The Daily Dispatch-Saturday, October 24, 2009 by The Daily Dispatch

CMYK Friday Night Football Ticker ... Chapel Hill 27, J.F. Webb 20 … Cardinal Gibbons 43, N. Vance 0 ... S. Vance 30, Orange 21... Warren 14, Louisburg 13 ... Franklinton-born Soupy Sales, 83, dies Can civility be lost if it was never found? Local & Nation, Page 4A

Former religion reporter now preaches

Opinion, Page 8A

Faith, Page 1C SATURDAY, October 24, 2009

Volume XCV, No. 249

(252) 436-2700

www.hendersondispatch.com

50 cents

Former Oxford PD employee appeals lawsuit dismissal Iglesias: Wrongly fired for speaking out against Chief By WILLIAM F. WEST Daily Dispatch Writer

OXFORD — A former Oxford Police Department Daily Dispatch/ASHLEY STEVEN AYSCUE administrative assistant who claims she was Douglas Lumford, left, and Bailey Veneable sit in their barber chairs inside American Barber Shop on Montgomery Street wrongly fired in January Monday morning. At rear, William Jefferson serves a customer. 2006 is taking her arguments to the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va. Sharon Iglesias filed a notice with the court on Bailey Venable Jr., who became manager last Friday, has been there Friday saying she will seek an overturnseven years. ing of District All four are graduates of Harris Court Judge Barber College in Raleigh. James Dever The shop’s decor includes a long III’s Sept. 28 row of gray-metal seats facing the By AL WHELESS dismissal of five Admiral-brand chairs which Daily Dispatch Writer have been the temporary thrones of her lawsuit many of the thousands of customers against Although co-owner James E. ScarIglesias Oxford’s over six decades. boro Sr. walked out of the American municipal On the walls are such things as a Barber Shop at 200 E. Montgomery government, Police Chief “No Smoking” sign, an oval portrait St. into retirement on Oct. 13, the John Wolford, then-City of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a landmark for more than 62 years is Manager Tommy Marrow Chamber of Commerce membership expected to keep going at the same and the then-city human plaque boasting three separate years resources leader, Don clip. in the 1980s. “We have no plans for it to close,” Jenkins. There is also a price list that said his wife, co-owner Margaret Attorney Charles James and Margaret Scarboro are includes: Scarboro, who explained that negoMonteith, of Raleigh and negotiating with someone to take over • Even Cut — $11. tiations are underway for a potential the American Barber Shop. representing Iglesias, told • Fade Cut — $12. tenant to take over the art of shapthe Dispatch on Friday Mrs. Scarboro said, he took the same • Clipper Outline Or Razor Edge ing heads. that, “It’s our belief that position at American. — $8. The couple, who were married in Mrs. Iglesias was acting in The three barbers left behind af• Tapered Cut — $12. 1967 and who have two sons, Randy the best interest of the cititer Manager James Scarboro retired • Shampoo — $9. and James Jr., bought the property zens of Oxford when she were wondering Monday morning • Clipper Shave Or Moustache on Aug. 30, 1977, from Genevieve reported what she believed about their futures. Trim — $5. and George Stegall. to be wrongdoing by the Douglas Lumford has worked be• Ladies’ Hair Cut — $10. According to Mrs. Scarboro, highest ranking official in hind the same chair next to the front • Child’s Cut Up To Age 12 — $9. the Oxford Police DepartGeorge’s father, Oscar T. Stegall, window for 42 years. • Dye Job — $35 and up. and Dr. John D. Hawkins, purment.” William Jefferson started cutting “About 10 years ago, we became chased the land and constructed the Monteith was referring hair at the shop on Jan. 3 of 1990. smoke-free,” Lumford said. He to allegations that Wolford building in 1947. He is now part-time, due to his recalled that none of the barbers had embezzled from a fund After her husband managed the health, and hopes to fully retire in designed to finance police Ideal Barber Shop on East MontPlease see BARBER, page 3A undercover drug investigaabout 18 months. gomery Street from 1961 to 1968, tions. “And we also feel that the city perpetuated the issue when they failed to conduct a proper and thorough investigation into our client’s concerns,” Monteith told the Dispatch. Attorney Norwood Blanchard, of Wilmington and who defended Oxford against the lawsuit,

Barber retires, landmark endures

For over 62 years, shop on East Montgomery has served area customers

could not be immediately reached for comment. Blanchard after the dismissal of the suit said of Iglesias, “She had a pretty strong personal ax to grind with the chief. She was beating a dead horse. There just wasn’t anything left there, other than her campaign to get rid of her boss, her crusade against the chief.” Monteith on Friday told the Dispatch that, eventually, the Court of Appeals will issue an order setting the time frames for both sides to submit legal briefs, that is, written arguments in support of their positions. And the briefs will be presented to a three-judge panel, which will make a decision, Monteith said. Dever in March 2008 had already dismissed part of Iglesias’ claims, including that there was a mass conspiracy against her. The claims left to be decided were regarding her federal rights to freedom of speech and whether there was a wrongful discharge under state law. Dever wrote that a public employer may restrain job-related speech in order “to maintain discipline and ensure harmony as necessary to the operation and mission of its agencies.” Iglesias began working for the city in December 1999 when Roger Paul was chief. Marrow hired Wolford as chief in June 2000. Dever wrote that Iglesias became concerned that Wolford allegedly began embezzling funds in November 2001. In May 2004, the city investigated Iglesias’ allegations about the chief’s alleged embezzlement and was satisfied with the chief’s explanation. The chief’s reason was he was trying to find out whether any Oxford police officers were protecting illegal drug dealers, Dever wrote. Iglesias spread rumors Please see LAWSUIT, page 3A

Index Our Hometown . . . . . Business & Farm. . . . Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . Light Side . . . . . . . . .

2A 5A 8A 9A

Deaths

Sports. . . . . . . . . . 1-4B Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5C Comics . . . . . . . . . . . 6C Classifieds. . . . . . . 8-9C

Weather Today

Henderson Thomas W. Ellis Jr., 90 Oxford Mattie D. Cooper, 52 Wendy G. Leonard, 42

T-storms High: 76 Low: 50

Obituaries, 4A Daily Dispatch/AL CREWS

Sunday

Holding court at J.F. Webb Courtney Richardson and Akeem Daniels (couple on left) were crowned Homecoming Queen and King during halftime festivities Friday night at J.F. Webb. Chasidy White and David Evans were crowned Ms. and Mr. Webb. To view or purchase photos of a court member, visit us on the Web at www.hendersondispatch.com.

Lovely

High: 69 Low: 43 The Daily Dispatch is printed on recycled paper.

Details, 3A

The Daily Dispatch

Mark It Down Today Oxford Farmers’ Market — The Oxford Farmers’ Market, located on the corner of McClanahan and Lanier streets across from the police station in Oxford, is open from 7 a.m. to noon. Book sale — The Friends of the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library organization is sponsoring its annual book sale today and tomorrow in the former Super Ten store building on Raleigh Road across from the Supply Line Country Market. The book sale will be open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 1-5 p.m. tomorrow. For more information, call the library at (252) 438-3316. Vance County Farmers’ market — The Vance County Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon. The market is located at the intersection of Williams and Arch streets in downtown Henderson. Vendors interested in selling at the market should contact Wayne Rowland at 438-8188. Warren County Farmers’ Market — The Warren County Farmer’s Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon at the corner of Market and Main streets in historic downtown Warrenton. All produce is locally grown by the vendors. For more information or to receive a vendor application, contact the Warren County Extension Center at 257-3640. Arts tour — Fall for the Arts at Lake Gaston will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour includes seven lakeside homes featuring the work of 47 juried artists, as well as music and gourmet refreshments at each venue. Fall for the Arts tickets are available at Mary Sherwood Lake Living and the Lake Gaston Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the event benefit the work of O’Sail, a non-profit organization working to enhance life on the lake. For more information about the event, please visit www.osail.org. Community dance — The Epsom Country Club will sponsor a Halloween dance starting at 7:30 p.m., featuring the Southwind Band. For more information and directions, contact Curtis Strickland at 492-6834. Dee’s Music Barn — Dee’s Music Barn, 3101 Walters Road, Creedmoor, will be featuring The Southern Connection Band at 7 p.m. For more information, call (919) 528-5878. Ridgeway Opry House — Performing this week are New Grace Bluegrass, Mandolin Orange, Julia Morton, Verlin Bailey, Matt Nelson, Alan & Betsy Reid, Joyce Chisenhall, Donny Gilliam and Ronald Puett & Frieda. Doors open at 6 p.m. Music starts at 7 p.m. Kid’s Day — Aaron’s, 119 Hilltop Village, Oxford, will hold a Kid’s Day event today with a special appearance by Lucky the Dog. A fire truck will be on display and special giveaways will be available. For more information, call (919) 690-1655. Diabetes event — The “Day at the Farm” Bluegrass Jamboree, featuring local bluegrass bands, crafts, a car display, hay rides, diabetes health fair, food, beverages and more, will be held today at the Vance County Farm, located at 4349 Gillburg Road in Kittrell. Proceeds from the event benefit The Diabetes Bus Initiative®. The gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with music from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Performing will be bluegrass bands GrassStreet, Sourwood Mountain Band, Back Porch Boys and The Tims Bluegrass Band as well as the Apple Chill Cloggers. The car display runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the People’s Choice awards at 3 p.m. The complete schedule for the day is available at www.dayatthefarm.com. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the event, and free for children 12 and under. Kittrell residents with valid identification are admitted free. Purchase tickets online at www.dayatthefarm. com. The event will be held rain or shine.

Sunday Open house — Vance Charter School will hold an open house and celebration today from 4-6 p.m. in recognition of the school’s 10th anniversary. Presentations will be made by former and current board members, staff and alumni. The public is invited to attend. The school is located at 1227 Dabney Dr. Alpha Phi Alpha — Members of the Rho Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will meet at 5 p.m. at the home of Bryant Marrow, 188 Meridian Way Lane, Henderson (off Gun Club Road). All Alphas in the area are invited to attend.

Monday Masonic meeting — Beacon Light Masonic Lodge #249 will hold its stated communication at 7 p.m. at the lodge, located at 1204 West Andrews Ave. For more information, contact Michael Edwards at 767-3672. Mental health meeting — The regularly scheduled meeting of the Five County Mental Health Authority will be held at 7 p.m. at the authority’s administrative building, 134 S. Garnett St., Henderson. The public is invited to attend. Workshop — Today is the deadline to register for a 4-H All Terrain Vehicle Safety Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Oct. 30 (teacher workday). All youth ages nine and up are invited to attend and learn how to use safety equipment and discuss ATV maintenance for safe use. Cost is $2 for 4-H members, $4 for non-members. Community watch — The Ruin Creek Community Watch will meet at 7 p.m. at West Hills Presbyterian Church. The Adopt-AHighway program will be discussed.

Tuesday Spay/neuter clinic — Citizens for Animal Protection of Warren County will sponsor a spay/neuter clinic in conjunction with SNAP-NC. Those participating must reside in Warren County (or have a Littleton address). Animals must be in a permanent home (not foster or rescue animals). Cost is $40 per each cat or dog (limit two animals per family). To schedule an appointment and for more information, call SNAP-NC at (919) 783-7627. YMCA Halloween event — The Henderson Family YMCA, 380 Ruin Creek Road, will sponsor “Halloween at the YMCA” from 6-8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 (children under two years free). Activities will include trunk or treating, carnival games with prizes, a cupcake walk, an inflatable slide, a costume contest (at 7:45 p.m.), boo bingo and a haunted maze. T-shirts and concessions will be sold separately. For more information, call (252) 438-2144.

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Our Hometown

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Saving seeds can help stretch a frugal gardener’s budget In these tough economic times, we’ve all had to cut back on optional expenses like fancy restaurant meals, name-brand clothing, and premium cable channels. But plants, seeds and gardening tools? Those can hardly be classified as optional! Nonetheless, saving a buck is Paul always a McKenzie good idea, Cooperative and seed Extension saving is one way to feed the gardening addiction without being forced into bankruptcy. After all, there is no cheaper way to increase the number of plants in your garden. My first attempt at seed saving was a bed of cosmos I planted a few years back. Like many flowers, the seeds are easily plucked

from the dried blossoms. Since they are already dry, they can go straight into storage. An envelope, plastic bag, or empty coffee can works fine. With some flowers, like zinnias and marigolds, the seeds must be separated from the dried petals and other flower parts. This is an easy, although somewhat tedious, chore. You would be wiser than me if you label the seeds you collect with the species and variety. Noting the date is also helpful, as viability of stored seed decreases over time. Collecting seed from hybrid varieties may be wasted effort. At best, the progeny will be less desirable than the parent, perhaps being leggier or less prolific or a different color. At worst, the collected seed may not germinate at all. Refer back to the original seed tag, plant label, or catalog description to determine which plants are hybrids.

Some flowers, like rudbeckia and celosia, have tiny seeds. They can be collected by harvesting the whole flower and shaking them upside down over a container. In general, the seeds will be dark when mature. In addition to those already mentioned, columbine, sunflowers and marigolds are good candidates. This year, I collected seeds from melampodium, so I’ll find out the results next season. Saving seeds from apples, peaches and other tree fruits is generally not recommended. First, you most likely have a cross rather than a clone of the parent. Second, most fruit trees are grafted onto desirable rootstock. Your seedling will instead be growing on its own roots, which may not be suitable for our climate. Many gardeners save seeds from the vegetable garden. I won’t go into details, since that train has already left the station for

New Vance County family heritage book to be published Efforts are underway to produce a family heritage book for Vance County that will include family stories and photos from current and former residents of the county. Anyone with family roots in the county is invited to submit a free 500-word family story and picture for the book, which will be published late next year. Additional space will be provided for founding families who have extensive backgrounds in the county. In addition to Vance Coun-

ty family stories and photos, the new hardbound collector’s edition book, entitled “The Heritage of Vance County, North Carolina - 2010” will feature stories and pictures of Vance clubs, churches, schools and communities. The book is part of the North Carolina County Heritage series, which already includes books from more than 80 North Carolina counties. Vance joins Franklin, Granville, Greene and Warren counties, which have recently published their own heritage

Tips Help your child ‘understand’ reading When showing your child a new book, look first to the cover and the title. Ask them what they think the story is

books. New county heritage books are now being completed for Bertie and Edgecombe counties along with a Volume 2 Heritage Book for Franklin County. The next meeting of the group working to produce the book will be held on Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Miss Lou’s Quilting Studio, 4733 Raleigh Road, Henderson. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call co-chairpersons Judy Stainback at (252) 492-3051 or Mark Pace at (919) 693-1121.

Vance County Parenting Task Force

from the

about from the picture. This reinforces the idea that a book is about something and has meaning. They discover the meaning by reading the words. This may seem like an overly simple concept, but it lays the foundation

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this year. Note, however, that seed maturity often occurs long after the fruit has become inedible, such as the missed cucumber or zucchini that looks like a football, or the sweet corn that has turned hard. The other challenge is separating the seed from the pulp and getting them dry. Don’t hesitate to experiment, and to collect from the gardens of friends and neighbors. At public gardens, check their policy before collecting, as some may prohibit it. Although, come to think of it, I may have found a use for the Army surplus camo I found at the thrift store, thinking I might take up hunting. Turns out, my wife has prohibited me from shooting Bambi. But a covert seedcollecting operation? How could she object to that?

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From Page One

The Daily Dispatch

NATIONAL WEATHER

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Seattle 55/41

El Paso 80/55

Houston 76/56

10s

20s

Miami 88/76

Hilo 84/68

Juneau 47/39

Washington 70/50

Atlanta 66/42

Honolulu 86/74

Anchorage 45/35

-0s

New York 68/55

Chicago Kansas City 49/40 60/48

Denver 60/32

Fairbanks 33/18

-10s

From STAFF REPORTS Detroit 50/39

San Francisco 70/55

Los Angeles 78/60

30s

40s

Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

50s

60s

70s

Ice

80s

90s

100s

110s

Stationary front

Cold front

Warm front

FIVE-DAY FORECAST FOR HENDERSON TODAY

TONIGHT

SUNDAY

69°

50°

76°

43°

Cloudy, a couple of t-storms

Clouds breaking

Mostly sunny and beautiful

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

68°

69°

49°

Sunshine and some clouds

73° 52°

Mostly cloudy, rain possible

Mostly sunny and nice

ALMANAC

SUN AND MOON

Temperature

Sunrise today ........................... 7:29 a.m. Sunset today ............................ 6:26 p.m. Moonrise today ........................ 1:29 p.m. Moonset today ....................... 11:26 p.m. Sunrise tomorrow ..................... 7:30 a.m. Sunset tomorrow ...................... 6:25 p.m. Moonrise tomorrow .................. 2:04 p.m. Moonset tomorrow .......................... none

Raleigh-Durham through 6 p.m. yest. High .................................................... 81° Low ..................................................... 60° Normal high ........................................ 70° Normal low ......................................... 45° Record high ............................ 85° in 2001 Record low .............................. 29° in 1998

Moon Phases

Precipitation 24 hours through 6 p.m. yest. ......... 0.00” Month to date .................................. 0.54” Normal month to date ..................... 2.44” Year to date ................................... 26.87” Normal year to date ...................... 36.30”

First

Full

Last

New

Oct 25

Nov 2

Nov 9

Nov 16

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

WinstonSalem

Asheville

Henderson

Greensboro

76/50

Rocky Mt.

80/53

70/48

70/46

64/41

Durham

Raleigh

76/49

Charlotte

73/46

78/51

Cape Hatteras

Fayetteville

80/63

80/55

LAKE LEVELS

Wilmington

82/56

Elevation in feet above sea level. Data as of 7 a.m. yesterday. 24-Hr. Lake Capacity Yest. Change Gaston 203 199.48 -0.10 Kerr 320 293.58 none

24-Hr. Capacity Yest. Change 240 212.59 -0.03 264 247.58 -0.04

Lake Jordan Neuse Falls

REGIONAL CITIES Today

Sun.

Today

Sun.

City

Hi Lo W Hi Lo W

Asheville Boone Burlington Chapel Hill Chattanooga Danville Durham Elizabeth City Elizabethton Fayetteville Goldsboro Greensboro Greenville Havelock Hendersonville

64 62 70 76 60 70 76 82 62 80 80 70 68 82 62

High Point Jacksonville Kinston Lumberton Myrtle Beach Morehead City Nags Head New Bern Raleigh Richmond Roanoke Rapids Rocky Mount Sanford Wilmington Winston-Salem

70 82 82 80 80 82 81 82 78 72 76 80 76 82 70

pc r t t c t t t sh t t t pc t pc

64 62 69 67 70 68 68 66 66 72 68 66 68 69 66

40 s 39 s 42 s 44 s 43 s 41 s 44 s 49 pc 38 s 48 s 47 pc 45 s 44 s 54 pc 40 s

47 54 57 55 56 58 63 57 51 52 52 53 50 56 46

t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t

68 68 68 73 70 67 65 67 68 65 65 67 69 68 69

45 53 48 50 54 57 57 53 47 43 45 47 45 54 45

s pc pc pc pc c pc pc s s s s s pc s

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

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about Wolford’s alleged embezzlement and about other alleged indiscretions in his personal life, Dever wrote. Iglesias’ behavior led her co-workers to complain to Wolford, Marrow and Jenkins that Iglesias was disrupting the workplace. Wolford’s alleged misconduct became an issue in the 2005 municipal election contest between Mayor Al Woodlief and Frank Strickland, which Woodlief won. Strickland again opposed Woodlief in 2007 and is again opposing Woodlief in a Nov. 3 contest in which departing City Commissioner Steve Powell additionally

the tobacco habit. “We did it because of second-hand smoke,” Lumford explained. “There was no gripe from the customers, none whatsoever.” Speaking of customers, a lot of church news flows from both sides flanking the long interior, Lumford said. So does a considerable amount of gossip, he acknowledged. “When people who used to live here come back to town, they come right here first to find out what’s happening,” Lumford said.

is seeking election to the top position as a write-in candidate. Woodlief, in a 2005 preelection advertisement, asserted the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) had thoroughly investigated Wolford and had found no evidence of wrongdoing. Noelle Talley, a spokeswoman for state Attorney General Roy Cooper, told this reporter there never was an SBI probe of Wolford. District Attorney Sam Currin has maintained he did not find any proof of criminal wrongdoing by Wolford and, as a result, saw no need to ask the SBI to explore the allegations of embezzlement.

“Most of our advertising is word-of-mouth,” he added. “It’s a nice, friendly atmosphere that’s kind of laid back and conservative.” Venable, who graduated in 1973, remembers being a student at Vance High School and Lumford cutting his hair back then. “I enjoy the customers coming in,” Venable said. “I get along well with all of them. I appreciate to the highest Mr. Scarboro helping me get started at working in here.” Jefferson said a lot of the

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skipsatterwhite@ncol.net • www.westerinsurance.com The Associated Press (AP) is entitled to use for publication all local news published in this newspaper as well as all AP news dispatches.

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The Daily Dispatch (USPS 239-940) is published Tuesday through Sunday mornings, except Dec. 25, by Henderson Newspapers Inc. Periodicals postage paid at Henderson, North Carolina, 27536.

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Jefferson added, “I consider this the best shop in Henderson.”

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Dever wrote that, “Even assuming that Iglesias’ initial allegations of misconduct touched on a matter of public concern, once the alleged misconduct had been investigated and not substantiated, the disruptive effect of her continued conduct outweighed any continued interest in her speech.” Iglesias’ claim of wrongful discharge under state law was rejected by Dever because she had relied on free speech rights in North Carolina’s constitution, which are similar to those in the federal constitution.

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Iglesias gave an interview to Raleigh television station WRAL, which aired a story about Wolford’s alleged embezzlement. Wolford told the station that he had not wanted anyone to know he had been checking to see whether there were any “bad cops,” but the station also noted the city and Wolford had agreed to share control of the drug fund. The WRAL story came slightly more than two weeks before Iglesias was fired, with Iglesias saying on camera, “The fact is, there was a crime committed here and that’s my opinion.”

Send comments to news@ hendersondispatch.com.

BARBER, from page one

Statistical Areas, increased in one and remained the same in one. “ The global and national recession continues to affect our state,” said ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr. “While 76 counties across North Carolina experienced an unemployment rate decrease, we must remember that most of these same counties remain at a high rate. We’re encouraged by some recent job announcements, but we are also aware of some continued layoffs. The ESC continues to help job seekers connect with employers all across the state.”

LAWSUIT, from page one

reported that rates increased in 14 counties and remained the same in 10. North Carolina had 45 counties which were at or below the state’s unadjusted unemployment rate of 10.4 percent, the ESC reported. Currituck County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate in September, at 5 percent, followed by Hyde, 5.9 percent; Orange, 6.3 percent; Dare, 6.8 percent; and Watauga, 6.9 percent. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate, at 16.5 percent, followed by Edgecombe County’s 16.3 percent. Rates decreased in 112 of the state’s Metropolitan

ay yd

Hi Lo W Hi Lo W

Even though the local North Carolina Employment Security Commission office is handling “a few more job orders” and the September jobless rate dipped a bit, the local unemployment situation is little changed. The Commission reported Friday that the jobless rate decreased in 76 counties — including Vance, Granville and Warren. John Shea, assistant manager of the local ESC office, said that the job orders are for customer service and health care positions, but “basically, nothing has changed that much.”

In Vance, the September rate dropped to 13 percent from 13.3 percent. The rate mean that 2,580 workers out of a labor force of 19,867 could not find work. Other nearby counties also experienced declines in their jobless rates from August to September. Granville fell to 10.2 percent from 10.4 percent, meaning that of its 25,848 member workforce, 2,625 couldn’t find jobs. Warren had the biggest decline, 13.2 percent to 12.7 percent, meaning that of its 7,931 member workforce, 1,011 were unsuccessful in their search for jobs. In addition to the counties with declines in their jobless rates, the ESC

er Ev

City

41 43 45 49 41 46 49 59 41 55 60 48 46 58 40

Area jobless rates dip slightly

Minneapolis 50/38

Billings 54/33

Saturday, October 24, 2009

523 S. Chestnut St. Henderson, NC 27536 (252) 492-8715 • (866) 761-8311 robertdavis@davisdisability.com www.davisdisability.com

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Deaths Mattie D. Cooper OXFORD — Mattie Delois Cooper, 52, died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at the Duke Medical Center. She was a Granville County native and the daughter of Dolphine Peace Cooper and the late Ennis Dave Cooper. She was a graduate of South Granville High School and a member of the True Faith Fellowship Baptist Church. In addition to her mother, survivors include three daughters, Talanda Cooper and Lavasha Jones of the home, and Latasha Cooper of Franklinton; four sisters, the Rev. Virginia Cooper and Jacquline Harris, both of Oxford, and Barbara Cooper and Arnetta Cooper, both of Creedmoor; and three brothers, David Cooper, Issac Cooper and the Rev. Norman Cooper, all of Creedmoor. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church by the Rev. Richard E. Jackson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the Betts and Son Funeral Home in Oxford. Arrangements are by Betts and Son Funeral Home of Oxford.

Thomas W. Ellis Jr. HENDERSON — Thomas W. Ellis Jr., 90, a resident of 370 Forest Road, died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, at Granville Medical Center. Born on Jan. 9, 1919, in Vance County, he was the son of the late Thomas W. Ellis Sr. and Verlie Weldon Ellis. Mr. Ellis attended Mars Hill College and graduated with a degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina. He worked for DuPont before serving as a First Sergeant in the United States Army in Germany during World War II. Following the war he continued to work with DuPont before returning to Henderson as co-owner and operator of Ellis Motor Company. He also managed the family farms. He was an avid hunter

and fisherman, having traveled extensively across the United States and Canada. A life-long Democrat, he was active in the local and regional governance. He was elected to the Vance County Board of Education and served as chairman. He was also elected to the Vance County Board Of Commissioners and served as chairman. Most recently he was a Soil and Water district supervisor for the Vance District. Other local service included the Vance Granville Community College Board Of Trustees, Board of Trustees of Maria Parham Medical Center and Vance County Economic Development Board. In 1970, he was the first recipient of the Man of the Year presented by the Vance County Chamber of Commerce. He was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives and focused on issues affecting agriculture, conservation, and economic development. Over the years he served on numerous state boards and commissions including the North Carolina State Highway Commission, North Carolina Seashore Commission and the Board of Trustees of the N.C. College at Durham (now N.C. Central University). He provided leadership in agricultural and farm forums by serving on the Board of Directors and as president of both the N.C. Agricultural Foundation and the N.C. Forestry Association. In 1975, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Hunt. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Men’s Sunday School Class. He served as lay leader and on the Board of Trustees. Private graveside services were held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Sunset Gardens

by the Rev. George D. Speake. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Wiggins Ellis, of the home; his twin daughters, Dottie and Dianne Ellis of Raleigh; a son, Thomas W. Ellis III of Raleigh; a sister, Oveida E. Mayo of Henderson; two grandchildren; and a great-grandson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henderson Lions Club Visual Impaired, P.O. Box 395, Henderson N.C. 27536; or the First United Methodist Church Restoration Fund, 114 Church St., Henderson, N.C. 27536. Arrangements were held by J.M. White Funeral Home.

Wendy G. Leonard OXFORD — Wendy Greenway Leonard, 42, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. She was the daughter of Luther H. Greenway and the late Louise Currin Greenway. She was a member of Delrayno Baptist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at Gentry-Newell and Vaughan Funeral Home Chapel by the Revs. Hilton Moore and Eddie Mauldin. Burial will follow at Stovall Memorial Cemetery. She is survived by her father; her son, Justin R. Leonard of Currituck County; a brother, Gary W. Greenway of Oxford; and her paternal grandmother, Pauline N. Greenway of Oxford. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Delrayno Baptist Church, 108 Rayland St., Oxford, N.C. 27565. Arrangements are by Gentry-Newell and Vaughan Funeral Home of Oxford.

Garnes Funeral Home Welcomes Mary Faines

as a Funeral Assistant. Mary will be serving Henderson and the surrounding areas. In your time of need call Mary Faines at

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maryfaines.garnesfuneralservice@yahoo.com We are located at 806 East Andrews Ave. • Henderson Available also for all of your Bail Bondsmen Needs @ 767-2222 or 767-6320

Salute

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Lance Corporal Travis E. La Rue U.S. Marines Corps 2007 - Present

Franklinton-born Soupy Sales, 83, dies DETROIT (AP) — Soupy Sales, the rubber-faced comedian whose anythingfor-a-chuckle career was built on 20,000 pies to the face and 5,000 live TV appearances across a half-century of laughs, has died. He was 83. Sales died Thursday night at Calvary Hospice in the Bronx, New York, said his former manager and longtime friend, Dave Usher. Sales had many health problems and entered the hospice last week, Usher said. At the peak of his fame in the 1950s and ‘60s, Sales was one of the best-known faces in the nation, Usher said. At the same time, Sales retained an openness to fans that turned every restaurant meal into an endless autograph-signing session, Usher said. Sales began his TV career in Cincinnati and Cleveland, then moved to Detroit, where he drew a large audience on WXYZ-TV. He moved to Los Angeles in 1961. The comic’s pie-throwing schtick became his trademark, and celebrities lined up to take one on the chin alongside Sales. During the early 1960s, stars such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis and Shirley MacLaine received their just desserts side-byside with the comedian on his television show. Sales was born Milton Supman on Jan. 8, 1926, in Franklinton, N.C., where his was the only Jewish family in town. His parents, owners of

AP photo/Michael Germana/SSI Photo

Soupy Sales poses for photographers with a replica, during a ceremony honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in this Jan. 7, 2005 file photo taken in Los Angeles. a dry-goods store, sold sheets to the Ku Klux Klan. The family later moved to Huntington, West Viriginia. His greatest success came in New York with “The Soupy Sales Show” — an ostensible children’s show that had little to do with Captain Kangaroo and other kiddie fare. Sales’ manic, improvisational style also attracted an older audience that responded to his envelope-pushing antics. Sales, who was typically clad in a black sweater and oversized bow-tie, was once suspended for a week after telling his legion of tiny listeners to empty their mothers’ purse and mail him all the pieces of green paper bearing pictures of the presidents. Sales returned from the

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Navy after World War II and became a $20-a-week reporter at a West Virginia radio station. He jumped to a DJ gig, changed his name to Soupy Heinz and headed for Ohio. His first pie to the face came in 1951, when the newly christened Soupy Sales was hosting a children’s show in Cleveland. In Detroit, Sales’ show garnered a national reputation as he honed his act — a barrage of sketches, gags and bad puns that played in the Motor City for seven years. After moving to Los Angeles, he eventually became a fill-in host on “The Tonight Show.” He moved to New York in 1964 and debuted “The Soupy Sales Show,” with co-star puppets White Fang (the meanest dog in the United States) and Black Tooth (the nicest dog in the United States). By the time his Big Apple run ended two years later, Sales had appeared on 5,370 live television programs — the most in the medium’s history, he boasted. He had a pair of albums that hit the Billboard Top 10 in 1965; “Do the Mouse” sold 250,000 copies in New York alone. Sales remained a familiar television face, first as a regular from 1968-75 on the game show “What’s My Line?” Sales is survived by his wife, Trudy, and two sons, Hunt and Tony, a pair of musicians who backed David Bowie in the band Tin Machine.

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Business & Farm

The Daily Dispatch

Area

A DAY ON WALL STREET

Dow Jones industrials

10,000 9,000 8,000

-109.13 9,972.18

Stocks

11,000

October 23, 2009

Pct. change from previous: -1.08%

High 10,109.57

7,000

Low 9,932.50

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

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Home sales rise 9.4 percent September numbers beat forecast; tax credit set to expire By ALAN ZIBEL AP Real Estate Writer

WASHINGTON — Home resales rose in September 2,000 to the highest level in more 1,800 than two years, beating 1,600 -10.82 expectations, as buyers 1,400 J A S O 2,154.47 scrambled to complete their High 2,190.48 Low 2,149.35 Pct. change from previous: -0.5% purchases before a tax credit for first-time owners expires. 1,200 October 23, 2009 1,100 The National Association Standard & 1,000 of Realtors said Friday that 900 Poor’s 500 sales rose 9.4 percent to a 800 700 -13.31 seasonally adjusted annual 600 J A S O 1,079.60 rate of 5.57 million in September, from a downwardly High 1,095.83 Pct. change from previous: -1.22% Low 1,075.49 revised pace of 5.1 million SOURCE: SunGard AP in August. Sales had been MARKET ROUNDUP 102309: Market expected to rise to an annual charts show Dow,M S&P 500, and Currencies & etals Nasdaq; stand-alone; 2c x 4 1/2 inches; pace of 5.35 million, accord96 mm x 114 mm; staff ing to economists surveyed Aluminum - $.8835 per lb., London Metal NEW YORK (AP) — Key currency exEditors: 5:25:55 PM EST by Thomson Reuters. change rates Friday: All figures as of: Exch. NOTE: Figures reflect market fluctuations after not match other AP content close; Coppermay -$2.9777 Cathode full plate, LME. The median sales price Dollar vs: ExchgRate PvsDay Copper $3.0240 N.Y. Merc spot Fri. was $174,900, down 8.5 perYen 92.10 91.29 Lead - $2410.00 metric ton, London Metal cent from a year earlier, and Euro $1.5002 $1.5026 Exch. Pound $1.6311 $1.6624 slightly lower than August’s Zinc - $1.0157 per lb., London Metal Exch. Swiss franc 1.0087 1.0048 median of $177,300. Gold - $1061.75 Handy & Harman (only Canadian dollar 1.0523 1.0486 “There’s a mini-boom daily quote). Mexican peso 13.0365 12.9469 Gold - $1055.60 troy oz., NY Merc spot Fri. going on in the housing marMetal Price PvsDay Silver - $17.745 Handy & Harman (only ket,” said Thomas Popik, NY Merc Gold $1055.60 $1057.80 daily quote). who conducts a monthly NY HSBC Bank US $1056.00 $1059.00 Silver - $17.711 troy oz., N.Y. Merc spot Fri. NY Merc Silver $17.711 $17.530 survey of real estate agents Platinum -$1375.00 troy oz., N.Y. (contract). for Campbell Communica Platinum -$1363.20 troy oz., N.Y. Merc spot Nonferrous Fri. tions, a research firm. NEW YORK (AP) — Spot nonferrous metal n.q.-not quoted, n.a.-not available r-revised prices Friday: The inventory of unsold homes on the market fell Business Wire about 7 percent to 3.63 million. That’s a 7.8 month supply at the current sales high in sugar to bear the man didn’t immediately Electric car-maker pace, and the lowest level stamp. respond to messages from since March 2007. NationManufacturers that to build vehicles The Associated Press. currently use the logo can wide sales are up nearly 24 at Delaware plant percent from their bottom in continue to do so. October 23, 2009

2,400

Nasdaq composite

DOVER, Del. (AP) — People with knowledge of talks between Fisker Automotive and Delaware officials say the company plans to build vehicles at a former General Motors plant in Wilmington. The head of the California-based producer of electric vehicles said earlier this week that officials would soon announce a U.S. manufacturing site. On Friday, a person with knowledge of the situation who didn’t want to be identified because an announcement hasn’t been made told The Associated Press Fisker has settled on the Wilmington site. A state government official who also didn’t want to be identified because there’s been no announcement described the deal as “99 percent” complete. A Fisker spokes-

2,200

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

Food labeling program halts over FDA concern

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A food labeling program created by U.S. manufacturers is being voluntarily halted after federal regulators said it could be misleading to consumers. Companies such as Kraft, Kellogg and General Mills worked together to launch the “Smart Choices” program earlier this year. The program labels appear on the front of foods that meet certain nutritional standards. The Food and Drug Administration said earlier this week such programs may be misleading consumers about the health benefits of certain foods. Smart Choices has been criticized because its guidelines allow cereals

53.92 25.73 50.16 16.22 26.07 53.24 37.16 16.10 73.57 7.63 15.20 26.27 120.36 60.54 24.96 4.00 6.19 20.71 4.56 61.03 17.93 57.64 37.68 4.07 53.39 48.44 5.77 3.25 20.99 42.42 28.85 50.73 50.44 29.32 4.34 71.16

Number of active rigs increases by 8 HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. this week has risen by eight this week to 1,048. Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday that 725 rigs were exploring for natural gas and 312 for oil. Eleven were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago this week, the rig count had been 1,964.

“The Entertainment People”

Subwoofers

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January, but are still down 23 percent from four years ago. Sales rose around the country, especially in the West, where they grew 13 percent from a month earlier. Foreclosure sales are booming in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. First-time homebuyers and investors are snapping up those homes and taking advantage of low mortgage rates. These buyers can also take advantage of a tax credit of 10 percent of the sales price, up to $8,000, if the sale is completed by the end of November. The tax credit is so important to some buyers that they are adding a clause to their contracts, allowing them to back out if the sale doesn’t close by Nov. 30. While home sales and housing construction have risen steadily after hitting bottom earlier this year, most economists believe that the worst isn’t over for home values. Prices could see a double dip because rising unemployment is causing more foreclosures. The jobless rate, currently at 9.8 percent is expected to rise as high as 10.5 percent next year, causing more people to be unable to afford their monthly mortgage payment.

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“There’s more supply that’s going to come into the marketplace,” said Stan Humphries, chief economist at real estate Web site Zillow.com. “That additional supply will outpace demand.” With concerns about the housing market still prominent, Congress is considering several proposals to extend the tax credit for first-time buyers. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., want to extend it through June 30, and expand it to include all home buyers, at an estimated cost of $16.7 billion. Realtors and homebuilders are pressing lawmakers to do so, arguing that the tax credit is crucial to get the housing market back on its feet. One potential roadblock, however, emerged this week. There are concerns that some of the 1.5 million applications for the tax credit are fraudulent. At a hearing on Thursday the Treasury Department’s inspector general for taxes questioned the legitimacy of some 100,000 claims for the credit, potentially including some illegal immigrants and 580 people under 18. The youngest taxpayers to apply for the credit were four years old.

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Natioin

The Daily Dispatch

Saturday, October 24, 2009

News Briefs ICE nabs suspected Cuban smugglers FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say they have dismantled a Cuban smuggling ring operating on Florida’s Atlantic coast. ICE spokeswoman Nicole Navas said agents arrested seven people Oct. 15. Local police arrested another suspect on drug charges. Another remains at large, officials said. The alleged Port St. Lucie-based group faces charges including conspiring to smuggle Cubans into the country between June and December of 2008. They could face decades behind bars if convicted. Overall, Cuban migration has plummeted in the last year. Authorities attribute the drop to stepped up investigations and prosecutions, the lifting of some U.S. travel restrictions, a bad economy and a crackdown on the communist island.

Priest found slain in rectory of his N.J. church CHATHAM, N.J. (AP) — Authorities say a priest was found slain in the rectory of his northern New Jersey parish one day after police held a public safety seminar there. Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi said Friday that the body of the Rev. Ed Hinds had wounds “consistent with a homicide.” The prosecutor would not say how the priest was killed, and no one has been arrested. The clothed body of the 61-year-old priest was

found in the morning at St. Patrick’s Church in Chatham. That’s about 10 miles west of Newark. Police held a safety seminar at the church Thursday in which they fingerprinted and photographed young children.

Two teens admit to role in Ore. school shooting plot SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Two Oregon teenagers have admitted their role in an alleged plot to shoot students at administrators at schools in the Willamette Valley farming town of Turner. The Statesman-Journal reported a 14-year-old girl admitted in a juvenile court hearing Thursday to conspiracy to commit assault. A teenage boy also admitted to a similar juvenile charge and was ordered to serve five years on probation. Authorities say two girls and two boys plotted to shoot specific administrators and students at Cascade Junior High School and Cascade High School in April. Marion County Deputy District Attorney Kurt Miller says the hearings took the place of a trial for the two teens. The girl is awaiting disposition, the equivalent of sentencing in adult court, on Nov. 4.

Would-be bounty hunters in Va. nab innocent woman BRISTOL, Va. (AP) — Police in Virginia say three would-be bounty hunters face charges after they impersonated drug task force agents and

nabbed the wrong woman. The innocent woman was mistaken for a suspect who had skipped bond. Bristol police say three people who hoped to collect a reward from a bail bondsman handcuffed the woman and sexually assaulted her during a strip search Oct. 9. Sgt. Steven Crawford says the three face charges of abduction, robbery, impersonating a law enforcement officer, conspiracy and sexual battery. Two of the suspects have been arrested, and police are searching for the third. A fourth person has been charged as an accessory. The innocent woman caught by the suspects was taken to a lockup but let go when jailers quickly realized she wasn’t the person wanted for skipping bond.

Marijuana clinic staged near Montana cop shop GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A marijuana clinic is being held in a Montana civic center — just down the street from a police station — to teach hundreds of people how to get state-issued medical marijuana cards. The event Friday in Great Falls is one of many clinics held in the state by Jason Christ, founder of the Montana Caregivers Network, to ease fears and tell people medical use of pot is legal. Lighting a bowl of homegrown marijuana to ease his chronic back pain, Christ says people need to know the law. The clinic comes as the Obama administration is loosening guidelines on federal prosecution of medical marijuana.

presents:

Cutest Children Photo Contest! Deadline to enter is November 2, 2009

Entry Fee Single Photo

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Send us a photo of your child, along with your $12.00 entry fee and your child might be a lucky winner. You may cast votes for only 25¢ each and the photo that raises the most money will be featured on the front cover of the calendar. 2nd place will receive the back cover position. The next 12 top fund raisers will represent a calendar month. All the money raised from votes will be donated to the school of your choice. Ask family, friends and neighbors to donate. All photos will appear in The Dispatch on Tuesday, November 10th and the public will be able to buy votes at 25¢ each until Wednesday, December 2nd. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 9th and calendars will appear in The Daily Dispatch on Sunday, December 20th.

Cutest Children Photo Contest! Child’s/Children’s Name(s):

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Mail in this entry form with your $12.00, $15.00 or $20.00 entry fee and photo to:

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All Money Raised From Votes Will Be Donated To The School Of Your Choice.

U.S. swine flu deaths pass 1,000 ATLANTA (AP) — Federal health officials say swine flu is more widespread now than it’s ever been. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there as much illness now as the winter peak of regular flu seasons. CDC officials said Friday that swine flu has resulted in more than 1,000 deaths so far. Public demand for the new swine flu vaccine has caused long lines and frustration in several parts of the country. But worries about flu has also prompted record interest in seasonal flu vaccine as well. About 60 million people have been vaccinated already — an unprecedented number for October. Most seasonal flu shots usually aren’t given until later in the fall. CDC officials say nearly 100 pediatric swine flu deaths have been reported.

N.Y. teen’s hidden camera catches adult locker thief SELDEN, N.Y. (AP) — An adult hall monitor at a high school on New York’s Long Island is facing petit larceny charges after she was apparently caught on video breaking into school lockers. The video camera was secretly planted by Newfield High School senior Tiana Rapp, who says she was victimized twice and had $190 taken from her. Rapp says officials at the school in Selden told her that a student was likely responsible, but she remained suspicious.

She and a friend set up the video camera, which captured the hall monitor rifling through their belongings. Police were contacted and the hall monitor was ticketed. A school statement says the woman has resigned.

Israeli team loses $22,000 to Staples Center thief LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police say $22,000 in cash and valuables were stolen from a visiting Israeli basketball team during an exhibition game with the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Lt. Albert Gavin says somebody apparently got into the locker room Tuesday and stole watches, jewelry and $15,000 in cash from 10 members of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv. Gavin says the team noticed the theft during halftime of Maccabi’s 10896 loss. Gavin says police weren’t notified of the theft until after the game and weren’t able to get statements from the victims. Investigators hope to identify a suspect from the arena’s security video.

U.S. diocese pays $1.2 million in abuse case BELLEVILLE, Illinois (AP) — A Roman Catholic diocese in Illinois has agreed to pay $1.2 million to settle a 6-year-old lawsuit by a former altar boy who claimed he was molested by his parish priest. The settlement announced Thursday by the Diocese of Belleville and confirmed by the plaintiff’s

attorney followed negotiations worked out last week. Court papers only list the plaintiff as “John Doe.” His lawsuit stems from alleged abuse by the Rev. Raymond Kownacki of Dupo at St. Theresa’s Parish in Salem, the Belleville News-Democrat reported. Kownacki has refused to comment publicly. He has an unlisted telephone number. Last year, a St. Clair County jury awarded $5 million to another former altar boy who alleged that he was sexually abused by Kownacki at the Salem church. The diocese is appealing that verdict.

Russian gets 18 months in gay immigration fraud SEATTLE (AP) — A Russian-born man accused of advising straight immigrants to claim homosexuality — and potential persecution in their home countries — when they applied for asylum has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. Steven Mahoney touted himself as an expert in immigration affairs and ran Mahoney and Associates in Kent, which advised immigrants on how to stay in the U.S. He pleaded guilty in April, acknowledging that from 1998-2007 he filed as many as 99 false immigration documents and was paid between $1,000 and $4,000 for each. In addition to false claims of homosexuality, he advised some clients to claim they could be tortured due to their religious practices or political views. His ex-wife, Helen Mahoney, was sentenced to six months. Both are naturalized U.S. citizens from Russia.

The Daily Dispatch

State & Nation

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Slain Fla. girl’s mom vows to find killer Police shoot, kill man in By RON WORD Associated Press Writer

ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Somer Thompson was last seen alive walking along the sidewalk in front of a vacant house, and authorities said Friday that they’re searching for anyone who saw what happened to the 7-year-old after that. Her teary but resolute mother warned her daughter’s killer: “We’ll get you.” The day after the child’s body was identified, authorities said they had ruled out all 161 registered sex offenders who lived within a 5-mile radius of Somer’s home. Despite doggedly pursuing hundreds of leads, police have not made an arrest. Investigators sifted through evidence from the vacant house and the Georgia landfill where her body was discovered Wednesday after investigators followed garbage trucks some 50 miles away from her neighborhood in suburban Jacksonville. Somer vanished while walking home from her elementary school on Monday afternoon. The vacant house is on her route through a heavily populated, well-manicured neighborhood, and witness-

AP Photo/Jake Roth

Members of Somer Renee Thompson’s family hang a sign Thursday in the front yard of her home in Orange Park, Fla. es last saw the girl alive in front of it. She had become upset as she walked home with other children Monday and ran ahead of the group. Somer never came home. However, no witnesses have come forward to say they saw Somer attacked or abducted, sheriff’s spokeswoman Mary Justino said. “What we’ve been trying to figure out is who frequents that area, because obviously it’s more than just the people who live there,” she said. Neighbors said they were accustomed to watching out for each other’s children as they walked to and from school. “Everybody knows ev-

erybody here. If there was a stranger on the street, we’d be looking at watching where they were going, seeing what they were doing here,” said Monica Loeb, a family friend of the Thompsons. Somer’s mother, Diena Thompson, had a friend greet her children as they came home from school Monday because she was working, according to a police report. When Somer didn’t arrive with the other children around 4 p.m., the friend sent Diena Thompson a text message. She raced home, and flagged down a passing police officer while she, her other children and her boyfriend scoured the neighborhood.

An autopsy has been completed and investigators know how Somer died, but authorities won’t disclose their findings or any details about the body. Missing child posters featuring Somer’s face, framed by her thick brown bangs, still plaster nearly every utility pole along the mile-long route from her elementary school to her home. Diena Thompson declined to be interviewed Friday by The Associated Press. She spent part of the day making funeral arrangements, and a law enforcement officer was seen carrying a child’s white dress from the family’s home. A viewing will be held Monday night and a funeral will follow on Tuesday. But Thompson appeared red-eyed on all three network television shows and said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that investigators will catch her daughter’s killer. “We’re coming for you,” she said. “We’ll get you, and hopefully justice will be served.”

drug raid at mobile home LILLINGTON (AP) — A man has been shot and killed in a drug raid and two North Carolina police officers have been placed on administrative duty during the investigation. The Fayetteville Observer reported that Adrian Castaneda was shot to death during a drug raid in Lillington early Thursday. Investigators say Harnett County sheriff’s detec-

tive Tommy Parker and special agent Michael Hall with the State Bureau of Investigation fired their weapons during the raid. The SBI says putting the officers on administrative duty is typical in an officer-involved shooting. Investigators say officers who went into a mobile home were confronted by two men with guns. Officers shot Castaneda, who died at the scene.

Gunman prays with clerk before finishing robbery

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Police say an armed robber spent nearly 10 minutes on his knees praying with a clerk at an Indianapolis check-cashing business before fleeing with $20 from the register. Security video from the Advance America branch clearly showed the man’s face during the stickup Monday, and a 23-year-old Associated Press writers Kate surrendered Tuesday on Brumback and Brent Kallestad a preliminary charge of in Orange Park and Jennifer robbery. Kay in Miami contributed to Police say the robbery this story. took an unusual turn after the gunman came around the counter when the clerk starting crying and talking

about God. The man said he had a 2-year-old child to support and asked for prayers about overcoming his hardships. Police say the man removed the bullet from his gun and gave it to the clerk before taking her cell phone and the money.

Miss your paper? Call 436-2800 before 11 a.m.

Police find body of missing 9-year-old Mo. girl ST. MARTINS, Mo. (AP) — The body of a missing 9-year-old Missouri girl was found in a wooded area near the state capital on Friday, two days after she was last seen walking from a neighbor’s home, police said. Cole County Sheriff Greg White said a juvenile, described only as a “person of interest,” was taken into custody. The juvenile was

acquainted with the girl, Elizabeth Olten, White said. The sheriff not give any details on how Elizabeth Elizabeth died or about the juvenile in custody except to say that the person lived in the area west of Jefferson

City and was older than the girl. White said police found written evidence and that the juvenile led searchers to Elizabeth’s body in a wooded area. He did not elaborate. Elizabeth was last seen when she started walking home from a neighbor’s house on Wednesday evening. A woman who answered a family spokes-

woman’s phone Friday said Elizabeth’s family had no immediate comment. Earlier Friday, about 70 people had searched for Elizabeth on horseback, with all-terrain vehicles and on foot while another 70 investigators checked leads, White said. Several hundred people had joined the search Thursday despite a steady rain and rough terrain.

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Opinion

The Daily Dispatch

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Can civility be lost if it was never found? X

XII I

II III

VIII VII VI

IV V

X IX

XII

VII

II III

VIII

Editorial Board: James Edwards, Publisher Glenn Craven, Editor

jedwards@hendersondispatch.com gcraven@hendersondispatch.com

Don Dulin, News Editor ddulin@hendersondispatch.com

304 S. Chestnut St./P.O. Box 908 Henderson, N.C. 27536 PHONE: 436-2700/FAX: 430-0125

Daily Meditation For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Our Opinion

Stop the spending Remember Cash for Clunkers? Well, call this winding-down federal program “Bucks for Bungalows.” An unexpected tide of homebuyers pushed housing sales up 9.4 percent in September — much higher than projected by economic experts and the largest monthly increase in more than 26 years. But that high tide will certainly recede before the end of the year. Why? Because all those buyers were, according to the Associated Press, “racing to complete their purchases before a tax credit for first-time owners expires.” Part of the federal economic stimulus package, the $8,000 tax credit is set to expire Nov. 30. So buyers wanting free bucks better move fast. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bargain-hunt. Aldo Martin, 28, of Covina, Calif., said his family put in offers on 16 homes before having one accepted. “We’d go look at eight houses and if we liked five of them, make offers,” said Martin. “Your odds are better. We got aggressive.” Yet one Century 21 agent in California said that half of her transactions in September were low-priced foreclosures and “short sales,” where the seller made less than they owned on their mortgage. And economists predict that though prices have stabilized — thanks to the free money for buyers, perhaps? — the bottom of the price barrel has probably not yet been reached. Senators such as Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., want to extend the tax credit through June 30 — and expand it to all homebuyers — costing taxpayers another $16.7 billion. That’s a very poor idea. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from these government giveaway programs it’s that the stimulus is only temporary. Sure, the feds can convince people to buy a product or property by giving away money. But taxpayers can’t afford to do that forever. And the economy will only truly improve when government stops spending money it doesn’t have to convince us to spend money we don’t have.

Quotable “It just doesn’t make any sense. The pilots are saying they were involved in a heated conversation. Well, that was a very long conversation.” — Bill Voss, president of the Flight Safety Foundation in Alexandria, Va., after two Northwest Airlines pilots overflew their Minneapolis destination by 150 miles before discovering the mistake and turning around. “Had we not done this tactic, I believe that body would have been buried beneath hundreds of tons of debris, probably would have gone undiscovered forever.” — Clay County (Fla.) Sheriff Rick Beseler, on the quick discovery of 7-year-old Somer Thompson’s body, two days after she disappeared. Beseler said the discovery may have saved precious evidence that could lead to her killer. “If President Eisenhower would have walked down the street, no one would have recognized him as much as Soupy.” — Dave Usher, Soupy Sales’ former manager and longtime friend, after the comedian died at age 83.

There is much gnashing of teeth and rending of cloth these days about the death of civility. Apparently, like Cupid with his arrow or a pixie with fairy dust, some magical sprite used to enchant America’s political combatants, ensuring that all public discourse was full of beg-your-pardons and pleaseand-thank-yous. But we have offended our little leprechaun. He’s taken his Lucky Charms and gone home, leaving Americans angry, cranky and rude. Or at least that’s what I gather from all this talk of lost civility. Personally, I’m not sure I know what people are talking about. When was this Golden Age of civility? Was this glorious era of politeness during George W. Bush’s presidency? Funny, that’s not how I remember it. So maybe the 1990s was the last great outpouring of lovingkindness? Hmmm, no. At least I don’t think Clarence Thomas would say so. Nor do I think anyone who watched the Clinton show would claim it was a hallmark of sober debate on either side. Clinton’s minions attacked victims of his sexual aggression or revelations about his accomplices in his adultery as “bimbo eruptions.” Was civility the norm when Rep. Charlie Rangel said of Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America, “Hitler

wasn’t even talking about doing these things?” Was it the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan was routinely dubbed a nuclear-trigger-happy “amiable dunce?” I was young then, so I’ll check with Robert Bork and see what he thinks. Perhaps it was in Jonah the 1960s Goldberg and 1970s?

Sure, there was admirable civil disobedience in the beginning, but there was a lot more uncivil disobedience, what with all the domestic terror attacks and the protesters asking LBJ how many kids he killed today. The 1950s? Who knew the McCarthy era was such a highwater mark of domestic tranquility? What about the 1930s? America saw its worst labor violence, and FDR had to put up with demagogues like Huey Long and Father Coughlin (who attacked him from the left, by the way). How about the 1910s, when Woodrow Wilson threw political opponents in jail? Or in 1919, when he dubbed “hyphenated Americans” (i.e. “GermanTribune Media Services

Americans) traitors? “I cannot say too often -- any man who carries a hyphen about with him carries a dagger that he is ready to plunge into the vitals of this Republic. ... If I can catch any man with a hyphen in this great contest I will know that I have got an enemy of the Republic.” OK, enough of all that. And yes, let me offer a sincere denunciation of rudeness for rudeness’ sake. Let me also concede that there is no shortage of bilious, nasty rhetoric on the right. But here’s the thing. First, it was ever thus. American democracy has always been a hurlyburly. More important, a lot of the complaints about incivility today are really complaints from the people in power or their supporters in the media, aimed at the folks who won’t shut up and get with their program. And there’s something distinctly undemocratic about that. The civility caterwaulers claim that Obama’s opponents are trying to “delegitimize” the president, often suggesting that such efforts are racist. But what some see as delegitimization, others see as criticism. What strikes me as truly uncivil is the effort to demonize critics of the president with racial bullying. In fact, I think Obama really does have a problem with dissent. In August he said: “I

don’t want the folks who created the mess to do a lot of talking. I want them to get out of the way ... I don’t mind cleaning up after them, but don’t do a lot of talking.” On health care he’s been saying the time for debating his plan is over, even though the president didn’t even have a plan to debate. Now his White House is targeting Fox News and urging other news outlets to ostracize it. Does any serious person in America believe that if Fox News were supportive of the president’s agenda, this White House would be bemoaning the network’s lack of objectivity? Democracy is about disagreement, arguments. Citizenship in America requires speaking your mind. Indeed, it’s worth recalling that the freedom of the press enshrined in the First Amendment always envisioned a partisan press. “Objective” journalism is a 20th century confabulation, as alien to the Founders’ vision as transporter beams and time travel. Civility came to mean politeness in the 16th century; before that it meant being a citizen. It seems to me that authentic civility requires some incivility. You can write to Jonah Goldberg by e-mail at JonahsColumn@aol. com.

Letters to the Editor Cart before the horse To the editor: On Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, the Dispatch ran a front page story about the new Vance Water District. The story was basically a timeline of what’s next in the push for a county water system. Rube Goldberg sure would be proud! According to the story, residents in Phase 1A, Sandy Creek, were to be sent water bills on Oct. 1. A bit hard to believe, given that: • No water lines are in the ground; • No meters have been installed; • No water is flowing; • County leaders don’t know how much Henderson is going to charge them for water; • No cash-flow analysis has been made public; • The water advisory the Senate will allow terrorist committee, to be appointed suspects to come to the United on Oct. 5, has not been apStates once the president actupointed; ally comes up with a plan on • Public sign-up meetings what do with them once they are haven’t been held; and here. • The sign-up period for No word yet on when just customers doesn’t end until such a plan will be forthcoming. Feb. 28, 2010. On again, the county You can be sure I won’t be holdmissed its own deadline. The ing my breath. “bills” have not been mailed. This past Monday, the city The advisory committee has council of Standish, Mich. took not been appointed. This is the initiative by voting 6-0 in the third or fourth false-start support of the city’s willingness to proceed with plans that would on county water. How many allow the transfer of the remain- do-overs do they get? If the commissioners can’t ing Guantanamo Bay detainees meet repeated deadlines or to the soon-to-be closed maxieven mail letters on time, mum security facility located in how can they possibly impletheir small Midwestern town. Word is they would have passed ment a multi-million dollar water system? the resolution even sooner had Wondering why county they not been trying so hard leaders should be trusted to — and failing — to get straight deliver water? So are the 97 answers out of Washington. percent who have already So while Congress passes measures allowing for transfer of said NO to county water! detainees once a plan is develRobert Dickerson, oped and an administration asks Oxford to close the facility without any clear direction on how, at least we can count on the Standish City Council to take decisive action. Perhaps once they have settled the matter of Guantanamo The Daily Dispatch welBay, the town of Standish could comes letters to the editor. help President Obama along by voting on a resolution concernLetters must be signed, ing troop levels in Afghanistan. include the author’s city That is the type of decisive leadof residence, and should ership that is certainly absent in be limited to 300 words. Washington these days. Please include a telephone number for verification. Mike Reagan, the elder son of the We reserve the right to edit late President Ronald Reagan, is comments for length, clarity, chairman and president of The libelous material, personal Reagan Legacy Foundation (www. attacks and poor taste. We reaganlegacyfoundation.org). Look do not publish anonymous for Mike’s newest book, “Twice letters, form letters, or letters Adopted” and other info at www. where we cannot verify the Reagan.com. E-mail comments to writer’s identity. Reagan@caglecartoons.com.

Afghanistan, Gitmo, and an administration without a plan Over the last month our nation has focused a great deal of attention on Gen. McChrystal’s substantial troop request for our mission in Afghanistan. This is the sort of matter which we should be talking about, because the debate between a counterinsurgency versus counterterrorism approach, which is at the heart of this decision, is sure to set the tone for policies and missions well beyond the Afghan borders. But as important as the debate is, Secretary Gates and field commanders are reminding us that there comes a point where the lack of action makes the decision for us. This troop request comes with a reasonable window of opportunity attached. The president’s continued inaction on this front and his failure to come to a conclusion on a longterm strategy for our mission in Afghanistan creates uncertainty for our troops on the ground and puts into question our resolve in the ongoing war against international terrorists and those who aid and abet them. However, another key component of our approach to combating terrorism and terrorists is also lingering without a conclusive plan and course of action — the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and the handling of the remaining detainees. While the troop level debate has drawn all recent attention, this policy decision is also one with tremendous impact. As you will recall, on Jan 22, 2009, President Obama signed executive orders regarding Guantanamo Bay, interrogation techniques and detention policies. One of the executive orders required that Gitmo be closed within a year. However,

as the months passed, it has become obvious to all, including the administration, that such a timetable was unfeasibly aggressive. In fact, to date even some of the most basic aspects of closing the base remain undecided. Whether the facility is closed by January 2010 or at a later date is not the Michael only subject for discussion Reagan here. Rather, Distributed by this quanCagle Cartoons dary serves as yet another example of this administration’s inability to set and execute effective strategies when it comes to our fight against terrorism. With a backlog of detainees waiting for trial and no clear plan on where to house them once the facility itself is closed, it is clear just how vital it was for the administration to come up with a comprehensive plan before pronouncing the closure of the facility. Obvious as this it, it seems to have escaped the Obama administration, not just back in January, but even now, late in October. On Tuesday, the administration achieved a minor “victor”’ with the Senate’s passage of an amendment to the $44 billion Homeland Security budget which will allow the government to continue to transfer detainees from the facility to the United States for prosecution — with the very telling caveat that before any additional transfers take place, the administration put a plan in place. Yes, you heard that right —

What’s your opinion?

Today’s highlights: 1861 — The first transcontinental telegraph message is sent as Justice Stephen J. Field of California transmits a telegram to U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. 1882 — Dr. Robert Koch discovers germ that causes tuberculosis. 1901 — Anna Edson Taylor, a 43-year-old widow, becomes the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and live to tell about it. 1922 — Irish Parliament adopts a constitution for an Irish Free State. 1929 — “Black Thursday” — the New York Stock Exchange loses 12.8 percent of its value in one day. 1935 — Italy invades Ethiopia. 1939 — Nylon stockings are sold to the public for the first time, in Wilmington, Delaware; Nazis require Jews to wear Star of David in Germany. 1940 — The 40-hour work week goes into effect in the United States under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. 1945 — The United Nations officially comes into existence as its charter takes effect. 1952 — In a speech in Detroit, Republican presidential candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower declares, “I shall go to Korea,” promising to end the conflict. 1962 — The U.S. blockade of Cuba begins under a proclamation signed by President John F. Kennedy. 1973 — Yom Kippur War ends with Israeli troops 100 kilometers (65 miles) from Cairo, Egypt, and 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Damascus, Syria. 1990 — Using a new tactic, the Irish Republican Army forces three men to be “proxies,” holding their families hostage, while they drive car bombs to British security targets in Northern Ireland. Six British soldiers are killed. 1992 — The Toronto Blue Jays win baseball’s World

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