, which entered with the NHL’s second-best power-play unit, scored three times with the man advantage and is 8 for 13 on the power play through the first three games of a season-high seven-game trip. Brandon Sutter scored for Carolina, which pulled starting goalie Cam Ward after he allowed three goals on seven shots in 9 1/2 minutes.

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009

sports

Kentucky gets by Long Beach

Scoreboard 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 South W L T Pct PF x-Indianapolis 14 0 0 1.000 394 Jacksonville 7 7 0 .500 266 Tennessee 7 7 0 .500 320 Houston 7 7 0 .500 327 North W L T Pct PF Cincinnati 9 5 0 .643 288 Baltimore 8 6 0 .571 350 Pittsburgh 7 7 0 .500 315 Cleveland 3 11 0 .214 199 West W L T Pct PF x-San Diego 11 3 0 .786 389 Denver 8 6 0 .571 275 Oakland 5 9 0 .357 175 Kansas City 3 11 0 .214 240

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 South W L T Pct PF x-New Orleans 13 1 0 .929 483 Atlanta 7 7 0 .500 312 Carolina 6 8 0 .429 251 Tampa Bay 2 12 0 .143 214 North W L T Pct PF x-Minnesota 11 3 0 .786 396 Green Bay 9 5 0 .643 380 Chicago 5 9 0 .357 254 Detroit 2 12 0 .143 233 West W L T Pct PF x-Arizona 9 5 0 .643 337 San Francisco 6 8 0 .429 282 Seattle 5 9 0 .357 257 St. Louis 1 13 0 .071 159

y-Philadelphia Dallas N.Y. Giants Washington

PA 244 333 221 288 PA 248 322 347 286 PA 244 225 280 349 PA 283 250 335 383 PA 286 250 342 296 PA 298 312 289 363 PA 269 280 322 437 PA 282 269 325 377

x-clinched division y-clinched playoff spot

Friday’s Games San Diego at Tennessee, 7:30 p.m. 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 (9-3) vs. California (8-4), late

Thursday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl at Honolulu SMU (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Detroit Ohio (9-4) vs. Marshall (6-6), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Meineke Bowl At Charlotte North Carolina (8-4) vs. Pittsburgh (9-3), 4 p.m. (ESPN) Emerald Bowl at San Francisco Southern Cal (8-4) vs. Boston College (8-4), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Sunday, Dec. 27 Music City Bowl at Nashville Clemson (8-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Monday, Dec. 28 Independence Bowl at Shreveport, La. Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5), 5 p.m. (ESPN)

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 Sun Bowl at El Paso, Texas Stanford (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (7-5), Noon (CBS) Armed Forces Bowl at Fort Worth, Texas Air Force (7-5) vs. Houston (10-3), Noon (ESPN) Texas Bowl at Houston

Missouri (8-4) vs. Navy (8-4), 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 Dallas 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 at 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)

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct Boston 22 5 .815 Toronto 14 17 .433 New York 11 17 .393 Philadelphia 7 21 .250 New Jersey 2 27 .071 Southeast Division W L Pct Orlando 22 7 .750 Atlanta 20 7 .741 Miami 14 12 .520 Charlotte 11 16 .407 Washington 9 17 .346 Central Division W L Pct Cleveland 21 8 .724 Milwaukee 12 14 .462 Detroit 11 18 .393 Chicago 10 17 .370 Indiana 9 18 .333

GB — 10 1/2 11 1/2 15 1/2 20 1/2 GB — 1/2 6 1/2 9 1/2 11 GB — 7 1/2 9 1/2 10 11

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB Dallas 20 9 .690 — Houston 17 12 .607 2 1/2 San Antonio 15 10 .600 3 Memphis 13 15 .464 6 1/2 New Orleans 12 14 .462 6 1/2 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Denver 19 9 .679 — Portland 18 12 .600 2 Utah 16 13 .571 3 Oklahoma City 13 14 .481 5 1/2 Minnesota 6 24 .172 14 1/2 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Lakers 23 4 .852 — Phoenix 18 10 .643 5 1/2 Sacramento 13 14 .481 10 L.A. Clippers 12 16 .429 11 1/2 Golden State 7 20 .259 16 Tuesday’s Games Washington 105, Philadelphia 98 Charlotte 88, Detroit 76 Boston 103, Indiana 94 New York 88, Chicago 81 Atlanta 112, Minnesota 87 Memphis 121, Golden State 108 Houston 108, L.A. Clippers 99 Portland 85, Dallas 81 L.A. Lakers 111, Oklahoma City 108 Wednesday’s Games Orlando 102, Houston 87 Toronto 94, Detroit 64 Miami 80, Utah 70 Minnesota 103, New Jersey 99 Washington at Milwaukee, late Golden State at New Orleans, late Portland at San Antonio, late Atlanta at Denver, late Oklahoma City at Phoenix, late Cleveland at Sacramento, late Thursday’s Games No games scheduled Friday’s Games Miami at New York, 12 p.m. Boston at Orlando, 2:30 p.m. Cleveland at L.A. Lakers, 5 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Phoenix, 8 p.m. Denver at Portland, 10:30 p.m. Wednesday’s College Basketball EAST Boston College 79, Massachusetts 67 Georgetown 86, Harvard 70 Iona 82, Fairleigh Dickinson 60 Monmouth, N.J. 65, Texas A&M-CC 51 Quinnipiac 63, Columbia 51 Siena 84, Rider 62 St. John’s 80, Bryant 44 Villanova 97, Delaware 63 West Virginia 76, Mississippi 66 SOUTH Canisius 63, New Orleans 48 Georgia 77, Florida Atlantic 60 James Madison 85, Fordham 73 Kentucky 86, Long Beach St. 73 Louisville 84, Louisiana-Lafayette 69

Old Dominion 81, Charlotte 48 Tennessee 99, N. Carolina A&T 78 Virginia 80, Hampton 54 MIDWEST Indiana St. 72, IUPUI 59 Minnesota 92, S. Dakota St. 62 Xavier 70, Miami (Ohio) 67 SOUTHWEST Houston 105, TCU 81 Lamar 77, Rice 61 FAR WEST Arizona St. 61, S.C.-Upstate 52 Chicago St. 78, Wagner 63 Jackson St. 72, E. Washington 67 Morehead St. 69, Cal St.-Fullerton 62 TOURNAMENT Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic Southern Cal 60, Saint Mary’s, Calif. 49 W. Michigan 75, Northeastern 60

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — John Wall scored 19 points and No. 3 Kentucky pulled away in the second half for an 86-73 victory over weary Long Beach State on Wednesday. DeMarcus Cousins shook off early foul trouble to finish with 15 points and 10 rebounds as the Wildcats (13-0) continued their best start in more than 30 years. For the first 30 minutes it looked like Kentucky had partied a little too hard after celebrating the program’s 2,000th win on Monday night. The Wildcats led just 58-55 before using their size to outmuscle the 49ers down the stretch. Stephan Gilling and Larry Anderson led the 49ers with 15 points each, but Long Beach State (6-6) looked tired in the final minutes barely 36 hours after dropping an overtime decision to Loyola Marymount and then flying crosscountry for a game that started at 10 a.m. PST. The 49ers, however, didn’t make it easy for the Wildcats to begin the march to 3,000. Patrick Patterson added 15 points and 11 rebounds while Bledsoe finished with 11 points and five assists. Robinson had 13 points and 15 rebounds for Long Beach State.

Wednesday’s Women’s Basketball EAST Albany, N.Y. 63, Fairfield 52 Connecticut 80, Stanford 68 SOUTH Hampton 63, Radford 43 MIDWEST Bowling Green 89, Appalachian St. 68 Cleveland St. 74, Lake Erie 63 IPFW 92, Indiana Tech 35 Saint Louis 78, Tennessee Tech 58 Xavier 87, Austin Peay 41 FAR WEST UC Riverside 65, Arizona 53 Utah St. 53, S. Utah 44

HOCKEY National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF 35 26 8 1 53 106 38 26 11 1 53 124 37 18 16 3 39 103 38 14 17 7 35 93 35 15 18 2 32 95 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Buffalo 36 22 11 3 47 96 Boston 36 18 11 7 43 96 Ottawa 37 18 15 4 40 102 Montreal 39 18 18 3 39 103 Toronto 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 36 13 14 9 35 91 Carolina 37 9 22 6 24 90

New Jersey Pittsburgh N.Y. Rangers N.Y. Islanders Philadelphia

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF Chicago 35 23 9 3 49 105 Nashville 37 22 12 3 47 107 Detroit 36 18 13 5 41 98 St. Louis 35 16 14 5 37 91 Columbus 37 14 16 7 35 105 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF Colorado 39 21 12 6 48 115 Calgary 35 20 11 4 44 101 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 Los Angeles 37 22 12 3 47 111 Phoenix 37 22 13 2 46 96 Dallas 36 15 10 11 41 107 Anaheim 36 15 14 7 37 103

No. 14 Georgetown 86, Harvard 70

GA 75 97 103 121 103

WASHINGTON (AP) — Coming off its first loss of the season, No. 14 Georgetown was stuck in a something of a struggle against Harvard, tied late in the first half Wednesday. That’s when Chris Wright, Greg Monroe and the Hoyas seized control. Led by Wright’s career-high 34 points and Monroe’s 16 points and 16 rebounds, and propelled by a half-ending 11-0 run, Georgetown pulled away to beat Harvard 86-70. Jason Clark got things started with a 3-pointer, Monroe scored off a putback, Austin Freeman hit a 3, and Wright made a free throw. Then came this sequence: Monroe lost the ball on the blocks, then went to the other end and stole it right back, before feeding Wright for a layup. Freeman matched his career best with 21 points for Georgetown (9-1), which was playing its first game since a 61-57 loss to Old Dominion on Saturday. Harvard (7-3) was coming off a two-week layoff since a victory over Boston College on Dec. 9. In its game before that, the Ivy League school also tested Top 25 team Connecticut, losing by six on Dec. 6. Jeremy Lin led Harvard on Wednesday with 15 points.

GA 81 91 111 108 133 GA 102 114 126 109 136 GA 74 105 96 97 131 GA 114 87 94 104 123 GA 97 108 85 112 113

No. 16 Tennessee 99, North Carolina A&T 78

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Tuesday’s Games San Jose 3, Chicago 2 Anaheim 4, Colorado 2 Vancouver 4, Nashville 1 Wednesday’s Games Pittsburgh 8, Ottawa 2 N.Y. Rangers 4, Florida 1 N.Y. Islanders 3, Toronto 1 Boston 6, Atlanta 4 Minnesota 3, Edmonton 1 Montreal 5, Carolina 1 Washington 5, Buffalo 2 Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, late Chicago at Detroit, late Columbus at Dallas, late Anaheim at Phoenix, late St. Louis at Calgary, late Thursday’s Games No games scheduled

TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL KANSAS CITY ROYALS_Agreed to terms with OF Brian Anderson on a one-year contract. NEW YORK YANKEES_Agreed to terms with DH-1B Nick Johnson to a one-year contract. OAKLAND ATHLETICS_Agreed to terms with OF Coco Crisp on a one-year contract. TORONTO BLUE JAYS_Acquired RHP Brandon Morrow from Seattle for RHP Brandon League and OF Johermyn Chavez. National League PITTSBURGH PIRATES_Agreed to terms with LHP Jack Taschner on a minor league contract. BASKETBALL National Basketball Association LOS ANGELES LAKERS_Agreed to terms with F Pau Gasol on a three-year contract extension through the 2013-14 season. FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS_Placed LT Mike Gandy on injured reserve. Signed LB Pago Togafau from the practice squad. BUFFALO BILLS_Placed S Jairus Byrd on injured reserve. Signed LB Josh Stamer. Signed LB Ryan Manalac to the practice squad. NEW YORK GIANTS_Placed TE Darcy Johnson on injured reserve. Signed TE Scott Chandler from the Dallas practice roster. Arena Football League HOCKEY National Hockey League CAROLINA HURRICANES_Reassigned D Jay Harrison to Albany (AHL). DALLAS STARS_Assigned D Ivan Vishnevskiy to Texas (AHL). DETROIT RED WINGS_Recalled D Jakub Kindl from Grand Rapids (AHL). COLLEGE PRINCETON_Named Bob Surace football coach. UNLV_Named Bobby Hauck football coach. WEST CHESTER_Named Mark Jackson baseball coach.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tyler Smith and Kenny Hall both had 16 points, and No. 16 Tennessee scored the first 22 points of the game in a 99-78 victory over North Carolina A&T on Wednesday night. Hall’s points were among 60 scored by Tennessee’s reserves. Skylar McBee added 12 points and fellow reserve J.P. Prince had 10, while starter Scotty Hopson scored 10. Brian Williams grabbed 11 rebounds. At first the Vols (9-2) looked as if they hadn’t overcome the shooting woes that plagued them in a lopsided loss to Southern California on Saturday, missing six of their first seven shots from the field. But the Aggies (4-8) couldn’t compete with the Vols’ physical defense. Tennessee had 21 steals, and North Carolina A&T, which was playing the seventh of an eight-game trip, committed 23 of its 34 turnovers in the first half, leading to 33 Tennessee points. Dwane Joshua led North Carolina A&T with 20 points. Thomas Coleman scored 16, Tavarus Alston had 15 and Robert Johnson 13.

Tourney Continued from Page 7

face Fort Mill at 10 a.m. in game one. On the boys side, the Cavaliers Christmas Classic begins Monday night, December 28th at East Rutherford High School. Asheville School and R-S Central (8-1, 2-1) battle in game one at 6 p.m. East Rutherford (8-0, 2-0) welcomes Chase (1-6, 0-3) for a 7:30 p.m. in-county showdown. The two winners will play on Tuesday night, December 29th at 7:30 for the championship, while the third place game will take place at 6 p.m. East Rutherford took home the title over R-S Central in last year’s bout. The fourth NCHSAA school in Rutherford County, Thomas Jefferson, will not participate in a Christmas basketball tournament this season.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 9

sports

Source: Braves reach agreement with Glaus ATLANTA (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The powerhungry Atlanta Braves are hoping longtime third baseman Troy Glaus can fill the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s void at first base. The Braves have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract with Troy Glaus, a person with knowledge of the negotiations to The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not final. The agreement is pending a physiTennessee Titans cal planned for the first week of quarterback January. Vince Young Glaus has played third base most (10) celebrates of his career but the Braves probably after throwing a would use the 33-year-old at first 32-yard touchbase in place of Adam LaRoche, who down pass to Nate Washington became a free agent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We think heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100 percent healthy,â&#x20AC;? against the Miami Braves manager Bobby Cox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Dolphins. have talked to him and told him we Associated Press would love to have him here.â&#x20AC;? Glaus played in two games at first base for St. Louis this year after missing most of the season while recovering from shoulder surgery. He hit .172 in only 14 games. If healthy, Glaus could give the Braves much-needed power behind Chipper Jones and Brian McCann. The Braves ranked 22nd in the major

Titans seeking to finish off historic turnaround

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Tennessee Titans, the team that seemingly blew its Super Bowl dreams with a dreadful 0-6 start, will play a game that matters Friday night. And it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just matter for the San Diego Chargers. Tennessee is among six AFC teams tied at 7-7 and mathematically alive in the playoff chase, just one game behind the last wild-card berth. The Titans already have made NFL history by clawing back to .500 after that 0-6 start. According to STATS, no NFL team has ever finished at .500 or better after starting 0-6. Talk about a titanic turnaround. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anytime a team goes 0-6 and gets back to .500 and has a chance to get to the playoffs, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve accomplished something,â&#x20AC;? Titans center Kevin Mawae said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rest on that. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to continue on. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a great team.â&#x20AC;? The Titans never lost the confidence gained from last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 13-3 record, even after the sixth loss in a 59-0 rout at New England. Coach Jeff Fisher sent them home for their bye with permission to forget football, a welcome mental break. Owner Bud Adams ordered Vince Young off the bench and into the lineup, and their banged-up secondary healed up. Since then, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been nearly unstoppable, winning seven of eight. Only New Orleans has averaged more yards on offense (413.9 to 398) or points (30.6 to 29.5) than Tennessee. No pressure, only opportunity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It speaks volumes about Jeff and the coaching staff and the leaders on the team how weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to keep things honed in. There was never a sense of panic at 0-6,â&#x20AC;? Mawae said. San Diego coach Norv Turner, whose Chargers (11-3) have won nine straight since starting 2-3, thinks the

Peppers Continued from Page 7

ment by placing the franchise tag on him again, but that would come with a 20 percent raise and a salary of more than $20 million. Because Peppers gets a $1.5 million bonus for making the Pro Bowl, his salary cap figure this season is more than $18 million. It forced the Panthers to get cheap alternatives for depth this season.

Titansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; turnaround is the toughest thing to do in the NFL. The Titans, who needed overtime to down Miami 27-24 last week, must win their sixth straight home game, then finish with a victory at Seattle on the final day of the season. They also need plenty of help to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easy against the Chargers, who have clinched their fourth straight AFC West title. San Diego, which beat Cincinnati by the same 27-24 score last week, wants the AFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 2 seed and the firstround bye that comes with it. The Chargers also want a 10th straight victory and an 18th consecutive December win dating back to 2006. Quarterback Philip Rivers, the AFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading passer and third in the NFL with a 102.8 rating, has been under center for each of those December wins. He sees no reason to slow down on Christmas night. Tennessee will be without two starting linebackers due to seasonending injuries to Keith Bulluck, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading tackler, and David Thornton. San Diego has lost its second center, though Nick Hardwick might return after hurting his left ankle in the season opener. The Titans will be challenged trying to slow down Rivers, who needs 109 yards passing to reach 4,000 for a second straight season, and tight end Antonio Gates without Bulluck and Thornton. Fisher has been telling his Titans scenarios of what must happen for them to reach the postseason. Neither he nor the Titans are sharing those details from what he called his crystal ball. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win this game, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out,â&#x20AC;? Fisher said.

The Panthers, who made Peppers a lucrative contract offer in 2008, could go that route again. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely Peppers would again demand to be the NFLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest-paid defensive player, which could cost in upward of $15 million a year in average salary, counting bonuses. The Panthers could also place the franchise tag on him and then try to trade him. But a team taking Peppers would almost certainly have to get him to

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Story Continued from Page 7

the AP added it to the top stories ballot Nov. 30 and gave editors who had voted prior to that the chance to submit a new ballot, which about 10 did. The final tally had the steroids story with 800 points to 617 points for the Woodsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scandal. And even if only the votes cast after the Woodsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scandal broke were counted, editors still picked the steroid scourge as the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top story. Voters who included the Woods saga on their list, however, were more likely to make it their top item: His downfall received 41 first-place votes compared with 27 for the steroids crisis. The specter of performanceenhancing drug tainted Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastime through much of the season. Spring training began with A-Rod, the highest-paid player in the game and one of the New York Yankees biggest stars, admitting that he used banned substances from 2001-03 while playing for the Texas Rangers. Almost three months later, Ramirez was suspended for 50 games after baseball obtained records that showed he used a banned female fertility drug. The summer brought reports that Ortiz and Sammy Sosa were on the infamous â&#x20AC;&#x153;list,â&#x20AC;? the 104 players who tested positive in baseballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anonymous 2003 survey. Ortiz insisted heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never knowingly used performanceenhancing drugs, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no way to know whether he actually tested positive or, if he did test positive, whether it was for steroids or a substance contained in a supplement. Miguel Tejada was sentenced to a year of probation after pleading guilty in federal court to misleading Congress about the use of perfor-

agree on a long-term deal. Peppers agent, Carl Carey, declined comment in an e-mail on Wednesday. If a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached and next season is played with no salary cap, the Panthers wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about Peppers taking up about 14 percent of the cap like he is this season. But there are still concerns about Peppersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consistency. While he was dominant against the Vikings, he did

Associated Press

In this August file photo, a fan in the stands holds a sign directed at New York Yankeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Alex Rodriguez, during a baseball game in Seattle.

mance-enhancing drugs. And Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are still in limbo, their legal cases related to drugs working their way through the system. The Pittsburgh Steelersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sixth Super Bowl victory, on a spectacular catch by Santonio Holmes, wound up in sixth place in the top story voting. The Yankeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 27th World Series title was seventh, with Usain Boltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world records in the 100- and 200-meter sprints coming next. Tom Watsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valiant, second-place finish at the British Open at age 59 was ninth, and â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in a quirky finish â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Woodsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performance on the golf course, where he came back from injury and claimed the No. 1 ranking, was ranked 10th.

little a week earlier against New England, recording one tackle and no sacks. While he returned an interception for a touchdown against Arizona, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a single tackle against Atlanta, when he was nursing a broken hand. He also turns 30 next month. Still, when Peppers is on, his combination of speed, size and athleticism makes him perhaps the most feared defensive end in the NFL. Since entering the league in

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leagues with 149 homers last season. Glaus hit 27 homers with 99 RBIs for St. Louis in 2008 and had 30 or more homers in five of seven seasons from 2000-06 with the Angels, Arizona and Toronto. He has 304 career homers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a power guy every year except when he got hurt,â&#x20AC;? Cox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a young guy and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been athletic. He can learn to play first in a heartbeat, and I know he has played there some already.â&#x20AC;? LaRoche has only one season with at least 30 homers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 32 with the Braves in 2006. Atlanta apparently is looking for a short-term answer at first base while top prospect Freddie Freeman progresses through the minor leagues. General manager Frank Wren acquired outfielder Melky Cabrera on Tuesday as part of a five-play trade that sent right-hander Javier Vazquez to the New York Yankees. Cabrera, a switch-hitter, hit .274 with 13 homers and 68 RBIs last season. Wren said Tuesday trading Vazquez freed up the payroll to acquire a power hitter. Wren would not comment on Glausâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deal, which was first reported by foxsports.com.

2002, only Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jason Taylor (88) and Dwight Freeney of Indianapolis (82) have more sacks than Peppers (80). â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had as good a year as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had, at least that I can remember,â&#x20AC;? coach John Fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He had a little setback with his hand, that set him back a little bit as far as being able to play both sides and find ways to rush the passer. It limited him, but in a big spot, he had a very good game.â&#x20AC;?

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Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009

weather/nation Weather The Daily Courier Weather Today

Tonight

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Mostly Cloudy

Rain Likely

Mostly Sunny

Precip Chance: 20%

Precip Chance: 80%

Precip Chance: 5%

45º

33º

42º 34º

51º 26º

43º 25º

45º 26º

Almanac

Local UV Index

Around Our State Today

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

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

Temperatures

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

High . . . . . . Low . . . . . . . Normal High Normal Low .

. . . .

.50 .21 .51 .27

Precipitation 24 hrs through 7 a.m. yest. .0.00" Month to date . . . . . . . . .6.95" Year to date . . . . . . . . .57.53"

Barometric Pressure

Sun and Moon Sunrise today . . . . .7:34 Sunset tonight . . . . .5:21 Moonrise today . . .12:00 Moonset today . . . .12:04

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

Moon Phases

High yesterday . . . . . . .30.26"

Relative Humidity High yesterday . . . . . . . . .87%

First 12/24

Last 1/7

Full 12/31

City

Friday

Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

Asheville . . . . . . .46/34 Cape Hatteras . . .50/43 Charlotte . . . . . . .47/36 Fayetteville . . . . .52/36 Greensboro . . . . .47/31 Greenville . . . . . .50/37 Hickory . . . . . . . . . .44/31 Jacksonville . . . .51/42 Kitty Hawk . . . . . .46/41 New Bern . . . . . .49/40 Raleigh . . . . . . . .49/33 Southern Pines . .51/36 Wilmington . . . . .55/48 Winston-Salem . .46/31

ra s mc pc pc s mc s s s pc pc pc pc

45/30 64/53 46/38 58/46 46/37 59/50 40/34 63/49 57/50 62/50 53/44 55/43 62/53 44/35

ra sh ra ra ra sh ra sh sh sh ra ra ra ra

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

New 1/15

North Carolina Forecast

Greensboro 47/31

Asheville 46/34

Forest City 45/33 Charlotte 47/36

Today

City

Raleigh 49/33

.49/41 .36/29 .36/36 .34/31 .41/37 .68/45 .78/72 .38/30 .37/28 .54/34 .58/43 .41/34 .77/65 .35/27

ra s ra mc ra s sh s s s s mc sh s

Today’s National Map

Friday

53/32 36/35 38/24 37/28 43/25 68/46 80/67 40/38 42/37 54/35 58/45 42/35 77/56 38/36

Kinston 50/38 Wilmington 55/48

10s

Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

Atlanta . . . . . . . . Baltimore . . . . . . Chicago . . . . . . . Detroit . . . . . . . . Indianapolis . . . Los Angeles . . . Miami . . . . . . . . . New York . . . . . . Philadelphia . . . Sacramento . . . . San Francisco . . Seattle . . . . . . . . Tampa . . . . . . . . Washington, DC

Greenville 50/37

Fayetteville 52/36

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Across Our Nation

Elizabeth City 45/37

Durham 48/33

Winston-Salem 46/31

mc ra sh ra rs s sh ra ra s s pc sh ra

40s

30s

20s 30s

50s 60s

40s

50s

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60s 70s

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

Stationary Front

Warm Front

70s

Low Pressure

High Pressure

Nation Today L.A. train hits truck

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Metrolink commuter train struck a pickup truck that flew into its path after crashing into a car which had stopped for a passing ambulance early Wednesday, authorities said. Six people were treated for injuries, including two in critical condition. The chain-reaction crash occurred around 7 a.m. in the eastern San Fernando Valley where train tracks parallel a major road. Four people in the two vehicles were injured and two were taken to hospitals in critical condition, including a 2-year-old boy, said fire Capt. Steve Ruda. Eight of the 39 passengers aboard the train complained of injuries, but only two were taken to hospitals.

Teen charged in wildfires

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — A 16-year-old Southern California boy was charged Wednesday as an adult for allegedly starting two arson wildfires in San Bernardino County earlier this year. Ricky Sean Lukacs will be arraigned in adult court on Dec. 28 and is being held in juvenile hall, said Deputy District Attorney Karen Khim. He is charged with two counts of arson of an inhabited structure for fires on Aug. 30 and 31 in the Yucaipa area, 65 miles east of Los Angeles. Lukacs was originally arrested and charged as a juvenile, but the charges were refiled in adult court, said Susan Mickey, district attorney spokeswoman. The fires did not cause serious

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injury or death, but one burned about 1 1/2 square miles in the community of Oak Glen, and the other threatened about 400 homes in Yucaipa before it was contained.

Mom turns in 6-year-old COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio woman who asked that police be called after she caught her 6-year-old daughter shoplifting a package of stickers said Wednesday that she was just trying to teach the girl a lesson early in life. Diane Lyons said she doesn’t believe she overreacted when she discovered the girl, Shiane, had taken the $3.11 package of stickers used to make temporary tattoos. An older 10-year-old daughter told Lyons about the theft. Chief Ronald Yeager of the Carrollton Police Department in eastern Ohio arrived at the Discount Drug Mart Dec. 15 and took the girl to the police station in his cruiser before releasing her to Lyons, according to Yeager’s report.

Parents get jail time FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The parents who carried out the balloon boy hoax were sentenced to jail Wednesday and given strict probation conditions that forbid them from earning any money from the spectacle for four years. Richard Heene was sentenced to 90 days in jail, including 60 days of work release that will let him pursue his job as a construction contractor while serving his time. His wife, Mayumi, was sentenced to 20 days in jail.

Associated Press

A vehicle passes a plow while traveling north on U.S. 281 north of Hastings, Neb. Wednesday,

Major winter storm hits West, Midwest OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A major winter storm is promising to bring a white Christmas to much of the nation’s midsection, though countless holiday travelers faced slick roads and scattered flight delays and cancellations Wednesday that only looked to get worse. Snow was forecast across a large swath of the Plains and the Midwest, with a foot or two possible by Christmas Day. The storm also was expected to dump sleet and heavy rain as it treks eastward. Blizzard warnings were likely on Christmas Eve in Kansas. “This is a huge system,” said Rick Hiltbrand, a meteorologist with National Weather Service in Chanhassen, Minn. By late Wednesday morning, parts of Nebraska were coated with ice that was up to 1/4-inch thick. Slippery roads were blamed for at least three deaths. A Colorado woman was killed Tuesday when her SUV apparently hit black ice and slid across a median in western Nebraska. The Kansas Highway Patrol said an eastbound car on Interstate 70 in Thomas County spun out of control Tuesday night, crossed the median and was struck by a westbound tractor-trailer, killing both people in the car. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds declared a state of emergency Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls warned of treacherous travel conditions from Wednesday through Friday night,

calling the storm “life threatening.” Blustery weather already had snarled traffic in Arizona, with blizzard-like conditions shutting down roads and causing a pileup involving 20 vehicles Tuesday. South of Phoenix, a dust storm set off a series of collisions that killed at least three people. A tropical jet stream pumping in moisture from the storm’s south was likely to cause plenty of snow as the storm headed into the Plains and the Midwest. Heavy rain was possible in the Mississippi and Ohio valleys and the Ozarks. Winter storm warnings stretched from Colorado through the Dakotas and into Minnesota on Wednesday. They also were issued for parts of the Four Corners region. By midmorning, snow was falling along Colorado’s Front Range. The heaviest accumulations were around Greeley and Fort Collins, where up to 5 inches had fallen. No major airport delays were reported in Denver, where about an inch had fallen, but travelers across the region were warned to check with their airlines before arriving for flights. More than 100 flights were canceled at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and delays were about 30 minutes, said Gregg Cunningham, a spokesman for the Chicago Department of Aviation. At Midway International Airport, delays averaged 30 minutes and more than 20 flights were canceled.

Second swine flu vaccine recalled for potency issue WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker MedImmune is recalling nearly 5 million doses of swine flu vaccine because the nasal spray appears to lose strength over time, federal health officials announced Tuesday. The vaccine recall is the second this month caused by declining potency and comes as public health officials urge millions of Americans to get vaccinated against swine flu. The action affects more than 4.6 million doses, but the vast majority have already been used, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Agency officials said the vaccine was strong enough when it was distributed in October and November. “The slight decrease in potency is not expected to have any effect on the protective effect of the vaccine,” said Norman Baylor, director of the FDA’s vaccine research office. “We are not recommending revaccination.” The agency is looking into the problem but said it’s not uncommon for vaccines to lose strength over time. MedImmune’s vaccine has a recommended shelf life of about four months. The company has about 3,000 doses in its warehouses but

does not know how many remain in the field, according to the FDA. Last week, vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur recalled hundreds of thousands of swine flu shots for children because tests indicated those doses lost some strength. Most of those doses had already been used, too. Maryland-based MedImmune, a subsidiary of London-based AstraZeneca PLC, voluntarily recalled 13 lots of its vaccine, “due to a slight decrease in potency” discovered through routine quality control testing, said spokesman Tor Constantino. “It’s not a safety concern. People who have received doses from the affected lots do not need to be revaccinated. The doses were well within potency specification,” he said. Swine flu vaccine has been available since early October, and since then manufacturers have released over 111 million doses for distribution in the U.S. MedImmune makes the only nasal spray version, which can be used by healthy people ages 2 to 49. Only in recent weeks have state authorities lifted restrictions on who can get vaccinated.

Attorney Brian King

Jennine Watts

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009 — 13

Business/finance

THE MARKET IN REVIEW

STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

NYSE

7,217.20 +33.02

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Newcastle 2.15 DoralFncl 3.57 Valhi 14.74 BrkfldH 6.80 MS eafe11 15.46 Quiksilvr 2.35 Furmanite 3.59 NY Times 12.10 Ennis Inc 16.74 GenSteel 5.79

Chg +.38 +.43 +1.69 +.77 +1.75 +.22 +.32 +1.07 +1.45 +.50

AMEX

1,816.22 +26.89

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last NovaGld g 6.58 ASpectRlty 17.50 NIVS IntT n 2.45 US Gold 2.56 TriValley 2.11 CaracoP 6.03 GenMoly 2.14 IEC Elec n 4.58 AlldNevG 14.52 WLbtyBcp 7.36

%Chg +21.5 +13.7 +13.0 +12.8 +12.8 +10.3 +9.8 +9.7 +9.5 +9.5

Chg +.87 +2.00 +.26 +.26 +.21 +.58 +.20 +.38 +1.11 +.56

%Chg +15.2 +12.9 +11.9 +11.3 +11.1 +10.6 +10.3 +9.0 +8.3 +8.2

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last SearchM wt 2.30 MercBcp 3.50 AmShrd 2.50 VirnetX 3.47 AvalonHld 2.08 SearchMed 7.95 ChinaMda 12.03 SagaCm rs 12.32 EVInsOH 12.26 EV InsNY 13.85

Name Last Chg %Chg RadianGrp 7.10 -1.02 -12.6 AtlasPplH 6.25 -.75 -10.7 MGIC 5.76 -.60 -9.4 FstBcpPR 2.40 -.18 -7.0 ProUShCrude14.79-.98 -6.2 NuvSnIn 6.89 -.45 -6.1 MS DBY 6.22 -.38 -5.8 BkA BM RE 3.98 -.23 -5.5 AIntlGp rs 29.41 -1.64 -5.3 SwESPRet103.06 -.17 -5.3

Chg %Chg -.60 -20.7 -.44 -11.2 -.26 -9.4 -.35 -9.1 -.20 -8.8 -.55 -6.5 -.63 -5.0 -.65 -5.0 -.54 -4.2 -.57 -4.0

NASDAQ 2,269.64 +16.97

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Compugn 4.59 pSivida 5.00 FCtyBFL 2.78 GlobTcAdv 11.40 FSI Intl 2.49 Multiband 2.20 SupcndTch 2.75 ChinAgri n 28.08 BallardPw 2.11 NaugatVly 6.03

Chg +1.75 +1.48 +.64 +2.40 +.49 +.38 +.45 +4.24 +.30 +.83

%Chg +61.6 +42.0 +29.9 +26.7 +24.5 +21.0 +19.6 +17.8 +16.6 +16.0

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last ReadgIntB 5.51 CambLrn n 4.40 TigerLogic 2.74 SecNtl lf 3.07 RuthsHosp 2.35 Sycamre rs20.37 Cintas 26.35 AmPac 7.63 CarverBcp 7.65 ChinaInfra 2.99

Chg -1.85 -1.10 -.43 -.48 -.34 -2.61 -3.33 -.95 -.92 -.33

%Chg -25.1 -20.0 -13.6 -13.5 -12.6 -11.4 -11.2 -11.1 -10.7 -9.9

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE)

Name Vol (00) Citigrp 3512796 BkofAm 1006072 SPDR 874683 FordM 616684 MicronT 583903 iShEMkts 468117 iShR2K 464694 BrMySq 449007 GenElec 418795 SPDR Fncl 377629

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

Name Vol (00) Last Chg NovaGld g 114851 6.58 +.87 CelSci 27154 1.02 -.04 GoldStr g 25338 3.24 +.07 NthgtM g 17679 3.08 +.11 Taseko 15673 4.38 +.09 EndvrInt 14421 1.06 +.12 Rentech 14247 1.30 ... DenisnM g 14106 1.29 +.16 Oilsands g 13535 1.14 +.03 NwGold g 12726 3.68 +.11

Last Chg 3.29 -.05 15.19 -.14 111.95 +.22 10.08 +.18 9.99 +.58 40.79 +.40 63.12 +.81 25.70 +.11 15.41 +.03 14.40 -.06

DIARY

2,197 870 113 3,180 362 2 3,216,821,579

DIARY

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

342 174 45 561 20 1 108,380,273

Name Vol (00) PwShs QQQ605255 ETrade 460699 Athersys 397776 Intel 302459 Microsoft 281058 Cisco 236516 Compugn 228483 eBay 224275 Yahoo 222807 Oracle 186528

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

Last Chg 45.56 +.33 1.80 +.03 5.28 -.27 20.10 +.06 30.92 +.10 23.78 +.03 4.59 +1.75 23.97 +1.05 16.67 +.69 24.73 +.27

DIARY

1,834 858 151 2,843 209 14 1,564,208,668

DAILY DOW JONES

ASK ABOUT AN INSURANCE HAVE YOU REVIEWED YOUR

NEEdS Dow Jones industrials ANAlySIS. LIFE INSURANCE LATELY? Close: 10,466.44 10,520 10,380

Change: 1.51 (flat)

10,240

11,200

10 DAYS

10,400 9,600

52-Week High Low

10,516.70 4,198.60 408.57 7,285.67 1,887.23 2,253.73 1,120.27 730.61 11,573.16 625.30

6,469.95 2,134.21 288.66 4,181.75 1,130.47 1,265.52 666.79 397.97 6,772.29 342.59

STOCK MARKET INDEXES Name

Dow Industrials 10,466.44 Dow Transportation 4,183.53 Dow Utilities 400.79 NYSE Composite 7,217.20 Amex Market Value 1,816.22 Nasdaq Composite 2,269.64 S&P 500 1,120.59 S&P MidCap 735.95 Wilshire 5000 11,607.26 Russell 2000 630.98

8,000

Name

PIMCO TotRetIs American Funds GrthAmA m American Funds CapIncBuA m Vanguard TotStIdx TOCKS OF OCAL NTEREST American Funds CpWldGrIA m Fidelity Contra YTD YTD American Funds IncAmerA x Name Div Yld PE Last Chg%Chg Name Div Yld PE Last Chg %Chg American Funds InvCoAmA x AT&T Inc 1.68 6.0 14 28.04 +.14 -1.6 LeggPlat 1.04 5.1 76 20.42 -.05 +34.4 Vanguard 500Inv Vanguard InstIdx Amazon ... ... 82 138.94 +5.19+170.9 Lowes .36 1.5 20 23.56 -.30 +9.5 American Funds EurPacGrA m ArvMerit ... ... ... 11.73 +.51+311.6 Microsoft .52 1.7 20 30.92 +.10 +59.1 Dodge & Cox Stock American Funds WAMutInvA m BB&T Cp .60 2.3 18 25.62 -.12 -6.7 PPG 2.16 3.6 27 59.30 +.43 +39.8 Dodge & Cox IntlStk BkofAm .04 .3 ... 15.19 -.14 +7.9 ParkerHan 1.00 1.8 27 54.80 +.32 +28.8 American Funds NewPerspA m BerkHa A ... ... 3098725.00-175.00+2.2 Fidelity DivrIntl d Cisco ... ... 24 23.78 +.03 +45.9 ProgrssEn 2.48 6.0 14 41.03 -.01 +3.0 American Funds FnInvA m ... ... 77 31.43 +1.56+137.7 PIMCO TotRetAdm b Delhaize 2.01 2.6 ... 76.68 -.19 +21.7 RedHat Dell Inc ... ... 19 14.34 +.23 +40.0 RoyalBk g 2.00 ... ... 53.12 -.24 +79.1 American Funds BalA m DukeEngy .96 5.6 14 17.24 -.02 +14.9 SaraLee .44 3.6 20 12.39 +.12 +26.6 FrankTemp-Franklin Income A m Vanguard Welltn ExxonMbl 1.68 2.5 16 68.26 -.31 -14.5 SonicAut ... ... ... 10.94 +.35+174.9 Vanguard 500Adml FamilyDlr .54 1.9 14 27.95 +.02 +7.2 SonocoP 1.08 3.6 22 30.01 -.30 +29.6 American Funds BondA m Fidelity GrowCo FifthThird .04 .4 ... 9.93 -.27 +20.2 SpectraEn 1.00 4.9 16 20.51 +.07 +30.3 Vanguard TotStIAdm FCtzBA 1.20 .7 15 162.75 +.48 +6.5 SpeedM .36 2.1 ... 17.31 +.08 +7.4 Vanguard TotIntl GenElec .40 2.6 14 15.41 +.03 -4.9 .36 1.5 ... 24.44 +.12 +24.5 Vanguard InstPlus GoldmanS 1.40 .9 19 163.63 -.97 +93.9 Timken Fidelity LowPriStk d 1.80 3.1 34 58.00 -.58 +5.1 T Rowe Price EqtyInc Google ... ... 39 611.68+10.56 +98.8 UPS B KrispKrm ... ... ... 2.95 +.04 +75.6 WalMart 1.09 2.0 15 53.32 -.02 -4.9 Hartford CapAprA m Pioneer PioneerA m Goldman Sachs ShDuGovA m Stock Footnotes: g = Dividends and earnings in Canadian dollars. h = Does not meet continued-listing standards. lf = Late filing with SEC. n = New in past 52 weeks. pf = Preferred. rs = Stock has undergone a reverse stock split of at least 50 Alliance Bernstein GrowIncA m percent within the past year. rt = Right to buy security at a specified price. s = Stock has split by at least 20 percent within the DWS-Scudder REstA m Hartford GrowthL m last year. un = Units. vj = In bankruptcy or receivership. wd = When distributed. wi = When issued. wt = Warrants.

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.

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+.01 +.44 -.04 +.46 +1.50 +.75 +.23 +.74 +.40 +1.18

+19.26 +18.27 +8.10 +25.36 +29.96 +43.92 +24.06 +36.72 +27.73 +26.33

12-mo %Chg

+23.59 +25.29 +11.94 +31.52 +36.54 +48.84 +29.08 +44.81 +33.24 +34.11

Total Assets Obj ($Mlns) NAV

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

CI 114,653 LG 65,022 IH 58,268 LB 56,221 WS 56,060 LG 55,503 MA 49,018 LB 48,458 LB 47,844 LB 43,018 FB 40,409 LV 39,492 LV 38,894 FV 35,777 WS 32,502 FG 31,850 LB 30,369 CI 30,253 MA 29,744 CA 28,628 MA 28,113 LB 27,983 CI 27,836 LG 27,285 LB 26,873 FB 25,417 LB 24,423 MB 23,633 LV 15,231 LB 9,646 LB 4,251 GS 1,416 LV 1,228 SR 415 LG 185

-0.2 +15.3/C +1.8 +40.1/C -1.1 +24.0/D +2.4 +35.8/B -0.8 +37.5/C +1.8 +33.9/D -0.1 +28.2/C +1.2 +32.0/D +1.5 +33.1/C +1.5 +33.3/C -1.0 +43.9/A +1.8 +39.2/A +1.3 +25.2/D -0.4 +54.6/A +0.7 +43.0/B -0.7 +38.6/D +1.7 +39.5/A -0.3 +15.0/C -0.2 +24.3/D +3.1 +44.5/A +0.4 +26.6/C +1.5 +33.2/C -0.2 +16.3/B +4.7 +47.5/B +2.3 +36.0/B -1.2 +43.2/A +1.5 +33.3/C +3.0 +46.9/B +1.8 +32.9/B +1.9 +49.4/A +1.7 +30.9/D -0.2 +4.6/B +1.5 +29.1/C +7.8 +39.9/B +1.6 +39.7/C

10.83 27.41 47.82 27.60 34.03 58.16 15.48 26.08 103.79 103.15 38.87 96.80 24.75 31.72 25.64 27.84 32.86 10.83 16.27 2.07 29.17 103.82 11.83 69.23 27.60 14.65 103.16 32.04 21.12 30.72 35.83 10.34 2.96 14.22 15.03

+6.9/A +3.1/A +3.7/C +1.1/B +6.3/A +4.8/A +2.8/B +1.8/B +0.5/C +0.6/C +8.0/A -0.4/D +0.3/C +5.8/A +5.9/A +4.0/C +4.2/A +6.6/A +2.0/C +3.8/B +4.9/A +0.6/C +2.5/E +4.7/A +1.2/B +5.5/B +0.6/C +3.5/A +0.8/B +3.8/A +1.3/B +4.7/A -1.6/E +1.0/B 0.0/D

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

A customer pulls a cart filled with a flat screen television and other items during the traditional Black Friday shopping day at the Target store in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Personal incomes rose in November at the fastest pace in six months, while spending posted a second straight increase.

AP Business Writers

146 N. Main St. Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828) 288-1650

+1.51 +18.47 -.18 +33.02 +26.89 +16.97 +2.57 +5.41 +45.88 +7.38

YTD %Chg %Chg

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

By SARA LEPRO and STEPHEN BERNARD

Create a letter in Word Basic Internet Search Save files to a Flashdrive

Net Chg

MUTUAL FUNDS

8,800

Housing data results in an up-down day

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks ended an erratic session with a slender gain Wednesday as rising commodities prices offset disappointment over an unexpected drop in home sales. Gains in commodities drove the shares of energy and materials-producing companies higher, lending support to the overall stock market. Gold, oil and other commodities rose as the dollar dropped. The dollar snapped a four-day winning streak as the latest economic data reinforced investors’ belief that the recovery will be slow. The Commerce Department said sales of new homes plunged 11.3 percent in November to their lowest level since March. The slump was disappointing for two reasons — economists had forecast an increase, and the news came a day after stocks climbed higher on a separate report showing a better-than-expected gain in sales of existing homes last month. Volume was light as investors closed up shop ahead of the Christmas holiday. The market will be open a half day on Thursday and closed on Friday. Those still trading aren’t making any major moves as the year winds to a close. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index is now up 24.1 percent for the year. “People are not doing any new trading,” said Benny Lorenzo, CEO of New York-based Kaufman Brothers. “They are just holding on to their gains for the year.” The Dow Jones industrial average rose 1.51, or 0.01 percent, to 10,466.44. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 2.57, or 0.2 percent, to 1,120.59, while the Nasdaq composite index gained 16.97, or 0.8 percent, to 2,269.64. The ICE Futures U.S. dollar index, which measures the dollar against other currencies, tumbled 0.5 percent. The decline in the dollar makes commodities cheaper for foreign buyers. Oil surged more than 3 percent, rising $2.27 to $76.67 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Gold prices also rose to $1,094.50. The cost of buying a 10-year Treasury note to lock in yearly gains just above 3.5 percent does not provide as much value as stocks whose gains could be sharply higher, he said. Gains on Treasurys could be further eroded if inflation starts to pick up as the economy recovers. Reflecting investors’ indecisiveness, bond prices were little changed Wednesday following three days of declines. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note held steady at 3.76 percent. Three stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to an extremely slow 785.9 million shares, down from 955.5 million on Tuesday. Trading volume on the New York Stock Exchange has been especially light throughout the month, which can exaggerate price swings. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 7.38, or 1.2 percent, to 630.98.

Last

Associated Press

Incomes, spending on the rise WASHINGTON (AP) — Personal incomes rose in November at the fastest pace in six months while spending posted a second straight increase, raising hopes that that the recovery from the nation’s deep recession might be gaining momentum. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that personal incomes were up 0.4 percent in November, helped by a $16.1 billion increase in wages and salaries, reflecting the drop in unemployment that occurred last month. The gain in incomes helped bolster spending, which rose 0.5 percent in November. Both the income and spending gains were slightly less than economists had expected. Consumer spending is closely watched because it accounts

for 70 percent of economic activity. A revival in spending this summer, spurred by the government’s popular Cash for Clunkers program, helped lift overall economic growth back into positive territory, the strongest signal yet that the country has emerged from its deepest recession since the Great Depression. The government on Tuesday trimmed its estimate for thirdquarter growth in the gross domestic product to an annual rate of 2.2 percent, down from a previous estimate of 2.8 percent. Still, GDP showed positive growth after a record four consecutive quarters of declines. Many economists believe that GDP growth in the current quarter, helped by solid gains in consumer spending, will come in at an annual rate of around

4 percent. The concern, however, is whether the economic rebound will falter in the early part of 2010 as the impact of various government stimulus efforts begin to wane and the unemployment rate remains stubbornly high. The jobless rate dipped to 10 percent in November, down from a 26-year high of 10.2 percent in October, but many economists believe it will begin rising in coming months as discouraged job seekers return to the labor market to look for work. Many economists believe the unemployment rate will hit 10.5 percent by next summer before starting to improve. The 0.4 percent rise in incomes followed a 0.3 percent October gain. It was the best showing since a 1.5 percent spurt in May.

Home resales in South climbing MIAMI (AP) — Home resales in the South skyrocketed last month as first-time buyers hurried to grab an expiring federal tax credit while exploiting low prices and mortgage rates. The South recorded 176,000 home sales in November, the National Association of Realtors said Tuesday, up 48 percent from a year earlier when the nation was dizzied by the financial market meltdown. The median sales price fell slightly more than 1 percent, to $151,400. Nationally, existing home sales soared nearly 47 percent

compared with last November, without adjusting for seasonal factors. The median sales price dropped 4 percent to $172,600. Half of the national sales went to first-time homebuyers using a tax credit of up to $8,000 that was set to expire last month. Congress extended the credit until next spring and also added a tax credit of up to $6,500 for repeat homebuyers. The first-time homebuyer tax credit, along with mortgage rates below 5 percent, lured more buyers than during previous holiday seasons, real estate agents said.

Sandy Warren Is the

Big 50! Daughter of Joann and J.C. Burgess

“Remember that a year ago the months of October, November and December were pretty much the worst quarter in the history of real estate — and not just for San Antonio,” said Bob Leonard, a broker with Re/Max San Antonio. “At least in the case of housing, the consumer confidence level is coming back,” Leonard said. All 19 Southern cities covered by the Associated Press-Re/Max Monthly Housing Report showed sales increases compared with last November. Median sales prices were flat or increased in 11 Southern cities.

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— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009

Nation

Senate vote on health care bill is set for dawn By DAVID ESPO AP Special Correspondent

WASHINGTON — Democrats pushed sweeping health care legislation to the brink of Senate passage Wednesday, crushing a year-end Republican filibuster against President Barack Obama’s call to remake the nation’s health care system. The 60-39 vote marked the third time in as many days Democrats have posted a super-majority needed to advance the legislation. Final passage, set for about dawn on Thursday, was a certainty, and will clear the way for talks with the House on a final compromise. Those negotiations likely will stretch into February. The Senate has met for 24 consecutive days to debate the legislation, the second-longest such stretch in history, and Democrats held a celebratory press conference. “We stand at on the doorstep of history,” said Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada,

who painstakingly pieced together the bill — and the nowcontroversial deals with wavering lawmakers that made its passage possible. The measure would extend coverage to an estimated 31 million who lack it, while banning the insurance industry from denying benefits or charging higher premiums on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions. The Congressional Budget Office predicts the bill will reduce deficits by $130 billion over the next 10 years, an estimate that assumes lawmakers carry through on hundreds of billions of dollars in planned cuts to insurance companies and doctors, hospitals and others who treat Medicare patients. Obama has also said he wants legislation that slows the rate of growth in medical spending nationwide, but the CBO said it has not determined whether that is the case with the bill. Unlike the House,

Associated Press

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., who has played a pivotal role in the Senate’s handling of the health care overhaul bill, heads to the Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday

the Senate measure omits a governmentrun insurance option, which liberals favored to apply pressure on private insurers but Democratic moderates opposed as an unwarranted federal intrusion into the health care system. In an interview with PBS, Obama signaled he will sign a bill even if it lacks the provision.

“Would I like one of those options to be the public option? Yes. Do I think that it makes sense, as some have argued, that, without the public option, we dump all these other extraordinary reforms and we say to the 30 million people who don’t have coverage, ‘You know, sorry. We didn’t get exactly what we wanted?’ I

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Pamper Yourself LOVING CARE KENNELS AND GROOMING

Surprises of all shapes and sizes are now available at places that are just a quick sleigh ride away. But hurry, because these little gifts are tops on most good girls’ lists–probably some naughty one’s too–and are sure to be gone in a snap.

Your Full Service Funeral Home

Openings for all ages

At Smith’s Drugs of Forest City, we always take the time to alert you to possible side effects and reactions. We also carry a full line of home medical equipment and sick room supplies. When you are a caregiver, you can depend on Smith’s Drugs of Forest City, 139 E. Main Street, for all your supplies, including hospital beds, oxygen concentrators and mobility products. Very Merry Christmas from our family to yours! HINT: Liquid pediatric medications pose the biggest problem for parents, who may not be sure how to measure doses correctly.

don’t think that makes sense.” Outnumbered Senate Republicans stubbornly played out a losing hand. They launched several last-minute attacks that Democrats swatted aside, then rejected calls to move the final vote up a day in deference to a snowstorm that threatened to prevent lawmakers from reaching home on Christmas Eve. “Tomorrow the Senate will vote on a bill that makes a bad situation worse,” said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa. “This bill slid rapidly down the slippery slope to more and more government control of health care.” Even before the bill passed, it was spinning off legal controversies at a remarkable rate. Republican attorneys general in seven states discussed a court challenge to part of the bill that singles out Nebraska for special treatment, a concession made by the White House and Reid to lock in the state’s

Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson as the 60th vote for the legislation. Under the provision, the federal government will permanently pick up the state’s entire cost for an expansion of Medicaid, while paying the full tab for the other 49 states for only three years. Nelson, who has strongly defended the provision, told reporters, “The governor said take care of it. I did.” Asked whether the governor, Republican Dave Heineman, had said he didn’t want the money, Nelson replied, “He hasn’t said it to me.” That underscored the potential political dilemma facing Republicans in Washington who oppose additional funding that governors of their own party may want. Senate Republicans also laid out another avenue for a court challenge. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., argued the measure was unconstitutional, saying Congress lacks authority to require Americans to purchase insurance. Democrats defeated his attempt to derail the bill, 60-39, but other critics of the bill were already speaking of a court challenge based on the same point. In one concession to the season and the weather, Republicans agreed to move up the vote on final passage by one hour, to 7 am. Thursday. When Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., asked if they were willing to push up the vote even more, a hush fell over the Senate chamber before the Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell, indicated they were not prepared to do so.

LOVING CARE KENNELS Going for the Holidays? ANDAway GROOMING Welcomes The Make Your Pet’sNew Appointment for Year And Holiday Boarding and Grooming.

Wishes All Pet

287-7040 Owners And 245 Airport Rd. • Rutherfordton, NC

Going Away forNew theAdoptees Holidays? Make Your Pet’sA Appointment for Joyous 2010 Holiday Boarding and Grooming.

287-7040

245 Airport Rd. • Rutherfordton, NC

4076 Hwy. 221-A, P.O. Box 337 Cliffside, NC 28024

828-657-6322

www.mckinneylandrethfuneralhome.com

Thinking of you both on Christmas Robert Myers, Sr. and Rex Myers

Holidays and every day we remember all the many special memories with great fondness. Daddy, your words of wisdom we miss so much. Brother, your smile and hugs that always meant so much. Each of us thank you both for the love and special memories you both left with us. There are no words to describe how much you both are loved and missed

Love, Sis and family

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009 — 15 SHOE by Chris Cassat and Gary Brookins

THE GRIZZWELLS by Bill Schoor

BROOM-HILDA by Russell Myers

DILBERT by Scott Adams

GIL THORP by Jerry Jenkins, Ray Burns and Frank McLaughlin

THE BORN LOSER by Art and Chip Sansom

ARLO AND JANIS by Jimmy Johnson

FRANK AND ERNEST by Bob Thaves

EVENING

DECEMBER 24 DSH DTV 7:00

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

BROADCAST STATIONS

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

3 4 7 13 2 12 6 8 97 10

Mil Inside Scene Ent. J’par Faith Sein NC My Big Office

CSI: NY Å CSI The Mentalist } ›››› It’s a Wonderful Life (‘46) CSI: NY Å CSI The Mentalist Land Mid Fam Cou Grey’s Anat. Land Mid Fam Cou Grey’s Anat. Niteline P. Praise the Lord Bones Å Fringe Å News Chur Faith Hill, Joy Performances Christmas Hollywood Christmas News Ac Faith Hill, Joy Christmas Christmas Vampire Supernatural News Office

3 4 7 9 13 16 21 33 40 62

News Ent. News Inside Wheel Vic Two Busi Payne Trek Fam

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

The First 48 The First 48 The First 48 The First 48 The First 48 The First 48 Game Game Game Game Game Game Game Game Mo’Nique W. Williams Jeff Dunham Jay and Silent Bob S. South Dai Col Colbert Cmas CNN Tonight Camp. Brown Larry King Anderson Cooper 360 Å Larry King Deadliest Deadliest Deadly Catch Deadliest Deadliest Deadliest Sport Foot College Football: Sheraton Hawaii Bowl SportsCenter Å NFL’s Greatest Super NBA SportsCenter Special Sport NFL SportsNation FOX Report O’Reilly Hannity On Record O’Reilly Hannity SEC Preview ACC Tip Off Road Trip ACC Score Poker Score Top 50 ›› Night at the Museum } ›› Night at the Museum (‘06) Night at the Museum Home Alone } ››› Home Alone (‘90) } ››› Home Alone (‘90) Home Alone Mira :42 } Meet the Santas (‘05) :45 } Mr. St. Nick (‘02) Å Gold Gold House House TBA House House House Estate Prop First House House Marvels Pawn Pawn Pawn Pawn Pawn Pawn Pawn Pawn Pawn Pawn Grey’s Anat. Grey’s Anat. } 12 Men of Christmas (‘09) Will Will Fra Me iCarly iCarly Merry Christmas Lopez Lopez Nanny Nanny Nanny Nanny Star Wars IV: A New Hope } Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back Star Wars Ghost Ghost Ghost Ghost Ghost Ghost Name Name } A Christmas Story (‘83) } A Christmas Story (‘83) Christmas Period Remember the Night Christmas in July } Chicken Every Sunday Haulers BBQ Pit BBQ Pit BBQ Pit BBQ Pit BBQ Pit Runaway Raising, Bar Raising, Bar Raising, Bar } ›› Runaway Bride (‘99) Casper’s Haunted Christmas Looney King King Fam Fam Chick Aqua To Be Announced ACC Phen College Flash Words Game Plan } ›› National Treasure (‘04) Å } ›› Bad Boys II (‘03) Flintstones WWE Stars Man Who Saved C’mas Flintstones WWE Stars

8651 8182 8181 8650 8180 8192 8183 8190 8184 8185

News News News News News

Christmas at TBA Christmas Eve Mass Christmas at Giving Night J. Kimmel Night J. Kimmel Something Sein Frien Frien Jim Chorale Christmas TMZ Dr. Oz Show Chea Smi BBC Charlie Rose Fam 70s Name Lopez

CABLE CHANNELS

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

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

PREMIUM CHANNELS

MAX ENC HBO SHO STARZ

510 520 500 540 530

310 340 300 318 350

512 526 501 537 520

Training Day } ›› Fred Claus (‘07) } ›› Yes Man Busty Cops: Protect This C’mas } ›› Snow Dogs :45 } ››› Die Hard (‘88) Å Shawshnk Pay It } ›› Mamma Mia! (‘08) Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert 6:45 } ››› Stardust (‘07) } Why Did I Get Married? } Meet the Browns Evita Shopaholic } ›››› WALL-E :40 } ››› Bolt (‘08) Å BH Chihuahua

Letters link different generations Dear Abby: I’m writing in response to “Stuck for an Answer” (Oct. 9), whose wife found a box of letters written by her late mother to her father. She didn’t know whether to read or destroy them. If Mom had wanted the letters destroyed, she would have already done it. As a genealogist and historian, my advice is to keep them in a safe place for future generations. I have correspondence between my great-great-grandmother, her daughters and their daughters that dates back to the 1870s and extends through the 1940s. I also have her diaries, her daughter’s autograph book from high school graduation in 1880, and diaries written by her granddaughter that date from the time she was 16 until her death at the age of 90 in 1998. I am sure my great-great-grandfather never thought I’d be reading the letter he wrote to his brother during the Civil War in 1865, mentioning all the women in the city he was going to spend some time with! Abby, “Stuck’s” wife should cherish the letters she found, even if she never reads them. They are precious heirlooms for future generations that will teach them about the impact of World War II on young love. — Historically Speaking Dear Historically Speaking: I suggested to “Stuck” that reading

Dear Abby Abigail van Buren

the letters would allow his wife new insight into her parents’ early life. Many readers agreed and offered personal anecdotes. Read on: Dear Abby: My dear friend “Zack’s” father left him letters he had exchanged with Zack’s mother during World War II. In one of them was the information that Zack had a halfsister in Italy! If he had not read those letters, he would never have known about this member of his family. “Stuck’s” letters have survived 60 years. He can rightfully suppose that his mother-in-law saved them with the intent of passing them on. Those letters have tremendous historical significance. There are few firsthand documents like these remaining. I’m sure the World War II museum in Washington, D.C., would love to have them. Every firsthand story helps us construct our history. Can you imagine what we would have missed if 15-year-old Anne Frank’s diary had remained unpublished? — Well-Read

Chelation inappropriate for heart disease Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 76-year-old male who has been diagnosed with blocked coronary arteries. One vessel is 40 percent to 59 percent blocked, and another is 60 percent to 70 percent occluded, according to my last echocardiogram At present, I am taking Crestor, Cholest Off twice daily, niacin 500 milligrams twice daily and 1,200 milligrams fish oil twice daily. I’ve read on the Internet about intravenous or oral EDTA chelation. It states that it is effective 80 percent in cleansing the arteries. What is your opinion of chelation? Would you advise me to try the treatment? I am supposed to return in six months for another examination. Thank you for answering my letter. Dear Reader: EDTA chelation therapy is a series of intravenous infusions that contain disodium EDTA, along with a variety of other substances. Proponents claim the process is effective against heart disease and is purported to be a valid

PUZZLE

Ask Dr. Gott Dr. Peter M. Gott

alternative to coronary-artery-bypass procedures. The problem here is that there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support the claim. It is important to note that neither the American Heart Association nor the Food and Drug Administration recommend the process for any form of heart disease. Having stated this, I will now answer your question: no. I cannot in clear conscience advise you to consider the process. You have only one heart, and you owe it to yourself to be under the care of a reputable cardiologist whom you can trust. Unless standards have changed, you are not a candidate for bypass surgery at this time.

IN THE STARS

Your Birthday, Dec. 24; In the year ahead, there is nothing wrong with driving yourself a bit harder. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — It’s imperative that you and other family members all have input into decisions. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Try not to ask something of someone that you wouldn’t ask of yourself. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Subdue temptations to unnecessarily spend way beyond your means. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — In order for things to run smoothly, it will be important to let others know your specific agenda. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — With conversations running rampant, it might be far too easy to speak before you think. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Have a good time and enjoy yourself with family and friends, but try to so without putting more strain on your wallet. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Count to 10 before responding angrily to anyone who does something or that ticks you off. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — The end results of the day’s festivities will be strongly influenced by your attitude and behavior. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — No one can impose upon your good nature unless you let it happen. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — In order to find a way where both you and your mate can reach an agreement, each might have to compromise. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — This could be the wrong day to try something new and complicated. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don’t be openhanded with something you collectively own with another, believing it’s OK to loan it out.

16— The — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 24, 2009 16 Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, December 24, 2009

Nation/world

Yemen is growing front in battle against al-Qaida

WASHINGTON (AP) — The secretive U.S. air strike against suspected al-Qaida in Yemen last week is the latest in what has been a fastgrowing campaign to better equip and fund Yemeni forces so they can eliminate the expanding al-Qaida safe havens there. The Pentagon has poured nearly $70 million in military aid to Yemen this year, a massive financial infusion compared to nothing in 2008. Much like the effort with Pakistan’s Frontier Corps, the military has boosted its counterterrorism training for Yemeni forces, and is providing more intelligence, which probably includes surveillance by unmanned drones, according to U.S.. officials and analysts. The heightened attention comes at a politically sensitive time, as the U.S. and Yemen continue talks on the possible transfer of Yemeni detainees in the Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba back to their homeland. The transfer is critical to President Barack Obama’s pledge to shut down Guantanamo, but U.S. leaders are not convinced that Yemen is prepared to handle the detainees, or that they won’t simply be set free.

Information about any spike in U.S. involvement, including last week’s strike that missed a key al-Qaida leader but killed others, is closely guarded by Yemeni authorities, who fear that a visible American role in the country will fuel internal conflicts. As a result, observers can only whisper about Americans coming and going at an increasing rate from a military base in northwest Yemen, or the sightings of new aircraft and drones in the skies above. The training sessions are generally small scale events that last a few weeks, and the number of military trainers in the country has fluctuated over time, said a senior defense official. The official said the counterterrorism training has varied from ground combat to air and maritime instruction. “The U.S. presence is certainly growing there,” said Gregory Johnsen, a Yemen expert at Princeton University, who regularly visits the country. He said it was particularly evident at the U.S. embassy there, when he was last in the country during the summer. That increase, along with the recent strike that reportedly killed civilians as well as

al-Qaida members, may only result in more support for alQaida in Yemen and stir up anti-government factions, he said. “In the end it’s probably counterproductive,” said Johnsen, adding that video and photos of dead women and children from the blast “is a recruiting field day for al-Qaida.” U.S. officials will not publicly confirm participation in last week’s strike, and will only offer broad comments about U.S. activities in Yemen. “We continue to provide advice, training and equipment to both Saudi Arabia and Yemen as part of our ongoing security cooperation,” said State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley. Others, however, acknowledge U.S. involvement in the bombing, and say that the U.S. is providing increased logistical and surveillance support to Yemen in its campaign to stamp out the resurgent al-Qaida militancy in the vast ungoverned spaces. The operation is the culmination of a strategy shift that occurred about a year ago, when the United States determined that the two key centers in the fight against al-Qaida are Yemen, located on the southern tip of the

Saudi Arabian peninsula, and Pakistan, a military official with direct knowledge of the strategy told The Associated Press. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the secretive nature of the operations, say the support comes at the request of Yemen. Crowley flatly denied suggestions that the U.S. is getting involved in Yemen’s internal war with Shiite Hawthi rebels in the north, saying “we have no direct role in what’s happening along the border.” Saudi Arabia launched an air and ground offensive in the north against the Yemeni rebels on Nov. 5, after skirmishes along the border. Many believe that conflict has evolved into a clash between U.S. ally Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran, who Yemen accuses of backing the rebels. The Shiite rebels charge that the Yemeni government is allied with hardline Sunnis. Tehran has denied any involvement. A steady stream of U.S. diplomats and military leaders have gone to Yemen, pressuring the government to step up its campaign against al-Qaida. Yemeni officials, meanwhile, stress that they need

better equipment and other aid. This year, the U.S. complied, with plans to provide more than $30 million for ships and other equipment for the Coast Guard, $25 million for border security, and about $6 million for helicopters with night cameras. Christopher Boucek, a Yemen expert at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that direct military involvement in Yemen will not adequately address the problem. “We need to build local capacity to deal with the issues on their own,” said Boucek. “There is a lot we can do to address the issue short of dropping bombs.” Al-Qaida’s operatives in Yemen and Saudi Arabia merged early this year to become al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, a move that U.S. intelligence officials said was followed by more recruiting and efforts by those operatives — mostly unsuccessful — to cross the border from Yemen into Saudi Arabia. AQAP has also made it clear that it intends to target Western interests across the Arabian peninsula.

CLASSIFIEDS Contact Erika Meyer to place your ad!

4 FOR 24 REAL ESTATE WEEKLY SPECIAL NEED TO SELL OR RENT YOUR PROPERTY? LET US HELP! 4 Lines • $2400 One Week In The Paper

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

1 WEEK SPECIAL

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

Please check your ad on the first day that it runs. Call us before the deadline for the next edition with corrections. We will rerun the ad or credit your account for no more than one day.

*4 line minimum on all ads Apartments Classic & charming

Apt. with storage garage. Clean 2 Bedroom Brick at 433 E. Main St., Forest City $475/mo.

Call 828-447-3233 Nice 2 Bedroom Townhouse Apt & 1 Bedroom Apt across from Super 8 Motel in Spindale $385/mo. & $515/mo. Call 828-447-1989

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

Sell or rent your property in the Classifieds!!

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that, pursuant to NCGS 14-234, the Board of Commissioners for the Town of Bostic will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 4, 2010, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 104 Pearidge Rd., Bostic for the purpose of considering a motion to allow Commissioner Mike Hollifield enter into contract with the Town to paint Town Hall. Angie Ownbey Town Clerk

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”

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

2 WEEK SPECIAL

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

3 DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL

YARD SALE SPECIAL

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

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

*Private party customers only! This special must Private party only! This bementioned mentioned at the time of ad be ad placement. placement. Valid Valid12/21/09 6/15/09 - 12/24/09 6/19/09

Homes

Real Estate

Help Wanted

For Sale

For Rent

Wanted

Part Time RN/LPN Phlebotomy exp. req. Mobile insurance exams. Fax resume to 828-254-2441

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

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

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 2BR/1BA in Ellenboro Refrig., stove, washer & dryer. $350/mo. + deposit. 828-305-4476

Mobile home w/land or

house. Need owner fin. $2,500 DP $350-$425/ mo. 864-972-0498

Daycare Kids R Us, Inc.

Now enrolling

children 0-12 yrs. 1st & 2nd shifts •Weekend care Rutherford center only •Transportation provided (if needed and general area) •Diapers & wipes provided at FC center •Healthy meals and snacks •Professional speech therapy through Alpha & Omega

Forest City 247-1717 or Rfdtn 286-9979

CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD! The Daily Courier office will be closed on Friday, December 25th in observance of Christmas Classified Advertising deadline for new ads, cancellations, and changes to existing ads for the Saturday, December 26th and Sunday, December 27th editions are as follows: LINE ADS: Deadline is Thursday, December 24th at 12:00 PM DISPLAY ADS: Deadline is Wednesday, December 23rd at 2:00 PM DISPLAY AD DEADLINE for the Tuesday, December 29th edition will be Thursday, December 24th by 12:00 PM

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

Immediate openings in Rutherford Co. for Substance Abuse Counselors & Mental Health Therapists. LCSW, LPC, CCS, LCAS or CSAC preferred.

Fax resumes to: 828-245-2548

For Sale Contour Adjustable Bed, 2 positions, massage, heat, wave. New. $400. 287-5299

Want To Buy

WILL BUY YOUR JUNK Cars & Trucks

Pick up at your convenience!

Call 223-0277

Autos 1998 VOLVO S70 181,500 mi. New tires, roters, brake pads & battery. Good cond.! $4,000 828-674-0027

Pets Mini Dachshunds 13 weeks, registered, shots, cage trained, black/tan w/white stripe. 1 m, 1 f $250 ea. 245-0906

Lost 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 Male Siberian Husky 4 years old Missing since 12/15 from Old Gilberttown Rd., Rfdtn. 287-5010 or 223-5010

Found Male Cat White with tiger grey. Found 12/15 Alexander Mills area, off Broadway. Call 248-5668 lv msg

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.

Lost or found a pet? Place an ad at no cost to you! Ad runs for one week in the paper. Call 245-6431 Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm Yard Sales Day after Christmas Yard Sale FC: 251 McSwain Rd., 10A-2P All types of items and all prices negotiable. Call Don at 864-426-6302

Yard sales are a great place to find a deal! To advertise

your yard sale call or come by Mon.-Fri.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, December 24, 2009 — 17 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA RUTHERFORD COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 09 SP 505 IN RE: NEW HORIZON REALTY, INC. A.K.A. NEW HORIZON REALTY, FORECLOSURE OF DEED OF TRUST Dated July 19, 2007, RECORDED IN BOOK 967, AT PAGE 669, IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY REGISTRY NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the authority contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated July 19, 2007, securing a Note and indebtedness of $306,875.00, which was executed by New Horizon Realty, Inc. aka New Horizon Realty, and which is recorded in Book 967, at Page 669, Rutherford County Registry, the undersigned having been appointed Substitute Trustee by instrument recorded in said Registry, default having occurred in the payment of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust, and at the request of the holder of said Note, the undersigned Substitute Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of said Deed of Trust, will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at 3:00 p.m. on the 28th day of December, 2009, at the Courthouse door in Rutherfordton, Rutherford County, North Carolina, the real property at Multiple Lots on Academy St. and New Hampshire St., Spindale, NC 28160, which is more particularly described as follows: SCHEDULE “A” PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Situate, lying and being in the Town of Spindale, Rutherfordton Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows: TRACT NO. 1: BEGINNING at a railroad spike in the pavement at the intersection of Academy Street and New Hampshire Street, said spike being located South 49-09 East 15.04 feet from a spike in the center of said intersection; and running thence South 85-50 East 310 feet to a railroad spike in the edge of New Hampshire Street; thence South 12-51 West 88 feet to an iron pin, the Southwestern corner of Calvin Wood’s property; thence South 12-51 West 80.8 feet to an iron pin, the Northeastern corner of J. Smith’s property; thence North 77.55 West 261 feet to a railroad spike in the edge of Academy Street, the Northwestern corner of J. Smith’s property; thence North 08-00 West 136.4 feet to a railroad spike in the pavement at the intersection of Academy Street and New Hampshire Street, the point of BEGINNING, containing 1.02 acres, more or less and being Lots 15-25 of Western Union Academy recorded in Plat Book 5 at Page 60 of the Rutherford County Public Registry. The previous deed incorrectly listed the lots as being Lots 15-21. As per the metes and bounds description and the Plat recorded in Book 5, at Page 60, the lot numbers have been corrected to read Lots 15-25. TRACT NO. 2: BEGINNING at an existing iron pin in a cherry tree stump which is located at a point of a triangle 22.14 feet from the fire hydrant running along New Hampshire Street, 45.15 feet from a power pole at New Hampshire Street, and 64.88 feet from a manhole in the center of New Hampshire Street; and running thence South 85-50 feet East 568 feet to an iron pin; thence South 08-00 East 170 feet to a railroad spike in the edge of Academy Street; thence North 85-41 West 604.7 feet to a railroad spike in the center of New Hampshire Street; thence North 05-04 East 165 feet, the point of BEGINNING, containing 2.22 acres, more or less, and being Lots 35-58 of Western Union Academy recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 60 of the Rutherford County Registry. TRACT NO. 3: BEGINNING at a railroad spike in the edge of Academy Street, the Southeastern corner of Ralph K. Flack’s property; and running thence South 08-00 East 100 feet to a railroad spike in the pavement of Academy Street, the Northeastern corner of R. Abram’s property; thence along said Abram’s property, North 85-65 West 665.9 feet to a railroad spike in the center of New Hampshire Street; thence North 02-10 West 145 feet to a railroad spike in the center of New Hampshire Street; thence North 03-32 East 200 feet to a railroad spike in the center of New Hampshire Street; thence South 85-41 East 238.7 feet to an iron pin in the edge of an undeveloped proposed street; thence South 08-00 East 187.5 feet to a set iron pin; thence South 84-45 East 150 feet to a set iron pin, the Northwestern corner of Ralph K. Flack’s property; thence along the rear of Ralph K. Flack’s property, South 08-00 West 50 feet to a set iron pin; thence South 84-45 West 200 feet to a railroad spike in the pavement of Academy Street, the point of BEGINNING, containing 3.3 acres more or less, and being Lots 59-68, Lots 85-88 and Lot 93 of Western Union Academy, recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 60 of the Rutherford County Registry. Being the same and identical property which was conveyed by Abram & Associates, Realtors to New Horizon Realty by deed dated August 5, 2005 and of record in Deed Book 893, at Page 698, Rutherford County Public Registry. The record owner of said property as of a date not more than ten (10) days prior to the posting of this notice is: New Horizon Realty aka New Horizon Realty, Inc. Trustee, or Trustee’s agent conducting the sale, may begin the sale up to one hour after the time fixed herein as provided in NCGS 45-21.23. An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to NCGS §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 ten (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. If you are a tenant and have any questions about your legal rights, please consult an attorney. Although not required by statute, any and all bidders and purchasers at sale should understand that the property described in the subject foreclosure proceeding may or may not contain a structure of any kind. The Substitute Trustee in this matter makes no representation or warranty as to the type or existence of a structure situated on the subject property or whether or not said structure has been affixed in any way. Likewise, Substitute Trustee makes no warranties or representations of any kind as to whether title to the mobile/manufactured home(s) on the subject property, if any, has been properly cancelled or whether there are any outstanding liens thereon. Said property will be sold subject to taxes, assessments, and any superior easements, rights of way, restrictions of record, liens, or other encumbrances prior to the lien of the deed of trust being foreclosed said sale to remain open for increased bids for ten (10) days after report thereof to the Clerk of Superior Court. The Substitute Trustee may require the high bidder to deposit cash at the sale in an amount equal to the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or $750.00. If no upset bid is filed, the balance of the purchase price, less deposit, must be made in cash upon tender of the deed. Third party purchasers at sale must pay the tax of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) as required by NCGS 7A-308(a)(1).

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of CHARLES W. NANNEY of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said CHARLES W. NANNEY to present them to the undersigned on or before the 24th day of March, 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 24th day of December, 2009.

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of VERA G. BIGGERSTAFF of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said VERA G. BIGGERSTAFF to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 10th day of December, 2009.

Judith Nanney Ginn, Executor 150 Westhaven Circle Winston-Salem, NC 27104

Delores G. Hanser, Executor PO Box 698 Bostic, NC 28018

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of J. (JAMES) TOLIVER DAVIS of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said J. (JAMES) TOLIVER DAVIS to present them to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 17th day of December, 2009.

Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of FRANCES JEANETTE LAUGHTER of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said FRANCES JEANETTE LAUGHTER to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 10th day of December, 2009.

Jackie J. Davis, Executor 187 Old Caroleen Road Forest City, NC 28043

Wallace Ronald Laughter, Administrator 147 Union Road Rutherfordton, NC 28139

NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 111 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by GARY G. GROVES, HUSBAND AND WIFE, PAMELA GROVES to TRUSTEE SERVICES OF CAROLINA, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated July 8, 2005 and recorded on July 8, 2005 in Book 848 at Page 481, 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, Lisa S. Campbell, 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 7, 2010 at 1:00PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to wit: Situate, lying and being in Cool Springs Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and lying on the South side of Greenwood Street in the Town of Forest City, and being Lot #18 of the Robbins Subdivision as shown in Plat Book 7, page 135, of the Rutherford County Registry, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: BEGINNING at an iron pin in the right of way line of Greenwood Street, said iron pin being the northeast corner of Lot #18 and the northwest corner of Lot #17 of the Robbins Subdivision, said beginning point also being evidenced by a nail in the center line of Greenwood Street, said nail lying North 84 degrees 57 minutes 22 seconds West 564.51 feet to a nail at the point where Greenwood Street intersects with Rosedale Drive; runs thence from said beginning point with the western line of Lot #17 South 5 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 127.01 feet to an iron pin, said iron pin being the southwest corner of Lot #17; thence with the northern line of Lot #1 of the Robbins Subdivision North 85 degrees 6 minutes 14 seconds West 75 feet to an existing iron pin; thence North 5 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 127.01 feet to a new iron pin in the right of way line of Greenwood Street; thence with said right of way line South 85 degrees 6 minutes 14 seconds East 75 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING. Containing .22 acre, more or less, as shown on survey dated March 3, 1987, by Professional Surveying Services, Nathan Odom, Registered Land Surveyor. Alexander Desc/DES21 Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as: 163 Greenwood Drive, Forest City, NC 28043 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 Gary G. Groves and wife, Pamela Groves. 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.

This the 30th day of November, 2009. /s/__________________ Alan B. Powell Substitute Trustee Post Office Box 1550 High Point, NC 27261 (336) 889-7999

Lisa S. Campbell Substitute Trustee PO Box 4006 Wilmington, NC 28406 PHONE: 910-392-4971 FAX: 910-392-8051 File No.: 09-05018-FC01

18 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, December 24, 2009 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA RUTHERFORD COUNTY

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF RUTHERFORD

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 09 SP 506 IN RE: NEW HORIZON REALTY, INC. A.K.A. NEW HORIZON REALTY, FORECLOSURE OF DEED OF TRUST Dated February 22, 2008, RECORDED IN BOOK 996, AT PAGE 275, IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY REGISTRY NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the authority contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated February 22, 2008, securing a Note and indebtedness of $133,600.00, which was executed by New Horizon Realty, Inc. aka New Horizon Realty, and which is recorded in Book 996, at Page 275, Rutherford County Registry, the undersigned having been appointed Substitute Trustee by instrument recorded in said Registry, default having occurred in the payment of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust, and at the request of the holder of said Note, the undersigned Substitute Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of said Deed of Trust, will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at 3:00 p.m. on the 28th day of December, 2009, at the Courthouse door in Rutherfordton, Rutherford County, North Carolina, the real property at Lot 1, New Hampshire Ave. (Jordan Village), Spindale, NC 28160, which is more particularly described as follows: SCHEDULE “A” DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY Situate, lying and being in the Town of Spindale, Rutherfordton Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina and being all of Lot Number 1 of Jordan Village as shown on plat of survey prepared by F.R. Ledford & Associates, RLS, on August 27, 2007, entitled “Jordan Village” and of record in Plat Book 28, Page 325, Rutherford County Registry. Being a portion of the same and identical property described as Tract One in deed from Abram & Associates, Realtors to New Horizon Realty, dated August 5, 2005, and of record in Deed Book 893, Page 698-700, Rutherford County Registry. The record owner of said property as of a date not more than ten (10) days prior to the posting of this notice is: New Horizon Realty aka New Horizon Realty, Inc. Trustee, or Trustee’s agent conducting the sale, may begin the sale up to one hour after the time fixed herein as provided in NCGS 45-21.23. An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to NCGS §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 ten (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. If you are a tenant and have any questions about your legal rights, please consult an attorney. Although not required by statute, any and all bidders and purchasers at sale should understand that the property described in the subject foreclosure proceeding may or may not contain a structure of any kind. The Substitute Trustee in this matter makes no representation or warranty as to the type or existence of a structure situated on the subject property or whether or not said structure has been affixed in any way. Likewise, Substitute Trustee makes no warranties or representations of any kind as to whether title to the mobile/manufactured home(s) on the subject property, if any, has been properly cancelled or whether there are any outstanding liens thereon. Said property will be sold subject to taxes, assessments, and any superior easements, rights of way, restrictions of record, liens, or other encumbrances prior to the lien of the deed of trust being foreclosed said sale to remain open for increased bids for ten (10) days after report thereof to the Clerk of Superior Court. The Substitute Trustee may require the high bidder to deposit cash at the sale in an amount equal to the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or $750.00. If no upset bid is filed, the balance of the purchase price, less deposit, must be made in cash upon tender of the deed. Third party purchasers at sale must pay the tax of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) as required by NCGS 7A-308(a)(1).

NOTICE OF SALE File No: 09 SP 522 TAKE NOTICE THAT: Raintree Realty and Construction, Inc., Substitute Trustee, has begun proceedings to FORECLOSE under the Deed of Trust described below, and by under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in such Deed of Trust, and an Order entered by the Clerk of Superior Court of the above County, will sell the below described property at public auction as follows: 1. The instrument pursuant to which such sale will be held is that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sharon Allen Lloyd, original mortgagors, and recorded in the Office of the Rutherford County Register of Deeds in Deed of Trust Book 0733, at Page 0709. The record owner of such property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds not more than ten (10) days prior to posting this Notice of Sale, if not the original mortgagors, is: N/A. 2. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th day of January, 2010 at the above named County Courthouse door in the City of Rutherfordton, North Carolina. 3. The real property to be sold is generally known as 307 Main Street, Chimney Rock, North Carolina, and is described as follows: SITUATE, lying and being in the Town of Chimney Rock, Chimney Rock Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being a portion of the Sherman property described in Deed Book 455, Page 383 and being described in accordance with a plat of survey done by Professional Surveying Services dated April 27, 1998, as follows: BEGINNING at an existing iron pin located on the southern right of way edge of U. S. Highway 64-74A, said beginning existing iron pin being the common northernmost corner of the tract described herein ant (sic) the Strickland property described in Deed Book 676, page 209, said beginning existing iron pin being located South 48 degrees 37 minutes 03 seconds East 183.36 feet, South 55 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 154.00 feet, South 57 degrees 29 minutes 11 seconds East 103.91 feet from an existing PK nail set in the intersection of Bridge Street, S.R. 1190, with U. S. Highway 64-74A, and running thence from said beginning existing iron pin along and with the Strickland boundary South 19 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds West 56.66 feet, passing an existing iron pin at 20.25 feet, to a point near the Rocky Broad River, thence leaving the Strickland boundary and running along and with the river North 63 degrees 26 minutes 45 seconds West 101.84 feet to a point; thence leaving the river and running along a new line North 19 degrees 21 minutes 29 seconds East 67.55 feet to a point in the southern right of way edge of U. S. Highway 64-74A, thence running along and with the southern right of way of the road South 57 degrees 29 minutes 11 seconds East 103.91 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING and containing 0.14 acres, more or less. Being the same and identical property which was conveyed by John Ryan and wife, Sharon Z. Ryan to Sharon Allen Lloyd, by deed dated June 4, 2003, and of record in Deed Book 821, at Page 937, Rutherford County Registry. Any property described in the Deed of Trust which is not being offered for sale is described as follows: N/A. 4. Any buildings located on the above-described property are also included in the sale. 5. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee to the highest bidder for CASH. The highest bidder will be required to deposit IN CASH with the Substitute Trustee at the date and time of the sale the greater of five percent (5.0%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty and no/100 Dollars ($750.00). 6. All bidders bid for the property AS IS on the date of sale. Absolutely no warranties are made as to the condition, value or title of the property. While the Substitute Trustee believes the title to be good, all bidders are advised that they should obtain independent counsel to examine record title as the property is sold subject to prior record interests. The Noteholder has reserved the right to withdraw the sale up to and until the Deed is delivered by the Substitute Trustee. 7. The property will be sold subject to all unpaid taxes and special assessments. 8. The property being sold is all of that property described in the Deed of Trust except as specifically set forth above. It is the intention to extinguish any and all rights or interests in the property subordinate to the Deed of Trust.

This the 30th day of November, 2009. /s/__________________ Alan B. Powell Substitute Trustee Post Office Box 1550 High Point, NC 27261 (336) 889-7999

9. Additional Notice Where the Real Property is Residential with Less Than 15 Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the Notice of Sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RUTHERFORD COUNTY 09 sp 446

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a bona fide lease or tenancy may have additional rights pursuant to Title VII of 5.896- Protecting Tenants as Foreclosure Act which became effective May 20, 2009. THIS the 8th day of December, 2009.

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY STEPHANIE E. CARPENTER AND JEFFREY STEVEN CARPENTER DATED APRIL 24, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 898 AT PAGE 37 IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

By:____________________________ A. Robert York, Substitute Trustee Raintree Realty and Construction, Inc. PO Box 8942 Asheville, NC 28814 Dates: December 24, 2009 and December 31, 2009

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, 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 3:00 PM on January 6, 2010 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that lot or parcel of land situated in the County of Rutherford, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the southeasternmost corner of property in the name of G.M. Freeman recorded in Deed Book 152 at Page 578 of the Rutherford County, NC Registry, said point also being located in the northern margin of Whitesides Road 9SR #1538; thence continuing along Whitesides Road South 65 degrees 56' 25" West 303.53 feet to a PK nail; thence leaving said roadway North 24 degrees 37' 30" West 625.68 feet to an existing iron pin; thence North 63 degrees 02' 25" East 170.59 feet to an existing iron pin; thence South 80 degrees 21' 51" East 161.58 feet to a new iron pin; thence South 24 degrees 37' 08" East 547.55 feet to the point and place of beginning, and shown on plat recorded in Deed Book 511 at Page 705, Rutherford County Registry. Subject to easements, restrictions and rights of way of record. And Being more commonly known as: 2211 Whitesides Rd, Forest City, NC 28043 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Stephanie E. Carpenter and Jeffrey Steven Carpenter. 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, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either 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. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is December 16, 2009. Grady Ingle Substitute Trustee 8520 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/ 09-118624

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, December 24, 2009 — 19

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nation/world

Bombings seen as bid to undermine security By CHELSEA J. CARTER Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD — Bombs targeted Iraqi Christians and Shiite Muslims Wednesday, killing at least eight people and wounding four dozen before coinciding religious observances that will take place under heavy guard. Insurgents have routinely targeted Shiites and Christians in an attempt to undermine the country’s security gains and its Shiitedominated government. Security forces in recent days have been concerned that the Shiite holy observances known as Ashoura and Christmas gatherings would be targeted by large-scale attacks. Ashoura marks the seventh-century death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussein. In the first of Wednesday’s attacks, a bomb targeted a historic church in the northern city of Mosul a day before Christmas Eve services, killing two people and wounding five. “Instead of performing Christmas Mass in this church, we will be busy removing rubble and debris,” Hazim Ragheed, a priest at the church, said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. The bomb was hidden

Associated Press

Members of the Free Life Party, or PJAK, train on their weapons at their camp in the Qandil mountains in northern Iraq.

under sacks of baking flour in a handcart left 15 yards (meters) from the Mar Toma Church, or the Church of St. Thomas, a police officer said. The officer said the two men killed were Muslims and that five other people were injured. A hospital official confirmed the casualties. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information to news media. The blast damaged the

wooden doors, windows, some furniture and one of the walls of the church, which is more than 1,200 years old, Ragheed said. Services will be moved out of the church, but Ragheed did not say where they would be held. “We demand that the government put an end to these repeated attacks,” Ragheed said. The blast occurred in an area where streets have been closed to cars and trucks to

protect Mosul’s dwindling Christian population. Iraqi defense officials warned earlier in the week that intelligence reports pointed to attacks during Christmas, leading the government to step up security near churches and Christian neighborhoods. Most of the increased security will be in Baghdad, Mosul and Kirkuk, said Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammed alAskari.

Christians have frequently been targeted since turmoil swept the country after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, although the attacks have ebbed with an overall drop in violence. Still, tens of thousands of Christians have fled; many who stayed were isolated in neighborhoods protected by barricades and checkpoints. A coordinated bombing campaign in 2004 targeted churches in the Iraqi capital and anti-Christian violence also flared in September 2007 after Pope Benedict XVI made comments perceived to be against Islam. Churches, priests and businesses have been attacked by militants who denounce Christians as pro-American “crusaders.” Paulos Rahho, the Chaldean Catholic archbishop of Mosul, was shot dead in March 2008 after being abducted by gunmen. Later Wednesday, a blast struck a group of Shiite pilgrims preparing for Ashoura in Baghdad. The bomb, hidden in a bag, killed four pilgrims and wounded 31 others in eastern Baghdad, a police officer said. Among the wounded were women and children, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not permitted to give information to reporters.

Family ordered to give son to dad RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A federal court has ordered a Brazilian family to turn over a 9-year-old boy to his U.S. father by Thursday morning. The regional court in Rio de Janeiro issued a statement Wednesday afternoon announcing the order. The ruling gives the family until 9 a.m. (6 a.m. EST; 1100 GMT) Thursday to relinquish the boy to his father, David Goldman. Goldman, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, won a big legal victory late Tuesday when Brazil’s chief justice upheld a lower court’s ruling that ordered his son, Sean, returned to

him. The boy has lived in Brazil since Goldman’s ex-wife took him to her native country in 2004. Last year she died in childbirth. Goldman’s lawyers were finalizing legal documents Wednesday morning and were fully expecting that the Brazilian family would turn over Sean as ordered, said U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Orna Blum, who is accompanying Goldman in Rio. “We’re hopeful that David and Sean will be reunited today,” Blum said. There has been no word from the Brazilian family or its lawyer, however, and it is not clear if the boy is even in Rio de Janeiro.

Points To Ponder Lanny funchess

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A Christmas Wish

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BIrTHDay CalenDar to be published the first of January. Submit birthdays for January by December 28th

Send to: The Daily Courier Attn: Birthday Calendar 601 Oak Street Forest City, NC 28043 Name: Birth Date: your Name: Full address: Phone:

During this time of year it is very easy to lose sight of what makes Christmas such a wonderful Holiday. For those who have lost a loved one, the celebration of this holiday can almost become oppressive. My wish for those who are hurting is that you will find the hope that is intertwined in all the festivities. The opening of presents, the food, the music, the gatherings and yes even Santa and his helpers all point us to a wondrous event that took place over 2000 years ago, the birth of “Immanuel” which is translated “God With Us”. Jesus came to bring hope into our lives. When believed upon, His birth, life, death and resurrection brings comfort and hope during the darkest times of our lives. I personally want to wish all the residents of Rutherford County a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with fresh hope.

The Gift

This gift came not wrapped & topped with bows But came bundled in swaddling clothes. He did not come to be placed under a tree, But would be hung on it for you & for me. He was truly a gift full of love & of grace. He came to this world to die in our place. Yes, at this time of year as we count the gifts one by one, Let us not forget love’s greatest gift, The gift of God’s only Son! By Lanny J. Funchess

“Quality Service with Compassionate Care”

Harrelson Funeral Home

1251 Hwy. 221-A, Forest City, NC • (828) 657-6383 • www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com