The Daily Dispatch - Thursday, January 28, 2010 by The Daily Dispatch

CMYK Break-ins charged to city man

Obama pledges to create jobs

Webb’s Mize signs with UNCW

From Page One, Page 3A

State of the Union, Page 7A

Sports, Page 1B THURSDAY, January 28, 2010

Volume XCVI, No. 23

(252) 436-2700

www.hendersondispatch.com

50 cents

Missing bank bag — another problem Bostic

Manning

Morris says he’s indigent Accused of killing wife, man declares he can’t afford an attorney

Will county pay bank fees for citizens who must stop payment on their checks? By AL WHELESS Daily Dispatch Writer

A still-missing bank deposit bag containing more than $52,000 worth of property tax checks is causing yet another problem for the Vance County Tax Office. County Manager Jerry Ayscue said Wednesday it has yet to be decided whether there will be reimbursement of any stoppayment fees that banks might

charge those whose checks have yet to be found. Letters asking people like Lucie Wilson to send replacement checks to the county were mailed out Jan. 15, according to Ayscue. When Wilson recently visited Ayscue’s office, she told him her bank wanted $32 to block payment. She wants the county to pay the fee. Ayscue said Wednesday that Wilson is the only affected tax-

payer who has talked with him about stop-payment fees from banks. First suspected on Dec. 17, the loss of the bag that also contained more than $7,800 in cash wasn’t reported to the Vance County Sheriff’s Office until Dec. 28. Ayscue said Wednesday that no one has been disciplined or fired as a result of the disappearance of the bag. He added that the investiga-

Preparing for the worst

Daily Dispatch/ASHLEY STEVEN AYSCUE

A front-end loader driven by Michael Satterwhite carries a load of salt Wednesday morning from a storage shed to the brine mixer at the NCDOT maintenance yard on Gillburg Road.

Please see MORRIS, page 3A

Index Our Hometown . . . . . 2A Business & Farm. . . . 5A Opinion . . . . . . . . . . 10A Light Side . . . . . . . . 11A Sports. . . . . . . . . . 1-4B Comics . . . . . . . . . . . 5B Classifieds. . . . . . . 6-8B

Weather Today Mostly sunny

High: 58 Low: 30

Friday Snow possible High: 37 Low: 26

Details, 3A

Deaths Creedmoor Mary J. Aiken, 89 Henderson Ruth S. Peel, 58 Rebecca Ann D. Smith, 77 Andre D. Taylor, 33 Oxford Bertie H. Adcock, 87 Roscoe H. Small, 65 Wise Moses Levister, 99

Obituaries, 4A

Contact the writer at awheless@hendersondispatch.com.

Former sheriff in running

By WILLIAM F. WEST Daily Dispatch Writer

OXFORD — Scott Morris on Wednesday declared himself indigent in Granville County Superior Court, meaning he is claiming he is financially unable to pay an attorney to defend him in the case of Morris the alleged slaying of his wife, Kelly Currin Morris. Durham attorney Jerry Clayton made an appearance in court on behalf of Scott Morris. Assistant District Attorney Cindy Bostic objected to Scott Morris filling out a document claiming he is legally destitute. Judge Howard Manning set April 5 to decide the matter of legal representation and to preside at a Rule 24 hearing in which the state will declare the intent to seek the death penalty. District Attorney Sam Currin has already said he wants Scott Morris, if found guilty, to be executed. The judge granted a request by Bostic to declare

tion is ongoing, and all of the facts have yet to be determined. An employee, not identified by name, has served for many years as the courier to make bank deposits for the county. Security measures have been implemented to prevent future losses. Such funds are now transported by Sheriff’s deputies.

Michael Satterwhite dumps salt from the blade of a front-end loader into a brine mixer at the NCDOT maintenance yard. Elton Ross, right, unhooks a hose from a tandem truck after filling the truck’s tank with 1,600 gallons of liquid brine. The NCDOT started pretreating the roads in anticipation of a winter storm expected to hit the TriCounty area Friday night and Saturday. The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a winter storm watch for Vance, Granville and Warren counties from 4 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. on Saturday. Although it is too early to specify exact amounts, it appears that there will be enough cold air to support significant wintry precipitation in the watch area. A winter storm watch is issued when severe winter weather is possible but not imminent, but there is potential for significant snow and/or ice accumulations.

Granville’s Smith declares for county commission seat By WILLIAM F. WEST Daily Dispatch Writer

OXFORD — Former Granville County Sheriff David Smith said he will file qualifying papers Feb. 8 to run for the District 2 County Commission position being vacated by the retiring James Lumpkins. “I’ve been involved with Granville County all my life, in particular the last 37 years, and maybe if I’m elected I can contribute to Granville County in a different light,” Smith, a Democrat, said Wedneday Smith afternoon. Smith, 59, joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1972 as a jailer and worked his way up the ranks to chief deputy sheriff. He was elected the county’s top lawman in 1998. Smith said that, in addition to a work ethic dating back to having grown up on a farm, his qualifications as a candidate for commissioner includes having managed budgets as sheriff. “And I was frugal with the tax dollars and certainly will try to be that way if elected as commissioner,” he added. And he said that, even though he no longer wears the sheriff’s star, he has continued his public service, including as a member of the County Human Relations Commission and as a member of the agricultural Extension advisory board, the Crime Stoppers advisory board, the senior citizens advisory board and the greenways panel. Additionally, Smith is perhaps the most well-known cancer survivor in the county. Smith has said that, in 1999, doctors found “a spot on my lung.” He underPlease see SMITH, page 3A

Navy Band’s Sea Chanters concert ‘sold out’ By DISPATCH STAFF

The U.S. Navy Band’s Sea Chanters concert on Thursday, Feb. 18, is an official “sell out.” The tickets to the concert at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center are free, and they have been distributed to the public on a first-come, first served basis. The public was invited to fill out a form in The Daily Dispatch and send it to the Dispatch with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

“We have distributed to the public all of the tickets we have available for the show,” said James Edwards, publisher of The Daily Dispatch. The Dispatch and Vance-Granville Community College are hosting the concert for the Navy. “The response from the public has been overwhelming,” he added. “If you mailed us a form and a self-addressed, stamped envelope, we have mailed tickets back to you on a first-come, first-served

basis. If you have not received tickets, it means that we did not have enough tickets to complete your order. “We will save all of the forms and envelopes that have been mailed to us and we will continue to fill orders for tickets if tickets should be returned to us by people who discover they can’t attend the concert,” Edwards said. If the Dispatch is not able to send tickets, the form and envelope will be returned, he said.

Everyone who has a ticket to the show is being asked to be seated by 7:15 p.m. All remaining seats in the Civic Center will be filled as of 7:20 p.m. on a firstcome, first-served basis. “We appreciate this incredible response, and we regret that we can’t seat everyone who has indicated a desire to attend,” Edwards said. Send comments to news@hendersondispatch.com.

The Daily Dispatch

Local News Deaths

Bertie H. Adcock OXFORD — Bertie Heath Adcock, 87, of 761 Julian Oakley Road, Rougemont, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, at Duke Medical Center. A native of Buckingham County, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Biner Roark Heath. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday in the Eakes Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Eddie Mauldin. Burial will be in Granville Memorial Park. Surviving are a daughter, Joan Morgan of Henderson, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was the widow of Edward William Layne and William Taylor Adcock. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jean Whitt, and a son, Marvin Layne. The visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Eakes Funeral Home in Oxford and at other times at 5011 Dorsey Road, Oxford, N.C., 27565. Arrangements are by Eakes Funeral Home of Oxford.

Mary J. Aiken CREEDMOOR — Mary Jones Aiken, 89, a longtime resident of Sandy Plains, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, at Hock Hospice Pavilion in Durham. She was the daughter of Rufus Walter and Rosa Keith Jones. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and was a retired farmer. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Aiken May of Rougemont, two grandsons and two greatgranddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Worth M. Aiken; three sisters, Lois, Vida and Lida; and five brothers, Clarence, Cleveland, Joe, Ezra and Ned. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the Eakes Funeral Chapel in Creedmoor by the Revs. Dan Hill and

Tommy Lamm. Burial will be in Carolina Memorial Gardens. The visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Friday, prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fellowship Baptist Church Mission Fund, 1512 Beaver Dam Road, Creedmoor, N.C., 27522. Arrangements are by Eakes Funeral Home of Oxford.

Moses Levister WISE — Moses Levister, 99, of Wise, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, at Warren Hills Nursing Center in Warrenton. Arrangements are incomplete at this time, but will be announced later by R.H. Greene Funeral Home of Warrenton.

Ruth S. Peel HENDERSON — Ruth Stearne Peel, 58, of 2411 Oxford Road, Henderson, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill. Born in Chester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Clarence Stearne Jr. and Mildred Draper Stearne. She was a homemaker and attended First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Flowers Funeral Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Frank Sossamon. Surviving are her husband, Donald Eugene Keith; two stepdaughters, Jennifer P. Carrao of Newport News, Va., and Holly Peel, of Jackson, Miss.; a sister, Lois S. Moore, of Marion, Va.; and a stepgrandchild. The family will receive friends Friday, from 2 to 3 p.m., at Flowers Funeral Home. All other times, they will be at the home, 2411 Oxford Road, Henderson. Flowers will be omitted. Ruth wanted everyone to be an organ donor and would like memorial contributions made to DaVita Vance County Dialysis, Patient Services Fund, 511 Ruin Creek Road, Suite

202, Henderson, N.C., 27536. Arrangements are by Flowers Funeral Home.

Roscoe H. Small OXFORD — Roscoe H. “Billy” Small, 65, of 3596 Chewning Road, died Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, at the Granville Medical Center. Survivors include his wife, Betty Small; two sons, Roscoe Small Jr. of Durham and Tracy Small of Bullock; three daughters, the Rev. Gwendolyn Brooks of Bullock, the Rev. Debra Williams of Riverdale, Ga., and Stacy Arrington of Fayetteville; three stepdaughters, Brenda Looney and Deloris Harris, both of Oxford, and Margaret Gibson of Bullock; a sister, Vivian Royster of Bullock; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Betts and Son Chapel, with eulogy by the Rev. Leroy Anderson. Burial will follow in the New Jonathan Creek Church cemetery. The viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. The family will receive visitors one hour before the service at the Betts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Oxford. Arrangements are by Betts and Son Funeral Home of Oxford.

Rebecca D. Smith HENDERSON — Rebecca Ann Dickerson Smith, 77, of 7070 N.C. Highway 39 South, Henderson, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Maria Parham Medical Center. Born in Vance County, she was the daughter of the late Steven Pete and Annie Ruth Thompson Dickerson. She was a retired employee of M.R. Williams Inc. and a member of West End Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Flowers Funeral Chapel, conducted by the Rev.

Frank Sossamon. Burial will follow in Sunset Gardens. Surviving are her husband, Richard Gary Smith; two daughters, Sandra S. Keith of Creedmoor and Teresa S. Harris of Henderson; two sons, Charles Gary Smith and Danny Allen Smith, both of Henderson; a sister, Winnie D. Roberson of Henderson; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Helen D. Beaver, and a brother, Dorsey Lee Dickerson. The family will receive friends Friday, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Flowers Funeral Home. All other times, they will be at the home, 7070 N.C. Highway 39 South, Henderson. Serving as active pallbearers will be Kevin Keith, Daniel Smith, Chris Bowman, James Roberson, Charles Stokes, Barry Finch and Bobby Dickerson. Arrangements are by Flowers Funeral Home.

Andre’ D. Taylor HENDERSON — Andre’ Demont Taylor, 33, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010. He was born in Vance County to Wandra Martin Taylor-Burwell and William “Bunky” Taylor. A memorial service will be held at Kittrell First Baptist Church in Kittrell at 2 p.m. Friday. The Rev. M. Clemons and the Rev. Orlando Terry of Equipping Faith Church will be officiating. Surviving are his parents; daughters, Andrea and Laila, and their mother, Nikki Taylor; and sisters, Bessie Perry, Topeka Martin and Danielle Fuller. The family will receive friends at 75 Dixie Drive, Kittrell, at all times. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a scholarship fund for Laila and Andrea. You may contact Alice Johnson at South Henderson Church of God. Arrangements are by Davis-Royster Funeral Service.

Oxford EDC changes meeting date for plan of work retreat By DISPATCH STAFF

OXFORD — The Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corp. monthly meeting has been reset to 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, to hold a plan of work retreat. The session will focus on discussing goals, objectives

and strategies for organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. The N.C. Main Street Center will facilitate the session, which will be at the Public Works Complex, 227 W. McClanahan St. The N.C. Main Street Center promotes down-

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EDC board customarily meets early each month. Send comments to news@ hendersondispatch.com.

Henderson council schedules retreat By DISPATCH STAFF

The City Council’s annual municipal governmental retreat is set for 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday at Ambassador’s Inn & Suites, 197 Parham Road and just off Interstate 85. Councilman Garry Daeke at the Jan. 11 council meeting said that, at the retreat, he wanted an update from City Manager Ray Griffin on municipal finances and a discussion about the programs the city funds with Vance County. The retreat schedule says that, starting at 11 a.m., 45 minutes is reserved for a discussion of jointly funded programs. Councilwoman Mary Emma Evans additionally requested a discussion about employees’ insurance. And the early afternoon part of the retreat includes discussion of staggered four-year terms for the mayor and council members. The city’s chief executive

and each of the eight council members are elected every two years. Four of the council members hold at large seats and four of the council members hold ward seats. The early afternoon part of the retreat includes discussion about the municipal budget and finances, along with economic development and growth. The latter afternoon part of the retreat will focus on reviewing and updating the city’s strategic plan. The retreat is open to the public. The council last year met in March for a day and part of the next morning at Vance-Granville Community College. Griffin at the Jan. 11 council meeting said he believed this year’s retreat could probably be boiled down to one day because the business of the 2009 retreat was finished “in a day and about an hour.” Send comments to news@ hendersondispatch.com.

Oxford commission sets hearings on annexations By DISPATCH STAFF

OXFORD — Public hearings are set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, before the City Commission regarding the annexations of Shadow Lane lots one through 13 and Meadow Heights lots one through six. The hearings will be in the commission meeting room on the third floor of City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St. Shadow Lane is off Saddletree Drive and at the upscale far southeastern edge of Oxford. Holdover Commissioner Walter Cantley, nowretired Commissioner Bob Shope and holdover Commissioner Bob Williford more than a year ago asked about whether Shadow Lane would be on the

agenda for the process of being taken in by Oxford. Meadow Heights is off Country Club Drive and at the northwestern edge of Oxford. The previous commission on Dec. 8 approved a 6-1 e-mail vote accepting annexation reports for Shadow Lane lots one through 13 and Meadow Heights lots one through six. Then-Commissioner Steve Powell was unavailable for that e-mail vote. Annexation reports are conducted to see whether there is justification to expand the municipal boundary. The new commission has to conduct the public hearings before voting for the annexations. Send comments to news@ hendersondispatch.com.

Change of location for finance panel meeting OXFORD — The City Commission’s Finance Committee meeting remains set for 2 p.m. today, but will be in the

mayor’s conference room on the second floor of City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St., instead of in the first floor training room.

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The Daily Dispatch

Business & Farm

M.R. Williams recognized for cost-saving lighting By DAVID IRVINE Daily Dispatch Writer

M.R. Williams Inc., a convenience store wholesale supplier in Henderson, is being recognized for changes it has made in its warehouse lighting system. The modifications are designed to reduce the facility’s impact on the environment. The company replaced high-intensity-discharge lighting with a high-intensity fluorescent system, which will reduce the amount of electricity used by an estimated 269,107 kilowatt hours per year. By reducing the amount of electricity that must be generated, the move could prevent as much as 1,656 tons of carbon dioxide, seven tons of sulfur dioxide and three tons of nitrogen oxide from entering the atmosphere each year.

In recognition of the change, M.R. Williams received the Orion Energy Systems Environmental Stewardship Award. Orion presents these awards to companies that achieve significant environmental benefits through the use of Orion products and systems. On its Web site, Orion guarantees to increase light levels and reduce energy costs. That twin promise seems to have been fulfilled in the modifications made in the M.R. Williams warehouse. Carl Fisher, plant manager for M.R. Williams, said the project has been well received. “Previously, we had some dark areas in the plant . . . and the new lighting has helped brighten the whole facility,” Fisher said. “Employees like them because their scanners work better and

can see better. The energy savings is good for the environment and a good fit for our company’s sustainability goals.” Lawson Williams, president of M.R. Williams, added, “This project is going to save us over $18,000 per year in electricity costs. That’s the ‘green’ benefit that really drives projects like these.” The design and installation of the new lighting system was managed by Greenwire, LLC, an energy efficiency contractor. Allen Hoyt Jr. president of Greenwire, referring to the M.R. Williams job, said, “These projects offer rapid and enduring return on investment. With the massive subsidy available today, there will never be a better time to upgrade your lighting systems.” Contact the writer at dirvine@ hendersondispatch.com.

Area

A DAY ON WALL STREET

Dow Jones industrials

10,000 8,000 O

Pct. change from previous: +0.41%

High 10,255.06

7,000

Low 10,104.36

January 27, 2010

2,400

Nasdaq composite

2,200 2,000 1,800 1,600

+17.68 O

Pct. change from previous: +0.8%

High 2,225.67

Standard & Poor’s 500 +5.33 O

Pct. change from previous: +0.49%

High 1,099.51

1,400

Low 2,192.59

January 27, 2010

1,097.50

Listed below are representative interdealer quotations at approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday from the National Association of Securities Dealers. Prices do not include retail mark-up, mark-down or commission.

9,000

+41.87

2,221.41

Stocks

11,000

January 27, 2010

10,236.16

Thursday, January 28, 2010

1,200 1,100 1,000 900 800 700 600

Low 1,083.11

SOURCE: SunGard

MARKET ROUNDUP 012710: Market urrencies etals charts show Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq; stand-alone; 2c x 4 1/2 inches; 96 mm x 114 mm; staff NEW YORK (AP) — Key currency ex Aluminum - $0.9928 per lb., London Metal Editors: All figures as of: 5:25:03 PM EST Exch. change rates Wednesday: close; Coppermay -$3.3133 Cathode full plate, LME. NOTE: Figures reflect market fluctuations after not match other AP content Copper $3.2145 N.Y. Merc spot Wed. Dollar vs: ExchgRate PvsDay Yen 89.90 89.71 Lead - $2165.00 metric ton, London Metal Euro $1.4038 $1.4086 Exch. Pound $1.6179 $1.6147 Zinc - $1.0464 per lb., London Metal Exch. Swiss franc 1.0492 1.0459 Gold - $1094.75 Handy & Harman (only Canadian dollar 1.0659 1.0605 daily quote). Mexican peso 12.9500 12.8360 Gold - $1084.40 troy oz., NY Merc spot Wed. Metal Price PvsDay Silver - $16.685 Handy & Harman (only NY Merc Gold $1084.40 $1097.90 daily quote). Silver - $16.428 troy oz., N.Y. Merc spot NY HSBC Bank US $1087.00 $1098.50 NY Merc Silver $16.428 $16.846 Wed. Platinum -$1524.00 troy oz., N.Y. (contract). Nonferrous Platinum -$1486.10 troy oz., N.Y. Merc spot NEW YORK (AP) — Spot nonferrous metal Wed. n.q.-not quoted, n.a.-not available r-revised prices Wednesday:

& M

ACS ATT Ball Corp. BankAmerica BB&T Coca-Cola CVS Duke Energy Exxon Ford General Elec. Home Depot IBM Johnson & Johnson Kennametal Krispy Kreme Louisiana Pacific Lowes Lucent Tech. Pepsico Phillip Morris Procter & Gamble Progress Energy RF Micro Dev Royal Bk Can RJR Tobacco Revlon Sprint Sun Trust Universal Verizon Comm. Vulcan Wal-Mart Wells Fargo Wendy’s Establis Delhaize

62.18 25.62 50.45 15.19 28.28 54.51 32.47 16.74 65.54 11.55 16.30 27.84 126.33 63.44 27.04 2.83 7.24 22.12 3.44 60.29 19.99 60.81 39.51 4.10 50.30 53.98 15.54 3.49 24.70 46.33 29.87 46.22 53.40 28.20 4.56 77.54

Acreage reports needed from Fed pledges to hold rates at record low producers in SURE program By JEANNINE AVERSA AP Economics Writer

Because of the delay in announcing the provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, producers enrolling in the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE) may not be aware that all 2008 crops were required to be reported, in all counties, in which they have an interest to meet the requirements of the program. This includes crops planted on cropland or non-cropland, including native pasture or improved grass that will be hayed. Physical evidence of

the crop in the field is not required for Farm Service Agency (FSA) to accept latefiled 2008 acreage reports. “However, evidence of existence or disposition, must be provided,” stated Vance County Executive Director Denise Hight. The following requirements for 2008 SURE include: • Producers must report all crops, in all counties, in which they have an interest • Late-filed fees will be waived for late-filed 2008 acreage reports and physi-

cal evidence in the field is not required • If the actual use of a crop is different from the intended use reported, the producer may report the final use to the county office; however, the intended use cannot be changed. The provisions noted are for 2008 only. For 2009 and 2010, normal acreage reporting requirements will be applied. More details on the 2008 SURE Program are available at the Vance County FSA office or on line at www.fsa.usda.gov.

IRS will provide USDA with producer income forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/ eforms/mainservlet. Participants who choose not to submit a completed CCC-927 or CCC-928 will be determined non compliant with AGI limitations for the 2009 and 2010 crop programs and fiscal years. This may require participants to repay all payments received for 2009 and 2010.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve has decided to hold interest rates at a record low and pledged to keep them there for an “extended period” to nurture the economic recovery and lower unemployment. One member — Thomas Hoenig, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City — dissented from the Fed’s decision to retain the pledge to hold rates at record lows. He believes the economy has improved sufficiently to drop the pledge, which has been in place for

nearly a year. The Fed made no changes to an $1.25 trillion economic support program aimed at driving down mortgage rates and bolster housing. Reports on home sales this week pointed to a fragile housing market. Fed policymakers said economic activity has continued to “strengthen,” the deterioration in the job market is easing and consumers are spending moderately. But they warned that high unemployment, lackluster income growth and tight credit could crimp that spending. Against that backdrop, the Fed kept its target range for its bank lending

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Internal Revenue Service to establish an electronic information exchange process for verifying compliance with the adjusted gross income (AGI) provisions for farm programs. Written consent will be required from each producer or payment recipient for the tax review process. No actual tax data will be included in the report that IRS sends to USDA. The agreement ensures that payments are not issued to producers whose

AGI exceeds certain limits. The limits set in the 2008 Farm Bill are $500,000 nonfarm average AGI for commodity and disaster programs; $750,000 farm average AGI for direct payments; and $1 million nonfarm average AGI for conservation programs. Participants in CCC programs subject to average AGI rules must submit form CCC-927 (Individual) and/or CCC-928 (Legal Entity) to the IRS by June 15 to avoid interruption of program benefits. These forms may be obtained from local FSA and NRCS offices or online at: http://

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GREENSBORO (AP) — Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina has completed a $150 million project to add a third runway. The new runway, which began operations Wednesday, is part of an expansion plan that began more than a decade ago when FedEx Corp. announced it would open a hub there. FedEx began operations at its new airport center in June. Piedmont Triad Airport Authority chairman Henry Isaacson says the runway will give the region a competitive edge for economic growth. The landing strip is 9,000 feet long and runs parallel to the airport’s main 10,000-foot runway. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport opened a fourth runway earlier this month.

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State

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of the

Union

In key speech, Obama pledges to create jobs WASHINGTON (AP) — An embattled President Barack Obama vowed in his first State of the Union address Wednesday to make job growth his topmost priority, as he looked to reignite his stalling presidency. Obama urged lawmakers to come together around new stimulus spending and short-term economic relief. Defiant despite stinging setbacks, he said he would not abandon ambitious plans for longer-term fixes to health care, energy, education and more. Obama looked to use the highprofile speech to change America’s conversation from how his presidency is troubled — over the messy health care debate, a limping economy and the missteps that led to Christmas Day’s barely averted terrorist attack — to how he is seizing the reins on the economic worries foremost on Americans’ minds. Democrats fear that the fallen standing of the president could hurt them in November’s congressional

and gubernatorial elections. Just last week, Republicans scored a stunning victory by winning the Senate seat long held by the late Edward M. Kennedy. Republicans applauded the president when he entered the chamber, and even craned their necks and welcomed Michelle Obama when she took her seat. But the warm feelings of bipartisanship disappeared early. Democrats jumped to their feet and roared when Obama said he wanted to impose a new fee on banks, while Republicans sat stone-faced. Democrats stood and applauded when Obama mentioned the economic stimulus package passed last February. Republicans sat and stared. The president devoted about twothirds of his speech to the economy, emphasizing his ideas for restoring job growth, taming budget deficits and changing a polarized Washington “where every day is Election Day.” These concerns are at the roots of voter emotions that drove supporters

to Obama but now are turning on him as he governs. He looked to rescue the health care plan, his top domestic priority. The plan was on the verge of passage, then got derailed after opposition Republicans captured the Massachusetts seat. The United States lacks universal health care. In a remarkable shift from past addresses, and notable for a president whose candidacy caught fire over his opposition to the Iraq war, foreign policy was taking a relative back seat. On national security, Obama proclaimed some success, saying that “far more” al-Qaida terrorists were killed under his watch last year in the U.S.-led global fight than in 2008. Also, hoping to salve growing disappointment in a key constituency, Obama said he would work with Congress to repeal the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. But in a concession to concern among Republicans and in his own party’s right flank, Obama neither made a commitment to suspend the

Thursday, January 28, 2010

practice in the interim nor issued a firm deadline. Throughout the speech, Obama aimed to show he understands Americans’ struggles to pay bills while big banks get bailouts and bonuses. Trying to position himself as a fighter for regular people, he urged Congress to blunt the impact of a Supreme Court decision last week handing corporations greater influence over elections. Declaring that “I know the anxieties” of Americans’ struggling to pay the bills while big banks get bailouts and bonuses, Obama prodded Congress to enact a second stimulus package “without delay,” specifying that it should contain a range of measures to help small businesses and funding for infrastructure projects. Also, Obama said he will initiate a $30 billion program to provide money to community banks at low rates. The money would come from balances left in the $700 billion Wall Street rescue fund — a program “about as popular as a root canal” that he made of point of saying “I hated.”

Oxford committees meeting on Monday By DISPATCH STAFF

OXFORD — Two City Commission committees are set to meet Monday. At 11 a.m., the Public Safety Committee will discuss fire protection for those outside the municipal boundaries. At 4:30 p.m., the Property Committee will discuss the city’s energy plan, tree cutting at Elmwood Cemetery and office space for City Clerk Donna Hosch. Both meetings will be in the first floor training room of City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St. Commission committee meetings are open to the public.

If you miss your paper,

PLEASE CALL before 11:00 am — 436-2800

OFFICIAL BALLOT FOR THE 2009 “BEST OF VANCE COUNTY” 65. Best Golf Course Business _______________________ 66. Best Church Supplier Business _______________________ 67. Best Medical Wear Business _______________________ 68. Best Photographer/Studio Business _______________________

People 1. Best Contractor Name _________________________ 2. Best Electrician Name _________________________ 3. Best Pharmacist Name _________________________ 4. Best Doctor Name _________________________ 5. Best Nurse (RN, LPN) Name _________________________ Location________________________ 6. Best Medical Assistant (CNA, office assistant) Name _________________________ 7. Best Dentist Name _________________________ 8. Best Optometrist Name _________________________ 9. Best Insurance Agent Name _________________________ Business _______________________ 10. Best Waiter/Waitress Name _________________________ Restaurant ______________________ 11. Best Car Salesperson Name _________________________ 12. Best Hair Stylist Name _________________________ Salon __________________________ 13. Best Sales Team Business _______________________ 14. Best Auto Mechanic Name _________________________ Business _______________________ 15. Best Attorney Name _________________________ 16. Best Elected Official Name _________________________ 17. Best Real Estate Team Business _______________________ 18. Best Real Estate Agent Name _________________________ 19. Best Dental Hygienist Name _________________________ Office _________________________ 20. Best CPA Name _________________________ Firm __________________________ 21. Best Chiropractor Name _________________________ 22. Best Barber Name _________________________ 23. Best Veterinarian Name _________________________

Food & Drink

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

2009

Goods & Services 24. Best Restaurant Business _______________________ 25. Best Caterer Business _______________________ 26. Best Roofing Co. Business _______________________ 27. Best Sign Company Business _______________________ 28. Best Nursing Home Business _______________________ 29. Best Bank Bank __________________________ 30. Best Tires Business _______________________ 31. Best Clothes Business _______________________ 32. Best Body Shop Business _______________________ 33. Best Jewelry Store Business _______________________ 34. Best Pet Services Business _______________________ 35. Best Used Cars Business _______________________ 36. Best Dry Cleaner Business _______________________ 37. Best Hair Salon Business _______________________ 38. Best Furniture Store Business _______________________ 39. Best Pest Control Business _______________________ 40. Best Gas/Service Station Business _______________________ 41. Best New Cars Business _______________________ 42. Best Cosmetics Business _______________________ 43. Best Muffler Shop Business _______________________

44. Best Florist Business _______________________ 45. Best Home Improvement Company Business _______________________ 46. Best Nursery/Garden Center Business _______________________ 47. Best Car Wash/Detail Business _______________________ 48. Best Shippers Business _______________________ 49. Best Gift Shop Business _______________________ 50. Best Funeral Services Business _______________________ 51. Best Nail Salon Business _______________________ 52. Best Barber Shop Business _______________________ 53. Best Carpet Dealer Business _______________________ 54. Best Drug Store Business _______________________ 55. Best Manufactured Homes Business _______________________ 56. Best Plumbing Company Business _______________________ 57. Best Appliance Store Business _______________________ 58. Best Electronics Store Business _______________________ 59. Best Mattress Dealer Business _______________________ 60. Best Heating & Cooling Co. Business _______________________ 61. Best Preschool or Day Care Center Business _______________________ 62. Best Print Shop Business _______________________ 63. Best Internet Provider Business _______________________ 64. Best Wireless Store Business _______________________

69. Best Mexican Food Business _______________________ 70. Best Italian Food Business _______________________ 71. Best Chinese Food Business _______________________ 72. Best Cup of Coffee Restaurant or Store ________________ 73. Best Pancake and Waffles Restaurant ______________________ 74. Best Stew Restaurant or Deli _________________ 75. Best Hot Dogs Restaurant or Grill _________________ 76. Best Hamburgers Restaurant or Grill _________________ 77. Best Barbeque Restaurant ______________________ 78. Best Fried Chicken Restaurant ______________________ 79. Best Chicken Sandwich Restaurant ______________________ 80. Best Hushpuppies Restaurant ______________________ 81. Best Fast Food Restaurant or Grill _________________ 82. Best Salad Bar/Soup Restaurant or Grill _________________ 83. Best Buffet Restaurant or Deli _________________ 84. Best Pizza Restaurant or Delivery Service ________ 85. Best Steaks Restaurant ______________________ 86. Best Seafood Restaurant ______________________ 87. Best Iced Tea Restaurant or Grill _________________ 88. Best Ice Cream Location________________________ 89. Best Milkshakes Location________________________ 90. Best Desserts Restaurant, Deli or Bakery ___________ 91. Best “Southern Style” Meal Restaurant ______________________ 92. Best Home-Cooked Breakfast Business _______________________ 93. Best Chicken Tenders Business _______________________ 94. Best Fish Sandwich Business _______________________

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

4. No mechanical reproductions of “answered ballots: will be accepted. 5. All answers must be applicable to Vance County for eligibility. 6. Send your completed entries to “The Best of Vance County” Retail Dept. P.O. Box 908, Henderson, N. C. 27536

7. Ballots must be received by January 28, 2010. 8. One entry per person. 9. Must be 18 years or older to participate. 10. A complete list of rules is available at The Daily Dispatch.

Name (Please Print) ________________________________________ Address____________________________ Telephone (Home) ______________________ (Day) _____________ Signature____________________________

Durham to share in $8 billion stimulus for high-speed rail DURHAM — The Obama administration is dispatching the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to Durham to announce Thursday that North Carolina will share in the $8 billion in economicstimulus money Congress reserved for the development of high-speed rail corridors. EPA officials announced Wednesday that Administrator Lisa Jackson would be coming to Durham to make “a Recovery Act announcement.” Further details would be released later in the day, they said. Mayor Bill Bell said he’d been asked to attend the event to welcome Jackson, and confirmed that the announcement would address high-speed rail. N.C. Transportation Secretary Gene Conti is also expected to attend the event. The $8 billion for highspeed rail in the year-old

At 70.5 percent of $215,000 goal, contributions are slightly ahead of last year By DISPATCH STAFF

“We’re pleased to be this far along in the campaign, but there’s still more work to be done,” said James Edwards, campaign chairman. “Of the more than 90 campaign results that have been turned in to us thus far, two-thirds of them are contributing at more or at least the same amount of money as last year. “With some strong results this week and next, we’ll top our goal. We sincerely appreciate how the community has stepped up at a time like this to help meet the needs of our citizens,” he said. Gray noted that it’s not too late for a company to stage a campaign with its employees. And corporate and private contributions are still being accepted on the current year’s campaign, she said. An employee drive within a company can be run in as short a period of time as a week to 10 days, Gray

and Edwards noted. “We have benefitted greatly from those companies that allowed the United Way to share information with their employees and give those workers a chance to give,” said Edwards. As for the coin drive, Gray noted, “There’s still time for individuals in the community to round up their loose change and bring it in to the United Way for a donation.” The United Way of Vance County has an office at 212 Dabney Drive across from Central Fire Station. Officials can be reached by telephone at (252) 492-8392. Contributions can be mailed to 212 Dabney Drive, Henderson, NC 27536. E-mail inquiries can be sent to Gray at unitedwayvance@vance. net. Send comments to news@hendersondispatch.com.

THURSDAY 8AM - 6PM FRIDAY 8AM - 6PM SATURDAY 8AM - 4PM

super

committee to come up with some ideas to preserve and promote small business interests in the state of North Carolina,” Crawford said. Crawford is a small business owner currently serving his 13th term in the House of Representatives. He is chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and vice chair of House Transportation. Several sessions earlier, the congressman organized the House Small Business Caucus to monitor relevant legislation and continues to chair that caucus.

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Carolina fire departments will benefit from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. “This funding will give our departments the resources to do what they do well: protect our North Carolina communities.” The AFG program is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Grants are awarded to fire departments and EMS organizations to boost their ability to respond to emergencies. The grants can be used for training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications.

Crawford appointed to small business panel RALEIGH — U.S. Rep. Jim Crawford has been appointed to the House Select Committee on Small Business. The committee is responsible for studying issues related to small business including access to credit, technical assistance and support needs of small businesses, the impact of existing economic development efforts on small business development, and tax credits to small businesses to spur job creation. “I am delighted that the Democrats are paying special attention to small businesses, and I look forward to working with the

Thursday, January, 28, 2010

United Way campaign in home-stretch

The coins — and the dollars — are adding up as the United Way stimulus bill is expected to of Vance County enters the homehelp the U.S. begin catchstretch of its campaign for 2010 ing up to other advanced funding. countries that rely more Thus far the campaign has raised heavily on the technology $158,745.68, or 70.5 percent of its to move people between goal of $215,000. major cities. That places the campaign slightly Congress specified that ahead of last year, according to states had to compete Nancy Gray, executive director of for the money, rather local United Way. than count on receiving Campaign volunteers are looking a guaranteed share of it. to wrap up the campaign next week The N.C. Department of as they stage a last-minute push to Transportation turned in round up pending contributions from applications requesting business, industry and individuals, some $5.3 billion to improve tracks, crossings and she said. A portion of the United Way funds other infrastructure along this year has been raised in a “Coins the rail corridor between Make a Difference” drive staged by Washington, D.C., and volunteers and Vance County school Atlanta. children. Media reports indicate that President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will travel Thursday to Tampa, Fla., to make the day’s major announcement about high-speed rail grants. The administration is dispatching Cabinet-level officials to other places that are in line for a share of the money.

29 fire departments awarded firefighter assistance grants WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gaston Rescue is among 29 North Carolina fire departments that will receive funds through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, U.S. Sen. Kay R. Hagan announced Wednesday. Total grants amount to more than $2 million, and Gaston Rescue will receive $7,125. “Our firefighters in North Carolina deserve nothing short of the best tools, training and equipment,” Hagan said. “They work every day to keep our families safe from Murphy to Manteo, and I am thrilled that 29 North

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$ Vance County is seeking interested demolition contractors to participate in the abandoned mobile home program. Contractors will be responsible for deconstruction of abandoned mobile homes by separating recyclable materials from non-recyclable materials and disposing of both at the appropriate facilities. Contractors who are interested in receiving bid requests must contact the Planning and Development Department and fill out a contractor application. The Department can be reached at 156 Church Street, suite 3, Henderson, NC 27536 or by phone at (252) 738-2080.

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Public Records

VANCE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Arrests • Tyie Turrell Gibbs, 33, of 281 Deer Chase Lane was arrested Jan. 26. Misdemeanor resisting arrest. Secured bond was set at $2,000. Court date Feb. 16. In another report, subject was served Jan. 26 with an order for arrest. Misdemeanor failure to comply with child support in Person County. Cash bond was set at $1,000. Court date Feb. 3. • Patrick Terry, 23, 8428 Hicksboro Road was arrested Jan. 26. Misdemeanor assault on a female. Misdemeanor injury to personal property. Secured bond was set at $2,400. Court date Feb. 22. • Queenletta Dunston, 24, of 716 East Ave. was served Jan. 26 with an order for arrest. Misdemeanor failure to appear on charge of driving while license revoked and show cause order. Secured bond was set at $1,000. Court date Feb. 22. • Mario Lamont Sims, 24, of 125 Chestnut Drive, Warrenton, was arrested Jan. 26. Felony larceny of a dog. Secured bond

was set at $5,000. Court date Feb. 22. • Darryl Russell, 22, of 271 S. Beckford Drive Apt. G48 was served Jan. 26 with an order for arrest. Misdemeanor failure to appear on a charge of failure to comply with child support. Cash bond was set at $180. Court date was Jan. 27.

Larceny • Sammy Hicks, 37, of 185 Gun Club Road reported Jan. 26 the theft from the residence of the following items and their values: XBox 360, $500; 20 XBox 360 games, $1,200; 2 XBox controllers, $80; Acer desktop computer with 17-inch monitor, $450; and Dell desktop 19” flat screen monitor, $250.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

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Man dies after deputy zaps him with stun gun GOLDSBORO (AP) — A North Carolina man whose family said he had a heart condition has died after being zapped with a stun gun by a sheriff’s deputy. Multiple media outlets reported that Joe Spruill Jr. died early Wednesday during the confrontation outside. The State Bureau of Investigation was investigating. Wayne County Sheriff’s Capt. Tom Effler says Deputy Martin McAlduff responded to a report of a fight at a road intersection. McAlduff and another deputy said Spruill began throwing things at them and resisted when they tried to arrest him for disorderly conduct.

HENDERSON POLICE DEPT. Arrests • Michael Andre Kelly, 47, of 517 Daniel St. was served Jan. 26 with a citation. Misdemeanor shoplifting (concealment). Court date April 26. • Delqualia Meineshia Moses, 21, of 204 Little Mill Road was served Jan. 26 with an order for arrest. Misdemeanor failure to ad size: 3x21.5 Full Color. Refer to ad number 308693dd and add appear. Bond wasretail. set at $176. Court date Feb. 16. the following information to bottom portion of the ad. Please see attached • Bryan Ray Walker, 16, of 13 example of where this information needs to go (Reverse type) Put it at an Pinewood Drive was served Jan. angle. 26 with a citation. Misdemeanor shoplifting. Court date March 23.

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CMYK 10A

Opinion

The Daily Dispatch

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Editorial Board: James Edwards, Publisher • jedwards@hendersondispatch.com Luke Horton, Editor • lhorton@hendersondispatch.com Don Dulin, News Editor • ddulin@hendersondispatch.com Linda Gupton, Features Editor • lgupton@hendersondispatch.com 304 S. Chestnut St./P.O. Box 908 Henderson, N.C. 27536 PHONE: 436-2700/FAX: 430-0125

Daily Meditation And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13

Our Opinion

Public key to reducing area crime Most law enforcement officials will tell you that an officer’s best tool in preventing crime is not guns, patrol cars or even more officers — it’s you. Police officers can’t be everywhere all the time, but members of the community can. You are on the streets and in neighborhoods and stores — the very places officers can’t be 24/7. It’s here that the public can make a difference. If you see a crime, notify law enforcement. If you notice something suspicious at your neighbor’s house, call the authorities. Police rely on this information and without it, solving the area’s crime problem gets a lot harder. Far too often, people look the other way when they see something suspicious or even when they witness a crime. They think there’s nothing they can do. Don’t make that mistake. Just last week, a man was arrested after someone called 911 to report a crime. The caller reported seeing a man break into a residence on Charles Street and decided to do something about it. The caller was being a good neighbor and a good member of the community. Local officials recently declared 2010 as the Year of Community Watch, and tonight at 7 p.m. the Henderson/Vance Community Watch Association will hold an organizational meeting in the auditorium at Maria Parham Medical Center. Everyone is invited to attend: those who are involved in a community watch and those who are interested in becoming involved in a watch. For more information on the meeting, contact Lt. Irvin Robinson at (252) 438-4141 or Rev. Frank Sossamon at (252) 438-3322. Community watch groups are valuable assets in the fight against crime, and officials would like to see an organized group in every neighborhood. A community filled with watch groups is a community that takes crime seriously and one that values its residents. Hopefully, the Henderson/Vance area will fit that description soon.

Quotable “They asked him to correct his path but he did a very fast and strange turn before disappearing completely from the radar. Nobody is saying the pilot is to blame for not heeding orders. There could have been many reasons for what happened. ... Only the black box can tell.” Lebanon Transportation Minister Ghazi Aridi in a statment revealing that the pilot of a doomed Ethiopian Airlines flight flew in the opposite direction from the path recommended by the control tower after taking off in stormy weather.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Corporations as ‘persons’ Riddle me this: When is a corporation like a freed slave? Answer: When it is trying to win human rights in a case before the Supreme Court. It may sound odd, but that’s the historical background that led up to the Supreme Court’s recent decision to open the floodgates on political spending by corporations, unions and other narrow interests. Sharing the conservative court’s problematic view that political money equals political speech, defenders of the 5-to-4 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission say it’s about time the Supreme Court granted corporations the same free-speech rights as individuals. The court’s decision still allows laws that require financial disclosure and other regulations as long as they don’t treat corporations or unions differently from individuals. President Obama said his administration would “get to work immediately with Congress” to develop “a forceful response” to the high court’s ruling. Several Democratic members of Congress announced new proposals to restrain the ability of corporations and other groups to sway elections with deep-pocket spending. But even if those attempts at reform are passed, legal experts

say, they still won’t get far unless they deal with a fundamental legal question: Who says corporations are entitled to the same rights as individuals? That’s where the slaves come in. The Constitution did not mention corporations, just as it did not mention Clarence slaves, except to Page mention euphemistiTribune Media cally that Services all “others” would be counted as “threefifths of a person” for purposes of reapportionment. The Framers understood the art of compromise. The Framers left it to the states to create corporations through charters and rules that varied by state. Anyone who put a corporation out of business could be accused of many things, but murder was not one of them. Yet corporations won constitutional rights through other means, including the amendments passed after the Civil War to give legal equality to another aggrieved group: former slaves.

The 1886 case of Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad Company is often cited as the beginning of “corporate personhood” under the law. Yet this personhood comes ambiguously, not in the body of the decision but in something that Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite was quoted in the decision’s legal summary as having said before oral arguments began. “The court does not wish to hear argument on the question” of whether the equal-protection provision in the Fourteenth Amendment “applies to these corporations,” he said. “We are all of the opinion that it does.” As a result, the court appears to have ruled on the equalprotection issue without ever weighing it through any argument, deliberation or formal opinions. Thin as this legal reed may be, generations of lawyers have clung to it in arguing for an expanding galaxy of corporate rights. That’s how an amendment intended to thwart slaveholders is used to benefit stockholders. But is that what most Americans have in mind when they think of equal rights in this country? Most folks probably don’t, until they find themselves going up against a corporation in a dispute over a factory farm or toxic landfill. That’s what Thomas Linzey,

an attorney and founder of the Pennsylvania-based Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, has found as he has helped local governments across the country take on the principle of corporate personhood. Not only do corporations claim “personhood,” he told me in a telephone interview, but after winning a case on grounds of the interstate commerce clause, they sometimes have sued for damages, claiming their Fourteenth Amendment rights to equal protection were violated. With experiences like that, Linzey doesn’t hold out much hope for the currently proposed campaign finance reforms unless they go at the central question of corporate personhood — and that may require “some sort of grassroots uprising,” he said, to amend the constitution, since both political parties are finding more and more ways to feed on corporate contributions. Which raises another interesting political thought: If the populist tea party movement is truly worthy of its touted “populist” crusade against Wall Street and other powerful interests, they could find common ground with President Obama’s call to curb runaway political spending — unless they think corporations are people, too.

Even white men (and blacks) can exceed expectations Don Lewis thinks white men can’t jump. What else explains the bizarre statement he issued last week? According to the Chronicle newspaper of Augusta, Ga., Lewis is the commissioner of something called the All-American Basketball Alliance, which hopes to set up shop in 12 cities. “Only players that are natural born United States citizens with both parents of Caucasian race are eligible to play in the league,” his statement said. Yes, we’re talking about a whites-only basketball league. But Lewis, you’ll be relieved to hear, is no racist. Shucks no, he says. It’s just that white fans are tired of black players (cover your eyes, Kobe, D-Wade, LeBron) who rely on “street-ball” athleticism to make up for their lack of fundamental skills. The AABA (Affirmative Action Basketball Association?) has an ice cream cone’s chance in the Georgia sun of ever becoming a reality or, if it does, of surviving its first legal challenge. A reader on the Chronicle Web site wonders if the players would play in white robes with or without hoods. But this story, silly as it

“We’re definitely moving in the right direction. But on the other hand, we’re moving there from a very low point. And we’re still at a very low point.” Thanks for Haiti aid Scott Hoyt, senior director of donations consumer economics at Moody’s Economy.com, in remarks after reports To the editor: I want to thank the citizens of showed signs of progress for economic Vance County for their generosrecovery that has proceeded in fits and ity in support of the Henderson starts. Rotary Club’s project to provide

is, affords a chance to make a serious observation about excellence and expectation. Back in 1997, Sports Illustrated ran a groundbreaking story, “What Ever Happened to the White Athlete?” Leonard which quanPitts tified the declining Distributed by prominence Cagle Cartoons of white players in mainstream sports. SI found a creeping sense of inferiority among young white student athletes. Whether they ascribed it to physiological superiority or to being hungrier and harder working, most seemed to accept that black athletes were simply better than they — so why go out for the team? The obvious irony is that, well into the 20th century, it was an article of faith in this country that blacks were physically “inferior,” lacking the strength, speed and intelligence to compete with white

athletes. Now, we come into an era where white kids see “themselves” as the athletic bumblers. But the new stereotype is as false as the old. Any list of basketball’s all-time greats, after all, would be incomplete without the snow white likes of George Mikan, Larry Bird, John Stockton, Jerry West, “Pistol” Pete Maravich and Kevin McHale, to name a few. Tellingly enough, if you put together a list of “today’s” white basketball elite, you’d find it dominated by international stars like Manu Ginobili (Argentina), Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), Steve Nash (South Africa, Canada), and Pau Gasol (Spain). The common denominator, I think, is that they grew up in places where they didn’t get the memo that white men can’t jump, grew up unburdened by their supposed athletic impotence. Their ability to thrive in a sport where black men dominate suggests that sometimes, excellence is a question of expectation, of how you see yourself. That should be a message of hope to young white athletes — and to young black schol-

Letter aid to the people of Haiti. Over $6,000 was donated this week along with a truckload of medical supplies. The supplies have been sent to Johnston County Airport, where they will be airlifted to Haiti. We are continuing our efforts. The needs of the Haitians will not end soon.

I want to thank The Daily Dispatch for promptly and prominently displaying Rotary’s call for donations. Time was of the essence. The people of Haiti were (and still are) in desperate need of the basic requirements of life. I know many other groups in

ars. Their plight, after all, is the mirror image of that faced by the white kid who fears to go out for the team, i.e., an academic achievement gap in which people who look like them are perennially on the short end and there is a dearth of role models to suggest it could ever be otherwise. One often hears black kids speak in ways that suggest they have internalized the inevitability of academic failure in much the same way white kids internalize the idea that they can’t run or jump. But success in any field is not some birthright of skin color, but, rather, a function of how hungry you are and how hard you work — a function of what you deem possible. That’s why people who expect to fail usually do. So here is the question we should ask our white kids struggling to hold on to the ball and our black ones struggling to master the equation: What if you expected to succeed? Leonard Pitts is a columnist for the Miami Herald. Readers may contact him via e-mail at lpitts@miamiherald.com. to the

Editor

the community have also rallied to the support of the Haitian people. All of this says so much about the heart and soul of this wonderful community. Thank you. Marshall Cooper president, Henderson Rotary Club

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Ten years ago: Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin, the Florida nun selected by Attorney General Janet Reno as a neutral party in the custody battle over Elian Gonzalez, sought unsuccessfully to persuade Reno to change her mind about returning the six-year-old to Cuba.

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