Daily Courier, December 23, 2009 by Digital Courier

Paralyzed hunter gets back to the woods — Page 2A Sports Jump ball! Thomas Jefferson battled Madison County in conference basketball action on Tuesday night

Page 7A

Wednesday, December 23, 2009, Forest City, N.C.

NATION

50¢

Officers will receive Carnegie Medals By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — Two Forest City police officers have been named as recipients of the Carnegie Medal for their heroic efforts in rescuing Mamie Gumbs from her burning home and museum last March. Forest City police officers, Brandon

Rothrock of Ellenboro and Joshua A. Bumgarner of Bostic, are among 23 individuals from throughout the United States and Canada, who were named recipients on Tuesday in Pittsburgh, Pa. The awards presentation will be at a later date. The medal is given to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree

while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Rothrock and Bumgardner bring to 9,327 the total number of awards since the Pittsburgh-based Fund’s inception in 1904. Commission President Mark Laskow stated each of the awardees or Please see Officers, Page 6A

County workers off today

HOLIDAY SOUNDS Obama offers to help bankers help businesses Page 11A

SPORTS

n Employees

take second of three furlough days forced by budget straits By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer

Tar Heels zap Marshall in hoops action Page 7A

GAS PRICES

Jean Gordon/Daily Courier

Pilgrim’s Way church members (left to right) violinist Hannah McCurry and vocalists Kristen Webster, Miranda Richeson, Lexie Pritchard, Delaney Richeson, Heather Ledford and Kristen Harrill, greet Christmas shoppers at the Tri-City Mall. The group is ringing bells for the Salvation Army for the first time this year, after reading about the need for bell ringers.

Less holiday travel expected By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

Low: High: Avg.:

$2.51 $2.61 $2.56

DEATHS Forest City

Erv Kelly

Elsewhere

Phyllis Millwood Page 5A

WEATHER

FOREST CITY — AAA Carolinas has predicted holiday travel will be down this year, but according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, there could still be delays due to the recent wintry weather across Western North Carolina. “We are seeing a higher volume of traffic right now because of holiday travel,” said Sgt. Brian Gilreath. “There are no major construction projects to delay travelers, but with

the snow melting and freezing again overnight we could see slow downs.” The snow may have helped tourism in Rutherford County over the weekend. According to the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, several properties in the county said there were visitors who had originally intended to go elsewhere, but stopped due to weather and then stayed on. “Hometown Holidays has been bringing visPlease see Travel, Page 6A

RUTHERFORDTON — County employees will have an extra day of Christmas vacation this year, but there’s one catch — they won’t get paid. Today is the second of three days of furlough for full-time workers, unpaid leave designed to help a beleaguered county budget make up a $350,000 shortfall. Critical services won’t be short staffed during the furloughs, nor will today’s day off affect staff at the county’s convenience centers or landfill. Lower than expected sales tax revenues and state budget changes have led to the shortfall in the county’s budget. County employees took the day before Thanksgiving off and will get Easter Monday as the remainder of their furlough time,” County Manager John Condrey said. “Public Safety and the Solid Waste Department employees are scheduling their furlough days so as not to cause any service breaks in these departments. The County will save a total of $140,000 in the 09-10 budget cycle by this and use of furloughed time. The county hopes that citizens will not be Please see Furlough, Page 6A

Charity offers aid to county for holiday By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

High

Low

52 32 Today, partly cloudy. Tonight, mostly cloudy. Complete forecast, Page 10A

INSIDE Classifieds . . . 4-7B Sports . . . . . . . 7-9A County scene . . . 6A Opinion . . . . . . . 4A Vol. 41, No. 305

FOREST CITY — In 1973, when Don Chapman couldn’t make it home from Memphis College of Art for Christmas, he spent his break making wooden toys for an orphanage. Making sure children have what they want for Christmas is the legacy Chapman left through his son, Brendon Chapman, who will be providing Christmas for children in Rutherford County this holiday season. Chapman said the volunteer organization he heads up, One Special Christmas, chose to help in Rutherford County after reading news reports that the county had ranked 13th in the nation on the Associated Press’ Economic Stress Index. “This year, with the economy like it is, we have some from Iredell and Mecklenburg counties. We’ve helped in McDowell County for the past several years,” he said. Please see Charity, Page 3A

Contributed photo

Workers at Rutherford Hospital Inc. installed a new 12,600 pound Magnetic Resonant Imaging machine Tuesday. The new device will help doctors better diagnose patients.

New MRI machine installed By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer

RUTHERFORDTON — Doctors at Rutherford Hospital will soon have a more accurate tool for diagnoses thanks to the hospital’s new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine installed Monday night. “Some structural changes are taking place now to accommodate this new technology, scheduled to be operational by mid-January,” said hospital spokesperson Matt Webber. “The benefits of having this new technology

Now on the Web: www.thedigitalcourier.com

in its new location will be enormous.” The hospital had previously been using an older model MRI, housed outside the main building. “First, people will appreciate that we’ve moved our MRI services inside the hospital instead of having it in a trailer outside the building,” said Claude Waters, director of radiology. “So the convenience factor alone will make people very happy. Also, this puts

Please see MRI, Page 3A

2A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

local

Conservancy buys more land From staff reports

FOREST CITY — The Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) has purchased 1,527 acres on Weed Patch Mountain, north of Lake Lure, the group announced earlier this week. The land, once part of the 4000-acre “Grey Rock at Lake Lure” residential subdivision, was owned by Orlando-based Land Resources, LLC and was intended for development until that company filed for bankruptcy last year. CMLC Executive Director Kieran Roe said acquisition of the tract preserves scenic ridges, distinctive rock outcrops, dense hardwood forests and abundant trout streams for public benefit. The tract is part of a corridor of existing public and conserved properties near Chimney Rock State Park. CMLC hopes to work with the state park and other conservation partners to add the tract to permanent public ownership in the next two to three years. “It is relatively rare for tracts of this size and significance to become available for conservation,” Contributed photo says Roe. “CMLC is grateful for the support from David Clark, who became paralyzed after a swimming pool accident in July 2006, can hunt again by using a lenders and contributors that allowed us to take high quad unit for adaptive hunting. Clark is shown beside a tree stand people can rent through N.C. Wildlife. advantage of this outstanding conservation opportunity.” CMLC purchased the land for $2.29 million, or $1,500 per acre, one-third the $4,500 per acre value established in a recent property appraisal. The attractive price was an important factor in By ALLISON FLYNN tive hunting and told the Clarks Now, not only can he hunt about it. After going to take a again, but he’s regained some of enabling CMLC to make the property purchase. Daily Courier Staff Writer A gift of $620,000 from a North Carolina look at it, both David and Cecil his freedom – able to open the FOREST CITY — Bagging a philanthropist, combined with loans from the thought it would work for David. door to his home with a button deer is every deer hunter’s wish Conservation Trust for North Carolina and the “I had seen one before I got on his wheel chair. after hours in the woods. But Norcross Wildlife Foundation provided the financhurt on the Outdoor Channel,” “I got a big part of my life for one Rutherford County deer David said. back,” he said. “It feels good just ing needed for acquisition. The N.C. Chapter of hunter, being able to bring one The Nature Conservancy initially negotiated the Getting the adaptive unit isn’t to get outside by myself. home is even more special. purchase but sought the involvement of CMLC in the only thing that made hunt“My rehab doctor is paralyzed David Clark became paralyzed ing a possibility for David again. from the waist down and he told recent months when its financing of the project three and half years ago, after could not be arranged. He also underwent five surgeries me to get out in the sun, that a swimming pool accident that The property, a state-designated Significant late last year to allow him more that would help me more than occurred July 14, 2006. Natural Heritage Area, is home to rare species use of his left arm. anything.” “I don’t remember hitting my such as the green salamander. The low elevation “I was in the hospital last year The first time David used the head on the bottom,” David cliff and rock outcrops on the property have been and we had to fight with my arm high quad unit, he killed a deer. said. “I remember trying to get identified in the Wildlife Resource Commission’s to get it down,” David said. “My At first, he didn’t think he’d gotmy head up.... It was a couple of State Wildlife Action Plan as critical habitats for therapist said she knew a docten it, but Cecil told him the way weeks before I knew anything.” several rare birds and amphibians. tor who could do a surgery that it jumped and ran, he had. Sure Prior to the accident, David “If homes were to start popping up on Weed might help.” enough, he’d gotten it. was an avid outdoorsman – ridPatch it would not only take away a beautiful vista, David met Dr. Glenn Gaston “It took me a couple of times, ing horses and hunting. but more importantly it would disturb the ground, at OrthoCarolina, who told him because the safety was on and “I hunted the whole time durincrease muddy run-off and make it harder for he could take David’s bicep and then I had a muscle spasm,” ing deer season,” he said. “Me David said. “It was standing side water to penetrate the bedrock that refreshes Lake and some friends used to go bear transfer it to his tricep. Lure,” says Lynn Carnes Pitts, CMLC vice presi“He said he could saw my foreby side with another one too.” hunting too.” dent and avid Lake Lure water skier. “Conservation arm in two to help my palm turn “I’ve been out three or four “If he hadn’t been as strong of Weed Patch is about clean water, healthy recreback down so I could drive my times, but I haven’t seen one and active as he was, he probation, and adding another protected emerald to the since,” he said. ably wouldn’t have made it,” said wheel chair,” he said. crown of conserved land near Chimney Rock State David thought it over for Cecil rented a type of special David’s dad, Cecil Clark. Park.” a while, and after his sister, tree stand from North Carolina Taking part in one of his Starting with the purchase of the 1,568-acre Cynthia, got married, he decided Wildlife for David to use as well. favorite pastimes was someWorld’s Edge tract in 2005, CMLC has partnered to have the surgery done. thing David thought he’d never with the State of North Carolina, The Nature “I wish I had had it done ear“I never thought I’d get to do it do again, until a family friend Conservancy and the Foothills Conservancy of lier,” he said. again,” he said. “It’s given me a learned of equipment that could North Carolina in acquiring over 3,000 acres that Dr. Gaston had performed part of my life back.” make hunting possible for David have become Chimney Rock State Park. Weed the surgery before in Atlanta, And what’s become of that first once more. Patch Mountain provides an opportunity to extend but David was the first person deer? Jerry “Cosmo” Pannell knew this conservation on the north side of the Hickory in Charlotte to have it, said his “We made deer jerky out of it,” of a high quad unit for adapNut Gorge. mother, Judy. he said.

Paralyzed hunter back in woods

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 — 3A

LOCAL

Students get 3 more days off From Staff Reports

Chris Arrowood washes off his vehicle at an area car wash. The salt, chemical and sand used on roadways in bad weather can take a toll on vehicles. Larry Dale/Daily Courier

Be sure to wash salt off the car By LARRY DALE

Daily Courier Staff Writer

RUTH — The salt, other chemicals and sand that motorists love to see on the roads during a winter storm is the same stuff that they love to hate when the bad weather is forgotten. Salt, especially, takes a toll on vehicles, causing rust if it isn’t removed quickly. That’s why, even if the days are still relatively cold, many people will stop at a car wash to clean the brine off of their vehicles. Chris Arrowood, who lives in Burke County, was at the R-S Speedy Car Wash using a spray wand to wash his Blazer on Tuesday afternoon. “Getting the salt off is the big thing,” he said. Visibility can be a problem too. “I couldn’t see out my window,” he noted. Vickie Price of the Shingle Hollow community drove her Subaru through the automated car wash at the Ruth business on Tuesday. Price said she really wasn’t sure why she was bothering to wash the car, since she was planning a trip to Winston-Salem, “and there will be salt on the interstate.” She added with a smile that she was also having the car

washed to keep her son from making wise cracks about how dirty the car was. Daniel Blankenship details cars at Blankenship Creations, in Ruth, so he knows the value of keeping salt and other roadway chemicals off of a vehicle. The big issue, he said, is “protection for the paint. If the drive train doesn’t go first, the paint will. I see lots of faded paint because of not taking care of a car.” Roadway chemicals also splash up on the undercarriage of the vehicle, he said, causing problems. Blankenship said winter is typically a slow time for vehicle detailing. But he added he has had numerous calls and two jobs are set up for after the first of the year. “Right now, he noted, “it’s still pretty bad and people aren’t getting out.” Blankenship said he expects business to start picking back up in January because of tax time. People will trade cars, he said, and car dealers will get him to do work on their vehicles. He noted that he is working on a paint job on an S-10, sanding the paint down to factory levels then buffing with a buffer.

Charity Continued from Page 1A

“We’re buying for 80 kids.” Chapman recalled building wooden toys for children at Parsons of the Hills. “Our house was like a Henry Ford assembly line,” he said. In 1989, it was decided to switch to furniture-making. The furniture and other handmade items would then be sold at an auction and the money raised used to buy toys for children. This year the organization held its auction on Dec. 3. Referrals are made to One Special Christmas by adult educators, guidance counselors, churches and children’s agencies, Chapman said. “We’re looking for the kids who fall through the cracks,” he said. “A lot of people are too proud to ask for help.” Unlike other organizations, Chapman said One Special Christmas asks each child what they want for Christmas. The requests this year don’t just include toys. “We did have several people ask for

Detailing a vehicle can be a very big job, he said. “A full-scale detail involves every square inch of the car,” Blankenship commented, including the motor and wheels. “A full-scale detail can be expensive,” he added, “but it especially pays off for car dealers.” He said if the interior is dirty enough, he can take out the carpet and pressure wash it. Such a big job can be trying in the winter, though, he said, because of freezing that may require him to run a heater, adding to the cost. If it doesn’t need to be taken out and thoroughly cleaned, a steam machine can be used. Blankenship said he has been cleaning cars most of his life. “I love it,” he said, “I’m a clean freak.”

FOREST CITY – Rutherford County School students got three additional days added to their Christmas vacation due to snowy weather, but RCS officials announced two make up dates Tuesday. “Due to the recent inclement weather causing the loss of three student instructional days, the previously scheduled optional teacher workdays on Jan. 19 and 20 will be instructional days for students,” said a release from Rutherford County Schools. “Barring no additional inclement weather, we will have an optional teacher workday on Jan. 25, 2010. The Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday, Jan. 18, is unaffected by this calendar revision.” Superintendent Dr. John Kinlaw said the closing of schools before Christmas came because of “extreme circumstances.” “No one remembers us doing that before,” he said. High school end-of-course exams, following consultation with the principals, will be given Jan. 15, 19, 20 and 21. An updated Rutherford County Schools calendar is available online at www.rcsnc.org.

MRI Continued from Page 1A

all of our imaging services in one physical space within the hospital.” An MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of virtually all internal body structures. Dr. Luke Person, radiologist, added that the new MRI is an upgrade from the hospital’s current MRI and will provide better images for patients. “It puts us at the forefront of imaging technology,” said Person. “There’s no need to travel elsewhere. We have it here at home.” Breast cancer patients and women who get regular breast exams will get use from the machine as well. “Breast MRIs and MRI-guided breast biopsies are more thorough ways to detect breast cancer,” Person said. “That means greater accuracy of test results. We will experience better quality of all MRI imaging with improvements in MRIs of the pelvis, abdomen and small joints, and we will see better imaging of the spine in cancer patients. Blankenship also has an inter- The end result is dramatic improvements for our est in meteorology. In a way, his patients and the physicians who treat them.” job revolves around the weather. Waters said that there will be no interruption “Rust would never occur if in MRI services while the new MRI is being people washed it after a storm installed. “The current MRI will not be rolled away like the one we have just had. It’s until we’re ready to make the switch to the new the biggest since the blizzard of one. Everyone should feel secure in continuing to 1993.” use us for their MRI needs.”

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

beds this year,” he said. “They’re also asking for presents for their parents or siblings. We had one ask for a window for his mom – her bedroom window was broken and she woke up with ice on the covers. Those are what really touch your heart.” The purpose for asking children what they want, the organization’s Web site states, is to provide affirmation of Christ’s love, which increases self-worth. “Our hope is that each child would have a Christmas so special that they would begin to believe that they are truly special,” the site states. One Special Christmas will deliver toys to children tonight, Chapman said. “We’ll have Santa there and share the Christmas message with them,” he said. “They will get to take home their gifts and do with them whatever their family’s tradition is.” If you would like to help One Special Christmas and to learn more about the organization, visit www. onespecialchristmas.com.

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

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657-6328

4A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 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 New company a step forward

utherford County got a bit of good news Monday when a medical textile laundry service announced that it would be locating operations in the Forest City Industrial Park. River Textile Service plans to eventually employ 55 people. The employment number is small, but 55 new jobs is a start. Economic development efforts have been ongoing in the county and with this announcement the county has made one small forward step. EDC officials have other irons in the fire now and there could be more good news coming in the new year. The good news now is that Rutherford County is getting attention from companies that could bring more new jobs for people here. The competition to land these corporate deals is probably more intense now than it has ever been, especially given the massive job losses that have occurred across the nation in the past year. That is why Rutherford County must handle each of these potential clients with care and why the county must always be putting its best foot forward. We celebrate the success in getting River Textile Service, and we hope that there will be more good news coming.

Our readers’ views Urges all to be alert for animal cruelty To the editor: On Sunday, the 13th, my neighbor rang my doorbell and told me that there was a big box at the top of my driveway. Yes, there was a box with the lid taped shut. A large red bow was on top and a note saying, “please take care of me. I need someone to love.” Inside was a pitiful sight. It was a cat with sores all over its body and a large swollen nose. We couldn’t get hold of our vet, so we put it in one of our bathrooms with a bed, food, water and a litter box. We didn’t want to expose our cats to one we knew nothing about. Thank God we did that. The cat had diarrhea all night. My husband took it to the vet first thing next morning. I received a call about mid-morning and the vet told me that the poor cat had feline leukemia, a large inoperable tumor on its nose and possible tumors in its stomach. He also said the cat was around 13-years-old and was one of the most affectionate cats he had ever seen. What a shame it had to be put to sleep. There was no hope for him. I’m sure that’s why his owners dropped him off like a sack of trash. The cat had a name tag that read “Hero Jed.” It’s too bad his owners weren’t heroes to him. I makes me furious that people do such cowardly, cruel acts to an animal that probably loved and trusted them. I believe that God wants us to take care of those who cannot do it themselves, whether it’s people or animals. It’s a sad thing when someone rejects and disposes of an animal just because it’s sick and helpless. I would like for them, as well as others like them, to know that I’ve been told by a reliable source that it’s considered cruelty to animals. It’s my understanding that this is punishable by a fine, jail, or both. If all animal lovers would do a neighborhood watch for

situations like this, it could be stopped. If you see anyone dropping off an animal, try to get their tag number. If you see anyone committing any type of animal cruelty, call the police with as much information as you have. Let’s see to it that Hero Jed wasn’t set out in vain. This could have happened for a reason — so that we might help to prevent this type of cruelty. Ginny Pitman Forest City

Accident victim thanks all who offered aid To the editor: As my church (First Baptist in Bostic) waited to take our turn in the Forest City Christmas parade, I never imagined what turn my life was about to take. The children were dressed as Mary, Joseph, wisemen and shepherds. The float looked great. As I was standing beside the float, it started to move and caught my right foot under the tire proceeding to travel up my right leg to my hip, coming to rest on my lower back. It was decided the best thing to do would be to back off of me. As this was taking place, the tire ran over my left foot breaking it. I heard every bone in my right leg popping. The pain was excruciating. I just knew I was crushed. As I lay on the ground, I remember my friend Kim Earle holding my hand. My preacher, Clay Earle, was also there praying for me and trying to comfort me. I felt a hand on my head. I looked up and a lady I did not know said, “I am going to pray for you.” She did. Then she proceeded to tell me, “God says you will be fine.” I later found out who my “angel” was. Thank you Ruby Arrowood for your prayer and your faith. The EMTs came and got me in the ambulance. Kim called my husband. Thank you to the EMTs for their care of me.

As I was x-rayed and had a CT scan, we found that God had already been there. He had held that trailer off me. I had no broken bones or internal damage. Everyone was amazed. I had so many people praying for me, and I thank every one of them. Some people claim that prayer does not help, well, I am here to tell you — you are wrong. My church family has cared for me. Other church families have prayed for me. For a while, Rutherford County came together for one accord. Can we continue this? Can we love each other as God would have us to? In these poor economic times, can we pull together to help out our fellow man? Sure, the devil tries to work his wiles to stop the spreading of God’s Word, but God works it around to show people His glory. Yes, it has been a rough recovery, but, hey, I am still here to recover, and I will. I wanted to share my story with you, to thank every person who helped in any way. Yes, I hear I should have been crushed, but you obviously don’t know my God. He is here to tell everyone that yes, people, I am still watching out for you and am there when you need me. God is still in the miracle business. I am living proof. Laurie Biggerstaff Bostic

Letter Policy The Daily Courier would like to publish letters from readers on any subject of timely interest. All letters must be signed. Writers should try to limit their submissions to 300 words. All letters must include a day and evening telephone number. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for libelous content. All submissions should be sent to The Editor, P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, NC, 28043. Letters may also be submitted via e-mail at dailycourier@thedigitalcourier.com or via our website at thedigitalcourier.com

Here’s a Santa list for some of the folks in Raleigh RALEIGH — The state capital has certainly seen its share of naughtiness this year. Nevertheless, I still suspect the jolly old man dressed in red will be passing around a few gifts in Raleigh in a few days. So, here’s my annual list of suggestions for old Saint Nick, as he contemplates what to get those hard-toshop-for politicians and their buds: n For departing state Sen. Tony Rand, a few secret spy cameras and recording devices manufactured by the company for which he serves as board chairman, Law Enforcement Associates. If the insider trading charges lodged against Rand are “hogwash,” as he claims, perhaps he could use one

Today in North Carolina Scott Mooneyham

of these gizmos to secretly elicit a confession to clear his name. Or, he could just entertain himself with secret video footage of Marc Basnight singing Tower of Power’s “So Very Hard to Go.” n For Gov. Beverly Perdue, a copy of George W. Bush’s new how-to book, “Being the Most Popular Guy (or Girl) at the Dance.” Perdue will particularly enjoy chapters like, “Polls, Schmolls,” “If I Could Get Re-elected, Anybody

Can,” “Mission Accomplished … Well, Sort of,” and “You Think You Got Problems? … I Got Darth.” n For former Gov. Mike Easley, a new frequent flyer pass from U.S. Air entitling the holder to 10,000 free travel miles, or at least as many miles as flown with old buddy McQueen Campbell. With that much free flying, Easley might be able to reach some country that doesn’t have an extradition agreement with the United States. n For former Easley aide and lawyer Ruffin Poole, a membership in Toastmasters International. The cat has had poor Poole’s tongue lately. He can’t seem to find the nerve to speak publicly

no matter the venue. With the support of this renowned group, Poole will soon be on his way to freely expressing himself in any public setting, even if an FBI agent happens to be sitting in the room. n For U.S. Senate hopeful Elaine Marshall, a very special poll worker to cart around next spring and perhaps next fall — UNC basketball coach Roy Williams. Williams seems to have a special talent for dispatching the supporters of the opposing team. Tossing out potential Cal Cunningham voters from polling places should be a piece of cake compared to removing opposing fans from the Dean Dome. n For U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a free Swiss bank

account safe from the possibility of a financial disaster in the United States. No more will Burr have to worry about instructing his wife to run down to an ATM to withdraw cash $200 at a time. n For every state worker, a special deal on coastal waterfront lots. Apparently, plenty of lots are still available at developments frequented by Easley and his buds. Providing $135,000 discounts to all will dispel notions that the former governor got a special rate. Then again, maybe it will just mean more state workers parading before a federal grand jury. Mooneyham is executive director of the Capitol Press Association.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Erv Kelly

expedited the schedule for written filings and oral arguments could be held in February. Sarah Jessica Farber, an attorney for Jones and Brown who has argued that they are being unlawfully detained, said she and the inmates were pleased the court accelerated the case schedule. “They both trust that the process will work itself out,” she said. “We’re all taking this just one day at a time.” Perdue said in a statement that the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case was “the right one for North Carolina.” State attorneys have struggled to find favor among judges in the debate over the inmates. Supreme Court justices first sided with an inmate in October when he argued that a law between 1974 and 1978 defined “life” sentences as only 80 years long. The inmates now contend that a variety of credits they have earned over the years should now be applied to the 80-year term to qualify them for unconditional release, and they won a judge’s order

Gaines “Erv” Kelly, 63, of 309-C South Church St., for release last week before the appeals court agreed. The Forest City, died Tuesday, state attorney general’s office Dec. 22, 2009 at Hospice contends the credits awarded House on Forest City. Arrangements are incomto the inmates are not to be plete and will be announced used to reduce the length of by Thompson’s Mortuary. their terms but are to help determine other issues such as whether the prisoners Phyllis Millwood are eligible for parole, and a Phyllis Jean Spencer third judge agreed with that Millwood, 75, of 130 Crocker argument. Dr., Spartanburg, S.C., died Brown, who is held at Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 at her Raleigh Correctional Center home. for Women, was sentenced A native of Cherokee for her role in the shooting County, she was the widow of death of a state trooper dur- Amos William Millwood and ing a bank robbery in 1975. a daughter of the late Ruffus Jones, who is currently at Spencer and Nannie Moore New Hanover Correctional Millwood. Center in Wilmington, was She was a waitress and of convicted in the January the Baptist faith. 1975 shooting of William B. She is survived by a son, Turner Sr. Randy Dixon of the home; Trooper Ron Crawford, a daughter, Martha Vickers president of the North of Rutherfordton; a brother, Carolina Troopers Donald Spencer of Gaffney, Association, said Brown S.C.; a sister, Nell Parker of and others need to pay for Augusta, Ga.; five grandchilthe crimes they committed. dren and five great-grandHe said authorities are conchildren. cerned that the inmates will A private memorial service not be forced to fulfill an will be held at a later date. entire “life” sentence. “Once the decision is made, Online condolences www.eggersthat’s what we’ll have to live funeralhome.com. with,” he said.

Appeals court upholds N.C. ban on video poker machines

RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina’s appeals court on Tuesday upheld a statewide ban on video poker machines except those operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in their Smoky Mountains casino. A three-judge court panel ruled unanimously that a 2006 state law giving the tribe exclusive gaming rights within North Carolina does not violate a federal Indian gaming law as an amusement machine vendor had argued.

The tribe operates Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, which attracts more than 3.5 million visitors a year and generates revenues of more than $250 million annually. Tribal members in June received checks for $3,892 in the first of this year’s twice-a-year payments. The ruling overturned a February decision by Wake

County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning that sided with the gaming company and could have again legalized video poker machines in all 100 counties. But the appeals court said the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act allows states to grant tribes preferential gaming rights in hopes the revenues would expand tribal self-government, economic development, and political stability. Invalidating the state video poker ban would mean “the tribe would no longer have preferential gaming rights, but instead would be in competition with other gaming enterprises,” Judge Robert C. Hunter wrote for himself and Judges Martha Geer and Linda Stephens. “This is great news. We worked for so long to try to rid our state of this awful

Police Notes Sheriff’s Reports

n The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to 87 E-911 calls Monday. n Shoplifting of over-thecounter medication was reported at Dollar General, 492 U.S. 221A, Forest City. n Alvin J. Wegand reported the theft of a Kodak Easy Share camera.

Rutherfordton

n The Rutherfordton Police Department responded to 45 E-911 calls Monday. n Angela Jeneen Goode reported the theft of a woodstove. n Jerome Donte Edvard Jackson Jr. reported damage to the paint and to the driver-side mirror on a 1999 Acura.

Spindale

n The Spindale Police Department responded to 35 E-911 calls Monday.

Lake Lure

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

Forest City

n The Forest City Police Department responded to 58 E-911 calls Monday. n An employee of Belk’s Department Store, at the Tri-City Mall, reported an incident of concealment. (See arrest of Greene.) n Michael Ledbetter reported damage to real property. The incident

Local/OBITUARIES/state

Obituaries State Supreme Court will decide ‘life’ inmates dispute

RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina’s highest court is looking to resolve a rancorous dispute over the fate of violent inmates sentenced to “life” three decades ago, with justices on Tuesday setting a hurried schedule for arguments while keeping the prisoners behind bars. The decision to hear the matter comes after lowercourt judges issued conflicting rulings and Gov. Beverly Perdue declared herself “disgusted” with the legal system. Justices will now determine whether convicted killers Alford Jones and Faye Brown have qualified for sentence-reduction credits that could wipe away the remainder of their time in prison. Dozens more inmates — many of them murderers and rapists — were sentenced under the same 1970s law and could be affected by a high court decision. State officials have determined that some two dozen would immediately qualify for release if credits are applied to reduce their sentences. Supreme Court clerk Christie Cameron said Tuesday that justices have

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occurred on Wilson Drive. n Christine Armstrong reported an incident of animal cruelty. n Karen Jones reported a breaking and entering and larceny. n Nancy Robb, of Harris/Henrietta Road in Mooresboro, reported an incident of obtaining property by false pretenses. The incident occurred on East Main Street in Forest City. n An employee of Total Performance Automotive, in Monroe, reported an incident of obtaining property by false pretenses. The incident occurred on Plaza Drive.

Arrests n Linda Greene, 45, of Hamilton Street, Forest City; charged with concealment of goods; released on $1,000 unsecured bond. (FCPD) n Sylvia Kay Hargett, 36, of 110 Evergreen Lane; charged with breach of peace; placed under a $500 secured bond. (RCSD) n Robert Dean Fowler, 21, of 1060 Old Ballpark Rd.; charged with breach of peace; placed under a $500 secured bond. (RCSD) n James Howard Greene, 45, of 120 Mockingbird Lane; charged with breach of peace; placed under a $500 secured bond. (RCSD) n Leslie Janae Edgerton, 22, of 447 Seitz Drive; charged with shoplifting/ concealment of goods; released on a $500 unsecured bond. (RPD) n Britteny Ann Twyman,

Deaths

Anna Nixon Cooper ATLANTA (AP) — Ann Nixon Cooper, the Atlanta centenarian lauded by President Barack Obama in industry,” state Senate leader his election night speech last Marc Basnight, D-Dare, said year, has died. She was 107. Obama in his 2008 speech in a statement. called Cooper an example Amusement machine own- of “the heartbreak and the ers who once installed video hope” of the past century. He noted she was born at a poker machines in convetime when women and blacks nience stores and bars saw the case as one prong of their couldn’t vote and lived to cast attempts to restore the busi- her ballot for the country’s first black president. ness. In a statement Tuesday, Their supporters proposed Obama praised Cooper’s life state legislation this year that of service and offered his would give North Carolina a 20 percent cut in video poker condolences. “It is especially meaningprofits in exchange for reguful for me that she lived to lation backers said would cast a vote on Election Day clean up the industry. 2008, and it was a deep honor for me to mark her life in “We are obviously disapthe speech I delivered that pointed in the Court of night,” the statement read. Appeals ruling but knew On Inauguration Day, there was a good chance the Cooper proudly hosted a full state law would be upheld,” said William Thevaous, pres- house of media and guests to watch Obama take office ident of the Entertainment — a feat for which she took Group of North Carolina, a partial credit. When one of trade group for amusement her grandsons asked, “How machine owners. do you feel about having a black president?” she quickly responded, “I helped put him there.” Cooper first registered to vote on Sept. 1, 1941, but because she was a black 20, of 106 Rice St.; charged woman in a segregated, sexwith local ordinance conist society, she didn’t exercise sume alcohol by 19/20; her right for years — deferplaced under a $5,000 ring instead to her husband, secured bond. (SPD) Dr. Albert B. Cooper, a n Amy Lynn Davis, 42, of prominent Atlanta dentist. 2114 N.C. 108; charged with Ann Nixon Cooper outlived driving while impaired and her husband, who died in expired registration card/ 1967, and three of her four tag; placed under a $1,000 children. She cast an early secured bond. (SPD) ballot for Obama on Oct. 16, 2008. EMS/Rescue In her 90s, she jokingly claimed civil rights icon n The Rutherford County Andrew Young as her “boyEMS responded to 30 E-911 friend.” calls Monday. Cooper was an active womn The Volunteer Life an who did aerobics until she Saving and Rescue, Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rutherford County Rescue THE DAILY COURIER responded to five E-911 calls Monday. Published Tuesday through Sunday

Fire Calls n Bills Creek firefighters responded to a vehicle fire. n Ellenboro firefighters responded to a motor vehicle accident and to barn fire, assisted by Bostic and Forest City firefighters. n Forest City firefighters responded to a motor vehicle accident. n Lake Lure firefighters responded to a vehicle fire. n Rutherfordton firefighters responded to an industrial fire alarm and to a gas leak. n SDO firefighters responded to an industrial fire alarm and to a vehicle fire. n Sandy Mush firefighters responded to a house fire, assisted by Cliffside and SDO firefighters.

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.

was 100, took the stairs to her bedroom until she broke her hip last year. Arnold Stang BOSTON (AP) — Arnold Stang, an actor who appeared alongside Milton Berle and Frank Sinatra and was known for his nerdy looks and distinctive nasal voice, has died. He was 91. Alaina Reed-Amini LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alaina Reed-Amini, the Broadway star and TV actress best known for her long-running roles on “Sesame Street” and “227,” has died. The Springfield, Ohio, native was 63. Previously known as Alaina Reed-Hall, she recently remarried. Her stage credits include Chicago and Hair. She appeared in several movies, including Cruel Intentions and Death Becomes Her, and on TV shows such as “The Drew Carey Show” and “Ally McBeal.” Kim Peek SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The man who inspired the title character in the Oscarwinning movie Rain Man has died. Kim Peek was 58. Peek was a savant with a remarkable memory and inspired writer Barry Morrow when he wrote Rain Man, the 1988 movie that won four Academy Awards. Fran Peek said his son met Morrow at a convention in the early 1980s and the writer was taken with Peek’s knack for retaining everything he heard. Morrow wrote the script, and the movie went on to win Oscars for best film and best actor for Dustin Hoffman, whose repetitive rants about being an excellent driver and the “People’s Court” about to start were a hit with moviegoers.

Lena Belle Luckadoo Henson Lena Belle Luckadoo Henson, age 93, of Washington St, Forest City, died, Monday, December 21, 2009, at White Oak Manor, Rutherfordton, NC. A native of Rutherford Co., she was a daughter of the late Smith Luckadoo and Minnie Toney Luckadoo, former employee of Burlington Industries, and a member of Crestview Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lemuel Henson in 1983; brothers, Bob Luckadoo, and Billie Luckadoo; and sisters, Nelle Rose, Georgia Jonas and Mary Presson. Survivors include two daughters, Martha H. Beard of Forest City and Vicki H. Condrey of Ellenboro and a sister, Louise Burgess of Rutherfordton. There are 4 grandchildren, Elaine Metcalf, Eddie Beard, Eric Condrey, and Neil Condrey; 10 great grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, Holly Pruett, Cody Condrey, Zachery Condrey, Mac Condrey, Olivia Condrey, Lucas Condrey, Taylor Beard, Jordan Beard, and Caleb Beard, and 2 great great grandchildren, Madison Smith and Jackson Smith. Funeral services will be held at 2:30pm, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 in the Crestview Baptist Church with the Rev. Kevin Rohm officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:30 until 2:30 in the Crestview Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crestview Baptist Church Building Fund, 630 S. Church Street, Forest City, NC 28043 or White Oak Manor Nursing Center Activity Department, 188 Oscar Justice Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. An online guest registry is available at: www.padgettking.com The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Paid obit.

6A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Calendar/Local Officers Continued from Page 1A

Meetings/other Free food give away: Forest City Foursquare Church will be giving away free food to those in need today from noon to 3 p.m. The church is located at 121 Mitchell St., Forest City. Shag Club: Rutherford County Shag Club will meet Friday, Jan. 1, at Club LA from 7 to 10 p.m. Free beginner lessons at 7:30. Sign up for beginner shag classes to begin Jan. 25. For information call 287-9228. Athletic Boosters: Chase High Athletic Boosters will meet Monday, Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the office conference room. New club: Inventors Club of America is starting a new chapter in the Tri-City area. Interested persons contact Sam McIlwain at 828 288-0090. Limited membership available. Appreciation Day service: In honor of Wayne McCurry; Saturday, Jan. 16, Sunshine Elementary School; chili supper 5 to 6:30 p.m.; special music by The (retired) Carlson Trio; sponsored by Fairview Baptist Church and Cherry Mountain VFD. Lost Playwrights: Lost Playwrights of Western North Carolina will not meet in December. The next meeting is Saturday, Jan. 23, 4 p.m., at Doc’s Deli in Hendersonville; a presentation of short plays will follow at 7 p.m. The meetings are open to anyone interested in any aspect of theatre. Alcoholics Anonymous: The TriCity Alano Club meets every day at 1201 Oakland Road, Forest City, (first door on the left). For more information and meeting times call 288-2700. Low-cost rabies clinic: Saturday, Jan. 9, noon to 1 p.m.; Thunder Road Animal Hospital; $9 cash, one-year rabies; $10 cash, threeyear rabies; other discounted vaccines available; call 286-0033. Art Exhibit: Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild presents the Young Budding Artist exhibit through Jan. 30, at Norris Public Library, Rutherfordton. The young artists are students of Judy Ockert.

their next of kin will also receive a financial grant. Throughout the 105 years since the Fund was established by industrialist-philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, $32 million has been given in one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits, and continuing assistance. Forest City Police Chief Jackson said, “The recognition of Officers Rothrock and Bumgarner by Carnegie Hero Fund Commission brings the officers’ actions to a national spotlight. Their selfless act of heroism is a direct representation of the goodness in our community. Officers Rothrock and Bumgarner hold themselves in the highest of standards and I am honored to have them working for Jean Gordon/Daily Courier Forest City Police Department.” Forest City Police Officers Brandon Rothrock (right) and Joshua A. Bumgarner, phoLast May, Jackson nominated his tographed here during an interview in March, are recipients of the Carnegie Medal. officers for the award. “These officer’s actions were over and beyond the call of duty as they in to help and the two officers pulled “I looked at one door and knew risked their health and life to save her to safety. we could not get in that one,” said Mrs. Mamie Gumbs from a burning We asked her if anyone else was Bumgarner, in an interview in March. residence,” Jackson wrote when he inside,” said Bumgarner, “and she It was in flames. nominated the officers for the award. mumbled ‘no.’” They gained access to the residence “Due to Mrs. Gumbs incapacitated The rescue took less than three minthrough another door, which opened state when the officers found her, to a hall leading to Gumbs’s bedroom. utes. there is no doubt she would not have Rutherford County EMS began to Rothrock entered the structure and made it out of the house alive had it treat Mrs. Gumbs at the scene. crawled to the bedroom doorway. not been for the officers actions.” The two officers were also treated Dense smoke and intense heat were After a lengthy stay at Spartanburg for smoke inhalation and burns to intolerable, forcing him from the Regional Medical Center to recuperbuilding. Bumgarner then entered the their eyes. ate from severe injuries, Gumbs went “We promised each other we would structure and proceeded through the to New York City to live with her hall, but he too, was nearly overcome. not leave one another,” Bumgarner daughter, Etta M. Gumbs, an attorsaid. There was one other door where ney for Citigroup in New York. A coIf one had fallen down inside, the they could gain entrance. They kicked worker of Gumbs said Mrs. Gumbs is other would have known it and could the door in and heard more screams. doing well. have helped, they said. The officers went into the inferno Last March, Rothrock and “But it took both of us. One person three different times, one a time, Bumgarner rescued Ms. Gumbs from couldn’t have done this,” Rothrock attempting to locate Mrs. Gumbs. her museum/apartment on Hardin added. “It was always one in and one out,” Road in Forest City. said Bumgarner said. Gumbs, 80, was in her bedroom The officers were treated by The fire was so hot, the officers after fire erupted in the adjoining liv- could only stay inside for seconds. Rutherford County EMS at the scene. ing room and grew significantly. On May 18, the Town of Forest On Rothrock’s second try, he said he Rothrock, 25, and Bumgarner, 23, City and the Forest City Police was able to see Gumbs and he began were on their way to another call to try to pull her out into the hallway. Department recognized both officers when Rothrock saw smoke and fire by awarding them with the Valor Flames and smoke forced him to coming from the home. Award for saving Mrs. Gumbs’ life. retreat to get air. Arriving at the home, the officers As he exited, Bumgardner ran left their patrol cars as they heard back into the burning building and Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@thescreams from Gumbs. grabbed Gumbs. Rothrock came back digitalcourier.com.

Travel Continued from Page 1A

Miscellaneous Foothills Harvest Outreach Ministries will hold a storewide half-price sale Dec. 21-23 (excludes a few select items). The store will be closed Dec. 24-28. Located at 120 E. Trade St., Forest City. Hospice Resale Shop will hold a 25 cents sale through Dec 23, on all clothing, purses and shoes. The shop is located at 631 Oak St., Forest City. Community Pet Center: The Rutherford County Animal Control Facility and the Community Pet Center office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 27, and reopen Monday, Dec. 28, at 12 p.m. Holiday hours: All Rutherford County convenience centers and the central landfill will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Regular hours will resume Saturday, Dec. 26. Veteran services: Adult day care is available for veterans 2-3 times per week, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at LIFECare. If you are caring for a veteran, contact LIFECare at 288-1697. Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program is accepting applications for eligible clients for possible assistance. Applicants must provide proof of ownership, verification of income on each household member and past 12 months usage history on their utility bills. It is also open to tenants, providing the landlord gives written permission and contributes a portion of the cost to receive Weatherization measures. For more information contact Becky McKelvey at 828-287-2281 ext. 1238. Guardian ad Litem program: Federal and N.C. laws mandate legal representation for children in abuse and neglect court proceedings. Community volunteers are a powerful voice in advocating for children and helping them to find their voice in the court system. To find out how you can become a Guardian ad Litem, call 287-3929. Veterans Brick Memorial: The Veterans Brick Memorial at the National Guard Armory on Withrow Road is currently under construction. The cost is $50 per brick in memory or in honor of a veteran. Each brick will have three engraved lines, up to 13 characters. For further information call 828-980-4015. Sponsored by DAV Chapter 25 and the National Guard. SWEEP: (Solid Waste Environmental Energy Panel) meets the first Friday of each month at GDS at 141 Fairgrounds Road. If you are concerned about our environment and recycling please join us.

itors too,” said TDA Acting Director Michelle Whitaker. “And a lot of interest is again being generated by the Polar Plunge.” AAA Carolinas is predicting that more than three million North Carolinians are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home this holiday season – which for folks heading west out of Rutherford County means heading into the mountain areas where snow, sleet and ice are still causing traffic tangles. “People need to reduce their speed and increase their following distance .... If everyone does that we will have a happy and safe holiday season,” Gilreath said. An average of four traffic deaths a

Furlough Continued from Page 1A

inconvenienced by this closing.” Officials had hoped spending some of the county’s fund balance would help them avoid any pay cuts or unpaid leave for county employees. “It was recommended to Commissioners that the county commit approximately $1,800,000 of fund balance in fiscal year 2008-2009 and fiscal year 2009-2010 to balance last year’s and this year’s budget,” Condrey explained. “This $1,800,000 is the

day have occurred during the past two years on North Carolina roads during this holiday period. North Carolina highways witnessed over 50 fatalities during the 2007 and 2008 winter holiday seasons. An average of almost 300 traffic injuries a day were reported in the state during the holidays. “If we have one (fatality) that’s more than we wanted,” Gilreath said. Gilreath said holiday travelers should plan for travel delays rather than trying to make up time by speeding. Travelers should also have emergency preparedness kits in their cars in case of bad weather or accidents. “Even in my patrol car I have a blanket and an extra coat,” he said. During the snow and ice over the weekend Gilreath said he encountered many drivers who did not have extra

coats or even a full tank of gas. “If you get to an area and have to pull over, are you going to sit there and freeze to death because you only have three-fourths of a tank of gas?” he said. Drunk driving is a major problem during this travel period with holiday parties and New Year’s celebrations. Gilreath said the state’s “Booze It and Loose It” will be in effect. North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reports that I-40 near the border with Tennessee will remain closed for the removal of boulders and debris over the holidays. Crews are still working to remove the remnants of the October rock slide. Those heading to Tennessee are instructed to take I-26 to I-81.

amount that was added to the fund balance in FY2007-2008.” The theory was that the county’s fund balance will be no worse off at the start of the new fiscal year than fiscal year 200708. But at the end of the first quarter, the county was looking at spending about $350,000 more from fund balance. The $350,000 amount is due to lower sales tax collections in recent months — an amount about $245,000 less than expected. State budget cuts have also hit the county for about $145,000. “Department heads have cut enough money from their budgets to allow

the county to put a contingency line item in place so that the Sheriff’s Department, Detention, 911 and EMS could pay part-time employees to fill in as needed for furlough time,” Condrey explained. “Department heads reviewed their budgets and found reductions in the amount of $240,000. These three days of unpaid leave amount to approximately $140,000. This meets our target of $350,000 plus a cushion for bringing in Emergency Service personnel as needed for the three days.”

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

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

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 — 7A

Inside Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . Page 8A Meineke Bowl . . . . . . Page 9A Braves trade . . . . . . . . Page 9A

Bulldogs roll past Trojans

Central takes second at swim meet KINGS MOUNTAIN — R-S Central’s Swim Team placed second overall in a swim meet last week at King’s Mountain High School. Other schools competing were King’s Mountain, Crest, and Hunter Huss. Event winners for the Hilltoppers were: Shawn Deese, 100-yard Backstroke and 200-Yard Freestyle; Kendall Corbett, 50-Yard Freestyle and 100-Yard Butterfly; Christy Powell, Kaley Holmstrom, Morgan Atchley and Kate Fetherolf 200-Yard Medley Relay; and Holmstrom, 200 IM. The next swim meet is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 8, at ICC in Spindale beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Serena Williams is Athlete of Year NEW YORK (AP) — Playing her best at the most important events, Serena Williams re-established herself as the top player in women’s tennis in 2009 and was a landslide choice as Female Athlete of the Year by members of The Associated Press. Williams received 66 of 158 votes cast by editors at U.S. newspapers that are members of the AP. No other candidate got more than 18 votes in the tally, which was announced Tuesday. Clearly, Williams’ most infamous on-court episode — a tirade directed at a line judge after a foot-fault call near the end of her U.S. Open semifinal loss in September — didn’t hurt her standing in the eyes of the voters. “People realize that I’m a great player, and one moment doesn’t define a person’s career,” Williams told the AP. “And I was right, for the most part: It wasn’t right the way I reacted — I never said it was — but I was right about the call.” She also noted that the outburst, which resulted in a record fine and two-year probationary period at Grand Slam tournaments, “got a lot more people excited about tennis.” The 28-year-old American tends to do that, thanks to her powerful, athletic play and her outgoing personality. “We can attribute the strength and the growth of women’s tennis a great deal

On TV 1 p.m. (FSS) College Basketball Long Beach State at Kentucky. 5:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Women’s College Basketball Stanford at Connecticut. 7 p.m. (FSS) NHL Hockey Montreal Canadiens at Carolina Hurricanes. From the RBC Center in Raleigh. (TS) NHL Hockey Atlanta Thrashers at Boston Bruins. From TD Garden in Boston. 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Mississippi at West Virginia. 8 p.m. (ESPN) College Football San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl — California vs. Utah. From San Diego. 9:30 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Illinois vs. Missouri. From St. Louis. 10:30 p.m. (FSS) College Basketball North Carolina State at Arizona. 11:30 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Second Semifinal: Teams TBA. From Honolulu.

By KEVIN CARVER Sports Reporter

Thomas Jefferson’s Michael Dedmon (2) breaks past the Madison defense Tuesday during the basketball game at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. Garrett Byers/ Daily Courier

Madison pounds TJCA By JACOB CONLEY Sports Reporter

AVONDALE — Madison used a stifling defense and big runs in each of the four quarters to sprint past Thomas Jefferson 78-39 on Tuesday night. “The biggest thing that the team needs to do right now is not get discouraged,” said Gryphons coach Chris Gash. “There are certain intangibles in the game of basketball like boxing out and rebounding that we are working on and once we take care of the little things that win basketball games, everything else will come around.” The Patriots used superior size, athleticism and a swarming defense to go on a 12-0 run after a Richard Petty layup off the opening tap. A Michael Dedmon three-pointer at the end of the quarter was a high note for the Griffs, who trailed 23-13 at that point. Madison stayed in the press to begin the second quarter and it paid dividends as the Patriots converted Gryphon backcourt turnovers into easy baskets and a big run pushed the lead to 20 Please see TJCA, Page 8A

CHASE — Stopping the Burns basketball tandem of Brandon Littlejohn and Brandon Whitworth was just too tough for Chase on Tuesday night as Burns won a South Mountain Athletic contest 82-68. The Brandons combined for 31 first-half points and Chase was never able to reel the lead back inside of double digits. Whitworth ended with 33 points and Littlejohn had 22. Both teams started out red hot from the field, Chase was 8-of-16, while Burns was 11-of-18 in the first quarter alone. Carlos Watkins (26 points) hit a bucket to cut the Burns lead to 16-15 midway through the opening period, but the Bulldogs answered with a 9-2 run to take a 25-17 lead at the end of the quarter. The Trojans’ Adam Cooper, with a strong move inside, and Josh Mills with a threepointer, pulled Chase to within 39-30 late in the second, but Burns went to the locker room with a 41-30 lead. The running Bulldogs did just that after halftime, running feverishly up and down the floor as they ran the lead to 58-43 by the end of the third period. With Watkins hitting from the inside on back-to-back, off the window shots, Chase (1-6, 0-3) slashed the lead back to 62-50 with six minutes remaining in the contest. Burns countered with a 10-2 run over the next three minutes to push the Burns (4-4, 1-1) lead back to a comfortable 72-52 advantage that held down the stretch. Andrew Scruggs scored 10 points for Chase.

Chase girls win Garrett Byers/Daily Courier

Thomas Jefferson’s Anna Dedmon (2) makes a rush down court as she advances the ball against Madison.

CHASE — When Chase couldn’t hit their free throws,

Please see Trojans, Page 8A

Hilltoppers upend Patriots, 63-57 RUTHERFORDTON — R-S Central got 19 points from Kyle Holmstrom and good defensive play in a 63-57 win over Freedom Tuesday night. “I was pleased with our intensity and we shot the ball a lot better tonight,” R-S Central boys basketball coach Greg Wright said. “We executed on both ends of the floor well. I believe we need to help ourselves in not turning the ball over, but the only thing we can do to improve that is to get back to work.” The two teams were tied after the first quarter at 11-all and at halftime 24-24, but R-S Central’s 20-12 third

quarter propelled the Hilltoppers to the win. Holmstrom’s five three-pointers led the way for Central. Shaquille Wilkins added 14 points. Defensively, Jacob Kinlaw was the difference with 11 rebounds and five blocks.

Central girls fall RUTHERFORDTON — Keyonna Lewis and Chelsea Connelly proved to be too much as Freedom beat R-S Central, 73-55, on Tuesday night. The loss for the young Lady Hilltoppers ends a six-game win

streak and sets them back to 6-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play. “We played hard, but give credit to Freedom, they brought their “A game” tonight,” R-S Central girls basketball coach Darius Fuller said. “We had too many unforced turnovers and they killed us on the boards and easy inside buckets.” Freedom held the lead after every quarter with an 18-15 advantage after the first quarter, a 36-24 lead at the half, and 53-44 edge after the third. Shannon Hines paced Central with 16, Melissa McLaughlin scored 15 and Mercedes Davis added 10.

Tar Heels romp past Marshall CHAPEL HILL (AP) — Ed Davis had 19 points and 10 rebounds while fellow big man Tyler Zeller matched a career high with 18 points to lead No. 10 North Carolina past Marshall 98-61 on Tuesday night. Marcus Ginyard and Deon Thompson added 14 points apiece and Will Graves had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Tar Heels (9-3). They shook off a sloppy start and broke open a surprisingly close game by scoring 18 straight points early in the second half and holding Marshall without a field goal for roughly 5 1/2 minutes. Shaquille Johnson had 16 points and Tyler Wilkerson added 12 for Marshall (9-2). The Herd had their seven-game winning streak snapped, and were denied their first victory against a ranked Associated Press team since beating then-No. 9 West Virginia in North Carolina forward John Henson (31) battles Marshall forward Tyler 2006. North Carolina claimed the 1,993rd victory in Wilkerson (32) for the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basthe program’s history — only Kentucky, which one ketball game in Chapel Hill Tuesday night earlier won its 2,000th, has more.

8A â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sports

Scoreboard

Trojans Continued from Page 7A

FOOTBALL National Football League

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East L T Pct PF 5 0 .643 365 7 0 .500 316 7 0 .500 282 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

W New England 9 Miami 7 N.Y. Jets 7 Buffalo 5

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF y-Philadelphia 10 4 0 .714 399 Dallas 9 5 0 .643 320 N.Y. Giants 8 6 0 .571 386 Washington 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

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

Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games Indianapolis 35, Jacksonville 31 Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games Dallas 24, New Orleans 17 Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games Tennessee 27, Miami 24, OT Arizona 31, Detroit 24 Atlanta 10, N.Y. Jets 7 Houston 16, St. Louis 13 New England 17, Buffalo 10 Cleveland 41, Kansas City 34 Oakland 20, Denver 19 San Diego 27, Cincinnati 24 Baltimore 31, Chicago 7 Tampa Bay 24, Seattle 7 Pittsburgh 37, Green Bay 36 Philadelphia 27, San Francisco 13 Carolina 26, Minnesota 7 Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Game N.Y. Giants 45, Washington 12 Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games San Diego at Tennessee, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27 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, Dec. 28 Minnesota at Chicago, 8:30 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 vs. Oregon State, late Wednesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl at San Diego Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) 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 22 5 .808 13 17 .433 11 17 .370 7 21 .259 2 26 .071 Southeast Division W L Pct Orlando 21 7 .750 Atlanta 19 7 .731 Miami 13 12 .520 Charlotte 11 16 .385 Washington 9 17 .320 Central Division W L Pct Cleveland 21 8 .724 Milwaukee 12 14 .462 Detroit 11 17 .407 Chicago 10 17 .385 Indiana 9 18 .346 Boston Toronto New York Philadelphia New Jersey

GB â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â 10Â 11 1/2 14 1/2 20Â GB â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â 1Â 6 1/2 10Â 11 1/2 GB â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â 7 1/2 9Â 9 1/2 10 1/2

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB Dallas 20 8 .714 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â San Antonio 15 10 .600 3 1/2 Houston 16 11 .593 3 1/2 New Orleans 12 14 .462 7Â Memphis 12 15 .444 7 1/2 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Denver 19 9 .679 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â Portland 17 12 .586 2 1/2 Utah 16 12 .571 3Â Oklahoma City 13 13 .500 5Â Minnesota 5 23 .179 14Â Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Lakers 22 4 .846 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â Phoenix 18 10 .643 5Â Sacramento 13 14 .481 9 1/2 L.A. Clippers 12 15 .444 10 1/2 Golden State 7 19 .269 15Â Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games Milwaukee 84, Indiana 81 Orlando 104, Utah 99 Sacramento 102, Chicago 98 San Antonio 103, L.A. Clippers 87 Cleveland 109, Phoenix 91 Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games Charlotte 88, Detroit 76 Washington 105, Philadelphia 98 New York 88, Chicago 81 Boston 103, Indiana 94 Golden State at Memphis, late Atlanta at Minnesota, late L.A. Clippers at Houston, late Portland at Dallas, late Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers, late Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games Houston at Orlando, 7 p.m. Toronto at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Minnesota at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. Utah at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Washington at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Golden State at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Portland at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Atlanta at Denver, 9 p.m. Oklahoma City at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Cleveland at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

MIDWEST Akron 77, Ill.-Chicago 65 Cincinnati 74, Winthrop 57 Creighton 85, Houston Baptist 56 Detroit 76, Cent. Michigan 58 IPFW 75, Valparaiso 72 Illinois St. 80, Grambling St. 56 Loyola, Md. 72, Indiana 67 Michigan 76, Coppin St. 46 N. Illinois 87, Md.-Eastern Shore 69 Northwestern 74, Cent. Connecticut St. 54 Notre Dame 101, Bucknell 69 Purdue 90, SIU-Edwardsville 63 Samford 58, E. Michigan 56 W. Illinois 55, Cent. Arkansas 44 Wright St. 69, Ark.-Little Rock 47 Youngstown St. 82, High Point 69 SOUTHWEST North Texas 71, SE Louisiana 61 Sam Houston St. 93, Fla. International 63 Stephen F.Austin 102, East Central 68 Texas 79, Michigan St. 68 Texas-Arlington 101, Texas Wesleyan 85 FAR WEST BYU 110, Nevada 104 Colorado 92, CS Northridge 58 Nebraska 74, Tulsa 70 Weber St. 66, Morehead St. 64 TOURNAMENT Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Class First Round Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Calif. 78, Northeastern 67 Southern Cal 55, W. Michigan 51 Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball EAST Delaware 85, Buffalo 72 Georgetown 67, N.C. State 66 Louisville 76, New Hampshire 67 Manhattan 63, Fordham 47 Marist 76, Northeastern 69 Navy 54, Air Force 48 Rhode Island 52, Towson 46 Saint Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 78, Old Dominion 62 Syracuse 72, Delaware St. 20 Troy 54, St. Francis, NY 41 Villanova 44, La Salle 41 West Virginia 79, UMBC 45 SOUTH Ark.-Little Rock 59, Southern Miss. 40 Cent. Arkansas 52, E. Kentucky 47 Charleston Southern 66, Savannah St. 51 Florida Gulf Coast 76, Fla. International 62 George Mason 63, George Washington 53 Georgia 66, Detroit 42 Georgia Tech 62, Georgia St. 50 Kentucky 87, Tenn.-Martin 47 LSU 72, SE Louisiana 27 Louisiana Tech 86, Memphis 76 Pittsburgh 76, W. Kentucky 60 Tulane 75, McNeese St. 45 MIDWEST Drake 67, New Orleans 40 Evansville 73, Ball St. 67 Illinois St. 82, E. Illinois 66 Indiana 73, Toledo 63 Iowa 82, S. Dakota St. 69 Missouri St. 76, SIU-Edwardsville 60 Northwestern 85, Loyola of Chicago 58 Ohio St. 99, W. Illinois 38 Washington 71, W. Michigan 63 SOUTHWEST Kansas 89, Houston 69 Oklahoma St. 90, Oral Roberts 63 FAR WEST CS Bakersfield 76, Miami (Ohio) 56 Cal Poly 63, Santa Clara 55 Pepperdine 91, UC Irvine 74

EAST Army 54, New Hampshire 46 Boston U. 86, Mount St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Md. 77 Colgate 63, Dartmouth 44 Connecticut 71, Maine 54 Duquesne 86, St. Francis, Pa. 56 Kent St. 71, Robert Morris 57 Lafayette 74, St. Francis, NY 69 Lehigh 66, Marist 55 Niagara 77, St. Bonaventure 71 Pittsburgh 74, Ohio 49 Rutgers 66, St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 42 Sacred Heart 82, Holy Cross 79 Seton Hall 94, Navy 56 Syracuse 92, Oakland, Mich. 60 SOUTH Canisius 59, Southern Miss. 56 Clemson 79, W. Carolina 57 Florida Gulf Coast 64, DePaul 61 Florida St. 95, Tenn.-Martin 68 George Mason 89, VMI 86 George Washington 84, East Carolina 80, OT Georgia St. 85, Georgia Southern 65 Georgia Tech 80, Kennesaw St. 55 Longwood 88, Campbell 80 McNeese St. 77, Southern, NO 59 Memphis 87, SE Missouri 57 Middle Tennessee 69, Howard 51 Mississippi St. 88, Centenary 51 Morgan St. 87, Towson 80 North Carolina 98, Marshall 61 North Florida 64, New Orleans 49 Richmond 89, UNC Greensboro 63 South Alabama 67, Florida 66 Virginia Tech 71, UMBC 34 William & Mary 70, Radford 68

TJCA

HOCKEY National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF New Jersey 35 26 8 1 53 106 Pittsburgh 37 25 11 1 51 116 N.Y. Rangers 36 17 16 3 37 99 N.Y. Islanders 37 13 17 7 33 90 Philadelphia 35 15 18 2 32 95 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Buffalo 35 22 10 3 47 94 Boston 35 17 11 7 41 90 Ottawa 36 18 14 4 40 100 Montreal 38 17 18 3 37 97 Toronto 37 13 16 8 34 106 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Washington 36 22 8 6 50 130 Atlanta 35 18 13 4 40 115 Florida 38 16 15 7 39 111 Tampa Bay 36 13 14 9 35 91 Carolina 36 9 21 6 24 89 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF 34 23 8 3 49 103 36 22 11 3 47 106 36 18 13 5 41 98 35 16 14 5 37 91 37 14 16 7 35 105 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF Colorado 38 21 11 6 48 113 Calgary 35 20 11 4 44 101 Vancouver 36 20 16 0 40 110 Minnesota 36 17 16 3 37 93 Edmonton 36 15 17 4 34 107 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF San Jose 36 21 8 7 49 119 Los Angeles 37 22 12 3 47 111 Phoenix 37 22 13 2 46 96 Dallas 36 15 10 11 41 107 Anaheim 35 14 14 7 35 99

Chicago Nashville Detroit St. Louis Columbus

Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College Basketball

they had to rely on rebounding and holding possession. The strategy paid off as the Lady Trojans survived a late Burns surge to win 60-57. Chase held a slim 58-57 lead with under 17 seconds left. The Trojansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Euletha Davis missed two free throw attempts, but she got the rebound on the second miss and went back to the line again with 12 seconds remaining. After Davis missed those attempts as well, Burnsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; had the ball and a chance to take the lead. The Lady Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Katy Hardy lost the ball and Chaseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kendra Holcombe picked it up. Holcombe avoided being fouled while running all the way to the other end and delivered an assist to Kaitlyn Smart, who hit a lay up at the buzzer to seal the win. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought the overall effort was there and we need to do the little things better,â&#x20AC;? Chase girls coach Eric Martin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the key free throws in the fourth quarter, but we did get the key rebounds tonight. Burns kept it close and gave us a battle.â&#x20AC;? Chase jumped out to a quick four-point lead with Smartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseline jumper and then Daisha Edwardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dish to Davis for a driving lay up. Burns used a free throw and a three-pointer late in the period to tie the game at 13-13 after the first period. Burns was held to 2-of-17 shooting in the second quarter and the only thing that allowed them to stay close was free throw shooting. Chase shot 6-of-14 in the period and Caroline Cordellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two three-pointers from the corner was the difference as Chase led 28-22 at the half. The Lady Bulldogs went on a 15-9 run in the third quarter to tie the game back at 37-all by the end of the third period. Chase (3-4, 1-2), down 45-44, picked up the offensive intensity to begin the fourth period as Smart drove left of the lane, hit the bucket and earned a free throw to take back the lead. Holcombe added an three-point play and Smart rattled home another strong inside basket to put the Lady Trojans up 53-46 with under four minutes remaining, which set up the dramatics at the conclusion. Smart led the way for Chase with 20 points, while Holcombe had 15 and Davis 10 for the Lady Trojans.

Continued from Page 7A

points. The home team continued to fight as Ryan Spurlin and Caleb Sundell each added to the Griff tally in the frame. Madison carried a 43-18 lead into the locker room at the half. TJCA had more success to begin the third as they were able to easily get into their half court sets, which resulted in two early conversions by Dillon Moore. But the Griffs could only garner one more field goal in the quarter, while the Patriots continued to click as they built a 67-24 lead going into the final period. The Gryphons out-scored the Patriots 15-11 in the final period.

GA 75 95 102 120 103 GA 76 87 103 107 130 GA 100 108 122 109 131 GA 71 101 96 97 131

Madison girls win

GA 110 87 93 103 120 GA 95 108 85 112 111

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games Montreal 4, Atlanta 3, OT Tampa Bay 4, N.Y. Islanders 2 N.Y. Rangers 3, Carolina 1 Florida 4, Philadelphia 1 Buffalo 3, Toronto 2, OT Boston 2, Ottawa 0 New Jersey 4, Pittsburgh 0 Colorado 4, Minnesota 3 San Jose 4, Dallas 2 Phoenix 5, Columbus 2 St. Louis 7, Edmonton 2 Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games San Jose at Chicago, late Anaheim at Colorado, late Nashville at Vancouver, late Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games Florida at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. Atlanta at Boston, 7 p.m. Toronto at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m. Montreal at Carolina, 7 p.m. Edmonton at Minnesota, 7 p.m. Ottawa at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Buffalo at Washington, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Columbus at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Anaheim at Phoenix, 9 p.m. St. Louis at Calgary, 9:30 p.m.

The Lady Gryphons were one quarter away from securing their first conference win, but a long field goal drought in the fourth quarter doomed TJCA to a 49-39 loss, in spite of 24 points from Murphy Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oyen. The Lady Patriots scored two easy buckets on the inside to start the contest but TJCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oyen nailed a three-pointer to get the Griffs on the board at 4-3. After Madison went on a 5-0 run, Anna Dedmon and Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oyen led TJCA on a 7-2 run as the home team finished the opening quarter trailing 12-11. Madison opened the second frame on a 4-0 run that was ended by a Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oyen three pointer. From that point, the teams traded baskets until Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oyen scored on a nice give and go and then canned a long jumper to give the Gryphons a 24-20 halftime lead. The Lady Patriots employed a press to start the second half and that allowed the visitors to retake the lead at 26-24, but a personal 5-0 run by Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oyen allowed the Griffs to take a three-point lead midway through the frame. The teams then swapped baskets until Madison went on a 4-0 run late in the frame to take a 34-33 lead going into the final quarter. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oyen then knocked down a three-pointer to give the Lady Gryphons a 38-36 lead with 7:50 left in the contest. The Patriots then went on a 9-0 run that covered a five-minute span and Madison went on from there to take the win.

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Sports

Nebraska’s Suh named AP Player of Year

Meineke Bowl

NEW YORK (AP) — Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh bulled past the guys who play the glamour positions and proved you don’t have to score touchdowns or toss passes to be the player of the year. Spurred by a dominant performance against Texas in the Big 12 title game, Suh became the first defensive player voted The Associated Press College Football Player of the Year on Tuesday. Suh had already won two defensive player of the year awards — the Nagurski and Bednarik — and two for best lineman — the Lombardi and Outland. He also finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. “Just being recognized as player of the year is a huge accomplishment,” Suh said in a recent phone interview from Lincoln, Neb. He received 26 of a possible 59 votes from AP college football poll voters to edge Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, who received 20 votes. Heisman winner Mark Ingram finished tied for third with Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, each getting six votes. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow received one vote. Since the AP started handing out a player of the year award in 1998, all the winners have been Associated Press quarterbacks or running backs. “It’s a great choice,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini North Carolina coach Butch Davis watches his team run through stretching exercises Tuesdayin Charlotte. North Carolina faces Pittsburgh on Saturday in the Meineke Bowl NCAA college football game. said. “ I give (the voters) a lot of credit. I’m not taking anything away from Ingram or McCoy or any of the other guys. I just think at his position, you would be hard-pressed to say there’s a better player than Suh. He’s had a tremendous year.” It’s the fourth time the AP award went to a player other than the Heisman winner and first since PITTSBURGH (AP) — They so rebuilding his team’s confia positive. Our kids are talking could be heading to the Sugar dence and positive state of mind about it, and as they start watch- Iowa quarterback Brad Banks beat out USC’s Bowl for the first time in 28 might be Wannstedt’s biggest ing the tape it’s starting to build. Carson Palmer in 2003. Suh finished behind Ingram, Gerhart and McCoy years. Instead, the Pitt Panthers challenge. ... They (the Tar Heels) are a talin the Heisman voting, though he did receive more took off Monday for Charlotte It’s showing, too. ented group. I can sense that our points than any fourth-place finisher in the 75-year and a day-after-Christmas bowl Wannstedt ran three rugged guys are getting into the chalhistory of the award. game they hope doesn’t get lost practices after finals ended last lenges of who’s playing against Suh, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound senior, was already amid the post-holiday shuffle week, with far more contact who.” having an All-America-caliber season before the and more important bowls. than usual during the season. Last year was Pitt’s first bowl Cornhuskers played Texas on Dec. 5 at Dallas Last-minute losses to rival There also are signs reading game in four years and their Cowboys Stadium. West Virginia and Big East “Let’s Be Different, End With 10” coach’s first, and it showed. He nearly led Nebraska to a stunning upset, with champion Cincinnati pushed throughout the Panthers’ pracThat’s one reason Wannstedt 12 tackles and 4½ sacks. The Longhorns kicked a Pitt (9-3) out of the Top 10, tice complex. is taking more of a hardline last-second field goal to escape with a 13-12 viccost them the Big East title and Last season, Pitt had a chance approach this season, saying the tory, but Suh was so utterly unblockable he earned raised questions whether they to reach the 10-win mark for the team will enjoy the bowl trapa trip to New York as one of five finalists for the could be setting themselves up first time since 1981, only to fall pings in Charlotte but will be Heisman. for another bad bowl like last flat in the Sun Bowl. Wannstedt more concerned with preparing He finished the season with 12 sacks and was the season’s. doesn’t want a repeat of that well. pillar of the ninth-ranked defense in the country. Pitt might not have played a performance in Charlotte, saying The Panthers might have to be “I think I had a good year,” he said. “I definitely worse bowl game in its history his Panthers have some “unfintheir own biggest supporters on got better in a couple of areas. I won’t say I’m satthan its 3-0 loss to Oregon State ished business.” this trip, too. Pitt offered free isfied by any means, because we still have a big in the Sun Bowl a year ago, and “The seniors have done so tickets to students who want to game left to play against Arizona in the Holiday it certainly is on coach Dave much to take this program back attend, but it’s unlikely many Bowl.” Wannstedt’s mind as he prepares to national prominence, and fans will make the trip given the He’ll tell you he’s still learning to play the game. his team for Saturday’s Meineke we’ve got to finish this thing bowl is so close to Christmas Bowl against North Carolina out,” Wannstedt said. “We had and the two season-ending Suh got a relatively late start to football. Soccer (8-4). two tough losses at the end, and losses, 19-16 to West Virginia on Sometimes when a team’s we’ve got to finish on a positive Nov. 27 and 45-44 to Cincinnati and basketball were his thing growing up in Portland, Ore., the son of a Jamaican mother and regular season ends and there is note.” on Dec. 5. father from Cameroon. His name means “House of a gap before the bowl games, a Wannstedt’s selling points to “After going to the bowl game Spears” in the language of the Ngema tribe. player’s legs aren’t as fast to go his players: Winning the bowl last year and the entire bowl But Suh literally outgrew soccer. His mother, as his mind. Stamina and condi- game will make the season far game experience, I think it’s now Bernadette, was apprehensive about allowing her tioning don’t disappear in three more satisfying than losing the a ‘been there, done that’ for most son to play football, but eventually gave her perweeks’ time, but motivation and final three games would. of these guys,” Wannstedt said. drive occasionally do. “The best thing about this is “I’m optimistic that we’ll be able mission. Suh went through some tough times in his first The No. 16 Panthers (9-3) have that we’ve got another game to to be a little more efficient from two seasons at Nebraska, being part of one of the rarely had successive losses as play,” Wannstedt said. “We’ve a football standpoint. I know worst defenses in school history in 2007. Then disappointing as those in their got another opportunity to go that I will, because last year was Pelini became the Huskers coach and Nebraska’s final two regular season games, out and make a disappointment my first year going through it.” defense began to turn around with Suh leading the charge.

Pitt enters game after tough losses

Braves trade Vazquez to Yankees for Cabrera

Associated Press

In this Sept. 7 file photo, New York Yankees’ Melky Cabrera follows through on a hit. On Tuesday, pitcher Javy Vazquez was traded back to the Yankees by the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Cabrera.

NEW YORK (AP) — When Javier Vazquez last threw a pitch for the New York Yankees, it was a nadir in the team’s storied history. He gave up two homers to Johnny Damon, including a key grand slam, as the Yankees lost Game 7 of the 2004 AL championship series to Boston. Now Vazquez is back, acquired Tuesday from the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Melky Cabrera as New York tweaks its championship roster in an effort to win back-to-back titles. In a trade that pushed New York’s payroll for next season over $200 million, the Yankees also obtained left-hander Boone Logan and sent the Braves a pair of pitching prospects, left-hander Mike Dunn and right-hander Arodys Vizcaino, along with about $500,000. Atlanta had six starting pitchers after giving Tim Hudson a $28 million, three-year contract in November. The trade left the Braves with a rotation that includes Hudson, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami.

“We knew that we would have an extra pitcher that would allow us to improve our club in another area and so we have worked hard the last two months to try to figure out the best package that we could acquire,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said. Vazquez, a 33-year-old righthander, is coming off an outstanding season. He was 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA and 238 strikeouts this year for the Braves and finished fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting. One of baseball’s most durable pitchers and top strikeout artists, Vazquez has reached at least 198 innings and 32 starts in each of the past 10 seasons. Cabrera had been the Yankees’ starting center fielder for most of the last three seasons. After losing the job to Gardner during spring training this year, he quickly regained it and hit .274 with 13 homers and 68 RBIs, helping the Yankees win the World Series for the first time since 2000. But he has a .239 postseason average with just six

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RBIs in 67 at-bats. A versatile switch-hitter, Cabrera made $1,425,000 last season and is eligible for free agency after the 2012 season. “He has the ability to play all three outfield positions,” Wren said. “He’s just the perfect complement for the way we like to play the game.” Logan, acquired by the Braves from the White Sox in the Vazquez trade last December, was 1-1 with a 5.19 ERA in 20 relief appearances. The 24-year-old Dunn had a combined 99 strikeouts in 73 1-3 innings at Triple-A Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Trenton, going 4-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 38 relief appearances. He made his major league debut on Sept. 4 and had a 6.75 ERA in four appearances. Vizcaino, who is 19, was 2-4 with a 2.13 ERA at Class-A Staten Island, striking out 52 in 42 1-3 innings. With the deal, Atlanta freed up payroll to acquire a power hitter. “We’ve been focused on that all offseason,” Wren said.

10A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

weather/nation Weather The Daily Courier Weather Today

Tonight

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Partly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Isolated Rain

Rain Likely

Partly Cloudy

Mostly Sunny

Precip Chance: 10%

Precip Chance: 30%

Precip Chance: 70%

Precip Chance: 10%

Precip Chance: 5%

52º

32º

47º 35º

45º 35º

52º 29º

48º 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 .

. . . .

.48 .20 .51 .27

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

Barometric Pressure

City

Asheville . . . . . . .51/30 Cape Hatteras . . .46/37 Charlotte . . . . . . .52/33 Fayetteville . . . . .52/32 Greensboro . . . . .48/30 Greenville . . . . . .48/30 Hickory . . . . . . . . . .50/31 Jacksonville . . . .51/32 Kitty Hawk . . . . . .44/35 New Bern . . . . . .48/29 Raleigh . . . . . . . .50/30 Southern Pines . .52/31 Wilmington . . . . .55/35 Winston-Salem . .48/30

Sun and Moon Sunrise today . . . . .7:33 a.m. Sunset tonight . . . . .5:20 p.m. Moonrise today . . .11:35 a.m. Moonset today . . . . .Next Day

Moon Phases

High yesterday . . . . . . .30.22"

Relative Humidity High yesterday . . . . . . . . .81%

First 12/24

Last 1/7

Full 12/31

Thursday

Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx pc s pc s pc s pc s s s s s s pc

48/35 49/47 48/36 52/40 46/34 48/38 45/33 52/42 44/43 48/41 48/36 50/39 55/49 46/33

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

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 48/30

Asheville 51/30

Forest City 52/32 Charlotte 52/33

Today

Wilmington 55/35

Thursday

Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

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

.55/39 .30/19 .33/31 .29/24 .41/31 .62/41 .76/69 .32/23 .33/17 .50/32 .56/42 .41/32 .75/58 .32/18

51/46 34/27 36/35 31/31 44/37 67/43 78/70 37/32 38/30 51/33 56/43 42/32 79/62 34/26

Kinston 49/30

Today’s National Map

City

s s sn s rs s pc s s s s pc s s

Greenville 48/30

Raleigh 50/30

Fayetteville 52/32

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

Across Our Nation

Elizabeth City 46/30

Durham 49/29

Winston-Salem 48/30

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

10s

30s

40s

20s

30s

60s

40s

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

50s

Stationary Front

Warm Front

40s 50s

30s

60s

70s

Low Pressure

High Pressure

Nation Today Priest bets for church

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina priest missed the $1 million top prize in a poker tournament to be televised this weekend but he won $100,000 for his church and he hopes his participation gives viewers a “fun twist” on their perceptions of the priesthood. The Rev. Andrew Trapp said he entered the PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge in hopes of putting St. Michael Catholic Church “super close” to its $5.5 million fundraising goal to build a new facility. He also wanted to strike a public relations blow for priests. The top prize went to retired New York Police detective Mike Kosowski.

Shooter targeting cars

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — A gunman appears to be targeting moving vehicles in a small patch of suburban Cleveland, hitting at least four cars in three shootings since midAugust, police said Tuesday. No one has been hurt. All the shootings have happened on or near Prospect Street within a half-mile area in a residential neigh-

borhood bordered by a park in the city of Berea. Investigators think the same person is responsible because the caliber of weapon is similar, police Lt. Gary Black said.

Wrecks leave four dead PHOENIX (AP) — A sudden dust storm Tuesday spawned a series of collisions involving as many as 20 vehicles on Interstate 10 south of Phoenix, leaving at least four people dead. Arizona Department of Public Safety officials said other casualties were airlifted to Phoenix hospitals with severe burns and other trauwind storm down here.

Democrat will join GOP WASHINGTON (AP) — Freshman Democratic House member Parker Griffith of Alabama is switching to the Republican Party, his office said Tuesday, another blow to Democrats facing a potentially tough midterm election. Griffith, 67, was narrowly elected last year from a region of northern Alabama that includes Huntsville and Decatur.

Associated Press

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner looks on at left, as President Barack Obama makes a statement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday after meeting with chief executive Officers of small and community banks.

Obama vows to help banks help business WASHINGTON (AP) — Sounding a friendly tone to the nation’s community bankers, President Barack Obama on Tuesday said the White House will seek to cut bureaucratic restrictions so that local lenders can help businesses seize “enormous opportunities” for growth after bleak times. “We feel very optimistic that the worst is behind us,” the president declared after meeting with heads of a dozen small and community banks. The event, among the final acts of business for Obama before he leaves for a Christmas vacation in Hawaii, follows a similar meeting the president held at the White House with some of the nation’s top bankers. But the tone was different this time. Obama had implored those bankers to help keep the fragile recovery from faltering by increasing lending to small businesses and supporting a rewrite of financial regulations. With the smaller lenders, he rallied behind them. Obama said his administration does not have direct influence over independent regulators but would still seek to spotlight cases in which restrictions may have become too tight on community banks, causing the pendulum to swing too far in the direction of not lending. “There remains enormous opportunities as we come out of this recession for businesses to start growing again and to start hiring again,” Obama said. He pledged that the White House would keep working in the months ahead to spur the lending needed to help businesses hire. Unemployment remains in the double digits as the year nears its end, dragging down the mood of the country and the poll numbers of Obama with it. Obama made a point to say the community lenders are largely not responsible for the risky behavior that helped imperil the U.S. financial system. There are about 8,000 small and community banks with assets of less than $5 billion, most of them with assets of no more than $1 billion. They are important to the Obama administration because they make more than 50 percent of small busi-

ness loans under $100,000. Obama’s relationship with smaller bankers is friendly. They have generally backed the administration’s financial regulatory package and have received kinder treatment in the House version of the legislation. For example, banks with assets of less than $10 billion will not have to undergo a separate bank examination by a proposed consumer protection agency. Large banks would have to submit to such a review. As a result, a rift has developed between large financial institutions and community bank organizations. The American Bankers Association last week sent an e-mail to its members lamenting the position the Independent Community Bankers Association had taken by not fighting against the House financial regulation bill. At the same time, these banks are especially vulnerable. Commercial real estate lending conditions got worse for these banks in the third quarter. They have been hit by bank failures and banking experts fear it could get worse. That poses a dilemma for the White House, which wants more lending from these banks, and is ready to pump about $30 billion in TARP money for a small business lending program. Small bankers have told administration officials that they are reluctant to take the money because of the stigma associated with federal assistance. According to the Federal Reserve, loans by the nation’s 8,000 banks fell 8 percent to $6.7 trillion in the past year, and some analysts expect them to keep falling at least through next year. Obama sees unlocking tight credit markets as one way to tackle a national unemployment rate clinging to double digits. November’s unemployment rate was 10 percent, down slightly from 10.2 percent in October. Obama argues that jobs will be created if small business owners — who employ the majority of U.S. workers — get the money they need to expand their operations.

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SEATTLE (AP) — Authorities on Tuesday were investigating a shootout between two sheriff’s officers and a drunken man that they were called to remove from his brother’s home, the third time in three months that officers were injured or killed on duty in the state. The officers killed the gunman before they were rushed to the hospital. Sgt. Nick Hausner, 43, was listed in serious condition at Madigan Army Medical Center near Tacoma, and Deputy Kent Mundell, 44, was in critical con-

dition in the intensive-care unit at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center, said sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer. Troyer said the officers were shot around 8:45 p.m. Monday while responding to a domestic disturbance call at a home near Eatonville, a rural community in the Cascade foothills. David E. Crable, 35, shot the two officers before he was killed when they returned fire, Troyer said, adding that Crable has a history of domestic violence. Troyer said Crable’s brother

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and teenage daughter, who was staying at the home, called to have an intoxicated Crable removed from the home and that he initially agreed to leave with the officers. Crable was holding clothes concealing a handgun when he pulled it out and shot at the officers, who returned fire. “He knew the officers were coming; he intentionally hid it, he waited for them to get inside then he opened fire — at least 10 rounds — on both of them,” Troyer said.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 — 11A

business/finance

THE MARKET IN REVIEW

STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

NYSE

7,184.18 +37.03

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg AtlasPplH 7.00 +2.00 SauerDanf 11.61 +2.48 RadianGrp 8.12 +1.66 MGIC 6.36 +1.26 PMI Grp 2.46 +.43 MBIA 4.31 +.67 Jabil 17.18 +2.16 Textr pfA 170.00+20.00 MoneyGrm 2.96 +.34 Prime pfB 4.58 +.50

%Chg +40.0 +27.2 +25.7 +24.7 +21.2 +18.4 +14.4 +13.3 +13.0 +12.3

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg SwESPRet103.23 -.56 MS eafe11 13.71 -1.83 BlueLinx 3.04 -.36 AldIrish 3.44 -.35 Gramrcy 2.35 -.22 MarineP 4.67 -.41 MMMHouUp21.06-1.84 BkA BM RE 4.21 -.34 Grmrcy pfA 11.02 -.88 VoltInfo lf 10.91 -.83

%Chg -14.8 -11.8 -10.6 -9.2 -8.6 -8.1 -8.0 -7.5 -7.4 -7.1

AMEX

1,789.33 +7.66

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last UnivPwr 3.07 IncOpR 6.91 VirnetX 3.82 TravelCtrs 4.60 NTS Rlty 5.02 Energy Inc 10.38 CKX Lands12.30 NovaGld g 5.71 Ballanty 3.40 AmO&G 4.15

Chg +.42 +.91 +.38 +.43 +.45 +.92 +.97 +.42 +.23 +.28

%Chg +15.8 +15.2 +11.0 +10.4 +9.8 +9.7 +8.6 +7.9 +7.3 +7.2

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last EngySvc un 3.44 Emergent 7.20 TiensBio 2.50 ChMarFd n 6.74 Barnwell 4.36 ChiRivet 13.60 AmLorain n 2.87 Sifco 14.20 ExeterR g 7.10 Wilber 7.21

Chg %Chg -.25 -6.8 -.52 -6.7 -.18 -6.6 -.42 -5.9 -.27 -5.8 -.65 -4.6 -.13 -4.3 -.61 -4.1 -.29 -3.9 -.29 -3.9

NASDAQ 2,252.67 +15.01

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Athersys 5.55 ChinaInfra 3.32 ADA-ES 6.87 SuperiorBc 3.72 NtDentex 10.63 VlyNBc wt 2.39 TowrFin 4.78 IntriCon 3.50 BrdwyF 6.01 TriMas h 6.15

Chg +3.15 +1.57 +1.37 +.68 +1.91 +.39 +.75 +.49 +.80 +.78

%Chg +131.3 +89.7 +24.9 +22.4 +21.9 +19.5 +18.5 +16.3 +15.4 +14.5

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last KellySB 11.75 FstBkshVA 4.01 KandiTech 4.41 MGP Ing 7.53 AtlBcGp 3.70 SyntaPhm 5.49 DNB Fnl n 6.11 FiberTw rs 4.80 HKHighpw 7.08 BkCarol 4.90

Chg -3.24 -1.06 -.73 -1.20 -.55 -.81 -.89 -.70 -1.03 -.66

%Chg -21.6 -20.9 -14.2 -13.7 -12.9 -12.9 -12.7 -12.7 -12.7 -11.9

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

Name Vol (00) Citigrp 4598796 BkofAm 1000020 SPDR 841405 iShEMkts 603309 BrMySq 497439 FordM 496549 GenElec 476106 WellsFargo 451059 Motorola 390199 ENSCO 382900

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

Last Chg 3.34 -.08 15.33 +.05 111.73 +.40 40.39 +.41 25.59 -.28 9.90 +.23 15.48 -.09 27.16 -.18 8.10 -.29 41.93 -.27

DIARY

1,922 1,139 116 3,177 285 5 3,749,451,745

Name Vol (00) Last Chg NovaGld g 38569 5.71 +.42 JavelinPh 35506 1.32 +.07 GoldStr g 32074 3.17 +.07 Rentech 29063 1.30 -.04 NthgtM g 20213 2.97 -.02 CFCda g 16925 13.43 -.08 NwGold g 15537 3.57 +.11 Taseko 15304 4.29 -.06 CelSci 14105 1.06 ... Oilsands g 12662 1.11 -.01

DIARY

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

269 240 48 557 18 4 99,916,515

Name Vol (00) PwShs QQQ444452 Athersys 434864 ETrade 399339 Intel 350822 Microsoft 349113 Cisco 267568 YRC Wwde 257087 Oracle 233414 Dell Inc 213308 RschMotn 208640

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

Last Chg 45.23 +.27 5.55 +3.15 1.77 +.01 20.04 -.05 30.82 +.30 23.75 +.11 1.14 +.25 24.46 +.03 14.11 ... 67.22 -2.48

DIARY

1,592 1,099 140 2,831 184 26 1,694,206,087

DAILY DOW JONES

ASK ABOUT AN INSURANCE HAVE YOU REVIEWED YOUR

NEEdS ANAlySIS. LATELY?

10,520 Dow JonesINSURANCE industrials LIFE

Close: 10,464.93 Change: 50.79 (0.5%)

10,360

10,200

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 2,242.22 1,119.13 724.84 11,522.13 625.30

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 Dow Industrials Dow Transportation Dow Utilities NYSE Composite Amex Market Value Nasdaq Composite S&P 500 S&P MidCap Wilshire 5000 Russell 2000

Net Chg

10,464.93 4,165.06 400.97 7,184.18 1,789.33 2,252.67 1,118.02 730.54 11,561.38 623.60

+50.79 -.56 -2.71 +37.03 +7.66 +15.01 +3.97 +5.97 +68.39 +5.00

YTD %Chg %Chg

+.49 -.01 -.67 +.52 +.43 +.67 +.36 +.82 +.60 +.81

+19.24 +17.75 +8.15 +24.79 +28.04 +42.84 +23.78 +35.72 +27.23 +24.86

12-mo %Chg

+24.29 +25.89 +12.82 +31.38 +33.60 +48.05 +29.53 +44.34 +33.29 +33.07

MUTUAL FUNDS

8,800 8,000

Last

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 m Name Div Yld PE Last Chg%Chg Name Div Yld PE Last Chg %Chg American Funds InvCoAmA m AT&T Inc 1.68 6.0 14 27.90 +.36 -2.1 LeggPlat 1.04 5.1 76 20.47 +.35 +34.8 Vanguard 500Inv Vanguard InstIdx Amazon ... ... 79 133.75 +.96+160.8 Lowes .36 1.5 20 23.86 +.02 +10.9 American Funds EurPacGrA m ArvMerit ... ... ... 11.22 -.31+293.7 Microsoft .52 1.7 20 30.82 +.30 +58.5 Dodge & Cox Stock American Funds WAMutInvA m BB&T Cp .60 2.3 18 25.74 -.14 -6.3 PPG 2.16 3.7 26 58.87 +.64 +38.7 Dodge & Cox IntlStk BkofAm .04 .3 ... 15.33 +.05 +8.9 ParkerHan 1.00 1.8 27 54.48 -.02 +28.1 American Funds NewPerspA x BerkHa A ... ... 3098900.00+100.00+2.4 Fidelity DivrIntl d Cisco ... ... 24 23.75 +.11 +45.7 ProgrssEn 2.48 6.0 14 41.04 -.38 +3.0 American Funds FnInvA m ... ... 66 29.87 +.13+125.9 PIMCO TotRetAdm b Delhaize 2.01 2.6 ... 76.87 +.61 +22.0 RedHat Dell Inc ... ... 19 14.11 ... +37.8 RoyalBk g 2.00 ... ... 53.36 +.89 +79.9 American Funds BalA m DukeEngy .96 5.6 15 17.26 -.11 +15.0 SaraLee .44 3.6 20 12.27 +.16 +25.3 FrankTemp-Franklin Income A m Vanguard Welltn ExxonMbl 1.68 2.5 16 68.57 +.06 -14.1 SonicAut ... ... ... 10.59 +.19+166.1 Vanguard 500Adml FamilyDlr .54 1.9 13 27.93 -.35 +7.1 SonocoP 1.08 3.6 22 30.31 +.21 +30.9 American Funds BondA m Fidelity GrowCo FifthThird .04 .4 ... 10.20 +.02 +23.5 SpectraEn 1.00 4.9 16 20.44 +.02 +29.9 Vanguard TotStIAdm FCtzBA 1.20 .7 15 162.27 +.47 +6.2 SpeedM .36 2.1 ... 17.23 +.12 +7.0 Vanguard TotIntl GenElec .40 2.6 14 15.48 -.09 -4.4 .36 1.5 ... 24.32 -.22 +23.9 Vanguard InstPlus GoldmanS 1.40 .9 19 164.60 -.85 +95.0 Timken Fidelity LowPriStk d UPS B 1.80 3.1 35 58.58 -.04 +6.2 T Rowe Price EqtyInc Google ... ... 39 601.12 +2.44 +95.4 KrispKrm ... ... ... 2.91 +.07 +73.2 WalMart 1.09 2.0 15 53.34 -.06 -4.9 Hartford CapAprA m Pioneer PioneerA x 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 x 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.

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 +15.5/C +2.5 +38.7/C -0.3 +23.2/D +3.3 +34.1/B +0.4 +35.9/C +2.2 +32.4/D +1.8 +28.7/B +2.7 +31.2/C +2.6 +31.5/C +2.6 +31.6/C -0.1 +41.9/A +3.1 +37.1/A +2.5 +23.8/D +1.2 +52.5/A +0.3 +39.6/B +0.3 +36.8/D +2.6 +38.0/A -0.3 +15.2/C +0.6 +23.7/D +4.1 +44.5/A +1.4 +25.8/C +2.6 +31.6/C -0.2 +16.4/B +5.1 +45.8/B +3.3 +34.2/B -0.1 +40.9/A +2.6 +31.7/C +3.8 +44.8/B +3.0 +31.1/B +2.8 +47.5/A +2.7 +29.1/D -0.1 +4.8/B +1.4 +26.6/C +8.0 +37.5/B +2.1 +37.2/C

10.83 27.27 47.64 27.49 33.80 57.71 15.61 26.14 103.52 102.88 38.47 96.65 24.73 31.53 25.44 27.63 32.70 10.83 16.27 2.07 29.15 103.56 11.83 68.71 27.50 14.55 102.89 31.84 21.06 30.57 35.72 10.35 2.95 14.05 14.91

+6.9/A +3.0/A +3.7/C +1.0/B +6.2/A +4.7/A +2.9/B +1.8/B +0.4/C +0.5/C +7.9/A -0.4/D +0.3/C +5.8/A +5.6/A +3.9/C +4.1/A +6.6/A +2.0/C +3.8/A +4.9/A +0.5/C +2.5/E +4.5/A +1.1/B +5.5/B +0.6/C +3.4/A +0.8/B +3.8/A +1.2/B +4.8/A -1.9/E +0.6/B -0.2/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

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.

Home sales up, push stocks to three-day gain By SARA LEPRO and STEPHEN BERNARD AP Business Writers

NEW YORK — Stocks pushed higher for a third straight day after a surprisingly strong report on housing provided the latest evidence that the U.S. economy is picking up speed. All major indexes gained less than 1 percent Tuesday, with the Standard & Poor’s 500 index and the Nasdaq composite index closing at new highs for the year. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 50 points, bringing its three-day point gain to 156. Stocks got off to a positive start after a report from the National Association of Realtors said home resales jumped 7.4 percent in November. That was much more than the 2.5 percent increase analysts expected. The government’s tax breaks have spurred sales to their highest level in nearly three years. Meanwhile, the dollar rose against the euro as investors bet that the U.S. will recover quicker than economies in Europe. And a gauge of the market’s volatility dropped to its lowest point since May 2008. The Chicago Board Options Exchange’s Volatility Index, known as the market’s fear index, fell 4.6 percent to 19.55, after earlier falling as low as 16.26. It hit a record 89.5 last October during the height of the financial crisis. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 50.79, or 0.5 percent, to 10,464.93. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 3.97, or 0.4 percent, to 1,118.02, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 15.01, or 0.7 percent, to 2,252.67. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq are at their highest levels since last October. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, climbed to levels not seen since August, rising to 3.75 percent from 3.68 percent late Monday. The yield on the three-month T-bill rose to 0.08 percent from 0.05 percent. Short-term rates have remained low, staying in line with the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate, which has been kept at a record level of near zero this year. The dollar moved higher against other major currencies as a third credit-ratings agency downgraded Greece’s government bonds. Worries have been rising in recent weeks about debt levels in Greece, Ireland, Spain and Portugal, leading investors to sell other currencies and buy the dollar. Gold prices fell to $1,086.70, the lowest level since early November, while oil prices reversed an early slide and rose 68 cents to $74.40 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. About three stocks rose for every two that fell on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume was low at 955.5 million shares, compared with 1.01 billion at the same time on Monday. In other trading, the Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 5.00, or 0.8 percent, to 623.60.

Citi disputes loss report

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI is investigating a hacker attack on Citigroup Inc. that led to the theft of tens of millions of dollars, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. Citing anonymous government officials, the Journal reported that the hackers were connected to a Russian cyber gang. Two other computer systems, at least one of connected to a U.S. government agency, were also attacked. Citigroup denied the report. “We had no breach of the system and there were no losses, no customer losses, no bank losses,” said Joe Petro, managing director of Citigroup’s Security and Investigative services. “Any allegation that the FBI is working a case at Citigroup involving tens of millions of losses is just not true.”

A sign proclaiming the house sold is seen in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday. Sales of previously owned homes rose in November more than expected. Associated Press

Pace of growth adjusted down WASHINGTON (AP) — The economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously thought. However, all signs suggest the economy will end the year on stronger footing. The Commerce Department’s new reading on gross domestic product for the July-toSeptember quarter was slower than the 2.8 percent growth rate estimated just a month ago. Economists were predicting that figure wouldn’t be revised in the government’s final estimate on third-quarter GDP. The main factors behind the downgrade: consumers didn’t spend as much, commercial construction was weaker, business investment in equipment and software was a bit softer and companies cut back more on inventories, according to Tuesday’s report. Despite the lower reading, the economy managed to finally return to growth during the quarter, after a record four straight quarters of decline. That signaled the deepest and longest recession since the 1930s had ended, and the economy had entered into a new fragile phase of recovery. Many analysts believe the economy is on track for a better finish in the current quarter. The economy is probably growing at nearly 4 percent in the

October-to-December quarter, analysts say. If they’re right, that would mark the strongest showing since 5.4 percent growth in the first quarter of 2006 — well before the recession began. The government will release its first estimate of fourth-quarter economic activity on Jan. 29. Yet even such growth wouldn’t be enough to quickly drive down the unemployment rate, now at 10 percent. High unemployment and tight credit for both consumers and businesses are expected to continue to weigh on the economic recovery. Many economists predict the economy’s growth will slow to a pace of around 2 or 3 percent in the first three months of 2010. Growth in the final quarter is expected to be driven by companies restocking depleted inventories. Stocks of goods were slashed at a record pace during the recession. So even the smallest pickup in customer demand will force factories to step up production and boost overall economic activity in the final quarter. Stronger sales of exports to foreign customers, as well as spending by U.S. consumers and businesses, also will help underpin fourth-quarter growth. It’s been a wild ride for the economy this year. In the first three months, it shrank at a pace of 6.4 percent — its worst downhill slide in 27 years.

The recession eased in the second quarter, with the economy dipping at a pace of just 0.7 percent. The economy returned to growth in the third quarter. But much of the third quarter’s growth was supported by government stimulus spending. The Cash for Clunkers rebates and an $8,000 tax credit for firsttime home buyers buoyed sales of cars and homes. The clunkers program ended in August, though the tax credit has been extended and expanded beyond first-time buyers. The government makes three estimates of GDP, which measures the value of all goods and services produced in the United States, for a given quarter. Each estimate is based on more complete data. The government’s initial estimate for the third quarter was more energetic, showing the economy’s growth at a 3.5 percent pace. Subsequent estimates, however, showed the recovery was actually slower. Tuesday’s report showed consumer spending grew at a 2.8 percent pace, slightly weaker than the 2.9 percent pace previously estimated and one of the factors behind the lower overall reading. Retail sales, however, showed decent momentum in October and November, raising hopes that holiday sales would fare better than last year, which was the worst in nearly four decades.

Attorney John Crotts www.kinglawoffices.com

(828) 286-3332

KING LAW OFFICES A PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

12A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Nation

White House names new cyber security chief

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has tapped a corporate cyber security expert and former Bush administration official to lead the effort to shore up the country’s computer networks and better coordinate with companies that operate 80 percent of those critical systems. Howard A. Schmidt, a former eBay and Microsoft executive, will become the government’s cyber security coordinator, weathering a rocky selection process that dragged on for months, as others turned the job down. In a letter posted on

the White House web site Tuesday, John Brennan, assistant to President Barack Obama for homeland security and counterterrorism, said Schmidt will have regular access to the president and play a vital role in the country’s security. Schmidt’s selection comes more than 10 months after Obama declared cyber security a priority and ordered a broad administration review. A senior White House official said Obama was personally involved in the selection process and chose Schmidt because of his unique background and skills. Schmidt

will have regular and direct access to the president for cyber security issues, the official said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the selection process. Obama released the findings of the cyber security review nearly seven months ago, vowing that the White House would name a cyber coordinator to deal with one of the “most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation.” U.S. government computer systems are being attacked or scanned millions of times a day. Hackers and cyber

criminals pose an expanding threat, using increasingly sophisticated technologies to steal money or information, while nation-states probe for weaknesses in order to steal classified documents or technology or destroy the networks that run vital services. Corporate computer security leaders have openly expressed frustration with the White House as movement on the job post stalled. At the same time, cyber experts and potential job candidates have complained that the position lacks the budgetary and policy-making authority needed to be suc-

cessful. Schmidt will report to the National Security Council and closely support the National Economic Council on cyber issues. Schmidt’s selection suggests that economic and business interests in the White House held more sway in the selection process. Schmidt, president and CEO of the Information Security Forum, a nonprofit international consortium that conducts research in information security, has served as chief security officer for Microsoft and as cyber security chief for online auction giant eBay.

OFFICIAL BALLOT FOR THE 2009 “BEST OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY”

THE

BEST

People

1. Best Contractor Name 2. Best Electrician Name

4. Best Doctor Name Location

6. Best Dentist Name 7. Best Optometrist Name

Rutherford County 2009

8. Best Insurance Agent Name Business 9. Best Waiter/Waitress Name Restaurant 10. Best Car Salesperson Name 11. Best Hair Stylist Name Salon 12. Best Sales Team Business 13. Best Auto Mechanic Name Business 14. Best Attorney Name 15. Best Service Team Business 16. Best Real Estate Team Business 17. Best Real Estate Agent Name 18. Best Dental Hygienist Name Office 19. Best CPA Name

Dining

3. Best Pharmacist Name

5. Best Nurse Name

Your ballot automatically enters you in the 2009 “BEST OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY” SWEEPSTAKES!

Firm

20. Best Chiropractor Name 21. Best Physical Therapist Name

Goods & Services 22. Best Bank Bank 23. Best Tires Business 24. Best Department Store Business 25. Best Funeral Home Business 26. Best Jewelry Store Business 27. Best Used Cars Business

28. Best Assited Care/Nursing Facility Business

47. Best Nail Salon Business

29. Best Fitness Center Business

48. Best Barber Shop Business

30. Best Computer Sales/Service Business

49. Best Carpet Dealer Business

31. Best Car Rental Business

50. Best Drug Store Business

32. Best Dry Cleaner Business 33. Best Hair Salon Business 34. Best Furniture Store Business 35. Best Video Rental Store Business 36. Best Gas/Service Station Business 37. Best New Cars Business 38. Best Dance Studio Business 39. Best Garage (Automotive) Business 40. Best Florist Business 41. Best Home Improvement Company Business 42. Best Nursery/Garden Center Business 43. Best Kennel Boarding Business 44. Best Tattoo Parlor Business 45. Best Gift Shop Business

1. At least 50% of the questions must be answered on your ballot. 2. When voting on names, please put the first and last names and put “Jr.”, “III”, etc. when applicable. 3. When voting the name of a chain (for example: Hardee’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, McDonalds, etc.) be sure to specify which location.

Name (Please Print) Phone (Home)

70. Best Quick Food Restaurant

74. Best Coffee Shop Restaurant or Store 75. Best Pancake and Waffles Restaurant 76. Best Deli Subs Restaurant or Deli 77. Best Hot Dogs Restaurant or Grill 78. Best Hamburgers Restaurant or Grill

53. Best Appliance Store Business

79. Best Barbeque Restaurant

54. Best Pawn Shop Business

80. Best Fried Chicken Restaurant

55. Best Mattress Dealer Business 56. Best Heating & Cooling CO. Business 57. Best Preschool or Day Care Center 58. Best Book Store 59. Best Hotel/Bed & Breakfast Business 60. Best Photography Business

81. Best Hushpuppies Restaurant 82. Best Soups Restaurant or Grill 83. Best Salad Bar Restaurant or Grill 84. Best Mexican Restaurant Restaurant or Deli 85. Best Pizza Restaurant or Delivery Service 86. Best Steaks Restaurant

61. Best Golf Course Business

87. Best Seafood Restaurant

62. Best Veterinarian Business

88. Best Iced Tea Restaurant or Grill

63. Best Massage Therapist Name

89. Best Ice Cream/Milkshakes Location

65. Best Interior Designer/Decorator Name

(Day)

69. Best “Southern Style” Meal Restaurant

73. Best Chinese Food Restaurant

52. Best Plumbing Company Business

RULES FOR ENTRY

68. Best Value Meal Restaurant

72. Best Italian Food Restaurant

51. Best Manufactured Homes Business

4. No mechanical reproductions (copies) of “answered ballots” will be accepted. 5. All answers must be applicable to Rutherford County for eligibility.

67. Best Home-Cooked Breakfast Business

71. Best French Fries Restaurant

64. Best Insurance Company Name

46. Best Groomer Business

66. Best Restaurant Restaurant

90. Best Desserts Restaurant, Deli or Bakery

6. Send your completed entries to “The Best of Rutherford County” 601 Oak Street, Forest City, NC 28043 7. Ballots must be received by December 29, 2009 8. One entry per person. 9. Must be 18 years or older to participate.

Address Signature

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 — 13A

nation

Poll: Views on health care little changed

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday. From left are, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Ariz., Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., McConnell, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. Associated Press

Dems predict health care passage

WASHINGTON (AP) — From the White House to Capitol Hill, Democrats confidently predicted Senate passage of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul Tuesday after the bill cleared its second 60-vote test and the time was set for a final tally. Coming to the Senate floor in the middle of the afternoon, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced an agreement to vote on final passage at 8 a.m. Thursday morning, Christmas Eve. It would mark the 25th consecutive day of Senate deliberation on health care. “The finish line is in sight,” Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., said at a press conference with other Senate leaders and cheering supporters. “We’re not the first to attempt such reforms but we will be the first to succeed.” At the White House, spokesman Robert Gibbs declared: “Health care reform is not a matter of if. Health care reform is now a matter of when.” Senate Democrats remained united early Tuesday behind their compromise bill over steadfast Republican opposition. A motion to shut off debate and move to a vote on a package of changes by Reid passed 60-39. The final 60-vote hurdle, limiting debate on the bill itself, is expected to be cleared Wednesday afternoon. That would start a 30-hour countdown to a night-before-Christmas vote on the legislation, which needs only a simple majority to pass. The Senate has been voting at odd hours since Monday around 1 a.m. because Republicans have insisted

on using all the time allowed under Senate rules to delay the bill. Not to be thwarted, Reid has refused to postpone action until after the holidays. On Tuesday, they started voting at sunrise. With fatigue and frustration rising, Reid appealed to his colleagues to set aside acrimony and reach for some holiday spirit. “I would hope everybody will keep in mind that this is a time when we reflect on peace and good things,” he said. Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said. Even so, partisan fires were burning. GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina denounced concessions won by conservative Nebraska Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson, whose support gave Democrats the 60th and final vote they need. Among other things, Nelson got an agreement that the federal government will pay to expand Medicaid services in Nebraska. Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa defended the concessions, saying: “The one that’s being talked about for Nebraska, it also benefits other states. It’s not just Nebraska.” He also said he would vote for the package even if it didn’t contain concessions for Iowa. “The principle of this bill overrides everything,” Harkin told CBS’ “Early Show.” Moderate Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who has also been criticized after securing a boost in Medicaid for her state, defended the concessions she got, saying they benefited lowincome families small businesses. The Senate measure would still have to be harmonized with the health care

bill passed by the House in November before final legislation would go to Obama. There are significant differences between the two bills, including stricter abortion language in the House bill, a new government-run insurance plan in the House bill that’s missing from the Senate version, and a tax on high-value insurance plans embraced by the Senate but strongly opposed by many House Democrats. Senate moderates have served notice they won’t support a final deal if government-run insurance comes back. And Democratic abortion opponents in the House say a Senate compromise on the volatile issue is unacceptable. But there’s considerable pressure on Democrats to avoid messy negotiations over a final bill. Public support for the legislation continues to sink in opinion polls. The bills probably have more in common than differences. Each costs around $1 trillion over 10 years and installs new requirements for nearly all Americans to buy insurance, providing subsidies to help lower-income people do so. They’re paid for by a combination of tax and fee increases and cuts in projected Medicare spending. Unpopular insurance company practices such as denying coverage to people with existing health conditions would be banned. Uninsured or selfemployed Americans would have a new way to buy health insurance, via marketplaces called exchanges where private insurers would sell health plans required to meet certain minimum standards.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The public’s views on health care have stayed largely steady this year, despite dramatic swings in the political battle over President Barack Obama’s drive to revamp the nation’s medical system. Overall, 82 percent say an overhaul of the nation’s health care system is important for recharging the economy, according to an average of monthly polls conducted since April by the nonpartisan Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The most recent survey, covering November, found that 77 percent agree with that connection. Personal concerns remained fairly constant as well. About one in four people worry they might lose their health coverage in the next year, while almost half say they are concerned they might not be able to afford care. “Peoples’ health care concerns are most affected by their personal circumstances, and not as much by what’s going on in Washington,” said Brian Quinn, a researcher with the foundation. Reshaping the nation’s health system has been Obama’s top domestic priority this year, but it has run into near-unanimous Republican opposition and an expensive lobbying war involving health care providers, business, labor and other groups. In the latest poll, about six in 10 said a health care overhaul won’t affect their personal access to health care or their family finances. About four in 10, though, say a revamping will improve access to care in the nation overall, while about three in 10 think it will help the country’s financial status. Support for the link between a health overhaul and the economy drops among whites and the better off. While 95 percent of minorities agreed with that connection, just 74 percent of whites said so. Among income groups, 85 percent of the lowest one-third of earners say a health overhaul is important for fixing the economy, compared to just 74 percent of the top third of earners.

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14A — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

nation/world World Today Ahmadinejad dismisses deadline

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s president on Tuesday dismissed a year-end deadline set by the Obama administration and the West for Tehran to accept a U.N.-drafted deal to swap enriched uranium for nuclear fuel. The United States warned Iran to take the deadline seriously. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also accused the U.S. of fabricating a purported Iranian secret document that appears to lay out a plan for developing a critical component of an atomic bomb. Ahmadinejad’s remarks underscored Tehran’s defiance in the nuclear standoff — and also sought to send a message that his government has not been weakened by the protest movement sparked by June’s disputed presidential election.

73 Saudis killed in fighting

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia said Tuesday that 73 Saudis have been killed and 26 have gone missing since the kingdom launched an offensive against Yemeni Shiite rebels along the border last month. The announcement was the first indication that the U.S. ally had suffered such heavy losses in the remote area, where it is difficult to independently confirm details of the fighting. The rebels, known as Hawthis, have alleged dozens of civilian deaths in Saudi air assaults.

Drug war hero’s family slain

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Gunmen mowed down the family of a Mexican marine just hours after the military honored him as a national hero for losing his life during a raid that took down powerful drug kingpin Arturo Beltran Leyva. The brazen attack happened shortly before midnight Monday at the home of fallen marine Melquisedet Angulo in the town of Paraiso in the Gulf coast state of Tabasco, police said. Hit men linked to Beltran Leyva’s cartel have a strong presence in the state and are believed to be behind the slayings of Angulo’s mother, his two siblings and his aunt, federal officials said Tuesday. Another unidentified woman was being treated at a hospital for unspecified wounds.

Tear gas used against protesters

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — Security forces have used tear gas to scatter protesters demonstrating against Madagascar’s military-backed leader. Tuesday’s protest by about 1,000 people outside the parliament building followed Andry Rajoelina’s rejection of international attempts to mediate a political resolution after months of crisis. Col. Richard Ravalomanana, head of the capital’s police force, says two protesters were wounded and 13 arrested.

Associated Press

Philippine National Police officers wear face masks to avoid volcanic ash shrouding Guinobatan township near the restive Mayon volcano in Albay peovince, about 500 kilometers southeast of Manila, Philippines Tuesday. A mild ashfall is being felt in Guinobatan and nearby towns as the country’s most active volcano continue to spew ash since last week.

Most are now safe from volcano LEGAZPI, Philippines (AP) — Almost all of the 47,000 residents living on the slopes of a rumbling volcano in the central Philippines have moved to emergency shelters, and lava and earthquakes Tuesday heralded what officials say could be a major eruption. Low clouds obscured visibility of the smoldering 8,070-foot (2,460-meter) Mayon, towering over coconut farms and rice paddies in coastal Albay province. “Hazardous eruption ... can happen today or in the next few days,” said chief state volcanologist Renato Solidum, adding that an eruption also may not happen. “Nobody has a 100 percent accuracy.” Ash columns were seen rising during a cloud break and Solidum said his team recorded 1,266 volcanic quakes in the last 24 hours, down from nearly 2,000 the previous day. He said that while the quakes were fewer, they were larger. The emission of sulfur dioxide — an indication of magma rising inside the volcano — was

measured at 6,530 tons per day, slightly less than 7,000 tons on Sunday, but still very high, Solidum said. The normal gas emission is 500 tons per day. “Technically, Mayon volcano is already erupting because lava has oozed out,” said Mahar Lagmay, professor of geological studies at the University of the Philippines. A bigger, explosive eruption is still possible but hard to predict, he said. In the past week, more than 45,000 residents living in a five-mile (eight-kilometer) zone around Mayon have been transported in army trucks to school buildings and gymnasiums in and around the provincial capital of Legazpi, where they were given sleeping mats and food supplies to last them through Christmas holidays, said Jukes Nunez, a disaster management official. Some of about 2,000 remaining farmers and their families living on the edge of the exclusion zone have already evacuated their homes three times but keep on returning to check on their

livestock and vegetable farms, Nunez said. Army troops and police were patrolling inside the danger zone to persuade the holdouts to move to a safe distance. Authorities said they were working on an evacuation center for farm animals. Scientists have raised Mayon’s alert level to one step below a hazardous eruption. The only higher level is when a major eruption is in progress. Red hot lava flows had reached three miles (five kilometers) from the crater accompanied by booming and rumbling sounds, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Experts fear a major eruption could trigger pyroclastic flows — superheated gas and volcanic debris that race down the slopes at high speeds, incinerating or vaporizing everything in their path. More extensive explosions of ash could drift toward nearby towns and cities, including Legazpi, about nine miles (15 kilometers) away.

U.S. hikers still being investigated TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Three Americans arrested in July after crossing into Iran from neighboring Iraq are still under investigation, a prosecutor said Tuesday as he underlined Tehran’s concern about 11 Iranians it says are being held in the U.S. Iranian officials have repeatedly mentioned the cases together, and U.S. officials have been concerned that Iran could try to use the detained Americans — said by

their families to be innocent hikers who went astray — as bargaining chips. The Tehran prosecutor did not explicitly link their case to those of the 11 Iranians. “The Americans should know that there are 11 Iranian nationals in U.S. prisons. We hope the Americans are treating them based on regulations,” prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi said, according to the official IRNA news agency.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 — 1B

Inside Honor Rolls. . . . . . . Page 2B Comics. . . . . . . . . . . Page 3B Classifieds . . . . . . Pages 4-7B

Humor Me Abbe Byers

A ‘grand’ time for baking sugar cookies

The sugar cookie factory. “Muh Kissmas, Muh Kissmas,” baby grand spouted as we entered the church Sunday night for the Christmas play. Tucked snuggly into his red coat, all you could see were two little blue eyes hidden in the hood, and small fingers clutching a miniature Tonka vehicle in each hand. Jackson’s great-grandfather — and his namesake — passed away on Thursday, which is the kind of thing a little fellow his age just doesn’t understand. So he spent a good bit of the weekend at our house. On Saturday morning, I made up dough for sugar cookies. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to bake and decorate cookies with my grandson. That afternoon, I cleared the kitchen island and laid out wax paper, pulled cookie cutters from a drawer and colored sugars and sprinkles from the cabinet. Jackson was playing with his cars under the Christmas tree — a picture-perfect sight that brings a smile to your face — when I called him to the kitchen for cookie making. He was just as excited as I was. He climbed his way up to a bar stool and got adjusted on his knees. Briefly, I had a rush of Currier and Ives. This is going to be great. As I rolled out the dough, I gave him the cookie cutters and sprinkles. We had a Christmas tree, a gingerbread man and a snowflake-shaped cutter. “OK. Cut one shape at a time,” I explained to the two-year-old. Have you ever seen that episode of “I Love Lucy,” where she and Ethel are working in the candy factory? The one where the conveyor belt gets faster and faster. Picture this, Jackson is the belt and I am, well, just too darn slow to keep up with him. Those little hands were bop, bop, bopping across the dough, cutting one cookie over another, faster than I could say “Don’t do it that way.” When I tried to stop him or get the cookie cutter, he stuck that little hand up in my face and said “Juss a minute, Abbe.” It’s pretty funny how 38 pounds of toddler can totally out do a grown woman. Yeah. I’d laugh too. Since this wasn’t working, I moved on to Plan B. I’ll roll the dough into balls and let him flatten ‘em, then decorate. The flattening part went over very well. Using that little fist, he smashed those cookies to a pulp. Boy, he meant business too. He was concentrating so hard, his eyes were squinted and the tip of his tongue was stuck out over his bottom lip. The boy is a cookie-flattening machine. In about 20 to 30 minutes, we made three dozen cookies. I had dough up to my elbows and on my clothes, and Jackson had sugar sprinkles stuck in his hair and dough everywhere, even up his nose. (The longer it set out, the stickier it got). We had two cookies that resembled the shape of a tree, one perfect snowflake, two gingerbread men, one with a head, one without, and the rest were round — kind of. Later that night... Visions of sugar cookies danced in my head and I think there was still some dough there, too. Merry Christmas to all! Byers is lifestyles editor for The Daily Courier. Contact her via e-mail at abyers@thedigitalcourier. com.

This plastic snowman was in good company recently when snow fell across Rutherford County.

Rutherford County yards are glowing with Christmas lights this season Photos by Garrett Byers and Jean Gordon More pictures, Page 8B

A brightly colored spiral Christmas tree (above) brings the spirit of the season outdoors while a lighted nativity (right) sits quietly inside a secular scene.

“Bah humbug” seems out of place in this festive display of lights with a happy new year wish.

2B â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

local Honor Rolls East Rutherford Middle

A Honor Roll 6th grade Meredith Aebersold, Charlie Beheler, Matthew Bennett, Carsyn Bern-hardt, Carson Bland, Laurin Bradley, Blake Â Bryant, Lauren Â Camp, Dayana Castellon, Bailey Cirigliano, Alexis Conner, Savannah Davis, Mackenzie Fletcher, Jessice Green, Mollie Hollifield, Dâ&#x20AC;?Andre Kelly, Megan Lawing, Kara McCurry, Reece Oliver, Tanner Peyton, Dawson Ridenhour, Brayden Riffle, Miranda Roberson, Daniella Russell, Chelsea Smith, Ethan Stewart, Madison Weast. 7th grade Cole Baldwin, Jordan Boyd, Subrina Bradley, Austin Causby, Kandace Cooper, Alleya Curtis, Conner Enloe, Briana Geiger, Hannah Goode, Cragan Hardin,

Peyton Jarrett, Morgan Jolley, Houston Jones, Jordan Landis, Julie Martin, Avery Oaks, Brianna Rodriguez, Aaron Simmons, Alysse Smith, Bobbi Soulisa, Matasia Staley, Victoria Strand, Ethan Trull, Ashlyn Vickers, Makayla Whitesides, Harrison Wilkerson. 8th grade Meredith Bennett, Ryan Champion, Alex Elgin, Josh Evans, Sammy Ho, Matthew Humphries, James Hunt, Morgan Lovelace, Rachel Murray, John Padgett, Taylor Sheehan, Kamron Shytle, Erica Smith, Austin Street, Garrett White,

Jenna Carter, Josh Corn, Gracie Crump, Cheyenne Deyton, Madison Earley, Briniya Edrington, Kali Ellis, Haley Eplee, Matthew Galloway, Jonathan Gantt, Shaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kayla Garrison, Zayd Ghaleb, Austin Groome, Hallie Hardin, Brittany Hardy, Mckaylah Heatherly, William Hellard, Shannon Henson, Joshua Hodge, Caitlinn Holt, Dakota Hughes, Austin Hurdt, Talaila Jimerson, Issac Jones, Irine Khabarova, Taylor Lewis, Imani Martin, Kyle Mathis, Jamund McEntyre, Mikael McGarey, Lee Anna McKinney, Avery Meeks, Angie Mendoza, Katelin Moore, Kaitlin Morrow, Jennipher Murray, Mikayla Nolan, Tamakia Petty, Maty Pitchford, Norman Powell, Austin Price, Thomas Proctor, Kayloni Ramseur, Abilia Reyes, Shayna Rhodes, Miranda Roberson, Trevor

Robinson, Christian Sams, Devan Self, Jonathon Sheldon, Brooke Smith, Anthony Stafford, Jessica Stafford, Nicholas Strickland, Hunter Stroup, Jaylynne Thompson, William Turner, Samone Twitty, Noah Van Dyke, Christian Velasquez, Chayton Wiley, Nevin Willard, Ashley Wright, Shelica Wright 7th grade Chiaka Abara, Theresa Atkins, Lindsey Bailey, Lorena Banuelos, Darius Beckett, Christian Beheler, Caleb Bennett, John Bennett, Dylan Bradley, Lillian Bradley, Subrina Bradley, Gelan Bristol, Elijah Brooks, Jerry Burke, Jordan Burnette, Angelica Deleon, Amanda Deniz, Christian Dill, Farrin Eddy, Charleigh Ellison, Sara Evansek, Steven Frost, Deran Gantt, Sanyra Garrison, Ajoyia Hamilton, Avery Haynes, Blake

Henderson, Mackenzie Hodge, Chasidy Hoyle, Chastity Mashburn, Lindsay McCracken, Pauline McCurry, Riki McDonald, Mathew McDowell, Timothy Miller, Madison Morris, Levi Moss, Brooke Murray, Nathan Owens, Mikayla Padgett, Katelyn Peeler, Makenzie Philbeck, Maranda Piercy, Chelsea Radford, Alexus Reynolds, Avery Â Rhoads, Zach Schmidt, Ashton Setzer, Caroline Simpson, Tommy Smith, Madison Terry, Havis Thompson, Tucker Toney, David Tran, Ana Vasquez, Gabrielle Vaughn, Ashlyn Vickers, Alex Walker, Sarah Walker, Lindsay Watson, Allison White, Jessi Whiteside, Olivia Whiteside, Jordan Wilson, Tyler Yount, Brenda Zavala. 8th grade Samantha Aikens, Tyler Atkins, Erica Beaty, Devonte Boykins,

Hannah Bray, Rachel Camp, Tyler Campbell, Josn Conner, Victoria Craig, Ryan Date, Jasmine Davenport, Tracy Dewberry, Megan Dobbins, Rebecca Dotson, Kayla Ensley, Sthefany Flores, Josh Goodwin, Cari Greene, Megan Hall, Tripp Hamrick, Rebekah Hensley, Gray Hill, Austin Hollifield, Will Hollifield, Kierra Jackson, Ashley Johnson, Jade Jolley, Amber Keeter, Naâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shir Kelly, Storm Kiser, Tyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ree Lindsay, Tamra Mathis, Kala McCurry, Tyler McCurry, Jake Melton, Valarie Messer, Bianca Morehead, Mckenzie Morrow, Cody Painter, Zach Perry, Matthew Poindexter, Ashley Powell, Catherine Salamanca, Erica Saubert, Jordan Strickland, Zach Thompson, Zach Trull, Logan Walker, Blake Whisnant, Jasmine Wood, Hannah Wright.

eSÂ¸dS a^`cQSR eSÂ¸dS c^ ]c` a^`cQSR c^ ]c` `Sac[S `Sac[S opportunity eSÂ¸dS b]] knocks. again and B Honor Roll 6th grade Shadae Baxter, Brittany Beheler, Hailey Benner, Kenyona Bethea, , Hannah Blanton, Kelli Bradley, Curtis Bradley, Mikayla Brooks, Kellsey Bryant, Gillian Cabrera,

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 — 3B 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 23 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

Holidays Office Office Holidays Grinc Mid Grinc Mid Niteline Glee Å Ringers The Unit Christmas One Tree Hill

CSI: NY Å News Jay Leno News CSI: NY Å News Cou Cou News Cou Cou News Praise the Lord Å Glee Å News Sein Great Performances (N) BBC The Unit News Ac TMZ Great Performances (N) Tavis Gossip Girl News Office Fam

3 4 7 9 13 16 21 33 40 62

News Mil Ent. Inside News Scene Inside Ent. Wheel J’par Praise Two Sein Busi NC Payne My Tree Lighting Fam Office

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

Dog Dog Bounty Sea Sea Sea Sea Dog Game Game Game Game Game Game Game Game Mo’Nique W. Williams Employee-Mnth } ›› Employee of the Month Dai Col } ›› Life CNN Tonight Camp. Brown Larry King Anderson Cooper 360 Å Larry King Man vs. Wild Man vs. Fish Bristol Bay Bristol Bay Man vs. Fish Bristol Bay Sport Foot College Football SportsCenter Å Bas College Basketball College Basketball College Basketball FOX Report O’Reilly Hannity On Record O’Reilly Hannity NHL Hockey Post Poker College Basketball Final Fire Dog } › Deck the Halls (‘06) } › Deck the Halls (‘06) Christmas } › The Boy in Blue (‘86) } ››› My Cousin Vinny Film } The Commitments Christmas } ›› Silver Bells (‘05) } A Season for Miracles Gold Gold House House Prop Prop House In House Holmes First House In Marvels Beatles Modern Marvels Å Eats Beatles Grey’s Anat. Grey’s Anat. } Holiday Switch (‘07) Å Will Will Fra Me iCarly iCarly Mal Mal Chris Chris Lopez Lopez Nanny Nanny Nanny Nanny Star Wars-Phantom Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of Clones Star Wars Ghost Ghost Ghost Ghost Ghost Ghost Name Name Payne Payne Payne Brow Payne Brow Lopez Sein Sein Knock On } To Have and Have Not } ››› The Big Sleep Drk Pass Kidnapped Tsunami Lottery-Life Fortune Tsunami Lottery-Life Bones Å } ›› A Christmas Carol } ›› The Nativity Story Nativity Story Scooby-Doo! Star Ben King King Fam Fam Chick Aqua NHL Hockey: Thrashers at Bruins Post Lights Words To Be Announced NCIS Å I Now Pronounce You } ›› Bruce Almighty (‘03) Friday Funny Videos } ››› Arthur (‘81) Å WGN News Scru Scru S. S.

8651 8182 8181 8650 8180 8192 8183 8190 8184 8185

Criminal Office Office Criminal Fam Mid Fam Mid

Letterman Late Tonight Show Late Letterman Late Night Kimmel Night Kimmel Good Tonight Friend Frien Jim Charlie Rose Tavis Dr. Oz Show Chea BBC Charlie Rose 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

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

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

PREMIUM CHANNELS

MAX ENC HBO SHO STARZ

510 520 500 540 530

310 340 300 318 350

512 526 501 537 520

Clear-Danger } ›› Street Kings (‘08) } › Friday the 13th :40 } Harlem Nights Corky R } ›› Serendipity :35 } ›› 21 (‘08) Å The Usual Suspects 10,000 B.C. } ›› Body of Lies (‘08) Lovel Every F...ing Robin Williams Mist } › August (‘08) In NFL Kevin Nealon In NFL Boys-2nd St. :05 } ››› Traitor (‘08) Crash Å } › Obsessed (‘09) Å Crash Sho

Family planning headed for crash Dear Abby: My husband and I have been married two wonderful years. I was recently in a serious car accident and am currently unable to drive. The person who mainly drives me around is my husband, but sometimes friends and family take me to my appointments or to run errands. Recently my husband announced that he will no longer take me to buy my birth control pills because he’s ready to have a child and doesn’t want to wait. Since I am out of work, I have no money of my own and must rely solely on him for support. Because he is no longer willing to provide me with the funds to buy birth control, I am unable to ask anyone else to give me a ride to the pharmacy. When we have sex, he refuses to use protection. Although I want children in the future, I do not feel ready to have any now. We married young and still have years ahead of us to get pregnant and be active parents. Please tell me what to do. I’m afraid if I refuse to have a baby with him he will leave or, when I am ready, decide our time to start a family has passed. I love him and would do anything for him. Should I just give in, and is

Dear Abby Abigail van Buren

it really worth a fight? — Not Quite Ready Dear Not Quite Ready: You and your husband need professional mediation NOW. You should not be strong-armed into having a child, which is what your husband is attempting to do. It is often the case that women who become pregnant under the circumstances you have described often feel trapped and resentful, which can negatively affect their ability to parent. If you were so seriously injured in the accident that you can’t drive or work, it’s questionable that you are even healthy enough to start a pregnancy. What’s happening is all wrong, and my alarm bells are blaring. If this is the way joint decisions are made in your marriage, there is real serious trouble ahead for you. So no, you should not just give in, and yes, it really is worth a fight — or, at the very least, further discussion.

Too much saliva hard to swallow Dear Dr. Gott: I have been salivating excessively for several years. I’ve gone to many doctors and cannot get any help. I’m a 77-year-old female and hope you can shed some light on this topic. Dear Reader: Saliva is made in small glands, called salivary glands, that produce one to two cups of saliva each day. The purpose of salivation is to help digest certain starchy foods and to coat foods as they pass into the stomach. The act of emptying the mouth of saliva is done involuntarily and without thought; however, when excess saliva is produced, difficulties with talking, breathing and eating can occur. There are a number of possibilities for the condition. I will cover only those that affect us as we age. They include abscesses in or around the tonsils or pharynx, respiratory infections, dentures, salivary-gland nerve damage, inflammation of mucous membranes, Bell’s palsy, reflux

PUZZLE

Ask Dr. Gott Dr. Peter M. Gott

disease and neurological disorders such as stroke, cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s. Medications taken for asthma, hormone replacement and schizophrenia can also lead to excessive salivation. It is my guess that you had your tonsils out a number of years ago. Should they still remain, you may have your answer. Treatment is directed toward the underlying cause. There are medications available to reduce the production of saliva; however, there are side effects that will likely come into play. If your many doctor visits failed to produce positive results, go back to the drawing board and start again.

IN THE STARS

Your Birthday, Dec. 23; Unusual conditions could develop in the year ahead with regard to two gifted friends. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If you are negotiating something of great importance, it might be smart to make your best offer at the start. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The recompense for special services you render should be agreed upon up front. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — You know from experience that the more you can separate emotions from logic, the greater degree of accuracy. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Be extra attentive to what others may be trying to say. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — If you’re prepared for the unexpected, last-minute changes won’t upset you at all. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Ideas that may seem to be outlandish initially could prove to be wonderful when implemented. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You might not only be able to diagnose the wants of others but what is important to them as well. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Be a good listener because you’ll be surprised by some of the wonderful suggestions others have. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Trust your good judgment if you have to make a quick decision LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A surprised occurrence at the workplace might encourage you to take an unusual risk. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You’ll get a chance to use that wonderful asset of turning acquaintances into immediate friends. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don’t leave unresolved personal matters.

4B — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 4B — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, WEDNESDAY, December 23, 2009

feature

Craft the bag to add something extra to gifts By JENNIFER FORKER For The Associated Press

Put down the tape dispenser and the wrapping paper. Instead, make your own gift bags this holiday season. They can be done in a snap, and in their homemade splendor, they become part of the gift. There’s a gift bag for every sewing level; if you have sharp scissors and holiday-themed fabric, you’re basically ready to go. Non-sewers can turn to “furoshiki,” a Japanese term for a simple square of fabric into which nearly anything can be tied. Crafters who can sew a straight line may want to try a cinched gift bag, while more advanced sewers can tackle something like the “eco-wrap pouch” created by craft blogger Jessica Okui.

The cinched gift bag is a favorite of Shawn Whyte, of Helena, Mont., who got tired of the mess generated by paper gift bags and wrapping. She began folding fabric in half and sewing it up the sides, often with a drawstring or ribbon sewn inside. She’s been whipping out these uber-simple, colorfully patterned fabric bags for seven years, and throws nearly every gift into them. Okui, of the San Francisco Bay area, also created her fabric gift wraps to reduce the piles of crumpled gift paper on Christmas mornings. Her “Eco Christmas Gift Wrap” is a lined pouch perfect for smaller, more delicate gifts, or anything that needs special presentation. Instructions are available on her crafting blog site, Zakka Life (under the craft projects’

“Christmas” category). Okui also enjoys making the furoshiki, traditionally used in Japan to wrap anything from books to melons, throughout the year. “We use them more for potlucks to bring food,” says Okui, adding that dinner hosts love receiving these simple wrapping cloths. Wrapping something in a furoshiki isn’t always simple; there are more than a dozen ways to wrap objects, depending on whether you’re wrapping a box or something unusual. The government of Japan offers downloadable instructions for how to wrap a furoshiki 14 ways, at this PDF: http://www. env.go.jp/en/focus/ attach/060403-5.html. Or search YouTube.com for video instructions. Cindy Hopper, a craft blogger in Topeka, Kan., is an ardent furoshiki fan.

Hopper recommends the book “Wrapagami” (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2009) for its beautifully photographed examples of furoshiki wrapping. Lightweight fabrics, such as silk, work best for furoshikis, but Hopper says anything can be used, even burlap. Or go simpler and use a bandanna, large dinner napkin, scarf or scraps of old clothing. She recommends starting with a 20-by20-inch fabric square (the standard size is larger, 28-by-28 inches). Hem it — or don’t. Fabric can be cut with pinking shears to limit unraveling. Shawn Whyte’s Fabric Gift Bags Supplies: Fabric Thread in coordinating color Scissors Sewing machine Ribbon, drawstring

cord or ponytail holder Assembly: 1. Working with any size fabric, fold it in half with right sides together (the folded end becomes the bottom of your bag). Sew the two sides, preferably creating 1/4-inch seams (it now should resemble a pillow case). You can press these seams open, but Whyte doesn’t bother. She uses the fabric’s manufactured edge as the open end (no hemming). Turn right side out, and you have your gift bag. 2. For the tie, either wrap the gift bag with ribbon or drawstring cord, or sew it into the bag. Here’s how: If using ribbon, before sewing the bag, with fabric right sides together, pin the center point of the ribbon about 4 inches from the top (opening) of the bag between two sides of fabric. The ribbon sews

into the bag seam as you sew that side (don’t let it get sewn elsewhere by accident). If using a drawstring cord, after sewing the two sides of the bag and keeping it right sides together, fold the opening down about 2 inches, pin, and sew near the salvage. Insert cord by attaching a safety pin to the end of it and pulling it through the drawstring opening. Turn right-side out, and the bag is finished. Optional: Forget the ribbon or cord altogether and tie the bag with a ponytail holder (a decorative one becomes part of the gift). Attractive versions of this bag also can be purchased online, at sites such as Etsy.com and Lucky Crow. On the Web: http://www.skiptomylou. org http://zakkalife.blogspot. com

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

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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.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RUTHERFORD COUNTY SP 09 336 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RICHARD W. FINDING AND JUANITA L. FINDING DATED SEPTEMBER 21, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 982 AT PAGE 1 IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE 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 11:30 AM on December 29, 2009 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: Real property in the City of Bostic, County of Rutherford, State of North Carolina, described as follows: Being the full contents of Lot No. 9, First Broad Acres, containing 3.89 acres, more or less, as shown on a plat recorded in Plat Book 16 at Page 84 of the Rutherford County, North Carolina Public Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. And Being more commonly known as: 251 First Broad Dr, Casar, NC 28020 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Richard W. Finding and Juanita L. Finding. 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 8, 2009. Grady Ingle Substitute Trustee 8520 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/ 09-116969

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Co-Executor of the estate of AUDREY M. PHILBECK of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said AUDREY M. PHILBECK to present them to the undersigned on or before the 23rd 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 23rd day of December, 2009. David William Philbeck, Co-Executor 1401 Tiney Road Ellenboro, NC 28040 Wanda Denise Huneycutt, Co-Executor 205 Old Hickory Road Locust, NC 28097

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, WEDNESDAY, December 23, 2009 — 5B IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RUTHERFORD COUNTY 09 SP 517 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES PRESLEY AND CARLA PRESLEY DATED OCTOBER 26, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 917 AT PAGE 706 RERECORDED ON OCTOBER 31, 2006 IN BOOK 925, PAGE 213 IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE 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 11:30 AM on December 29, 2009 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: BEING the same property described in deed to Michael W. Jackson and wife, Donna L. Jackson, dated December 31, 1987 and recorded in Deed Book 513, Page 432, Rutherford County Registry, and being described by metes and bounds according to plat and survey by Charles D. Owens, RLS, and dated December 17, 1987 and revised January 19, 1990 as follows: Beginning on an iron pin in the center of State Road 1565, said point being North 59 degrees 40 minutes 25 seconds East 377.82 feet from the intersection of the center lines of State Road 1565 and State Road 1563; runs thence with the center of State Road 1565 the following three calls; North 66 degrees 14 minutes 00 seconds East 309.50 feet, North 63 degrees 59 minutes 00 seconds East 107 feet and North 58 degrees 59 minutes East 83.14 feet to an iron pin; thence with old line North 25 degrees 55 minutes 00 seconds West 816.40 feet, to an iron pin; thence new line South 30 degrees 23 minutes 10 seconds West 202.15 feet to an iron pin; thence South 18 degrees 46 minutes 20 seconds East 217.30 feet to an iron pin; thence South 15 degrees 35 minutes East, passing through an iron pin at 461.29 feet, a total distance of 520.65 feet to the Beginning, containing 7.389 acres. Being the same and identical property conveyed by Michael W. Jackson and wife, Donna L. Jackson to Timothy B. Jackson and wife, Angela F. Jackson by deed dated September 3, 2002 and of record in Deed Book 804, at Page 804, Rutherford County Registry. Also Being the same and identical property conveyed by Timothy B. Jackson and wife, Angela F. Jackson to James Presley and Carla Presley by deed dated October 28, 2005 and of record in Deed Book 886, at Page 880, Rutherford County Registry. And Being more commonly known as: 593 Gun Club Rd, Bostic, NC 28018 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are James Presley and Carla Presley. 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 8, 2009. Grady Ingle Substitute Trustee 8520 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/ 08-100275

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NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 478 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Gregory Gonzales and Manon Fancher to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated December 12, 2003, and recorded in Book 769, Page 591, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Rutherford County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at the Courthouse Door in Rutherford County, North Carolina, at 10:15AM on January 06, 2010, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the Town of Rutherfordton, Rutherfordton Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina and lying Northwest of the intersection of West Third Street and North Meridian Street and being the same property as that described in Deed Book 510, Page 53 and being described in accordance with a new plat of survey done by Professional Surveying Services dated April 5, 1996 and follows: Beginning at an existing PK nail set in the centerline of the intersection of West Third Street with North Meridian Street and running thence from said beginning PK nail along with the centerline of West Third Street on the following calls: North 77 deg. 41 min. 04 sec. West 146.95 feet to a point; thence North 78 degrees, 19 minutes, 35 seconds West 200.92 feet to an existing PK nail; thence North 70 deg. 57 min. 45 sec. West 11.79 feet to a point, said point being the common Westernmost corner of the tract described herein and the Beasley and Miller property; thence leaving the centerline of West Third Street and running along and with the Beasley and Miller boundary North 61 deg. 49 min. 11 sec. East 94.08 feet, passing an existing iron pin at 28.22 feet, to an existing iron pin, said pin being the common Southernmost corner of the Beasley and Miller property and the Wiles property described in Deed Book 612, Page 230; thence leaving the Beasley and Miller boundary and running along and with the Wiles boundary on the following calls: North 62 deg. 00 min. 52 sec. East 106.00 feet to an existing iron pin; thence South 78 deg. 21 min. 47 sec. East 205.62 feet, passing an existing iron pin at 193.21 feet, to a point in the centerline of North Meridian Street; thence leaving the Wiles boundary and running along and with the centerline of North Meridian Street South 11 deg. 37 min. 32 sec. West 131.23 feet to the point and place of beginning and containing 0.85 acres more or less. Said property is commonly known as 187 North Meridian Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof or Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), whichever is greater. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Gregory Gonzales and Manon Fancher. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days' written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, that tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. ___________________________________ Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee 1587 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 (770) 234-9181 Our File No.: 432.0932605NC Publication Dates: 12/23/2009 & 12/30/2009

6B — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, WEDNESDAY, December 23, 2009 NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 414

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 343

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Eric P. Grant and S. Tamzen Grant AKA Tammy Stemphens to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated December 18, 2006, and recorded in Book 933, Page 364, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina.

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by DONALD HALSTEAD, unmarried to TRUSTEE SERVICES OF CAROLINA, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated June 30, 2006 and recorded on July 10, 2006 in Book 908 at Page 1 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on March 5, 2008 in Book 955, Page 122, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Rutherford County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at the Courthouse Door in Rutherford County, North Carolina, at 10:15AM on January 06, 2010, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Morgan Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being Lot Number 53 of Queen's Gap, Phase I, as described more fully in plat recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 280-292, ("the Plat"), Rutherford County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more full and accurate description. Subject to Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Queen's Gap as recorded in Book 917, Page 402-442, Rutherford County Register of Deeds, and recorded in Book 891, Page 624-664, McDowell County Register of Deeds, and any amendments and supplements thereto. Subject to all matters shown on subdivision plat of Queen's Gap, Phase I, as recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 280-292, Rutherford County Register of Deeds, and Plat Book 13, Pages 60-72, McDowell County Register of Deeds, hereinafter referred to as "the Plat".

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Brock & Scott, PLLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 6, 2010 at 11:30AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 153, Phase I of Vista at Bill's Mountain as shown on that plat recorded in Plat Book 26, at page 227 of the Rutherford County, NC Register's Office; reference to which Plat is hereby made for a more particular description of said Lot. Together With and Subject To restrictive covenants of record, including but not limited to those recorded in Book 797, at Page 878, in Book 880, at Page 709, in Book 904, at Page 530, and all amendments thereto, of the Rutherford County, NC Register's Office.

Said property is commonly known as: Lot 53 off of Labras Drive, Queens Gap Subdivision, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Together With and Subject To those easements and rights of way shown on the above-referenced Plat and as recorded in the Rutherford County, NC Register's Office.

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

And being all of that property described in deed recorded in Book 883, at Page 872 of the Rutherford County, NC Register's Office.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Eric P. Grant and S. Tamzen Grant AKA Tammy Stemphens. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days' written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, that tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. ___________________________________ Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee 1587 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 (770) 234-9181 Our File No.: 158.0930655NC Publication Dates: 12/23/2009 & 12/30/2009

NORTH CAROLINA RUTHERFORD COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 09-SP-486 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF THE DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WALTER L. LOPRESTO and wife, TRICIA A. LOPRESTO, Recorded in Book 967, Page 472 and recorded again in Book 1010, Page 1, Rutherford County Registry

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as: 428 High Pines Loop, Lake Lure, NC 28746 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, and the court costs of Forty-Five Cents (45¢) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) pursuant to NCGS 7A-308(a)(1). A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Donald Halstead. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Jeremy B. Wilkins, NCSB No. 32346 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 09-16116-FC01 NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 428

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE DEED OF TRUST BEING FORECLOSED: The Deed of Trust being foreclosed is that Deed of Trust executed by WALTER L. LOPRESTO and wife, TRICIA A. LOPRESTO to Jay B. Green, Trustee, dated July 16, 2007 and recorded in Book 967, Page 472 and recorded again in Book 1010, Page 1 in the Rutherford County Registry of North Carolina. RECORD OWNERS OF THE REAL PROPERTY: The record owners of the subject real property as reflected on the records of the Rutherford County Register of Deeds not more than 10 days prior to the posting of this Notice are Walter L. Lopresto and Tricia A. Lopresto. DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF SALE: The sale will be held on January 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the door of the Rutherford County Courthouse, Rutherfordton, North Carolina. PROPERTY TO BE SOLD: The following real property to be sold "sight unseen" is located in Rutherford County, North Carolina: Being all of Lot No. 18 of GOLDEN EAGLE ESTATES, Phase 2 as shown on a plat as recorded in Plat Book 25, Page 108 of the Rutherford County Registry and reference is hereby made to said plat for a full metes and bounds description as if fully set out herein. TITLE REFERENCE: See Deed at Book 333, Page 387 and 94 E 551 of the Rutherford County Registry. The above property is subject to those restrictions of record as recorded in Plat Book 23, Page 32 of the Rutherford County Registry. The real property includes a 2007 Clayton manufactured home bearing serial no. CAP021730TN-AB as more fully described in a Declaration recorded in Book 942, Page 269, RCR. TERMS OF SALE: Pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. §45-21.10(b) and the terms of the Deed of Trust, any successful bidder may be required to deposit with the Trustee or Clerk of Superior Court immediately upon the conclusion of the sale a cash deposit to be determined by the greater of 5% of the bid or $750.00. Unless the Substitute Trustee agrees otherwise, the successful bidder will be required to tender the "full purchase price" so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Trustee tenders to him a Deed to the property or attempts to tender such Deed, and should the successful bidder fail to pay the full amount, then the successful bidder shall remain liable as provided for in N.C.G.S. §45-21.30. By submitting your bid, you agree that the "full purchase price" shall be defined as the amount of bid plus the Trustee's commission as defined in the subject Deed of Trust plus the costs of the action, unless the Trustee agrees otherwise. For example, if the amount of bid is $20,000.00 and the trustee's commission is defined in the subject Deed of Trust as 5% of the gross proceeds of the sale, then the "full purchase price" shall equal $21,000.00 plus the costs of the action. A tender of Deed shall be defined as a letter from the Trustee to the successful bidder offering to record the Deed upon receipt of full purchase price as described herein and listed in said letter. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason such as a bankruptcy filing, the sole remedy of the successful bidder is the return of the deposit. As to any manufactured home, the following shall apply: Any not considered real property is being foreclosed pursuant to N.C.G.S. §25-9-604, if necessary; there is no warranty that any is actually located on the subject tract; and there is no warranty given by the Substitute Trustee as to whether said home is real property or personal property. The sale will be made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, assessments, restrictions and easements of record, if any. ADDITIONAL NOTICE: Take notice that 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. Take further notice that 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. This the 10th day of November, 2009. ___________________________________________ Jay B. Green Attorney for Deidre D. DeFlorentis, Substitute Trustee 908 E. Edenton Street Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 Telephone: 919-829-0797

SUBSCRIPTIONS MAKE A GREAT GIFT!

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Joseph Grusser and Catherine Grusser to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated April 23, 2007, and recorded in Book 953, Page 329, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Rutherford County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at the Courthouse Door in Rutherford County, North Carolina, at 10:15AM on January 06, 2010, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 46, Phase 1A, as shown on subdivision plat for GreyRock at Lake Lure Subdivision, recorded in Plat Book 25 at Page 189, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Rutherford County, North Carolina, said plat being one of a series of plats recorded in Plat Book 25, Pages 188-92, all of the Rutherford County, NC, Registry; reference being hereby made to said recorded plat for a more particular metes and bounds description, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes, Section 47-30(g). This conveyance is made together with and subject to all easements, restrictions, and rights of way of record and a non-exclusive, appurtenant easement for ingress, egress, and regress is conveyed over and upon all private subdivision roads for GreyRock at Lake Lure, as shown on the above-described plats, and the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for GreyRock at Lake Lure as recorded in Book 858, Page 11, of the Rutherford County, NC, Registry, and also recorded in Book 3827, Page 764, of the Buncombe County, NC, Registry (hereinafter the "Declarations"). This conveyance is further made together with and subject to easements for the installation, repair, and maintenance of a community water system as set forth in the declarations, said water system to consist of a shared system of wells and water lines to be installed upon the lots. Each lot is conveyed together with appurtenant easements for all shared water lines and wells making up the water system as the same may or will be installed in the reserved easement areas as set forth on all record plats and described in the declarations. The above described property is identical to that conveyed to Joseph P. Grusser and wife, Catherine V. Grusser, by that certain deed from LR Buffalo Creek, LLC, a Georgia Limited Liability Company, dated March 17, 2005, and recorded on March 18, 2005, in Book 868 at Page 98, Rutherford County Registry. Said property is commonly known as: Lot 46 Buffalo Shoals Rd off Greyrock Pkw, Greyrock Subdiv, Lake Lure, NC 28746 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof or Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), whichever is greater. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Joseph Grusser and Catherine Grusser. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days' written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, that tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee 1587 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 (770) 234-9181 Our File No.: 158.0930661NC Publication Dates: 12/23/2009 & 12/30/2009

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, WEDNESDAY, December 23, 2009 — 7B

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245-6367 PAINTING

Interior & Exterior 22 years experience

Great references Free Estimates John 3:16

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704-434-9900

Website - hmindustries.com

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223-8191

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8B — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Wednesday, December 23, 2009

LOCAL

One blue deer stands out among white lighted deer. A blue version of Rudolph, perhaps?

Season’s greetings .... in lights

A hodge podge of Christmas scenes fill the yard of this home located on McCraw Road in Dobbinsville.

White lights (above) give off a warm glow nestled inside the green branches of this shrub. An angel (right) trumpets the arrival of God’s son along the street in Forest City.

Merry Christmas to All! A ceramic Christmas tree is lighted with multi-colored lights for a traditional Christmas scape.

Merry Christmas From All Of Us At

The Learning Tree

Rutherford Life Services

Life Care