Daily Courier, December 31, 2009 by Digital Courier

A merry and safe Happy New Year to all Sports All-tourney R-S Central announces the 2009 Hilltoppers Holiday Classic All-Tournament team

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Thursday, December 31, 2009, Forest City, N.C.

Courier to publish Friday The Daily Courier will publish and deliver a New Year’s Day edition on Friday. The newspaper’s offices will be closed Friday to allow employees to spend the holiday with their families. Normal publication and business hours will resume on Monday.

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Smokers to butt out at eateries Jan. 2 By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY – Restaurants and bars across the state will have to give up their smoking sections cold turkey as of midnight Saturday. A statewide smoking ban becomes law Jan. 2, and as it is written, it prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places. There are some exceptions to the law — cigar bars will still be able to allow patrons to light up as long as smoke from the bar does not migrate into an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited. Designated smoking rooms in a lodging establishment as well as private clubs are also excluded from the law. Local restaurants have been working in the past several months to prepare for the change, including making customers aware they’ll no longer be able to enjoy an after-dinner smoke with their dessert. “We’ve been talking about it with our employees and our regular guests, so Photo illustration by Garrett Byers/The Daily Courier

Please see Smoking, Page 6

Donations flooding in

New laws effective on Friday

No. 9 Tar Heels battled Albany, Wednesday Page 7

By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer

GAS PRICES

Low: High: Avg.:

$2.51 $2.61 $2.56

DEATHS Rutherfordton Burtchus Lathan Jr. Forest City Betty Lee Harley Rowe Ruby Sherrill Henrietta Inez Bomer Elbert Lane Elsewhere

Paula Price Barbara Bell

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WEATHER

High

Low

46 36 Today, scattered rain. Tonight, partly cloudy. Complete forecast, Page 10

INSIDE Classifieds . . . 14-17 Sports . . . . . . . . 7-9 County scene . . . . 6 Opinion . . . . . . . . 4 Vol. 41, No. 311

steady donations throughout the year.” The worsening economy doesn’t just mean people have less money to give. In some cases, it can mean people are more hesitant to donate. “The mail-in donations aren’t down as much as the employee campaigns,” Black said. “A lot of that has to do with the factories closing and then several of the other companies having big layoffs. When that happens, it not only affects the people who were laid off, but it makes the existing employees more reluctant to give because they’re uncertain of the future.” But other charities have seen their yearend fundraising efforts work out about the same as 2008. “We do have the normal donations,” said Lisa Hall who has worked at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for five

FOREST CITY — More than two dozen new laws go into effect for the state on Friday. And while some are administrative changes, a few will have an impact on the average citizen. The most notable change will be the statewide smoking ban in public places (see story above), but another new law will affect a high number of the public. A new law requiring handicap parking tags to have an expiration date visible from at least 20 feet away will be coming into effect and the new law will also require that the Department of Motor Vehicles issue a “Handicapped Placard Registration Card” for the owner of the placard. The card must also be issued to someone who is the operator of or a passenger in the vehicle where the placard is displayed. The state health plan will also receive some updates with changes going into effect focusing on smoking cessation and weight management. A new write-in candidate law will also require candidates in any primaries to sign a pledge that states, in part: “I pledge that if I am defeated in the primary, I will not run for the same office as a write‑in candidate in the next general election.” Another new law will prohibit a lawyer from being named as a beneficiary in a will they prepared. The statute will also require each lawyer handling the will to put their name on it. Job seekers looking for only part-time work will no longer be disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits and spouses who quit their job in order to move to a new location for their partner’s job will also not be disqualified for unem-

Please see Donations, Page 6

Please see Laws, Page 6

Associated Press

Debbie Scharf, a volunteer with the Hospice Resale Store in Forest City, sorts through clothing donations on Wednesday. Charities around the county were receiving many donations this week as givers look to get last minute tax write-offs.

Tax write-offs the goal; overall, donations down By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — Donors have been dropping off money, clothes, electronics and even a vehicle to local charities looking for last minute tax write-offs this week. To beat the IRS deadline of donating before the end of the year, some givers traditionally wait until the last minute. But this year, hard economic times have lead some local nonprofit groups to see less giving than usual. “Our donations are off, and I would say way off,” said Beverly Black, a campaign director who has worked with United Way for more than five years. “It is around 25 to 30 percent less than last year. In the last two years, people have seemed to wait until the last minute. Usually, in a good year, we see more

Two county department heads retiring By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer

RUTHERFORDTON —Two department head leaders in Rutherford County are retiring Jan. 1, County Manager John Condrey said Wednesday. Barry Davis, EMS director since March 7, 1988, and Barry Jones, director of Rutherford County Maintenance Department since Dec. 1, 1993, will spend their last day on the job Friday. Davis was instrumental in leading the Rutherford County EMS into the paramedic level of service in 1993. He was an early advocate for the location of satellite EMS stations in the county. Rutherford County has satellite locations in Lake

Now on the Web: www.thedigitalcourier.com

Lure and Bostic. The Henrietta site is in the planning stages. Most recently Davis strongly supported the county beginning the emergency medical dispatch, which started in 2007. “It is clear that Barry has been at the center of the county’s progress in the emergency services delivery arena,” Condrey said. Terry Ramsey, the senior paramedic crew chief, is the interim director until such time as a replacement is named. During Jones tenure, the county has built the addition on the courthouse, a 200-bed detention center addition, a new Senior Center and expansions of other county property, Condrey said.

The county also purchased the old J.C. Cowan building on U.S. 74A, and although the county is marketing the property, the county’s Maintenance Department is responsible for the upkeep of the 341,764-square-foot building. Jones was also responsible for a fleet of approximately 230 vehicles, and maintaining all the county’s 33 buildings with a total square footage of 673,764, including the former Cowan building. “People would be surprised the number of times Barry is called out after hours for heating, cooling and plumbing issues,” Condrey said. “Barry has a wealth of knowledge about buildings and machinSee Retirees, Page 6

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009

LOCAL/NATION

Attorneys general sue to drop Nebraska deal

Sunshine, place to talk

By MEG KINNARD Associated Press Writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Republican attorneys general in 13 states say congressional leaders must remove Nebraska’s political deal from the federal health care reform bill or face legal action, according to a letter provided to The Associated Press Wednesday. “We believe this provision is constitutionally flawed,” South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster and the 12 other attorneys general wrote in the letter to be sent Wednesday night to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. “As chief legal officers of our states we are contemplating a legal challenge to this provision and we ask you to take action to render this challenge unnecessary by striking that provision,” they wrote. In a rare Christmas Eve vote, Senate Democrats pushed sweeping health care legislation to the brink of Senate passage, crushing a yearend Republican filibuster against President Barack Obama’s call to Jean Gordon/Daily Corier remake the nation’s health care sysBailey Stanland, 6, (right) and Tianna Brown, 8, took advantage of warm temperatem. tures Tuesday afternoon to enjoy outdoor chatting and playing near their homes The 60-39 vote marked the third in Forest City. The girls attend school at Forest City-Dunbar and said they’ve time in as many days Democrats enjoyed being out of school. “But we have to go back,” Tianna said. School resumes posted a supermajority needed to Monday, Jan. 4, a day before Tianna’s 9th birthday. The weather is expected to get advance the legislation. colder this week with rain predicted to begin tonight. The letter was signed by top prosecutors in Alabama, Colorado,

Florida, Idaho, Michigan, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington state. All are Republicans, and McMaster and the attorneys general of Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania are running for governor in their respective states. Last week, McMaster said he was leading several other attorneys general in an inquiry into the constitutionality of the estimated $100 million deal he has dubbed the “Cornhusker Kickback.” Republican U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint of South Carolina raised questions about the legislation, which they said was amended to win Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson’s support. “Because this provision has serious implications for the country and the future of our nation’s legislative process, we urge you to take appropriate steps to protect the Constitution and the rights of the citizens of our nation,” the attorneys general wrote. A conference committee begins meeting next year to work out a compromise between House and Senate versions of the bill. Experts expect those talks will likely last into February. McMaster says if the bill goes through to final approval with the benefit to Nebraska, taxpayers in the other 49 states will have to pay for it.

Van incident creates tension on Times Square

With the holidays ending, now it’s time to decide what to do with that Christmas tree you brought in the house just a few scant weeks ago.

By COLLEEN LONG Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK — A white van without license plates parked in the heart of Times Square caused a security scare Wednesday that rattled New Yorkers and thousands of holiday tourists milling about amid preparations for the city’s massive New Year’s Eve celebration. Just weeks after a police-involved shooting in the area, the NYPD blocked off part of Times Square for about two hours starting at 11 a.m., calling in counterterrorism and bomb squads after officers noticed the 1992 Dodge van, which had a bogus law enforcement placard in the windshield, parked on Broadway between 41st and 42nd streets. Two high-rise buildings, home to Nasdaq and publishing company Conde Nast, were partially evacuated, but occupants were allowed back in around 1 p.m. Stephanie Gonzalez, who works in the glass-covered tower directly in front of where the van was parked, said announcements were made around 11 a.m. that people in the building should head to its west side, away from the vehicle. She left the building entirely. “Post-9/11, you’re just not going to stick around to figure it out,” she said. There were no corresponding terrorism threats involving the vehicle, said chief NYPD spokesman Paul J. Browne. No explosive devices were found in the van, and the area was reopened to traffic about two hours after patrol officers spotted the van. But police take extra care around New Year’s Eve when the celebration draws hundreds of thousands of revelers from around the world to the heart of Times Square to see the ball drop at midnight. Squads routinely patrol for suspicious vehicles and do sweeps in garages before the event. “Its presence in Times Square just before New Year’s Eve causes us concern, and that’s why we’re taking extra precautions,” Browne said. Hours after the scare, Mayor Michael Bloomberg stood outside the Nasdaq building, down the street from where the van had been parked, and declared the city safe for the New Year’s Eve festivities. “Somebody thought it was suspicious. They called. We checked it out. It turned out not to be anything bad,” he said. “We take every threat or every potential threat seriously.” Nasdaq said its trading was unaffected. Conde Nast was in the process of evacuating when the order was lifted. But the scene shook those who live and work nearby.

Courier file photo

Where, oh where will your tree go? By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY – The lights are coming down, the tinsel discarded. But if your tree won’t go back into a box for next Christmas, it can still have new life in a variety of ways. Residents of Spindale, Forest City and Rutherfordton can place their trees curbside to be picked up with their garbage. “Normally, we’d take out the chipper and chip them on site, but our bucket truck is not working right now,” said David Arrowood, public works director for the Town of Spindale. “We’re trying to pick them up on our normal route and they’ll probably end up going to the landfill.” Trees discarded in Rutherfordton and Forest City will be chipped, with Rutherfordton trees going into the compost pile and Forest City’s going into the mulch pile at the waste treatment plant. “People can come and get mulch free of charge if they load it themselves,” said Sandra Mayse, Forest City clerk. “If they

want it loaded there is a charge.” If you live in the county and don’t have curbside garbage pick up and want to throw your tree away, you can take it to the convenience center, said Rutherford County Solid Waste Director Don Baynard. “You can put it into the regular furniture bins at the convenience centers,” Baynard said. “They are brought here and separated and chopped up for mulch.” That mulch, he said, is used around the landfill. Baynard said there had been fewer live trees brought in in recent years. “I think more people are going with artificial trees,” he said. Live trees are 100 percent biodegradable, said Daniel Shires, an agriculture extension agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension. “They can be turned into mulch, of course,” Shires said, “but they can also be sunken into ponds for fish habitats or used as bird feeders. On the coast they are also used for dune stabilization.”

If you are looking to turn your tree into a fish habitat, the Web site www.motherearthnews.com said it’s easy – just toss it into the water. The Web site also said trees can provide lodging for other creatures besides fish. If you have a place to allow the tree to decompose, it can become home to insects, fungi, amphibians and reptiles. Or, you can keep it in a tree stand and place it outdoors as a bird sanctuary. If you can’t stand to see the tree with bare limbs, try redecorating it outdoors with bird food such as pine cones coated with peanut butter and bird seed, strings of popcorn, cranberries or raisins or hanging fruit slices. Branches from the tree can also be trimmed and placed over flower beds to protect them from frost heaving caused by freezing or thawing. And if you want to keep the trunk around through spring, it can be used to create homemade trellises or tomato stakes. Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@ thedigitalcourier.com.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009 — 3

STATE

After 37 years, suspects in NC Marine’s murder will finally face charges By KEVIN MAURER Associated Press Writer

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — William Miller’s final errand was supposed to be a good deed, helping his estranged wife with car trouble. The Marine sergeant left home one night in 1972 and within the hour was found dead on a rural road. Thirty-seven years later, three people face trial on murder charges for what prosecutors say was an ambush triggered by a love triangle around Miller’s wife and violence between Marine pals. The case remained unsolved until Miller’s sister contacted a newspaper reporter looking into cold cases and the resulting investigation elicited new information from a 1970s baby sitter. Miller’s ex-wife Vickie Babbitt, 58, is scheduled to go to trial in March on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Also charged with murder and conspiracy are George Hayden, 57, who married Babbitt after Miller’s death and later became a small-town police chief, and Rodger Gill, 56, an ex-Marine who was friends with the others. “All these years I’ve been carrying on this crusade trying to get the cold case reopened. Everything fell into place. I just know we have divine help,” said Miller’s sister, Sharron Aguilar, 68, who with her husband owns an automotive air conditioning and restoration company in Houston, Texas. Lawyers for the three people charged either declined to comment or did not return calls. Trial dates for Hayden and Gill have not been set yet. All three are free on bond. Miller, Hayden and Gill were all friends in the Marines Corps. On September 16, 1972, court records say Miller got a call from his wife asking for help with car trouble. A month earlier, he had kicked

her out of their Jacksonville house after returning from a year’s service in Okinawa, Japan, to find George Hayden living with her. He beat up Hayden to get him to leave. When his wife of two years walked out with Hayden, they took the Millers’ 1-year-old daughter, Wendy. Miller borrowed a neighbor’s car for the late-night trip to help his estranged wife and took a .22-calibre pistol with him. He had told his sister days before that he felt threatened. Passing motorists found Miller’s body near Camp Lejeune less than an hour after he left home. He’d been shot twice. Prosecutors say Babbitt faked car trouble to lure Miller to a secluded stretch of rural road in Jacksonville. They say Hayden was waiting in a ditch with an M-16 rifle and shot Miller in the temple and back. He appears to have been surprised: When police found the car, its engine was running, the headlights were on and Miller’s pistol remained in the front seat, unfired. “I spoke with him for the last time when he called crying to say he found George living with Vickie. He stated George would not leave, so he beat the living hell out of George,” Miller’s sister Aguilar said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. “George then threatened Bill stating ’I have an M-16.’ He told me he was getting a lawyer to divorce Vickie and fight for Wendy.” Aguilar said she always suspected Babbitt. When her brother died, Babbitt called the family and told them he had been killed but didn’t offer any details. She attended the funeral at Arlington National Cemetery with Hayden, but wouldn’t talk with the family. Babbitt and Hayden married four months after Miller’s death, then divorced four years later. Hayden retired from the Marine

This undated photo provided by Sharron Aguilar shows Marine Sgt. William Miller with his then wife Vickie Babbitt and their daughter Wendy in Jacksonville, N.C. After thirty-seven years, Vickie Babbitt, 58, of Bend, Ore., and 57-year-old George Hayden, a former police chief once married to Babbitt, face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Miller. Her trial is to begin in March.

Associated Press

Corps in 1989 and worked for the Carteret County Sheriff’s Department before becoming chief for the Cape Carteret and Belhaven police departments. Hayden’s son, Joshua Hayden, a Cape Carteret police officer, told WNCT-TV last year that he didn’t think his father is a criminal. “My father is a good man, very law abiding, a strict law abider,” he said. “I don’t see him committing a murder now or 36 years ago.” He did not return calls from The Associated Press seeking comment. Babbitt remarried and worked as a bookkeeper at Austin Tile Design Studio in Bend, Ore. Aguilar never quit trying to get the case open. When Lindell Kay, a crime reporter for The Daily News of Jacksonville, started working on a project about unsolved murders, Aguilar sent him the initial investigation report and Kay wrote two stories about the case. After Kay’s stories appeared in

August 2008, a former baby sitter for Miller’s daughter named Bonnie Sharpe came forward with key information. Sharpe was engaged at one time to Gill. Sharpe told investigators that Gill had witnessed the shooting, according to news reports. Sharpe did not return AP calls seeking comment. Sharpe’s tip became the starting point for a new investigation and led to the arrests of Babbitt and Hayden one week before the 37th anniversary of the murder. Police charged Gill in January 2009 with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He was arrested in Athens, Ill., a small town near Springfield. Aguilar said she plans to be at Babbitt’s trial in March. “I know we’re going to get justice. I don’t have any doubts because I know I had divine help with this,” she said. “Every step of the way, a path opened. I don’t think I was led this far to be disappointed.”

Sen. Soles, target of probe, won’t run again n He

has served 21 terms in North Carolina General Assembly, Senate By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press Writer

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina’s longest-serving state senator said Wednesday he won’t seek re-election next year as prosecutors pursue criminal charges over a shooting at his home in August. Sen. R.C. Soles, D-Columbus, announced he won’t seek a 22nd consecutive term. He’s the state’s longest continuously serving lawmaker, first elected to the General Assembly in 1968 and in the Senate since 1977. State prosecutors announced this month they plan to seek a felony assault charge against Soles after a grand jury found probable cause that he acted criminally when he shot a former law client. Soles has said he acted in self-defense. “I plan to serve out the remainder of my term with the vigor and diligence my constituents deserve and I will

continue to practice law,” Soles said in a statement announcing his decision. “Public service is a noble calling and I have tried to live up to the ideals of Sen. Soles a true leader.” Soles made no reference to the case in the statement. But he said in an interview with The Associated Press he would be less than truthful to say his legal troubles played no role in his decision. “It sure was not the motivating force,” said Soles, who turned 75 on Dec. 17. “That alone would not have kept me from running.” Soles is the latest powerful Democrat leaving the Senate. Outgoing Majority Leader Tony Rand of Cumberland County is to resign Thursday to head the parole commission. Finance Committee co-chairman David Hoyle of Gaston also won’t seek reelection. Soles said he had considered

not running in 2008. He said his Senate district, which includes Columbus, Pender and Brunswick counties, has been increasingly difficult to win as transplants arrive from other states and register as Republicans. Soles won by less than 3 percentage points in the November 2008 election while spending more than $839,000 in campaign expenses. “It’s not that they dislike me. They just don’t know me,” Soles said. The soft-spoken attorney made headlines in the past two years when a house that he paid a former client to build caught fire and when young men he described as former clients were charged with trespassing. A former client claimed recently that Soles molested him a decade ago, but the accuser later said he made the story up. Neighbors have made dozens of emergency calls in recent years telling police they heard gunshots, screams and loud arguments coming from his home or law office. Most recently, the State

Murderer loses his appeal

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A man convicted of killing his father and dumping his remains in the woods of North Carolina lost his appeal and request for a new trial on Wednesday. Derek Anderson was convicted in 2006 of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of his 55-yearold father Allen Krnak and sentenced to life in prison without parole. He appealed and sought a new trial, but the 4th District Court of Appeals rejected all of his arguments Wednesday. Anderson argued that the admission of hearsay evidence violated his right to confrontation and that his due process rights were violated by allowing the jury, rather than the judge, to consider whether the police altered evidence and by incorrectly allowing expert testimony about mass murders. His attorney, Tim Provis, said Anderson will appeal the case to the state Supreme Court. A spokesman for the state Department of Justice did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Anderson’s father, his mother, his brother and the family dog all disappeared from their rural Helenville home over the Fourth of July weekend in 1998. Helenville is in Jefferson County about 50 miles east of Madison. His father’s skeletal remains were found by hunters in 1999 in the Roy Taylor National Forest of Jackson County, N.C., less than 10 miles from Western Carolina University, which Anderson attended in the early 1990s. Anderson was arrested in 2001 after his father’s remains were identified. An autopsy found Krnak was killed by a blow to his face and head that broke his jaw into two pieces. Anderson’s mother, Donna Krnak, and his brother, Thomas Krnak, have never been found. Prosecutors said they believed Anderson also disposed of their bodies in the same woods. Anderson, 40, changed his name from Andrew Krnak after his family disappeared. Prosecutors based their case on circumstantial evidence that they contended ruled out anyone other than Anderson.

Bureau of Investigation looked into the Aug. 23 shooting of Thomas Kyle Blackburn. Authorities say Soles shot Blackburn after he and another intruder kicked in the front door of his secluded Tabor City home. Blackburn wasn’t badly hurt. Attorney General Roy Cooper’s office said earlier this month that it plans to submit an indictment in January on a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, which the grand jury would have to approve. Soles declined to comment on the case Wednesday, referring questions to his Raleigh attorney. Soles said fellow Senate Democrats in Raleigh didn’t ask him to resign immediately and that he had no plans to do so. Soles was emotional when he discussed his time in the Legislature, where he served as chairman of the powerful Senate Commerce Committee and the Democratic caucus. The Senate even approved a resolution in 2005 officially calling him a “North Carolina institution.”

Sewage spill in French Broad ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A power outage at a western North Carolina sewage treatment plant sent 374,000 gallons of untreated sewage into the French Broad River. The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Tuesday that the outage on Christmas morning at the Buncombe County Metropolitan Sewerage District treatment plant led to the spill.

Attorney Brian King

Linking People with Services

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 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 Balance our security, freedom

he attempt by a Nigerian man to detonate a bomb on a airliner headed for Detroit last week has generated a lot of discussion and debate which is surprising many people. It is the surprise that intrigues us. It is no mystery that extremists want to launch successful attacks on the United States. They make no secret of that. In the years since the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. and other nations have implemented many new security standards and practices. Could we really be surprised to see that our enemies are just as diligently looking for ways to get around our security? While we hope that we can stay one step ahead of them, there can be no guarantees that we will succeed at that. The fact that this suspect was able to get explosives aboard an airplane just shows that we must continue to be diligent in our efforts to improve security. At the same time, we must remember that we are a nation whose fundamental beliefs rest on a foundation of individual freedoms. Our security is important, but the efforts to ensure security must always be carefully balanced with our efforts to protect our individual liberties.

Our readers’ views Urges attention to adopting children

will prevail. Jordan Lee Hallman Bostic

To the editor: We were dismayed at the “Adopt a Pet for Christmas” supplement in the Daily Courier (Fri., Dec.18). It’s true that there are too many animals without families to love them. Even sadder, there are too many children without families to love them. We hope to see soon a Daily Courier supplement touting “Adopt a child in 2010”. Vernon and Arlene Bly Rutherfordton

Do a better job of caring for pets

He believes science is the answer To the editor: This is in response to the many letters in concern to the constitution as of late first a man wrote a letter Dec. 24, stating that the national motto is “in God we trust.” That is not the case, our motto is “E Pluribus Unum” which means one from many. Also the recent letter that states we should read the whole First Amendment. Yes, because it gives you the freedom of religion and it also states that the government shall endorse no religion, which, in a nutshell, means separation of church and state. It’s not for the churches protection, it’s so nobody feels alienated in this country. Furthermore, on the basis that this was founded as a Christian nation, maybe in some small degree. But listen people, it wasn’t the 12 apostles and the founding fathers were deist at best who believed they needed a secular government. Research quotes from men like Ben Franklin who said, “Lighthouses are more useful than churches.” Research Thomas Jefferson who dared to stay an atheist. It’s time to get out of a 19th century way of thinking. It’s not the 1800s anymore and I’m joyous that it is science that

To the editor: I’d like to add a few comments to a letter from Ginny Pitman, posted Dec 23, which referenced animal cruelty. Most people, including many of our law enforcement officers, are not aware that Rutherford County has a wonderful set of local ordinances pertaining to animal welfare. These ordinances were put together in the early 90’s by Faye Thompson and subsequently adopted by Rutherford County. They can be found on this website: http://library1.municode.com/default-test/home. htm?infobase=10082&doc_ action=whatsnew Every day, I see animals that are chained up or trapped in small dog lots with inadequate shelter. Wake up people, even wild animals don’t just sit out in the open during rain, sleet, snow or in the hot sun. They have access shelter somewhere. What makes you think your domesticated pet is made to deal with these temperature extremes? Having no shelter is bad enough, but the “carriers” and “barrels” used by a lot of people as dog houses are just about as worthless in the winter. The carriers are thin plastic, with ventilation holes in all 3 “walls”. The tops are easily knocked off and owners often never put the tops back on. They blame the animals for being stupid enough to knock them off! The barrels are extremely hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Imagine having to lay on hard steel with no bedding to protect your exposed skin from the heat or cold. You know how cold your ears and nose feel after being out in the cold wind for just a few minutes? Think about thin ears that have very little hair on them for protection.

Animals suffer from painful frost bite, just like we do. Below is just one paragraph of the ordinances, that I wish everyone would read and be on the look out for. I hope you can take a few minutes to read all of the ordinances- under Health regulations - Article III. (A) “The shelter for a dog or any species of similar size shall include a moisture proof and windproof structure of suitable size to accommodate the animal and allow retention of body heat and shall be made of durable material, with a solid floor raised at least two (2) inches from the ground and with the entrance covered by a flexible windproof material or selfclosing swinging door to be used during inclement weather. “Such structures shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material, consisting of hay, straw, cedar shavings or the equivalent, to provide insulation and protection against cold and dampness and promote retention of body heat.” My wish for the new year is that our community would take better care of their own pets and hold those who don’t, accountable. I’d rather see animals humanely euthanized, as to have to watch them slowly freeze in the winter, bake in the summer or starve to death because of lazy, neglectful owners. Thank you to all who stand up for and volunteer their time for animal welfare. Sherri Watson Mooresboro

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

Some holiday traditions fun, some are nasty... Happy New Year! My sweet little Nathan, at age three, is learning more and more about holidays, and not just by our own family traditions, but through the television shows he watches. There’s one particular episode of “Max & Ruby” where Ruby (the older sister, for those of you without preschoolers in the house) won’t allow Max (who’s around 3) to have any of Grandma’s special cookies with clock hands pointing toward midnight on New Year’s Eve until — you guessed it — the stroke of midnight. Nathan’s also been perplexed by the chubby, animated baby shaking a rattle

Total momsense Allison Flynn

WLOS has been using as part of its weather map this week. I guess if you’re three and still learning the difference between five minutes and five hours, celebrating a New Year is hard to understand. And while I’m all for explaining things to Nathan in a matter-of-fact and often clinical manner (for example, he knows the correct word

for his anatomically correct boy part), explaining that as of Jan. 1, we’ll begin another revolution around the sun ..... well, let’s just say I answer the question “Why?” far too often now. I’m sure not going to get into the whole “why we make resolutions” deal either. I heard on the radio Wednesday morning that you should make New Year’s resolutions, however, even if you don’t keep them. In making them, you are starting yourself off in a positive mindset for the New Year. I’m not big on making resolutions although I usually do make (and break) a few each

year. Have you ever thought about why we make them and how the tradition got started? I did some research on the topic and learned it all began with the Babylonians 4,000 years ago, who made resolutions to get favor from the gods. It was considered bad luck to break them and so people were advised to make their resolutions wisely. (At least that’s what examiner.com said.) What about the New Year’s tradition of eating black-eyed peas and turnip greens so you’ll be prosperous in the coming year?

No thanks. I may be Southern through and through, but those are two foods that will not pass my lips. I’ll stick to livermush and grits, thank you very much. Kissing your sweetheart at midnight is a tradition I can get behind. And this New Year’s Eve, just as I’ve done for the past 17 New Year’s Eves, I’ll lay a big one on my dear husband, who puts up with me even though I buck other traditions and don’t eat those nasty greens with vinegar on them. Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@thedigitalcourier.com.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009

Burtchus R. Lathan Jr., 55, of Rutherfordton, died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. He was a son of the late Reton and Minnie Lathan. Burtchus served the community in many capacities including his current position as a board member of Rutherford Housing Partnership since 2003, and Youth Empowerment board chair since 2008. He formerly served on the Rutherfordton Community Development board, Rutherford County United Way Campaign chair, Boys & Girls of Metro Atlanta board, and a board member and president of Whitehead Boys & Girls Club. Burtchus was a 1996 Olympic torchbearer at the Centennial Games in Atlanta. He was a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award in 1995, and Mason of the Year (2007), Prince Hall Sunbeam Lodge No. 46 in Rutherfordton. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Lathan; three children, Cquokeysha Gary of Raleigh, Rosalind Logan Key of Atlanta, and Honnee Foster of Newark, N.J.; six grandchildren; one sister, Tiffany Lathan of Raleigh; two brothers, Kevin Lathan of Fayetteville, and Tony Lathan of Spindale. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at Wells Spring United Methodist Church in Forest City. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Ulysses D. Miller Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Harley Rowe

Harley Rowe, 86, died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at Hospice House in Forest City. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harrelson Funeral Home.

Betty Lee

Betty Alice Hutchins Wall Lee, 74, of Rock Corner Road, Forest City, died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at Rutherford Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home.

Inez Bomer

Inez Miller Bomer, 94, of 164 Peppertown Road, Henrietta, died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at Rutherford Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced

OBITUARIES/POLICE NOTES

Obituaries Burtchus Lathan Jr.

—

Police Notes by Thompson Mortuary.

Ruby Sherrill Ruby Aileen Sherrill, 89, of Forest City, died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Rutherford County, she was preceded in death by her parents Garland and Essie McDonald Sherrill, a member of Bethany Baptist Church, and a retired Avon representative. She is survived by two nieces and one nephew, two great-nieces, one greatnephew, and one great-greatniece. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Online condolences: www. crowemortuary.com.

Barbara Bell Barbara Frances Sears Bell, 77, of 500 Mountain Top Dr., Asheboro, died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing Home. She was a native of Rutherford County and a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Ellenboro. Survivors include two brothers, James Ray Sears of Forest City, and Billy Ross Sears of Jacksonville, Fla.; a god daughter and special nieces. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Ellenboro with Pastor Bruce Duncan officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Jim’s Kids, 2262 Racetrack Road, Sophia, NC 27350; or to Pilgrim Baptist Church, P.O. Box 245, Ellenboro, NC 28040. Ridge Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Asheboro, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences ridgefh.mem. com.

Paula Price Paula Cooper Price, 61, of 622 Macedonia Road, Gaffney, S.C., died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Born in Rutherford County, she was a daughter of the late Benjamin Cooper and Byanis Boone Cooper. She was employed with Cherokee County DHEC as a registered home health nurse and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Gene Price; three sons,

Robbie Jackson of Forest City, and Jason Price and Jeff Price, both of Gaffney; one daughter, Lori Jackson Robbins of Cliffside; two brothers, Robert Cooper of Cowpens, S.C., and Arnold Cooper of Forest City; two sisters, Gertrude Cooper Jones of Shelby, and Eunice Cooper of Forest City; six grandchildren. The family will receive friends Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. with Dr. Terry Duvall and the Rev. Sam Henderson officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Macedonia Baptist Church, 216 Macedonia Road, Gaffney, SC 29341; or to the American Cancer Society, “Relay for Life”, Cherokee County Unit, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615. The family will be at the Price residence. Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory of Gaffney is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences www.blakelyfuneralhome.com.

Elbert Lane Elbert Pinkney “Pig” Lane, 91, of Henrietta, died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, at Autumn Care of Forest City. A native of Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Charlie and Charity Dixon Lane. Elbert enjoyed baseball and played center field for the Henrietta Mills team, where he worked for 45 years as a humidity controller. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Henrietta. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Muriel Ward Lane. He is survived by five sons, Reid Lane of Rutherfordton, James Lane, Larry Lane, and Ronnie Lane, all of Forest City, and Randall Lane of Sonoma, Calif.; one daughter, Nancy Baker of The Villages, Fla.; 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Harrelson Funeral Chapel with the Revs. John Godfrey and Bob Philbeck officiating. Interment followed in the Caroleen-Henrietta Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. Online condolences www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com.

Quake shakes border region near U.S.-Mexico By ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press Writer

SAN DIEGO — A magnitude-5.8 earthquake rocked the U.S.-Mexico border region Wednesday, causing hospitals to evacuate in the Mexican industrial city of Mexicali as buildings swayed more than 100 miles to the west in San Diego and southwestern Arizona. There were no reports of injuries or major property damage. The main quake was centered about 20 miles southeast of Mexicali, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It was followed quickly by a 4.8 quake and dozens of other aftershocks. In Mexicali, five hospitals were briefly evacuated, 90,000 customers lost electricity for 14 minutes and cell phones failed to work for 20 minutes, said Rene Rosado, director of the city’s civil defense. City government offices closed for the day after the quake struck at 10:48 a.m. local time. About 300 employees emptied City Hall. “People were very frightened throughout the city,” Rosado said. There was “minor damage” to several buildings in Mexicali, a city of 750,000 people and capital of Baja California state, said Alfredo Escobedo, the state civil defense director. In Calexico, a California city of 40,000 people across the border from Mexicali, crews found no damage to bridges, buildings or roads, said City Manager Victor Carrillo. “Basically it was a quick, shake-and-bake, jolt-type of thing that seemed to last 15, 20 seconds, 30 seconds at the max,” said Carrillo, who was in a meeting at City Hall during the quake. “I have quite a few items on the shelves in my office and they’re all

intact.” Citizen reports to the USGS indicated it was also felt in southern Nevada and metropolitan Los Angeles. In Yuma, Ariz., Sally Zeller, a 31-year-old waitress at Brownie’s cafe, said she and most everyone in her restaurant felt the quake for several seconds. “It rumbled under our feet and the soup counter rumbled against my hip,” Zeller said. “The chandeliers were swaying. It was like, ’Whoa!”’ The quake was centered in a seismically active desert valley near cities with low-rise buildings. It occurred 4.3 miles deep and was considered a shallow quake. Shallower quakes have the potential to cause more damage than deeper ones.

WATCH YOUR BUDGET Shop the Classifieds!

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Sheriff’s Reports n The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to 145 E-911 calls Tuesday.

Rutherfordton n The Rutherfordton Police Department responded to 23 E-911 calls Tuesday.

Spindale n The Spindale Police Department responded to 23 E-911 calls Tuesday.

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

Forest City n The Forest City Police Department responded to 82 E-911 calls Tuesday. n An employee of Hibbett Sports reported an incident of larceny. n Randy Biggerstaff reported an incident of financial card fraud. n An employee of Quality Plus reported the theft of gas. n Tina Carroll reported an incident of communicating threats. n An employee of Ingles reported an incident of obtain property by false pretense. n An employee of Butler’s Jewelry and Loan reported an incident of obtain property by false pretense.

Arrests n Amy Sullivan, 42, of Ohio Street, Spindale; arrested on a warrant for felony larceny; released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. (FCPD) n Timothy Kincaid, 41, of Ohio Street, Spindale; arrested on two warrants for obtain property by false pretense; released on a $20,000 unsecured bond. (FCPD) n Derek Humphries, 18, of Ferry Road, Forest City; charged with driving while impaired, provisional licensee and stop sign violation; released on a $1,000 unsecured bond. (FCPD) n Todd Evan Radford, 35, of 5604 South; charged with two counts of misdemeanor probation violation; placed under a $50,000 secured bond. (Probation)

n Brandon Lee Conner, 18, of 2010 U.S. 64/74; charged with resist/ obstruct a public officer; placed under a $500 secured bond. (RCSD) n Leslie Dawn Parker, 29, of 1400 Chesnee Road; charged with misdemeanor larceny; released on a $1,000 unsecured bond. (RCSD) n Timothy Jason Smith, 27, of 154 N. Main Maridian; charged with simple possession of schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; released on a written promise to appear. (RCSD) n Kim Undria Curtis, 37, of 171 Third St.; surrender on charges of failure to appear on misdemeanor shoplifting and resisting a public officer; placed under a $1,500 secured bond. (Bondsman)

Citations n Dominic Reynolds, 17, of Bostic/Sunshine Highway, Bostic; cited for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; released on a written promise to appear. (FCPD) n Marco Guzman, 17, of Angela Street, Forest City; cited for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of misdemeanor larceny; released on a written promise to appear. (FCPD)

EMS/Rescue n The Rutherford County EMS responded to 25 E-911 calls Tuesday. n The Volunteer Life Saving and Rescue, Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rutherford County Rescue responded to 12 E-911 calls Tuesday.

Fire Calls n Cherry Mountain firefighters responded to a residential fire alarm. n Hudlow firefighters responded to a house fire, assisted by Bostic and Cherry Mountain firefighters. n S-D-O firefighters responded to a motor vehicle crash and to a vehicle fire. n Spindale firefighters responded to a motor vehicle crash. n Sandy Mush firefighters responded to a smoke report, assisted by S-D-O and Cliffside firefighters.

Holidays key time to keep kids safe By JESSICA OSBORNE Courier Staff Correspondent

FOREST CITY— As Christmas lights and blowup holiday characters adorn yards and houses across the county, Safe Kids USA offers great tips on how to keep your kids safe in case of a fire. n Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. Central locations such as the living room, the top of the stairwell and the outside bedroom doors are good places. n Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. The alarm itself should be replaced every 10 years. n Keeping matches, light-

Ruby Aileen Sherrill Ruby Aileen Sherrill, age 89, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Rutherford County, member of Bethany Baptist Church and a retired Avon representative. She was preceded in death by her parents Garland and Essie McDonald Sherrill. Ruby is survived by two nieces, Sandra Sherrill and Judy Robertson; one nephew, Ricky Sherrill, two great nieces, Alicia Smith and Caitlin Sherrill; one great nephew, Andrew Sherrill and one great great niece, Shelby Smith. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Thursday December 31, 2009 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Online condolences: www.crowemortuary.com Paid obit.

ers and other heat sources out of children’s reach can help eliminate child-play fires – the leading cause of fire-related death for children 5 and under. n Preparation and education are key elements of preventing fire tragedies. Planning and practicing a fire escape route with your family, and talking to your children about what to expect in a fire, are simple steps anyone can take. For more information about fire prevention, fire safety and other safety tips to keep your kids out of harms way visit www.safekids.org. THE DAILY COURIER Published Tuesday through Sunday mornings by Paxton Media Group LLC dba The Daily Courier USPS 204-920 Periodical Postage paid in Forest City, NC. Company Address: 601 Oak St., P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, NC 28043. Phone: (828) 245-6431 Fax: (828) 248-2790 Subscription rates: Single copy, daily 50¢ / Sunday $1.50. Home delivery $11.75 per month, $35.25 for three months, $70.50 for six months, $129 per year. In county rates by mail payable in advance are: $13.38 for one month, $40.14 for three months, $80.27 for six months, $160.54 per year. Outside county: $14.55 for one month, $43.64 for three months, $87.28 for six months, $174.56 per year. College students for school year subscription, $75. The Digital Courier, $6.50 a month for non-subscribers to The Daily Courier. Payment may be made at the website: www.thedigitalcourier. com The Daily Courier is not responsible for advance subscription payments made to carriers, all of who are independent contractors.

Classifieds sell

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009

Calendar/Local Smoking Continued from Page 1

Red Cross Blood drives schedule: Jan. 5 — Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 406 Toney Road, Bostic, 3 to 7:30 p.m., call 245-9114 for an appointment; Jan. 7 — Concord Baptist Church, 720 Old Hwy. 74, Bostic, 3 to 7:30 p.m., call 245-6130 for an appointment; Jan. 9 — Goodes Creek Baptist Church, 7:30 a.m. to noon, call 2453513 for an appointment; Jan. 9 — Cliffside Masonic Lodge, Old Main St., Cliffside, 7:30 a.m. to noon, call 245-7606 for an appointment; Jan. 25 — Red Cross Chapter House, 838 Oakland Road; Forest City, 2 to 6:30 p.m., call 287-5916 for an appointment; Jan. 28 — R-S Middle School, 2 to 7:30 p.m., call 286-8314 for an appointment.

Health/education Community Health Clinic of Rutherford County provides access to primary medical care, wellness education, medications and preventative programs. The clinic, open Monday through Thursday, is located at 127 E. Trade St., B 100, Forest City. Patients seen by appointment only. The clinic does not accept patients with private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. Call 245-0400. The Medication Assistance Program provides access to medications at reduced rates or free of charge to those who qualify, call 288-8872.

Meetings/other 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. DAR meeting: Griffith Rutherford NSDAR Chapter will meet Wednesday, Jan. 6, at St. John’s Church, Main St., Rutherfordton. Meeting begins at 3 p.m. Program on “Quilts with Stories” presented by Sylvia Lancaster. Owls Booster meeting: Forest City Owls Boosters will meet Thursday, Jan. 14, at Rollins Cafeteria. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Please come early (6 p.m., or sooner) if you plan to have a meal. Membership $25 per person. For information contact Cecil Geer at (828) 9190000.

Students/schools Financial aid workshop: Monday, Jan. 4, 6 to 8 p.m., R-S Central High School; parents of college bound seniors encouraged to attend.

Miscellaneous Cole family reunion: Saturday, Jan. 9, covered dish meal 2:30 p.m., Goode’s Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall; bring well-filled basket. Washburn Community Outreach Center will hold a 25 cents sale Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, on men/women’s pants and shirts. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store will be closed Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. Located at 2934 Piney Mtn. Church Road, Bostic. Convenience centers: All Rutherford County convenience centers and the central landfill will be closed Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. Regular hours will resume Saturday, Jan. 2. Foothills Harvest Outreach Ministries will hold a storewide half-price sale Jan. 4-9 (excludes a few select items). The store will be closed Jan. 1, New Year’s Day and reopen Jan. 2. Located at 120 E. Trade St., Forest City. Yokefellow Service Center will hold a storewide half-price sale Jan. 4-9. Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store will be closed Jan. 1, New Year’s Day and reopen Jan. 2. Located at 102 Blanton St., Spindale.

Fundraisers Buffet Breakfast: Saturday, Jan. 2, 7 to 10:30 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church; Mt. Pleasant Church Rd., Forest City; $5 per person. Country ham supper: Saturday, Jan. 2, 4 to 8 p.m., Duncan’s Creek Presbyterian Church, Ellenboro.

Music/concerts Concert: 37th Annual Gospel Concert, featuring Soul Harvest, Master’s Singers and Ronnie Felker “Fearless Fife” at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4251 Chesnee Road (Parris Bridge Road). Special midnight candlelight service with Rev. Butch Osborne.

they’ve known it was coming,” said Eric Gilbert, general manager of Chili’s. “All of the ash trays are gone as of midnight Saturday,” he said. “We’re going to personally observe a distance for smoking away from the restaurant of 10 feet.” Although it will be the law and patrons have been told of the change, Gilbert said it’s not stopped those who smoke from disliking the change. “I’ve heard it all the time,” he said. “I’ve been telling people the door is eight feet from your seat and they can go outside.”

Laws Continued from Page 1

ployment insurance benefits. A new law extends the amount of time an animal shelter must hold a lost dog or cat to at least 72 hours and allows for the shelter to loan out the

Donations Continued from Page 1

years. “There have been many people that have come in and donated and they want that receipt so we have seen many monetary donations. There have also been some people donating clothes and other goods like that to get a write-off.” For Chase Corner Ministries, the numbers have increased in the final week of the year, but not as much of an increase as workers usually see. “My feeling is that this year more people are trying to do yard sales and make money off of their items instead

Other restaurants and bars are already smoke free by choice. Hickory Log made the change a few years ago, said owner Bill Gold, because he felt the change would eventually be coming. “We feel like we were ahead of the curve,” he said. “It’s a decision we made ourselves; I don’t like the government telling you what to do. “When I hung up the sign one person said she’d never come back, but there were 20 others behind her clapping. “It was a positive thing for us.” Gold said in addition to pleasing those who don’t smoke, going smokefree meant less work for employees in some ways. “You’ll be surprised at how much

cleaner your restaurant will be too,” he said. The law also prohibits smoking inside state government buildings and state vehicles. As part of the new law, no smoking signs have to be placed in a visible location and all indoor ashtrays and other smoking receptacles removed. Individuals who continue to smoke in a nonsmoking area after being asked either verbally or in writing to stop will be found in violation of the law and could be fined up to $50. Restaurants and bars found in violation of the law will receive a written notice following the first violation. After the third and subsequent violations, an administrative penalty of not more than $200.

animal to a foster facility. Citizens who have a permit to carry a concealed weapon will now receive a notice from their county sheriff within the 45 days prior to the permit expiring to remind them to renew their license. Those who do will have their current permit remain valid until they receive a new one or are

denied by their sheriff.

of bringing it to us,” said Crystal Tate, director of the ministry for the past 13 years. “I would say that we are about 30 percent less than last year. I think people wait until the last minute to get a write off and we have more monetary donations than items this time of year. People are a lot more generous at Christmas, it’s too bad that isn’t all year long.” Tate said the charity needed specific items for the winter months like blankets and that they were hoping to get some more monetary donations to offer heating bill assistance. “Our food donations are doing OK and people are still giving us that and clothing,” tate said. “But our biggest need all year is the food and we have

been blessed this year and we’re so thankful because we have it to give.” At the Hospice Resale Shop in Forest City, lines have been forming for donors to drop off bags of clothing and other items.

Ready for the plunge? Chilly Lake Lure ready LAKE LURE — With the new year comes the return of Lake Lure’s New Year’s Day Polar Plunge. Plunger registration is underway to be “freezin’ for a reason.” The plunge is a fundraiser to keep others warm. Event gates will open at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, at the Lake Lure gazebo, across the street from the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa. At high noon, plungers will again take the big, cold plunge into Lake Lure. There is no entrance fee for spectators. Plunger registration fee proceeds will go to Yokefellow Service Center and to area fire and rescue departments. Individual registration is $35 — teams of five can register for $150. It is the only known New Year’s Day Plunge in the state. Hot drinks, food and bonfires will be at both the primary plunge site at the Lake Lure gazebo and also at the post-plunge awards party at the Geneva Hotel’s Tiki Bar on the Rocky Broad River. The Geneva was home to last year’s inaugural plunge, when hundreds turned out to either plunge or to observe. The plunge and postplunge party sites are on the same street, only 1.69 miles apart. “The New Year’s Polar Plunge was so popular last year that the decision was made to move the main event of plunge day to the Lake Lure Gazebo, where there’s more room to accommodate all the plungers and spectators,” said Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority Acting Executive Director Michelle Whitaker. “But there will still be lots of action again at Geneva’s Tiki Bar

on the Rocky Broad River. It’s home of the original plunge and it will now be host not only to the post-plunge awards party, but also to a new event: ‘extreme plunging.’” “I took the Plunge” hoodies and “return plunger” patches will be given out at the post-plunge awards ceremony at the Geneva. Plunge awards will be given for the Best Costume, Most Team Spirit and Furthest Traveled. “The community has really rallied behind this event,” Whitaker continued. “It is now sponsored by the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce, and lots of groups and businesses are coming together to make it happen.” The Geneva Hotel, the Lake Lure Inn and many other businesses and individuals should be applauded for their efforts for a good cause.” Pre-registration is recommended. For more information, registration, hotel packages and links to video from last year’s plunge, go to www. newyearspolarplunge.com. For information or to register, call 828-625-2725 or 828-625-4121 To come: The 2nd Annual New Year’s Day Polar Plunge When: January 1 – Gates open at 11 a.m. --- Plunge at high Noon Where: The Beach at Lake Lure; 2930 Memorial Hwy; Lake Lure, NC (Across the street from the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa) Post-Plunge Awards Party And Extreme Plunging When: Right after plunge Where: Geneva Riverside Lodging.

Finally, a new law requiring local government officials to adopt a Code of Ethics and attend an ethics training course will also go into effect. Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.

“We have seen many donations of items: clothes, electronics, furniture and we have even had someone come and donate a vehicle to us,” said Shellie Wilson, coordinator for the shop. “On Tuesday there were cars and trucks lined up in the parking lot full of people waiting to drop things off to us.” Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.

Retirees Continued from Page 1

ery that has been an asset to the county,” he said. Roger Wilson, the maintenance department supervisor, is the interim director until such time as a replacement is named. “Both Barry Davis and Barry Jones are on vacation until Dec. 31 and will be officially retired as of Jan. 1, 2010,” Condrey concluded. “We wish them both the best in their future plans.” Contact Gordon via e-mail at jgordon@ thedigitalcourier.com.

Trailer destroyed in early morning fire Wednesday HUDLOW — A double-wide trailer, rented by Christina Flynn on Pea Ridge Road, was lost to a fire at about 12:25 a.m. Wednesday. Flynn was not at home at the time. She is helping care for a sister who is ill. Hudlow Volunteer Fire Department Chief Curtis Hodge said when his department arrived at the scene, the house was totally involved. “It was through the roof,” Hodge said. He believes the fire started near the wood stove and investigation continues into the cause of the fire. The home was owned by Billy Cogdell, who said it was insured. Flynn also had insurance on her belongings. It was a total loss, Hodge siad. Assisting Hudlow at the scene were Cherry Mountain and Bostic fire departments.

About us... Circulation

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

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009 — 7

Inside Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Bobcats . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Leach fired . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Off The Wall Scott Bowers

Bald-eye view of our hoops

Lady Hilltoppers Alltournament team RUTHERFORDTON — The 10th Annual Lady Hilltoppers Classic All-Tournament team was selected late Tuesday night. R-S Central’s Melissa McLaughlin and Shannon Hines made the list after the Lady Hilltoppers finished second overall in the tournament. McLaughlin shot 61 percent from the field during the tourney and lead all players with 24 points per contest. Hines trailed not far behind with 16 points and seven boards per game. The final Rutherford County lady basketball player to make the team came from Chase and that was Claudette Miller. Miller scored in double figures in two of the three tournament games. Winning the tournament for the third time and representing Shelby was Matrice Sweezey and Ebony Whitworth. Sweezey averaged 12 points per game and used her long arms to suffocate the passing lane of all three opponents it faced over the holiday. Whitworth maintained 11 points per game for the Lady Golden Lions over the three days. Kings Mountain’s Tiara McClain averaged seven points per game, but the senior did all the little things right to be picked for this year’s group. For the Lady Panthers of Hibriten, they selected Keisha Corpening. Corpening averaged 18 points per game in the tournament. Crest decided on Kendyl McWhirter, who averaged 14 points per game during the event. Gaffney’s Parris Davidson averaged nine points per game and 10 rebounds to get the nod. Whitney Collins took home the honor for Ashbrook. Collins averaged 15 points per game and three during the holidays. Most Valuable Player of the tournament went to Kelantra Allen of Shelby. Allen averaged 10 points per game and came away with a number of steals as Shelby claimed the championship.

Associated Press

Albany’s Fran Urli, left, defends as North Carolina’s Leslie McDonald (15) drives to the basket while Tyler Zeller (44) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Chapel Hill, Wednesday.

Tar Heels run past Albany CHAPEL HILL (AP) — Ed Davis had 18 points to help No. 9 North Carolina beat Albany 87-70 on Wednesday night. Deon Thompson added 15 points for the Tar Heels (11-3), who had an easy time in their next-to-last game before opening Atlantic Coast Conference play. Despite being short-handed, North Carolina built a double-digit lead midway through the first half and coasted the rest of the way for its third straight win since losing to No. 2 Texas. The Tar Heels played without fifthyear senior Marcus Ginyard and sopho-

more Justin Watts. Watts injured his right ankle during Monday’s win against Rutgers, while Ginyard has missed two straight since spraining his right ankle in practice. Will Harris scored 22 points to lead the Great Danes (4-10), who ended an eight-game road trip with just one victory. Albany hasn’t played at home since beating Robert Morris on Nov. 22. For the Tar Heels, it was a drama-free night — and that’s a good thing considPlease see Tar Heels, Page 8

On TV 12 p.m. (ESPN) College Football Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl — Air Force vs. Houston. 12 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Michigan at Indiana. 2 p.m. (WBTV) (WSPA) College Football Brut Sun Bowl — Oklahoma vs. Stanford. 2 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Ohio State at Wisconsin. 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) College Football Texas Bowl — Missouri vs. Navy. 4 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Tennessee at Memphis. 4:30 p.m. (TS) College Basketball Arizona State at UCLA. 6 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Pennsylvania at Duke. 6 p.m. (FSS) College Basketball North Carolina State at UNC-Greensboro. 7 p.m. (TNT) NBA Basketball Miami Heat at San Antonio Spurs. 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) College Football Chick-fil-A Bowl — Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech. 8 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball St. John’s at Georgetown. 8 p.m. (FSS) NHL Hockey New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes. 9:30 p.m. (TNT) NBA Basketball Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Clippers. 10 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Oklahoma at Gonzaga.

Associated Press

Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, right, talks to a referee in the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Charlotte, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009.

Fox says little about future CHARLOTTE (AP) — While Carolina Panthers coach John Fox deflected questions about his uncertain future on Wednesday, several of his players and a rival coach weren’t shy in defending him. It was part of a bizarre day as Fox acknowledged his contract hasn’t been extended, yet didn’t want to discuss perhaps entering 2010 as a lame duck coach in the final year of his deal. “I don’t get into that right now,” said Fox, 75-60 in Carolina with a Super Bowl appearance, but yet to post consecutive winning seasons. “Our focus is to get through the season and I have an agent that deals with that.” While agent Bob LaMonte didn’t return messages Wednesday, Panthers

defensive tackle Damione Lewis, center Ryan Kalil and even New Orleans coach Sean Payton came to Fox’s defense. The Panthers (7-8) enter Sunday’s season finale against the Saints (13-2) ensured of missing the playoffs for the fifth time in Fox’s eight seasons. “I know this, he and his staff aren’t going to have problems finding work. Let’s just say that,” said Payton, a longtime friend of Fox. “I think he has a lot of confidence in that team and I think the team, the same way, has confidence in that coaching staff. “It’s evident by the way they played against Minnesota and the way they Please see Fox, Page 9

The gym at East Rutherford could seriously use a fresh coat of white paint on the ceiling and the walls. The lights need updating and someone should take the time to freshen up the old “Runnin’ Cavaliers” logo. East, now 10-0, will need a fresh gym to go along with the fresh basketball team they are putting on the court each and every night. I’m not jumping on the bandwagon, at least not yet, there are way too many games left to be played and youth, even that at East, brings with it unending optimism, but very little experience. Few wearing a Cavs jersey have even played in a playoff game, let alone a third or fourth round game where the pressure really mounts. These 2009-10 Cavs are quick, they like to run, and they have confidence. You can’t coach confidence. What the Cavs don’t have is an inside presence. That worries me, but that is a worry that can be overcome. Devince Boykins can rebound with anybody, jump with anybody, and isn’t scared by anybody. Those are three good traits in a basketball player. The tandem of sophomore guards Rob Gray and Raheem Hampton are going to be very scary in two years, when as seniors, I feel bad for the teams that have to find ways to guard them. Of course, I kind of feel sorry for teams that have to guard them now —just imagine two seasons from now. This is a season, to my mind, where East learns how to win again, learns how to know they are going to win, and learns how to step on a floor and not be worried, or intimidated, by who they are playing. The various role players — Zach Price, Mikhail Baxter, Teddy Flack, and T.J. Watkins — all bring good ball skills, along with a dedication to playing defense. Of course, the 1,000-pound Lion in the room sits in Shelby and that Lion will be faced on January 15, in Shelby. The next day, East will play Veritas at the 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Hoops Tournament. The Cavs will also get one last crack at R-S Central, who at 9-2 is not out of the running by a long shot. It’s the Hilltoppers who have two things that I like — experience and an inside game, but they are playing with the consistency of water right now. One game intense, and the next trickling like a stream during an August drought. The lack of consistency seems to be leading to a lack of confidence. The Hilltoppers never should have lost to the Asheville School Blues on Monday. The other issue that will bother and befuddle the Hilltoppers is the lack of a true point guard. Central has loads of offensive weapons, but no one to make that offense go or click. The next month is going to be very interesting in the South Mountain and I would recommend getting to the gym on time. Even if it is a little dark and dingy. Better ball these days: Two years ago, I was about to give up on basketball in Rutherford County. It was pretty ugly. Now, the collection of athletic ballplayers has improved the game and although overall shooting skills are still lacking, Please see Wall, Page 9

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009

sports

Scoreboard FOOTBALL National Football League

Associated Press

Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh (4) drives to the hoop past Charlotte Bobcats center DeSagana Diop (7) during first-half NBA basketball game action in Toronto on Wednesday.

Raptors hold off Bobcats

TORONTO (AP) — Chris Bosh had 33 points and 13 rebounds, Andrea Bargnani matched his career high with 28 points, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Charlotte Bobcats 107-103 on Wednesday night for their season-high fifth straight victory. Marco Belinelli scored 13 points and rookie DeMar DeRozan had 10 as Toronto avenged its worst defeat of the season, a 116-81 loss at Charlotte on Nov. 25 — the biggest margin of victory in Bobcats history. Stephen Jackson scored 30 points and Raymond Felton had 23 for the Bobcats, who are 1-14 on the road, the second-worst mark in the NBA.

Tar Heels Continued from Page 7

ering the way they played in Monday’s win against Rutgers. In that game, they saw a 17-point secondhalf lead whittled all the way to four with about 2 minutes left before taking an 81-67 victory. Afterward, coach Roy Williams said he was “so ticked off it is unbelievable” at the performance, which included everything from guys forgetting repeated instructions not to try to save the ball under their defensive basket to one play in which two players lined up to guard the same guy. Williams said his team can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes with the ACC opener against Virginia Tech looming next weekend. It was hard to really say how much the team responded considering the absences of Ginyard and Watts from an already thin perimeter, which forced Williams to use walk-on Thomas Thornton for a few plays during the first half against an overmatched opponent. The Tar Heels appeared to get out in transition better, with freshman John Henson throwing down a couple of dunks — including one in the first half in which he posed with his right hand behind his head while throwing it down with his left — to highlight the effort. North Carolina got a 3-pointer from Larry Drew II, followed by two more from Will Graves on the ensuing possessions for a 39-19 lead with about 5 minutes left in the first half on the way to a 46-29 halftime lead. The Tar Heels increased that margin steadily, at one point shooting 17 of 22 in the second half before getting a little ragged while playing with a big lead in the final 5 minutes. The Tar Heels finished at 60 percent after halftime and 50 percent for the game. They led by as many as 38 points midway through the second half, though Albany closed the game on a 23-2 run.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF x-New England 10 5 0 .667 400 N.Y. Jets 8 7 0 .533 311 Miami 7 8 0 .467 336 Buffalo 5 10 0 .333 228 South W L T Pct PF x-Indianapolis 14 1 0 .933 409 Houston 8 7 0 .533 354 Jacksonville 7 8 0 .467 273 Tennessee 7 8 0 .467 337 North W L T Pct PF x-Cincinnati 10 5 0 .667 305 Baltimore 8 7 0 .533 370 Pittsburgh 8 7 0 .533 338 Cleveland 4 11 0 .267 222 West W L T Pct PF x-San Diego 12 3 0 .800 431 Denver 8 7 0 .533 302 Oakland 5 10 0 .333 184 Kansas City 3 12 0 .200 250 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF y-Philadelphia 11 4 0 .733 429 y-Dallas 10 5 0 .667 337 N.Y. Giants 8 7 0 .533 395 Washington 4 11 0 .267 246 South W L T Pct PF x-New Orleans 13 2 0 .867 500 Atlanta 8 7 0 .533 343 Carolina 7 8 0 .467 292 Tampa Bay 3 12 0 .200 234 North W L T Pct PF x-Minnesota 11 4 0 .733 426 y-Green Bay 10 5 0 .667 428 Chicago 6 9 0 .400 290 Detroit 2 13 0 .133 239 West W L T Pct PF x-Arizona 10 5 0 .667 368 San Francisco 7 8 0 .467 302 Seattle 5 10 0 .333 267 St. Louis 1 14 0 .067 169

PA 251 236 360 319 PA 277 306 357 389 PA 254 248 300 358 PA 300 280 358 400 PA 313 250 383 313 PA 318 315 298 380 PA 305 290 352 457 PA 292 275 373 408

x-clinched division y-clinched playoff spot Sunday’s Games Chicago at Detroit, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Miami, 1 p.m. New England at Houston, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Buffalo, 1 p.m. San Francisco at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Cleveland, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Seattle, 4:15 p.m. Philadelphia at Dallas, 4:15 p.m. Washington at San Diego, 4:15 p.m. Kansas City at Denver, 4:15 p.m. Baltimore at Oakland, 4:15 p.m. Green Bay at Arizona, 4:15 p.m. Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets, 8:20 p.m.

Northwestern (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5), 11 a.m. (ESPN) Capital One Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Penn State (10-2) vs. LSU (9-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Gator Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Florida State (6-6) vs. West Virginia (9-3), 1 p.m. (CBS) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Ohio State (10-2) vs. Oregon (10-2), 5 p.m. (ABC) Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Florida (12-1) vs. Cincinnati (12-0), 8:30 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 2 International Bowl At Toronto South Florida (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (7-5), Noon (ESPN2) Cotton Bowl At Arlington, Texas Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Mississippi (8-4), 2 p.m. (FOX) PapaJohns.com Bowl At Birmingham, Ala. Connecticut (7-5) vs. South Carolina (7-5), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. East Carolina (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4), 9 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 4 Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Boise State (13-0) vs. TCU (12-0), 8 p.m. (FOX) Tuesday, Jan. 5 Orange Bowl At Miami Iowa (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech (11-2), 8 p.m. (FOX) Wednesday, Jan. 6 GMAC Bowl Mobile, Ala. Central Michigan (11-2) vs. Troy (9-3), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 7 BCS National Championship At Pasadena, Calif. Alabama (13-0) vs. Texas (13-0), 8 p.m. (ABC) Saturday, Jan. 23 East-West Shrine Classic At Orlando, Fla. East vs. West, 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 4 p.m. (NFL) Saturday, Feb. 6 Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge At El Paso, Texas Texas vs. Nation, 3 p.m. (CBSC)

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association

Bowl Glance Saturday, Dec. 19 New Mexico Bowl At Albuquerque Wyoming 35, Fresno State 28, 2OT St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Rutgers 45, UCF 24 Sunday, Dec. 20 New Orleans Bowl Middle Tennessee 42, Southern Miss. 32 Tuesday, Dec. 22 Las Vegas Bowl BYU 44, Oregon State 20 Wednesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego Utah 37, California 27 Thursday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu SMU 45, Nevada 10 Saturday, Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl At Detroit Marshall 21, Ohio 17 Meineke Bowl At Charlotte Pittsburgh 19, North Carolina 17 Emerald Bowl At San Francisco Southern Cal 24, Boston College 13 Sunday, Dec. 27 Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Clemson 21, Kentucky 13 Monday, Dec. 28 Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Georgia 44, Texas A&M 20 Tuesday, Dec. 29 EagleBank Bowl At Washington UCLA 30, Temple 21 Champs Sports Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Wisconsin 20, Miami 14 Wednesday, Dec. 30 Humanitarian Bowl At Boise, Idaho Idaho 43, Bowling Green 42 Holiday Bowl At San Diego Nebraska (9-4) vs. Arizona (8-4), late (ESPN) Thursday, Dec. 31 Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Air Force (7-5) vs. Houston (10-3), Noon (ESPN) Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Stanford (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (7-5), 2 p.m. (CBS) Texas Bowl At Houston Missouri (8-4) vs. Navy (9-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Insight Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Minnesota (6-6) vs. Iowa State (6-6), 6 p.m. (NFL) Chick-fil-A Bowl At Atlanta Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. Tennessee (7-5), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla.

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 23 7 .767 — Toronto 15 17 .469 9 New York 12 19 .387 11 1/2 Philadelphia 8 22 .267 15 New Jersey 2 29 .065 21 1/2 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Orlando 22 8 .733 — Atlanta 21 9 .700 1 Miami 16 12 .571 5 Charlotte 12 18 .400 10 Washington 10 20 .333 12 Central Division W L Pct GB Cleveland 25 8 .758 — Chicago 12 17 .414 11 Milwaukee 12 17 .414 11 Detroit 11 20 .355 13 Indiana 9 21 .300 14 1/2 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB Dallas 22 9 .710 — San Antonio 18 11 .621 3 Houston 19 13 .594 3 1/2 Memphis 14 16 .467 7 1/2 New Orleans 13 16 .448 8 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Denver 20 12 .625 — Portland 20 13 .606 1/2 Utah 17 13 .567 2 Oklahoma City 17 14 .548 2 1/2 Minnesota 7 25 .219 13 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Lakers 25 6 .806 — Phoenix 20 12 .625 5 1/2 Sacramento 14 16 .467 10 1/2 L.A. Clippers 13 17 .433 11 1/2 Golden State 9 22 .290 16 Monday’s Games Charlotte 94, Milwaukee 84 Oklahoma City 105, New Jersey 89 Memphis 116, Washington 111, OT Phoenix 118, L.A. Lakers 103 Philadelphia 104, Portland 93 Sacramento 106, Denver 101 Golden State 103, Boston 99 Tuesday’s Games Cleveland 95, Atlanta 84 Oklahoma City 110, Washington 98 New York 104, Detroit 87 Chicago 104, Indiana 95 San Antonio 117, Minnesota 99 Houston 108, New Orleans 100 L.A. Lakers 124, Golden State 118 Wednesday’s Games Orlando 117, Milwaukee 92 Memphis 121, Indiana 110 Cleveland 106, Atlanta 101 Toronto 107, Charlotte 103 New York at New Jersey, late Miami at New Orleans, late Utah at Minnesota, late Boston at Phoenix, late L.A. Clippers at Portland, late Philadelphia at Sacramento, late Thursday’s Games Chicago at Detroit, 3 p.m.

Miami at San Antonio, 7 p.m. Dallas at Houston, 7 p.m. Utah at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Philadelphia at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 p.m.

HOCKEY National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF New Jersey 37 27 9 1 55 110 Pittsburgh 40 26 13 1 53 130 N.Y. Rangers 38 18 16 4 40 105 N.Y. Islanders 41 16 18 7 39 99 Philadelphia 38 18 18 2 38 106 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Buffalo 39 24 11 4 52 107 Boston 38 19 12 7 45 99 Ottawa 39 20 15 4 44 109 Montreal 41 19 19 3 41 107 Toronto 40 14 17 9 37 113 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Washington 39 24 9 6 54 142 Atlanta 38 18 16 4 40 124 Florida 40 16 17 7 39 113 Tampa Bay 39 15 15 9 39 99 Carolina 39 10 22 7 27 99 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF Chicago 39 26 10 3 55 121 Nashville 40 23 14 3 49 116 Detroit 39 19 14 6 44 100 St. Louis 39 17 17 5 39 102 Columbus 41 15 18 8 38 109 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF Colorado 40 22 12 6 50 119 Vancouver 40 23 16 1 47 125 Calgary 38 21 12 5 47 107 Minnesota 40 20 17 3 43 106 Edmonton 39 15 20 4 34 110 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF San Jose 39 24 8 7 55 130 Phoenix 41 25 13 3 53 108 Los Angeles 39 22 14 3 47 116 Dallas 39 17 11 11 45 116 Anaheim 39 16 16 7 39 109

GA 81 105 106 126 109 GA 90 94 115 114 139 GA 109 121 128 118 143 GA 84 117 101 111 138 GA 115 99 95 114 131 GA 101 92 115 121 124

Monday’s Games New Jersey 3, Atlanta 2 Columbus 1, Detroit 0, OT Carolina 6, Washington 3 Ottawa 4, Montreal 2 Tampa Bay 2, Boston 1 Calgary 4, Edmonton 1 San Jose 3, Phoenix 2, SO Minnesota 4, Los Angeles 3 Tuesday’s Games N.Y. Islanders 2, Columbus 1, SO Buffalo 4, Pittsburgh 3 Nashville 4, St. Louis 3 Dallas 5, Chicago 4 Phoenix 3, Vancouver 2, SO Anaheim 4, Minnesota 2 Wednesday’s Games New Jersey 2, Pittsburgh 0 Colorado 4, Ottawa 3 Philadelphia 6, N.Y. Rangers 0 Boston 4, Atlanta 0 Montreal at Tampa Bay, late Toronto at Edmonton, late Los Angeles at Calgary, late Washington at San Jose, late Thursday’s Games Montreal at Florida, 5 p.m. Colorado at Detroit, 7 p.m. Nashville at Columbus, 7 p.m. San Jose at Phoenix, 7 p.m. Vancouver at St. Louis, 7 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Ottawa, 7 p.m. Los Angeles at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Anaheim at Dallas, 8 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Carolina, 8 p.m. New Jersey at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Edmonton at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Idaho stuns Bowling Green 43-42 in Humanitarian Bowl BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Max Komar made a sliding 16-yard touchdown catch with 4 seconds left and Nathan Enderle passed to Preston Davis for the 2-point conversion, lifting Idaho to a dramatic 43-42 victory over Bowling Green in Wednesday night’s Humanitarian Bowl. The Falcons took a 42-35 lead with 32 seconds left on a 51-yard pass from Tyler Sheehan to Freddie Barnes, who slipped behind the Idaho secondary for his 17th catch of the game and No. 155 in his NCAA record-setting season. But Idaho answered with a 50-yard heave from Enderle to Davis that got the ball to the Bowling Green 16. After an incompletion with 8 seconds left, Enderle found Komar — who had dropped a number of passes — in the middle of the field, and he slid to cradle the low pass. Coach Robb Akey then decided to go for the 2-point conversion and Enderle threw to Davis alone in the back of the end zone.

Panthers’ Muhsin Muhammad: Sunday won’t be my last game CHARLOTTE (AP) — Muhsin Muhammad is 36, in the final year of his contract and didn’t catch his first touchdown pass of the season until last Sunday. Yet the Panthers starting receiver — who has spent 11 of his 14 seasons in Carolina — vowed that Sunday’s season finale against New Orleans won’t mark the end of his career. “I don’t know if it will be my last game as a Panther, but I know it won’t be my last game,” Muhammad said Wednesday. A two-time Pro Bowler and known as one of the NFL’s top blocking receivers, Muhammad has just 46 catches for 496 yards. Lack of production by receivers other than Steve Smith has hampered the Panthers offense for much of their disappointing season. Muhammad’s 22-yard touchdown catch in Sunday’s 41-9 win over the New York Giants was the first TD by a receiver other than Smith. Muhammad said he’s had no discussions with team officials about a

new contract, but is hopeful he can return in 2010. “I would love to stay and play,” Muhammad said. “We’ll see what happens.” The Panthers’ second-round pick in 1996, Muhammad made the Pro Bowl in 1999 and later paired with Smith in Carolina’s Super Bowl season in 2003. He became Carolina’s top receiving target in 2004 when Smith was injured and made the Pro Bowl, only to be released in a salarycap move when the two sides couldn’t work out a new contract agreement. Muhammad signed with Chicago and spent three years with the Bears, where his numbers steadily declined. He was released after catching only 40 passes in 2007. The Panthers, who had failed to find a physical, blocking receiver to replace him, re-signed Muhammad to a two-year deal in 2008. He started last season and caught 65 passes for 923 yards and five touchdowns. Muhammad remained a starter this year, but his numbers are down.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009 — 9

sports

Texas Tech fires Mike Leach

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas Tech fired Mike Leach on Wednesday after the coach took the school to court to try to overturn his suspension for alleged mistreatment of an injured player. “I’m very sad to say there’s only one person to blame for this and it’s Mike Leach,” Texas Tech chancellor Kent Hance told the AP. Jerry Turner, vice chairman of the university system’s board of regents, said “other things” came to light during an investigation of Leach’s treatment of receiver Adam James. The sophomore alleged the coach twice confined Garrett Byers/Daily Courier him to a small, dark place after Chase’s Carlos Watkins, in this file photo, is proving the player was diagnosed with a tough to guard against as the center continues to have concussion. a strong 2009-10 season for the Trojans. Watkins postTurner declined to elaborate ed 27 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in a losing about the other issues. effort against Central on Tuesday. Leach was suspended Monday after he refused to agree to guidelines for dealing with players set forth by his bosses in a Dec. 23 letter. Continued from Page 7 When Leach decided to fight the university in court “in defiance” of his suspension, that’s the game is more enjoyable to watch. why “we are where we are,” East’s Boykins, Gray and the freshman Watkins Turner said. are all solid; Central can throw Oddie Murray, Leach was in San Antonio Jacob Kinlaw, Darrien Watkins and Jonathon Fuller into the paint, while Wilkins can absolutely with his team, which is preparing for the Alamo Bowl against soar. At Chase, well, Coach Ken Hines said it best, “our Michigan State on Saturday. He left the team’s hotel while offense must run through Carlos.” As in Carlos ‘Crunch’ Watkins. Crunch put up 27 his interim replacement, defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, points and 12 rebounds against Central, Tuesday, was holding a news conference. while facing triple teams. The Hilltoppers zone Approached by a reporter, trap worked as well as it could and still Crunch Leach said no comment before couldn’t be denied. It all adds up to much more enjoyable games and being asked a question. Asked how he felt Texas Tech treated games that are far more, ‘watch-able.’ him throughout the last two weeks, Leach responded, “I MLK Holiday Hoops: The folks at Time-Out think that’s apparent.” Management are putting together a really great Texas Tech’s official statement tourney for 2010. said Leach’s recent actions made The 1980 R-S Central basketball team will it impossible for him to remain be honored, and the games themselves should coach of the Red Raiders. be more evenly-balanced and competitive. East “In a defiant act of insubordiwill host and face Veritas in the night games on nation, Coach Leach continuSaturday, January 16. The day games include match-ups of Thomas Jefferson-Chase in girls bas- ally refused to cooperate in a meaningful way to help resolve ketball, St. Matthias-Thomas Jefferson in boys, the complaint. He also refused Chase vs. Bishop-McGuiness in boys, and Kings to obey a suspension order Mountain vs. R-S Central. The seven games, oneand instead sued Texas Tech day tourney tips off at 12 p.m. That morning, a Tip-Off Breakfast will be held at University,” the statement said. The school on Wednesday gave Ryan’s and later that evening members of the 1980 a termination letter to Leach’s team and their coaches will be invited to Tuscany attorney, Ted Liggett, minutes Grille, in Spindale, for a private dinner. before the two sides were to Central’s former head coach Stacy Lail will appear in court for a hearing on soon have the gym at R-S Central named in his the coach’s request to be allowed honor. Lail finished his time at the helm of the to lead his team in the Alamo Hilltoppers with an incredible 253-54 record, Bowl. including that remarkable 1980 state championship team that finished undefeated. Courier Reporter Jean Gordon and I were talking about the reunion and Gordon was reflecting on her time taking photos under the basket at the old Central High Hill Gym. Continued from Page 7 I am sure many in this county have memories of showing up two hours early just to get a seat to see the 1980 Hilltoppers and I hope that many of you played against New York. If it’s will come out on January 16, weather-permitting, not Carolina, maybe a week goes and once more give a cheer to the only perfect bas- by and he’ll be in good shape.” ketball team the county ever produced. The Panthers have won three of their last four games, includLathan Remembered: Former Central basketing upsets over the Vikings and ball star Burtchus Lathan has passed on, and I Giants the last two weeks, endonly knew him for a short time, but I am blessed to ing the possibility of Carolina have had even that. having its first season of 10 or Lathan told wonderful stories of guarding Crest/ more losses under Fox. The wins N.C. State/NBA star David Thompson during his came despite numerous injuries, high school days. and were apparently enough that I can only offer my prayers and condolences to owner Jerry Richardson decided the Lathan family against firing Fox with a year and more than $6 million left on Flack Attack: By the way, I messed up on his deal. Monday. “He’s done a great job,” Lewis East’s Teddy Flack scored 14 points and it was said. “I think the guys on this left out of the report that four Cavs had scored in team really rally around him.” double figures, when in fact five Cavs had broken The Charlotte Observer reportthat threshold. ed Monday that Richardson will No excuses, I dropped the ball Teddy. not extend the contracts of Fox, his assistants or general manNew Year’s wishes: In June, I will have served ager Marty Hurney past next as Sports Editor of the Courier for five years. It has been my honor and privilege to get to know season. Richardson, who hasn’t spoken to reporters in more so many of you and your children. It is my prayer that 2010 bring you health, happi- than a year, remained silent on Wednesday. Fox bristled ness and hope. when asked if he had talked to This is my home and I am proud to call you my Richardson. friends.

Wall

Fox

Associated Press

Texas Tech interim coach Ruffin McNeill answers questions during a news conference in San Antonio, Wednesday.

Wide receiver Tramain Swindall said he agreed with the decision to fire Leach. “I’m supporting Adam and what he’s doing because it’s the right thing to do,” Swindall told the AP in a telephone interview. “And so do most of the players. It wasn’t just about Adam. It was always a negative vibe.” James is the son of former NFL player and ESPN analyst Craig James. “We appreciate that the university conducted a fair and thorough investigation,” the James family said in a statement. “From the family’s point of view this has always been about the safety and well being of our son and of all the players on the team.” Texas Tech officials provided Leach a letter setting out guidelines for dealing with student-

athletes. Leach refused to sign it. The letter was included in court papers filed in response to his motion for a restraining order. Among the guidelines: — “Decisions regarding whether an injury warrants suspension from practice and/or play will be determined by a physician without pressure from you or your staff.” —“There will be no retaliation against any student who as suffered an injury.” Tech’s termination letter said Leach was fired with cause, meaning the university believes it does not owe Leach any of the remaining money left on a fiveyear, $12.7 million contract he agreed to in February. According to terms of the deal, Leach was due a $800,000 bonus on Dec. 31 if he were still the head coach at Texas Tech.

“I am speaking English, right?” Fox replied, referring to his earlier declaration that he wouldn’t answer more questions on the subject. Fox’s future has been a hot topic because of Carolina’s disappointing season and the number of big-name coaches out of work. “I hear around town everybody calling for (Bill) Cowher,” said Kalil, referring to the former Pittsburgh coach who lives three hours away in Raleigh. “Everybody wants Cowher to come. Cowher is an awesome coach. I’d love to play for somebody like Cowher, but what’s he going to do differently from Fox? He’s going to play good defense and he’s going to want to run the football. I mean, what are we exactly talking about here?” But it’s possible Fox could decide he wants to seek another job with more security. The Panthers may allow him out of his deal if another team compensated them with draft picks. While he’s been criticized for his conservative style, Fox has an impressive track record. He inherited a 1-15 team from George Seifert after the 2001 season and had the Panthers in

the Super Bowl two years later, where they lost 32-29 to New England. The Panthers lost to Seattle in the NFC championship game at the end of the 2005 season, and they had Super Bowl aspirations last year after going 12-4. But Carolina folded in the playoffs in a 33-13 home loss to Arizona when Jake Delhomme committed six turnovers. The Panthers then gave Delhomme a lucrative contract extension, only to watch him commit five more turnovers in a Week 1 loss to Philadelphia on the way to starting 0-3. As injuries piled up, Delhomme threw 18 interceptions in 11 games. Fox stuck with him until he was sidelined with a broken finger in a Nov. 29 loss to the New York Jets. Matt Moore took over and has led Carolina to a 3-1 record. He has six touchdown passes and no interceptions while outplaying Brett Favre and Eli Manning the past two weeks. The late-season success is nothing new for Fox. The Panthers are 24-13 in December and January regular-season games in his tenure.

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— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009

WEATHER/NATION/WORLD Weather The Daily Courier Weather Today

Tonight

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Scat'd Rain

Partly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Sunny

Precip Chance: 40%

Precip Chance: 10%

Precip Chance: 20%

Precip Chance: 5%

46º

36º

44º 22º

38º 21º

38º 22º

37º 20º

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 .

. . . .

.47 .21 .50 .26

Precipitation 24 hrs through 7 a.m. yest. .0.00" Month to date . . . . . . . . .9.23" Year to date . . . . . . . . .59.81"

Barometric Pressure

Sun and Moon Sunrise today . Sunset tonight . Moonrise today Moonset today .

. . . .

.7:36 .5:26 .5:27 .7:29

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

Moon Phases

High yesterday . . . . . . .30.44"

Relative Humidity High yesterday . . . . . . . . .71%

Full 12/31

Friday

Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

Asheville . . . . . . .46/34 Cape Hatteras . . .60/47 Charlotte . . . . . . .48/38 Fayetteville . . . . .55/43 Greensboro . . . . .50/39 Greenville . . . . . .55/43 Hickory . . . . . . . . . .46/37 Jacksonville . . . .57/45 Kitty Hawk . . . . . .55/44 New Bern . . . . . .57/43 Raleigh . . . . . . . .52/40 Southern Pines . .54/42 Wilmington . . . . .58/48 Winston-Salem . .49/38

ra ra ra mc mc ra ra ra ra ra mc mc ra mc

35/19 55/35 47/21 50/26 43/21 51/26 43/22 54/27 51/33 53/28 47/24 48/24 56/27 43/21

rs ra mc sh sh ra mc ra ra ra sh sh ra sh

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

First 1/23

New 1/15

Last 1/7

City

North Carolina Forecast

Greensboro 50/39

Asheville 46/34

Forest City 46/36 Charlotte 48/38

Today

Kinston 55/43

Associated Press

The San'a Institute for the Arabic Language in San'a, Yemen is where Nigerian suspect in the Christmas Day airline attack Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was an Arabic student. Administrators at the school said Monday that the director of the school, Muhammad al-Anisi, has spent two days being questioned by Yemeni security officials. He remained in custody Tuesday.

Wilmington 58/48

Friday

Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

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

.55/34 .42/36 .30/16 .37/25 .37/18 .65/49 .80/67 .42/34 .38/31 .53/47 .58/50 .46/41 .74/59 .41/36

49/24 40/24 22/9 30/16 23/10 66/50 80/54 43/27 41/26 53/43 57/47 46/41 66/41 41/25

Raleigh 52/40

Today’s National Map

City

mc ra sn sn sn pc pc mc mc sh mc t mc ra

Greenville 55/43

Fayetteville 55/43

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

Across Our Nation

Elizabeth City 54/46

Durham 51/39

Winston-Salem 49/38

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

20s

40s

H H

30s

10s 20s 40s

40s 60s

20s

50s

60s

Cold Front

Stationary Front

Warm Front

70s

Low Pressure

High Pressure

Inmate hurts deputies

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — An inmate awaiting a court hearing shot a deputy and stabbed another in a holding cell at a northern Virginia courthouse Wednesday, authorities said. Fauquier County sheriff’s Lt. James Hartman said George Golder Phillips II, 30, of Warrenton shot one deputy in the leg, and stabbed the other in the face around 1 p.m. Both were taken to hospitals in stable condition. The deputies had transported Phillips, who is also suspected of robbing banks, from the local jail to the Fauquier County courthouse in Warrenton, about 45 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., for a hearing. Hartman said Phillips stabbed Deputy Thomas Leake, 41, with a self-made instrument when the officer entered the holding cell. A struggle ensued, and Phillips grabbed Leake’s gun from its hol-

ster. Hartman said Master Deputy Charles Embrey, 38, entered the cell to assist and was shot in the upper leg. Leake and Embrey managed to subdue Phillips, who was taken into custody uninjured after other deputies arrived, Hartman said. Phillips was indicted Nov. 23 on two charges of robbing banks and several other related charges. He was charged Wednesday with one count of attempted murder of a police officer. He is set to appear in court Jan. 7 on that charge. Phillips pleaded guilty to another robbery in 1998 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison with five suspended. A message seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned by the public defender’s office, which was representing Phillips on the robbery charges.

Sheens want to reconcile

DENVER (AP) — Actor Charlie Sheen and his wife Brooke want to reconcile, their lawyers said Wednesday, even though she told police he put a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her less than a week ago. “They’re very much in love. They want to try to work it out and want to have the best shot at doing that,” Brooke Sheen’s attorney, Yale Galanter, told The Associated Press. Charlie Sheen’s attorney, Richard Cummins, confirmed his client wants to reconcile. Cummins filed a court motion Wednesday asking a judge to dismiss a restraining order that prevents the couple from having contact. Charlie Sheen, 44, was arrested on Christmas Day in Aspen, where the couple was on vacation. Brooke Sheen, 32, told police he threatened her during an argument that started when she said she wanted a divorce. Charlie Sheen told police the couple slapped each other and that he snapped two pairs of her eyeglasses

in front of her, but he denied threatening her with a knife. He faces charges of felony menacing, domestic violence, second-degree assault and criminal mischief and is free on $8,500 bond. Galanter said Wednesday that Brooke Sheen is standing by the account she gave police, but he said she didn’t understand at the time that it would lead to her husband’s arrest. “Wives think the cops are going to break something up and they don’t realize the husband is going to be taken to jail,” Galanter said. “I will tell you that both parties want to attempt to work this out. Whatever was said and whatever happened, I’m chalking it up as one really bad night,” Galanter said. In an audio recording of a 911 call, a woman who identifies herself as Brooke tells the dispatcher that Charlie Sheen threatened her with a knife and added, “I thought I was gonna die for one hour.”

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

Yemen attacks al-Qaida group behind air attempt SAN’A, Yemen — Yemeni forces raided an al-Qaida hideout and set off a gunbattle Wednesday as the government vowed to eliminate the group that claimed it was behind the Christmas bombing attempt on a U.S. airliner. The fighting took place in an alQaida stronghold in western Yemen, haven for a group that attacked the U.S. Embassy here in 2008, killing 10 Yemeni guards and four civilians. A government statement said at least one suspected militant was arrested during the clashes. “The (Interior) Ministry will continue tracking down al-Qaida terrorists and will continue its strikes against the group until it is totally eliminated,” Deputy Interior Minister Brig. Gen. Saleh al-Zawari told senior military officials at a meeting in Mareb, another province believed to shelter al-Qaida fighters. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, an offshoot of Osama bin Laden’s group, claimed it was behind the attempt to bomb a Detroit-bound airliner. Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old passenger, was arrested Friday after he allegedly tried to bring down the Northwest Airlines flight, carrying 289 people. U.S. investigators said

Abdulmutallab told them he received training and instructions from alQaida operatives in Yemen. Yemen’s government has said Abdulmutallab spent two periods in the country, from 2004 to 2005 and from August to December of this year, just before the attempted attack. Abdulmutallab’s Yemen connection has drawn attention to al-Qaida’s growing presence in the impoverished and lawless country, which is located on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula across the Gulf of Aden from Somalia. Wednesday’s clashes took place in Hudaydah province, an al-Qaida stronghold along the Red Sea coast. A security official said the target was a house owned by an al-Qaida sympathizer. The official said the owner was arrested, a suspected al-Qaida member was injured and several militants who fled were being pursued. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press. Before Wednesday’s clashes, Yemeni forces backed by U.S. intelligence carried out two major strikes against al-Qaida hideouts this month, reportedly killing more than 60 militants. The U.S. has increasingly provided intelligence, surveillance and training to Yemeni forces during the past year, and has provided some firepower, according to a senior U.S. defense official, who requested anonymity.

5 Canadians die in Kabul KABUL (AP) — Four soldiers and one journalist from Canada were killed in an explosion Wednesday in Kandahar province, one of the most dangerous areas of southern Afghanistan, NATO said. In a statement, the international coalition said the reporter was embedded with the troops when their armored vehicle hit the bomb while on an afternoon patrol south of Kandahar city. The Canadian Press identified the journalist as Michelle Lang, a 34-year-old health reporter with the Calgary Herald, who was on her first assignment to Afghanistan. The military has not disclosed the names of the troops because relatives had not all been notified. “The soldiers were conducting a community security patrol in order to gather information on the pattern of life and maintain security in

the area,” Brig. Gen. Daniel Menard, commander of coalition forces in Kandahar, told Canadian Press early Thursday. Kandahar is a hotbed of the insurgency. On Dec. 24, eight people, including a child, were killed when a man driving a horse-drawn cart laden with explosives detonated the cache outside a guest house frequented by foreigners. Wednesday was the second lethal strike against the Canadian force in a week. Another Canadian troop and an Afghan soldier were killed Dec. 23 during a foot patrol in Panjwayi district of Kandahar province. According to figures compiled by The Associated Press, the latest casualties bring to 32 the number of Canadian forces killed in Afghanistan this year; in all, 138 have died in the war.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009 — 11

STOCKS/BUSINESS

THE MARKET IN REVIEW

STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

NYSE

7,241.24 -10.95

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last ZaleCp 2.88 Heckmn un 6.42 ChCBlood n 6.69 Enterra gh 2.06 Agria Cp lf 2.99 StratALL3617.50 AmOriBio 4.73 FtBcp pfB 12.99 GpTMM rs 3.65 Headwatrs 6.36

Chg +.35 +.72 +.74 +.22 +.26 +1.50 +.38 +.97 +.27 +.43

%Chg +13.8 +12.6 +12.4 +12.0 +9.5 +9.4 +8.7 +8.1 +8.0 +7.3

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Dow30Enh 11.20 GpoRadio 9.30 TorchEn lf 4.64 Medifast 30.33 Metrogas 2.19 Dow30Pr 14.92 QiaoXMob 3.66 PimcoHiI 11.30 AlonUSA 7.01 XinyuanRE 4.30

Chg -2.22 -1.30 -.56 -3.46 -.22 -1.36 -.27 -.81 -.46 -.27

%Chg -16.5 -12.3 -10.8 -10.2 -9.1 -8.4 -6.9 -6.7 -6.2 -5.9

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg Citigrp 2090835 3.32 -.05 BkofAm 849030 15.07 -.05 SPDR 625714 112.52 -.04 FannieMae 497926 1.16 -.09 FordM 462691 9.99 -.12 GenElec 445328 15.35 -.09 iShR2K 431901 63.19 -.04 iShEMkts 295747 41.36 +.18 SPDR Fncl 279378 14.43 +.01 FredMac 269992 1.42 -.08 Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

DIARY

1,401 1,652 123 3,176 133 3 2,370,055,796

AMEX

1,823.88 +1.97

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last PhrmAth 2.40 Intellichk 2.39 ASpectRlty 20.00 IncOpR 8.24 ComndSec 2.45 IEC Elec n 5.29 SwGA Fn 8.85 ReadyMix 2.82 NA Pall g 3.36 PolyMet g 3.07

Chg +.99 +.65 +3.35 +1.09 +.23 +.44 +.70 +.20 +.23 +.20

%Chg +70.2 +37.4 +20.1 +15.2 +10.4 +9.1 +8.6 +7.4 +7.3 +7.0

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name HeraldNB Vicon PyramidOil VirnetX Engex MinesMgt AmO&G UQM Tech BreezeE PacBkrM g

Last 3.50 5.42 5.09 2.83 2.59 2.78 4.17 6.73 5.75 6.47

Chg %Chg -.50 -12.5 -.58 -9.7 -.37 -6.8 -.16 -5.4 -.13 -4.8 -.14 -4.8 -.20 -4.6 -.30 -4.3 -.25 -4.2 -.28 -4.1

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE) Name Vol (00) Last Chg PhrmAth 138066 2.40 +.99 Rentech 47799 1.33 +.10 RaeSyst 33535 1.30 +.47 UQM Tech 32101 6.73 -.30 Taseko 32024 4.18 -.17 GoldStr g 29501 3.08 -.10 NA Pall g 29065 3.36 +.23 NovaGld g 22761 5.89 -.21 Oilsands g 17957 1.19 ... Sapphire 13933 10.04 ... DIARY

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

219 275 69 563 12 3 173,139,920

DAILY DOW JONES

ASK ABOUT AN INSURANCE HAVE YOU REVIEWED YOUR

NASDAQ

NEEdS Dow Jones industrials ANAlySIS. LIFE INSURANCE LATELY? Close: 10,548.51 10,600

2,291.28 +2.88

GAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last PAB Bksh 2.35 ICxTech 8.53 OriginAg 12.80 InfoSvcs un 2.61 vjLunaInn h 2.16 Cyclacel pf 2.28 Entorian rs 6.50 Arbinet 2.36 JksvllBcIL 9.40 Tufco 3.44

Chg +.67 +2.23 +3.12 +.47 +.38 +.38 +1.05 +.33 +1.27 +.46

%Chg +39.9 +35.4 +32.2 +22.0 +21.3 +20.0 +19.3 +16.3 +15.6 +15.4

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last AlliancB 2.76 ChinaBAK 2.77 MolecInPh 2.41 Spire h 5.32 DoverSadl 2.20 ChinWind n 5.60 BrdwyF 5.98 TricoMar 4.69 ChinaInfra 3.31 CascadeFn 2.25

Chg -.98 -.87 -.46 -.76 -.30 -.75 -.77 -.59 -.41 -.27

%Chg -26.2 -23.9 -16.0 -12.5 -12.0 -11.8 -11.4 -11.2 -11.0 -10.7

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE)

Name Vol (00) PwShs QQQ536894 Microsoft 414508 OriginAg 327405 Intel 259764 Dell Inc 202041 MicronT 199040 ChinaBAK 173902 Nvidia 173102 Cisco 169965 Oracle 164156

Advanced Declined Unchanged Total issues New Highs New Lows Volume

Last Chg 46.17 +.14 30.96 -.43 12.80 +3.12 20.59 +.19 14.79 +.47 10.64 +.26 2.77 -.87 18.67 +.65 24.18 +.08 24.93 -.08

DIARY

1,417 1,285 159 2,861 96 11 1,282,109,456

10,420

Change: 3.10 (flat)

10,240

11,200

10 DAYS

10,400 9,600

52-Week High Low

10,580.33 4,213.61 408.57 7,288.23 1,887.23 2,295.80 1,130.38 743.15 11,711.07 635.99

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

STOCK MARKET INDEXES Name

Last

Dow Industrials 10,548.51 Dow Transportation 4,176.51 Dow Utilities 404.12 NYSE Composite 7,241.24 Amex Market Value 1,823.88 Nasdaq Composite 2,291.28 S&P 500 1,126.42 S&P MidCap 736.17 Wilshire 5000 11,664.85 Russell 2000 633.41

+3.10 -11.65 +.60 -10.95 +1.97 +2.88 +.22 -1.67 +.67 +.23

YTD %Chg %Chg

+.03 -.28 +.15 -.15 +.11 +.13 +.02 -.23 +.01 +.04

+20.19 +18.08 +9.00 +25.78 +30.51 +45.29 +24.71 +36.76 +28.37 +26.82

12-mo %Chg

+20.19 +18.08 +9.00 +25.78 +30.51 +45.29 +24.71 +36.76 +28.37 +26.82

MUTUAL FUNDS

8,800 8,000

Net Chg

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 5.9 14 28.32 -.02 -.6 LeggPlat 1.04 5.1 50 20.56 -.07 +35.4 Vanguard 500Inv Vanguard InstIdx Amazon ... ... 80 136.49 -2.92+166.2 Lowes .36 1.5 20 23.53 -.08 +9.3 American Funds EurPacGrA m ArvMerit ... ... ... 11.21 -.25+293.3 Microsoft .52 1.7 20 30.96 -.43 +59.3 Dodge & Cox Stock American Funds WAMutInvA m BB&T Cp .60 2.3 18 25.56 ... -6.9 PPG 2.16 3.6 24 59.26 -.10 +39.7 Dodge & Cox IntlStk BkofAm .04 .3 ... 15.07 -.05 +7.0 ParkerHan 1.00 1.8 27 54.35 -.11 +27.8 American Funds NewPerspA m BerkHa A ... ... 3098700.00+150.00+2.2 Fidelity DivrIntl d Cisco ... ... 25 24.18 +.08 +48.3 ProgrssEn 2.48 6.0 14 41.55 +.15 +4.3 American Funds FnInvA m ... ... 76 31.26 +.26+136.5 PIMCO TotRetAdm b Delhaize 2.01 2.6 ... 77.15 +.97 +22.5 RedHat Dell Inc ... ... 20 14.79 +.47 +44.4 RoyalBk g 2.00 ... ... 53.21 -.39 +79.4 American Funds BalA m DukeEngy .96 5.5 15 17.42 +.03 +16.1 SaraLee .44 3.6 20 12.33 -.13 +25.9 FrankTemp-Franklin Income A m Vanguard Welltn ExxonMbl 1.68 2.4 16 68.77 -.07 -13.9 SonicAut ... ... ... 10.71 -.01+169.1 Vanguard 500Adml FamilyDlr .54 1.9 14 28.06 +.17 +7.6 SonocoP 1.08 3.6 21 29.88 -.23 +29.0 American Funds BondA m Fidelity GrowCo FifthThird .04 .4 ... 9.79 -.13 +18.5 SpectraEn 1.00 4.8 16 20.65 +.09 +31.2 Vanguard TotStIAdm FCtzBA 1.20 .7 15 161.79 -2.67 +5.9 SpeedM .36 2.0 ... 17.64 -.14 +9.5 Vanguard TotIntl GenElec .40 2.6 14 15.35 -.09 -5.2 .36 1.5 ... 24.41 -.16 +24.4 Vanguard InstPlus GoldmanS 1.40 .8 20 166.70 +2.58 +97.5 Timken Fidelity LowPriStk d 1.80 3.1 34 58.18 -.37 +5.5 T Rowe Price EqtyInc Google ... ... 40 622.73 +3.33+102.4 UPS B KrispKrm ... ... ... 2.94 -.01 +75.0 WalMart 1.09 2.0 16 54.30 +.19 -3.1 Hartford CapAprA m Pioneer PioneerA m Goldman Sachs ShDuGovA m Stock Footnotes: g = Dividends and earnings in Canadian dollars. h = Does not meet continued-listing standards. lf = Late filing with SEC. n = New in past 52 weeks. pf = Preferred. rs = Stock has undergone a reverse stock split of at least 50 Alliance Bernstein GrowIncA m percent within the past year. rt = Right to buy security at a specified price. s = Stock has split by at least 20 percent within the DWS-Scudder REstA m Hartford GrowthL m last year. un = Units. vj = In bankruptcy or receivership. wd = When distributed. wi = When issued. wt = Warrants.

Mutual Fund Footnotes: b = Fee covering market costs is paid from fund assets. d = Deferred sales charge, or redemption fee. f = front load (sales charges). m = Multiple fees are charged. NA = not available. p = previous day’s net asset value. s = fund split shares during the week. x = fund paid a distribution during the week.Gainers and Losers must be worth at least $2 to be listed in tables at left. Most Actives must be worth at least $1. Volume in hundreds of shares. Source: The Associated Press. Sales figures are unofficial.

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

-0.7 +14.1/C +3.4 +36.8/C +0.2 +21.4/D +3.9 +32.2/B +1.7 +33.2/C +3.5 +31.7/D +1.4 +26.0/C +3.3 +29.2/C +3.0 +29.6/C +3.0 +29.7/C +1.3 +39.2/A +3.4 +34.0/A +2.6 +22.0/D +2.5 +48.4/A +2.6 +38.6/B +1.7 +33.6/D +3.1 +35.8/A -0.7 +13.9/C +0.6 +22.2/D +4.1 +37.3/A +0.9 +23.7/D +3.0 +29.7/C -0.8 +15.1/B +6.1 +44.7/B +3.9 +32.4/B -0.5 +35.4/B +3.0 +29.8/C +4.9 +42.2/B +2.8 +28.7/B +3.2 +45.4/A +3.5 +27.2/D -0.5 +4.0/B +3.3 +23.7/C +8.3 +39.3/B +3.3 +36.2/C

10.82 27.53 48.06 27.73 34.21 58.56 15.57 26.18 103.71 103.01 38.38 97.16 24.91 31.91 25.74 28.01 32.98 10.82 16.32 2.08 29.01 103.71 11.83 69.60 27.74 14.46 103.02 32.15 21.17 30.84 36.06 10.32 2.97 14.24 15.12

+6.9/A +3.0/A +3.7/C +1.1/B +6.1/A +4.8/A +2.8/B +1.9/A +0.5/C +0.6/C +7.7/A -0.5/D +0.4/C +5.6/A +5.8/A +3.8/D +4.1/A +6.6/A +2.0/C +3.8/A +4.9/A +0.6/C +2.5/E +4.6/A +1.2/B +4.9/B +0.7/C +3.4/A +0.9/B +3.7/A +1.3/B +4.7/A -1.6/E +0.8/B 0.0/D

NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 5.75 250 NL 3,000 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 5.75 250 NL 3,000 NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 NL 2,500 5.75 250 NL 5,000,000 5.75 250 4.25 1,000 NL 10,000 NL 100,000 3.75 250 NL 2,500 NL 100,000 NL 3,000 NL200,000,000 NL 2,500 NL 2,500 5.50 1,000 5.75 1,000 1.50 1,000 4.25 2,500 5.75 1,000 4.75 0

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.

As year ends, market slows

Sources say the government is going to give billions more to stabilize GMAC.

By SARA LEPRO and TIM PARADIS AP Business Writers

NEW YORK — Stocks ended the next-to-last day of 2009 little changed as welcome news on manufacturing helped offset a drop in commodities prices. The market drew support Wednesday from a key economic indicator that signaled growth in Midwest manufacturing for a third straight month. The Chicago Purchasing Managers Index rose to 60 in December from 56.1 in November. The report found that production and new orders increased and employment improved. A rising dollar and light volume held the market’s gains in check. A gain in the dollar makes commodities, and thus the shares of companies that produce commodities, less attractive to foreign buyers. It also hurts the profits of companies that do business overseas. Some investors have been buying the dollar in recent weeks on the belief that the economy is improving and the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in the next year. That buying interest comes after a months-long slide in the greenback. Rock-bottom interest rates have encouraged investors this year to move out of cash and into riskier assets such as stocks and commodities that have the potential to earn bigger returns. While a rise in interest rates would be a sign that the economy is on the right track, it could hurt the stock market’s advance. After a 24.7 percent rise in the benchmark Standard & Poor’s 500 index this year, many investors have closed their books and are making few moves ahead of the start of 2010. Trading has been quiet with fewer players in the market, though light volume can also bring volatility. “We’ve seen oil up and down, the dollar up and down, the market up and down,” said Frank Ingarra, co-portfolio manager at Hennessy Funds. “I don’t think we’ll see a major move one way or the other.” The Dow Jones industrial average ticked up 3.10, or less than 0.1 percent, to 10,548.51, its highest close since Oct. 1, 2008. The Dow traded in a 45-point range, its sixth straight day of moving fewer than 70 points. The last time the Dow held such a tight range for that period was November 1996. With one trading day left in the year, the Dow is up 61.1 percent from the 12-year low it reached in March, but is still down 25.5 from its peak of 14,164.53 in October 2007. The S&P 500 index edged up 0.22, or less than 0.1 percent, to 1,126.42, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 2.88, or 0.1 percent, to 2,291.28. The modest moves came a day after stocks broke a six-day winning streak as reports on home prices and consumer confidence failed to rally investors. The ICE Futures U.S. dollar index, which measures the dollar against other major currencies, rose 0.1 percent. Gold and other metals fell. Oil prices rose after the government reported that the nation’s crude supply fell for a fourth week in a row. Light, sweet crude added 41 cents to settle at $79.28 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Bond prices mostly rose following an auction of seven-year notes. In total, the Treasury auctioned $118 billion in debt for the week. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, fell to 3.79 percent from 3.80 percent. Interest rates on many consumer loans track the yield on the 10-year Treasury. Falling stocks narrowly outpaced those that rose on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to an anemic 644.4 million shares. In other trading, the Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 0.23, or less than 0.1 percent, to 633.41. Overseas, Britain’s FTSE 100 fell 0.7 percent, Germany’s DAX index lost 0.9 percent, and France’s CAC-40 fell 0.6 percent. Japan’s Nikkei stock average fell 0.9 percent.

Associated Press

Billions more headed to GMAC By JEANNINE AVERSA

“Treasury is in discussions with GMAC to ensure

AP Economics Writer

its capital needs as determined ... by the stress tests are met.” —Treasury spokesman Andrew Williams

WASHINGTON — The government was moving ahead Wednesday on a fresh multibillion dollar cash infusion to stabilize auto financing company GMAC Financial Services, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. GMAC, based in Detroit, is instrumental to the operations of automakers General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC. It has already received $12.5 billion in taxpayer money and is 35 percent owned by the federal government. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because discussions weren’t complete, says the new infusion would be in the range of another $3 billion. That would fall short of the roughly $6 billion the government had earlier thought GMAC would need to stabilize the company. An announcement of the injection could come late Wednesday or on Thursday, the person says. After the government conducted “stress tests” on financial institutions earlier this year, it demanded that that GMAC raise an $11.5 billion capital cushion to help it weather further economic decline. GMAC was unable to raise the funds privately. The anticipated additional government aid for GMAC would come from the $700 billion taxpayer-financed bailout pot the government set up at the height of the financial crisis last year. The money was intended

to shore up banks so that they would boost lending to people and businesses and support the sagging economy. However, money also has been used to help GM, Chrysler, insurance companies and others survive the worst financial crisis and recession since the 1930s. GMAC has been in negotiations with Treasury officials for months over additional taxpayer aid. Treasury spokesman Andrew Williams declined to offer details, but said: “Treasury is in discussions with GMAC to ensure its capital needs as determined ... by the stress tests are met.” The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on Tuesday that GMAC will receive an additional $3.5 billion in government aid. GMAC spokeswoman Gina Proia on Tuesday night declined comment on the newspaper report but said the company “has been conducting a strategic review of its business and evaluating options to address the challenges in its mortgage operation.” Proia said GMAC was trying to position itself to improve its financial performance and repay the U.S. government.

Despite the government aid, GMAC still remains on shaky financial ground. Last month, it reported a quarterly loss of $767 million. The company has struggled under the weight of its ailing mortgage lender, ResCap. The unit was a major dealer in sub-prime mortgages and is still suffering from soured loans it made during the housing boom. Some analysts have speculated that GMAC might have to shut down ResCap altogether. However, a bright spot for GMAC has been Ally Bank, its online consumer banking unit. The bank has offered some of the highest interest rates on CDs in the industry, helping bring in billions of dollars in new deposits this year. But the rates have also irked rivals and drawn the attention of regulators, since as the rebranded banking unit of GMAC, Ally has the backing of billions of government dollars loaned to GMAC. Michael Carpenter, who succeeded Alvaro De Molina as the company’s CEO in November, has said the company would need no more than $5.6 billion in aid. Lawmakers estimated the company would receive between $2 billion and $5 billion in additional aid.

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People with the inherited condition known as Lynch Syndrome, which predisposes them to a range of cancers, may avoid developing colon cancer by taking a daily aspirin. Although researchers found that aspirin’s colon cancer-fighting benefit only exerted itself after several years, it could have widespread implications for the general population. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both the United States and Europe, where a total of 560,000 people develop the disease each year. Some scientists think that aspirin reduces the risk of developing colon cancer by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2), which is found in high levels in tumors. Others think that aspirin combats faulty stem cells before they mutate into cancer cells. At Smith’s Drugs of Forest City, we offer advanced services that a regular retail pharmacy can’t. We have a compounding pharmacy on site where medication can be made to meet the specific needs of the patient. Compounding allows a medication to be made in an unique dose, different administration form or a normally unavailable concentration. It also means yummy flavorings can be added. Smith’s Drugs of Forest City, 139 E. Main St., 828-245-4591, is your good health partner. Have a SAFE and Happy New Year! HINT: Aspirin’s potential benefits are offset by its propensity for causing stomach upset. Hence, no one should take daily aspirin without consulting with a physician.

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009

NATION/WORLD

Dutch turn to body scanners Attack timeline By MIKE CORDER and ARTHUR MAX

The Associated Press A look at key events surrounding the Christmas Day attack on a U.S. airliner. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is accused of trying to detonate an explosive device hidden on his body as the plane approached Detroit on a flight from Amsterdam.

Associated Press Writers

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Netherlands announced Wednesday it will immediately begin using full body scanners for flights heading to the United States, saying that could have stopped the attempted Christmas Day airline bombing. The U.S. had not wanted these scanners to be used previously because of privacy concerns but now the Obama administration has agreed that “all possible measures will be used on flights to the U.S.,” Dutch Interior Minister Guusje Ter Horst told a news conference. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab boarded Northwest Airlines Flight 253 to Detroit from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on Friday carrying undetected explosives, law enforcement authorities said, adding that 23-year-old Nigerian tried but failed to blow up the plane carrying 289 people. “It is not exaggerating to say the world has escaped a disaster,” Ter Horst said, calling the situation a “professional” al-Qaida terror attack. Amsterdam’s Schiphol has 15 body scanners, each costing more than $200,000. But until now neither the European Union nor the U.S. have approved the routine use of the scanners at European airports. A key European legislator urged the European Union to begin rapidly installing the new equipment across the 27-nation bloc, but no other European nations immediately followed the Dutch move. Body scanners that peer underneath clothing have been available for years, but privacy advocates say they are a “virtual strip search” because they display an image of the body onto a computer screen. Ian Dowty, a lawyer with Action on Rights of the Child, said allowing minors to pass through the scanners violates child pornography laws. “It shows genitalia,” he told The Associated Press. “As far as English law is concerned ... it’s unlawful if it’s indecent.” For that reason, British authorities have exempted under-18s from body scan trials at places including Paddington Station in London as well as Heathrow and Manchester airports. New software, however, eliminates that problem by projecting a stylized image rather than an actual picture onto a computer screen, highlighting the area of the body where objects are concealed in pockets or under the clothing. Ter Horst said the scanners likely would have alerted security guards to the materials concealed in Abdulmutallab’s underwear and prevented him from boarding the flight. “Our view now is that the use

2004 to 2005: —Abdulmutallab is in Yemen for a year, learning Arabic at the Sana’a Institute of Arabic Languages. 2005 —Abdulmutallab graduates from the British School of Lome in Togo. The month is unclear. —He begins attending University College London in September. 2008 —Abdulmutallab graduates from University College London in June. June 12: —He applies for a visa at the U.S. Embassy in London. June 16: —His visa is granted. The visa is a regular multipleentry tourist visa valid until June 12, 2010. Associated Press

An employee of the airport in Amsterdam, stands inside a body scanner during a demonstration at a press briefing at Schiphol airport, Netherlands. The newest models do not show the gender of the passenger, but you can see if someone carries liquids, weapons or other objects. The Netherlands announced Wednesday it will immediately begin using full body scanners for flights heading to the United States.

of millimeter wave scanners would certainly have helped detect that he had something on his body, but you can never give 100 percent guarantees,” she said. At least two scanners in Amsterdam have been experimentally using the less-invasive software since late November and the Dutch said those will be put into use immediately. All other scanners will be upgraded within three weeks. But the 15 scanners will not cover the 25-30 flights a day that leave Amsterdam for U.S. destinations, and passengers at gates without one will be patted down. Schiphol is waiting for a government directive on whether to buy more machines, airport spokeswoman Kathelijn Vermeulen said. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was briefed Tuesday by the Dutch justice minister on the subject, agency spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said in Washington. “Schiphol Airport does not need the United States’ permission to screen above and beyond ICAO standards. We of course support advanced imaging technology, as we use it here,” she said in a statement. In the preliminary report issued Wednesday, the Dutch government called the plan to blow up the Detroit-bound aircraft “professional” but said its execution was “amateurish.” Ter Horst said Abdulmutallab apparently assembled the explosive device, including 80 grams of Pentrite, or PETN, in the aircraft toilet, then planned to detonate it with a syringe of chemicals. She said the explosives appeared to have been professionally prepared and had been

The Daily Courier office will be closed on Friday, January 1, 2010 for New Years. The following early deadlines apply: Publishes Thurs., Dec. 31 Deadline: Tues., Dec. 29 • 4:00 pm Publishes Fri., Jan. 1, 2010 Sat., Jan. 2, 2010 Sun., Jan. 3, 2010 Deadline: Wed., Dec. 30 • 4:00 pm Publishes Tues., Jan. 5, 2010 Deadline: Thurs., Dec. 31 • 4:00 pm

Happy New Year!

given to Abdulmutallab, but did not elaborate. “The approach in this case shows — despite the failure of the attack — a fairly professional approach,” the investigation summary stated. “Pentrite is a very powerful conventional explosive, which is not easy to produce yourself.” “If you want to detonate it, you have to do that another way than he did. That is why we talk about amateurism,” Ter Horst said. Abdulmutallab arrived in Amsterdam on Friday from Lagos, Nigeria on a KLM flight. After a layover of less than three hours in the international departure hall, he passed through a security check at the gate in Amsterdam, including a hand baggage scan and a metal detector, and boarded the Northwest flight. He did not pass through a full-body scanner. Abdulmutallab was carrying a valid Nigerian passport and had a valid U.S. visa, the Dutch said. His name also did not appear on any Dutch list of terror suspects. “No suspicious matters which would give reason to classify the person involved as a high-risk passenger were identified during the security check,” Ter Horst said. Erik Ackerboom, head of the Dutch counterterrorism bureau, dismissed suggestions that Abdulmutallab should have aroused suspicion when he paid for a round-trip ticket from Lagos to Detroit in cash and had no check-in luggage. Paying cash in Africa is not unusual, he said, and the lack of a checked suitcase “wasn’t a reason for alarm.” In the U.S., 40 full-body scanners are being operated in at least 19 U.S. airports.

DeMint holds up naming new director for TSA WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican senator who has been blocking President Barack Obama’s nominee to head the Transportation Security Administration complains that Democrats are trying to rush a vote on the nominee without adequate debate. Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina has placed a hold on the nomination of former FBI agent and police detective Erroll Southers. DeMint said Wednesday that he is concerned that Southers would let TSA screeners join a labor union. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has accused Republicans of jeopardizing national security by playing politics with Southers’ nomination. The holdup in Southers’ confirmation has been highlighted since the airliner attack last week in Detroit. DeMint appeared on CBS’ “The Early Show.”

August 1-17: —Abdulmutallab visits Houston. 2009 January to about July: —Abdulmutallab attends the University of Wollongong in Dubai. May: —Britain refuses to grant Abdulmutallab a student visa because the school on his application form was not a government-approved institution. August to early December: —Abdulmutallab visits Yemen after receiving a visa to study Arabic at a school in Sana’a, according to the Yemeni Foreign Ministry. He spends at least part of the time studying Arabic, investigators say. Students and administrators have described him as friendly and outgoing, with no overtly extremist views. Yemeni authorities are looking into Abdulmutallab’s frequent visits to a mosque in the old, historic part of the city and the people he was with during his stay. Nov. 13: —A man tries to board a commercial airliner in Mogadishu, Somalia, carrying powdered chemicals, liquid and a syringe that could have caused an explosion. The case bears similarities to the plot to blow up the Detroit-bound airliner. The Somali man — whose name has not yet been released — was arrested by African Union peacekeeping troops before the Daallo Airlines flight took off. It had been scheduled to travel from Mogadishu to the northern Somali city of Hargeisa, then to Djibouti and Dubai. Nov. 19: —Abdulmutallab’s father goes to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, to express concern his son was in Yemen and had fallen under the influence of extremists. Nov. 20: —The embassy in Abuja sends a so-called “VISAS VIPER” cable with the information that Abdulmutallab’s father had provided. The cable is sent to all U.S. diplomatic missions and the State Department in Washington, where it was also shared with the interagency National Counterterrorism Center for review. —Abdulmutallab’s name is entered into the National Counterterrorism Center’s Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE) database based on information provided by his father. —The FBI and the Homeland Security Department issued an intelligence note about the threat picture for the holiday season. Officials say they have no specific information about attack plans by al-Qaida or other terrorist groups. Dec. 16: —Abdulmutallab’s round-trip plane ticket is purchased in Accra, Ghana, for $2,831 in cash, presumably by Abdulmutallab himself, according to Nigerian officials. The Ghana KLM office shows that the ticket for his flight was bought at the Accra International Airport at about 8:00 p.m. Dec. 23: —In an assessment to law enforcement officials across the country, the FBI and Homeland Security Department say they have no specific credible intelligence indicating there are plans from al-Qaida or any other terrorist groups to attack the U.S. during the holiday season. The officials warn that al-Qaida and other terror groups “continue to seek innovative ways to conduct attacks and circumvent security procedures.” Dec. 24: —Abdulmutallab re-enters Nigeria for only one day to board a flight from Lagos to Detroit, via Amsterdam. He walks into Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Drawing no undue attention to himself, he checks into his flight to Amsterdam at 8:35 p.m. — a little more than two hours before takeoff. He checks no luggage and carries only a shoulder bag, as he makes his way through an aging terminal decorated with red and green holiday bunting. Dec. 25: —Abdulmutallab is accused of trying to bring down Northwest Airlines Flight 253 as it approaches Detroit. Passengers hear a pop and see smoke. They rush Abdulmutallab and take him to first class where he is stripped in a search for explosives. He is silent and does not resist. The plane, carrying nearly 300 people, lands safely. Abdulmutallab is taken to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., for treatment of burns. Dec. 26: —Abdulmutallab appears before a federal judge at the medical center. U.S. District Judge Paul Borman tells him that he is charged with trying to blow up the Northwest Airlines plane. Borman asks Abdulmutallab if he understands the charges against him. He responds in English: “Yes, I do.” Dec. 27: —Abdulmutallab is transferred to a federal prison in Milan, Mich. —President Barack Obama orders separate reviews of the U.S. terrorist watch list system and of air travel screening procedures. Dec. 28: —Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula claims responsibility for the failed bombing, saying the attack was retaliation for a U.S. operation against the group in Yemen. The claim of responsibility was dated Dec. 26.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009 — 13 SHOE by Chris Cassat and Gary Brookins

THE GRIZZWELLS by Bill Schoor

BROOM-HILDA by Russell Myers

DILBERT by Scott Adams

GIL THORP by Jerry Jenkins, Ray Burns and Frank McLaughlin

THE BORN LOSER by Art and Chip Sansom

ARLO AND JANIS by Jimmy Johnson

FRANK AND ERNEST by Bob Thaves

EVENING

DECEMBER 31 DSH DTV 7:00

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

BROADCAST STATIONS

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

3 4 7 13 2 12 6 8 97 10

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

Medium Å CSI: Crime Rock 30 30 Rock Medium Å CSI: Crime } › Wild Hogs (‘07) Å } › Wild Hogs (‘07) Å Niteline P. Bones Å Fringe Å The Big Band Years } ›› Nowhere to Run Live From Lincoln Center Vampire Supernatural

3 4 7 9 13 16 21 33 40 62

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

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

The First 48 The First 48 The First 48 The First 48 The First 48 The First 48 Notarized: Top 100 Video Countdown of 2009 Å 106 & Party (N) Å RENO Dun Martin Tosh. South S. South S. S. S. S. S. CNN Tonight Camp. Brown Larry King Anderson Cooper 360 Å Larry King Ghost Lab Ghost Lab Ghost Lab Ghost Lab Ghost Lab Ghost Lab Foot College Football: Chick-fil-A Bowl New Year SportsCenter Basketball College Basketball College Basketball SportsNation FOX Report O’Reilly Hannity (N) On Record O’Reilly Hannity Basketball NHL Hockey: Rangers at Hurricanes Post Poker Final Hooters Pag. Cheaper } ›› Ice Age: The Meltdown } ›› Night at the Museum (‘06) MrsD Film William Shakespeare :37 } ››› Wall Street (‘87) Å Christmas Most Wonderful I’ll Be Home for Christmas Gold Gold House House House House House House House House House House House House Gangland Gangland Gangland Gangland Rituals Gangland 6:00 Movie Movie Movie Movie iCarly Spon Mal Mal Chris Chris Lopez Lopez Nanny Nanny Nanny Nanny TNA Wrestling (N) Å TNA Wrestling (N) Å } ››› Jet Li’s Fearless Twi Twi Twi Twi Twilight Zone Twi Twi Twi Twi Twi Twi Name Name Name Name Fam Fam Fam Fam Lopez Sein Sex & Rear Window } The Thin Man :45 } After the Thin Man Another Thin Man Three Wives Polygamy Anatomy Sex Strange Sex Polygamy Love-Geisha NBA Basketball: Heat at Spurs NBA Basketball: 76ers at Clippers NBA Ben 10: Alien Scooby-Doo! King King Fam Fam Chick Aqua FIGHTZONE FIGHTZONE FIGHTZONE Phen ACC Shoot Whi Burn Notice Burn Notice Burn Notice Burn Notice Burn Notice Burn Notice Heat of Night WWE Stars Home Videos WGN News S. S. WWE Stars

8651 8182 8181 8650 8180 8192 8183 8190 8184 8185

First Night Live Letterman Carson Daly News Carson Daly To The Mentalist News Letterman Late Rockin’ Eve News New Year’s Rockin’ Eve News New Year’s Praise the Lord Something News New Year’s Jim Live From Lincoln Center Springsteen News Ac TMZ Dr. Oz Show Chea Live From Lincoln Center Charlie Rose News Office Fam 70s Name Ray

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

Gran Torino Nutty Prof. 2 Rebels With › August ››› Traitor

} ››› Spider-Man (‘02)

} ››› Wanted (‘08) Å Linge Linge Natl Lampoon Animal House } Rocky True Blood True Blood True Blood Taxicab Conf. 12:05 Hung Ed San Juan Maz Jobrani Goin’ Native Shaq. O’Neal } ›› Hancock :40 } Lakeview Terrace Nat’l Treasure 7:50 } The Blues Brothers

Betrayal looms large in her mind Dear Abby: I’m 41 and a single mom. My first marriage lasted 19 years, during which my husband cheated on me three times that I know of. I have dated a few men since the divorce. I caught each of them lying to me, cheating on me — or both. I am now seeing a man who seems to be an honest family man. However, I can’t bring myself to trust him. We have been seeing each other for a year, and I care about him deeply. But I do not trust him, and the truth is I don’t trust anyone — not even my own mother. Please tell me what to do. — Desperate Dear Desperate: Your reasons for not trusting men seemed understandable when I read that your husband had cheated multiple times, and that you had the same rotten luck with men after your divorce. Then I got to the line about your mother. If you don’t trust her, then how far back do your trust issues go? And is it possible that you have turned your insecurity into a self-fulfilling prophecy? Dear Abby: When I was 18, I met a girl, “Ava,” who was 17. We became good friends but we lived an hour apart and only dated for four months. Ava called it off because she said

Dear Abby Abigail van Buren

she was in school and wanted to date other guys. I found out that the next year she got married. Six years later, Ava called out of the blue and invited me to dinner. She was divorced, but I was in a relationship at the time, so I never called her back. I got married the following year and have been married for 31 years. A couple of months ago I found out Ava’s married name and phone number and called her. I apologized for not having returned her call way back when, and we talked about her family and mine. Abby, I care for her and would like to be friends. I’d like to keep in touch, but I don’t want to invade her life or cause problems. Any advice would be appreciated. — Remembering Dear Remembering: I’m not sure what it is you’re looking for, but if you and Ava were meant to be friends, I think it would have happened before this. My advice is to let sleeping dogs lie.

Numerous transfusions confuse patient Dear Dr. Gott: I am an 86-yearold male. I was diagnosed last March with hemyetic anemia. At first, my doctors did not know what the trouble was, since in two months time, I had to have 11 units of blood. They took tests to see if I had any internal bleeding, but I didn’t. I was given rituximab once a week for four weeks to see if it would help, and it did some. I’m now on 7 milligrams of steroids. By the way, I had heart surgery three different times. The first time, I had quadruple bypass; the second was a double; the third, a triple. Can you give me more information on this disorder? Dear Reader: Because I have never heard of hemyetic anemia, I am assuming you are referring to hemolytic anemia, a disorder in which the body’s red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate than they can be produced. There are two types of hemolytic anemia — intrinsic and extrin-

PUZZLE

Ask Dr. Gott Dr. Peter M. Gott

sic. The first results from a defect within the red blood cells and is often an inherited condition. In the latter form, healthy red blood cells are produced, become trapped in the spleen, and ultimately get destroyed by infection or from drugs that can affect red blood cells. Some extrinsic forms are temporary and resolve completely. Others can be chronic, with periods of remission and recurrence. Symptoms of either form vary from person to person, and they can include an enlarged spleen and liver, tachycardia (increased heart rate), murmur, jaundice, fever, weakness and dizziness.

IN THE STARS

Your Birthday, Dec. 31;

Without question, you possess leadership qualities. But how well you use them in the year ahead will depend on how well you handle people. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Group endeavors could work to your disadvantage so, if possible, be independent. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Unless you’re extremely organized, things could quickly get out of hand. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Coercing friends in order to get them to do your bidding will put you on the wrong track. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You are the first sign of the zodiac and as such have a tendency to want to be first in all things. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Try not to be too exacting because it could cause you to be annoyed with anyone or anything. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Have fun and enjoy yourself, but don’t crash your credit cards in the meantime. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — It’s one of those days where tolerance might be called for when dealing with others. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Unless you can exercise patience, you could create a number of problems. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Watch yourself so that you don’t come off as a know-it-all. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Being in charge takes more than organization. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — It’s your prerogative to champion an unpopular cause. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don’t hesitate to ask probing questions if someone is asking you to supply some hard cash on a joint investment. Don’t cough up one red cent

14— The — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Thursday, December 31, 2009 14 Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, December 31, 2009

nation

Poll finds most Americans agree: 2009 lousy By CHARLES BABINGTON Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — For all their differences, Americans largely agree on two things: 2009 was a lousy year for the nation, and 2010 is likely to be better. Nearly three-fourths of Americans think 2009 was a bad year for the country, which was rocked by job losses, home foreclosures and economic sickness. Fortytwo percent rated it “very bad,” according to the latest AP-GfK poll. That’s clearly worse than in 2006, the last time a similar poll was taken. The survey that year found that 58 percent of Americans felt the nation had suffered a bad year, and 39 percent considered it a good year. Fewer than half as many people, 16 percent, said their family had a “very good year” in 2009 as said that in 2006. Behind the gloominess, however, are more hopeful views that seem to reflect Americans’ traditional optimism or, perhaps, wishful thinking. Even though most said it was a bad year for the country, three in five Americans said their own family had a good year in 2009, while about two in five called it a bad year. Some 72 percent of Americans said they’re optimistic about what 2010 will bring for the country. Even more, four in five, are optimistic about what the year will bring for their families. Curiously, however, nearly two-thirds think their family finances will worsen or stay about the same next year. Mari Flanigan of South Milwaukee, Wis., is one of those who feel fairly optimistic that things will go better

their 401(k). Some people losing their house, their retirement.” He is pessimistic about 2010, pointing blame at financial institutions and government officials. “They’ve made a mess and they’re going to have a hard time cleaning it up,” said Lewis, who calls himself a political independent. Government regulators, he said, “dropped the ball.” Lewis said 2009 wasn’t too bad for him personally, but some members of his Associated Press family “can’t find a job that This home in San Antonio reflects a major problem faced by many pays enough to live.” He said U.S. homeowners during 2009, the threat of foreclosure. he doesn’t have much hope —”maybe a little”— that they will find work in 2010. at a personal level in 2010 house into a bed-and-breakAmericans are not optieven though her financial sit- fast, but the drop in tourism mistic about the nation’s uation might grow worse. forced her to put it up for two wars. Thirty-one perFlanigan, 36, is unemsale. cent think the situation in ployed after selling a family “It was the wrong place Afghanistan will get better, business that faced increasand the wrong time,” said while 67 percent think it stay ing competition. “Financially, Andrews, one of those surthe same or get worse. The I’m scared,” she said in an veyed in mid December. On results were about the same interview. top of that, she lost money in for Iraq. Rather than seek new the stock market. Given that President work, however, she is thinkDespite signs that the Barack Obama took office in ing of returning to school nation is edging away from 2009 and Democrats enjoyed to become a social worker. the worst aspects of a severe solid majorities in Congress, “I’d rather make less money recession, people remain perhaps it’s not surprisand do something I love,” largely downbeat about the ing that Democrats have a Flanigan said, noting that economy. Fewer than half sunnier view of the current happiness and optimism are think the economy will get and coming years than do not strictly tied to finances. better in 2010, while slightly Republicans. Every corner of the country more than half think it will Only 10 percent of saw steep job losses this year, worsen or stay about the Republicans said 2009 and the national unemploysame. was a good year, comment rate stands at 10 perJust over a third think their pared to about one-third cent. Millions of Americans own family’s finances will of Democrats and indesaw their savings or retireget better, while almost two- pendents. A whopping 87 ment accounts shrink, and thirds think their finances percent of Democrats are many are rethinking how will stay the same or get optimistic about what 2010 long they will have to work, worse. will bring for the country, and where they might find James Lewis, who just compared with 53 percent of income. retired in Alton, Ill., called Republicans and 73 percent Marcia Andrews of 2009 a “financial disaster” of independents. Blairsville, Pa., was a high for America, and he fears People’s views of their perschool nurse until budget 2010 won’t be much better. sonal circumstances divide cuts eliminated her job. Lewis, 62, said of the past along partisan lines, too. Andrews, 69, spent year: “Everything done Only one in five Repub$250,000 to convert an old wrong. Everybody losing licans think their fam-

ily’s finances will improve in 2010. Nearly half of Democrats and 40 percent of independents hold that view. Steve Bishop, 59, of Middletown, Calif., said he’s pleased the government is trying to overhaul the nation’s health care system. “At least we’re addressing the problem finally, and it could be fine-tuned as we go on in later years,” said Bishop, a Democrat. For the nation, Bishop said, 2009 “was definitely better than 2008 because we’re seeing the recovery of the economy.” For him personally, he said, the year “was O.K.” He said his daughter went through furloughs, and his son-in-law lost some work in his construction job. “But everyone still has a job, they still have health care, so in that sense it was probably good compared to other people,” he said. H. June Clark, a Republican retiree in Fort Wayne, Ind., had similar family experiences but is more downbeat. And she has a warning for all politicians. A daughter and her husband, both teachers, were laid off for part of 2009, said Clark, 82, who once worked as a server at a country club. Some family members are still out of work, she said. She and her husband lost several thousand dollars in the stock market, Clark said. “But luckily we are retired and we own our home,” she said. Clark thinks the nation is headed toward socialism, and she wants a wholesale change in elected officials, no matter their party affiliation. On the Net: http://www.ap-g fkpoll.com

CLASSIFIEDS Contact Erika Meyer to place your ad! Call: 828-245-6431 Fax: 828-248-2790 Email: emeyer@thedigitalcourier.com In person: 601 Oak St., Forest City DEADLINES: New Ads, Cancellations & Changes Tuesday Edition.............Monday, 12pm Wednesday Edition......Tuesday, 2pm Thursday Edition......Wednesday, 2pm Friday Edition...............Thursday, 2pm Saturday Edition................Friday, 2pm Sunday Edition......................Friday, 2pm

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

*4 line minimum on all ads Apartments 2BR/1BA APT in FC Newly updated! $425/mo. + sec. dep. Contact 828-228-5873

Happy New Year! From The Daily Courier Staff

Apartments

Richmond Hill Senior Apts. in Rfdtn 1BR Units w/handicap accessible units avail. Sec 8 assistance avail. 287-2578 Hours: Mon., Tues., & Thurs. 7-3. TDD Relay 1-800-735-2962 Equal Housing Opportunity. Income Based Rent.

Special $100 dep.! 1, 2 & 3BR Nice, large Townhomes Priv. decks, w/d hook up. Water incld.! Starting at $375/mo. 1-888-684-5072

across from Super 8 Motel in Spindale $385/mo. & $515/mo. Call 828-447-1989

Nice 2 Bedroom on one floor & 1 Bedroom Apt

The Daily Courier office will be closed on Friday, January 1st in observance of New Years Classified Advertising deadline for new ads, cancellations, and changes to existing ads for the Friday, January 1st, Saturday, January 2nd and Sunday, January 3rd editions are as follows: LINE ADS: Deadline is Thursday, December 31st at 12:00 PM DISPLAY ADS: Deadline is Wednesday, December 30th at 2:00 PM DISPLAY AD DEADLINE for the Tuesday, January 5th edition will be Thursday, December 31st by 12:00 PM

1 WEEK SPECIAL

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

2 WEEK SPECIAL

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

3 DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL

YARD SALE SPECIAL

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

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

*Private party customers only! This special must be mentioned at the time of ad placement. Valid 12/28/09 - 12/31/09

Homes

Mobile Homes

Help Wanted

For Sale

For Rent

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

119 McBrayer Court 2BR/1BA Appl. furn. $385/mo. Deposit & ref’s req. 289-4488 GREAT STARTER in Cleveland County! 3BR/1BA Brick ranch w/great features - brick fireplace in family room, large eat-in kitchen, hardwoods, in-ground pool, large fenced backyard, swing set and 2 storage sheds remain. $94,900 #45277 Coldwell Banker Mountain View Real Estate Contact Marsha Brown 704-284-0137

Homes For Rent 2BR/2BA on 2 ac. in Lake Lure, 200’ bold running stream, close to new charter school opening 2010, w/d, cen. h/a. $750/mo. Call Eddy Zappel 828-289-9151 or Marco 954-275 0735

RENT TO OWN: 3BR DW or SW Spindale area. Cent. h/a, appl. Sm. DP $400-$500/ mo.

429-3976 or 287-2640 2BR/1BA Dual pane windows, ceiling fans, window a/c, w/d hookup. East Court St., Rfdtn. $310/mo. 1/2 off 2nd month App. 828-748-8801

Mobile Homes For Rent 2BR/1BA on private lot in Caroleen $80 per week $120 deposit No pets! 429-0449 Rent w/option to buy 3BR/2BA MH on wooded lot, Ellenboro. Heat pump, lg deck fireplace. dep. & ref. req. $550/mo Sr. discount. 248-1909 Single wide Shiloh: 2BR/2BA No Pets! $425/mo. + $300 dep. 245-5703 or 286-8665

2BR/2BA, 14x70 $375/mo + dep. No pets. Ref. required. Call 828-453-8483

Daycare Kids R Us, Inc.

Now enrolling

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

Forest City 247-1717 or Rfdtn 286-9979

WANTED 23 PEOPLE TO LOSE 5-100 POUNDS! I LOST 35 LBS. IN 6 WKS! 888-382-5176 www.

Want To Buy

WILL BUY YOUR JUNK Cars & Trucks

Pick up at your convenience!

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For Sale BLUE LIFT CHAIR 2 months old $600 Call 286-0095

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

You’ll find it in the Classifieds.

The Daily Courier 601 Oak Street, Forest City

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, December 31, 2009 — 15 Lost

Lost

M Walker Coon Hound w/red Harley collar. Part of right ear missing, 3 yrs. old. 12/15: Kiser Rd., Bostic 447-2376

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

Male Grey Tabby Cat 10-12 lbs., 3 yrs. old. Needs meds! Lost 12/14 from Grayson Bostic Rd./ Bethany Church Rd. area. Call 289-5989 or 245-0222

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the estate of J. (JAMES) TOLIVER DAVIS of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said J. (JAMES) TOLIVER DAVIS to present them to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 17th day of December, 2009. Jackie J. Davis, Executor 187 Old Caroleen Road Forest City, NC 28043

Yard Sales

Found Black cat Approx. 4 mo. Found on Main St., Spindale, 1st week of Dec. Needs home! Call 828-202 5700

Moving Yard Sale 1797 Ellenboro Henrietta Rd. Inside Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 9A-until Everything must go! TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS FC: 174 S. Quail Lane (off of Doggett Rd.) Saturday 7A-until

Buy, Sell Trade in The Classifieds 245-6431

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE OF DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED SEWAGE The Town of Forest City had a discharge of untreated wastewater at the waste treatment plant at 397 Riverside Drive of approximately 5,000 gallons or less. The discharge was discovered on December 25, 2009 and had lasted for approximately 5 hours. The discharge entered into the second broad river. The problem was due to a faulty float valve during heavy rainfall. This notice was required by The North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.C. Any questions or comments can be directed to the Town of Forest City Wastewater Treatment Plant at 828-248-5217.

ROSEDALE PHASE I APARTMENTS 121 Holly Lane Forest City, NC 28043 Family Households

1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS Units for Persons with Disabilities Available Section 8 Accepted

Please Call (1) 828-245-3417 TDD/TYY # (1) 800-735-2962 “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer”

Go Classifieds!!

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of CHARLES W. NANNEY of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said CHARLES W. NANNEY to present them to the undersigned on or before the 24th day of March, 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 24th day of December, 2009. Judith Nanney Ginn, Executor 150 Westhaven Circle Winston-Salem, NC 27104

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of FRANCES JEANETTE LAUGHTER of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said FRANCES JEANETTE LAUGHTER to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 10th day of December, 2009. Wallace Ronald Laughter, Administrator 147 Union Road Rutherfordton, NC 28139

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF RUTHERFORD

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the estate of VERA G. BIGGERSTAFF of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said VERA G. BIGGERSTAFF to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 10th day of December, 2009. Delores G. Hanser, Executor PO Box 698 Bostic, NC 28018

NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE File No: 09 SP 522 TAKE NOTICE THAT: Raintree Realty and Construction, Inc., Substitute Trustee, has begun proceedings to FORECLOSE under the Deed of Trust described below, and by under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in such Deed of Trust, and an Order entered by the Clerk of Superior Court of the above County, will sell the below described property at public auction as follows: 1. The instrument pursuant to which such sale will be held is that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sharon Allen Lloyd, original mortgagors, and recorded in the Office of the Rutherford County Register of Deeds in Deed of Trust Book 0733, at Page 0709. The record owner of such property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds not more than ten (10) days prior to posting this Notice of Sale, if not the original mortgagors, is: N/A. 2. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th day of January, 2010 at the above named County Courthouse door in the City of Rutherfordton, North Carolina.

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 111

3. The real property to be sold is generally known as 307 Main Street, Chimney Rock, North Carolina, and is described as follows:

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by GARY G. GROVES, HUSBAND AND WIFE, PAMELA GROVES to TRUSTEE SERVICES OF CAROLINA, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated July 8, 2005 and recorded on July 8, 2005 in Book 848 at Page 481, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina.

SITUATE, lying and being in the Town of Chimney Rock, Chimney Rock Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being a portion of the Sherman property described in Deed Book 455, Page 383 and being described in accordance with a plat of survey done by Professional Surveying Services dated April 27, 1998, as follows:

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Lisa S. Campbell, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 7, 2010 at 1:00PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEGINNING at an existing iron pin located on the southern right of way edge of U. S. Highway 64-74A, said beginning existing iron pin being the common northernmost corner of the tract described herein ant (sic) the Strickland property described in Deed Book 676, page 209, said beginning existing iron pin being located South 48 degrees 37 minutes 03 seconds East 183.36 feet, South 55 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 154.00 feet, South 57 degrees 29 minutes 11 seconds East 103.91 feet from an existing PK nail set in the intersection of Bridge Street, S.R. 1190, with U. S. Highway 64-74A, and running thence from said beginning existing iron pin along and with the Strickland boundary South 19 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds West 56.66 feet, passing an existing iron pin at 20.25 feet, to a point near the Rocky Broad River, thence leaving the Strickland boundary and running along and with the river North 63 degrees 26 minutes 45 seconds West 101.84 feet to a point; thence leaving the river and running along a new line North 19 degrees 21 minutes 29 seconds East 67.55 feet to a point in the southern right of way edge of U. S. Highway 64-74A, thence running along and with the southern right of way of the road South 57 degrees 29 minutes 11 seconds East 103.91 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING and containing 0.14 acres, more or less.

Situate, lying and being in Cool Springs Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and lying on the South side of Greenwood Street in the Town of Forest City, and being Lot #18 of the Robbins Subdivision as shown in Plat Book 7, page 135, of the Rutherford County Registry, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: BEGINNING at an iron pin in the right of way line of Greenwood Street, said iron pin being the northeast corner of Lot #18 and the northwest corner of Lot #17 of the Robbins Subdivision, said beginning point also being evidenced by a nail in the center line of Greenwood Street, said nail lying North 84 degrees 57 minutes 22 seconds West 564.51 feet to a nail at the point where Greenwood Street intersects with Rosedale Drive; runs thence from said beginning point with the western line of Lot #17 South 5 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 127.01 feet to an iron pin, said iron pin being the southwest corner of Lot #17; thence with the northern line of Lot #1 of the Robbins Subdivision North 85 degrees 6 minutes 14 seconds West 75 feet to an existing iron pin; thence North 5 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 127.01 feet to a new iron pin in the right of way line of Greenwood Street; thence with said right of way line South 85 degrees 6 minutes 14 seconds East 75 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING. Containing .22 acre, more or less, as shown on survey dated March 3, 1987, by Professional Surveying Services, Nathan Odom, Registered Land Surveyor. Alexander Desc/DES21 Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as: 163 Greenwood Drive, Forest City, NC 28043 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, and the court costs of Forty-Five Cents (45¢) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) pursuant to NCGS 7A-308(a)(1). A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Gary G. Groves and wife, Pamela Groves. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Lisa S. Campbell Substitute Trustee PO Box 4006 Wilmington, NC 28406 PHONE: 910-392-4971 FAX: 910-392-8051 File No.: 09-05018-FC01

Being the same and identical property which was conveyed by John Ryan and wife, Sharon Z. Ryan to Sharon Allen Lloyd, by deed dated June 4, 2003, and of record in Deed Book 821, at Page 937, Rutherford County Registry. Any property described in the Deed of Trust which is not being offered for sale is described as follows: N/A. 4. Any buildings located on the above-described property are also included in the sale. 5. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee to the highest bidder for CASH. The highest bidder will be required to deposit IN CASH with the Substitute Trustee at the date and time of the sale the greater of five percent (5.0%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty and no/100 Dollars ($750.00). 6. All bidders bid for the property AS IS on the date of sale. Absolutely no warranties are made as to the condition, value or title of the property. While the Substitute Trustee believes the title to be good, all bidders are advised that they should obtain independent counsel to examine record title as the property is sold subject to prior record interests. The Noteholder has reserved the right to withdraw the sale up to and until the Deed is delivered by the Substitute Trustee. 7. The property will be sold subject to all unpaid taxes and special assessments. 8. The property being sold is all of that property described in the Deed of Trust except as specifically set forth above. It is the intention to extinguish any and all rights or interests in the property subordinate to the Deed of Trust. 9. Additional Notice Where the Real Property is Residential with Less Than 15 Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the Notice of Sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a bona fide lease or tenancy may have additional rights pursuant to Title VII of 5.896- Protecting Tenants as Foreclosure Act which became effective May 20, 2009. THIS the 8th day of December, 2009. By:____________________________ A. Robert York, Substitute Trustee Raintree Realty and Construction, Inc. PO Box 8942 Asheville, NC 28814 Dates: December 24, 2009 and December 31, 2009

Classifieds - Call 245-6 431 Today!

16 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, December 31, 2009 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RUTHERFORD COUNTY 09 sp 446 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY STEPHANIE E. CARPENTER AND JEFFREY STEVEN CARPENTER DATED APRIL 24, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 898 AT PAGE 37 IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 3:00 PM on January 6, 2010 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that lot or parcel of land situated in the County of Rutherford, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:

NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 155 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by JUDY DIXON AKA JUDY LYNN DIXON to WILLIAM R. ECHOLS, Trustee(s), which was dated January 17, 2003 and recorded on January 28, 2003 in Book 0710 at Page 0047, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Brock & Scott, PLLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 12, 2010 at 10:00AM, 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 #6 of the WINDY HILL SUBDIVISION as shown on plat duly recorded Office of the Register of Deeds for Rutherford County, North Carolina, in Plat Book 22 at Page 9, to which reference is hereby made for a more full and complete description. JDison.dew Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Beginning at the southeasternmost corner of property in the name of G.M. Freeman recorded in Deed Book 152 at Page 578 of the Rutherford County, NC Registry, said point also being located in the northern margin of Whitesides Road 9SR #1538; thence continuing along Whitesides Road South 65 degrees 56' 25" West 303.53 feet to a PK nail; thence leaving said roadway North 24 degrees 37' 30" West 625.68 feet to an existing iron pin; thence North 63 degrees 02' 25" East 170.59 feet to an existing iron pin; thence South 80 degrees 21' 51" East 161.58 feet to a new iron pin; thence South 24 degrees 37' 08" East 547.55 feet to the point and place of beginning, and shown on plat recorded in Deed Book 511 at Page 705, Rutherford County Registry. Subject to easements, restrictions and rights of way of record. And Being more commonly known as: 2211 Whitesides Rd, Forest City, NC 28043 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Stephanie E. Carpenter and Jeffrey Steven Carpenter. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance "AS IS, WHERE IS." Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is December 16, 2009. Grady Ingle Substitute Trustee 8520 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/ 09-118624 NORTH CAROLINA, RUTHERFORD COUNTY AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 09 SP 315 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Glenn E Lewis and Ramona B Lewis aka Ramona Lewis, Husband and Wife to David B Craig, Trustee(s), which was dated December 30, 2004 and recorded on January 18, 2005 in Book 823 at Page 394, Rutherford County Registry, North Carolina.

Said property is commonly known as: 140 Cobra Lane, Forest City, NC 28043 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, and the court costs of Forty-Five Cents (45¢) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) pursuant to NCGS 7A-308(a)(1). A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Judy Lynn Dixon. 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.: 09-06754-FC01 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF RUTHERFORD NOTICE OF SALE File No: 09 SP 541 TAKE NOTICE THAT: Raintree Realty and Construction, Inc., Substitute Trustee, has begun proceedings to FORECLOSE under the Deed of Trust described below, and under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in such Deed of Trust, and an Order entered by the Clerk of Superior Court of the above County, will sell the below described property at public auction as follows: 1. The instrument pursuant to which such sale will be held is that certain Deed of Trust executed by Rockie L. Burgess, unmarried, original mortgagor and recorded in the Office of the Rutherford County Register of Deeds in Deed of Trust Book 944 at Page 512. The record owner of such property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds not more than ten (10) days prior to posting this Notice of Sale, if not the original mortgagors, is: N/A

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Lisa S. Campbell, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 12, 2010 at 10:00AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to wit:

2. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee at 1:00 p.m. on the 14th day of January, 2010 at the Courthouse door in the City of Rutherfordton, North Carolina.

ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE CITY OF RUTHERFORDTON TOWNSHIP, RUTHERFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

Situate, lying and being in Colfax Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina and being the same and identical property described in Deed recorded in Deed Book 594, Page 720, Rutherford County Registry, and being described according to said Deed as follows:

BEING ALL THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN DEED FROM EDWARD LEWIS, WIDOWER, TO GLENN E. LEWIS DATED JULY 22, 1986, AND RECORDED IN DEED BOOK 489, PAGE 484. RUTHERFORD COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE AND INCORPORATED HEREIN FOR A FULL AND COMPLETE DESCRIPTION.

All that tract or parcel of land situate, lying and being in Rutherford County, North Carolina more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a stake in the branch corner lots 3, 4, 5 and 6; thence South 22 West 42 poles to a stake in the old line; thence North 72 West 30 poles to a stone; thence North 18 _ East (v4) 44 poles to a stake in the branch, corner lot 4; thence up the branch as it meanders to the beginning, containing 8.1 acres, more or less surface measure.

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO GLENN E. LEWIS BY DEED RECORDED 7-20-00 IN BOOK 757, PAGE 774. 12-01269

The real property to be sold is more fully described as follows: Situate, lying and being in Colfax Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina and being the same and identical property described in Deed recorded in Deed Book 793, Page 303, Rutherford County Registry, and being described according to said Deed as follows:

Said property is commonly known as: 1000 Old US 221 North Highway, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

THERE IS ALSO CONVEYED TOGETHER HEREWITH a right of way and easement for ingress, egress and regress to and from the above described property, and for the placement of normal and customary residential utilities, and State Road 1930 (Gillespie Road), said right of way and easement being over and across an existing private road known as Rebel Drive, said Rebel Drive being shown in part on that plat recorded in Plat Book 28, Page 175, Rutherford County Registry and continues across other properties described in Deeds recorded in Deed Book 793, Page 300 and Deed Book 797, Page 676, Rutherford County Registry.

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.

The above-described property being a part of the J. C. Gillespie tract of land formerly consisting of 80 _ acres; and being the same property heretofore conveyed by Warranty Deed from R. N. Gillespie and J. S. Gillespie, Executors of the Will of J.C. Gillespie, to W. M. Gillespie, dated August 29, 1940, recorded January 30, 1941 in Deed Book 172, Page 481, Rutherford County Registry.

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 Glenn E. Lewis.

3. Any buildings located on the above-described property are also included in the sale.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

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. Lisa S. Campbell Substitute Trustee PO Box 4006 Wilmington, NC 28406 PHONE: 910-392-4971 FAX: 910-392-8051 File No.: 08-04439-FC01

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4. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee to the highest bidder for CASH. The highest bidder will be required to deposit IN CASH with the Substitute Trustee at the date and time of the sale the greater of five percent (5.0%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty and no/100 Dollars ($750.00). 5. All bidders bid for the property AS IS on the date of sale. Absolutely no warranties are made as to the condition, value or title of the property. While the Substitute Trustee believes the title to be good, all bidders are advised that they should obtain independent counsel to examine record title as the property is sold subject to prior record interests. The Noteholder has reserved the right to withdraw the sale up to and until the Deed is delivered by the Substitute Trustee. 6. The property will be sold subject to all unpaid taxes and special assessments. 7. The property being sold is all of that property described in the Deed of Trust except as specifically set forth above. It is the intention to extinguish any and all rights or interests in the property subordinate to the Deed of Trust. 8. Additional Notice Where the Real Property is Residential with Less Than 15 Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the Notice of Sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. THIS the 16th day of December, 2009. Substitute Trustee RAINTREE REALTY AND CONSTRUCTION, INC. A. Robert York, President Post Office Box 8942 Asheville, North Carolina 28814 828-253-9063 December 31, 2009 and January 7, 2010

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, FRIDAY, December 31, 2009 — 17

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world

Secret phone code revealed n Security

expert said he posted it online to encourage better security for world’s cell phones By MATT MOORE AP Business Writer

FRANKFURT — A German security expert has raised the ire of the cell phone industry after he and a group of researchers posted online a how-to guide for cracking the encryption that keeps the calls of GSM-standard cell phone users secret. Karsten Nohl, 28, told The Associated Press this week that he, working with others online and around the world, created a codebook showing how to get past the GSM encryption used to keep conversations on more than 3 billion mobile phones safe from prying ears. Nohl said the purpose was to push companies to improve security. The collaborative effort put the information online through file-sharing sites. “The message is to have better security, not we want to break you,” he said of the move. “The goal is better security. If we created more demand for more security, if any of the network operators could use this as a marketing feature ... that would be the best possible outcome.” GSM, the leading cell phone technology around the world, is used by several wireless carriers in the U.S., with the largest being AT&T Inc. and T-Mobile USA. Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Corp. use a different standard. The GSM Association, a trade group that represents nearly 800 wireless operators, said it was mystified by Nohl’s rationale. Claire Cranton, a spokeswoman for the Londonbased group, said that “this activity is highly illegal in the UK and would be a serious RIPA offense as it probably is in most countries.” RIPA, or the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, is a British law governing the interception of user logs and e-mails of suspected criminals by security and intelligence agencies. It has already been possible to intercept GSM calls, but the equipment is generally only available to law enforcement. Regular wiretapping of cellular calls is also possible, since they travel unencrypted over standard wiring after being picked up by a cell tower. As a result, terrorists or criminals may talk in code and use prepaid phones they then discard. Sujeet Shenoi, a professor of computer science at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, said that while the code-breaking guide raises privacy issues, his main concern is that organized crime will take advantage of it to make money, perhaps by eavesdropping on transactions between consumers and merchants. “It’s a shot across the bow” of the wireless industry, he said.

Associated Press

Pro-government Iranian demonstrators chant slogans: ‘death to Mousavi’ , the opposition leader, at a rally at the Enqelab (Revolution) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday. The poster shows late spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini, right, and supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Pro-Iran forces call for deaths By ALI AKBAR DAREINI Associated Press Writer

TEHRAN, Iran — Tens of thousands of hard-line government supporters turned out for state-sponsored rallies Wednesday, some of them calling for the execution of opposition leaders as Iran’s police chief threatened to show “no mercy” in crushing any new protests by the pro-reform movement. Amid the pro-government fervor, Iran’s official news agency reported that the top two opposition leaders have fled the capital, Tehran. But a close relative of one of the men, Mahdi Karroubi, told The Associated Press the report by the IRNA news agency was wrong and that Karroubi and the other leader, Mir Hossein Mousavi, were both at their homes in Tehran. The relative spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Pro-government rallies were staged in Shiraz, Arak, Qom and Tehran, among other cities. Demonstrators at a rally

in Tehran chanted “Death to Mousavi,” a reference to the top opposition leader. Some shouted “Rioter hypocrites must be executed” and held up a banner that read: “We sacrifice our blood for the supreme leader.” The government gave all civil servants and employees a day off to attend the rallies and organized buses to transport groups of schoolchildren and supporters from outlying rural areas to the protests. Hard-line cleric Ahmad Alamolhoda called opponents of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei supporters of Satan. “Enemies of the leader, according to the Quran, belong to the party of Satan,” Alamolhoda told demonstrators in Tehran in comments broadcast on state TV. “Our war in the world is war against the opponents of the rule of the supreme leader.” In a surprising acknowledgment of the opposition’s impact, Khamenei said Wednesday that the country’s Islamic rulers have

lost some supporters since the disputed presidential election in June first triggered the turmoil. Still, he blamed the pro-reform opposition leaders for Iran’s problems. “The reality in the society is that as some (supporters) dropped out, twice that number joined (us),” he was qouted as saying by the IRNA news agency. Police chief Gen. Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam warned protesters to stay off the streets or face harsh consequences. At least eight people were killed in street violence Sunday, the country’s worst unrest since the aftermath of the June 12 election. “In dealing with previous protests, police showed leniency. But given that these opponents are seeking to topple (the ruling system), there will be no mercy,” Moghaddam said, according to IRNA. “We will take severe action. The era of tolerance is over. Anyone attending such rallies will be crushed.”

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